Russyan Hacker to be Extradited

     Czech authorities have announced that a court ruling will allow the extradition of hacking suspect Yevgeniy Nikulin to the U.S.  He was arrested in Prague  on October 5th in cooperation with Interpol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Russya also wants him on a separate charge of internet theft in 2009.  He is wanted on other charges of stealing information from  LinkedIn, Dropbox, and other companies.  Judge Jaroslav Pytloun ruled Tuesdat that all necessary legal terms have been met by both countries.  
    Good luck, Yevgenie.  We hope you have good lawyers working on your case.   Where you get the best shot at justice is debatable.    Your appeal will likely be heard in the U.S. soon.

Putin Plays Keyboards

       Mad Vlad sat down to play-in Beijing.  While attending a conference among Asiatics, Mad Vlad again demonstrated his musical talent.  he sat at a nearby piano, and banged away a couple of Soviet-era faves:  Old Leningrad and Morning Mists.
      His facial expression exposed his misgivings when he heard the less-than-perfect results on the instrument that was obviously out of tune.   None the less, the video captured his 'overture' in B flat.
He remarked when done that because of the lack of tuning, his efforts were less than optimum.  Critics declined comment.
      The late Mr. Van Cliburn must be rolling in his grave.   More than a few Russyan composers would also be among those rolling in the sod.  Audience reaction among Chinese listeners was  not noted.
     A few critics made note that this performance was directed at Emmanuel Macron, the newly elected president of France, who claims some prowess on keyboard.   Whether this rings true is debatable.   Mr. Vlad's music provided background for Mr. Xi's conference on "One Belt, One Road" initiative which aims to send an international message that the era of Chinese hegemony is upon us.   Hmmmm.  And we understand that North Korea is not included.  Ha ha.

Australia: What a Fun Place

      How are things down Under?  Ask John McCain.  He's there now, bolstering support for are alliances in the region and to send the message that America is aware of strategic moves by China in the neighborhood.
     Bloomberg Magazine recently ran an article highlighting a curious past time in this under populated nation in the southern hemisphere.  It seems that the political power-that-be thought  gambling would be an excellent source of revenue for the spenders who manage the government.  They decided to make it simple: slot machines.  Why?  Easily controlled and manipulated by owners so as to extract the correct/less painful amount of revenue from "players".  Now who do you think plays these one-armed bandits? Of course, those who can least afford to lose a penny.
      Now we have a nation with a large segment of the population Hooked/addicted to this national revenue generating industry.   And of course, the response is: "They are adults and they can decide how to spend their own money."  Curious, isn't it?   Do the pols play?  Does the Tax man play?  Not a chance.  It is those unfortunates who "hope" to hit the jackpot.   Jackpot.  What a great term!  Coined to put players at ease during their most hopeful playing time.   And what happens when the few hit the jackpot?   Bells and whistles-a form of advertising.   Keep playing-,maybe you will be next.
     Classes for those addicted are not required, nor are they easily aranged.
      I would expect more of Australia, but it is not England, Canada, or America either.   We have our own problems.

Memorial day: 2017

        Tomorrow, Monday, May 29th, is Memorial Day.  It is a day of reflection and a day of remembering those who gave all for their country.  The day was named and put in place in 1971 by then Pres. Richard Nixon.  One of the few things he did well during his abbreviated stay on Pennsylvania Ave.   He did this to replace what had been called since the Civil War Decoration Day, which was placed to observe the great sacrifice of those who died in that conflict in 1861-1865. 
       As we continue to bury the dead from Iraq and Afghanistan,  the Day has immediate meaning to the many families who are directly affected by the conflicts.  The toll keeps increasing as time rolls on.  For many years the war in Vietnam was our "longest" war, 10 years long.  But it seems that endless war is the new norm.  These conflicts appear to be without resolution of any sort.   Questions are asked: "What are the goals?, Who are we supporting,today?, Are the troops well placed and effective in their mission(s)?  Military leaders offer little in concrete responses; politicians the same.
      On a day when we remember the sacrifices of the few, we should continue our quest for answers, starting with;" Why now, and why there?"
      Memorial Day: Lest we forget.

Sierra Watch Program

      Sierra Watch, a local 501(c) 3 organization, has embarked on a new campaign to raise awareness among Lake Tahoe residents and property owners about the new Squaw Valley development recently approved by Placer County supervisors.
      The plan calls for 10-story high rises, including an indoor water park, with slides, fake rivers, and arcades.   Something one would expect to see in South Florida or Orange County or Texas.   Also included would be 1,493 new bedrooms.  This would then guarantee the daily arrival of more than 1,300 cars into the Tahoe Basin.
      The company behind all this is a group from Denver called KSL Partners.  Worth a little more research here.   It's another distant player in our own backyard.   With predictable results.   No local has to be told that the Tahoe environment is very sensitive to ALL of man's encroachment.   Over the past two generations, history has observed the dramatic changes within the confines of the lake basin.
      Fortunately, in 1969, when the first land use policy of its kind was put in place by the bi-state commission, wholesale development was arrested and strict measures were adopted to cleanup problems that already existed( septic systems, water usage, building permits, etc.).  As we know, it's an endless battle with pro-development forces.  Population growth affects a wide swath of the state of California and Tahoe is no exception.  But controlled growth through careful planning has become the necessary tool to ensure a bright future for the environment and its various inhabitants, human and native.
      So, Sierra Watch joins the Sierra Club and others to spread the word about these not-so-subtle plans to dramatically alter the Tahoe landscape.  Check it out:www.sierrawatch.org.  The address for the organization is:
Sierra Watch
408 Broad St, #12
Nevada City, CA 95959

Trump in Italy

        A conference was held the last two days in Taormina, Sicily, Italia.  It a meeting of heads of state of the Group of 7 to discuss world problems and the future.  Topics included climate change, fighting terrorism, and the economic situation among the groups represented.  Host Italy did not get the chance to bring its #1 topic-Immigration - to the group.   Italy has been struggling with large numbers of African immigrants who have landed on its shores for over 3 years, adding over 100,000 individuals to an already stressed economy.   Pleas for aid from Northern European countries have largely fallen on deaf ears.
      Most of these African immigrants now live illegally among suspicious locals who cannot begin to absorb the mostly male, uneducated, unskilled newcomers.   Without assistance, they will continue to be a cause of concern not only of Italians, but of all Europeans who are concerned with this problem.  African leaders who spoke at the conference made a plea for European investment in Africa.  They say this is the number 1 solution to the migration problem:  a lack of investment from abroad slows any improvement in opportunities for jobs across the continent.  They spoke of the vast resources that could become the foundation of wealth for all who take the risk among the economies that are emerging today.
      Will it happen?   Hmmmmmm.  Maybe, maybe not.   Not easy.

Poem: Who I Am

Who I Am

I am an athlete.

I wonder about the future.

I hear myself think.

I see nature.

I want to succeed.

I am an athlete.


I pretend to be a giraffe.

I feel happy.

I touch everyone around me.

I worry about the government.

I cry when I need to.

I am an athlete.


I understand my friends.

I say what I want to say.

I dream when I sleep.

I try my hardest.

I hope my dreams come true.

I am an athlete.

Unknown, ca. 2000, California

The Island

Mayor of New Orleans: Mitch Landrieu

      It was a powerful speech.  A speech that didn't spin the position of the Mayor-it defined the necessity of the actions taken by his people.  The city of New Orleans' Mayor ordered the removal of monuments in various locations that memorialized Confederate leaders, including one of the most recognizable: Gen. Robert E. Lee.
      This action comes after years of debate and discussion on the topic.  Is it all about history?  Are historians able to recognize the difference between hero worship and history?  Can deniers accept the move?   Can Southerners understand the decision?   All these questions have been around for years, and now Mitch Landrieu has finally taken the last step.  In his speech, he explained his thinking and reasoning.  His words spoke volumes about the position of city dwellers and especially the citizens of NOLA.
       Years ago, if one traveled across what was called the "Deep South", every city and town or hamlet had its Confederate Monument.  Often this statue or obelisk carried the names of those who were killed in battle.  Often, the statuary commemorated individuals who performed great deeds in combat action.  Some were meant to pay homage to those who did not return-the fallen.  However, many only served to memorialize the leaders of the rebellion.  These leaders wanted to dissolve the union and maintain their way of life as slave owners, owners of fellow Americans.  The time to remove these monuments has has long passed.
    Mitch Landrieu made it happen.  Where will the removed pieces go?  Not mentioned.

Get Ready For Summer

    Well, here we are:  Memorial Day Weekend.   The starting line of the great summer season at Lake Tahoe.  It is the beginning of the great relaxation season: ahh, summer.  This year= water.  rafting down the Truckee River will generate a raft of comments from all who participate in this Tahoe City diversion.  can't wait.
    See you on the Truckee.

Book Review: Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis, J.D. Vance

      Hillbilly.  The label is well known throughout the US.   Boomers can recall hearing the term in reference to some Americans who were mountain dwellers, hill people, hard scrabble farmers living on the land and living off the land.  But it was understood that hillbillies are different from you and me.  Most Americans never met or knew a "real" hillbilly.  Maybe a cartoon character or two.  Remember the comic strip "Little Abner'?  So those folks were objects of ridicule going back generations.  Remember the legend of the Hatfields and McCoys?   They were real people and their feud was real as well.  Again, hillbillies: shoot first, ask questions later.  It's all about family.
      The author of this memoir, J.D. Vance, is a real life person, raised in hillbilly country, the grandson and son of natives of Appalachia: Kentucky.  He chronicles his youth and the turbulent life with a mother who was as unsettling as a mother could be.  He was essentially raised by his grandmother, who used her own principles about life to teach him the fundamentals of living in the midst of chaos.
       We know as a culture about the difficulties of the inner city, and all its history for the postwar years.   This memoir sheds light on another section of the country: rural America and what happens to those residents who cannot find or even pursue the American dream from their position.  His descriptions are startling, beginning with the absence of a father who never was able to bear the burden of family.   Vance's older sister is a strong role model and was able to offer strength and security when no one could or would.   Somehow, Vance was able to escape this cruel beginning.  His intimate knowledge of the culture and its members offers a look at American life that few knew even exists/existed.   But, it does. 
      His words offer truth and exposure of a little known part of America.  This account of that area will document the lives of those less fortunate who populate  Appalachia, aka: Coal Country.
      Mr. Vance has forsaken Appalachia for San Francisco where he is involved in venture capital and technology start ups and funding of new business models.   He's come a long way from the "hollow".
A NY Times best-seller.
5 * rating by Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs

Warriors Rolling

      The NBA playoffs are now approaching  the finals.  The East and West playoffs have just about run their courses as the Cavs have won 2 in a row and the Warriors 3 in a row.   It seems like the opponents of these two teams are completely over matched.  Despite occasional flurries of points for the opponent(s), neither the Boston Celtics or San Antonio Spurs have been able to stop these strong teams.  It appears we will have a repeat of last year's final series.  It will be a monster series, perhaps going 7 games.
    We'll be watching. 

Angela Merkel WElcomes New French Premier

      German Prime Minister Angela Merkel extended congratulations to new French premier, Mr. Macron.  His victory over right wing candidate Marine La Pen sent a message to the EU that France has confidence in the future of the European Union.  Considerable ink has been used explaining the Brexit vote of the UK.  Despite the numbers: 51% to 49 %, pundits seem to think that the path to separation will be clear for the Brits.  However, what has become clear is the difficulties surrounding the establishment of new trade rules that provide balance and unity among the remaining EU members. 
       The German economy is growing, it is strong, and more jobs are being created.  The German economy is a model for the rest of the EU countries.  The problems of individual members are legion and not easily changed or altered in anyway that can bring those countries up to the northern European standard.
     Can Mr. Macron deliver to his nation?  Only time will tell.  His first test will be in the upcoming regional elections that must provide party representation for his new, third party.  That will not be easy, given his youth, and the youth of his new party.
     Problems exist as well in Eastern European countries where elections have altered the landscapes of emerging economies that look west for leadership and trade.   Good luck, Angela Merkel.

Hack Attack : Who Dunnit?

      Well, computer experts are again scratching their heads as computers worldwide have been attacked by malware viruses that takeover files then send ransom messages asking for $$$ to restore access to files.  Hospitals, businesses, government bureaus, corporations, and individuals have been victims.  The attacks were focused on Microsoft Windows vulnerabilities.  It has been reported that Microsoft engineers knew of this flaw in their system and issued patches a few months ago. Cybersecurity experts are relieved that some expert has been able to stop some of the malware from spreading.  Over 100 countries have been affected.  Its origins seem to have come from an N.S.A. source that was stolen last year.  No comments have been forthcoming from the agency(none expected).
     How long before we know the actual source?  Could take weeks or months, but the source will be found, as always.  This activity underscores the problems of the internet.  All this connectedness has a down side.
More to come.

Lapdog Meets with Trump

    Sergei Lavrov met with Pres. Trump yesterday to discuss the latest ideas on the Syrian conflict.  Mr. Lavrov stated that they did not discuss any of the "other" bacchanalia.   Bacchanalia,  I love that word.  It conjures up all sorts of images:  wine jug -toting, scantily clad maidens; guests reposing on pallets of cushy velvet; musicians strumming lutes in the background; and the usual chase scenes of party animals doing their thing(s).
       So, the Russyan Minister decided this depiction of other international inquiries gave the impression(that he wanted and noted) that he held these/those events to be beneath the dignity of discussion.  Gotta love those Russyans-they know how to spin events.   Talk about hacking?  =bacchanalia.  Talk about Ukraine: bacchanalia.  Talk about Crimea= bacchanalia.  Talk about military deployments in Baltics=bacchanalia.  Talk about French election hacking=bacchanalia.
So, there you have the update, as the White House spins the James Comey firing in another light.  Deputy AG of US has threatened to quit as he is dragged under the bus over his handling of a letter he sent to WH.  Fun and games.  Where's Molly Ivins when we need her?  Gone forever.

Ministers Meeting in Malibu

       The Mayor arranged a meeting over the past weekend in Malibu.  Our Minister of Latin American Affairs was in LA for a conference and we decided to take advantage of his time here.  The Mayor also arranged to have the Minister of Manufacturing attend at the same time.
       Much was discussed, especially the current situation in Venezuela, which is at the boiling point.  Maduro is on the brink of disaster as his presidency is being pelted from all sides whether its the high inflation, lack of food, high crime, or a disgruntled populace.   His tenure is in trouble, deep trouble, and business investment is completely absent.
     We also discussed Brazil and its ongoing investigation(s) into political corruption and malfeasance in office.  Pres. Temer is under increasing pressure from labor unions, bankers, and educators to get the economy going again.
      A fine time was had by all who attended the meeting(s), and we even had some time to explore the local beaches and restaurant scene.   At one local eatery, a popular movie star was sighted at the next table: Liam Hemsworth, the Australian actor currently connected with American Miley Cyrus.   He apparently has been surfing at some local venues, practicing his technique.   Of course, no photos were taken, but his dining companion was his brother, Luke, another actor.
      The Minister of manufacturing gave a presentation on current conditions in business, relative to increased interest in providing opportunities for more domestic production and manufacturing.   The first flight of a Chinese produced passenger jet aircraft was noted.  It was also noted that a good portion of the plane's components were made abroad.
     Driving back to Lake Tahoe was a breeze-road repair on I -5 was limited to a zone near Tracy and the 580 cutoff.

Goodbye, Mr. James Comey

      Well, it took awhile, but the USA's premier spoiler/liar, James Comey, Head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation(FBI), is out of a job.   On the recommendation of Attorney General jeff Sessions, pres. Trump sacked the career law enforcement agent, sending him into early retirement.
The groundswell of protest against his role at the FBI was too much even for the Donald.  The press' relentless pursuit of Mr. Comey and the numerous revelations pertaining to his many statements and their timing was just more than a rational human being(or irrational, makes no difference) could take.
      Mr. Comey was sunk by his own lies and his own attempts at coverup.  How sad.  For a career law enforcement agent to sink himself in this fashion is hardly a new item in Washington.  But the head of the FBI?   That's something different.   The self righteous dirt ball  could not get the stains off his own hands.   What was he thinking?  If anything?   I guess we'll have to wait for the memoir.   I can wait.
      Who will replace him?  What about all the other investigations ongoing?  Hmmm.  No doubt his ouster was most important.   Maybe the Russians were ready to reveal some dirt.  You know how they are: red.   Mike Flynn, already sacked, was, according to former Asst.  White House counsel, Yates, vulnerable to blackmail for telling/talking to Russian diplomats.   Hmm.  Must be in the water.
      The replacement will come from the inside, of course.   Why rock a leaky, tippy boat?   Some long term agent w/o a past will be seated temporarily, just to keep the FBI on track.  Then, the real fun begins-- the search for an acceptable dude to go in and clean house.   
Good luck.

  

Oscar Munoz: Grinch

       The head of United Continental Airlines faced off with Congress this week to answer a few questions.  "Sir, how did this incident happen?   Well, we failed our clients in a big way.
     Maybe the merger of United and Continental was not so good for the average Joe and average Jane.  It's not enough that the airline shrinks the seats, tightens the legroom, charges for changing flights,  charges for luggage, charges for lunch;  charges for everything.  And then, drags your sorry butt off the plane and gives you a concussion, no extra charge.
       Oscar: Say it isn't so.  But alas, the Washington Dog and Pony Show continues.  Were not these same politicians the very same who approved of the merger(s) of most of the airlines so that each of the few remaining have total and complete monopolies on all their routes; and in combination of Big Data, know exactly what they need to fill each flight all the time.  When was the last time you flew on a flight that wasn't full?  20 years ago, maybe?
      It's really disgusting to think of the flying experience of some years ago, when it was fun.  Now, it's a major headache, all the time.  Starting at the entrance to the airport, through security, then check-in, then the boarding nightmare.  What a disgusting experience.  Being treated not like paying customers, but treated like cattle.
     Oscar Munoz, the $6 million dollar man(heart transplant patient that he is) should retire.  Or the Board of Directors should show him the door.  A Chimp could make money in this economic period.  Fuel costs are down and fees are up and going up, up, and up some more.   Time for a passenger revolt.   Forget miles; who needs them; who cares?  Mileage Plus Program: What a fraud.  Use their credit card?  I wouldn't use their card to buy a candy bar.
    Oscar: go home.

Puerto Rico

Poor Puerto Ricans:  bankrupt.  How does this happen?  Ask all the Wall Street banks that bought the bonds.  Why would they take up the risk?  Who made these crazy decisions?  Wall Street bankers, again.  Gotta love those bankers.
     They are so smart.

France to Vote: Frenchmen Given Clear Choices

        Voters: Man your ballots; It's Showtime.   The French runoff election will take place this Sunday between the two top seeded candidates:   La Pen v. Macron.  While it's not a Brexit vote, it might as well be one.  Ms. La Pen, the right of right candidate espouses France for the French,or some such philosophy.  Mr. Macron, wants to expand domestic opportunity and connect with the rest of Europe and the world.   What does France want to do these days?  Can the desires of a nation be reflected in a popular election for a national leader?  ( Please, don't look at the USA as an example of this or that election result).
       There is turmoil across many locales in Europe today, not the least France.  The refugee crisis has touched entire countries from the Mediterranean shores to the Upper Baltic states.  Thousands have died in the attempt to find a refuge.   War torn regions have been the sources of these refugees.  With few options, they go to peaceful places:  Europe.
      How many go to Russya?   3 or 4?   How many are going to China?  None.   How about Nigeria?  None.  India: 2.  No doubt some of the refugees can read.
      We will know by Sunday night what the results look like.  Even if Mr. Macron should win, the fact that he was opposed by a representative of the far right should give the nation pause.   As it should.

Putin Wants Safe Zones

    Mad Vlad has offered to establish safe zones in Syria for refugees fleeing Russian bombs and bombers.  Neat trick:  we bomb, you run.  Now we offer a refuge.  Seems somehow contradictory.  But, when dealing with Russyans, it is always contradictory.   Not unlike dealing with the Big Commie: China.  One must always keep in mind when dealing with Reds:  The Big Commie knows best for everybody.
      Maybe Vladimir wants something other than a military diversion from his Ukrainian activities and his Crimea takeover.   Oh,  must be some guarantees that FIFA will not cancel the World Cup tournament scheduled for Siberia next year.  That would be a real blow to that fragile ego.  If FIFA said no Go, then Vlad would start acting out, probably invade Moldava or Tibet or Alaska.  THings must be interesting around the Old Onion Top in Red Square.  Probably get even more interesting this summer.

Recep the Despot

      Well, the Turks are reeling from the latest Recep the Despot decree.  Actually, there are lists.  Lists you don't want to be on, anytime, any place.  You see, if your name crops up on "the list", you are in for trouble.  The trouble comes in the form of a knock on the door, usually in the dark of night.  The police or list enforcers as they are called, decide how to enforce the list and the nominated Turk.
      It has become well known since the "attempted coup, that the old Dictator/Despot Recep wants more power vested in his office.  He's closed down universities(15), shut down media outlets/newspapers(80); and fired thousands of teachers and professors.  Poor man, he must fear the Bogeyman at night when he's safely tucked into his bed.
      So, the average Turk in the street is a wary Turk.   "Am I next?", one asks?  Did I talk to the wrong stranger today?  Have my children overheard derogatory words around the house?  What happens if they find the article I wrote 20 years ago?
     Modern Turkey= Modern nightmare.   Hmmmm.  NATO partner?  Good luck with that.  Recep did a nice job on Angela Merkel of Germany.  Oh, let me help with 'your' refugee problem.  For 8 billion Euros, I'll keep them here before they get to Munich.   That will certainly aid in your improved poll numbers.   The Despot held Europe hostage, like a : P-I-R-A-T-E.  But really, like a Despot.
Sad to think of a modern country like Turkey, slipping into old habits for the sake of one hardliner.  But, how do you want to live: like the old days?   We'll see.