Mike Pompeo: US State Department

Loser, and a disgrace to all West Point grads

Cross the City: Easy Now

       So, you are going to the City(San Francisco that is) for a holiday outing.  You like to walk and hike, and stroll about the town you know so well after all these years.  Well, Amigo, there's something new for you to explore: the cross City Trail, just recently opened.

Cross City Trail Map

     As you can see, the trail starts in the south east quadrant of the City, not far from the old Candlestick stadium.  It follows a diagonal route northwest across the axis that bisects the environment offering great views along the way.   One last obstacle was recently removed near St. Francis Woods: a blackberry vine- covered depression that interrupted  the path.  After dozens of hardworking hikers chopped and cut their way through, the route was complete.
      The trail ends appropriately at Lands End in the northwest quadrant of the City.  Here the hiker can enjoy the scenic surroundings that overlook the vast Pacific extending westward to the farallones Islands and beyond.  Perhaps a migrating pod of whales will be seen on their annual trip(north/south).
Perhaps an impossibly burdened container ship struggles past the Potato Patch into the SF Bay, or a sleek ocean liner with several decks is passing under the Golden Gate bridge enroute to the Mexica Riviera or the Panama Canal.  No matter which it is, the view is world class, even when foggy.

Iran Ayatollah Claims the US is behind Local Protests

     In a clear indication of a paranoid mind set, the Supreme Ayatollah of Iran has gone public with his claims that the US is behind the protests by Iranians who object to current conditions in the country.  The Old Fart is correct- the US is behind the sanctions that include multiple financial restrictions on Iranian government, business, and personal financial operations in response to the Old Fart's sponsorship of international terrorism and the exporting of weapons to places like Syria that has been involved in a civil war for over 5 years.  This comes on the heels of a court decision in the US that has awarded journalist Jason Ryzian $ 180 million  for his arrest and incarceration for over 440 days in a stinking Iranian prison.   Mr. Ryzian, a dual citizen of US and Iran, was working on an article for the Washington Post at the time of his arrest.  The California native has traveled extensively in the Middle east and speaks the local language.
        Since the Old fart is in charge of all things Iranian,, it is unlikely that Mr. Ryzian will collect any amount of the award.  However, it has been past practice that any national Iranian assets abroad can be attached, eg.  Iranian oil tankers anchored in foreign waters/ports could be subject to seizure by local authorities operating under international laws.
      So, this tiresome habit of the Ayatollah speaking out against the US is just that- tiresome, unworthy of serious consideration.
Happy Thanksgiving.

Interstate 80 Reopened by CHP

       Well, you might be lucky to make it through Truckee this morning.  A break in the stormy weather has changed conditions so drivers who must navigate I-80 to or from Reno, NV can make the drive(at your own risk).  Now this situation is very fluid and can change momentarily.  Do you really have to shop in Reno or Auburn?  Can you change  your appointment until next week?
     The drive on Highway 89 to Tahoe City or South Lake can be difficult.  Plan ahead.  Be safe.  Be smart.

Snow Storm Hits Basin

     The forecast weather system has arrived over Lake Tahoe and the vicinity.  Interstate Highway 80 is closed, both directions until further notice.  Check with CalTrans for current updates.  Do not attempt to pass road blocks.  CHP is on duty and will deal with scofflaws harshly(big fines).  Auto and trucks have been seen slipping and sliding from Alta east, hence the closure.  Estimate are for continued closure for the next 36  hours.  This storm even has a name: Ezekiel!  Hmmmm.  I guess the weather Service wants to differentiate storms in announcements.
      Pay attention if you must drive; be aware.  Otherwise, stay home.
Be Safe

Rudy, Rudy, Rudy: It's That Time

        We are all familiar with the egoist: the constant self promotion; the clawing efforts to be first in everything; the stepping over of everyone in their path to the top spot; the inability to see another viewpoint; the insistence that their way is the best and ONLY way; and a will to play fast and loose with protocol, rules, and the law.  Rudy has been a fixture in American politics for decades as Attorney General, as Mayor of New York City, and a candidate for the U.S. Senate(losing to Hillary Clinton).   In 2002, after his high profile attendance to the events surrounding the destruction of the World Trade Center by Arab terrorists from Saudi Arabia, he formed a consulting firm-Giuliania Assoc. to offer services both domestical and international clients seeking access to high levels of political operatives.   His connections with Pres. George Bush catapulted Rudy to the scene of Washington, D.C., a landscape he already knew well.  From there, it was easy to step into the world of his friend, Donald Trump.
        During the campaign for president by Trump in 2016, Rudy was recruited to perform duties for the Trump campaign involving activities in Ukraine.  As an unofficial representative of then candidate Trump, Rudy's actions remained under the radar of official scrutiny until now.  As the impeachment hearings in the House of Representatives have shown, Rudy is involved up to his neck.
This week, the Justice dept. has issued subpoenas seeking documents related to Giuliani Partners and actual or potential payments to Giuliani Partners.  The subpoenas also sought information from two groups: America First Action and America First Policies, two pro Trump groups.  A spokesperson for the groups, contacted the U.S.Attorney's office in Manhattan and offered to cooperate.
       Mr. Giuliani says he welcomes the opportunity to discuss the events mentioned and claims not to have engaged in any wrongdoing.
      We'll see.  Stay tuned.

Huawei and ZTE Given a Headache

      The US government has confirmed that China's two largest companies dealing with technology will not be able to sell products to American companies that receive government subsidies.  What?  some companies receive taxpayer dollars for their business operations?  Are you kidding me?  Hmmmm.  How does this work?  It's a long story, but in brief, smaller US tech companies that are developing promising products rely on government contracts for their business.  Some of these businesses sell to China or buy Chinese made components.  No more.  Regulators recognize the heavy hand of Beijing in the operations of Chinese tech outfits and have now given notice that these companies will no longer recieve taxpayer dollars.
      Good morning, Mr. Xi.  Have a nice day.

Hong Kong Elections Results Look Good

       Hong Kong voters went to the polls yesterday and the results are in:  Beijing now has a bigger problem than it realized.  Hong Kong citizens will not bend under the heel of Beijing's Communists.

China: Cultural Genocide Exposed

Dr. Kissinger, Pres. Xi, and Henry Paulson

      Well, the proverbial cat is out of the bag, the Beijing bag, that is.  The TIMES reported that hundreds of secret documents contained facts relating Beijing's efforts to eliminate the cultural component of the Uiygur culture in western China.  It identifies a program long in operation.  But not as long as the operation currently underway in Tibet.  In 1959, a small contingent of the Peoples Liberation Army crossed the border into Tibet and forced the ruling government to flee into exile.  The Dalai Lama, or spiritual leader, left Tibet and found a temporary home in northeast India where he resides to this day.   These actions are part of the credo of Communism: suppress and/or eliminate all opposition in whatever form it is observed.
       So today we have Beijing and by extension its military enforcement unit the Peoples Liberation Army, rounding up members of the Uiygur population, placing them into reeducation compounds, until they renounce their Muslim beliefs and accept Beijing's Communist leadership role within the boundaries of China as they currently exist. (Including Taiwan and Hong Kong).
       On top of these policies is the policy of stealing technologies from the West(US and Europe) to advance China's efforts to modernize in the 21st Century.  However, these current efforts have been identified both at home and abroad.  In Hong Kong for the past 6 months, a convulsion of revolt has crippled the city.  Students(where many revolts begin) have taken to the streets, demonstrating that they recognize what the future(25 years hence) will likely bring unless an effort is made today to thwart Beijing's efforts to eliminate the "One country, Two Systems" plan agreed to by Beijing when the UK gave in to yield control of Hong Kong back to the Communists in Beijing.  In Washington,  the President has imposed tariffs on Chinese goods; Congress has supported these tariffs in most forms;  the Dept. of Justice has brought criminal charges against Chinese scientists working in the US and forwarding secret research information back to their patrons in Beijing; and Chinese students studying in the US are now looked upon as agents of the PLA, interested only in obtaining the latest research that will benefit China's agenda that focuses on technology.
        As a  student of Chinese geopolitics, it becomes clear that Xi Jing Ping, who has solidified his hold on power, is advancing his vision of the modern Communist State, a political philosophy largely recognized as a failure for all populations who at one time or another were inflicted with that regime.
 

Hong Kong: On the Brink

       The University of Hong Kong campus has been surrounded.  Students who don't give themselves up to police face prison detention.  Mainland Chinese students have been allowed to leave and go home to their respective cities.  Classes have been cancelled.  It's no longer business as usual.

Hong Kong Evening Light Show

Winter: Finally

      Forecasters see rain/snow next week: a White Thanksgiving weekend.  Unfortunately, not much snow will fall in time for wide open ski runs in the basin.  Perhaps some agressive resorts, such as Heavenly Valley, Squaw Valley, and Alpine Meadows will charge up the snowmaking machines and get a few diehards who can't wait(and who have season tickets).
     This long autumn season will end, finally.  With the end of autumn will come the end of the fire danger, at least the type of fire that wipes out whole cities.  This year's Kincade Fire was the worst, consuming hundreds of structures, including scores of single family residences, and sending hundreds of folks into a homeless situation.   Just yesterday in Napa, Solano, and Mendocino counties, PG&E shut off electricity because of high winds that endanger the surrounding area.  The power should be restored today.
      So, Tahoma folks, make sure you are prepared for winter- most of you who live in our fair town know the drill:  drive carefully on winter road conditions-ALWAYS.   Expecting guests from down the hill?  Instruct them on the particulars of driving while crossing into the Sierra-it's different up here.   Extra batteries, portable radio, lanterns, generator, extra water.   Got it?  Get it.  
Be prepared.
Happy Thanksgiving

Nov. 2-Anniversary of Flight of Spruce Goose or C-4 Hercules

       Many innovations and inventions marked national efforts across the globe before, during , and after WW II.  Many came from the Axis Powers(Germany, Japan, Italy), while more came from the Allies: America, United Kingdom, France, and many more.  Aviation was one area where research and development produced outstanding advances in aeronautics and flight in general.
      In one area in particular, the focus on troop transports was the driving force.  Henry Kaiser, the indomitable ship builder decided a large transport could solve the problem of moving large numbers of troops across great distances quickly.  He teamed up with Howard Hughes, the renowned aviator, inventor, race car driver, to design and build such a plane.  Due to metal shortages, the prototype was built of various light weight wood frames and members.
      Henry Kaiser, used to getting things done in a hurry, lost confidence in Hughes whose management style differed greatly with his.  It was a government contract and then the war ended.  But Hughes continued to ensure that he produced a flying prototype to satisfy the agreement.  On November 2, 1947, the plane, with Hughes at the controls, lifted off the water(it was an amphibian) in Long Beach harbor and flew to a height of 70' and covered about 1 mile, more or less.  It never flew again.  It sat in a warehouse, decaying slowly but surely, until sold to a museum of historical aircraft.
     It was taken apart very carefully, put on several ships and taken to Portland, Oregon.  From there it was put on barges and taken up the Willamette River, to a location convenient to the Evergreen Aviation Museum where it was reassembled and restored to its original glory.  Now, well maintained, it is a unique piece available to museum goers and students of history.  The Mayor spent a day at the museum and toured the interior of the aircraft and had a photo taken in the cockpit that Howard Hughes sat in in 1947 for the first and last time.

Roger Stone: Trump Insider-Convicted on All Counts

       Well, finally, an aging dirtbag, Trump supporter, Trump insider, notorious liar, has had his day in court.  Unfortunately for the old trash-talking purveyor of "dirty tricks", his court time did not come out well for him.  He was convicted by a jury of his peers on all 7 counts against him.  After 8 hours of thoughtful deliberation, the jury foreman announced to the court: "We find the defendant guilty as charged on all counts".
     The prosecution asked the judge to confine him to jail until his sentencing in a month or so.  The judge allowed him  to be free on his own recognizance until then.   The crimes are various, and 6 of 7 carry a maximum of 5 years of prison each.  The witness tampering charge, the most serious, carries a 20 year maximum sentence.   It appears the old liar will finally have to pay for his criminal activities after a lifetime of remaining free to engage in his lowlife activities and his obvious disdain for truth, morality, and ethical behavior.
      The legions of contacts who have encountered this scumbag can enjoy some schadenfreude as he spends his last days of freedom before getting cuffed and led off to the Old Bailey where he will set up permanent residence.
      Smile, Roger, you are on camera, but just briefly.

Book Review: From Cold War to Hot Peace-The Inside Story of Russya and America, Michael McFaul

       The State Department has been receiving lots of press and media coverage lately.   Many career diplomats have been requested by Congress to answer questions related to their positions in the Foreign Service, some were ambassadors, some were in high administrative posts, and some were long serving professionals who had been engaged with various politicians who had questions about performance in distant capitols.
       Michael McFaul is a former ambassador to Russya where he served at the behest of former President Barack Obama from 2014-2014.  As a young college student, he began studying Russya, its history, and its post war actions leading up to the collapse of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the peaceful dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.  He was well acquainted with the fledgling movement toward representative democracy.  He listened to those advocates who wanted to emulate the politics and policies of western Europe and of course, America.  He went on to study politics and especially democracy and its components.  After receiving his PhD., he joined the Stanford University faculty to teach and write about political science.  In 2008, he was offered a position on the campaign staff of candidate Obama.  After some discussion, he decided he could help this man become the president of  the USA.  After Obama's election, McFaul was asked to join the NSC as anadvisor on the questions surrounding the politics of the new Russyan Federation.  He was able to meet many of his former friends from his college days, and learn about the new movements going on inside Russya.
      While not meeting personally with Vladimir Putin, he did meet Boris Yeltsin and many of his supporters and his detractors.  He also had opportunities to meet with then Prime Minister Medvedev, who worked under Putin.  In time, the roles were reversed when Putin decided to allow Medvedev to assume(elected) the office of President.  Then Pres. Obama asked McFaul to take over the position of Ambassador to the Russyan Federation.  He accepted and began a 2 year service representing American interests in the new democracy.
      His book is both history and memoir related to that time, and before and afterwards.  It is the guidebook for those who wish to understand how Putin thinks and how his archaic vision for the future of Russya mixes in today's world of geopolitics.  As a student of post war Russya and its geography, I have found this book to be a guide for observers of the current state of the relationship between the US and Russya.  Donald Trump notwithstanding,  the state of affairs betwen these two superpowers is fraught with difficulty and misunderstanding, whether over Syria, Iraq, Israel, or the Baltics and NATO.
        This book is a must read if one is to understand what is happening in Russya today, as Mr. Putin grasps more power and maintains pressure on all opponents within Russya's borders.

More of Venice: October 2019

Front elevation St. Marks

Palazzo Ducale

Palazzo Grande Canale

Canale con vista ponte

Venice: October Version in Pictures

Classic gondola profile

Classic Gondoliere

From the canal

Venice: Water, Water, Water Everywhere

        One of the great cities of Europe has been inundated again by wind-driven high tides.  Although not a new phenomenon, this event over the last 48 hours falls just inches short of the record high in 1966.  Locals were seen struggling through the thigh high water that caused  considerable damage to many structures, water craft, including the fabled gondolas, and ferry boats.  The Mayor of Venice declared a state of emergency as most water borne craft were unable to pass under the many bridges linking canals with the islands and the mainland approaches to the city.
      The Mayor of Tahoma was just in Venice only 2 1/2 weeks ago.  The weather was beautiful, warm, and pleasant in all respects.  Stacked duckboards were in evidence around St. Mark's Square, looking like remnants from a concert stage recently taken down.  This time, they offered little relief from the tides.   The much touted "gate system" has not been completed as per the design.  The rumors include reports that the design is flawed and won't accomplish the goals sought by the government.  Time will tell if changes will be made, or the project will be abandoned as it stands.  The high costs will certainly warrant discussion about the future of the design as tides are expected to continue to rise over the next 100 years.

Mexico Offers Asylum to Evo

        In another move that indicates further problems south of the Border,  the government of Mexico offered asylum status to former president of Bolivia, Evo Morales.  Mr. Morales sought asylum in a foreign country due to a rapid change in his legal status in his home country.  After 3 weeks of violent protests in the streets of his country, he decided to call it quits.   He and his supporters claimed a victory in the recent presidential elections.  After significant findings that the election was rigged, people took to the streets.  Then when asked for support by Mr. Morales, his military leaders claimed neutrality.   His goose was cooked.  Time to go, somewhere, anywhere.  And his friends in Mexico offered him a resting roost, at least for awhile.
       Now the fun begins in Bolivia: what next?   Who will be the next leader of this poor country without a coastline on a continent with long, long coastlines?  An emerging leader has not been identified.   Some folks expect the Kremlin to get involved here; or even worse: the Chinese P.L.A. might show up on the doorstep and start throwing money around to grab a little influence, easy to do down South.
      The Lefty ex-leader of Brasile, Ignacio Lula de Silva was just released from prison over the weekend.   He needs a job.   Argentina probably won't offer anything, and besides, he has a court appearance soon on his appeal.   The 74 year old claims lots of support at home, but not much in Bolivia.   So, poor Bolivia joins most of the rest of Latin America as locations of political upheaval and dissent.  We'll keep our eyes open on things Bolivian this week.

Dissidents In Russya Shocked by Kremlin MOves

        Well, protesters  were the targets of Kremlin moves to stifle dissent and dissenters.  Orders were carried out by Russyan banks that held deposits of known dissenters who were listed by the FSB as opponents of the sitting government run by Herr Putin.  In a move that sent a chill through the opposition group run by Sergey Navalny, banks froze accounts of known members of his group.  Deposits were shielded by computers and rendered useless by the owners.  Without access to these accounts, many members of the opposition are now faced with the difficulties of finding cash on which to live.
      Even in a system that alleges a legal system with recourse for victims of fraud and abuse, this move by the Kremlin will cause second thoughts of those who are vocal in their opposition to the little dictator of St. Petersburg who now resides in Moscova.
     NO surprises here: he does what he wants, and as is the habit of those afflicted with paranoia, it could come in any form, anytime. 
     Keep smiling.  Winter is coming.

Rubles, Rubles, Has Anyone Seen My Rubles

       Well, it's been a rude awakening in Many parts of Russya this week.  Citizens who woke up in the largest country in the world who checked their banking statements online were greeted with shocking news:  their accounts had been frozen and or closed, and denied access to the records of amounts on deposit.  This came when they hardly finished the first cup of coffee/tea/or vodka.
      First thoughts of these individuals went something like this: 1) the bastards can't do this, 2) how will I buy food this week, 3) can I recover anything?, 4) the bastards can't do this, 4) the butt heads in the Kremlin are behind this, 5) I'll call Sergey, 6) I called Sergey, 7) I'm leaving this place for good, 8) I'm going to live in London, 8) Vova is a fake Russyan, 9) the bastards can't do this, 10) Medvedev wouldn't allow this to happen, 11) Wait, he's Prime Minister-he must have approved the move, 12) Wait, Mad Vlad doesn't need his approval at all, 13) the FSB engineered this theft, 14) Lavrov is Behind this, 15) Can I borrow money from Dad?, 16) I know some MOldavans, they'll lend me something until I get a lawyer, 17) Wait, I can't trust anybody-the FSB won't let me borrow toilet paper let alone cash., 18) I'm moving to London, Brexit be damned, BoJo be damned, 19) Why am I upset?  Isn't this normal batshit for Russyans?, Of course., 20) Calm down, have a shot of vodka-that's better.  Breathe slowly, deeply-think of Sharapova in a miniskirt-that's it.  Who cares about rubles anyway?  Wallpaper, that's all rubles are good for.  Besides, I'm moving to London.

State Department Warning: Travel to Mexico Not Advised

       The White House has offered the government of Mexico U.S. troops to combat the drug cartels after an ambush near the southern US border left 9 American citizens dead, seven of them children.  This assault on innocent civilians underscores the depravity of the drug games and the inability of the Mexican government to combat lawlessness in its own country.  Until the government can break the chain of corrupt law enforcement officials and local governors, the massacre of civilians will continue at ever increasing costs.  Spend your tourist dollars elsewhere, not south of the border.

So Cal Sunset: Looking West From Palos Verdes

Sunset on Saturday-End of Daylight Savings Time 2019

East Asian Tormentor in China

      We have it on good authority that the P.L.A. has a problem with an operative that had been employed by a US agency in China.  The operative violated standards and after being warned, was fired from the position.  Now we know that the P.L.A. follows orders from Beijing and is very astute in carrying out those same orders.  But sometimes, at the lowest levels of any organization, things often go awry.
        The local gendarmes put the pinch on the perp and then released him after he signed a statement that he would follow the rules.  He promptly broke protocols again.  Now we must wait for action from the police who probably could care less since no obvious crimes have been committed against the citizen.  We wait further development on the issue.