Highway 89: Working

      So, the 4th of July holiday is imminent.  The hoards will descend into the Basin without let up for the next 72 hours.   Just like always.   This year:  lots of water; too much in the Truckee River for rafting, but soon enough.   All the gates are open at Fanny Bridge/Dam.   There will probably be a few idiots who will toss their own tubes and rafts into the water.  Good luck with that.  The North Tahoe FD will try to get you out, but they can only do so much against stupidity.
      The new bridge and bypass project has begun with clearing going on near the present bridge.  Of course we have to be patient.   Traffic will be slow, but locals are aware of the necessity of some delays to get then project dine in our lifetime.   The lake rim drain curbs are being installed in a big way near Sunnyside.   Both sides of the highway are obstructed with open trenches and concrete forms of various shapes and sizes. 
Be careful when driving nearby:  workers are often distracted by moving equipment and cannot see oncoming traffic clearly.   The curb/drain project will eventually end(trust me).   In the meantime, patience.   Enjoy the weather and the lake.

College World Series: It's Over, 2017

       U. of Florida's Gators are now wearing their first baseball national championship hats.  Tonight they defeated Louisiana State Tigers, taking 2 out of three after winning last night, 4-3.  The game was close, 2-0, Florida in the 7th.   Then LSU scored 1, making it 2-1, still no outs.  Then, ground ball to 2nd, throw home= out.  Bases still loaded.   Ground ball to 2nd, double play ball: 4 to 5 to 3 double play.   Runner to second makes an illegal slide.   Runner from third -to-home is recalled, run taken away.  Next batter makes an out.  End of threat. 
      Next inning, Florida opens up a wide lead.  Scoring in a variety of ways, the gators go up 6-1.  With one of their aces on the mound, the game ends Florida 6, LSU 1.   This is Florida's 1st national title in baseball after making it into the playoffs 11 times.   It is the first championship for Coach Kevin O'Sullivan, now in his 6th season and holding a new contract.  He said that he is proud of his team and happy for the title after all the hard work over the long season.
    Perseverance, hard work, a little luck= success.

Jesse Ventura: Duped

      How many times does one's head have to be slammed into the floor before there's drain bamage?  Well, it seems Jesse Ventura, former governor and professional wrestler, has had a few too many slams.  Jesse is exhibiting all the symptoms:  forgetfulness, feelings of inadequacy, feeling of paranoia; feelings of threats from strangers; and also a need for recognition and support from outsiders and bullies.
     We see that Jesse is now going abroad for some recognition.  Where you ask?  Why Jesse "The Governor" is going to everybody's favorite asylum- Russya under Putin.   He's going to guest host a radio/TV program dedicated to -what else? Fake news!   That's right.  RT or Russya Today will sponsor his appearances where he can pontificate about the crimes of Republicans and Democrats back in the Ol' USA.   Jesse is an independent, and not a bright one.   He's a typical show biz character whose salad days are long gone.  He's attempting, as so many of these has beens do, to resurrect his career when adoring fans through themselves at his very large feet.   He wants the limelight once again.   Yes, we know about you, Jesse.  But Russya?   Come on.  Edward Snowden and now you.?   Two of a kind?   Hardly.
      But this is the world we live in.  This is the world globalization wrought.  We are not done yet.  Maybe next we'll see Bette Midler take off for St. Petersburg/Stalingrad/ Petrograd for a little cultural exchange.  Fun.
     Have a nice day, Jesse the Dupe.

Self-Driving Ships Collide in Tokyo Bay

       Hmmmm.  Have you been reading about self driving cars?  Of course, who hasn't?   We have known about auto-pilot technology flying just about every airliner in the skies today.  It has been like that for years.  Flip the switch, sit back and relax.   There have been a few well publicized events that have given scientists pause:  an airliner goes down in the Atlantic on a flight from Brazil to France.  Black box data indicates that there was confusion in the cockpit as the plane went through its final dive(failure of auto pilot); another plane leaving Australia leaves its planned route and disappears somewhere in the south Indian Ocean-never found; a private jet deviates from its flight path and runs out of fuel before crashing in New England with all on board going down.   So the technology is not without flaws.
       Now we have two ships collide in the middle of the night with a loss of seven American lives as the injured Captain struggled to save the ship from sinking.  This occurred at the entrance to Tokyo Bay.  Tokyo Bay is a busy place.   Traffic control has long been part of the Coast Guard effort. The US Navy destroyer USS Fitzgerald was hit by a large container ship which actually continued on its journey for sometime before turning around and returning to the scene.    Multiple investigations are underway, but, as one Navy veteran said,  "Somebody wasn't paying attention".
       Was everybody asleep?   Was anybody awake? On either ship?    Hmmm.  Careers will end after this.  There could be a Court-Martial, or two.   Some licensed captain(s) may end up on the beach-forever.   The insurance company(Lloyds of London?) will probably pin the responsibility on some one.  Can't be the weather.   Radar-was it on ?   Was it calibrated?   Who charted this course/that course?   All questions and answers will come out-soon.   A sad day for 7 families, and many more to come.
      The incident brings to mind another near miss that occurred years ago in San Francisco Bay: the Mayor and his bro were on board a commercial fishing boat heading out of the Bay under the Golden Gate Bridge.   It was a clear cool morning at around 7:30am.  The boat was motoring steadily as we approached Mile Rock light on the south side of the channel.  In the distance, east of out location, a massive oil tanker was getting up to cruising speed as she approached the span.   As we sat on the benches on the rear deck, we observed the vessel as it began to close the distance.   Minutes went by, and neither ship not boat altered course.   As passengers, we ASSUMED the captain looked over his shoulder occasionally.   Wrong.  In an instant, a collision appeared in the offing.   We screamed at the captain, "Turn, turn, turn", which he did at the last second, avoiding a disaster before we even had bait on our hooks.  Lucky day.  I think the captain had to change his pants.   The tanker never stopped, never slowed, never turned-she just kept going west.

Erdogan: No More Evolution in Turkey

    So, what does one do on the road to country based on religious doctrine and dogma?   Why one banns the theory of evolution, of course.   It's a no-brainer, as marketing folks like to say.   So, in Turkey now, high school text books will no longer discuss the theory of evolution.   Such radical ideas conflict with religious-based thinking about the origins of man.
       And here I thought the issue had been settled sometime ago.  Why just recently, the deputy Mayor visited the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador.   These volcanic rocky islands provided the natural laboratory for the young naturalist, Charles Darwin, who would write his famous  "On the Origin of Species " that would revolutionize science and history, and also religious doctrine that provided the foundation for Christian thought for millennia. 
        Mr. Erdogan is now in league with whole armies of deniers who reject facts and true scientific discoveries.   Evolution is an easy target, of course.   There are many doubters who find comfort in other theories that do not support their belief systems.   Mr. Erdogan has decided that placating political supporters will guarantee another few years at the top of the Turkish heap.   Oh, yes, he would like to stay in charge for as many years as possible.(nothing new here).
        It is a gesture, a sop to those sclerotic thinkers which seem to abound among Middle eastern countries, to the detriment of their respective populations.   Is there any hope for Turkey?  Time will tell as the sands of time continue to run through the glass. 

Los Padres Nat. Forest-Tassajara Rd.

Rock Outcropping-Los Padres Nat. Forest-f. Tassajara Rd.

          Beautiful day vic. Tassajara Hot Springs and Zen Monastery.   Temps were running into the 90's, but down in the valley at Tassajara Creek, it was about 90 degrees at 4pm.   The infamous 4-wheel drive road has been graded recently and actually has a few smooth stretches.   But for the most part, it's still 10-15mph, and watching for rocks and potholes, not to mention narrow roads with a steep ravine fall off.
        The Mayor was on a brief mission to return to the monastery to check things out as the fire season is now upon us.   It is imperative that the local volunteers are up to the various fire prevention tasks which are required annually to keep the resort safe.  Last year's Sobranes Fire all but laid waste to the site; but, as fate would have it, the camp was spared.
       The environment still has lots of greenery up and down the steep ravines.  The burn through in places will help forestall any serious repeats of last year's expensive effort to control the blaze at it spread south and east.

Nanacy Pelosi: Its Time

       Grandma Pelosi, the old Democratic Bag of the Congress, was sputtering in her speech after the defeat of the Democratic candidate in Georgia,  Mr. Ossoff.  The 30 year old lost to a Republican woman candidate.  It was the most expensive race for Congress in history, with more than $50 millions spent in total.   Mr. Ossoff's campaign spent the most, over $32.2 millions.  The Democrats are scratching their little heads, asking "How can we win elections?  Why did we lose this after spending all that money?  Some in the party are pointing fingers at Ms. Pelosi.  Her leadership of the minority members of the House is being called into question.   It was a "no brainer" for local Republicans to link Mr. Ossoff to Ms. Pelosi and her liberal San Francisco roots. It is like putting a bullseye on the broadside of a barn-easy peasy.
       Unfortunately for Ms. Pelosi and Co., having California roots only serves to underscore the separation between  the coasts and everything and everybody in between those coasts.   And the taxes collected in California aren't enough, according to Jerry Brown.    It's a problem for the Democrats and no one in the Party has been able to find a solution.  Hoping for a turn around in midterm elections in 2018 remains to be a high wall to overcome.   New leadership is a must.  The Party needs a vision that can reach out to voters who will respond positively.   It won't happen when people like Pelosi and Sanders seem to be the only leaders available.
     Dianne Feinstein can help.  She should lead Nanacy to the exit and send her home with accolades and a nice pension.   Barbara Boxer did it.   Maybe Bill Clinton should help out.  The old war horse could influence party leaders to make the move.  Will he do it?  Good question and highly unlikely as he helps his wife deal with her demons.

Report From The Amazon Basin

      Our Minister of Latin American Affairs has returned from his exploratory trip into the Amazon Basin.  He is unscathed by the rigors of the trip.   He had a very successful experience, accomplishing all his goals.   His itinerary was carefully arranged for maximum area coverage in the time allotted. 
      He flew into Manaus, the largest city in the region.   It is still used today as the gateway to the Amazon Basin, as it has for over 100 years.   It is also the last port on the river that is accessible by ocean-going ships.  This is known as the break point for shipping goods and materials to and from the area.   The airport is large and can accommodate most modern aircraft.
      His impressions of Manaus indicate that the past struggles to make the leap to the 21st century.  Time has long passed when Manaus was the hub of the rubber industry that needed raw material to make the tires necessary for the expanding automobile industry in the US and Europe.   The oft-mentioned Opera House remains intact, but not much else has been added to the building inventory worthy of consideration.   In other words, Manaus remains a backwater for Brazil.
      The day after arrival, our Minister was transported by van for 2 hours west of the city.  Following the ride, his party boarded watercraft to be taken farther west, or up river.  By midafternoon, they arrived at the lodge/camp that would be home for the next few days.  They were greeted by their guide who is a member of a local indigenous tribe.   The 30-something individual spoke excellent Portuguese, and French, and Greek??   His was a most interesting story.   His father is a Greek anthropologist who had spent time exploring the deepest pats of the Amazon forest.  He met a local indigenous woman and then married her.   As local customs dictate, he was/is now a member of her tribe.   He did not return to Greece for many years, deciding that life among the tribal families was acceptable.   Years later, long after the Greek government gave him up for dead or lost,  information was sent to the Greek Embassy in Brasilia, advising them of his situation: living among the natives.  He decided to return to Greece to confront his relatives/family.   After a time, he decided that modern Greece was too modern, and he has returned to the Amazon to live out his years. He is now over 100 years old.
      His son, the guide, has served in the Brazilian Army, as a guide and interpreter.  This is part of the effort by the federal government to push more integration by local indigenous tribes into the national community.   After his 3 years of service, he has returned to his community and serves visitors with his expertise on the environment, the flora and fauna of the Amazon, and assists government researchers in their quest for more understanding of the transformation of the region brought on by development and encroaching civilization.
      Our minister slept in a hammock, and enjoyed the mosquito-free conditions.   He ate local food and was able to see certain conditions of the forest that he had only read about.  This trip has whetted his appetite for more and he plans to return again sometime during the Brazilian winter, which begins----TODAY!
Happy winter.

Russyans Have Gas

      The problem of gas  for the Russyans is not a digestive problem.   It is a marketing/sales/economic problem.  Russya is the largest supplier of natural gas to Western European countries.  Most of Italy's natural gas comes from Russya via a pipeline that runs through Ukraine.  Remember Ukraine?  They were invaded recently by uniformed, unidentified soldiers who occupied the DonBass region in the east.   Ukraine derives a large percentage of its annual income from taxes and fees from the pipeline.
      Russya is building another pipeline through the Baltic Sea to Germany and countries south.   Germany supports this effort.  Poland is against it.  The USA, in the Senate, voted this week to sanction Russyan companies involved in the construction.   This comes as a result of many aggressive moves by the Kremlin and Putin's minions who have made a focused effort to disrupt elections in the US, most recently in last November's presidential race, won by Donald Trump.
      The Pipeline is scheduled for completion in 2019, just around the corner.  Germany stated that the US should stay out of European(German) energy concerns.   A bit self-serving, obviously, but understood, given Germany's pull back from nuclear energy production after the Fukushima accident in Japan.   So, Angela Merkel upbraids the Senate for sanctioning companies and individuals who are participants in the pipeline construction.  This is a clear indication that the Republican dominated Congress will not forget Ukraine and Putin anytime soon.
    Gas.  A hot commodity these days, here, there, and everywhere.   Ukraine government spokesmen praised the Senate's actions.  The next step is a review in the US House of Representatives.  Paul Ryan will handle this with ease.

White Nights:2017

      So, do you have party plans for the week?  If you live anywhere near the Arctic Circle, you should because the days aren't going to get any longer after tomorrow.  The summer solstice will occur on Wednesday, bathing the northern regions in as much as 24 hours of daylight.  Those areas immediately south will have their long, long days, and short nights, too.
      All the locals turn out to celebrate: music festivals are performed for crowds as part of the "White Nights" celebrations, held far and wide.   It is a time of joy, a time of fun, and a time to relax from the rigors of the long winter and the cold, dark nights in the recent past.
      Tahomans enjoyed the first free summer concert at Commons Beach in Tahoe City Sunday night.  The weather was perfect: warm and mild for the entire evening.   There will be more as summer continues for the next 3 months.
     Thanks to the Tahoe City P.U.D., your tax dollars at work.

Mr. Putin: Ask Me Anything

     The Kremlin's answer to negative press: go public.  The result, a call-in TV extravaganza that asks callers/tweeters/emailers to ask Pres. Putin any question during a 4 hour period of a show live broadcast across all the Russyan landscape.
     This is not the first time he has done this.  It is supposed to quiet criticisms about his domestic policies and his ability to deal with common everyday problems that have their manifestation in poor medical care; crumbling infrastructure, high crime, lack of jobs, and environmental pollution.  And political corruption.  And foreign interventions.  And............
     He even took a question(through an interpreter) from an American.  Ha.   Carefully scripted to a point, the old KGB staffer stumbled and bumbled his way through the 4 hours.   A Czar could have done better.
    Oh, well.  It's Russya.  That's about as well as can be expected.

Matthew Turner Update

      As the unfinished ship rocks alongside her pier/berth, the crew of volunteers maintains a steady work pace to do the finishing.  The Mainmast is shaped and being shaved to its final dimensions.  The foremast has received its second coat of exterior finish: tan and white.
      Metal workers are putting steel bands together to hold the fixed rigging(stays, etc).  These pieces are shaped by heavy tools: brake presses, fixed presses, benders, grinders and welding equipment.  It is a slow process.  The building staff is moving to new quarters as the need for the larger offices no longer exists.
     Right now, the two mast caps and the two futtock bands are priority items.   All necessary to the raising of the two masts, including both top masts.   Each cap consists of two circular bands that function as anchor points for cables leading fore and aft to the deck or to the lower crosstrees. 
    The decking has been finished being installed all over the main deck.  Sealing the wood is the final step and will soon be done.
     The new office is just south of the Bay Model/Army Corps offices.  It is next to the Vincent Whitney Co., the old time door & window hardware company.  So, if you want to make a donation, take a walk to the new office.

Go Cllimb a Mountain Young Man

El Capitan-Yosemite Valley, California

     Mt. Everest gets lots of ink: highest, most challenging, wind, cold, oxygen, altitude sickness, death will be your companion.   They'll find your body in a few years when the glacier melts.  Ho-hum.   Now folks are paying big bucks to make the summit.   But there are other challenges; some closer to Tahoma and Lake Tahoe.
        Take Yosemite Valley, the National Park.   Not very high you say.  Weather is almost always nice: real summers.  Ok.  I get it: child's play.  Can't even find a Nepalese who can say "Yosemite".  But, wait, Yosemite has some unique features: slab-faced granite walls, measured in the thousands of feet.   It can take a team days or a week to make the effort.   An individual can take even longer: camping in a swing hammock, high above the valley floor, with hardly any shelter from winds, rain, and cold.   Half Dome is the object of many a photo with its stark outline, treeless shoulders, and long drop, with Yosemite Falls right close by.   On the opposite side of the valley is another well known feature:  El Capitan-The Captain.
       This granite monolith attracts its share of climbers.  The crowds who are visiting often have the chance to watch the climbers in action as they slowly crawl heavenward, tactically placing their holds/irons and ropes as they crisscross the 'face'.   But this great rock also attracted someone unusual.  It attracted one Alex Honnold, age 31 years.  He studied the rock face of "El Cap" for two years.  He made his plans.   He got his head straight.  He focused.  Then, he climbed.
      His effort was the first of its kind: free-soloing the entire climb.   That is, he climbed alone without ropes or aids.  National Geographic called the effort the most dangerous climb ever.   Climbing professionals say 4 days is the usual amount of time required for a similar climb.  Mr. Honnold did it in less than 4 hours.  Alone. 
      What does one do after this feat?  What else is there?  Go climb another face?  Hmmmm.
      Congratulations, Mr. Alex Honnold. 

Summer of Love: 1967

poster art for concert at Winterland

      The De Young Museum of San Francisco has a special exhibition dedicated to the Haight Ashbury days in San Francisco of 1967, aka the Summer of Love.  Well, the trip down memory land for many visitors was a walk through the history of a period of great social upheaval in America, and San Francisco was at the forefront of this movement.  With photos, objects, graphics/posters, the story unfolds front the beginnings of the rock music period sometime in the early '60's when the Bay Area began to develop as a focal point of protests(over nuclear arms and Vietnam).
     While not much is seen from the UC campus protests, the San Francisco scene was part of the sentiment founded on the student protests and activism.  It was also characterized by the use of marijuana and LSD(still legal) and other psychedelic drugs(psyllacybin, mushrooms, and heroin).
     Many photos of famous musicians highlighted the galleries.  Prominent among them were posed fotos of the Grateful Dead, The Jefferson Airplane, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Carlos Santana, Creedence Clearwater, Big Brother and the Holding Co.(Janis Joplin), and Bob Dylan.
      Photos of the Haight St. scene were especially interesting, given the time period and its position (location) in the City itself.   What's missing is ancillary coverage of the California scene of the time:  Ronald Reagan was governor in Sacramento, Willie Brown(future mayor) was in charge of the California Assembly(house), and all kinds of nefarious characters were roaming the streets in disguise of hippies, religious zealots(Hare Krishners), seekers, and runaways.  The local establishment authorities were overwhelmed to say the least.
      The graphics were amazing.  

Play Baseball Don't Get Shot

       Not easy to play a little pickup baseball in Alexandria, Virginia.  Just this morning, before most of us were awake or up or had coffee, shots rang out at a park in Alexandria.  The targets: a group of adults warming up for a baseball contest between Democrats and Republicans.   It was supposed to be fun.   Not happening today.  An unidentified shooter with a rifle(sniper we call him) focused on select individuals.  The House majority whip was shot and wounded along with 3 other members of the team.   Police are investigating; the congressman is expected to survive.  The shooter: being sought after.
     Have a nice day.

Warriors Do It in 5: New NBA Champs

       There were smiles all around last night at the Oracle Arena in Oakland(Oaktown), California, as the Golden State Warriors clinched their 2nd NBA title in 3 years by defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in convincing style.   The Cavs came ready to play, hoping to repeat last year's effort when they overcame a 3-1 deficit to win the next 3 straight.  Not this time, LeBron.   The first quarter started quickly, with the Cavs hitting 3-point shots and playing defense, forcing turnovers by the Warriors.  At one point, the Cavs were up by 8.   And then, the Warriors woke up.  By the early minutes of the 2nd quarter, the score was tied, briefly.  Then the Warriors surged ahead, making an array of shots of all types: 3's, layups, dunks, put backs, foul shots, and time-tested jumpers.  With a minute to go in the half, the Golden State team had a 17 point advantage.   This was quickly reduced in the final seconds by back-to-back 3 pointers by the Cav's Irving.  Half time had the Warriors up by 11.   The fans were pleased and looked forward to more of the same in the 2nd half.
       In the 2nd half,  the Cavs were able to close the gap, reaching as close as a 3 point difference.  Lebron James continued his impressive efforts, hitting 3's, and driving the paint for 2 when open.  But the Warriors were not leaving the game to chance and responded in kind with their own amazing shots: Kevin Durant began his torrent of 3's and kept the Warriors with a good lead going into the 4th quarter.   The tension peaked now as two players faced off over a perceived slight.  Technical fouls were assigned, and the game continued a pace.   Warriors Draymond Green and Klay Thompson were in foul trouble in the early 4th, with 4 fouls each.  But Coach Kerr kept his balance and let them play on.   As the clock counted down the roar of the crowd increased, sensing a championship in the offing.   Despite LeBron James 41 points, the Warriors prevailed in front of their home fans and coasted to victory.
      Kevin Durant was awarded the Bill Russell MVP award(presented by the 83-year old Mr. Russell himself).   He had a terrific game and a terrific post season, answering his critics who debated his moving from Oklahoma City Thunder last summer.   Good move Kevin.
    Congratulations all around the Warriors who played most of the season without a head coach who was on the DL with his chronic back problems.
     Can't wait til next season starts.

Protest: St. Petersburg Style

       Alexei Navalny, erstwhile candidate for high office in Russya, led protests that occurred countrywide yesterday.  He was arrested in St. Petersburg along with a number of his fellow protesters.   This was predicted and expected and Mr. Navalny was not disappointed by the police. Decked out in typical riot gear fashion, police units waded in among the youthful protesters and dragged them off to waiting vans to then be taken into custody.   Seems normal routine.  But here in St. Petersburg not much is normal these days.   The old city is attempting to re-establish itself as a European-style cosmopolitan hub of western, or European Russya.   This is not a new quest.  A quick look at the history of the place indicates that these efforts go back to the time of the Czars, when Russya had some culture or a semblance of culture.
      It is common knowledge that the sitting president of the Federation, Mr. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, was the deputy mayor of the city less than 20 years ago when he also served as a KGB operative designated as the political watchdog of the mayor.   From that position, somehow, he ended up in Moscova and, lo and behold, next stop the presidency/prime minister/top oligarch/top despot/top military officer/top lion tamer/top judo expert/top international bon vivant/top horseman/top leopard trainer/ top election manipulator/top Trump handler/top China negotiator/ and top interview subject(Oliver Stone subject).
     So, the Kremlin fake news office is working hard now, pumping out drivel to pacify the everyday Russyan consumer of Kremlin fake news/alt facts.
     Ahh, life in Russya, it's different; just ask anybody who lives there.

Trouble in Kiev, Again

    This time, the trouble began during an assassination attempt that ha an unusual ending, of sorts.  The assassin was wounded by his two victims.  Both the targets were slightly wounded but escaped with their lives after minimum hospital treatments.  The assassin, meanwhile, is still hospitalized.  he'll be facing intense questioning when healthy enough to do so.  Hmmm.  What questions will asked of this well known individual:  (1) who sent you, (2) why were these two targets selected, (3) how much were you paid, (4) are you stupid, (5) where did you learn French, (6) who will pay your legal fees(7) are you a friend of Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, (8) etc.
      The story is something a gifted writer would have trouble putting together:  a French newspaper reporter befriends a couple who live in Kiev.   They are known vocal opponents of the Kremlin and all things Putin/Kremlin.   Now the time comes to activate the assassination: but wait, one of the targets has a gun, bigger than your gun and knows how to shoot it.  You, the professional hitman, get whacked yourself.  Oh, my.  Can this really be happening? 
      Such is life in Kiev.   It really is a wild frontier these days.  People running around claiming not to be Russyan, but just a Finn who has lost their way.   My. my.  Not easy to get around in the DonBass region in eastern Ukraine.   All these uniformed soldiers making outrageous claims.  Oh, for a little peace and quiet.  Why Crimea?  Why the DonBass?  Why SYria?   Why did they have to shoot down an unarmed Dutch passenger aircraft?   Hmmm.  Maybe we'll find out the answer to that one during Oliver Stone's interview(s) with Mr. Vladimir Putin.   Not easy being Putin.  Or actually, not easy being an opponent of Putin.

Mr. Putin: TV Personality

      Look at his face:  the well known smile, the focused gaze, the impression of knowing the answers.  And this is just the preview.  The notorious film director/ producer/screen writer, Oliver Stone, has out done himself.   He has produced a TV special that will run far longer than one can imagine- 4 hours of Putin?  Oh, my God(OMG).   Why?  At this time, when we can't get away from Russya in the media, all the media, all the time.  Basta, cosi'. Enough already.
      Now Oliver, an aging Vietnam veteran who scored big rewriting history to fascinate conspiracy theorists which abound now that we are fed a steady diet of fake news on the internet,  has been in the shadows of late, waiting for another aha moment.  Aha has arrived.
      Mr. Stone could not have been more precise in picking his moment.   Mr. Putin is rarely off the front page of every major newspaper in the USA.   From the NYTimes,  the WSJournal, the Washington Post, to the SFChronicle, all endeavor to cover his dealings or alleged dealing with President Trump and the president's minions and family members who have been in contact with the Kremlin for who knows how long.   Mr. Stone is getting a bit long in the tooth, at 70 years old or so, he's in the twilight of his career.  But this move means he is not retiring.   He even looks like his old nemesis, Richard Nixon, aka "Tricky Dick", who controlled the White House at the height of the Vietnam War: jowly, bent over, dyed hair(piece), and suitably shabby clothes, Hollywood-shabby.
     The trailers shown on TV recently do not say much nor offer any tidbits of information that might illuminate the direction of the interviews.  However, Mr. Putin's Kremlinistas will  certainly gloss over Crimea and Ukraine and of course, Syria.   What might he say about Gary Kasparov?  or Mr. Navalny, who is expected to challenge the arrest that has made his candidacy doubtful.   Maybe Mr. Putin will talk of the need for stability in the Middle East-at any price.   Maybe he'll focus on cooperation with OPEC and the price of oil.   Maybe he'll talk of the good old days when he was just old Colonel Putin, KGB advisor to the mayor of Stalingrad/Petrograd/St. Petersburg/Etc.  Or maybe he'll talk about his lack of a real relationship with the USA President.
     Oliver will tease it all out.   Not quite like his friend, Michael Moore, the unrepentant documentarian/expose artist/ego maniac.   There doesn't seem to be much anticipation for Oliver's latest work.   This could be his last hurrah.

France Votes For New Party

       Voter turnout in the recent French elections clearly decided that a new party is their desire.  Mainstream/old line parties suffered sharp decreases across the spectrum of voters.   The Socialists got slammed, receiving barely 10%.   Mr. M acron, the newly elected president, appears to have been able to reach out to the electorate and establish a base of support across France.  For him to establish his agenda of change, he needs a strong legislative majority in the parliament.  It appears to be within his grasp.
      Perhaps this is a sign of sentiment that desires to improve the European economic outlook across a wider range of economies that aren't German.  This could bode well for Italy, Greece, Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands.   Austria and Poland can  also be added to the list.   This vast market needs structural changes that can address problems relating to labor issues, social welfare benefits, and the need for improvements in the business world that needs more business formation.
    Good luck, Mr. Macron.

Michel Temer: Can He Survive?

     So, we have the ongoing investigation of corruption in Brazil involving the sitting president and the recently impeached president.  Sounds normal.  Corruption is the day job of most politicians south of the border(between US and Mexico border, ie. Rio Grande river).
    The claims of the diversion of illegal payments to the sitting party's campaign funds has embroiled the government for several years.  And it appears that the revelations will continue.  Even the sitting government is not immune.  Mr. Temer may be gone in the next few months. His replacement:  nobody knows who will emerge or from where he/she will emerge.
    Our minister will be there to keep Tahoma informed.

Ahhh, China

    The U.S. Pentagon released a report on China's military efforts beyond its borders.   Immediately, the report was criticized by China, citing its contents as over wrought and inaccurate.   The report indicated that the People's Liberation Army would likely expand in areas outside of mainland China.  The port of Djibouti in east Africa was named as the site of some expansion.    The military post in Djibouti is the first of its kind outside of the mainland.   The report also indicated that naval militias are being dispatched to the South China Sea where Chinese operations have developed bases for air operations and naval operations to intimidate regional players in the Philippine Is, Vietnam, Taiwan,, and Australia.  This comes at a time when the US is re-evaluating its position in the Paris Accords regarding Climate change.
     Hmmm.  How many fishermen can be employed in the South China Sea?  We'll find out soon enough.  The U.S. Navy sent a destroyer through the area last week.

Australia: Problems Down Under

     Last week we noted that Australia is a fun place to live:  lots of opportunities for the government to separate citizens from thier hard earned cash via the one-armed bandits known as slot machines.  Well, guess what?  Economists have shed some light on recent financial developments that should come as no surprise to observers:  consumer spending has taken a nose dive(as in a high dive into the abyss).   Consumer debt has risen sharply over the last few years and now spending is slowing indicating that consumers have shot their wads.   Household debt has risen to 212% of income, the fourth highest after Norway, Denmark,  and Netherlands, and higher than the U.S.'s 143% at the height of the pre-crisis level in 2007.  The savings rate, a key indicator, fell to 4.7% in 1st qtr, a level of a 10 year low.
     So, Mr. Government of Australia leader: is gambling good for the economy?   We can wait for your response, but try to have it by the weekend.  meanwhile, enjoy the last week of autumn.

Turkey Insults Amnesty International with Arrests

      The Turkish government made yet another attempt to display its contempt of international decorum by arresting a group of lawyers who were investigating recent government actions regarding Erdogan's moves in response to last year's attempted coup.
      Taner Lilic was detained along with 22 others on suspicion of using encrypted devices allegedly used by followers of Fetullah Gulen, the cleric tied by Erdogan to the failed coup attempt.
     Mr. Kilic is not a member or follower of Mr. Gulen.  Who makes these decisions?  Who else:  Tritip Erdogan, head of the Turks.

Former FBI Director Lights up TV

     James Comey, the recently fired head of the FBI, testified this morning in front of a Congressional committee.  The media covered every word of his testimony.  It was a feeding frenzy, to put it mildly.   Of course, most of what he had to say was already known via various reports, etc.  So, it gave the pundits a topic that could resonate with the few citizens who would actually care about the topic:  what did Trump know and when did he know it regarding the pesky Kremlinistas and their interest in the 2016 presidential elections in the US.
      So, we can move on now.   This part of the tele-novella is behind us.

Minister in Manaus: Exploration of Amazon

      Our Man on the ground in Latin America, our indefatigable Minister of Latin American Affairs, has gone off the grid, exploring the darkest region of South America: the Upper Amazon River basin.  His goal is to investigate reports of:(1) deforestation by illegal loggers/harvesters,(2) to investigate reports of illegal gold mining that have persisted for many years resulting in pollution of ground water and surface waters in the region, (3) to observe, if possible, indigenous peoples and their contacts with encroaching populations from external areas.  All of these topics are currently under investigation in Brasilia, the OAS, and Washington, D.C.
     His last communication came into Tahoma last night, as his flight from Sao Paolo landed in Manaus.  He immediately sought a TV to watch his beloved Warriors whip Le Bron and his Cavaliers in Cleveland, their home court.   He went to sleep with a big smile on his face.
     We will eagerly await his next dispatches which we anticipate will occur in about 4-6 days, when he is due to resurface in Manaus, the old city constructed at the height of the rubber boom fueled by Firestone to meet the demands of the fledgling auto industry that reshaped the modern world over 100 years ago.
      Our advice: Look out for snakes and crocodiles.

Round the Lake Bike Race

     Sunday saw a thousand bikers on Highway 89/Highway 50/ West Shore Blvd as they mad their way around the lake shore. The 72 mile ride is a well organized exercise in back-to-nature experience.  For the most part, the riders are a serious bunch of competitors, decked out in traditional garb featuring the usual bike shorts, tight jerseys, and crash helmets of all sorts.  Many of the helmets were capped with personal statement treatments: icons, legos, talismen, cowpies, and ?'s.  Hmmm.  Californians?  Of course.

Rubicon Peak, Sunday Morning: 7am

Turkish Thuggery: Where Erdogan Goes, Thugs Follow

      Well, isn't he special.  That is, Turkey's Pres. R. Erdogan.  So, he visits America.  And he brings his entourage of bodyguards.  No problem with that: he's a head of state and deserves a little security when on the ground.   As he approached the embassy in Washington, DC, he was followed by a small crowd of demonstrators who held up a few unflattering signs protesting his visit. 
      Now we know what happens at a demonstration today: the iphones come out and all is recorded and posted on social media.   Simple reality.   So then what?  Erdogan's bodyguards rush the crowd and start pummeling members, and kicking some while down on the ground.  Lovely.   How does this happen?  Well, it must be a conditioned response.   Instructions are given, and the guards act according to plan.   And this is not the first time.
      So, when Recep moves, trouble follows in the form of an unruly coterie of thugs who know how to deal it out in the street.  Just like back home among real Turks, or Kurds, or some other dissidents.
     For a little extra spice, the Turkish government tried to silence a follower of the Gulenists.  An NBA player on a tour in Australia was warned that he was the target of Turkish investigators.  he decided to leave and head home to the States.  Just in time.  he found out later his Turkish passport had been cancelled and he was ordered to Turkey.   Too late Recep; cat out of the bag.   Can you imagine?  You are on vaca, and you arrive at the airport for the next leg of your journey.   Then, you are told your passport is cancelled.  Now what?  You cannot move: stranded, left by your government to wait for its next move -against-you.   Not pretty.
    Welcome to modern-Ha-Turkey.