Last Meal of 2015: A Good One

      We cooked in tonight; with some effort and planning, a memorable New year's Eve dinner of short ribs, mashies, garlic bread, beans, an asparigi.  And a fine Bordeaux to complement the feast.

French Bordeaux Excellence

                                  Happy New Year to all Tahomans!

2015: Winding Down

     Children: it's been an amazing year at Lake Tahoe, but as always, not without controversy and important local issues.  The Highway 89 improvement program by Cal trans continues apace.  Ski conditions were hampered last winter('15) by lack of snow; this winter=better all around so far with over 7' of snow on the Homewood Mountain.
     The lake itself was at its lowest ever by late September, well below the dam at Tahoe City.  The lakeshore at the Truckee River outfall was easily walkable for the first time in a long long time.  Construction of some remodelled properties in downtown Tahoma continues, and the business climate appears to have been rejuvenated as the state's economy improves generally and somewhat better locally.  Real estate prices remain below 2008 levels, but stability seems the order of the day.
    The summer Lake summit conference promises more effort to preserve the water quality amid calls for increased runoff control and interception of sediment.  Forest fires were in evidence outside the basin, near Markleeville; but our basin area was spared this year.  Forest management efforts will continue with controlled burns and removal and clearance of under brush is the current focus.
Happy New Y

Shasta

view from Eagle Rock, west

ear

Jerry Brown: California's Chief Rancher

       Jerry Brown, lifelong politician, enjoys quiet time with his wife and their two dogs.  Where does the Guv go to enjoy his quiet time?  To his family ranch in nearby Williams, CA.  Well, it is outside of town a bit.  Every weekend(almost), he's a rancher.  Well, not like Ronald Reagan-he isn't chopping wood or riding broncos, or roping steers.  He's meditating, cogitating, contemplating, and relevating.  He's a thinking man's governor.  He likes to think strategic thoughts.  He's also a democrat, son of a former governor, Jesuit trained.  He can appreciate the environment, too.  He's a Californian, through and through.  Yes, sir.  Our Man in Sacramento.  Sleeps in a tool shed while at the ranch-no heat- no room for a heater anywhere.  Just enough room for a bed for he and the Missus and the 2 canines.  Cozy.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Book Review: Amur River: The Story

   Do you like geography?  Do you like a good natural history?  Read this book.

Warrior's Road Trip

      No, we aren't talking about real warriors, but the Golden State Warriors, NBA Champs.  They clipped the Sacramento Kings last night at home, for a 5-0 home stint.  They will now take their No. 1 position for a holiday road trip.  The NFL season is coming to an end, thankfully, and the playoffs are slated to begin in 2 weeks or so.  Thrilled, are you, Laddie?
      Well, enjoy watching Steph Curry-he's magic in motion.  What a talent!  He's the best passer on the best passing team in the NBA.  
     What fun.!

Mr. Putin's Holiday Headache

     Won't somebody stop pumping oil?  Won't the Saudis turn off the faucet?  Why are Venezuelans selling oil at these low prices?  Why are Canadians fracking the oil shales out West?  Why won't my fellow Russyans hold roubles- aren't they concerned about Mother Russya? "Woe, woe, woe is me," says Vova.
     What has caused this end of the year malaise?  Price of oil is going down, again.  The rouble hits a new low against the dollar for 2015.  "Oh, I hate that stupid dollar.  I know I have some in a Swiss Bank, but not more than a billion or two," says Vlady.  Perhaps the Russyan president can hope that 2016 will see an uptick in price per barrel prices.  Ha, ha, ha, ha.  Fat chance.  The outlook is for continued price declines, which = further declines in the economy run by the Kremlinistas.  Without even trying(he's even in Hawaii with the fam), Obama has managed to kick Vova in the shins from 8000 miles away.  The dollar climbed 2.2% to 72.19 roubles, coinciding with a decline in Brent crude futures below $37 a barrel. Tsk, tsk.  Other countries currencies also felt the effects of oil price declines.  Brazil, Turkey, and South Africa suffered loses in values against the dollar.  Mexico's peso suffered a 4% decline this month.  Sergey Romanchuk, chief trader at Mettallinvestbank, said, "We are hostages of the main factor--prices for oil." Live by crude prices,  die by crude prices.
      So, the Russyan economy will contract again in 2016, but the little ex-KGB colonel/mayoral assistant of St. Petersburg, will strut around and go to the beach at Sochi, take some sun, look over the women from Belarus, Moldova, and Armenia.  Please, no Chechens.   Without a growth in investments, and poor consumer demand, the poor citizen will have to accept the blabber mouths in the Kremlin for another few years while the USA economy picks up speed going into the final year of Obama's administration and the November elections of 2016.
Happy New Year to all in the Largest Country in the World

Tim Egan on Bromance

      So, we've been subjected to a barrage of comments and commentary on published reports of US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and Russya's president Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin exchanging complimentary words and phrases.  Yuk.  No doubt pundits enjoy this type of reporting because it is done with levity and mindlessness(not mindfulness, that's different).  Mr. Egan writes a column for the NY Times OP Ed pages.  The day after Christmas, he wrote a column that included moments of "qualified joy".
      So, what he says is:
      Trump and Putin find each other.  the bromance between two of the most ODIOUS, BULLYING, NARCISSISTIC TYRANTS has been building for some time.  Now, they have professed their mutual affection for each other.  The Russyan president, Mr. Putin, invades countries, stifles dissidents, and has been accused of killing those who oppose him.  For that, Donald Trump says he is worthy of admiration.  Trump sneers at women, the disabled, blacks, Mexicans, Muslims, veterans and anyone who is unattractive.  "He is  a really brilliant and talented person,: said Putin.  The vulgarian and the war criminal, together at last.
     He ended his last column of the year with a salute to those who expressed in answers to a poll that they would be embarrassed if Donald trump was  elected president.
     Where's the photo of Putin and the Orthodox prelate strolling from the cathedral?

Are Russyans Suffering From PTSD?

      Another Russyan athlete has been banned for PED's.   No doubt encouraged by coaches and fellow teammates, the performance enhancing chemicals are taken with full knowledge of risks, both to long term health and to banishment from international competition for years if not for life.  It has become a constant among young, high performing athletes from the old Soviet Union, now the Putin-led post Soviet Russya.   Why do these athletes continue the abuse of rules and regulations regarding PED's?  Because they've lived lives of success based on fraud?  Because they, as a group, think that is the surest path to the podium?   Why would this persist beyond 1989?  PTSD.
      Modern psychologists are coming to the opinion that those who live today in post Soviet Russya are suffering from the effects of 75 years of Soviet communism, when paranoia set in as a result of Stalin and his own paranoia.  Nobody was immune from his climate of fear: no one.  Scientists have discovered a possible transmission agent for this paranoia: the human epi-genome, or the outer shell of the genome.  The varied explanations for cultural characteristics ascribed to modern Russyans all fail to explain why they fear :1) encirclement, 2) invasion, 3) economic isolation, 4) all things European, 5) impotency, and 6) 2nd class status.  PTSD explains all of it.  The cultural trauma suffered by an entire people is more than enough.  The mass murder, the mass starvation, the mass incarcerations, and the mass out migration caused these trauma that traversed almost 4 generations of Russyans.   What can we do to help these unfortunate victims?  First, we must recognize the PTSD.  Then, follow a path to assist the victims in recovery.  It can be done; and the world will be better off for it.

Airport Delivery Services-Christmas Day

   As often happens around the holidays, families have members in  motion- 100 million Americans will be traveling this weekend more than 50 miles by car.  How many will be flying?  A lot less.  But, with air fares dynamically priced(adjusted to accommodate market forces, ie. numbers of buyers) prices on the day of are priced much lower.
     So, the Mayor was driving to SFO this morning at dawn to facilitate the schedule of family members embarking on a transcontinental flight.  It is a beautiful morning as we crossed the Golden Gate Bridge, looking east as a few clouds, tinted orange on the bottom, announced the coming sunrise.  We gazed at "The Rock", the storied former federal prison of Alcatraz, as tidal currents swirled about its mid-channel position.  The southern tip of Angel Island was seen, but its wind mill towers were lost in the morning mists.
      Not a boat nor a ship could be found anywhere, the usual fishing boats snug at their berths at Fishermens' Wharf and Pier 39.   The Marin Headlands, guarding the Gate, were devoid  of hikers and photographers, thrill seekers, and dawn watchers.   Traffic, as expected was non-existent.  We passed through Golden Gate Park, on down 19th Avenue, the pitted excuse for a highway, a civic embarrassment, and a bane to all drivers.  I hit one pothole that was almost invisible until the last minute and let out a curse directed at Mayor Ed Lee and his board of supervisors who can approve a billion dollar subway extension to Chinatown, but can't pave a major cross City artery.   Shame on them and the City for punishing drivers by neglect of 19th Avenue.
       Arriving at SFO, we cruised to Terminal 1 for Southwest Air, found a curbside spot, and gave our family members a hug and a kiss as they picked up the luggage from the trunk and headed for the gate(security screening, etc.).   They were right on time- with plenty of time to sit, have a coffee, and rest before boarding.  Experienced travelers, they know the benefits of early arrival.
     We'll be back again to retrieve them on -----New Year's Day.  Another day with discounted fares.
Merry Christmas from Tahoma

Snow at Tahoma

     Yes, that's snow.  Get your shovels and get to it before the guests arrive.  Use your blowers,keep your tire cables handy or put on the studded tires-it's time.  With some high winds predicted today, one should be flexible about timing your day's activities.   The resorts know that trying to ski or ride the lift with 40-60 knot winds makes everyone miserable, so they will shut down those lifts that would place guests in hazardous situations(whiteouts, icy surfaces, lift stoppages, mechanical break downs).
       After some morning snow flurries, the local weather should improve, with sun this afternoon and tomorrow.  So, ski bums, enjoy this holiday weekend at Tahoma, Meeks, and Homewood-our little slice of the world.

Cornell University: The Anti-Christmas University

     That Manhattan bastion of East Coast liberalism has published school guidelines for a nice "holiday" period, so as all students and faculty can be forever happy.  The following are banned:

• Nativity scene
• Menorah
• Angels
• Mistletoe
• Stars at the top of trees
• Crosses

• Star of David                                                                                                                                                    

The Tree:2015

Take a look:

The Tree as we Know It

Ski Conditions Improving by the Hour

     With light snow falling overnight and clearing skies today, skiers are enjoying prime time on local slopes.  Homewood Resort is touting its 5'8" of snow pack on top, and almost 28" at the lodge.  This makes for excellent conditions for all levels of skill.
     We will follow all resort updates to pass on to Tahoma skiers.

Obama Black LIsts Russyans

     Two of Vlad Putin's closest amigos, the Rotenberg brothers, were added to the list of individuals who will endure sanctions from the US dept. of Justice, limiting their ability to engage in financial, banking and trade deals with countries in the West.
    These billionaires have been Putin's most prominent supporters.   These restrictions will continue the pressure on the Russyans making their home in the Kremlin.  As oil prices continue their slide the Russyan economy will sink to modern lows as GDP in Russya suffers the effects of recession and negative growth.  No matter what policies the Kremlin tries to reverse the slide, world oil markets are now in control of Russya's future, putting the Kremlin between a rock and a hard place. With the Syrian situation completely out of control, and Ukraine is starting to reach out to former rebels who have become increasingly disillusioned with MOskova's efforts to break off the Donbass region from Ukraine and join the adjacent Russyan oblast.
     The little ex-KGB Col. is learning the ways of the world-the hard way.   

Snow Shoes At The Lake

       Well, it's winter-there's snow on the ground.  The Minister of Manufacturing and Minister of Metallurgical Engineering were visiting from SoCal for the week.  First question:"Where are the snowshoes?"  So, after a few lessons of how to don the equipment, the sun came out and off they went to Meeks Bay Meadow into some nice powder along the creek.  Their pup joined them to keep them company.  They had a nice experience.
       It looks like snow will be here most of the week-good news!  All the visitors will enjoy the weather as it develops:cold, maybe some rain during the day at lakeshore, snow above 7000'.  Perfect!
    Drive carefully.

US Arrests Venezuelans

     After a lengthy investigation, US authorities, with warrants issued by a federal judge, arrested 2 Venezuelan nationals living in the US.  They were to be charged with various counts of bribery and conspiracy related to the oil business as it is conducted globally using Venezuelan oil.  Roberto Rincon, 55, was arrested in Houston.  The other arrest was made in Miami, Florida: that would be Mr. Abraham Jose Shiera, 52, who lives in Coral Gables, Florida.  These arrests were made as part of the US ongoing investigation into drug trafficking, money laundering and other crimes in Venezuela that involve high-ranking military officers and officials in Nicolas Maduro's government.  ^ other military officers will be charged in the near future. 
      The businessmen are involved in the oil production services industry that provides over $500 million in annual services to the industry, much of it going to Citgo.  And why is Citgo allowed to continue operating in the US.  Hmmmmm.  Who's paying whom, when?
     Mr. Rincon is listed as a director of Houston-based Tradequip Services & Marine, a supply company that lists  PdVSA as a client on its website.  US authorities allege that the schemes involves looting billions of through kickbacks, over-invoicing, and scamming currency controls and then moving the profits to --US BANKS!!!
     This comes after JP MORGAN agreed to pay a large fine for more violations of federal banking laws.  Are there any banks that play fair?  Play by rules?  Act in a client-oriented manner with some moral behavior?  What is it about modern banking that seems to be just plain corrupt?  As though rules no longer mattered?
    Nicolas Maduro is just a reconfigured extension of Hugo Chavez, the former Looter-in-Chief of Venezuela.  Maduro just continued to extend his Loot First, Then Govern Policies.
   It must be the water in the southern hemisphere.
 
 

F.I.F.A.: A Corrupt `Organized Body of Criminals

     Well, sports fans, the other  shoe has dropped.  The board decision was rendered and Sepp Blatter has been suspended for 8 years.  Until he's 96.  Hmmm.   But, the entire apparatus has been delineated, and it isn't pretty.  Seems that Latin or South America is the undisputed King of Corruption.  Let's go over the list.  It was published graphically in the Sunday NYTimes.com., Sports Sunday section.  It seems no country was immune, and the biggest players were the biggest crooks. Brazil has 6 crooks, 1, Jose' Hawilla will pay the US 151.7 millions from his cash hoard.  In Argentina, 5 crooks were in the group. 1,  Alejandro Burzaco, will pay $21.7 million to US Dept. of Justice.
     Interesting fact: the average age of defendants: 62 years old; and 33% of defendants pleaded guilty.  In that group-28 were soccer officials(FIFA, etc)11 were businessmen; and 2 were corporations.
    Victims-countless fans throughout the Americas; players; families, and small businesses that had to pay to play the corrupt administrators of the organization of the criminal gang.

Inflation: Latin American Style

   The Mayor was gazing at exchange rates this morning in the WSJ.  It's shocking what has occurred in Brazil and Argentina over the past 12 months.  The poor worker has taken it in the shorts.  The Argentine peso has lost 55% of its value relative to the dollar.  The Brazilian relais has lost 49.9% of its value; and the Colombian peso, 40%.  Now the Venezuelan fuerte lost only.2%, but that covers up all the other economic problems there.
    Canada lost 20% of its dollar value; Uruguay, 24%; Chile, 15%; Mexico,16.3%; Peru, 13%.  And the bright star-Ecuador= 0%-it's tied to the US dollar.  Bravo Ecuador.
     Perhaps things will change.  Change is the name of the Latin American game(see Cuba/USA relations).   The Euro lost just 11.3%, and the filthy rouble just 16.8% of its value, despite all Mr. Putin's foreign affairs gaffs.   We won't even discuss Kazakhstan at 87.5% loss.
    America seems to be leading the world back to economic growth.  Great.  But let's not forget that the UK and Switzerland have to clean up their systems to make the global economy work better.  And don't forget Africa-Subsaharan-it doesn't even rate coverage.
Have a nice day.

Christmas Week in Tahoma

     Well, here we are boys and girls:  Christmas Week, 2015, Tahoma, California, next to the Lake in the Sky-Lake Tahoe.  Ringed in snow, trees dusted in the familiar white blanket of Winter's coat, visitors arriving by the hour to taste the flavor of alpine bliss.   I know, the description is a bit much.  But, it's Christmas Week.  The Minister of Manufacturing is due to arrive today from his SoCal redoubt for a week of skiing and fooling around.  He might even get out his snow board and hit the Homewood Resort.  I hope so.   I want him to try the Drone Service now available to guests at the resort.
      Maybe he'll get the video and he'll share it with Tahomans on Facebook or YouTube or ?????
We could check out his style-see if he's still got it at his advanced age.
       Snow is forecast off and on most of the week.  That is a great forecast for visitors: just enough to make skiing great, but not enough to keep one off the roads.  But, be prudent with driving, don't forget cable chains, etc.   Carry extra fuel, emergency flares, cell phones, extra warm gear, and don't be stupid.
     Enjoy the Tahoma Experience.  Visit Where We Met in downtown Tahoma and buy an espresso or 2.

Homewood Drones

     Well, you knew it had to happen, and here it is in Tahoma's backyard.  Homewood Ski Resort is offering a video via a drone of 3 runs at the mountain.  For $149./ per skier, a guest will receive a professionally edited video that can be uploaded to any of several social media sites that the skier desires to share with friends.   now, of course, it's weather dependent, plus quality and accuracy is just as important.  But, it does offer something for those who don't want to be bothered with their own equipment that might spoil the runs during the day.
       I'll have to check Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows to see if their services are comparable.  NO doubt, one can get a variation of this service at any or all of the ski resorts.   It replaces the video camera guy who followed you down the run, then gave you the video tape.  Now he just hits send and it's on your phone.  Amazing this technology era we live in.

Dilma Dumps Finance Chief

     Sagging Dilma, president of Brazil is just about out of ammunition.   But, she's still trying.  She fired her chief economist, Mr. Levy, and replaced him with Mr. Barbosa.  NO, not the NBA basketball star, his cousin or relative.  She needed an ally in Congress to put off impeachment proceedings against her.  Good luck. 

David Cameron Wants the UK to be Totally Irrelevant

     So, Mr. Cameron.  Feeling a bit light in the pants?   Maybe you reflect some unnamed group of UK voters, maybe not.  Maybe you want to win points over Hollande and Merkel.  No matter, Brits really are irrelevant today and your efforts won't change that.   Sure, Russya and Ukraine might go to court in the UK to resolve their differences using your sham court system.  But, pull out of the EU.  Now that's a funny one.  We guess here in Tahoma that it's pure Parliament-style politics.  Boring.  Think what it will mean to the blokes in Liverpool and Birmingham-no jobs, no future, no hope.
      Try thinking outside the box, might help.  Then think of Scotland.  Then think of the Queen, etc.
Go ahead, have a vote.  No matter.  Brits will still come up irrelevant.

China Signals the World

     Hey, We're China and we're not taking it anymore.   Ok.  Then why pronounce to the world that we're taking over the South China Sea and all the navigable waters surrounding a pile of rocks out there?   Because, like the largest country in the world, Russya, they've got lots of self- inflicted wounds at home, and the communist government needs a topic to divert attention from its own failings.  Result:  they cry, Foul, as a US air force B-52 bomber flies close to one of their rocks.
     Come on, are you going to stop buying Apple iphones?  No.  Then shut up.  There's already too much discord around this globe;  we don't need Chinese rattling about the world's oceans crying foul. Enough.

Sovok, Sovok, Sovok

      Have you used this word in a sentence?   Probably not.  It is a Russyan word that is a derogatory epithet for the Soviet mentality.  You won't hear it used in Tahoma.  Not yet, anyway.   Maybe after the World Cup in 2020.
     It was used recently by Svetlana Alexievich.  All you lit junkies know her.  Men in the street, not so much.   If you follow Nobel Prize awards, you know she received the 2015 Prize in Literature.  Nice feather in the hat for a Russkie.  She included in her acceptance speech in Stockholm a bit a history of communism and a bit of Russyan history as it pertains to the Russya in the 20th century.  She quoted Varlam Shalamov(Russyan era author).  She went on to say that this pursuit of utopia ended up only in a sea of blood and millions of wasted lives.  She claims that the "Red Empire" is gone, but the "Red Man", homo sovieticus,  remains.  He endures(her words).  She claims many of her friends and her Father and his friends came from the same place-socialism.  Romantics she says.  Dreamers.  Today they are called slavery romantics.  Slaves of utopia.
     Ms. Alexievich received her award on Dec. 7, 2015.  Hmmmmm. 

Call of the Sea Ship Sails

yacht Seaward, 82', Sausalito, Ca, US Army Corps pier

    The Mayor was sitting on the dock of the Bay yesterday to watch the departure of the yacht Seaward, the 82' two-masted vessel that belongs to the Call of the Sea Foundation  of Sausalito, CA.  The vessel is heading south to Mexico's west coast for the winter, to return to San Francisco Bay in April, 2016.  With a crew of 7 under Capt. Dave, the ship will take paying passengers on week -long cruises to various ports along the Mexican coast.
      These trips are relaxing, but educational, as Captain and crew enlist guests to help out with various ship-board duties, and to learn the methods of cruising aboard a large sail boat.  The comfortable below decks space can accommodate at least 8 passengers, plus crew.  The main cabin has a well-equipped galley that provides all modern appliances.
     When in home port, the Seaward is a floating classroom, used to take students from all over the Bay Area onto SF Bay to learn about geography, oceanography, and seamanship.  The Call of the Sea has been supporting students with its programs for over 20 years.   Director Charles Hart manages the foundation, and also provides leadership for its Matthew Turner shipbuilding project at the Army Corps pier(under the tent).
     As a winter storm approaches, Captain Dave did not hesitate to say he would be ahead of the front as he guides the boat south along California's coast.
 Bon Voyage, Seaward.  

Mad Vlad's Annual Q & A Session 2015

      So, here we have President/ Oligarch/KGB Graduate/ Militarist/Horseback riding/Nature Boy expounding on economics.  He said that the Russyan economy will return to positive territory next year and begin the long climb back to respectability.   Ha, ha, ha,ha.  All this rot is based on $50/barrel oil++++.  Fat chance.  With a glut on the market and Iran waiting in the wings to challenge the Saudis once again, there is a snowball's chance in hell of seeing $50 oil in 2016.  The USA will be happy to see $25/barrel oil.  Mr. Vladimir, not so much.
     I think that the average Russkie in the streets of Moskova would be happy if he could go to Sochi for a weekend on a plane that won't crash or get blown out of the sky by a crazy Chechen or a disgruntled Crimean or Ukrainian nationalist disguised as Belarusyan in a hijab.  This ongoing Kremlin charade serves the usual and customary purpose of keeping the Russyan population enthrall, and hopeful in face of all contrary evidence.
     No doubt citizens are waiting for the next election cycle when they can turn to Mr. Medvedev for rescue.  Oh, wait a minute.  They already did that.  And Vova ran away with the country.   Hmmmm.  Welcome to those who live in the largest country in the world.

Buy Propane-Now

      So, commodity prices continue their slide south.   Most prices in New York were down including copper, gold, oil, and natural gas.  Which brings us to the topic at hand: propane for Tahoma residents.  Since the few suppliers know that snow is falling, they feel confident they can get the price offered.  Now you know that there is a gargantuan surplus out there; so- negotiate downward.  It's easy just say, "It's too high.  Co. X is down to $1.40/gal. delivered."  They will then make a new, lower offer.  Then make a counter off.  You will be amazed what happens then.  Always keep in mind current 'retail price is $0.35/gal.  Think of monopoly, anti-competitive forces, and collusion at play here.  Thank you, Democrats and Republicans for your efforts on behalf of consumers.
    Meanwhile, gold is at it's lowest since 2009.  Hmmm.  Maybe a few krugarands in the portfolio would be nice....or, a pre-revolutionary Russyan gold coin.  No, just joking.

President Macri Makes a Difference

      The newly elected president of Argentina, Mr. Mauricio Macri' has been busy since winning the position over ex-president Kristina Kirchner's hand-picked successor.  Mr. macri has lowered personal income taxes; eliminated export taxes on most agricultural exports(except soybeans); and appointed to new supreme court justices by decree.  They were welcomed by the head of the court which helped quell some dissension in legal circles.
      Mr. Macri expressed a continued effort to reverse the poor economic conditions which has left the country with a poverty rate of 29%.  Inflation has been running close to 25% annually, and monetary controls have been in place to keep private funds from exiting the country.  He will eliminate most prices controls, and a devaluation of the peso will probably follow.  Head of the Economic Bureau says that this changes has already been in place with price increases and will not cause further inflation.
     Mr. Macri has a long way to go after 9 years of Kirchners.   They hope they don't end up like Brazil.  But, lots of work lies ahead.   The credit worthiness of the country must be improved if foreign investors are expected to return to the Pampas and Patagonia.   Good luck, Mr. Macri.

Marine La Pen Acquitted in France

      Marine La Pen of France was acquitted by a court in France after she was charged of inciting racial hatred at a political rally in 2010 when she compared  Muslims street prayers to occupying Nazi forces during WW II.  The judge said Ms. La Pen did not urge hatred.  Ms. La Pen is head of the national Front Political Party in France, the far right party that has become a leader of conservatives in France and has advocated against taking refugees into Europe from Syria.
EU Looks for Refugee Solution
     Meanwhile, politicians at the EU center in Brussels continue to wrestle with a plan to implement across the membership of the EU zone of what to do about the hoards of refugees descending on the continent from the Muslim countries in the Middle east where war has driven refugees from their countries.  The EU plan involves taking refugees directly from Turkey rather than having them cross the Med from Turkey to Greece.   The EU has offered billions to Turkey to assist in the effort.  The EU would then distribute the refugees among member states with quotas for each.  The executive of the EU asked that Sweden be exempt for 1 year from accepting refugees that arrived in Greece and Italy.   Smugglers will not like this arrangement at it surely will crimp their business.

FED Follows Through

    The interest rate raise by the Federal Reserve Bank in the US was finally, after much punditry, raised rates a paltry, insignificant 0.25%.   But the fact of the matter is that this raise signifies the first increase in almost 9 years, and the first increase since the end of the Great Recession of 2008.(remember 2008?)  Nobody else does either.
    Janet Yellen, head of Fed Res Bank, says that this will work.  The bank chief has been explaining the move for months and it has finally happened without making many waves.  The markets responded with a move up by a few hundred points.  This comes amidst a continued slump in the price of oil around the world.  Gasoline prices at the pump are sliding,too, averaging about $2.00/gal in US($3.00/gal. in China-government decree).  natural gas prices are also sliding as unseasonal warm temperatures roll across New England and the upper Mid West.   Forecasters call for 65 F degrees in NYC on Christmas.   Propane prices are also lower than other times.  Buy signals are in!
Buy Propane
     Today's market retail price: $0.36/gal. delivered.  So, if your tank is empty or less than 25%, buy today, suppliers are facing dramatic amounts of product they can't move; and they already have committed to futures they have under contract and can't store anywhere.  Buy now.

Putin Berated by ISIS Executioner

      So, now Mr. Putin is being berated by a named Russyan who has joined ISIS after converting to Islam.  He appeared in a video which showed the throat-cutting execution of another Russyan citizen who identified himself as a Russyan informant sent to gather information for the Kremlin.  After he made these statements, the Russyan Islamist took a sharpened knife and sliced open the jugular vein of the the admitted spy.
      So, now fear will roll across the steppes, sending its rippling wave over the population that will cower as the Russyan military continues to bomb rebel targets in Syria and continues to send men and equipment to fight for Al Assad's regime.
     Will Mr. Putin say something to calm the fears?   Will he pull back from his foreign intrusions in Crimea and Ukraine which caused EU and American sanctions to be put in place?  Will he survive another oil price drop when Iran oil arrives on the world market next year?  It seems to the Mayor that the arrival of ANY more oil on the world market will drive the price to $20/barrel which will further bankrupt many oil producing nations, including Saudi Arabia.
     Good morning, America.

Republicans Debate

     The last Republican Debate of 2015 is currently being broadcast, live.  These candidates will express views in a bid to gather support for their respective campaigns.  Candidate Trump says he will build that wall.
     Watch it.

Russyan Carpet Bombing in Syria Draws Fire

      Coalition military analysts have raised the issue of Russya's military tactics being used against Syrian rebels.  The airforces used by Russya have been indiscriminantly bombing targets without regard for collateral civilian damages.  US force commanders question whether or not any useful cooperation with Russya would alter results.   Apparently, Russyan aircraft are so old as to be unable to target military sites with any degree of accuracy.  This underscores the half-hearted efforts of Mr. Putin to enhance the Russyan effort in the 5 year ongoing war between Al Assad and anti- Assad rebels.   ISIS troops are operating close by, taking advantage of the situation.
     Intelligence collection of post-operational results indicate targets in the vicinity of military sites were routinely included as part of the aerial operations.  All this information indicates a degree of ineptitude on part of Russyan planners.  It underscores the difficulties facing all parties involved in Syria and does little to alleviate concerns about motives of Russyan politicians, ie. Mr. Putin.  Just yesterday, EU Commission noted they are extending economic sanctions against Russya because of the country's lack of change in Ukraine as per the provisions of the Minsk Accord signed earlier.
So, the Kremlinistas continue their geopolitical moves on the Eurasian stage.

Russya Beyond the Headlines

     RBTH ran a story about oil and Russya's economic conditions.  They mentioned a price of oil at $55/barrel.  Hmmm.  Do local Russyan citizens think there is any truth to this statement?  $when did we last see oil at this price?  A long time ago, before Sochi, before Crimea, before Ukraine, before Syria.  So why does RBTH make this obvious mistake?   Who knows?

OLigarch in Trouble

      Oh, Mr. Mikhail Khodorkovsky, you thought it was over between us? Not so fast.  Mr. Putin's nemesis has been charged with two murders that occurred 18 years ago.  Hmmmm.  Why now, these charges?  Mr. K must be dealt with..Hmmm?  Is it the price of oil, sliding south and giving Mr. Putin one, big headache?  Could be.   Maybe Mikhail's continuing campaign of vocal criticism of Russya's president is starting to wear thin in the Kremlin.  Vova's advisors are telling him to lash out at the self-exiled oligarch and put him on notice that enough is enough.  " After all, we don't control oil prices, that happens inLOndon.  Oh, Mikhail lives in LOndon.  Oh, he knows the oil business,too.  Oh, I put him in the Gulag for 10 years.  Oh, I forgot that,too.  But I did let him out after those ten years to care for his ailing mother(she died).   And 2 people died, somehow, and a bodyguard, too.  Oh, I'm so confused.   Quick, more vodka.  Ahhh, now I'm better.   Where were we?  Oh, yes.
     Now Mikhail, come home to Moscova to stand trial.. You can clear your name, and redeem your position among our Mother Russyan businessmen.  Chances of getting a fair trial are good:  any local lawyer would be happy to take your case-think notoriety, etc."
    " So, please come home, and stop all the bad-mouthing of me and my Kremlinistas."

Tahoma: Snow Report

     Yes, that is snow, Dear.  Yes, it is falling and piling up on Highway 89.  Yes, I will shovel the steps and the driveway.  Yes, I will push the pile off the deck, the roof, and the truck.  NO, I will not complain.  Yes, I will remember to buy gas for the snow blower.  Yes, I will remember to fix the snow blower motor.  Yes, I will buy a new blower.  Yes, I will put the snow tires on this week for sure, no fail.   Yes, I will put gas in the standby generator, if I can find it.  The candles are around here someplace.  Oh, I will cut down a tree for Christmas today, if it stops snowing.  I know I said that last weekend, but I hurt my back bending over to start the chainsaw.  It's supposed to stop snowing tonight; it's only a minor storm, nothing big.  Life at Lake Tahoe.

Pseudo-Democracy In Saudi Arabia

       What does a pseudo-democracy look like?  We have a classic example right in the "middle" of the Middle east.  Yes, sir, our 'friend', Saudi Arabia, held elections yesterday.  But, wait, you say.  Isn't the country an absolute monarchy run by a king and his 'royal' family with a bit of help from Shariah law?  Yes, you are right on both points.  But, to bring in the elements of pseudo-democracy, the royal family allowed elections to be held and registered voters could "vote".  What were they voting for?
     Good question.  They were voting for candidates who were seeking positions on local municipal councils that manage civic functions, ie. road maintenance, street lighting, garbage collection, auto registration, and public record keeping operations.   Do these positions affect anything else?  No. In a word.
     But things were different: women could run for the positions and women could vote- a first!  Now this must be considered in light of strict Shariah Law: women had to be accompanied to the polling place and had to be completely covered in the hijab.  So, yes they were 'free' to vote, but had to follow strict local rules and comply with dictates of Shariah.  How many voted?  Initial figures are sketchy, but it appears from news media that few made the effort.  Really?
     So, here we have a monarchy, one of the world's top oil producers, trying to fool the world into believing that they consider voters' opinions.  This is among other things, a farce.  Or in the words of Ben Hubbard of the NYT, a pseudo-democracy.  Now the monarchy is feeling a bit of economic strain of late: the price of oil is sliding downward, steadily.  When it hits $20/barrel, Saudi Arabia, Russya, U.A.E. will all be bankrupt.  The only people benefiting will be the Swiss, as always.
     Don't forget to vote.

Chicago and Rahm

Rahm who?

Russya Cranks Up Propaganda Machine

      The Kremlin's propaganda machine is spewing forth, again.  This in the form of a supplement in today's WSJ.  It probably cost Vova a few millions-chump change, really.  Of course, most Amerikansky will use the supplement to wrap fish, dog doo, animal entrails, or other detritis.  But, they know that.  Surveys indicate that fewer than 1/2 of 1% actually read the silly thing.  It's akin to the supplements President Xi Jinping of Red China puts forth occasionally.
       But the Russyan supplements are in a class all by themselves.  It's much like a fortune teller given some hallucinagenic drugs and asked a less serious question.  Here's your answer(s)-in English here, translated by a non native who learned English in Poland from a ex-pat Englishman who has never set foot in the New World.  In other words, the translation is pathetic.  But the money will help News Corp.'s bottomline, and that is really all we care about in the USA-the Bottomline.  Those dollars in reserve under the Kremlin are put to good use, finally, after sitting in the dusty vault all these years, waiting for an opportunity to be spent.  Thank you, Vova.
    Now, about Ukraine.  No, we have not forgotten Ukraine, despite your obsession with Syria, Germany, France, and Crimea.   And the coming depression in Russya in 2016.  Tsk, tsk.  The poor rouble, hardly worth putting on the wall of the dacha.   Maybe you can buy a few Swiss francs.   Good luck, we'll read the excepts of the propaganda sheet tonight; it will help us sleep.

Inland Empire in California

       Not too long ago, Californians learned that in a Southern Californian city, elected officials were using the city budget as a personal slush fund.  Paying themselves amounts well into 6 figures, they looted the accounts of taxpayers for personal benefit without the slightest hint of integrity.  They are in prison, funds(some,not all) have been returned, and their retirement programs have been nullified.
     Now we find that the practice is endemic in California, practiced widely as though looting local budgets is nothing more than a compensation package justified by being a civil servant.  In former days, public employees signed on for security, earning less than their peers in private employment who coped with market forces beyond their control.  This kept the balance of salaries at about 60-40%, with private employment earnings higher than civil servants.  Now, it has swung in the opposite direction: civil servants get 60% or more than private employees.
      Transparent California, a nonprofit group, has done its homework in the public employment sector of California.  The results are not pretty, and the results are shocking, especially in light of the economic recession that continues to plague wages and benefits in the private sector.  Going to their website, transparentcalifornia.org, one can see immediately that salaries far exceed median wages across the private sector employment landscape.
      The One party system that currently exists in the state certainly contributes to the situation.  The public sector employee unions have done an amazing job, negotiating with elected officials throughout the state.  How long will this continue?  Until such time as there is a return to balance in the body politic.  The state will continue to one of the most expensive to live in, and business will leave the onerous tax environment that currently holds sway in cities, counties, and Sacramento.

Turks Heat Up Rhetoric With Russya

    Turkish government officials  announced today that Russya is taking part in " ethnic cleansing" in parts of Syria.  This comes on the heels of Russyan bombers dropping their ordnance on suspected rebel positions in Syria.  The Turks say the bombs were dropped on Turkmen and Sunnis who not only are not part of ISIS, but opposition fighters against the Al Assad regime.  The official says that Russya is only trying to keep its naval bases open in Syria on the Med Coast.
       It appears to international observers and media that the accusations are at least partly true.  Turkish peshmerga fighters have been operating in Syria to push back against ISIS where they have taken territory claimed by Kurds, ethnic Turks who seek a separate state.
     Meanwhile, Mr. Putin is trying to figure out his next move.
In Greece
    Greek authorities have removed refugees on the border with Macedonia to other locations to take pressure off local police and military guards in that sector.  The government says that true refugees from Syria, Afghanistan, and Irag will be given status; others will be returned to their country of origin.  Some Africans who seek economic improvement have taken tosewing their mouths shut so as to hinder efforts of immigration officials to determine the country of origin.  Good luck with that.

Famed Local Dies In Accidental Drowning in South America

    Douglas Tompkins, 72, founder of the North Face Company and co-founder of Esprit Clothing in San Francisco, died after falling from his kayak on a lake in Chile.  The water temperature was 39 degrees and life can be sustained for about 15 minutes under those conditions.  He was in a party with 4 others, all of whom survived.  Medical personnel said his body temperature was 66 degrees in the hospital.   Lately, he has been a activist for the environment in Latin America where he owned vast amounts of unspoiled land that he has been maintaining in a pristine stage.  Much of the property is located in Patagonia in Argentina.
    Information gathered after the incident indicates the kayakers were caught in a sudden gust of wind that forced many of the group if not all, to fall into the choppy waters.  Reboarding a kayak is a tricky maneuver, most often unsuccessful.  Without a wet suit for insulation, a kayaker is in grave danger after falling into cold water, even if conditions are calm.  With wind and waves working against the kayak,  righting the craft is next to impossible.

Tahoma Weather Watch

     When was the last time Tahomans had a week of snow in the forecast?  It's been awhile.  So, now, get ready for some of the white stuff.  Amounts will vary day to day, but it appears from NOAA.gov that wet, snowy, windy weather will visit  the Lake basin from tomorrow through next week.  This will set up the entire region for a terrific Christmas season, like the seasons of old.
     Resorts will be rolling out the the welcome mats with holiday events: parties, competitions, extra lessons, cross country tours, and night time skiing for the bold of spirit.
    Downtown Tahoma will put on the lights, and El Dorado County and Placer County will keep the roads open and swept in a timely fashion.  Seems like Uber Car Service will arrive just in time for a real test.  Will they measure up to the demands of locals and tourists?  We will find out by reading all the reviews on Yelp!

Transparent California Does it Again

   Yes sir.  Transparent California is on it.  They've just released data on income and salaries of public employees in key California locations.  To wit, Los Angeles County, Central Valley cities, and Orange County.  As you might have suspected, public employees in these places have enjoyed salaries many times higher than the local median salaries.  In one case, 250 % above the local median salary.  Here is a case where the facts speak for themselves-it pays to work for the government, no matter how small the entity or how insignificant the job or position.
     Reminds me of the Meeks Bay Fire District board of Directors that continues to extract major money from the local district budget under the pretense that they deserve it.
    Check out the Transparent California blog.  Very rewarding for the effort.

Chancellor of the Exchequer: George Osborne

     Well, some good news from Europe.  George Osborne, the UK's man with his hand on the country's money, made a statement that was widely published around the world.  The UK has got its mojo back.
     Hmmmm.  Is he living in a dream world of his own making?   Maybe the thought is to tell a nice story that the masses will like to hear.  We like nice stories, too, here in America.  He says, among the many things, that the economy is improving, unemployment is low, defense spending is above the 2% required by the NATO contract, and the country's No.1 partner-the US of A, is also improving right along with the UK.  Wonderful.
     Meanwhile, across the Channel, the camp in Calais, which stands at about 4500, mostly Syrian refugees, does not seem to be going away soon.  Only last week, 189 migrants sneaked across through the Chunnel as they seized the moment when security teams were napping in France.  Let's hope that these were job seekers only.  Given that most are young men in their twenties, it could be possible.

John Kerry on Ukraine

     US Secretary of State John Kerry visited Kiev yesterday and made a far reaching public statement:  the United States is giving substantial financial aid to to Ukraine in the form of billions of dollars to help rebuild the infrastructure of the country in light of the Russyan military incursions in the Donbass Region in Eastern Ukraine next to the Russyan borders.
     The largest country in the world, Russya, did not respond to this announcement publicly.  However, it is assumed that the Kremlin will make some asinine comment within a few days.  Their response will go something like this:  "We Russyans could care less about the West's offering of dollars to the Ukrainian peoples.  We Russyans only want our citizens who live in Ukraine to be happy and safe, like their countrymen across the border."
    Mr. Putin will probably not say a word.

The Press: High Art

steel arbor press-6 inches high

    The Press.  This is a version of a standard arbor press, familiar to machinists, metal workers, tool and die makers.  It looks very simple in design and it is that.  The column which rises from the base, is home to the rack and pinion which accomplishes the work.  It is made of cold rolled mild steel.  The shop versions found almost universally in machine shops, measures about 5 times the size.
     This version is similar in all respects:  it has a table on the base with 4 slots to take different sized arbors; it has a rigid lever that gives the mechanical advantage to do the work; and it has the weight and bulk to remain stable during any part of the process.
    So, now you know what the Mayor is doing in the garage(heated) on these cold, winter nights.

Minister Gets face Time

     The Mayor had a one-on-one conversation with our Minister of Latin American Affairs.  Much to talk about:  the elections in Venezuela on Sunday; the pending indictment of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff; the arrest of the head of Brazil's Parliament; and the departure of Kristina Kirchner of Argentina.
     We also discussed the continuing slide of the Brazilian economy and what it means for the future of the largest country in South America.  Generally speaking, it means more pain for thr lower class who continue to struggle in a recession with a devalued reales.  The price of oil continues to go softer and this situation does not help any oil producer, including Brazil and Venezuela.
    It's cool to be able to speak in real time with live camera; it's almost like being there/here.  As summer approaches the Southern Hemisphere, our minister is preparing to get some beach clothes and some lightweight garments to use in the office and his house.  Good luck with that.
More later.

Uber Coming to Lake Tahoe

     Uber Ride Sharing Service announced they will provide their services in the Tahoe Basin in both Nevada and California.  Tired of looking for parking around the ski slopes?  Tired of driving when it's snowing like crazy?  Call Uber.  This is not an ad, but a notification.  This will benefit all locals who might want an alternative to T.A.R.T., the sometime bus company.
    Yes, we paid a fortune for a new bus depot in Tahoe City.  Yes, it will always require subsidy.  Yes, you don't want to wait in a snow storm.  Now, a new option.  The famous internet company connected to your cell phone.  It will create a whole new service for Tahoma residents.  The Mayor just might give it a try when service opens next week.
     The Mayor will report on any connections with UBER.
 

FIFA and the Swiss

     AH, the Swiss.  So difficult to understand; so difficult to penetrate; so difficult to enlist their support for prosecution of FIFA officials.   Well, it's easier now.  The United States Attorney General, Loretta Lynch, has cracked open the case against top FIFA leadership.  Mr. Sepp Blatter, the aging, lingering, suspended president of FIFA, seems to be days away from indictment.  Since the Swiss Attorney General's Office has joined the case against FIFA officials, the path to indictments has opened significantly.   Despite Swiss Government secrecy laws, the US Attorney General has rolled her Swiss counterpart into the case as a forceful participant in pursuit of justice.  With $1.5 billions in the bank, the non-profit FIFA seems to have more money than smarts.   Use of the funds for bribery/acceptance of bribes has tarnished the reputation of the international football (soccer) organization.
      One aspect of the case involves the location of evidence relative to the accusations leveled against the FIFA leadership.  Until now, little evidence was sent to Washington to aid the AG's Office.  Part of the problem was jurisdiction for the legal case.  Who was going to be indicted and where?  Cross border indictments are surrounded by treaties and agreements that specify by code whose in charge where.   With new agreements signed, the path to the courtroom is more direct, less obstructed than ever when it comes to finally exposing the corruption endemic to the sport.
    More to follow. 

Tahoma Team Karaoke

     We are putting out the word that Tahomans can sign up for auditions for the Tahoma Karaoke Team being organized in January, 2016.  Upcoming events and civic participation should include a locally- sponsored Karaoke Team.  No details or requirements have been posted, but, now is the time to think about getting involved.  Many Tahoma residents have immense talents in singing, dancing, and dressing up-all qualities that are included in Team Karaoke.
     Get working on your inner Karaoke plan.
More to follow.

EU Sends Help to Greece

     After an agreement was reached in Luxembourg, the EU administration sent aid to Greece to control its borders with northern countries in the Balkans.  Despite Germany's tone of open acceptance of refugees, pleas from Europe's borders required a change that would place more control of the flow of refugees at the perimeters.  The ongoing war in Syria is the root cause of the mass migration, and coupled with the refusal of surrounding states to accept or even offer refuge to Syrians acerbates the problems. 
         David Cameron of the UK has ordered British war planes to bomb targets in Syria and Iraq of the Islamic State or ISIS, the barbaric organization that has crippled the region for over 5 years.  Oil sales fuel the group and now the oil production facilities will feel the wrath of Western nations.  Other countries in Europe have been given notice that unless they control their borders, they could be suspended from EU membership regarding the Shengen Controls(free movement w/i the EU).  All of this underscores the aftermath of the mass migration and the massacre of civilians in Paris by Islamic militants a few weeks ago.

Trouble Down South

       Let's look at Brazil: the largest country in Latin America; the largest economy in South America; the country with the most natural resources(oil, minerals, timber, ag land); and the largest educated population.   And now- the largest country with a president undergoing impeachment proceedings.
President Dilma Rousseff, in her second term, is being hammered in the polls as voters withdraw almost any support of her administration.  Soon, she will join her neighboring executive- Kristina Kirchner of Argentina, in retirement.
      The web of corruption evident in the PetroBras Oil  Company indictments has finally caught up with the top executives.  The company is partly owned by the Brazilian Government.  Hence, the scandal has entangled elected officials as well as corporate leaders.  Most economists agree that the Brazilian economy is slowing to the point of depression, and could be there in 2016- the year of the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.  The slide in the global price of a barrel of oil, also predicted to continue to drop, almost guarantees the depressed economy next year.  Perhaps the government will realize that workers cannot retire at age 54 and expect a government pension for the rest of their lives.  Even the Nordics aren't guaranteed such benefits.
     We will continue to observe events in Brasilia, as former president Ignacio de Lula twittles his thumbs waiting to be indicted.  This will certainly taint his bid for presidential election next year.  Old "Brown" eyes may be wishing they were old "Blue" eyes instead.

Negative Interest Sweeps Europe

     No, this does not mean tourists are going to Tahiti or Bora Bora; it doesn't mean Japan is outscoring Paris on the guest-o-meter.  It means something far worse:  the ECB, or European Central Bank will charge depositors a fee(interest) on their deposits.   Sounds crazy to us laymen who always thought if one put money in the bank, it gained interest.  Not anymore.
     Here in the US and Tahoma, savers are waiting for FED chief, Janet Yellen, to raise interest rates, maybe to 0.25%.  Shocking, but welcomed by the poor, abused, account holders who have been stiffed on interest paid by all banks for almost 7 years.   We, obviously, are not worried about inflation.  The new ogre is deflation, and the European Central Bank wants deflation or possibilities of deflation to go away.  Hence, negative interest rates.
      Pity the poor dictator, or his Russyan counterpart, the oligarch, who can't get a return on the money they stole from their citizens.  What about Switzerland, you say?  Well, horror of horrors, the Swiss bankers are leading the way.  In the bastion of hidden foreign accounts, the Swiss have raised negative rates to minus (-) 0.75%.  I can't believe it,, but it's true: -0.75% an account holder must pay to park his money in a Swiss bank.  Others include Denmark-- -0.75%; Sweden-- -1.10%; Eurozone- -0.20%.
     Now officials at the ECB fully expect the US FED to raise rates to 2.75% by 2018.  Of course, foreign deposits will flood the US banking system, further straining the ECB and its anti-deflation policy moves.
    Oh, the poor Russyan oligarch.   He may have to return some roubles to the Kremlin, just for the exercise.  Now, Russyans are focused on those dastardly Turks, who shot down one of their old jet fighters as it was on its way to help Al Assad in Syria.  No more Turkish vacations; no more Turkish towels; no more Turkish fruits and vegetables.  Tsk, tsk.   Poor Vladimir Vladimirovich.