Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Happy Birthday J.D.
For you literary types or just plain students of the American novel, today would have been the 96th birthday of our own J. D. Salinger, author of-----------Catcher in the Rye! Yes, that J.D. Salinger. author of the 2nd most read book in schools. What is also mostly known is that he became a recluse, living out his life in obscurity in New Hampshire. What is not commonly known is that he was a war veteran, landing at Omaha Beach in Normandy in 1944 and fighting his way across France, involved in that ferocious counterattack known as the Battle of the Bulge where Allied forces suffered the most casualties of the war, and then was involved in the liberation of the death camp at Dachau. As a result of his "battle fatigue" or "shell shock" or "post traumatic stress syndrome", he was hospitalized when he returned to the States after hostilities. He continued to write, without much further success and he never moved back into what we would now call mainstream life.
Lithuania: On the Cusp
Well, not really on the cusp, more like on the brink, the brink of stepping away from their next door neighbor: the home of Mad Vlad the Putin. Tomorrow, the country of 3 million will join the Euro currency bloc, becoming No. 19 of the union. A recent poll indicates a 63% majority favors the move. Since gaining independence from Russya after 50+ years under the Cossack boot, Lithuania seeks closer economic ties with Europe as a hedge against Russyan economic collapse because of Western sanctions and the plummeting of the price of oil and the devaluation of the fiat money rouble, now worth half from only 6 months ago. Cuba and China have both decided Russya is a bad bet, as long as sanctions are preventing foreign investment, and banks are forbidden from making ties with their Russyan counterparts.
All predictable when the leader of the largest country on earth goes after another little slice of pie down south near Sochi on the Black Sea.
When will Mad Vlad wake up? Never?
Happy New year to All Lithuanians and welcome to the club.
All predictable when the leader of the largest country on earth goes after another little slice of pie down south near Sochi on the Black Sea.
When will Mad Vlad wake up? Never?
Happy New year to All Lithuanians and welcome to the club.
Greece: Again
Greek premier Antonis Samaras formally requested the dissolution of Parliament on Tuesday, marking the beginning of an election period lasting a month. Apparently, those elected couldn't agree on anything. Now it appears that a new party of the Greek voters will seek power, and then challenge EU bank officials and their calls for more austerity. A newly formed party, To Potami(To Rivers?) a centrist group, will oppose the Socialist party. The other opposition party, Syriza, was blamed for the inability of Parliament to elect a new head of state. Here again, we see the inability of democratically elected representatives to get things done. Perhaps they should reduce the number of sitting politicians: too many cooks spoil the broth.
Look across the Aegean Sea at poor Italy: premier Matteo Renzi wants to be the change agent with his government but entrenched interests seem able to stymie even his mandate for change.
Greeks can't seem to grasp the seriousness of their ills. Fear overcomes the ability to think. Leadership is lacking and nobody likes the prospects for a future that different from what exists. Not to mention that this tiny country, albeit with a history, consists of but 11 1/2 million people with but less than 6 million capable or available for work. And the ECB wants to throw more money down there? Hmmm. Is anybody listening? Does anybody want to face reality? DoEs somebody want to go in there, turn out the lights, and go home?
Greeks--gotta love 'em.
Look across the Aegean Sea at poor Italy: premier Matteo Renzi wants to be the change agent with his government but entrenched interests seem able to stymie even his mandate for change.
Greeks can't seem to grasp the seriousness of their ills. Fear overcomes the ability to think. Leadership is lacking and nobody likes the prospects for a future that different from what exists. Not to mention that this tiny country, albeit with a history, consists of but 11 1/2 million people with but less than 6 million capable or available for work. And the ECB wants to throw more money down there? Hmmm. Is anybody listening? Does anybody want to face reality? DoEs somebody want to go in there, turn out the lights, and go home?
Greeks--gotta love 'em.
Alexei Navalny: Victim of Russyan Politics
How does Mr. Putin deal with opponents? Let us look at a recent example. Mr. Navalny has been critical of the Kremlin and policies emanating from its hallways. Since Mr. Putin took over from his surragate Mr. Medvedev, the Russyan political landscape has been littered with the skeletons of Mr. P's opponents. If one chooses not to abide the Novorussya, then you are ostracized, or sent away to prison.
Today, in an earlier than expected decision, a Moscow court found Mr. Navalny and his brother, Oleg, guilty of fraud and money laundering. In Russya, money laundering is a term for exchanging roubles for euros or dollars or anything other than the fiat paper printed by the Kremlin, now worth half what it was just 6 months ago. However, despite being convicted of these "crimes", Mr. Navalny was not imprisoned, only Oleg was sent away to the cooler. This is the Russyan way: "when in doubt, get the whole family involved in the "crime".
Alexei Navalny was then promptly taken to his place of residence where he was placed under "house" arrest, because he had violated an earlier sentence of house arrest to attend a protest against Mr. P.
Other protesters at the demonstration wanted to show their support of the brothers and to rally to the cause of opposing the Kremlin. About 100 were detained by riot police. The brothers were also ordered to pay fines of $8700, and about $48,000 in another case. The court decision will be appealed by both defendants.
Now that the long, cold winter has settled in over the vast lands of Russya, it will be interesting to watch as the price of oil sinks further and the predicted recession grabs the economy by the throat and begins to squeeze the life from those few Russyans who have any life left after living with Mad Vlad for the last 14+ years. What does the FSB do during a Russyan winter, besides drink vodka by the liter?
Today, in an earlier than expected decision, a Moscow court found Mr. Navalny and his brother, Oleg, guilty of fraud and money laundering. In Russya, money laundering is a term for exchanging roubles for euros or dollars or anything other than the fiat paper printed by the Kremlin, now worth half what it was just 6 months ago. However, despite being convicted of these "crimes", Mr. Navalny was not imprisoned, only Oleg was sent away to the cooler. This is the Russyan way: "when in doubt, get the whole family involved in the "crime".
Alexei Navalny was then promptly taken to his place of residence where he was placed under "house" arrest, because he had violated an earlier sentence of house arrest to attend a protest against Mr. P.
Other protesters at the demonstration wanted to show their support of the brothers and to rally to the cause of opposing the Kremlin. About 100 were detained by riot police. The brothers were also ordered to pay fines of $8700, and about $48,000 in another case. The court decision will be appealed by both defendants.
Now that the long, cold winter has settled in over the vast lands of Russya, it will be interesting to watch as the price of oil sinks further and the predicted recession grabs the economy by the throat and begins to squeeze the life from those few Russyans who have any life left after living with Mad Vlad for the last 14+ years. What does the FSB do during a Russyan winter, besides drink vodka by the liter?
Goodbye 2014: Hello 2015
All the media is filled with a look back over a tumultuous year, the year that was 2014. For Tahoma, it was a quiet year, all told. Not much of a winter, very little snow to speak of. The summer season was better-more visitors over the short vacation period. The real estate market was perky, here and there with lakefront properties commanding breath taking prices. The rest of the market showed some improvement, but nothing to get excited about. The Norfolk Inn on 89 was finally acquired by some local group that has already begun improvements. That alone is worthy of comment.
It seems that with multiple owners, the recession, and foreclosure, not much could be done. However, determination and persistence won out. A restaurant is in the works and that will help out local options. The West Side Pizza restaurant was sold to locals, and they may decide to change the menu. We hope so.
Where We Met Espresso/Gelato is closed for the winter, but owner Liz will reopen in the spring.
Highway improvements along 89 continue with new curbs and drains running continuously from Meeks Bay to Homewood with a few breaks in between; completion due in the next 2-3 years.
A lawsuit that held up the Homewood resort was settled and the owners group will proceed in 2015. That's good news for all Tahoma residents. Jobs could result.
We look forward to the challenge of 2015. Our Minister of Latin American Affairs is switching hats soon, perhaps March. He'll be joining the US Dept. Of State and will be posted to a position in Latin America. At least for the next few years, he'll keep up his reporting on all things Latino.
Two of our ministers will be in graduate school, improving their knowledge base. We encourage this effort on behalf of all Tahomans.
Local Weather Alert
I know it's cold-I see the snow covered peaks. But single digits? Yes, over the next couple of nights, temps will dip close to zero degrees. Don't forget to protect your: 1) self, 2) family, 3) pets, 4) vehicles, 5) plumbing, 6) heating systems/firewood supply, 7) communications equipment, spare batteries, lighting backup, and fuel for standby generators.
Have A Happy New Year From All of us in TAHOMA!!!!!!!
Welcome 2015
more later
It seems that with multiple owners, the recession, and foreclosure, not much could be done. However, determination and persistence won out. A restaurant is in the works and that will help out local options. The West Side Pizza restaurant was sold to locals, and they may decide to change the menu. We hope so.
Where We Met Espresso/Gelato is closed for the winter, but owner Liz will reopen in the spring.
Highway improvements along 89 continue with new curbs and drains running continuously from Meeks Bay to Homewood with a few breaks in between; completion due in the next 2-3 years.
A lawsuit that held up the Homewood resort was settled and the owners group will proceed in 2015. That's good news for all Tahoma residents. Jobs could result.
We look forward to the challenge of 2015. Our Minister of Latin American Affairs is switching hats soon, perhaps March. He'll be joining the US Dept. Of State and will be posted to a position in Latin America. At least for the next few years, he'll keep up his reporting on all things Latino.
Two of our ministers will be in graduate school, improving their knowledge base. We encourage this effort on behalf of all Tahomans.
Local Weather Alert
I know it's cold-I see the snow covered peaks. But single digits? Yes, over the next couple of nights, temps will dip close to zero degrees. Don't forget to protect your: 1) self, 2) family, 3) pets, 4) vehicles, 5) plumbing, 6) heating systems/firewood supply, 7) communications equipment, spare batteries, lighting backup, and fuel for standby generators.
Have A Happy New Year From All of us in TAHOMA!!!!!!!
Welcome 2015
more later
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Italia:2014-Road Trip: Part I
Now that the dust has settled on 2014 for the most part, it's time to recall some of the highlights of the year. The NYTimes published its 'Year in Pictures" on Sunday, revealing many captured moments that one remembers well. But, the Mayor can recall a few of his own, especially from the road trip in Italia.
We started from Rome, flying nonstop to Palermo in Sicily. This was the first return after almost 20 years when we visited Taormina on the east coast of the island in the shadow of the volcano Mt. Etna(which was erupting and producing thunderous explosions at the summit). Palermo is a modern city on the northwest coast, surrounded by eroded hills and mountains. The airport is located to the west of the city along the coast. The city itself is a large port providing shipping services for freight and passenger traffic. Ferries arrive here from the peninsula and from Sardinia to the north. A few come from the southern islands in the Mediterrenean: Pantelleria and Lampedusa, both Italian possessions.
For 3 days we walked the streets of the city taking in the sights and enjoying autumn weather in the 70's. Our meals here introduced us to what we would encounter on the road: fish, and lots of it. We also began to grasp the local pastry traditions that accompany every meal: cannoli, filled with cream. For breakfast? Yes! Because of the historical and geographical position of Sicily, layers of culture can be uncovered wherever one looks- Greeks, Spaniards, Trojans, North Africans, Turks, and Egyptians all left signs and symbols about the landscape. Architectural elements abound with a variety of ownership. Remember the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies? Do your homework. Remember King Ruggiero II? Look him up-beyond Google.
We picked up the rental car after 3 days and off we went, heading west along the coast. The date:11/3/14.
More later.
We started from Rome, flying nonstop to Palermo in Sicily. This was the first return after almost 20 years when we visited Taormina on the east coast of the island in the shadow of the volcano Mt. Etna(which was erupting and producing thunderous explosions at the summit). Palermo is a modern city on the northwest coast, surrounded by eroded hills and mountains. The airport is located to the west of the city along the coast. The city itself is a large port providing shipping services for freight and passenger traffic. Ferries arrive here from the peninsula and from Sardinia to the north. A few come from the southern islands in the Mediterrenean: Pantelleria and Lampedusa, both Italian possessions.
For 3 days we walked the streets of the city taking in the sights and enjoying autumn weather in the 70's. Our meals here introduced us to what we would encounter on the road: fish, and lots of it. We also began to grasp the local pastry traditions that accompany every meal: cannoli, filled with cream. For breakfast? Yes! Because of the historical and geographical position of Sicily, layers of culture can be uncovered wherever one looks- Greeks, Spaniards, Trojans, North Africans, Turks, and Egyptians all left signs and symbols about the landscape. Architectural elements abound with a variety of ownership. Remember the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies? Do your homework. Remember King Ruggiero II? Look him up-beyond Google.
We picked up the rental car after 3 days and off we went, heading west along the coast. The date:11/3/14.
More later.
Oil Continues Decline
It is a slow time of the year in the USA and other locations that celebrate Christmas and New Year's in the last week of the calendar year. But, despite the lack of investment activity, the oil market continues its slide. A barrel of oil closed yesterday at $52/per. This is good news for some, bad news for others.
We have discussed this price drop and its effects before- there are winners and losers. The winners continue to be drivers/consumers of energy at retail- prices at the pump continue to go down. This bodes well for retail merchants dependent upon spending by consumers for cash flow and profits. Also big winners: airlines, where fuel costs represent a high % of expenses. Oil producers and drillers and servicers will see profit declines as cutbacks in drilling operations and reduced exploration follow price declines.
Then there are national losers: those sovereign states that are dependent on oil and gas for their country's budget health-think Russya, Iran, Kazakstan, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and UAE. All will see income reductions through 2015 and beyond. The big winner: Uncle Sam and his USA. Now, a net exporter at a time when GDP is growing at a 3.5% annual rate. Russya is projecting a recession or worse in 2015, Venezuela is on the brink of depression and/or revolution. As part of the fallout, Cuba is cozying up to its northern neighbor across the Florida Strait. The average price of a gallon of gas int eh US is $2.40! Down almost $1 since June of this year. Even I feel better about my personal finances. I love to watch the final figures on the gas pump substantially lower than just 6 months ago.
These conditions are likely to persist, and in many cases, will be the only pay increase for many workers. Or a tax break, depending on how you look at it.
Go to Tahoe this week; go skiing- weather is great!.....
We have discussed this price drop and its effects before- there are winners and losers. The winners continue to be drivers/consumers of energy at retail- prices at the pump continue to go down. This bodes well for retail merchants dependent upon spending by consumers for cash flow and profits. Also big winners: airlines, where fuel costs represent a high % of expenses. Oil producers and drillers and servicers will see profit declines as cutbacks in drilling operations and reduced exploration follow price declines.
Then there are national losers: those sovereign states that are dependent on oil and gas for their country's budget health-think Russya, Iran, Kazakstan, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and UAE. All will see income reductions through 2015 and beyond. The big winner: Uncle Sam and his USA. Now, a net exporter at a time when GDP is growing at a 3.5% annual rate. Russya is projecting a recession or worse in 2015, Venezuela is on the brink of depression and/or revolution. As part of the fallout, Cuba is cozying up to its northern neighbor across the Florida Strait. The average price of a gallon of gas int eh US is $2.40! Down almost $1 since June of this year. Even I feel better about my personal finances. I love to watch the final figures on the gas pump substantially lower than just 6 months ago.
These conditions are likely to persist, and in many cases, will be the only pay increase for many workers. Or a tax break, depending on how you look at it.
Go to Tahoe this week; go skiing- weather is great!.....
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Movie Review: The Imitation Game
War story, but not a front line chronicle of close combat or close-enough combat. It is a back story, one of the many. But this particular film is based on fact: a group of carefully selected individuals were chosen to break the Nazi code machine, known as ENIGMA, which the Nazis considered unbreakable due to its almost infinite number of permutations.
A team was put in place outside of London at Bletchley Park, a mansion large enough to house the group behind closed walls. The team was led by Alan Turing, a mathematician. He was the mastermind behind the construction of a machine that was able to decipher the messages that the German military sent to its far flung Navy units, Army groups, and most importantly, its submarines across the Atlantic ocean.
Fortunately, a woman was recruited among the men. Her character was played by the capable Keira Knightley. She and Mr. Cumberbatch were not foils, but teammates who gathered daily for over a year's time to work on the project. The break came late in 1942 when a pattern was recognized among the thousands of messages sent by Nazi communicators: one sender used the same sign off every time!
The team's success contributed greatly to the defeat of Germany; but with success came postwar discovery of Turing's homosexuality, a crime in Great Britain until 1967. After being convicted and accepting chemical hormone therapy, Turing committed suicide in 1954. His criminal ordeal was finally ended by the Queen herself in 2013.
Great film, great story well done.
A team was put in place outside of London at Bletchley Park, a mansion large enough to house the group behind closed walls. The team was led by Alan Turing, a mathematician. He was the mastermind behind the construction of a machine that was able to decipher the messages that the German military sent to its far flung Navy units, Army groups, and most importantly, its submarines across the Atlantic ocean.
Fortunately, a woman was recruited among the men. Her character was played by the capable Keira Knightley. She and Mr. Cumberbatch were not foils, but teammates who gathered daily for over a year's time to work on the project. The break came late in 1942 when a pattern was recognized among the thousands of messages sent by Nazi communicators: one sender used the same sign off every time!
The team's success contributed greatly to the defeat of Germany; but with success came postwar discovery of Turing's homosexuality, a crime in Great Britain until 1967. After being convicted and accepting chemical hormone therapy, Turing committed suicide in 1954. His criminal ordeal was finally ended by the Queen herself in 2013.
Great film, great story well done.
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Secretary General Recognizes Tahoma Minister
The Sec. Gen. of the OAS hosted the annual representatives dinner last week and our own Minister of Latin American Affairs was seated at his right hand. This cherished position was granted in recognition of his efforts on behalf of the organization over the last 4 1/2 years. After scores of trips throughout South America assisting member states with their cyber-security needs, the head of the OAS presented our minister to the membership.
With his impending transfer to the US State Dept., Sec. Gen. Insulza wanted to make sure that one of his star's efforts were known to the membership.
The head of personnel at the Dept. of State has assured our minister that his first posting will be in Latin America. This could be in Cuba, or Argentina,or Chile, etc.
More importantly, the Deputy Secretary General is also an avid fan of the minister and his cyber security efforts.
We applaud his efforts and recognition.
With his impending transfer to the US State Dept., Sec. Gen. Insulza wanted to make sure that one of his star's efforts were known to the membership.
The head of personnel at the Dept. of State has assured our minister that his first posting will be in Latin America. This could be in Cuba, or Argentina,or Chile, etc.
More importantly, the Deputy Secretary General is also an avid fan of the minister and his cyber security efforts.
We applaud his efforts and recognition.
Friday, December 26, 2014
Deck The Halls
So, Buon Natale, e' Feliz Navidad, e Merry Christmas. Lots of snow, especially above 7000'. There are some visitors to the West Shore, finally. Skiers are in evidence, finally. Now the big push, for the holidays. Can it be sustained? Temps are staying down; winds are at the breezy status; and some more snow might fall in a couple of days.
Take advantage; dress up and head out.
Happy Holidays
Take advantage; dress up and head out.
Happy Holidays
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
POPE FRANCIS: Shakin' It Up!
Following his brokering a deal between the US and Cuba, the Pope moved back to Vatican City to announce some changes coming to his organization. Long known for glacial speeds when it comes to changes, Pope Francis is applying some needed lubrication to the process.
His meeting this week with the CURIA, the College of Cardinals, the Pope lambasted the entrenched interests among the group, calling them out as gossipers, careerists, Alzheimer-infected thinkers, and self-centered bloc builders. There is change coming to the Catholic Church and its 1 billion followers.
Pope Francis is on a mission, a mission delayed by the appointment of his predecessor, Pope Benedict who retired rather than pass on while in office. No doubt, Pope Francis had friends in high places. It was only a few months ago he fired some of the directors of the Vatican Bank, after years of mismanagement and questionable business practices. What is particularly interesting is the timing: during Christmas Tide, that period of the liturgical calendar that involves some of the most public ceremonies of Christendom. Multitudes of pilgrims are en route to the Holy Land and Bethlehem in particular.
The Pope also announced a planned trip to the USA to speak on social issues and justice. Today, Christmas Eve, the Pope attended a Vatican City event to give thanks to the gardeners and church workers who keep the Cathedral of Saint Peter's in good shape. He is a man of the people.
His meeting this week with the CURIA, the College of Cardinals, the Pope lambasted the entrenched interests among the group, calling them out as gossipers, careerists, Alzheimer-infected thinkers, and self-centered bloc builders. There is change coming to the Catholic Church and its 1 billion followers.
Pope Francis is on a mission, a mission delayed by the appointment of his predecessor, Pope Benedict who retired rather than pass on while in office. No doubt, Pope Francis had friends in high places. It was only a few months ago he fired some of the directors of the Vatican Bank, after years of mismanagement and questionable business practices. What is particularly interesting is the timing: during Christmas Tide, that period of the liturgical calendar that involves some of the most public ceremonies of Christendom. Multitudes of pilgrims are en route to the Holy Land and Bethlehem in particular.
The Pope also announced a planned trip to the USA to speak on social issues and justice. Today, Christmas Eve, the Pope attended a Vatican City event to give thanks to the gardeners and church workers who keep the Cathedral of Saint Peter's in good shape. He is a man of the people.
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Ministers Arrive In California
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| Ministers flexing and researching |
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Minister Does Pizza
Well, it's homemade pizza night in Tahoma. The Minister of Latin Affairs wanted to make a special dinner for those who attended our first gathering. He had a secret recipe that he discovered in Uruguay on one of his recent trips to the southern continent. First, he made the dough and let it rise. Then he prepared the tomato sauce for the base. He chopped mushrooms, olives, sauteed spinach, sauteed hot Sicilian sausage, and sliced mozzarella cheese. He threw it all into a hot oven (500 degrees) for 11 minutes. What a treat! West Side Pizza could learn something from this effort. By the way, we have yet to try the local pizza since Joaquin sold the business.
We washed it all down with some of the Mayor's homemade Pinot Noir-2013. Getting better with age, definitely. Now it's time to bake some dessert treats.
More later.
We washed it all down with some of the Mayor's homemade Pinot Noir-2013. Getting better with age, definitely. Now it's time to bake some dessert treats.
More later.
NY Times Rakes Mad Vlad
The NEW YORK TIMES editorial staff rarely takes a country's leadership to task. They often assign the task to a writer whose work appears on the final page of the 1st section. Today, Sunday, the Times put out a column by one of their most respected writers and foreign correspondents, Thomas L. Friedman, on Page 1 of Sunday Review, the section most read by politicians, mayors, members of Congress, governors, editors, writers, professors, cab drivers(in NY City), bankers, Janet Yellin, university presidents, students at private colleges, economists, and Pope Francis.
When given this slot, one has to be good, very, very good. Mr. Friedman is all good. he doesn't let us down, nor does he falter. In brief, he tells the truth about Europe's "Great Buffoon"- Vlad Putin.
He describes with ample quotes comparisons between Pres. Obama and Pres. Putin made by Americans of various repute, eg. Jon Stewart, Sarah Palin, Rudy Giuliani, and House Intelligence Committee chairman Mike Rogers.
After this intro, he goes on to give Mad Vlad 'What For" in the form of a recap of his many missteps over the past year and a half. Without mentioning much of his domestic policies, Mr. Friedman focuses on foreign policy maneuvers. Apparently, Mr. Vlad is of the opinion that quantity trumps quality. If I show up at every conference, every global seminar, every UN function, every EU Meeting, it will suffice to indicate serious intent and power. Ha. All it shows is somebody else is paying the fuel bills. In this case, his crony oligarchs who head Gasprom, Rosnef, Vodkadeft, Caviarev, and Bliniprom.
Now we have the rouble in the toilet and going nowhere fast, but down. Even the Castro Bros see the hand writing on the wall: they want to be BFF with the Big Momma up north across the straits of Florida. But Mr. Friedman also warns that a Russyia in decline isn't necessarily good for the world or the USA. We need another partner in Middle east who can share the burden of combating militant Islam. If some small oil producing countries retreat from the market, prices may come back up. However, it is unlikely the US will cut back on current production levels; holding the view that it's time the Arab world face up to a new reality: they are no longer the big dog in the oil business. There's a "new/old" dog in the game.
He, Mr. Friedman, is of the opinion that the Russyan peoples my get fed up in time with a country run by a former spook controller and his cronies. Maybe he'll change; but it is more likely his subjects will seek a "Russyan Spring". No shirt shirking cowboy will stop it, not with iphones and internet available across the border.
Accompanying the article is a great photo of Mad Vlad. In it, he's gazing downward with a third of his face obscured by green drapery. This pose resonates with all Americans from 10-100. The Wizard of Oz operated the controls of the wizard machine from behind the green curtain and was exposed when Dorothy's little dog, Toto, pulled back the curtain in the 1939 film masterpiece. Now the phrase "pulling back the curtain" equals " exposing the man/authority pulling the strings on government or business". A great metaphor for secret dealings coming to light.
When given this slot, one has to be good, very, very good. Mr. Friedman is all good. he doesn't let us down, nor does he falter. In brief, he tells the truth about Europe's "Great Buffoon"- Vlad Putin.
He describes with ample quotes comparisons between Pres. Obama and Pres. Putin made by Americans of various repute, eg. Jon Stewart, Sarah Palin, Rudy Giuliani, and House Intelligence Committee chairman Mike Rogers.
After this intro, he goes on to give Mad Vlad 'What For" in the form of a recap of his many missteps over the past year and a half. Without mentioning much of his domestic policies, Mr. Friedman focuses on foreign policy maneuvers. Apparently, Mr. Vlad is of the opinion that quantity trumps quality. If I show up at every conference, every global seminar, every UN function, every EU Meeting, it will suffice to indicate serious intent and power. Ha. All it shows is somebody else is paying the fuel bills. In this case, his crony oligarchs who head Gasprom, Rosnef, Vodkadeft, Caviarev, and Bliniprom.
Now we have the rouble in the toilet and going nowhere fast, but down. Even the Castro Bros see the hand writing on the wall: they want to be BFF with the Big Momma up north across the straits of Florida. But Mr. Friedman also warns that a Russyia in decline isn't necessarily good for the world or the USA. We need another partner in Middle east who can share the burden of combating militant Islam. If some small oil producing countries retreat from the market, prices may come back up. However, it is unlikely the US will cut back on current production levels; holding the view that it's time the Arab world face up to a new reality: they are no longer the big dog in the oil business. There's a "new/old" dog in the game.
He, Mr. Friedman, is of the opinion that the Russyan peoples my get fed up in time with a country run by a former spook controller and his cronies. Maybe he'll change; but it is more likely his subjects will seek a "Russyan Spring". No shirt shirking cowboy will stop it, not with iphones and internet available across the border.
Accompanying the article is a great photo of Mad Vlad. In it, he's gazing downward with a third of his face obscured by green drapery. This pose resonates with all Americans from 10-100. The Wizard of Oz operated the controls of the wizard machine from behind the green curtain and was exposed when Dorothy's little dog, Toto, pulled back the curtain in the 1939 film masterpiece. Now the phrase "pulling back the curtain" equals " exposing the man/authority pulling the strings on government or business". A great metaphor for secret dealings coming to light.
Tahoe On Front Page
An article on the ski resort business at Tahoe graced the front page of The Chronicle today. The author highlights the changes that are reflecting a new awareness of a long term drying trend across the West. Resort operators are diversifying: adjacent attractions to draw more guests, alternatives to skiing such as trekking, ATV tours, and trail camping w/ guided groups.
Along with this focus are expensive installations of advanced technology snow making machines. These new machines can produce amazing amounts of powder as soon as the temps are low enough: 0/32 degeesF.
With continued investments, hotel operators and owners are gearing up for change. One unknown is the attitude of the federal government-US Forest Service. Permits are required for any changes to the use permit. This is a cause for concern, especially in light of past requests for permit alteration.
The mayor is closely watching all developments because the situation in Tahoma will reflect any and all local commercial operations.
Stay tuned.
Along with this focus are expensive installations of advanced technology snow making machines. These new machines can produce amazing amounts of powder as soon as the temps are low enough: 0/32 degeesF.
With continued investments, hotel operators and owners are gearing up for change. One unknown is the attitude of the federal government-US Forest Service. Permits are required for any changes to the use permit. This is a cause for concern, especially in light of past requests for permit alteration.
The mayor is closely watching all developments because the situation in Tahoma will reflect any and all local commercial operations.
Stay tuned.
Minister of Latin American Affairs Lands
Well, it must be Christmas-the Minister of Latin American Affairs has arrived for the winter conference. He'll be in Tahoma for at least ten days. Lots to discuss, especially in light of pres. Obama's recent announcement on Cuba.
The Minister of East Asian Culture has arrived from Carmel and will be here for at least a week. Much discussion will take place regarding North Korea's government sponsored hacking of Japanese electronics company Sony.
The Minister of Manufacturing and Industrial Production will arrive w/i 48 hours. Much conversation will focus on USA oil production, the price of oil, fracking in New York and why Gov. Cuomo banned fracking in his state. Also the effect of a Republican controlled Congress on the future of the Xl Pipeline from Canada to the Gulf Coast.
The Minister of Architecture/Design/Construction will make her first official presentation to the Mayor's Office.
The Minister of Religious Faith and education will make a presentation on Sunni/Shiite reconciliation. Also, the topic of Pope Francis' brokering of the agreement between Cuba and USA will also be on the agenda.
The Mayor is preparing his end of the year wrap -up of Tahoma Affairs and projections for 2015.
The Minister of East Asian Culture has arrived from Carmel and will be here for at least a week. Much discussion will take place regarding North Korea's government sponsored hacking of Japanese electronics company Sony.
The Minister of Manufacturing and Industrial Production will arrive w/i 48 hours. Much conversation will focus on USA oil production, the price of oil, fracking in New York and why Gov. Cuomo banned fracking in his state. Also the effect of a Republican controlled Congress on the future of the Xl Pipeline from Canada to the Gulf Coast.
The Minister of Architecture/Design/Construction will make her first official presentation to the Mayor's Office.
The Minister of Religious Faith and education will make a presentation on Sunni/Shiite reconciliation. Also, the topic of Pope Francis' brokering of the agreement between Cuba and USA will also be on the agenda.
The Mayor is preparing his end of the year wrap -up of Tahoma Affairs and projections for 2015.
Friday, December 19, 2014
Ski Alert: Snow
yes, Tahomans, there is a Santa Claus, and he's bringing Christmas snow. A white Christmas, finally. Get out the wax; after today's accumulation, we'll enjoy 4-5 days of good conditions. Next Wednesday, more snow. Yeah, baby.
Obama Alert
President Obama will address the nation this morning at 10:30 PST(1:30EST). He will offer his reasoning behind the executive decision to open an embassy in Havana, Cuba, and create a path to normal relations with the Communist ruled island. He may also mention North Korea's hacking of California -based Sony Pictures.
Should be interesting.
Should be interesting.
What's Shaking in Chianti?
Italian wine makers and wine drinkers(all Italians) were shaken from their beds early this morning as a swarm of earthquakes swept through the most important grape growing region in Italy. Seismologists recorded at least 10 quakes, the largest at 4.1. The rest were in the range of 2.0 -2.4, barely enough to be felt. But they were centered on the town of Greve, just south of Florence(Firenze) on the Chianti Road as it is locally known.
This comes just months after a significant quake, 6.1, shook up America's premier wine region of Napa. The city of Napa is still digging out debris from that incident. An untimely rainfall over the last 10 days has caused some minor flooding in downtown Napa.
Chianti region vintners will probably consider some structural upgrades to their buildings; especially paying attention to the cellars where they age their vintages.
More later as information is known.
This comes just months after a significant quake, 6.1, shook up America's premier wine region of Napa. The city of Napa is still digging out debris from that incident. An untimely rainfall over the last 10 days has caused some minor flooding in downtown Napa.
Chianti region vintners will probably consider some structural upgrades to their buildings; especially paying attention to the cellars where they age their vintages.
More later as information is known.
Let's Go to the Movies
Well, SONY took a little hit after Kim Jung Un decided to hack their computers. After threatening to disrupt the screenings, Sony decided to pull the release of "The Interview"- a farce that spoke of assassinating the 'supreme leader' of North Korea.
So, instead, watch oldies. I did: Bogie and Bacall, 2 of their classics- The Big Sleep ,and Hemingway's "To Have and Have Not".
Both were made in the '40's; both have worn fairly well. Just recently, the mayor read Raymond Chandler's " The Big Sleep", a Philip Marlow detective story. Like his other stories, it is set in Los Angeles,Ca. in the '30's. The Big Sleep is especially interesting in film. It was after Bacall's premier in To Have and Have Not. She is now 21, but her sultry style comes shining through. Los Angeles in the '30's was already a developing metropolis. No, it wasn't based on Hollywood, or surfing, or agriculture(oranges, lemons, and limes), but it was growing because of "oil". The first well was drilled in LA in 1892! Yes, 1892. By 1930, oil derricks littered the landscape of Southern California, spreading west from downtown to the Santa Monica beaches. Without adequate planning, the pipelines wound their way all over; and refineries belched their putrid fumes all over the local cities. Most of the refineries were west of downtown; thus, the gases and fumes wafted over the city and contributed to it's visible and malodorous 'smog'. Wells in LA today produce over 280,000 barrels A DAY still. That's amazing.
The Big Sleep involves classic mystery themes: blackmail, murder, mental illness, sex, money, and conspiracy. That's a lot for any film, but it's done well. Because of the censors, the sex was left out almost completely; murders, there were several. There was even a porno bookstore included! And a little homosexuality. Bogie made a good Philip Marlow and Bacall a great heiress living well on her father's dime. The gambling casino added a nice touch, dealing with Bacall's desire to play roulette and put it all on 'red'.
To Have and have Not did not travel well through the years. Shot not on location, but in the back lot. The literary scenario takes place on the French island of Martinique in the Caribbean in the early years of WW II, when Free French were competing with Vichy France, the collaborators with the Nazi occupiers in Europe. It includes some simple intrigues, but it was the first Bacall/Bogart film and they improved as the relationship grew(They eventually married, despite a 25 year age difference).
Both very enjoyable; a time capsule of sorts. Notably, Nobel prize winning author, William Faulkner wrote the screenplay(or co-authored) both. He spent a few years in Hollywood but gave up after awhile: too pedestrian.
So, don't fret about "The Interview" or the fact the F.B.I. identified North Korea's pattern of hacking involved. Go see some oldies; Netflix.
So, instead, watch oldies. I did: Bogie and Bacall, 2 of their classics- The Big Sleep ,and Hemingway's "To Have and Have Not".
Both were made in the '40's; both have worn fairly well. Just recently, the mayor read Raymond Chandler's " The Big Sleep", a Philip Marlow detective story. Like his other stories, it is set in Los Angeles,Ca. in the '30's. The Big Sleep is especially interesting in film. It was after Bacall's premier in To Have and Have Not. She is now 21, but her sultry style comes shining through. Los Angeles in the '30's was already a developing metropolis. No, it wasn't based on Hollywood, or surfing, or agriculture(oranges, lemons, and limes), but it was growing because of "oil". The first well was drilled in LA in 1892! Yes, 1892. By 1930, oil derricks littered the landscape of Southern California, spreading west from downtown to the Santa Monica beaches. Without adequate planning, the pipelines wound their way all over; and refineries belched their putrid fumes all over the local cities. Most of the refineries were west of downtown; thus, the gases and fumes wafted over the city and contributed to it's visible and malodorous 'smog'. Wells in LA today produce over 280,000 barrels A DAY still. That's amazing.
The Big Sleep involves classic mystery themes: blackmail, murder, mental illness, sex, money, and conspiracy. That's a lot for any film, but it's done well. Because of the censors, the sex was left out almost completely; murders, there were several. There was even a porno bookstore included! And a little homosexuality. Bogie made a good Philip Marlow and Bacall a great heiress living well on her father's dime. The gambling casino added a nice touch, dealing with Bacall's desire to play roulette and put it all on 'red'.
To Have and have Not did not travel well through the years. Shot not on location, but in the back lot. The literary scenario takes place on the French island of Martinique in the Caribbean in the early years of WW II, when Free French were competing with Vichy France, the collaborators with the Nazi occupiers in Europe. It includes some simple intrigues, but it was the first Bacall/Bogart film and they improved as the relationship grew(They eventually married, despite a 25 year age difference).
Both very enjoyable; a time capsule of sorts. Notably, Nobel prize winning author, William Faulkner wrote the screenplay(or co-authored) both. He spent a few years in Hollywood but gave up after awhile: too pedestrian.
So, don't fret about "The Interview" or the fact the F.B.I. identified North Korea's pattern of hacking involved. Go see some oldies; Netflix.
Thursday, December 18, 2014
CUBA: Are YOU Kidding Me?
I guess Pres. Obama wants to be remembered for some foreign policy accomplishment. Here's an obvious choice: warm up to the western hemisphere's longest serving dictators- the Castro Brothers-Raul and Fidel. They've managed to flaunt their roles as kingpins of a little Caribbean nightmare since they overthrew the other island thugs.
Now, Obama plans to open 1) an Embassy complete with a real ambassador, 2) a trade mission, 3) a financial affairs and banking office, 4) open travel(w/ some restrictions), and I'm sure some baseball diplomacy(those pitchers can throw bullets, eh, fastballs).
So, is the embargo lifted? Well, in a word, no. No free trade just yet. You see, after the price of oil fell through the toilet, Cuba's biggest sponsors, Russya and Venezuela, have hit a rough patch. Venezuela, where Cuban advisers have been running around for some time, is about ready to become a major South American failed state. Crime is rampant and the politicians are clueless. Chavismo? Oh, please. Want to run on a populist ticket, give 'em what they want? Doesn't work too well when your country is bankrupt. And look at the Kremlin- ready to yell "Uncle". Oh, we didn't invade Ukraine; it was just a few ethnic Russyians looking for protection from the fascists in Kiev. Ha. Go ahead, Mad Vlad, turn off the gas. Then what? Sell it to Chechens? Kazaks?
Amazing what a little extra oil in the market can do. Did anybody predict this turn of events? Well, some oil execs must have known what was on the horizon. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to add up barrels produced and barrels consumed. Simple. And who is producing the surplus? Obama'Land. Now, the USA is finally a net exporter of energy. We've arrived where we want to be. Janet Yellin, chairwoman of the Federal Reserve, said yesterday that it is a net positive for the economy: keeps inflation in check and provides huge sums of money where needed: in the hands of consumers.
So, Cuba. Let's see-they export cigars and, and, and they import everything else. I listened to a Cuba/Castro apologist on NPR yesterday and it was hard to digest her sympathies. Sounded like someone saying Hitler did good things for Germany in the '30's. Really, the things she said were amazing. Probably never read any history.
Dr. Kissinger, what is your opinion? And the New York Stock Exchange soared over 400 points today for a 2 day gain over 700, or almost 4%.
Now, Obama plans to open 1) an Embassy complete with a real ambassador, 2) a trade mission, 3) a financial affairs and banking office, 4) open travel(w/ some restrictions), and I'm sure some baseball diplomacy(those pitchers can throw bullets, eh, fastballs).
So, is the embargo lifted? Well, in a word, no. No free trade just yet. You see, after the price of oil fell through the toilet, Cuba's biggest sponsors, Russya and Venezuela, have hit a rough patch. Venezuela, where Cuban advisers have been running around for some time, is about ready to become a major South American failed state. Crime is rampant and the politicians are clueless. Chavismo? Oh, please. Want to run on a populist ticket, give 'em what they want? Doesn't work too well when your country is bankrupt. And look at the Kremlin- ready to yell "Uncle". Oh, we didn't invade Ukraine; it was just a few ethnic Russyians looking for protection from the fascists in Kiev. Ha. Go ahead, Mad Vlad, turn off the gas. Then what? Sell it to Chechens? Kazaks?
Amazing what a little extra oil in the market can do. Did anybody predict this turn of events? Well, some oil execs must have known what was on the horizon. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to add up barrels produced and barrels consumed. Simple. And who is producing the surplus? Obama'Land. Now, the USA is finally a net exporter of energy. We've arrived where we want to be. Janet Yellin, chairwoman of the Federal Reserve, said yesterday that it is a net positive for the economy: keeps inflation in check and provides huge sums of money where needed: in the hands of consumers.
So, Cuba. Let's see-they export cigars and, and, and they import everything else. I listened to a Cuba/Castro apologist on NPR yesterday and it was hard to digest her sympathies. Sounded like someone saying Hitler did good things for Germany in the '30's. Really, the things she said were amazing. Probably never read any history.
Dr. Kissinger, what is your opinion? And the New York Stock Exchange soared over 400 points today for a 2 day gain over 700, or almost 4%.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
The Poor Rouble: Down Again
More bad news for Mad Vlad: rouble loses more value. The Central Bank of Russya raised interest rates to almost 17%. Sounds like the USA in 1980. The price of oil continues its decline, and small producers are feeling the pain. Even big producers are feeling the pain. Finally, the American companies are getting some revenge for the assault on their efforts to keep their corporations from becoming irrelevant.
The House of Saud is maintaining production at former levels to maintain or gain market share. Who can under sell them? Nobody. Can Venezuela? Ha, they are calling on the world to squeeze the USA. Sorry, Mr. Maduro. No dice. You want to play with the big boys? You have to learn the rules.
Perhaps the price of oil will fall below $50/barrel. Hmmmm? Will Mad Vlad call his oligarchs AND THEIR MONEY home from London, Abu Dahbi, Zurich, and Monaco? Will they come? Probably not. They'll disappear, of course, and leave him holding an empty bag of empty vodka bottles. Too bad for him. Maybe he'll strip off his shirt and prance around in the snow to give his girls a thrill. Maybe he'll even ride a reindeer through the streets of St. Petersburg. Who cares?
His puppet Medvedev was threatening Ukraine with a cutoff of trade if they go ahead with trade agreements with western Europe. Same old, same old.
Maybe they should read Pomerantsev, Peter. He'll give them something to chew on.
So, where does the rouble end up? In the Volga River, under the ice, worthless piece of paper that it is. Roubles. You can't be serious? Swiss bankers are thanking their prudence for not buying any of that junk. Angela Merkel is now looking quite good on the home front, even if she has a few right wingers running around. The envy of every Russyan.
Keep it up, Vlad. It's called political suicide here in the West.
The House of Saud is maintaining production at former levels to maintain or gain market share. Who can under sell them? Nobody. Can Venezuela? Ha, they are calling on the world to squeeze the USA. Sorry, Mr. Maduro. No dice. You want to play with the big boys? You have to learn the rules.
Perhaps the price of oil will fall below $50/barrel. Hmmmm? Will Mad Vlad call his oligarchs AND THEIR MONEY home from London, Abu Dahbi, Zurich, and Monaco? Will they come? Probably not. They'll disappear, of course, and leave him holding an empty bag of empty vodka bottles. Too bad for him. Maybe he'll strip off his shirt and prance around in the snow to give his girls a thrill. Maybe he'll even ride a reindeer through the streets of St. Petersburg. Who cares?
His puppet Medvedev was threatening Ukraine with a cutoff of trade if they go ahead with trade agreements with western Europe. Same old, same old.
Maybe they should read Pomerantsev, Peter. He'll give them something to chew on.
So, where does the rouble end up? In the Volga River, under the ice, worthless piece of paper that it is. Roubles. You can't be serious? Swiss bankers are thanking their prudence for not buying any of that junk. Angela Merkel is now looking quite good on the home front, even if she has a few right wingers running around. The envy of every Russyan.
Keep it up, Vlad. It's called political suicide here in the West.
The Giants of San Francisco: 2014
Two months have passed since the San Francisco Giants did the improbable by winning the World Series, 4 games to 3, over the Kansas City Royals.
For the Giants, who backed into the playoff berth by coming in second in the Western Div. of the national league and securing a wild card slot. This is the 1 game do or die contest. Madison Bumgarner won that game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Pittsburgh.
Then it was the Washington Nationals. The pundits favored the Nationals who had the best record by far. The Giants handles them easily 3 games to 1.
After that, on to St. Louis, to face the well -seasoned Cardinals, with many veterans and great hitters. They handles the Redbirds 4 games to 1.
Now it was the Fall Classic. The Giants had won twice before in the last 4 years: in 2010, and in 2012. Could they do it again? The Royals had not been in the Series since 1985 when GM George Brett was in the lineup.
This Series would feature an amazing display of pitching, hitting, strategy, luck-good and bad.
In the end, it was the Giants who prevailed, with the arm of 25 year old Madison Bumgarner of Hickory, North Carolina, a winner of 2 games and a save in the final 7th game.
Madison Bumgarner was voted Most valuable Player of the Series and recently, Sports Illustrated Athlete of the Year for 2014. It was a most memorable Series, with 1 game extending 18 innings before the Giants won that game. The Giants Pablo Sandoval set a major league record with 26 post season hits. Sadly, he became a free agent, entered the draft, and signed with the Boston Red Sox. Good for him, and good for them.
Congratulations to Bruce Bochy and his boys. That's 3 world Series Titles for Bochy which almost guarantees him a spot in the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.
The Mayor had a unique experience: watching the games, delayed by 2-3 seconds on his iphone at 2 am in Tuscany. Lost lots of sleep, but worth it.
For the Giants, who backed into the playoff berth by coming in second in the Western Div. of the national league and securing a wild card slot. This is the 1 game do or die contest. Madison Bumgarner won that game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Pittsburgh.
Then it was the Washington Nationals. The pundits favored the Nationals who had the best record by far. The Giants handles them easily 3 games to 1.
After that, on to St. Louis, to face the well -seasoned Cardinals, with many veterans and great hitters. They handles the Redbirds 4 games to 1.
Now it was the Fall Classic. The Giants had won twice before in the last 4 years: in 2010, and in 2012. Could they do it again? The Royals had not been in the Series since 1985 when GM George Brett was in the lineup.
This Series would feature an amazing display of pitching, hitting, strategy, luck-good and bad.
In the end, it was the Giants who prevailed, with the arm of 25 year old Madison Bumgarner of Hickory, North Carolina, a winner of 2 games and a save in the final 7th game.
Madison Bumgarner was voted Most valuable Player of the Series and recently, Sports Illustrated Athlete of the Year for 2014. It was a most memorable Series, with 1 game extending 18 innings before the Giants won that game. The Giants Pablo Sandoval set a major league record with 26 post season hits. Sadly, he became a free agent, entered the draft, and signed with the Boston Red Sox. Good for him, and good for them.
Congratulations to Bruce Bochy and his boys. That's 3 world Series Titles for Bochy which almost guarantees him a spot in the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.
The Mayor had a unique experience: watching the games, delayed by 2-3 seconds on his iphone at 2 am in Tuscany. Lost lots of sleep, but worth it.
Monday, December 15, 2014
The Only Show in Town
Recently, the Mayor posted some book titles featured in a NYT Sunday supplement(11/30/14). Since then, we've been treated to several reviews of one of the included books written by author Peter Pomerantsev, the British journalist. Two weeks later, he has a byline column in the same NYT, on the opinion pages. This definitely propels him and his work(s) up the stairs of literary recognition.
His 10 paragraphs serve to add a brief inside look at the larger work, making an effort to entice future readers to his subject: Russya's propaganda methods as it tries to misinform the world by an extensive campaign of misinformation. He outlines the case from his position as a former news media specialist in Moscova and news producer among a group of Russyans who followed the script handed them by the chief architect of Misinformation Vladislav Y. Surkov, chief advisor to Mad Vlad hisself.
This man followed some former dictator's plans by infiltrating various interest groups and manipulating them from the inside. Hmmmm. Haven't we seen this somewhere before? When society loses faith in institutions or trusting any political organization, they are then fed a conspiratorial vision of the world they live in. Thus, he says, we have a "gullible cynic". The aim of this strategy is to confuse the West by disinformation. To disorganize opponents(enemies) through an information war.
He states that the take down of Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 over Ukraine is a prime example. No sooner than the plane went down, than the Kremlin said the plane was fired upon by Ukraine's planes. Then, they followed that up with claims that the West was after Putin's own plane nearby. This was to confuse the facts which pointed to a missile fired by Russian teams assisting separatists in Eastern Ukraine. Soon, few people actually pursued a determined examination of the facts.
He noted that Pres. Obama said "We are not entering a new Cold War; Russya is not the Soviet Union." " Russya leads no bloc of nations, no global ideology".
His book, "Nothing is true and Everything is Possible: The Surreal Heart of the New Russya", is on our highly recommended list. The mayor will provide his own review when he is finished. Soon.
His 10 paragraphs serve to add a brief inside look at the larger work, making an effort to entice future readers to his subject: Russya's propaganda methods as it tries to misinform the world by an extensive campaign of misinformation. He outlines the case from his position as a former news media specialist in Moscova and news producer among a group of Russyans who followed the script handed them by the chief architect of Misinformation Vladislav Y. Surkov, chief advisor to Mad Vlad hisself.
This man followed some former dictator's plans by infiltrating various interest groups and manipulating them from the inside. Hmmmm. Haven't we seen this somewhere before? When society loses faith in institutions or trusting any political organization, they are then fed a conspiratorial vision of the world they live in. Thus, he says, we have a "gullible cynic". The aim of this strategy is to confuse the West by disinformation. To disorganize opponents(enemies) through an information war.
He states that the take down of Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 over Ukraine is a prime example. No sooner than the plane went down, than the Kremlin said the plane was fired upon by Ukraine's planes. Then, they followed that up with claims that the West was after Putin's own plane nearby. This was to confuse the facts which pointed to a missile fired by Russian teams assisting separatists in Eastern Ukraine. Soon, few people actually pursued a determined examination of the facts.
He noted that Pres. Obama said "We are not entering a new Cold War; Russya is not the Soviet Union." " Russya leads no bloc of nations, no global ideology".
His book, "Nothing is true and Everything is Possible: The Surreal Heart of the New Russya", is on our highly recommended list. The mayor will provide his own review when he is finished. Soon.
Friday, December 12, 2014
Germans have Heartburn
How do you treat a billion dollar case of heartburn? That's the question on the minds of lots of Germans, lots of bankers in Germany, and lots of statesmen who have to negotiate with a certain prosecutor from New York: Preet Bharara. Seems that he found reason to believe that a certain bank was doing business with Iran despite sanctions against such activity. Hmmm. You mean us? Not us, we wouldn't think of it. We are not Swiss, we are not Greek, and we are definitely not Italian. No, never. Well, OK, but we did just a little. Well, actually more than just a little. OK, we did a lot but it was an accident. Ok, we Germans can fess up because we are a proud people that sometimes gets it a little bit wrong. How much is it going to cost us, this time?
What? You must be joking. That's 1 followed by 9 zeros? Hmmm hundred grand, a million, and... hey, wait, that's a billion dollars. That ain't hay. That's... OK. We'll pay it.
So, Germany's Commerzbank AG fell over and agreed to pay a fine, after the State of New York, the US Dept. Of Justice, and the Manhattan District Attorney's Office(Preet Bharara) combined their cases into just 2 instead of 3. All three offices said the bank had poor money laundering controls in place. Hmm. Tsk, tsk. Makes you wonder just how far Uncle Sam's arms are reaching these days. I expect soon we'll see a few oligarchs go down this road with Preet.
What? You must be joking. That's 1 followed by 9 zeros? Hmmm hundred grand, a million, and... hey, wait, that's a billion dollars. That ain't hay. That's... OK. We'll pay it.
So, Germany's Commerzbank AG fell over and agreed to pay a fine, after the State of New York, the US Dept. Of Justice, and the Manhattan District Attorney's Office(Preet Bharara) combined their cases into just 2 instead of 3. All three offices said the bank had poor money laundering controls in place. Hmm. Tsk, tsk. Makes you wonder just how far Uncle Sam's arms are reaching these days. I expect soon we'll see a few oligarchs go down this road with Preet.
Google Says Nyet To Russyia
In a sharp blow to the Kremlin's public image abroad, Google announced they would be closing their engineering offices in the country. Google spokesman says that the Russiya market is important and they will continue to seek partnerships and promote advertising opportunities for business entities across the national market. Within the past 6 months, Putin's regulators have passed laws that aim to control access to the internet and to filter information available within the country's borders. These moves are contrary to Google's business model(s).
Other internet companies have noted that Google is a bellwether when its actions provoke counter measures by repressive regimes that do not want free access to truth and dissent that is often found on sites accessible on the open internet.
So, Mad Vlad and his clones persist in their retro movement to turn the clocks back on the Russyian nation and all its inhabitants. Sadly, this can only lead to the inevitable outcome: breakup.
Other internet companies have noted that Google is a bellwether when its actions provoke counter measures by repressive regimes that do not want free access to truth and dissent that is often found on sites accessible on the open internet.
So, Mad Vlad and his clones persist in their retro movement to turn the clocks back on the Russyian nation and all its inhabitants. Sadly, this can only lead to the inevitable outcome: breakup.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Song of the Rain-1975
Naked in the Rain
The clown sat speechless, looking in his mirror
unable to remember how to paint his face
Staring at the image, slowly getting clearer
Wondering if his fear or his heart would win the race
When it dawns on you
what it takes from you
living under clouds of pain
there's a storm in you
you don't know what to do
Just when you think you're going insane
you lie naked in the rain
again
Fluttering pages of faces
no two alike
Choice is your soul's moment
for its light to strike
music David Crosby
words: David Crosby and Graham Nash
1975 Staysail Music
from the album: WIND ON THE WATER
It rained today in California.
The clown sat speechless, looking in his mirror
unable to remember how to paint his face
Staring at the image, slowly getting clearer
Wondering if his fear or his heart would win the race
When it dawns on you
what it takes from you
living under clouds of pain
there's a storm in you
you don't know what to do
Just when you think you're going insane
you lie naked in the rain
again
Fluttering pages of faces
no two alike
Choice is your soul's moment
for its light to strike
music David Crosby
words: David Crosby and Graham Nash
1975 Staysail Music
from the album: WIND ON THE WATER
It rained today in California.
CIA vs. FSB
The US Senate Intelligence Committee released its lengthy(6700 pages) report yesterday that tells a story about CIA interrogation techniques used in course of questioning of suspects believed to be responsible for the bombings of the World Trade Center in 2001.
It is being attacked for being a one -sided political document used and timed to weaken support for Republican Party initiatives that will begin in January when the party will control both houses of Congress. Chair person, Diane Feinstein(D., CA) explained that this report focused on methods and results, drawing attention to the paltry intelligence received for the "torture" techniques utilized in an attempt to gain timely, authentic information. Senator John McCain(R.,AZ), himself a victim of torture during his 7 years as a POW in Hanoi, called the efforts described as obvious torture. He underscored the report as posing a tool to insurgents across the Middle East.
Who, you might ask, read this report? Probably very few individuals who have commented. Anybody with a brain knows that it takes time to read and absorb information. So, we must wait until the contents are dissected by back office types who will mine the material for plums that can: 1) be useful for their agenda, 2)for errors of fact, 3) and any obvious violations of law.
The media and all its outlets are having fun with this, despite that many portions of the report have been known for sometime. Director of the CIA, John Brennan, will speak at 10:30am(PST) today, responding to the report in his official capacity as director. Chris Anders, senior legal counsel of ACLU, reports that 500 pages of the report list innumerable crimes, violations of Federal law, International laws, and humanitarian laws of conduct when dealing with incarcerated suspects.
How would the FSB handle this scrutiny? We know; we just have to look at the recent reports from Muscova: have the State takeover all media outlets. End of problem because speaking out against the state becomes a violation of law! What a country that Russyia!
It is being attacked for being a one -sided political document used and timed to weaken support for Republican Party initiatives that will begin in January when the party will control both houses of Congress. Chair person, Diane Feinstein(D., CA) explained that this report focused on methods and results, drawing attention to the paltry intelligence received for the "torture" techniques utilized in an attempt to gain timely, authentic information. Senator John McCain(R.,AZ), himself a victim of torture during his 7 years as a POW in Hanoi, called the efforts described as obvious torture. He underscored the report as posing a tool to insurgents across the Middle East.
Who, you might ask, read this report? Probably very few individuals who have commented. Anybody with a brain knows that it takes time to read and absorb information. So, we must wait until the contents are dissected by back office types who will mine the material for plums that can: 1) be useful for their agenda, 2)for errors of fact, 3) and any obvious violations of law.
The media and all its outlets are having fun with this, despite that many portions of the report have been known for sometime. Director of the CIA, John Brennan, will speak at 10:30am(PST) today, responding to the report in his official capacity as director. Chris Anders, senior legal counsel of ACLU, reports that 500 pages of the report list innumerable crimes, violations of Federal law, International laws, and humanitarian laws of conduct when dealing with incarcerated suspects.
How would the FSB handle this scrutiny? We know; we just have to look at the recent reports from Muscova: have the State takeover all media outlets. End of problem because speaking out against the state becomes a violation of law! What a country that Russyia!
Storm warnings Continued
So, here we are : not quite through the cyclonic spiral moving through our state. Rainfall has been near predictions, winds maybe a little less than anticipated; snowfall about what we expected. The webcam @ homewoodresort.com shows little accumulation at this hour, midmountain. We have to wait until tonight, when temps drop as the storm center passes through.
On the bright side, reservoirs down the Hill, are getting much needed replenishment. Lake Oroville will finally start adding significant amounts. Lake Shasta, north of Sacramento, is also adding copious amounts. It's all good!
Sunny on the weekend.
On the bright side, reservoirs down the Hill, are getting much needed replenishment. Lake Oroville will finally start adding significant amounts. Lake Shasta, north of Sacramento, is also adding copious amounts. It's all good!
Sunny on the weekend.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Wet Wine Country
The Mayor did another speed run into the wine country, Russian River version. It rained lightly during the trip. We stopped in Healdsburg for a quick lunch at HBG-a great spot. No outside patio today. The town was quiet and almost devoid of visitors. By the time we jumped back into the truck, it was raining heavily.
We visited Mazzocco Winerymazzoccowinery.com; tasted some cabs, zins, and a few blends. They are having a sale: 50% off cases at the winery. Deal. I traded the tasting room barista a bottle of my Pinot for her Zin. Bargain.
The ride home was wet, but the rain stopped in Petaluma and traffic wasn't too, too bad. Good thing we don't have plans tomorrow: could be a mess out there.
Three feet + of snow is predicted. We need it, for sure.
Don't play games with the weather report: lie low, wait it out. be safe.
We visited Mazzocco Winerymazzoccowinery.com; tasted some cabs, zins, and a few blends. They are having a sale: 50% off cases at the winery. Deal. I traded the tasting room barista a bottle of my Pinot for her Zin. Bargain.
The ride home was wet, but the rain stopped in Petaluma and traffic wasn't too, too bad. Good thing we don't have plans tomorrow: could be a mess out there.
Three feet + of snow is predicted. We need it, for sure.
Don't play games with the weather report: lie low, wait it out. be safe.
Natasha of Odessa
The Mayor had a nice conversation with a Ukraine native who lives in California with her husband and 2 children. She's a nurse; she has lived here for 20 years and has no relatives left in Odessa. She said she doesn't understand what's happening in Ukraine. Before she left, it appeared to her that Ukrainians, east or west, got along fine. However, she did intimate that years ago, the older population in the east had some simmering resentments against certain groups in the western half of the country.
These sentiments are a holdover from WWII, when Nazi military units were in the Ukraine and many locals were enlisted(often by force) to help fight against some elements of the local population. It is hard to overlook the fact that Ukrainians helped Facists/Nazis.
She found it difficult to understand various bits of news coming from that part of the world. Apparently, 20 years is more than enough time to become a Californian American.
These sentiments are a holdover from WWII, when Nazi military units were in the Ukraine and many locals were enlisted(often by force) to help fight against some elements of the local population. It is hard to overlook the fact that Ukrainians helped Facists/Nazis.
She found it difficult to understand various bits of news coming from that part of the world. Apparently, 20 years is more than enough time to become a Californian American.
Obama has Heartburn, Again.
Man Vlad is off to Indjah to visit Modi, the new Prime. Now how did this come about? Vlad 's got domestic problems, so he goes abroad. Smart. Going to India? Smart. He steals Obama's thunder. How? Well, the Prez is going to.........India! By JOve! Who's reading Obama's mail? The FSB, of course. have to keep up with the Romanovs, or Popoffs, or Obamas.
Russyia is currently doing about $10 billions worth of trade with the Subcontinent. A paltry amount in a market thrice the size of Europe. Maybe Vlad sees something. Maybe if he can get his toe in the door, he can sell a little gas, or a little steel, or a little diamonds. Diamonds, you say?
Diamonds have been a sizeable Russyian commodity for almost 40 years. When they broke the DeBeers cartel, money flowed into the Kremlin. Now, we don't hear much about the diamond market in Russyia; but it exists and is robust for its size.
I expect we'll soon see photos of Vlad on the Ganges, Vlad in the Himalayas, Vlad in a sari, Vlad on a bejeweled elefant, Vlad with a turban topped head, and maybe even a photo of a bare chested Vlad with ballooning trousers and a kris at his belt. Ohhh the thought.
Russyia is currently doing about $10 billions worth of trade with the Subcontinent. A paltry amount in a market thrice the size of Europe. Maybe Vlad sees something. Maybe if he can get his toe in the door, he can sell a little gas, or a little steel, or a little diamonds. Diamonds, you say?
Diamonds have been a sizeable Russyian commodity for almost 40 years. When they broke the DeBeers cartel, money flowed into the Kremlin. Now, we don't hear much about the diamond market in Russyia; but it exists and is robust for its size.
I expect we'll soon see photos of Vlad on the Ganges, Vlad in the Himalayas, Vlad in a sari, Vlad on a bejeweled elefant, Vlad with a turban topped head, and maybe even a photo of a bare chested Vlad with ballooning trousers and a kris at his belt. Ohhh the thought.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
John Kerry, Secretary of State: Egg on Face
A US representative to the UN Nuclear advisory came out with information that notified the world that Iranian procurement agents have been secretly abroad trying to buy nuclear material for their facility at Arak, a well known point of nuclear centrifuges. John Kerry, the Secretary of State, recently announced that Iran was in full compliance with the agreement that did not include the purchase of any foreign goods and equipment that might enhance their capabilities at Arak.
What do you think now, Big Guy? Perhaps the Ayattollah he tell you big fat lie? Or maybe he mention subject, you no hear?
Sad, really, these constant blunders. Maybe not blunders: maybe just routine parts of a big lie, a big show for the media. Makes one think of Panmunjon, or Geneva, or other sites where hopes were dashed after lengthy talks.
The future looks bad for a settlement, but remember: no agreement is better than a BAD agreement.
What do you think now, Big Guy? Perhaps the Ayattollah he tell you big fat lie? Or maybe he mention subject, you no hear?
Sad, really, these constant blunders. Maybe not blunders: maybe just routine parts of a big lie, a big show for the media. Makes one think of Panmunjon, or Geneva, or other sites where hopes were dashed after lengthy talks.
The future looks bad for a settlement, but remember: no agreement is better than a BAD agreement.
Meeting At Consulate
The Mayor went to San Francisco today, a good day to travel: no rain or snow. It was overcast as we climbed Pacific Heights and began looking for parking. We got lucky- a space opened that had been booked up for construction until recently and the old sign was still on the pole.
The cultural official's aide informed us of a short delay, but she was very amiable and we chatted about the Consul's busy schedule and his busy life. I was ushered into the library and settled into a comfortable sofa to wait for the meeting. I picked up the magazine Longitude, an official Italian cultural publication that is published in English and comes out periodically. This issue was a little dated, 2012. And who was on the cover in living color: Mad Vlad!
He must have good PR men. So here was the Prez himself-rising out of the water like a dolphin, taking a breath, arms outstretched like the wings of a seagull(albatross?), making his way across the pool. No, he wasn't wearing a shirt and tie. His bald head glistened as he shed water in sheets. This photo probably graces the walls of many a dacha, or beauty salon, or gymnasium or Siberian work camp.
But, my time was now and I engaged the attache' with questions regarding Italian resort programs, the economy of Italy in the short term, and the usual questions of lifestyle comparisons between here and there. The mayor anticipates extending some invitations to Italian alpine skiers to visit the West Shore next year as part of an exchange program with the northern regions(states) of Italy where skiers abound.
More work and effort is needed, but a good information session has value. After the holidays, we will return and firm up plans for 2015.
The cultural official's aide informed us of a short delay, but she was very amiable and we chatted about the Consul's busy schedule and his busy life. I was ushered into the library and settled into a comfortable sofa to wait for the meeting. I picked up the magazine Longitude, an official Italian cultural publication that is published in English and comes out periodically. This issue was a little dated, 2012. And who was on the cover in living color: Mad Vlad!
He must have good PR men. So here was the Prez himself-rising out of the water like a dolphin, taking a breath, arms outstretched like the wings of a seagull(albatross?), making his way across the pool. No, he wasn't wearing a shirt and tie. His bald head glistened as he shed water in sheets. This photo probably graces the walls of many a dacha, or beauty salon, or gymnasium or Siberian work camp.
But, my time was now and I engaged the attache' with questions regarding Italian resort programs, the economy of Italy in the short term, and the usual questions of lifestyle comparisons between here and there. The mayor anticipates extending some invitations to Italian alpine skiers to visit the West Shore next year as part of an exchange program with the northern regions(states) of Italy where skiers abound.
More work and effort is needed, but a good information session has value. After the holidays, we will return and firm up plans for 2015.
Time to Buy Propane
Is your tank a little low, Bunkie? Feeling a chill coming on? Now's the time to fill 'er up. Call your local source for propane and order up a load. Go big time: 500 gallons, at least. The wholesale price, not futures price, has reached 0.63 cents a gallon, less than half what it was a year ago. To say there's a softening is to say little.
Locals usually have been prudent and filled up in November or earlier; but you few laggards may have an opportunity to negotiate some good rates. Given that energy prices are expected to continue to fall, propane suppliers must look ahead: money today will be better than money next year.
Buy now-save money. Tahomans are thinking that this could be a normal winter: good business, lots of ski tourists taking advantage of cheap gasoline which will lower their weekends transportation costs dramatically. Wheeeee, hit the slopes.
Happy Holidays are here again.
Locals usually have been prudent and filled up in November or earlier; but you few laggards may have an opportunity to negotiate some good rates. Given that energy prices are expected to continue to fall, propane suppliers must look ahead: money today will be better than money next year.
Buy now-save money. Tahomans are thinking that this could be a normal winter: good business, lots of ski tourists taking advantage of cheap gasoline which will lower their weekends transportation costs dramatically. Wheeeee, hit the slopes.
Happy Holidays are here again.
Obama Gives Putin Heartburn
Just when Mad Vlad thought he was out of the woods, the lawyer in the White House throws another wrench at the Kremlin. The price of a barrel of oil hits a new 5 year low and Russiya's economic minister predicts a recession in his country next year. Ooof, right in the stomaco.
It hasn't been a good week for our guy, the Shirtless Wunderkin: Raz Putin. Maybe he'll have to put Ed Snowden on TV to ask Pres. Obama for clemency with a plea from Pres. Putin that Mr. Ed is just a patriot with a problem. The Russyian decision to take over Crimea isn't looking too well on the home front right now as economic sanctions continue to take bear-sized bites out of the oligarchs' shorts.
With the winter solstice-with long, dark winter days ahead, only 2 weeks away, maybe Mad Vlad will put down the vodka bottle, send his mistress to Baku, and start thinking about his future which is beginning to look bleak.
Pres. Obama is smiling as the price of oil goes down and all his "good" friends-Japan, Germany, France, England, Italy, Greece, are seeing energy costs plummet; while "unfriends" Venezuela, Iran, Russyia, Iraq, Yemen, and Cuba are seeing their economies take it in the shorts. Too bad for you.
Want to play with the "Big Boys"?
Better bring your 'A' game.
It hasn't been a good week for our guy, the Shirtless Wunderkin: Raz Putin. Maybe he'll have to put Ed Snowden on TV to ask Pres. Obama for clemency with a plea from Pres. Putin that Mr. Ed is just a patriot with a problem. The Russyian decision to take over Crimea isn't looking too well on the home front right now as economic sanctions continue to take bear-sized bites out of the oligarchs' shorts.
With the winter solstice-with long, dark winter days ahead, only 2 weeks away, maybe Mad Vlad will put down the vodka bottle, send his mistress to Baku, and start thinking about his future which is beginning to look bleak.
Pres. Obama is smiling as the price of oil goes down and all his "good" friends-Japan, Germany, France, England, Italy, Greece, are seeing energy costs plummet; while "unfriends" Venezuela, Iran, Russyia, Iraq, Yemen, and Cuba are seeing their economies take it in the shorts. Too bad for you.
Want to play with the "Big Boys"?
Better bring your 'A' game.
Monday, December 8, 2014
Buon Compleanno, 2014
Auguri and compliments to our very own Minister of Latin American Affairs. He's celebrating a big day today in Washington ,DC.
Our greetings and compliments to him and family.
Our greetings and compliments to him and family.
Stormy Weather in Forecast
Seems like a regular winter pattern is now here. noaa.gov is forecasting a major storm(cyclone) arriving on the West Coast Wednesday night/Thursday morning. This could prove to be the storm we've all been waiting for these past 3-4 years. All storm warnings are repeated: Be Prepared!
Updates to follow as forecasts sharpen in the next 72 hours.
Latest from NOAA
12/8/14
The fun begins Wednesday night: flash flood warnings have been issued for the California coastal counties north of Santa Cruz county. Rain will be heavy 4-8 inches causing rivers to rise to monitoring levels. Residents are alerted to rapidly changing conditions.
Snow will be heavy above 6500'.
Updates will be made avail on this blog, as noted.
Updates to follow as forecasts sharpen in the next 72 hours.
Latest from NOAA
12/8/14
The fun begins Wednesday night: flash flood warnings have been issued for the California coastal counties north of Santa Cruz county. Rain will be heavy 4-8 inches causing rivers to rise to monitoring levels. Residents are alerted to rapidly changing conditions.
Snow will be heavy above 6500'.
Updates will be made avail on this blog, as noted.
Minister of Manufacturing Wins Again
It was a cool, damp day at the Sonoma Raceway, as the Porch Racing Team cruised to the checkered flag in the 24hoursoflemons endurance race. After 16 hours of high speed racing(over 2 days) the vintage Porsche 944 bested the 45 car field by 5 laps, going the distance without a mishap or breakdown.
Team leader, Spike Chandler, declared the communications equipment improvements as the key to this victory. An innovative radio was installed in the helmets of each of the 4 drivers so the pilot on the track was in constant real time communications with the pit crew. Advice could be delivered rapidly to alleviate concerns about fuel consumption, track conditions, warning lights, and position and elapsed time.
The weather cooperated, despite a forecast of light rain late Sunday afternoon before the scheduled flag drop. The victory cemented the strategy developed after several years of competition: grab an early lead and hold on to it!
Congrats to the team and pit crews.
An extra race has been added in January, 2015, due to a huge group they were not able to accommodate this weekend. An additional 135 entries were pushed to this new event.24hoursoflemons.com
Team leader, Spike Chandler, declared the communications equipment improvements as the key to this victory. An innovative radio was installed in the helmets of each of the 4 drivers so the pilot on the track was in constant real time communications with the pit crew. Advice could be delivered rapidly to alleviate concerns about fuel consumption, track conditions, warning lights, and position and elapsed time.
The weather cooperated, despite a forecast of light rain late Sunday afternoon before the scheduled flag drop. The victory cemented the strategy developed after several years of competition: grab an early lead and hold on to it!
Congrats to the team and pit crews.
An extra race has been added in January, 2015, due to a huge group they were not able to accommodate this weekend. An additional 135 entries were pushed to this new event.24hoursoflemons.com
Minister of Latin American Affairs Notes Prisoner Transfer
In a email to the Mayor's Office, our minister informed us that Uruguay has accepted 6 former prisoners from the US prison at Guantanamo Bay(Cuba). Negotiations had been lengthy and intense, but agreements were reached by the parties involved and the 6 were sent to the southern hemisphere.
The 6 were--four Syrians, a Palestinian and a Tunisian---are the first to be resettled in South America. The State Department issued a statement commending Uruguayan President Jose' Mujica's strong leadership role in the matter. They had been cleared to leave in 2009.
Secretary of Defense, Chuck Hagel, had been slow to approve the transfer, giving the White House a source of tension with the Secretary. The former president of Uruguay, Tabare' Vasquez, recently won election to Mujica's coalition, giving him additional support for his policies.
Much of this activity has been overshadowed by the recent developments in Colombia where negotiations with the rebel group known as FARC, have resumed after a stall that resulted from a kidnapping of a high ranking Colombian military officer who was released after 2 weeks. Pundits claim the Cuban government has been advising FARC in negotiations and apparently have been successful in giving FARC rebels much of what they wanted in way of concessions from the central government in Bogota'.
When will we hear of these prisoners again? When they are captured on the Pakistani/ Afghanistan border in 4-6 months.
The 6 were--four Syrians, a Palestinian and a Tunisian---are the first to be resettled in South America. The State Department issued a statement commending Uruguayan President Jose' Mujica's strong leadership role in the matter. They had been cleared to leave in 2009.
Secretary of Defense, Chuck Hagel, had been slow to approve the transfer, giving the White House a source of tension with the Secretary. The former president of Uruguay, Tabare' Vasquez, recently won election to Mujica's coalition, giving him additional support for his policies.
Much of this activity has been overshadowed by the recent developments in Colombia where negotiations with the rebel group known as FARC, have resumed after a stall that resulted from a kidnapping of a high ranking Colombian military officer who was released after 2 weeks. Pundits claim the Cuban government has been advising FARC in negotiations and apparently have been successful in giving FARC rebels much of what they wanted in way of concessions from the central government in Bogota'.
When will we hear of these prisoners again? When they are captured on the Pakistani/ Afghanistan border in 4-6 months.
Putin Gives Obama Heartburn
Mad Vlad gave his State of Russiya Speech in front of the nation's political elite on Thursday. He mentioned the economy many, many times, no doubt attempting to alleviate concerns about the economic future of his fellow oligarchs. He placed blame on: 1) the West, 2) Europe, 3) the USA, 4) Ukrainian fascists, 5) Chechens, 6) Pussy Riot, 7) St. Nicolas, 8) the Wizard of Oz, 9) Taylor Swift, and 10) Pope Frances. He did not mention any of the Kremlin's own actions as root causes of the 40% plunge in the value of his Rouble. He mentioned that tax amnesty would be afforded to all citizens who return money held abroad. Ha, ha, ha, ha. That Vlad, he has a great sense of humor. I can just see all the Russkies lining up at Heathrow Airport with their suitcases stuffed with pounds and dollars, checking in at the Aeroflot counter, pleading for tickets to Moscova.
After the speech, Obama went book shopping with the daughters in a local mall. Then, he went home to Casa Blanca(White House) where he began to feel a bit queasy(ill/mal di stomaco). Saturday came, and Obama still felt sick. Off he went to Walter Reed Hospital for an exam. The head of the department(no intern for presidents) checked out the pres and said he had acid reflux and a swollen throat. He went home after 30 minutes(White House), told to eat less fried food and less coffee and not to watch Mad Vlad on the telly.
Maybe Vlad will send a "Get Well" card to his head-of-state buddy. Maybe not.
After the speech, Obama went book shopping with the daughters in a local mall. Then, he went home to Casa Blanca(White House) where he began to feel a bit queasy(ill/mal di stomaco). Saturday came, and Obama still felt sick. Off he went to Walter Reed Hospital for an exam. The head of the department(no intern for presidents) checked out the pres and said he had acid reflux and a swollen throat. He went home after 30 minutes(White House), told to eat less fried food and less coffee and not to watch Mad Vlad on the telly.
Maybe Vlad will send a "Get Well" card to his head-of-state buddy. Maybe not.
Saturday, December 6, 2014
It's All About Russiya: the NYT.
Our venerable house organ,nytimes.com, provided its readers with a timely Sunday Supplement in the Book Review. All the reviews were of Russiya topics and literary examples. Of course, this effort coincides with the West's current focus on things Russky and things Putinski. Oh, soooo timely. Most Amerikansky are unfamiliar with classic Russky authors from the 18th and 19th centuries, but enough are familiar to influence generations of readers and writers(not to mention film producers).
This extensive national publishing effort requires some review effort by the Mayor himself. Long a student of classical literature(Greek/Roman), the Mayor acknowledges the Russkies are a branch of the ancients, thus deserving of this review.
Because of the length and breadth, I will include highlights and direct readers to go to nytimes.com to read the supplement in its entirety. It is definitely worth a visit.
First the list:(in order)
1. There Once was a Mother Who Loved Children, Until They Moved Back In, by
Ludmilla Petrushevskaya
2. Twilight of the Eastern Gods
Ismail Kadare
3. The Shortlist-Short Stories
Benjamin Nugent
Nonfiction
4. STALIN: Vol.1:Paradoxes of Power,1878-1928
Stephen Kotkin
5. Liminov
Emmanuel Carrere
6. Nothing is True and Everything is Possible: ThE Surreal Heart of the New Russiya
Peter Pomerantsev
7. Putin's Kleptocracy:Who Owns Russiya?
Karen Dawisha
8. Leningrad: Siege and Symphony
Bryan Moynahan
9. Tolstoy's False Disciple: The Untold Story of Leo Tolstoy and Vladimir Chertkov
Alexandra Popoff
10. The Georgetown Set: Friends and Rivals in Cold war Washington
Gregg Herkin
11. George Marshall: A Biography
Debi and Irwin Unger w/ Stanley Hirshon
12. Nothing But The Clouds Unchanged: Artists in World war I
Gordon Hughes and Philipp Blom, eds.
This list does not include all the articles included in the supplement. Many featured articles were written by contemporary authors and critics.
More later.
This extensive national publishing effort requires some review effort by the Mayor himself. Long a student of classical literature(Greek/Roman), the Mayor acknowledges the Russkies are a branch of the ancients, thus deserving of this review.
Because of the length and breadth, I will include highlights and direct readers to go to nytimes.com to read the supplement in its entirety. It is definitely worth a visit.
First the list:(in order)
1. There Once was a Mother Who Loved Children, Until They Moved Back In, by
Ludmilla Petrushevskaya
2. Twilight of the Eastern Gods
Ismail Kadare
3. The Shortlist-Short Stories
Benjamin Nugent
Nonfiction
4. STALIN: Vol.1:Paradoxes of Power,1878-1928
Stephen Kotkin
5. Liminov
Emmanuel Carrere
6. Nothing is True and Everything is Possible: ThE Surreal Heart of the New Russiya
Peter Pomerantsev
7. Putin's Kleptocracy:Who Owns Russiya?
Karen Dawisha
8. Leningrad: Siege and Symphony
Bryan Moynahan
9. Tolstoy's False Disciple: The Untold Story of Leo Tolstoy and Vladimir Chertkov
Alexandra Popoff
10. The Georgetown Set: Friends and Rivals in Cold war Washington
Gregg Herkin
11. George Marshall: A Biography
Debi and Irwin Unger w/ Stanley Hirshon
12. Nothing But The Clouds Unchanged: Artists in World war I
Gordon Hughes and Philipp Blom, eds.
This list does not include all the articles included in the supplement. Many featured articles were written by contemporary authors and critics.
More later.
Snow Dose: Above Normal
Break out the new boards, put aside the antiques, get some Naked Wax, and get to work: it's show time! The storm conditions that have blessed us with several feet of new powder have moved on, and now we have the anticipated pause. Now we have an opportunity to stretch our skills, try some new technique, and warm to "normal " conditions.
Conditions on Interstate 80 were not good for travelers, but many hardy souls arrived early before the worst conditions slammed the highways. However, skiers must stay on top of the latest information as NOAA.gov issues regular updates. To wit, Sunday afternoon, winds at the crests will reach 50-60mph(80-90kph). These winds exceed lift safety limits and lifts will shut down earl tomorrow. FYI.
Bear Updates
A Meeks Bay resident, victim of last week's bruin home invasion, saw what she believed to be the same bear outside of her home as she returned from dinner. No evidence of an attempted invasion confronted her. She was happy to have the electric fence installed just days ago. FYI.
Power Outages
Now we have winter conditions. High winds, high snow loads, difficult driving conditions. Keep an eye on propane levels; have extra batteries for flashlights; extra water and food, and a radio handy. We live in the mountains of California. Not Palm Springs or Boca Raton.
Conditions on Interstate 80 were not good for travelers, but many hardy souls arrived early before the worst conditions slammed the highways. However, skiers must stay on top of the latest information as NOAA.gov issues regular updates. To wit, Sunday afternoon, winds at the crests will reach 50-60mph(80-90kph). These winds exceed lift safety limits and lifts will shut down earl tomorrow. FYI.
Bear Updates
A Meeks Bay resident, victim of last week's bruin home invasion, saw what she believed to be the same bear outside of her home as she returned from dinner. No evidence of an attempted invasion confronted her. She was happy to have the electric fence installed just days ago. FYI.
Power Outages
Now we have winter conditions. High winds, high snow loads, difficult driving conditions. Keep an eye on propane levels; have extra batteries for flashlights; extra water and food, and a radio handy. We live in the mountains of California. Not Palm Springs or Boca Raton.
Monday, December 1, 2014
Bear Alert: Break in in Meeks Bay
Locals were alerted to a bear break in in a home in the Glenridge subdivision. The incident occurred sometime within the last few days, maybe last Wednesday or Thursday. It was discovered Friday morning. Quite a bit of damage was reported, including the hood over the stove had been ripped off the wall! The refrigerator, of course was trashed, and will be replaced.
So, is it time for an electric fence on your house? Maybe it should be included in any protection plan in and around Tahoma.
Snow will accumulate in large amounts this week, perhaps sending the bruins into hibernation. Naturalists seem to think local black bears have given up on hibernation due to the availability of regular meals "in our homes"!
Please report any sightings to the El Dorado or Placer County Sheriff's dept. They respond if bears are breaking in. They will not harm the bears unless they pose a threat to residents.
White outs are also predicted for this week, along with deep snow and wind driven accumulations. Be prepared.
So, is it time for an electric fence on your house? Maybe it should be included in any protection plan in and around Tahoma.
Snow will accumulate in large amounts this week, perhaps sending the bruins into hibernation. Naturalists seem to think local black bears have given up on hibernation due to the availability of regular meals "in our homes"!
Please report any sightings to the El Dorado or Placer County Sheriff's dept. They respond if bears are breaking in. They will not harm the bears unless they pose a threat to residents.
White outs are also predicted for this week, along with deep snow and wind driven accumulations. Be prepared.
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Weather Alert : SNOW
We haven't seen this type of forecast in quite awhile: snow, snow, and more snow. Despite somewhat warm temps 32-34 degrees F, some should stick. The danger is the warmer temps. Some melting could occur during the day if the temps get higher than freezing with some melt and ice formation at night as temps drop. The usual scenario. So, make sure you put on your snow tires/studded, etc. and slow down.
Don't try to make up time driving; that's a recipe for a sideways spin into the lake. Or worse: oncoming traffic.
Be Safe, Be careful. Plan your trips; stock up, and wax your skis, boards, sleds, dishes, Etc. Have enough propane? Rock salt? Batteries? Winter is here.
Don't try to make up time driving; that's a recipe for a sideways spin into the lake. Or worse: oncoming traffic.
Be Safe, Be careful. Plan your trips; stock up, and wax your skis, boards, sleds, dishes, Etc. Have enough propane? Rock salt? Batteries? Winter is here.
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Drought Over?
Back to back storms are slamming into California's coast, dumping copious amounts of much needed rainfall. Farmers are to be seen standing in the rain with mouths agape, swallowing as much as they can, quenching their thirst. This on top of substantial amounts of roast turkey from Thursday.
Forecasters predict 3"-5" of rainfall by next Wednesday. This amount will flow directly into the state's reservoirs, raising levels from near zero.
Farmers and ranchers are adapting planting schedules for next spring. Consumers across the state can only hope the winter continues to return to normal levels of rain and snowfall.
Ski resorts may not get all they want this week, but it does extend the storm door opening well into December, a critical month for storage of snowpack.
Forecasters predict 3"-5" of rainfall by next Wednesday. This amount will flow directly into the state's reservoirs, raising levels from near zero.
Farmers and ranchers are adapting planting schedules for next spring. Consumers across the state can only hope the winter continues to return to normal levels of rain and snowfall.
Ski resorts may not get all they want this week, but it does extend the storm door opening well into December, a critical month for storage of snowpack.
Russiya Puts Out More Propaganda
Households across the USA were treated to a Russiyan gift this morning: a large dose of propaganda from the Kremlin's office of Official Lies and Falsehoods. These lies came in the form of a 4 page supplement found in the folds of today's Wall Street Journal, delivered to the doorstep of 2+ million American households. What a great way to gain some much needed revenue for the USA's top print media publication. Obviously, the owners of the WSJ care about their bottom line, and this injection of cash(roubles converted to dollars) helps out quite a bit.
Now adding a supplement to a daily paper requires all that you can assume: journalists' costs, editorial content, layout and publication, and the money fronted to the WSJ.
A quick read of the content leaves a reader wondering: what are they smoking in the Kremlin? Within its pages, Russiyans profess to disapprove of relaxing of marijuana control laws, but clearly, in the Kremlin, they are smoking bales of the weed. How else does one publish such items as: the Russyian economy is sinking because of US sanctions? Hmmmm. Maybe Mad Vlad is combining his weed with vodka. Every high school teenager knows this combo produces all kinds of fantasies of the mind.
Well, today's supplement underscores the Russyian comedic mind set: nothing can be too amusing to send to American households from Mad Vlad's dacha in Moscova.
Way to go Vlad. Loved the foto with Chinese Pres. Xi, Pres. Obama, Pres. Putin, and the Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah, all dressed in deep purple silk Mao jackets in Beijing. This amiable gathering predates the OPEC meeting of Thursday and Friday's 10% drop in oil prices. Pres. Obama was heard chuckling to himself this morning on Pennsylvania Avenue. The US taxpayer just received a 10% tax cut! "I'm the greatest", he said to self. Wonder if he took a selfie to share the moment on Twitter?
Now adding a supplement to a daily paper requires all that you can assume: journalists' costs, editorial content, layout and publication, and the money fronted to the WSJ.
A quick read of the content leaves a reader wondering: what are they smoking in the Kremlin? Within its pages, Russiyans profess to disapprove of relaxing of marijuana control laws, but clearly, in the Kremlin, they are smoking bales of the weed. How else does one publish such items as: the Russyian economy is sinking because of US sanctions? Hmmmm. Maybe Mad Vlad is combining his weed with vodka. Every high school teenager knows this combo produces all kinds of fantasies of the mind.
Well, today's supplement underscores the Russyian comedic mind set: nothing can be too amusing to send to American households from Mad Vlad's dacha in Moscova.
Way to go Vlad. Loved the foto with Chinese Pres. Xi, Pres. Obama, Pres. Putin, and the Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah, all dressed in deep purple silk Mao jackets in Beijing. This amiable gathering predates the OPEC meeting of Thursday and Friday's 10% drop in oil prices. Pres. Obama was heard chuckling to himself this morning on Pennsylvania Avenue. The US taxpayer just received a 10% tax cut! "I'm the greatest", he said to self. Wonder if he took a selfie to share the moment on Twitter?
Friday, November 28, 2014
Charles Schwab Gets It!
The founder and chairman of the company that bears his name, Charles Schwab, wrote an opinion column 9 days ago that still resonates: he gets it. The it being the cost of the ongoing bailout of Wall Street by Mr. and Mrs. American Middle Class. With interest rates at historic lows and banks and investment companies paying near zero on deposit savings account, certain Americans are paying a high price for the government's position on the rescue of Wall St. banks and investment companies.
Since 2008, seniors 65-74 years old, have lost $1,900/year in income over 6 years according to the McKinsey Global Institute report. For seniors 75 years or older, they have lost $7,500 annually since 2008. In total, seniors have lost $58 billions annually since 2008. WE are talking of families and households that are retired, living on accumulated savings, social security, and maybe a pension of some kind. This group makes up about 13.3% of the population in the country. In other words, we have 13.3% of the population losing billions in annual income while at the same time dealing with a professed government policy of maintaining an annual inflation rate of 2%. So they get stabbed twice by Fed Policy and Government fiscal policy of "controlled " inflation.
Mr. Schwab's article heralded the FED's professed intent to raise interest rates soon, and return monetary policy to the former normal when a 1 year annual CD paid 6.5% interest. Remember those days? The good, old days?
Hmmmmm? Seems like forever ago. Mr. Schwab also noted that investors often look at current returns available and move funds into higher risk instruments, e.g. stocks and equity instruments. Is that a place for a retiree's money that will be safe? Hardly, despite record setting territory of late.
It's about time somebody put the real numbers in front of everybody to shine some more light on those sad souls who have funded the "REAL" bailout: the bailout of the big banks and their shareholders. Shame on the FED and all its members.
Since 2008, seniors 65-74 years old, have lost $1,900/year in income over 6 years according to the McKinsey Global Institute report. For seniors 75 years or older, they have lost $7,500 annually since 2008. In total, seniors have lost $58 billions annually since 2008. WE are talking of families and households that are retired, living on accumulated savings, social security, and maybe a pension of some kind. This group makes up about 13.3% of the population in the country. In other words, we have 13.3% of the population losing billions in annual income while at the same time dealing with a professed government policy of maintaining an annual inflation rate of 2%. So they get stabbed twice by Fed Policy and Government fiscal policy of "controlled " inflation.
Mr. Schwab's article heralded the FED's professed intent to raise interest rates soon, and return monetary policy to the former normal when a 1 year annual CD paid 6.5% interest. Remember those days? The good, old days?
Hmmmmm? Seems like forever ago. Mr. Schwab also noted that investors often look at current returns available and move funds into higher risk instruments, e.g. stocks and equity instruments. Is that a place for a retiree's money that will be safe? Hardly, despite record setting territory of late.
It's about time somebody put the real numbers in front of everybody to shine some more light on those sad souls who have funded the "REAL" bailout: the bailout of the big banks and their shareholders. Shame on the FED and all its members.
Travel Warning: Mexico
We don't often post travel advisories on this site; but in this instance, it is warranted. Our own Deputy Minister of Aviation has just returned from an extensive trip(flying by private aircraft) to Mexico. He had been invited by a local organization to lecture on trends in Health Issues for pilots in upper age cohorts. During his travels, he was advised not to land or fly close to Durango State. We could add Lower Baja State, Sinaloa, of course, and Michoacan.
Recent murders have placed Mexico on our watch list for travelers. Find another place to spend your time and dollars. Too risky, despite the lack of official announcements from our State Department. That wouldn't sit well with businesses dependent on cross border traffic, legal cross border traffic, that is.
On top of it all, Pres. Obama's recent Executive Order altering immigration rules and policies will certainly affect the economy here and there.
So, be aware of the situation in our next door neighbor to the south, across the Rio Grande. Don't rely on opinions of travel agents for information about safety. Do your own research from several available sites.
Recent murders have placed Mexico on our watch list for travelers. Find another place to spend your time and dollars. Too risky, despite the lack of official announcements from our State Department. That wouldn't sit well with businesses dependent on cross border traffic, legal cross border traffic, that is.
On top of it all, Pres. Obama's recent Executive Order altering immigration rules and policies will certainly affect the economy here and there.
So, be aware of the situation in our next door neighbor to the south, across the Rio Grande. Don't rely on opinions of travel agents for information about safety. Do your own research from several available sites.
Oil Prices Plummet: Arabs Refuse to Stop Pumping
Mad Vlad of Kremlin fame must be wondering "What does a man have to do to get respect?". His rouble has crashed to new lows against the infernal dollar, and his oligarchs are crying out for relief. Meanwhile, down in Ukraine, the prime minister as been reaffirmed in his position after a parliamentary vote this week. His job secure, he can now deal with the countries sick economy. The IMF may have to revise its estimates of how much money will be needed to shore up the country's economy.
As long as the Russian Bear sits on its doorstep and continues to threaten a complete takeover, the country will remain unstable and a source of emigrants seeking refugee status in the west. As the price of oil continues going south, the outlook for Russia remains bleak. With 50% of her economy dependent on the sale of oil and natural gas, the slide in GDP will continue and western sanctions will forestall most if not all foreign investments.
This week, in France, prime minister Francois Hollande confirmed his country will not deliver the Mistral amphibious assault ship built for Russia and sold for $1.5 billions. Despite Russian sailors in France getting familiar with the operations of the ship, they will have to leave and go on a vacation, maybe to Crimea's beaches. Oh, too cold right now for holiday traffic.
Mad Vlad was in Vladivostok on the Russian east coast, talking to locals about What? Maybe he heard Scottish-like rumblings of independence, maybe not. But Vladivostok is a long, long, long way from Moscova, but close to Seoul, Beijing, Tokyo, and Pyongyang.
I expect Mad Vlad to visit Iran this week or next, to put another thumb in the eye of the West after the West's announcement that nuclear disarmament talks were extended past Monday's deadline for 7 more months. Good luck dealing with religious crazies under any circumstances, Vlad included.
As long as the Russian Bear sits on its doorstep and continues to threaten a complete takeover, the country will remain unstable and a source of emigrants seeking refugee status in the west. As the price of oil continues going south, the outlook for Russia remains bleak. With 50% of her economy dependent on the sale of oil and natural gas, the slide in GDP will continue and western sanctions will forestall most if not all foreign investments.
This week, in France, prime minister Francois Hollande confirmed his country will not deliver the Mistral amphibious assault ship built for Russia and sold for $1.5 billions. Despite Russian sailors in France getting familiar with the operations of the ship, they will have to leave and go on a vacation, maybe to Crimea's beaches. Oh, too cold right now for holiday traffic.
Mad Vlad was in Vladivostok on the Russian east coast, talking to locals about What? Maybe he heard Scottish-like rumblings of independence, maybe not. But Vladivostok is a long, long, long way from Moscova, but close to Seoul, Beijing, Tokyo, and Pyongyang.
I expect Mad Vlad to visit Iran this week or next, to put another thumb in the eye of the West after the West's announcement that nuclear disarmament talks were extended past Monday's deadline for 7 more months. Good luck dealing with religious crazies under any circumstances, Vlad included.
New Owners at Westside Pizza
The anticipated sale of our local pizza place has been accomplished. Joaquin completed the sale to a new partnership as of last month. This could mean some changes are on the way. Maybe the new owners will tackle the problems with their pizza dough issue. Comments on Yelp continue to mention the pizza dough as unpalatable. This is not a new problem and it won't go away. Maybe property owner Mr. Mariani will offer some sage advice; he knows good pizza when he tastes it. He's Italian.
The "New Ownership" sign offers the idea of changes and IMPROVEMENT. Could it be true or just a come on? Time will tell, and hopefully, changes will be good and accepted by the local customer base in Tahoma.
If the Norfolk Inn Hotel's new restaurant gets rolling soon, maybe Tahoma will become a mecca(sorry for using that generic term, if a little politically incorrect) for West Shore foodies. Tom Keller's iconic restaurant in St. Helena, The French Laundry, is closing soon for a remodel addition. Those customers need a place to go-Tahoma's opportunity!
Good luck to the new owners of West Side Pizza.
The "New Ownership" sign offers the idea of changes and IMPROVEMENT. Could it be true or just a come on? Time will tell, and hopefully, changes will be good and accepted by the local customer base in Tahoma.
If the Norfolk Inn Hotel's new restaurant gets rolling soon, maybe Tahoma will become a mecca(sorry for using that generic term, if a little politically incorrect) for West Shore foodies. Tom Keller's iconic restaurant in St. Helena, The French Laundry, is closing soon for a remodel addition. Those customers need a place to go-Tahoma's opportunity!
Good luck to the new owners of West Side Pizza.
Storm on Way: Too Warm For Snow
Another system is hours away, but skiers are not expecting much white stuff. Unlike a recent East Coast dump, this Western version is wet but warm. As a result, not much powder for the powder boys to enjoy this weekend. maybe next time. the classic storm door appears to be open, but we have to wait for lower temperatures to get our snow quotas up.
The Lake level is low, as one can see in front of Fanny Bridge: all but one gate are closed and there is no water flow through the one. Gravel beds are exposed along the stretch from Tahoe City to Truckee and Donner Creek is dry as Donner lake is low again.
So, enjoy the turkey leftovers, go out and spend your low gasoline price savings bonanza. Buy something useful, something with long term value, like a book, or a fishing pole, or a snow blower. Yes, you've wanted a new snow blower for years. Now.
There's more squabbling among OPEC members and no resolution or compromise in the offing. Bankers estimate that the spending public has just received an $85 billion dollar tax cut via the reduction in gasoline prices. Don't you feel better? Don't you feel like life is good, again? Yes, you might feel this way, but what of poor Mad Vlad Putin? He feels sick. Too bad for you, Mad Vlad.
The Lake level is low, as one can see in front of Fanny Bridge: all but one gate are closed and there is no water flow through the one. Gravel beds are exposed along the stretch from Tahoe City to Truckee and Donner Creek is dry as Donner lake is low again.
So, enjoy the turkey leftovers, go out and spend your low gasoline price savings bonanza. Buy something useful, something with long term value, like a book, or a fishing pole, or a snow blower. Yes, you've wanted a new snow blower for years. Now.
There's more squabbling among OPEC members and no resolution or compromise in the offing. Bankers estimate that the spending public has just received an $85 billion dollar tax cut via the reduction in gasoline prices. Don't you feel better? Don't you feel like life is good, again? Yes, you might feel this way, but what of poor Mad Vlad Putin? He feels sick. Too bad for you, Mad Vlad.
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Fanny Bridge and the Wye
For those who have been stuck in traffic in Tahoe City and who have altered plans because of the congestion on North Lake Blvd during the summer and winter weekends, relief may be on the way.
Caltrans announced another hearing date for public input regarding a complete makeover at the wye in Tahoe City. Long a source of community irritation, the traffic plan for change could be a winner. Lots of different ways to make improvements, especially now after the remake of the Bridgetenders' House and parking area/museum; the relocation of the main firehouse to the north side of town(1 block off the main highway) near the TCPUD office.
Any improvement would be welcomed, especially after sitting through one of those 2-3 mile backups on 89 that drive people to crazy alternatives.
Check out the CalTrans web site for meeting updates. Let's hope they get this done before the Homewood Mountain Resort begins construction.
Caltrans announced another hearing date for public input regarding a complete makeover at the wye in Tahoe City. Long a source of community irritation, the traffic plan for change could be a winner. Lots of different ways to make improvements, especially now after the remake of the Bridgetenders' House and parking area/museum; the relocation of the main firehouse to the north side of town(1 block off the main highway) near the TCPUD office.
Any improvement would be welcomed, especially after sitting through one of those 2-3 mile backups on 89 that drive people to crazy alternatives.
Check out the CalTrans web site for meeting updates. Let's hope they get this done before the Homewood Mountain Resort begins construction.
Washoe Tribe Community Meeting
Local property owners received a notice from the tribal council of a public meeting at the USFS building headquarters in South Lake yesterday. Unfortunately, the notice arrives too late for most residents to attend. Hmmmm. Business as usual for the tribe?
The notice includes a survey questionnaire seeking input for future changes at the meeks Bay Resort. The Forest Service has probably initiated plans to make some improvements, including an extension of the bike path all the way to the resort. This plan has been going on forever and may finally be imminent.
The tribe's address is included, and I would assume any reply would be included in their study of opinions/comments. For our neighborhood's sake, send in the survey-it can only help the West Shore.
The address:
919 Highway 395 South,
Gardnerville, NV 89410
phone (775)265-8600
So, if you enjoy a summer's day at our own sandy beach, complete with snack bar and small boat harbor, answer the ?'s, send it in.
The notice includes a survey questionnaire seeking input for future changes at the meeks Bay Resort. The Forest Service has probably initiated plans to make some improvements, including an extension of the bike path all the way to the resort. This plan has been going on forever and may finally be imminent.
The tribe's address is included, and I would assume any reply would be included in their study of opinions/comments. For our neighborhood's sake, send in the survey-it can only help the West Shore.
The address:
919 Highway 395 South,
Gardnerville, NV 89410
phone (775)265-8600
So, if you enjoy a summer's day at our own sandy beach, complete with snack bar and small boat harbor, answer the ?'s, send it in.
Thanksgiving Week 2014, Firewood Tip
Well, children, here we are again: the beginning of the "Holiday"season, 2014. The weather is changing, Caltrans has picked up most, if not all, their signage from Highway 89, and there's not a tourist in sight. The "'Tween" season we call it here in Tahoma. It's very quiet. Yesterday was gorgeous around the basin. It began well: a stunning sunrise up over the Carson Valley that brought ricocheting rays bouncing off of Rubicon Peak, Jakes Peak, Mount Tallac, and our own Eagle Rock. Actually, the Mayor was up in the wee hours, around 3am, to throw a log into the fireplace to keep a nice set of coals burning into the dawn. A glance to the outside revealed a clear night sky with an array of stars, some configured in constellation order. A predictor of a fine autumn day in the basin.
Some contractors were seen hurrying to their work, taking advantage of another snowless day that affords easy job site access and manageable temps. It's all good, they like to say.
The 2014/15 seasonal guides have been distributed far and wide. The Ski Sport guide is very well done this year-great resort maps and facility descriptions. The Homewood Ski resort looks huge on the graphic layout- are there really that many runs in Homewood? An added feature this year will be snowcat tours of the mountain. I got a closeup look at the vehicle(which doubles as a grader) since it is on display in front of the lodge. It will seat 8 adults comfortably + driver. For a non-skier with an adventurous spirit, it would be a nice experience, warm and cozy.
Obexers is making progress on the restaurant/lodge remodel across from the store-it's tevak wrapped, waiting for siding. No takers for the restaurant space yet, still hoping for some daring soul to take a considerable risk on on a high risk location in a high risk area. Does Obexers get it? I don't think so, given their recent history of tenants in the space. Hey, it's a resort location with a very limited market for 4 1/2 months of the year split between summer(2 months) and winter(maybe 2 1/2 months if lucky).
A few for sale signs pepper the roadway, but not much happening in real estate. That's normal for Tahoma in November.
Firewood Tip
One last note for those who still have to replenish your firewood bin. A cord of wood is a cord, is a cord, is a cord. A cord is a "tightly packed stack of split pieces 8' X 4' X 4'= 128 cubic feet of wood!
Not 110'cu. ft., not 100'cu. ft., not 115'cu.ft., but 128' cubic feet. I get constant complaints about " short cords". Take the time to measure out the load. Most sellers/ splitters give little effort to accuracy, except in their favor. Few, if any suppliers have uniform lengths in the mix. Sizes can range from 12" to 15" or 16". 3 rows of 16" pieces= 48" inches or 4' feet. When a delivery is made, grab a few sample pieces, measure the length of each, and make an estimate of overall sizes. If less than 16" on average, an adjustment is necessary to add up to a full cord. Why pay for less than delivered? It's good business to be accurate, on both sides of the transaction.
Some contractors were seen hurrying to their work, taking advantage of another snowless day that affords easy job site access and manageable temps. It's all good, they like to say.
The 2014/15 seasonal guides have been distributed far and wide. The Ski Sport guide is very well done this year-great resort maps and facility descriptions. The Homewood Ski resort looks huge on the graphic layout- are there really that many runs in Homewood? An added feature this year will be snowcat tours of the mountain. I got a closeup look at the vehicle(which doubles as a grader) since it is on display in front of the lodge. It will seat 8 adults comfortably + driver. For a non-skier with an adventurous spirit, it would be a nice experience, warm and cozy.
Obexers is making progress on the restaurant/lodge remodel across from the store-it's tevak wrapped, waiting for siding. No takers for the restaurant space yet, still hoping for some daring soul to take a considerable risk on on a high risk location in a high risk area. Does Obexers get it? I don't think so, given their recent history of tenants in the space. Hey, it's a resort location with a very limited market for 4 1/2 months of the year split between summer(2 months) and winter(maybe 2 1/2 months if lucky).
A few for sale signs pepper the roadway, but not much happening in real estate. That's normal for Tahoma in November.
Firewood Tip
One last note for those who still have to replenish your firewood bin. A cord of wood is a cord, is a cord, is a cord. A cord is a "tightly packed stack of split pieces 8' X 4' X 4'= 128 cubic feet of wood!
Not 110'cu. ft., not 100'cu. ft., not 115'cu.ft., but 128' cubic feet. I get constant complaints about " short cords". Take the time to measure out the load. Most sellers/ splitters give little effort to accuracy, except in their favor. Few, if any suppliers have uniform lengths in the mix. Sizes can range from 12" to 15" or 16". 3 rows of 16" pieces= 48" inches or 4' feet. When a delivery is made, grab a few sample pieces, measure the length of each, and make an estimate of overall sizes. If less than 16" on average, an adjustment is necessary to add up to a full cord. Why pay for less than delivered? It's good business to be accurate, on both sides of the transaction.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Book Review: "Black May", Michael Gannon,1998, Part 2
England was alone against the Nazis in the early years of the war, totally dependent on resupply from the United States by way of the convoy train that stretched across the North Atlantic. Faced with terrible weather, little or non existent air cover, and inconsistent naval escort service, the merchant marine ships were at the mercy of the U-Boat. For years, the convoy concept was a subject of debate, despite the mounting losses among independently routed ships. It was a cat and mouse game between 7 knot per hour ships and 12 knot per hour subs(on surface). As the tonnage figures climbed, Allied leaders needed to come up with a better plan. That plan was the convoy and an increase of small escort ships trained in aggressive anti-submarine warfare. Coupled with a break through in decryption, the solving of the ENIGMA coding machine used by the German Navy to signal its subs, the Allies were now ready to reverse the fortunes of its convoys and put the U-Boats on the defensive.
Utilizing number crunching mathematicians and convincing arguments, the Allied air forces began attacking U- Boats as they transited the Bay of Biscay into the Atlantic. On the open sea, patrol planes now aggressively attacked surfaced subs discovered by radar that was most recently added to their aircraft. In the end, 41 U-Boats were sunk in May, 1943, with a loss of most of their crews. This was double the replacement rate and acknowledged by Donitz as unsustainable losses.
Thus, the outcome of the war was pressed to its future end as a victory for the Allies over nazi Germany. Mr. Gannon made good use of German naval archives and was able to interview several surviving German Naval personnel who agreed to talk of their experiences. Not all would care to recall those days. Many claims, on both sides of the periscope, had these claims altered after post conflict examination. Claims of sinkings were changed to damaged or better. Sizes of merchant ships were drastically altered in many cases, reducing losses by considerable amounts.
A great read that captures the North Atlantic naval war against the submarine in all its aspects.
5 *****
Utilizing number crunching mathematicians and convincing arguments, the Allied air forces began attacking U- Boats as they transited the Bay of Biscay into the Atlantic. On the open sea, patrol planes now aggressively attacked surfaced subs discovered by radar that was most recently added to their aircraft. In the end, 41 U-Boats were sunk in May, 1943, with a loss of most of their crews. This was double the replacement rate and acknowledged by Donitz as unsustainable losses.
Thus, the outcome of the war was pressed to its future end as a victory for the Allies over nazi Germany. Mr. Gannon made good use of German naval archives and was able to interview several surviving German Naval personnel who agreed to talk of their experiences. Not all would care to recall those days. Many claims, on both sides of the periscope, had these claims altered after post conflict examination. Claims of sinkings were changed to damaged or better. Sizes of merchant ships were drastically altered in many cases, reducing losses by considerable amounts.
A great read that captures the North Atlantic naval war against the submarine in all its aspects.
5 *****
Obama on Immigration: November 20, 2014
President Obama will go before the nation tonight to outline his executive order that will give a framework to a new Federal Policy on Immigration. This is not a law but a policy. There's a difference not often understood by anyone, including the president. A simmering issue that has long divided the 2 major parties will now come to a boiling point and take over the headlines for months if not years as the country wrestles with this thorny topic which refuses to go away.
Coming as it does on the tail of the ACA of 2012, this immigration order will polarize an already polarized public. Dems and Republicans, already adjusting to election results from November 4th, 2014, will take the new order as the starting gun for Obama's last 2 years in office. While many immigrants, legal and illegal, will hail the order as progress, many will look askance at the affect on minorities across the country. Will it make a difference? How will that translate in terms of jobs, education, and border control. Will the border become calm and serene? Will the I.C.E. agents go home?
Hmmmm. It will be interesting. Just watch. Tonight, on TV.
Coming as it does on the tail of the ACA of 2012, this immigration order will polarize an already polarized public. Dems and Republicans, already adjusting to election results from November 4th, 2014, will take the new order as the starting gun for Obama's last 2 years in office. While many immigrants, legal and illegal, will hail the order as progress, many will look askance at the affect on minorities across the country. Will it make a difference? How will that translate in terms of jobs, education, and border control. Will the border become calm and serene? Will the I.C.E. agents go home?
Hmmmm. It will be interesting. Just watch. Tonight, on TV.
Book Review: "Black May" by Michael Gannon, Dell Books, 1998.
Reading a history written by an accomplished historian is always worth the effort and Michael Gannon's work is no exception. BLACK MAY , published in 1998, is an epic story of a brief period during the naval war of World War II. The story examines the events of May 1943 which marked the turning of the tide in the North Atlantic against Nazi Germany's U-Boats, which had been the scourge of all shipping since the outbreak of war in September, 1939.
Mr. Gannon is a professor emeritus of history at Univ. of Florida where he has taught for many years. He is the author of 7 other histories, including a history of Spanish Borderlands which garnered awards from the Spanish government. His timely effort led him to interviews with many of the surviving participants who were able to recall specific events and give personal recollections that add considerable color to the facts as they unfolded.
Prior to May '43, Allies were still struggling against Adm. Karl Donitz' submarines which had been operating from bases in occupied France. These base locations enabled the sub fleet to avoid the choke points in the Baltic Sea and the Iceland Gap. It also lowered turn around times for the boats, increasing an overall presence along convoy routes from North America to Western Europe and Russia's northern ports(Murmansk).
Much of this war-at-sea chronicle has been told, mentioned as a back story to the land and air war that captured headlines during the same period. Part of this can be explained by a few pertinent factors: few if any sailors on board a sub, survived a sinking; most didn't. Successful sub commanders usually were eventual casualties themselves as continued service would negate a good outcome. A majority of German subs never encountered a viable target. Gannon places the figure at over 50 per cent.
More later.
Mr. Gannon is a professor emeritus of history at Univ. of Florida where he has taught for many years. He is the author of 7 other histories, including a history of Spanish Borderlands which garnered awards from the Spanish government. His timely effort led him to interviews with many of the surviving participants who were able to recall specific events and give personal recollections that add considerable color to the facts as they unfolded.
Prior to May '43, Allies were still struggling against Adm. Karl Donitz' submarines which had been operating from bases in occupied France. These base locations enabled the sub fleet to avoid the choke points in the Baltic Sea and the Iceland Gap. It also lowered turn around times for the boats, increasing an overall presence along convoy routes from North America to Western Europe and Russia's northern ports(Murmansk).
Much of this war-at-sea chronicle has been told, mentioned as a back story to the land and air war that captured headlines during the same period. Part of this can be explained by a few pertinent factors: few if any sailors on board a sub, survived a sinking; most didn't. Successful sub commanders usually were eventual casualties themselves as continued service would negate a good outcome. A majority of German subs never encountered a viable target. Gannon places the figure at over 50 per cent.
More later.
Minister of Latin American Affairs Hits Road Again
Our indefatigable Minister continues his amazing 2014 schedule. Last week he visited Surinam at the request of their government office of Central Intelligence. Meetings were held over several days that discussed local and regional topics concerned with internet security. The weather was hot, humid, and generally normal for November. His hosts were very grateful for the timely response to their requests for "current state of affairs" discussions that came on short notice.
Our Minister was feted at a closing night social gathering where he was gifted with several tribute gifts.
He then hustled home to Washington, DC., where he met the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for a round of discussions about the calendar for 2015, which has to be on the next Tahoma Civic Affairs committee meeting in December. The discussions went well and specific details will be included on the agenda for that meeting. He then mentioned a departure time of Monday morning for a trip to Bogota'. No rest for the wicked.
Talk about timing: apparently, while his plane was in the air, an Army general from Colombia was kidnapped by FARC guerillas in eastern Colombia, even as their representatives were involved in peace talks with the national leaders of Colombia. What are they thinking?
We wait anxiously for his updated status report from Bogota'. He also noted before he departed that Bogota' is his favorite city in South America.
Updates later in the week.
Our Minister was feted at a closing night social gathering where he was gifted with several tribute gifts.
He then hustled home to Washington, DC., where he met the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for a round of discussions about the calendar for 2015, which has to be on the next Tahoma Civic Affairs committee meeting in December. The discussions went well and specific details will be included on the agenda for that meeting. He then mentioned a departure time of Monday morning for a trip to Bogota'. No rest for the wicked.
Talk about timing: apparently, while his plane was in the air, an Army general from Colombia was kidnapped by FARC guerillas in eastern Colombia, even as their representatives were involved in peace talks with the national leaders of Colombia. What are they thinking?
We wait anxiously for his updated status report from Bogota'. He also noted before he departed that Bogota' is his favorite city in South America.
Updates later in the week.
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Making Merry in Milano
The Summit meeting in Milano among European leaders apparently was not very cordial. German leader Angela Merkel had few encouraging words for her Russyan counterpart, mad Vlad Putin. Italian leaders present noted a particularly cool attitude of Mrs. Merkel toward Mr. Putin who tried in vain to discuss his Crimean adventure as a Russyan prerogative and a completed activity in
Novorussya, the old czarist term. Mr. Poroshenko of Ukraine did not buy into it and remarked that at least the representatives were in discussions despite the slim chance of settling any issues.
The Dance of Diplomacy is always a spectator sport as media types like the photo ops, and the diplomats like the food. The heavy lifting, of course, takes place behind closed doors. As Mr. Poroshenko said, "the implementation" has yet to be accomplished, referring to the peace agreement that has been signed over the Donbass in eastern Ukraine. This activity comes as background to the war in the Middle east that all parties are watching closely, as Turks, Kurds, Americans, Arabs, Brits, and more confront the Islamic murderers around the city of Kobani in Syria.
We in Tahoma are watching events closely.
Election Time
Jerry Brown, Governor of California, has his name on top of millions of ballots mailed out to voters in the last week. November 4th is weeks away, and the wily old veteran is hoping for one last term in the hot seat in Sacramento. Many of the ballot propositions will determine his legacy, which was bolstered this week by the state Supreme Court which refused to hear challenges to his High Speed Rail Project in the Central Valley in an effort to link LA and SF by high speed trains. His wish for twin aqueducts under the delta may not get past the discussion stage as environmentalists rip the proposal from every angle.
Don't forget to put a stamp on your ballot when you mail it in, if absentee. It will be returned: no freebie here.
Novorussya, the old czarist term. Mr. Poroshenko of Ukraine did not buy into it and remarked that at least the representatives were in discussions despite the slim chance of settling any issues.
The Dance of Diplomacy is always a spectator sport as media types like the photo ops, and the diplomats like the food. The heavy lifting, of course, takes place behind closed doors. As Mr. Poroshenko said, "the implementation" has yet to be accomplished, referring to the peace agreement that has been signed over the Donbass in eastern Ukraine. This activity comes as background to the war in the Middle east that all parties are watching closely, as Turks, Kurds, Americans, Arabs, Brits, and more confront the Islamic murderers around the city of Kobani in Syria.
We in Tahoma are watching events closely.
Election Time
Jerry Brown, Governor of California, has his name on top of millions of ballots mailed out to voters in the last week. November 4th is weeks away, and the wily old veteran is hoping for one last term in the hot seat in Sacramento. Many of the ballot propositions will determine his legacy, which was bolstered this week by the state Supreme Court which refused to hear challenges to his High Speed Rail Project in the Central Valley in an effort to link LA and SF by high speed trains. His wish for twin aqueducts under the delta may not get past the discussion stage as environmentalists rip the proposal from every angle.
Don't forget to put a stamp on your ballot when you mail it in, if absentee. It will be returned: no freebie here.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Please, Will Somebody Buy My Oil
It's hard to overlook, but gas prices at the pump are falling. Drivers are getting their Christmas gifts early. Almost a 15% drop in the last 2-3 weeks. But, this time: it's different. This could be a trend that could last for months, if not years. Why? No demand, or so much less demand as to depress prices. Fuel efficient vehicles, less travel, electric autos, hybrid autos, Elon Musk's multi billion dollar battery factory in Nevada. It's enough to make a sheik cry.
Saudi Arabia announces they will not stop pumping. Makes sense, why cut back and let the Americans get a toe hold in new markets? Seems like some economists haven't figured that one out yet. If the USA is pumping 3.5 million barrels extra into the pipeline, and there's already slack in the market, prices will come down. And they have, most everywhere.
Now, what happens next? Hmmm. Lots of folks are starting to make some dire predictions. If the market wants $85/ a barrel and your cost is $120/barrel, how long will you continue to produce at this price? Now we have Mr. Putin negotiating with his good Communists buddies down south: Chairman Xi and Co. The Chinese Communists like nice neat contracts with predictable outcomes. Mr. Putin likes to keep a steady income stream. Contracts, signed, Chairman go home happy, like kid with puppy.
Now what if you're Venezuela: inflation running high, crime rampant in the streets, and Cubans knocking on your door asking for favors(oil)? Not such a good situation. Not a lot of options, either. Others are controlling the market for your No. 1 product. The natives are restless; your allies are going silent; students are in the streets. What now , Mr. Maduro? Nationalization? Been there, done that. Free food? Done. I see trouble brewing in South America's largest oil producer. Could be a coup standing in the wings. Will Raul Castro show up in Venezuela as an "advisor"? Sort of like Russian troops showing up in Ukraine to protect "Russians".
Keep your eyes on the price of oil- it will move and move governments.
Saudi Arabia announces they will not stop pumping. Makes sense, why cut back and let the Americans get a toe hold in new markets? Seems like some economists haven't figured that one out yet. If the USA is pumping 3.5 million barrels extra into the pipeline, and there's already slack in the market, prices will come down. And they have, most everywhere.
Now, what happens next? Hmmm. Lots of folks are starting to make some dire predictions. If the market wants $85/ a barrel and your cost is $120/barrel, how long will you continue to produce at this price? Now we have Mr. Putin negotiating with his good Communists buddies down south: Chairman Xi and Co. The Chinese Communists like nice neat contracts with predictable outcomes. Mr. Putin likes to keep a steady income stream. Contracts, signed, Chairman go home happy, like kid with puppy.
Now what if you're Venezuela: inflation running high, crime rampant in the streets, and Cubans knocking on your door asking for favors(oil)? Not such a good situation. Not a lot of options, either. Others are controlling the market for your No. 1 product. The natives are restless; your allies are going silent; students are in the streets. What now , Mr. Maduro? Nationalization? Been there, done that. Free food? Done. I see trouble brewing in South America's largest oil producer. Could be a coup standing in the wings. Will Raul Castro show up in Venezuela as an "advisor"? Sort of like Russian troops showing up in Ukraine to protect "Russians".
Keep your eyes on the price of oil- it will move and move governments.
Movie Review: Io Sono Li, or Shun Li and the Poet
This film was chosen as a selection for the October Italian Film festival in the north Bay Area. It was chosen on the basis of the many awards received in many categories, including best actress, cinematography, supporting actor, screen play, and more.
The film is, of course, Italian in origin, and is filmed in and around the city of Venice, uniquely recognizable across many cultures. The film tells the story of a young Chinese woman, brought to Italy as a contract worker for a group of Chinese businessmen involved in the garment trade and restaurants. Shun Li is the young woman in the role of the contract worker. After a stint in the garment world, she is sent to Venice to work in a newly purchased waterfront restaurant that caters to the local fishermen who ply the local waters to make a living from the famous lagoon.
The poet, Bepi as he is known to his fellow fisherman, is a widower, well along in years, but not ready to call it quits as he finds meaning to his life on the lagoon and solace among the calm waters that surround his ramshackle house on stilts over the water. In time, viewers learn that the owners do not want their contract workers to associate with Italians; it would be bad for business. The boss threatens Shun Li: stop talking w/ the fishermen, or your work time contract begins again! Bepi doesn't understand Shun Li's new silence, and resents his pals objections to any relationship with foreign workers.
Later, Shun Li returns to the garment world and learns that her 8 yr old son has arrived from China and her bond has been paid by an unknown benefactor(not Bepi). Now free, she returns one day to Venice to thank Bepi for his kindness only to learn he has died, and has left her his fishing station. As a final request, Bepi asked her in a letter to give him a "poet's Funeral'. With the help of another of Bepi's fisherman friends, they make a final visit to the shack, which Shun Li douses with fuel oil and ignites with a torch.
A touching, moving film of different cultures coming together in very human ways. Beautifully photographed, terrific acting by the principles with good dialogue that serves to complement the thoughtful production. Much of the dialogue is in Chinese, with subtitles.
5 stars*****
The film is, of course, Italian in origin, and is filmed in and around the city of Venice, uniquely recognizable across many cultures. The film tells the story of a young Chinese woman, brought to Italy as a contract worker for a group of Chinese businessmen involved in the garment trade and restaurants. Shun Li is the young woman in the role of the contract worker. After a stint in the garment world, she is sent to Venice to work in a newly purchased waterfront restaurant that caters to the local fishermen who ply the local waters to make a living from the famous lagoon.
The poet, Bepi as he is known to his fellow fisherman, is a widower, well along in years, but not ready to call it quits as he finds meaning to his life on the lagoon and solace among the calm waters that surround his ramshackle house on stilts over the water. In time, viewers learn that the owners do not want their contract workers to associate with Italians; it would be bad for business. The boss threatens Shun Li: stop talking w/ the fishermen, or your work time contract begins again! Bepi doesn't understand Shun Li's new silence, and resents his pals objections to any relationship with foreign workers.
Later, Shun Li returns to the garment world and learns that her 8 yr old son has arrived from China and her bond has been paid by an unknown benefactor(not Bepi). Now free, she returns one day to Venice to thank Bepi for his kindness only to learn he has died, and has left her his fishing station. As a final request, Bepi asked her in a letter to give him a "poet's Funeral'. With the help of another of Bepi's fisherman friends, they make a final visit to the shack, which Shun Li douses with fuel oil and ignites with a torch.
A touching, moving film of different cultures coming together in very human ways. Beautifully photographed, terrific acting by the principles with good dialogue that serves to complement the thoughtful production. Much of the dialogue is in Chinese, with subtitles.
5 stars*****
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