Winter

Beijing Continues to Punish Journalists

Publish something the Party doesn't like: go to jail. That's the message sent, again, by Beijing, aka Communist Party HQs. The world has been aware for sometime that Party leaders in Beijing flubbed early efforts to control the spread of the Corona-19 virus from its beginning in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province. Medical doctors were put on notice early on that they cannot speakout about the situation. A Dr. LIn was chastised early on for his early announcements about the spread of the virus and its deadly effects. And now we have more evidence of Beijing's efforts to silence any and ALL opposition to Party dictates. Ajournalist from Wuhan was arrested and tried in criminal court for her efforts to document and describe conditions in Wuhan in early 2020 as the virus began causing a health emergency there. Zhang Zhan, 37 years old, was sentenced by the "court" to 4(four) YEARS in prison for "picking quarrels and provoking trouble". I love the description of these alleged crimes, so pedestrian and simply put. Ms. Zhang went missing in May, a long time ago in this pandemic. Her friends found out she had been arrested. They also discovered she was force fed by prison officials when she went on a hunger strike. Her big problem is the psychological impact of isolation; the profound effects of incarceration and loss of personal freedom at the hands of the Communist Party. Journalists and observers were barred from the trial proceedings and sentencing. And we do business with these Communists? Hmmmmm. It seems like a long time ago Pres. Richard Nixon, and his lackey, Henry Kissinger, "opened" China relations in 1972-73. Mao was still walking the halls of the Kremlin(his stuffed carcess lies entombed in a mausoleum in Tianamen Square). Since then, hundreds of Chinese people have left the chains of rural poverty behind and moved into a decent lifestyle unimaginable 30 years ago. However, the Party has not changed its stripes and still insists on Party loyalty from all members and non-members alike. It remains to be seen what the president elect will do about human rights abuses in China when he assumes office in 3 weeks. The country watches and waits in eager anticipation.

Russya Called Out On Navalny Poisoning

A number of investigative reporters have unveiled the truth about the poisoning of Mr. Navalny while on a flight to Moskova from easter Siberia. He had been tailed/followed by agents of the FSB from its headquarters in Moskova. Passenger logs indicate that agents took flights before or after Mr. Navalny's flights, wherever he was bound. This activity had been ongoing for at least 2 years. Mr. Navalny and his staff were able to obtain cell phone records of those who were involved. They were able to ascertain the plans in place to bring the poison to where it was most likely to be emplyed against the most outspoken critic of the Putin regime. The allies of Navalny were able to get the phone numbers and call those fellows. One of them actually talked with Navalny and outlined the plans in brief, thinking he was another agent from anoth Kremlin Bureau. These facts came out 2 weeks ago. When Mr. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, leader of the largest country in the world, was asked about it, he made light of the claim, stating if security agents were looking to assassinate Mr. Navalny, he would be dead. Forunately, the pilot of the flight on which he became ill, landed in Omsk and was able to get him to a medical facility in time to save him. HE WAS THEN FLOWN TO A HOSPITAL IN GERMANY WHERE THE POISONING WAS CONFIRMED. It was the standard Russyan poison: weapons grade Novachuk, made in Moskova. No doubt more sanctions will fall on the shoulders of the hapless followers of Mr. Putin. Another sad chapter in the Russan suppression of opponents of his regime.

TRPA

TRPA, the Bi state agency, will host a zoom meeting on January 7th, to provide information on the Meeks Bay Plan which is currently in development. Thae last meeting in NOvember, generated a considerable amount of input from all interested parties, and the TRPA rescheduled a followup meeting to this week. The agency wants to hear from locals, so this is the time to speak up and be heard: it's your West Shore, and we can guide the future by actively participating in the process. Many aspects of the project have been considered, and many more could be addressed. Opinions can sway results,, now, before any actions take place. The problems are focused on the surrounding area of Meeks Bay and meeks Creek where it empties into the lake. It is the site of prievious recreational facilities, going back almost 100 years when a pier reached into the lake to provide a stop for lake boats bringing passengers to the West Shore, central. The Meeks bay Resort has been a Forest Service entity for many years since ownership passed from private hands to the Fed. government. Leases were let to operators to run the resort, and the native American tribal managers have been in charge during the past few seasons. The adjacent state campground on the south side of the creek has been a camping site for a number of years, and provides overnight guests and day use visitors access to the beach. On HIghway 89 at Meeks Bay are 2 fire houses: one from North Tahor Fire(year around), and the US Forest service(seasonal occupancy). Across the highway at this point is a trailhead for hiking access to the Desolation Wilderness, a mecca for high Sierra campers and hikers. All of these activities are under intense scrutiny at this time. The former boat harbor in the Meeks Creek basin has been shut down for 3 years after a certain level of pollution was found in the harbor and sources were not ascertained. The tribe did not spend money to do a study, and the situation is certain to limit any boaters to kayaks and canoes, and paddle boards. So,, there's quite an agenda for this week's meeting on zoom. One can sign up on the TRPA web site. Happy New Year Mayor of Tahoma

Merry Christmas-2020 Really

So, sports fans: it's Christmas. Don't gather, social distancing required, don't linger indoors, where your mask(s), don't mix with people not in your household, and have a nice day. Church services around the world, especially for those of the Christian faith, have been restricted. As the UK recognizes that a BREXIT deal has been achieved with the EU, the country has to confront a new Covid-19 variant that is more contagious than earlier variants. Countries will impose travel bans on travelers from the UK. Passengers from the UK to the US will have to show the tests results indicating a negative finding w/i 72 hours of the scheduled flight. Some airlines have already implemented the restrictions. Skiers who have access to homes in the Lake Tahoe Basin are probably staying close to those homes today. The weather is good for skiing, but it is a holiday. There's not much snow on the ground and it doesn't appear likely that much will fall in the immediate future. 30" on the top of Homewood ans 11" at the lodge are not great numbers. Such are the problems of ski resorts, hotels and motels, and all related businesses that need guests to show up this winter. It doesn't look good.

California Has a New US Senator

Gov. Gavin Newsom has the opportunity to wield some national influence. He did. He named California's Secretary of State, Alex Padilla, to fill the position of Vice-President Elect Kamala Harris. Padilla is a California-born native, from southern California. The son of Mexican immigrants, he studied hard, and was accepted into M.I.T. where he received his B.S. degree. Upon graduation, he returned to his home state to seek opportunities in the tech field. However, when Prop. 187, passed by voters across the state, labelled non-native residents as illegals and ineleigible for certain benefits, he decided to enter politics.(It was found unconstitutional by the Supremes). In no time, he landed in Sacramento where he impressed all whom he encountered. Recently, in the 2020 General Election, he wrote the ballot measure for Proposition 19. This proposition was a significant measure, designed and promoted by the National Assoc. of Realtors to enhance the future prospects for all its members not only in California, but also nationally, wherever heirs of California residents may live(think Texas, Florida, and Nevada). This proposition gutted the Proposition 13 of 1978 that protected property owners from onerous increases in property taxes brought on by existing laws and policies dictated from Sacramento. No one is surprised by the mechinations of politicians wherever they are, but Alex Padilla one-upped them all. He wrote the words that confused millions of voters to vote against their best interests. He wrote that this measure would benefit seniors, fanilies, the State, homeowners, and local areas ravaged recently by wildland fires. Voters, in turn, agreed that this seemed to be an appropriate goal(s). However, tucked into the end of the statement was the provision that unless heirs lived in the inherited property, property taxes would increase to market rate(sales amounts, assessments). The result of that would be forced sales by heirs who could not possibly pay those amounts. And who would benefit in the short term: REALTORS and their lackies across the landscape. To reach the margin of victory(about 1% of votes cast), the Board of Realtors contributed $42 millions for the campaign. Opponents, largely the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Assoc., spent $45,000. The Democratic Party spent $1.2 million for the measure. What chance does a property owner have against such odds? And why does Alex PAdilla think that he's helping California? And what will he do when he gets to Washington and the US SEnate? And why do the citizens of California move out of state at record rates? So long "Golden State", hello the New California: Land of Helpless Recipients of the State's surplus, of which there is none. Thank you COVID. I'd rather have Mr. Padilla in Washington, DC, where he'll fit right in with the rest of his ilk. No wonder the Orange-haired idiot received more votes than any other presidential candidate in history(excepting his opponent.) Bon Voyage, Alex Padilla, stay in Washington.

California: US New Corona Virus Hot Spot

Well, not too hard to figure out why California is on the brink of a health disaster. In the last two weeks corona cases have exploded across the state. Hospitals are at or near capacity. Our Governor, Mr. Gavin Newsom, has been subdued these past 2 weeks after being chided for dining with friends at the French Laundry restaurant in the Napa Valley. This restaurant features fine food at $400/ per person plus wine and tip. My, my, such extravagance in time of pandemic. This event came on the heels of an order from his office/desk advising all residents to avoid socializing, and to avoid dining with people not your family. Oh, he admitted to "making a mistake". How pathetic! The man is a dim bulb, a man surrounded largely by sychophants of his own choosing( Oh, Gavin, you are sooooo wonderful). Meanwhile, unemployment surges, again. And to top off the situation, Elon Musk announced that he was moving his company to Texas, where he says the business climate is more business friendly and he can find employees who can afford to live there. California will have a reckoning after the 2020 Census data is published. It has already come out that California's growth has slowed to a level not seen in many many years and the trend is definitely toward a new direction: downward. Who can afford a house? Who can afford onerous sales taxes? Who can afford high personal income tax rates? Who can afford 2 hour commutes,stuck in gridlock? Who can afford a ONE PARTY State government beholden to big money? A case in point, the recent general election featured several propositions put before the voters. Among them were props. that asked voters to approve new Affirmative action rules(def.), new labor laws to manage gig workers such as Uber/Lyft drivers(passed to benefit large corporation(s)), and Proposition 19: a gutting of the Prop. 13 real estate tax caps from 1978. This last proposition was put on the ballot by the legislature(Democratic super majority). The wording was carefully written to confuse voters, especially those who are senior citizens. It is no doubt that this was written by the real estate lobby which runs roughshod over the legislature in California. The National Assoc. of Realtors pumped over $41 millions into the campaign to get the proposition passed. It did with a 51.1% margin. The opposition spent a mere $45,000. The Democratic Party itself spent over a million dollars, and the California Realtor Assoc. spent over $2 millions. What chance did the citizens of California have against this powerful national lobby? Not much, really. Even with that much money behind it, it passed by the slimmest of margins. What will happen? After it takes effect next year-2021, homeowners who want to leave their residence to their offspring will have to face the new reality: if the heirs choose not to live in that domicile, the property TAXES will rise to reflect the current market value of the structure. No longer will heirs have the "Old" property tax rate their parents had. They generally will have to pay huge increased amounts or sell. That is the key word: SELL. The word is pure honey to : you guessed it: realtors, who gorge themselves on commissions for doing next to nothing to rake in those same commissions. It will take awhile, but the injustice of the act and its unethical handlers in Sacramento will have to accept another taxpayer revolt similar to Prop. 13. It seems the Dems cannot help themselves when it comes to spending taxpayer dollars. Look at what the Old Scammer Jerry Brown did: tried to build a"Train to NOwhere", spending billions on a test track somewhere near nowhere. Or better yet, the grab of well water across the state: w/i a few years, the counties will come in to your property and install a meter to "monitor your usage". This upends hundreds of years of private property rights over water ownership. Hmmm. No wonder people are leaving like rats off a sinking ship. Whose name is on the proposition? Kevin Mullin, of San Mateo County. Another dim bulb following in his father's footsteps to gorge at the public trough. Thank you, Gavin Newsom. Enjoy the decline inyour reputation. You deserve nothing better, given your inept handling of the worst pandemic in 100 years.

Russyan Scum Hack Attack

The FSB is continuing its assault on civilization around the world. The Kremlin nerds working in the HQ in MOskova unleashed their dogs on the US government in early spring of 2020. News of the hacking of computer systems across a broad swath of US government Departments indocate the most sophisticated attack yet. The US Cyber Security Dept. has yet to name the damage done by the intrusions. The department clearly got caught by new efforts by Russya to steal data and consolidate hacking efforts that heretofore were not possible. Pres. Elect Joe Biden says our country's response will be quick and devastating to the responsible parties. Haven't we heard this before? Time to isolate the Kremlin and let them snuggle with the Commies south of the Amur River. The Chinese will soon take over most of Siberia anyway.

Tahoma: Snow

Yes, that is real snow. Finally. It looks like there will be a white Christmas. But the figures in the Nativity scene will all be wearing masks: governor's orders. Oh, by the way, a recall effort to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom is gaining steam. He could be gone next year.

Russian Scum at it Again

The US Dept. of Homeland SEcurity released information about anoth hacking event into various government computer systems. The finger is agian being pointed at Russya- the dean of state sponsored hackers. Why does this backward government persist in saying to the world that "We want parity? It is such a sad case in the 21st century. No doubt the country doesn't have much to contribute to the world as we know it. Vodka? Who needs more vodka? Caviar? Not enough to go around. Siberian wealth? Show me the money. The largest country in the world is a sad, sad failure. Like many a corpporation that has become overweight, lethargic, disoriented, and incapable of self care, this country is a lost soul. The Moscow leadership should just turn out the lights and go home, somewhere.

Book Review: Coming into the Country-John McPhee

Journalist John McPhee has been a writer all his life. He teaches writing at Princeton University in a town where he grew up. Maybe the academic atmosphere contributed to his life goal, or, maybe not. He writes in a journalistic style: he covers the landscape as he finds it, describing everything there, and somethings that used to be there, and the folks that he finds there. He writes personally, expressing his opinions without injecting his own sentiments about his subjects: just the facts, please. Coming into the Country is about the State of Alaska as he found it in 1976/77. Can you remember those years? If you read this book, those years will seep back into your memory, and while you might not have been in the far north at the time, you will gain an appreciation for those years as did Alaskans and those who wanted to be Alaskan. He covers a lot of ground in the book: Alaska is a big place as we know, and as we find out. He wanted to get familiar with those who live there, those who came there(most of those he finds), and how they live and adjust to the 6 month winters with temperatures -50 degreesF at times. He discussed history-the gold rush in th Yukon at the turn of the 20th century. He talks about the oil discovery and the building of the oil pipeline from the North Slope to Prince William Sound on the south coast. He also gives a voice to the native Americans who populate much of the landscape and who received a payment from the Federal Government to compensate for the takeover of their tribal grounds. Additionally, he talks of state politics and the in-state rivalries that exist between Anchorage and Juneau, the pan handle city of the south east that nobody seems to love. His description of the lives of the modern gold miners includes little known details about their actual lives. Of course, his story was written before reality TV brought those persona.ities to the small screen and streaming services. I found his stories about the bush pilots fascinating: how these pilots survive is beyond me. The everyday risks they take is enough to make your hair go straight. I recommend this journalist's effort as a well reported story of modern Alaska.

Gen. Chuck Yeager: R.I.P.

America lost one of its great aviation pioneers and fighter pilots. General Chuck Yeager died this past week at age 97. He had a good run. A young man in WW II, he became a fighter pilot and became a fighter ace, downing 5 enemy planes. He was blessed with incredible vision, naturally: 20/10, or sharply improved over the sharp-eyed with 20/20 vision. He also downed at least 8 more planes during his service in Europe. He was 22 years old when the war ended in 1945. After the war, he stayed in the Army and shifted to the US Air Force when it was spun off from the Army in 1947. He then became a test pilot, risking life and limb as aviation entered the jet age(Germany was building and flying jets at the very end of WW II-too late to turn the tide). Planes were getting faster and faster, approaching the speed of sound. Scientists speculated that aircraft could not endure the stresses at that speed and could not predict the outcome if it was exceeded. Chuck Yeager became the first man to fly faster than the speed of sound in a plane that was not much more than a rocket motor with a couple of wings attached. After that event, his career was a milestone in aviation, and combined with his wartime flying, he entered legendary status. He was a military icon adopted by the civilian world as someone who had "the right stuff". The book of that name featured him as a living symbol of those blessed with those attributes that personified those who had it all. He retired to civilian life as a former Air Force general officer and lent his credibility to various organizations and institutions that contributed to the advancement of science and aviation.

Santa Ana Winds Continue

Hot, dry winds in CAlifornia continue to blow across parts of California. Both southern and northern California have had warnings from utility companies of the prospect of cutoffs of service in some areas related to anticipated wind damage. Citizens are advised to be aware of possible interruptions of service. Lake Tahoe and the eastern Sierra are not affected. Liberty Energy has not been included because their service areas are not affected.

Trump Adds Chinese Politicians to Blacklist

The Trump administration added 14 members of the Communist Party to a blacklist of thos e sanctioned by the US for interfering with Hong Kong's autonomy. They are the follwing: 1. Wang Chen 2. Zhang Chunxian 3. Ji Bingxuan 4. Arken Imirbaki 5. Wan Exiang 6. Wan Exiang 7. Chen Zhu 8. Wang Dongming 9. Padma Cholin(Tibetan) former chairman of Tibetan Autonomous Region 10. Ding Zhongli 11. Hao Mingjin 12. Cai Dafeng 13. Wu Weihua 14. These party members will have assets frozen; they will have travel restrictions on movements to certain countries; and could be restricted in buying certain electronic products such as stereo music equipment.

China -North Korea Trading Partners

In defiance of American sanctions about trading with the isolated Communists in North Korea, the State Department announced that China has been sending vessels to North Korea and loading them with coal and making no secret of it. This clearly an act to antagonize the US. Aerial photograps show coal being loaded at the Nampo ports where coal is shipped abroad. These exports are worth between $330 mion and $410 millions of dollars. The Koreans have made efforts to hack into various computers to steal assets and bitcoins. These efforts have yielded certain amounts of cash, but it's an irregular stream of finds. So, China is continuing its Xi-sponsored international efforts to confront the West.

The Case of Jimmy Lai

Hong Kong police arrested activist Jimmy Lai last week on a variety of charges related to his anti-Beijing activities. Hmmmm. Why would Beijing target such a well known individual? To create fear among his followers and those who might be contemplating similar activities. It's such a weel-worn move that it surprises few. What is not well known is Jimmy Lai's catholicism. He is a well known Catholic lay person, maybe the most well known Chinese lay Catholic. Some are asking the question: "Where is Pope Francis on this clear abuse by Beijing against another religious figure associated with a minority faith? Clearly, Pope Francis is aware of the situation; however, no statement has been forthcoming from the Vatican. We know that the Pope is increasingly getting involved in international politics and he is aware of religious activities in many countries that are home to Christians and Catholics. The world wonders?

US State Dept. Warns of China Actions That affect National Security

So, more US actions tell of continuing efforts by Trump administration to curb aggressive Chinese moves across the globe. In a statement, the State Dept. said:" The Chinese Communist Party's threat to American national security extends into our financial markets and impacts American investors." A number of large companies in China saw their stocks fall after the notice. Hong Kong-listed CHINA COMMUNICATIONS CONSTRUCTION CO. and CHINA RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION CORP fell about 2.25%. CRRC Corp rose 0.3%. Surveillance specialist Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co., the largest of these companies by market value, fell 2.3%. FTSE Russell said it would drop the companies from its global equity index series. Other Chinese companies saw stock prices plummet last month after being named by the Pentagon as supporters of the Chinese military. They include China Telecom Corp., China Mobile Ltd., and China Unicom.

US House of Representatives Votes to Remove Cannabis from Schedule 1 Drug list.

In a move long awaited by progressive interests and most States, the House voted to remove cannabis from its controlled drug list. The law will go to the Senate where it is expected to draw less than the majority needed to pass. The act alone is enough to signal that criminal reform is on the Democratic Party agenda for 2021. This could be the break through needed to reduce the prison population that leads the world in shear numbers of incarcerated citizens. While unlikely to pass, the effect of its House passage sends a signal: the time has arrived when the socalled "War on Drugs " has been a miserable failure from the get go.

Huawei CFO in Talks with US

Huawei CFO, Meng Wanzhou, in custody in British Columbia, Canada(at home), is in talks with the US DEpt. of Justice in an attempt to win certain freedoms from prosecution for international business activities in violation ofsanctions imposed by the US against Iran. She has been in custody almost 2 years since she was apprehended in Vancouver, BC by Canadian police at the request of DOJ. Her lawyers are trying to cut a deal where she would admit to certain violations while she goes home and establishes a position from China. This may or may not happen. Depends. What does Prez-elect Biden think of this case? Hmmm.

Trump Chihuahua Has Covid

In a customary manner, POTUS tweeted that his leading legal counsel, Rudi Giuliani, has contacted Covid-19 and is being treated in Washington, DC at Georgetown Medical Hospital. No further details have been made public, but one has to be concerned given his age and obvious infirmaties (comorbidities) which are many. He has been a one-man traveling carnival, moving about the States, appearing in court making one feeble attempt after another as to the veracity of elrction results that have gone against his chief sponsor and No. 1 supporter: Mr. Trump. Will he survive? That is the question on everybody's lips. Will he receive the same cocktail as that given to POTUS? Maybe, much depends on the severity of his case. If diagnosed early in the infection, he may have a chance of survival. Meanwhile, the infevction rate and death rate across the country continue to accelerate to record levels. A general lockdown(states) is to take effect tomorrow, requiring only minimal trips from home for food and medical treatment if not a "front line" worker. This will add to the general anxiety across the continent as citizens move into month 9 of the pandemic and deaths in the US approach 300,000.

Tahoe Ski Resorts Will Not Accept Walk-Up ticket purchases

So, in the interest of public safety concerns and to facilitate the accomodation of online ticket purchasers, resorts will not sell day use tickets. This departs from long time practice which answers to the variability of weather and concomitant arrival of skiers on any given day. This will play havoc with resorts and will prove itself useless in the trenches. When the time comes to sell a ticket or not, most resorts will practice good business: sells to the customer at the window with the cash. Who comes up with these schemes? Santa? Newsom? Trump? Harry Reid? The public response to virus spread varies. Where people read and gather information, they make decisions based on facts, not fake facts and rumors put out by partisan deniers who abound in California. So when the white stuff starts falling and you want to ski, go for it.

US Congress Votes to delist Chinese Companies

US House voted unanamously to pass legislation that would ban trading of shares of Chinese companies, such as Alibaba Group Holdings Ltd., over concernsthat their audits aren't sufficiently regulated. So, it appears to this casual follower of Chinese trade rules that the US Government continues its campaign to hold the Beijing Government to international trading rules. As has happened in the past, accounting practices in China vary considerably from accepted international business norms. What this means in the market place of stocks and bonds is that when a customer buys any Chinese stocks, he's gambling that the information provided by the listed company is true, and that it conforms to standard accounting practice. This has proven to be a false assumption on the part of buyers of Chinese stocks. Nobody knows with any confidence what are the practices used by Chinese comapnies. Who audits their figures? The PLA? The Central Committee? The Wuhan scientists? The Great Wall Masons Union? Hmmm. Would you invest some hard-earned money in any Chinese opearation today? Or any day? This law passed the Senate in MAy of 2020. Why has this come to pass? Because China will not allow US regulators to check the work of Chinese auditors. Hmmm. Another case of "You can trust us". Smile. Many Chinese companies have imploded over the last decade, Luckin Coffee is one of the recent companies to implode on a global scale. Sponsor of the bill, Rep. Brad Sherman of California, said that China has been stonewalling requests for audits by American regulators to no avail. Mr. Trump is likely to sign the bill as soon as it reaches his desk. China will have 3 years to comply. The bill included clarifications of the intent to provide insight into the law. The New York Stock Exchange has over 200 listings of Chinese companies and would lose out if these compnaies moved to other exchanges. NYSE executives say that the problem can be resolved with agreements on both sides. Some companies have already gone private to remove obstacles to trading on a global scale. Can Beijing negotiate with the US? Doubtful.

China to the Moon

Our fave Asian country has landed a rover on the Lunar surface. Ok, it's been done before. In fact, by the United States over 50 years ago. As in Five Oh. What's the big deal? It's a sign that China has capability. They can launch, guide, and maybe return a vehicle after traveling to and from the moonscape. What was the mission? It was designed to scoop up some dirt and rocks. Maybe 10 kilos worth. So, did it complete the mission? We'll find out, won't we. The international news media was properly informed and given access to the video feeds so they could observe the vehicle's actions while on the surface. Sadly,, the feed was plagued with failures during the critical gathering cycle. But, the media soldiered on to watch as sporadic images came and went from the video. What's next for Chinese technology? Guess.

LA to See Strong Winds for a Week

So, SoCal Edison announced that due to the forecasts for Santa Ana winds over the next week, power to hundreds of thousands of customers will have power interrupted at various times. This market covers millions of CAlifornians who have had to deal with wind-driven wild fires over the last few years. Highways have been closed, families evacuated, and firefighters pushed to the edge of capacity. Now, we have similar conditions with Covid pandemic thrown in for good measure. The Guv will have to mollify voters who want relief from all environmental problems. What to do? Now, hospitalizations have soared because of the virus spreading again at a rapid pace, straining medical capacity. If a hospital loses power, patients will die. Of course, the Idiot-in-Chief will mock all efforts by any Democrat, no matter the situation. Sadly, POTUS knows no other way. Welcome to California Thursday.

Democrats in California: Do as I Say, not as I do

So, Governor Noisom goes to dinner in Napa/St. Helena at the tony resto. He gathers with his tribal admirers, prepared to ingesta $400/per diner meal. Wait, he has banned indoor dining. Wait, he issued new lockdown orders against gatherings of citizens in California, home to single party politics/politicians/ and single mindset thinking. Oh, wait, he's the Guv. He can do anything as he attempts a crawl to the hallowed halls of power in Washington, DC. Wait, he's upset theat Kamala harris, Vice-President-elect has beat him at his game. He is suffering the psychological effects of this situation. But, I digress. It's about dinner: well now the fallout has occurred. He must issue an apology. I, I, I, didn't think it would become known. Oh, wait. I didn't think somebody would tell all. Wait, I'm Guv. Who qwould dump on me? Enemies everywhere. But I'm in California: there are no Republicans here. I'm ashamed. I'm embarassed. Wait, I'm not embarassed. Yes, I'm Governor. Get Jerry Brown on the iphone, he'll know what to do. Call Willie Brown, he'll tell me what to do. Call Bill Clinton. No, don't call Bill Clinton. Call Hillary. Oh, damn.

Realtors: Not Your Friends

      In California, Proposition 19 was placed on the ballot by the State Legislature, guided by Kevin Mullin of San Mateo.   This Proposition was written to garner broad support among state voters to do what?  To put money into the hands of:  REALTORS.  You know: the scoundrels who suck money from property sellers who have assets in real property.  These agents often promote their services as essential to any and all real estate transactions.  They do very little work as they take almost 20% percent of the equity a seller has in the property.

      The National Assoc. of Realtors pushed the proposition with money equal to $49 millions of dollars.  The California Board of Realtors spent an additional $1.5 millions.  Hmmm seems like an unlikely issue to draw so much money.  The realtors hope that something will change in their favor.  They expect  more sales, more commissions.   The mothers' milk of real estate= commissions, of course.

       The wording of the proposition tells the story:  if an owner passes away and his heirs inherit the property,  the property will no longer enjoy a property tax that existed for the deceased.  The tax will now be assessed to market value, obliterating the Proposition 13 mandate of maintaining the existing tax rate for the immediate family.  Results are not hard to figure: most heirs will be forced to sell, unable to pay the new annual tax amount.  Winners=realtors; losers: families of middle class owners.  The state legislature rightly assumes that this will bring billions more property tax revenue into state coffers for politicians to spend as THEY see fit.

     So Kevin Mullin is the new tax and spend poster boy for the Democratic Party, the one party of California, formerly a 2 party state.   Welcome to the State of Socialism.

I Will Never Retire

     

Trump: King of Delusion

       So, we have a Lame Duck in the White House, his name is Donald.  The United States has to be embarassed  by his his refusal to concede the election results which, despite the large number of votes cast for him, make him a second place L-O-S-E-R.  The poor man cannot understand how he has been placed in this role of second best.  Perhaps his situation has to steep in his little brain.  The sycophants who surround him, including the Kushner(s), also need some time to absorb their public and private situational changes:  no more gravy train at the expense of the taxpayers.

       Meanwhile, the coronavirus is ripping across the landscape with terrifying speed, setting daily records for new cases.  We thought it was bad in March and April of 2020.  Winter is on the horizon, and indoor environments will foster crowding and close contact, all will cause an increase in new cases.  Pfizer has announced good outcomes for its vaccine trials and has given all of us hope for some remedy, but Pfizer has cautioned that if proven safe, the distribution will be long and difficult to solve the pandemic in this country and around the world.

       President -elect Joe Biden appointed a chief of staff to lead the transition of the new administration.  The composition of the Senate remains a question as the two Senate seats in Georgia will go to runoff votes in January.  The split at this point is 49-48, with a 1 seat lead among Republicans.  The White House continues to spew accusations of voter fraud among the election results.  Such vitriol from losers does nothing more than illustrate the moral bankruptcy of the Republican Party, long out of touch.  Encourage by unexpected gains in House seats, the party leaders feel that they can continue to support the pathetic sitting Lame Duck.  The Senate Majority leader, Mitch McConnell, seems to think the election needs further review, in hopes that party voters will agree to allow more review of results across the states where margins of victory were indeed narrow.  Georgia results will now be tallied by hand as required by state law.  The results are not expected to change.

        Tahomans, meanwhile, praise the new snow, and forecasts for more.  Election?  Virus? Tourists? Skiers?  We deal with it all with a positive outlook.

Stay tuned.

Happy Trails to You Donald, Bye, Bye

Snow in Forecast

    Yes, skiers, snow is forecast for the Basin this weekend.  No, don't breakout the boards.  Just limber up and start dreaming of powdered slopes, no lines, and good weather.  It could be a skier holiday over Thanksgiving.  Maybe, maybe not.

Stay tuned.

Soon

So Long Donald

       The Associated Press called the election for Joe Biden, Jr. and VP candidate Kamala Harris.  The State of Pennsylvania's 20 electoral votes went to Mr. Biden, edging out the incumbent,  meaning Donald J. Trump is a L-O-S-E-R.

     The nightmare is not quite over.  The Loser-in- Chief still has a few months left to create some mischief, but the courts will not look kindly on the republican Party's efforts to turn over the results to a party that is inherently corrupt, led by the Corrupter-in-Chief.

     Now Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi can sleep through the night again.  She announced she will run again for the speakership.

Madam Speaker Pelosi

The Dems now have the task of forming up behind their new leader- a man with 50 years of experience, unlike his predecessor who had no experience.  Yes, it was close, too close for the press, the Republican Party and the opposition Democratic party.  The Blue Wave never materialized.  How can that be?  Didn't the leaft-leaning media point out every single flaw of the Repulsicans?  Yes, and then what?  A close election that was a nail-biter in the end, taking almost 4 days of counting to get results, with a few runoffs along the way, and a recount or two.

        Our best wishes to the President Elect, he deserves the victory.

Covid Cases INcrease Across Country and World

      Well, no news is good news, but we aren't so lucky.  New figures for new cases of covid are painful to accept:  107,000, cases in a day this week.  Hmmmm. It's not even winter and we're setting records.  What about testing?  What about another lock down?  Where's the leadership?  Hmmm.  We are looking more like our European cousins everyday.  PM Boris Johnson in the UK has announced(albeit late) a new round of lockdowns to stem the number run up.  Nothing gentle seems to work among the population;  one must go all out against this insidious foe oe they win, we lose.  It's very simple.  Dr. Anthony Fauci(The Fauc) says bad days are ahead.  Its spread will not stop during this period of inattention among the leaders of states and regions of the country.

Good luck, America-you're going to need it.

Tahoma Calls Election

     Finally, he'll be gone.  Hopefully forever.  But, we will have to wait for a final number as the last votes are tallied in Georgia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Nevada, and Arizona.  Biden can win in one large state, or two others and he wins.  The lunatic has to win 4 of 5, or 5 of 5 to eke out a slim margin of victory.  The Lunatic is shouting out "Recount" already, before final numbers are in.  In this game, weakness is an obvious hindrance.

two bros out for a ride, discussing elections here and there

Angora Lakes

     Well, the Mayor made his annual vist to ANgora the other day.  It was a grgeous day all over the Basin.  This time of year, one doesn't expect to see many visitors about, and the day was not an exception.

       We had the beach to ourselves(deputy Mayor).  A few chipmunks scurried about.  Another family of 6arrived and had their pick of water front spaces.  A young couple could be seen across the lake sittibg on one of the dive rocks(look closely to see them).  The water level is October low.  There is no visible snow anywhere, but that will change soon as night time temperatures dip into the low 20's.  It won't be too long before the whole area will wear a blanket of the white stuff.

      One of the cabins had some visitors; they appeared to be part of management as they put up an umbrella on the deck and made preparations for a stay.  They picked perfect weather.

view of Fallen Leaf Lake from Angora Lookout on ridge

    Passing along the road on exiting the lakes, the barren landscape adjacent reminds one of the destructive effects of the Angora Fire of 2008.  Many of the homes below that burned have now been rebuilt; but the trees have a long way to go before they resume the former landscape.

PG&E Wind Warning

     NorCal power monopoly company, Pacific Gas & Electric, cut power in some counties and certain areas within those counties yesterday and last night.  El Dorado was unaffected as Liberty Energy did not identify zones of high winds near LAke Tahoe.  No reports around the state of wind caused powerlines down.  But it's still early.

Marie Sluchak Park Info

Progress in Downtown Tahoma

       Workers continue to finish the install of the new park play structure.

Update: Tahoma MArket/PDQ

       I talked with a local resident and she told me that the owners of the market have ordered uniforms for the staff that are being hired as we speak.

       Great news for Tahoma.  No more unnecessary trips to TC or Homewood.  The building looks great with all the improvements(exterior) making quite the impression.  Opening just a week or two away.  I have not been asked yet for a ribbon -cutting ceremony. 

World Series Update

 Well, no miscues by the Dodgers last night as the favorite team closed Game 5 with a victory over Tampa Bay Rays.  The Rays had their chances, leaving a number of runners on base late in the game.  Dodgers' pitching looked very capable and Kershaw performed well during his time on the mound.  He got the win, and the game was closed out by relievers.

Series at 3 games for LA, 2 for Tampa Bay.  It's now do-or-die for Rays.  A travel day off today, Series resume tomorrow.

Friends of Tibet

     Was out shopping the other morning, and lo and behold I spotted a vehicle with a notable license plate.

Who knew that Tibet has a large population of emigres in Virginia.   Now you know.

I like the TI

World Series Update: End of Game 4

        Well, a little excitement is all we ask for in any Series.  This year, because of the pandemic and lack of fans in any venue, folks at home are trying to stay interested.  We have the LA Dodgers, a powerhouse if there ever was one; and the Tampa Bay Rays, the upstart with the payroll that looks like a 1099 Form from the gig economy.  Game 1 to the Dodgers, Game 2 to the Rays, Game 3 to the Dodgers; now Series have Dodgers up 2 games to 1.  Game 4 seesawed back and forth.   In the top of the 9th inning, the Dodgers are up by 1 run, and the Rays are struggling.   They get a man on first base, then another man to first, 2 men on; now two outs, Rays are down to their last strike as a pinch hitter steps up and works the count to 2-2.   And then the fun begins.

        The young man lashes a hard hit ball to shallow right centerfield, the runners are off at the crack of the bat:  the center fielder gets excited and mishandles the ball as the runner on first rounds 3rd base after the lead runner scores.  (Game tied).  The runner rounding 3rd base falls down halfway to the plate(Azorarena) as the throw comes in from the outfield.  Runner stands up, sees the ball coming and stops, the catcher looks for the runner who he believes is sliding home.  Catcher takes the eye off the ball, ball caroms off his outstretched glove hand as he sweeps the plate to tag the runner, who is not there.   The ball has been deflected to the right of home plate, the runner sees this,, jumps up and dives to homeplate  which he slaps with his hand, followed by a big smile.   Dodgers manager, Dave Roberts, tries to absorb what just happened and he cannot believe what he has witnessed: at least 3 errors which caused his team to lose the game.

Series tied: 2-2.   The action is now tied, momentum Rays.   Therapy needed for the Dodgers who might not recover from this sad loss.   But, that's baseball.

Watch it!

TRPA Postpones Virtual Town Hall Meeting.

       The TRPA's scheduled virtual Town Hall meeting has been postponed until November 12.   The board deemed the number of comments elicited from the first meeting warranted more examination by the staff assigned to the Meeks Bay transformation initiative.   The amount of comments indicates high interest among West Shore residents, as it should be.  The residents of Tahoma are very concerned about the future of Meeks Bay and its shoreline, the camp grounds, and the facilities that will accompany the location and transformation.   It appears, as so often happens, the TRPA, the USFS, and El Dorado county have a plan ready to go, but will make it appear that their attempt at public input is serious, and not an exercise in frustration for local residents.   

      It has been several years since the little harbor at the lakeshore at Meeks Bay has been shut down to all boating activities.   It was stated by TRPA that water pollution was evident in the creek basin and the Washoe Tribe, lease holders on the park grounds, did not take the bait and attempt an expensive study to identify the source(s) of the pollution.   Has this happened?  Does TRPA have the information?  Are they flying blind into the project without knowing the source of claimed pollution.  It seems prudent that this information is necessary before any improvements can be made; before any money is spent on changes to the environment;  and before a final plan is approved by TRPA/ElDo Cty, and the USFS.

View Above Meeks Bay

Consulate in Chengdu Now Unfit for Duty

Hong Kong at night

        Beijing gave the US 30 days to vacate the building that has housed the consular offices of the US State Dept. in Chengdu.  Personnel left shortly thereafter, but the heavy lifting was carried out by management members of the staff.   Local Chinese employees were let go within days of the official order.

Sadly, these individuals were blacklisted by the government in Beijing.  They cannot find other employment.  There is no possibility they will be hired by any business that wants to stay on the good side of the Party.  A few individuals who had worked on site for many years(25+) will be offered opportunities in the United States: to live and work with a path to citizenship for their dedication in the face of opposition from Beijing.

       Meanwhile, the consular staff set about the task of cleaning out the consulate.  Knowing that this building will never again be used by the US State Dept., it was imperative that no one else will ever use it.  Despite the 100 year lease in effect, it was a convenient way for Beijing to rid this section of Chengdu of the footprint of a US entity.   So, all the systems installed were rendered unusable: electrical, plumbing, kitchen, and all bathrooms. 

         The CG repaired to Foggy Bottom where he was given a desk and a stack of papers to shuffle.  Within a few weeks, he was promoted to a higher rank.  This promotion was obviously not the result of his leadership in Chengdu where he was held in low regard by all members of his staff as a bumbling, ineffectual leader who was in over his little head.   But in an organization run by a pompous bureaucrat who is oblivious to the operation of a 60,000 man juggernaut, such moves and their results are the norm.  Yes, the Department of State is too big to fail, no matter the budgeting put in place by Congress.

Goodbye Donald Trump

      Well, sports fans, it appears with more certainty than ever than the human detritus collected in the White House will be sent packing in less than 3 weeks.   Thank the stars and heavens, this "plague" on America will be departing soon.  Adding insult to injury, this incomparable buffoon, now touts herd immunity as the solution to the Coronavirus pandemic in the country.  Dr. Anthony Fauci calls this policy absurd, and for Trump to espouse this path is ridiculous.   And that is true.

Sunset on Trump's Administration

       A new national poll has candidate Joe Biden in the lead by more than 11 points ahead of Mr. Trump.  This is good news for all Americans, even those deplorables who have been fooled by his rhetoric and those pronouncements by the fools in the Republican Party.   Pathetic supporters in Congress such as Mitch McConnell, continue to shy away from criticism of POTUS.  Amidst the vagaries of the impending election(s) on November 3rd, Trump and the Republicans continue to rant against perceived demons; continue to fire broadsides at the mail-in balloting that is a help to those with concerns about the current surge in the spread of the coronavirus.  Health is their concern, but voting is a close second.   

      The Biden campaign is spending great amounts of dollars on ads in key states such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Arizona.   Congressional seats are also in the mix and are considered primed for a party switch that will alter the numbers in the Senate and give the Democrats a majority in both houses.  With Biden/Harris in the White House, big changes are coming, but it will take more than 4 years to change many of Trump's policies enacted over the past 3 + years.

Nokia Exalts as Merkel Prepares Restrictions on Huawei

        Nokia executives are dancing in the streets as they absorb the information that finally Germany will 

send Chinese electronics maker Huawei home instead of participating in the development of a 5G networks in the country.  After listening to the US on the security issues surrounding Chinese electronics companies,  Germany has finally agreed it is not worth the risks.   Given the Chinese government's financial support of the company,  it is clear that the Huawei products are unfairly propped up by Beijing.  Additionally, the PLA, or national army, maintains the ability to demand all data and compliance to all requests from all Chinese corporations, despite claims to the contrary.

         The implications are considerable.   Huawei has been under pressure for months and longer in some ways.   The US has identified flaws in Huawei's explanations as to their connections to Beijing and the PLA. Consequently,  world leaders must defer to the US and its concerns regarding any future relations with Huawei and its technology.

No Doubt About  Command Structure

Sugar Pine Park In the News: Fire Defense

       LOcals, especially those in Tahoma, have known about various efforts at Sugar Pine Pk,  to maintain the forests.   The forest environment at the park consists of the signature sugar pines, and also ponderosas, jeffries, and the ubiquitous fir tree.  Burning the under growth has been a local practice for over 30 years.  Visual evidence is obvious when one drives through or by the park grounds/campgrounds.  Burn piles, waiting for their moment,   are arranged sporadically on the landscape.  During the winter, after an appropriate snow fall, the fire department puts the piles to the torch.  They are carefully observed until the pile is reduced to ashes which are then smothered with water until extinguishment.

      An article in today's SFGate explains the history of the program in detail.  SFGate.com

So long Cyberfly! R.I.P. Frank Pisciotta

       Sad news for Tahoe locals, Truckee residents in particular.   Renowned flyfishing guide Frank Pisciotta passed away this month after a brief illness.  Frank was one of the elite guides in the Sierra, often called "The Dean of Sierra Guides", a well-deserved moniker.

       Frank was a City boy: born and raised in San Francisco's North Beach, where his family owned a custom upholstery business near Washington Square.  Frank attended Sacred Heart High School where he was active in club sports.  He was a good student and after graduating, he attended  the University of San Francisco, a top Lone Mountain hill near Masonic Blvd.  After 4 years of study, he graduated with a B.A. in economics.   During his time at USF, he was a member of Army R.O.T.C.  He was commissioned a 2nd Lt. after receiving his degree.   Shortly afterward, he was sent to Army O.C.S. for already commissioned reserve officers.  His first assignment was with the 9th Infantry Division HQ in Vietnam, where he spent the next 12 months working on the division staff in intelligence.

        Frank started guiding in the 70's, and named his business "Thy Rod and Staff".   This comes from the Book of Psalms-who knew?   As time went on and his reputation spread far and wide, he started writing articles for various magazines tailored to sport fishermen/and women.  He was a dedicated proponent of sustainable fishing methods and practices, especially around the Tahoe basin.   His favorite waters:  the Truckee River with all its challenges.   It was also the seen of many seminars, dedicated to basic techniques of flyfishing, and advanced methods for veterans who needed local information about Tahoe.

      He attended many sportsmen shows during the off-season, giving lectures to attendees who wanted expert advice of their favorite flies.

more to follow

New York Times Calls Out Putin

       In a blistering editorial, the NY Times called Putin a threat to the world order and called for action against the largest country in the world, run by another megalomaniac who has been appointed dictator for life.  This call out comes on the heels of the near death of Putin's sharpest critic, Aleksei Navalny.  He was the one who became ill on a flight to Moskova from Siberia.   The flight was diverted as the seriousness became obvious when he lapsed into unconsciousness.  The pilot landed at Omsk airport which was met by an ambulance which rushed him to a local hospital.  His condition was grave.  

       On learning that Mr. Navalny was hospitalized, his supporters rushed to the hotel where he had stayed the last night.   They gathered everything in the room that could be associated with his stay.  This would be analyzed later for any sign of contamination.   Meanwhile, Mr. Navalny was then taken to a hospital in Berlin, Germany, to thwart any attempt by the FSB/Kremlin to intervene while he was hospitalized in Russya.   Doctors in Russya stated it appeared he had been drinking or perhaps taken some drugs.   This bogus claim only underscored his precarious position while still in Russya.

        Subsequent testing revealed the presence of the banned nerve agent Novichuk.   As has happened in many other incidents, this agent seems to be the preferred agent when the FSB is operating at home or abroad against critics of the Kremlin.  The list gets longer by the month.  The NY Times called for other countries to take action.  Specifically, the editorial called for the EU to end the Nord Stream pipeline deal with Russya that would supply natural gas to the EU directly from Russya.  The project is about to be completed, and Prime Minister Angela Merkel is coming under pressure to cancel the project despite it being nearly completed.  Sanctions already exist upon Russya for various international actions, eg. invasion of Crimea; assassination attempts in the UK, and the murders of journalists w/i the borders of the federation.

       Meanwhile, the propaganda machine inside Russya is throwing out news of a Covid vaccine that has been developed in some lab inside the country.  The Kremlin maintains it has proven safe.  Ha.  Can you imagine?  Maybe each batch will have a "special" formulation to be reserved for "special" patients.   Would you want a vaccine covered with Russyan fingerprints?  No, of course not.

 

How's the Air at the lake?

      Well, take a breath.  Can you taste it?  Chew it?  See it?  Smell like something you don't like?  If yes to any of these questions, the air is B-A-D.  So, stay indoors.  If not, double mask, don't work outside, don't work out, and definitely, unless you're a lunatic: don't smoke.

       The AQI has been up above 175 off and on for days this week.  This does not indicate healthy air for anybody here abouts.   Yes, tiresome, isn't it?  We are tired of it all: Covid, Fire, Smoke, Trump, Biden, Pence Kamala, etc.  Give us Peace: Now.

        Oh, and the police: Put away your guns, you fools.   And the election is less than 2 months away.  Absentee ballots will be mailed soon.  Hmm.  How's your signature?  Can you read it?   Will the F.B.I. have to examine it for authenticity?   Or will the Republican Party approve it as written?  So many questions.

        Careful out there when hiking: smoke.

Hack Attack-2020

      Oh, well.  It's 2020 and not  much has gone right around the blue planet:  hurricanes, typhoons, floods, a few quakes, a pandemic, continued conflict in the Middle East, Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, and also Brexit problems.   It's an election year in the USA: then that means that state actors will roll out their sovereign hackers to disrupt any and all political contests to thwart local control.  It is getting tiresome.  Microsoft Corp. spread the word that 3 state actors are responsible for the latest efforts to disrupt:  Russya, Iran, and our Chinese friends from Beijing.  Apparently, these states wish to influence outcomes that would be most beneficial to the state's aims.  In reality, they wish to sow dissension and mistrust of government among the citizenry throughout the USA.   They continue to act in a manner that makes them all unfit for any leadership in the modern world as they persist in using failed methods to raise their influence globally.   Sanctions will only increase, especially with China and Russya.  Perhaps some voters will be duped by fake news put out by the various agents, but like 2016, it will hardly affect the outcome.  Best wishes to Xi and Vlady and the Ayatollah.

1 yuan note

Chinese opera

emperor's soldiers in formation

president for life in Russya

Italian Referendum Vote

      Well, our friends in Italy will have a chance to fix a lingering problem: too much dead wood collecting salaries in Roma.  The Parliament is one of the most bloated political bodies in the world.  Almost 960 sitting members discuss laws and political pursuits.  Finally, the new conservative party passed a law that gives the voters a chance to make a change in amount of legislators.  Each of these slugs draws a salary north of 250,000 euros a year.  Plus a paid staff of at least 5 salaried individuals.  This adds another 300000 euros.   And on and on and on it goes.  So the vote is on a single issue decrease the number of slugs or not.  October 21-22 is the date.   Mail in ballots have been sent out to citizens living abroad through the consulates and embassies around the world.   Doesn't seem to be any problems in Italy.  What;s the problem alleged in the USA?  A "fake" problem created by the scum in the White House?  That's it: they created the fake problem to cast doubt on any mail in balloting around the country.
       In Italy, the results will show that locals have had enough.  Why can't Parliament get anything done: too many opinions not enough leaders.   The American Congress set limits upon the number of representatives.  It has been frozen for decades.  Can you imagine what Washington would look like if congress was allowed to grow with population?  We'd have hundreds more of our own slugs sucking on the meager taxpayer provided funds.  Hmmm.  Maybe we can learn from Italy?  Why not?  They conquered Covid while we are still mired in a pandemic that adds 40000 new cases A DAY.   Why?
No leadership.

Bad Air Blues

   So wild fires continue to plague the Sierra, Tahoma suffers some of the worst air quality in the state.
AQI in Tahoe City:157.  Homewood: 154, Tahoma 142.
    Stay home, don't breathe, it could be hazardous to your health.  Remain calm.  Will Gov. Newsom know what to do?  Don't count on it.  He's trying to figure out what to do about school for all his kids.  Maybe he'll get some parental leave.  I think that's the perfect solution: governor takes leave to educate his children.  But we know, he'll hire an expensive tutor and bill the taxpayer.  Good luck, Gavin.  Where the mask, live longer.
Update-9/11/20
      Looking around, it doesn't take one a long time to realize AQI is poor all over the state of California, especially in the LA Basin, the SF BAy Area, and north near the CAl/Oregon border.  The heavily burdened air, loaded with particulates from burning trees and structures, is locked against the mountainous landscape, waiting to be purged by a seasonal cyclonic storm that historically will dampen the infernos and provide relief to the firefighters on the lines and the displaced who have had to evacuate their homes in the past few weeks.   In several towns in southern Oregon, hundreds of homes have burned to the ground.  Businesses have been reduced to rubble, and civic leaders will now be tasked with the rebuilding of communities.  It won't be easy as all victims have to cope with the Covid pandemic that has plagued the States for over 6 months.

Alexei Navavlny Regains Consciousness in Berlin Hospital

     The hospital -induced coma that kept Mr. Alexei Navalny unconscious since being brought to a Berlin hospital has been terminated.  He is now functioning on his own: breathing without a ventilator, and apparently, no drug drip line in his extremities.   It won't be long before he talks(if not already to German government officials).
     The Kremlin, through bullshit artist Peskov says that Russyan government has not seen the evidence in any form that can confirm or deny the presence of poison(novichuk) in his body.   I guess this stepped response keeps the news cycle spinning a little slower as time drags on until the next poisoning or regional takeover by unmarked/identified military types(see Crimea).
     Old Mad Vlad seems to think this game of Thrones is a game for chumps and he plays by his own rules.    Meanwhile, the ruble is in the toilet, the covid cases are marching upward, and winter is around the corner(they have REAL winters in real Russya) see Napolean ,1812) See Nazi army 1941).   Will he ever learn?   Apparently not.   Maybe Pres. Xi Jing Ping will talk some sense into this dictator, but don't bet on it.   Ruler for life Putin listens to his own drummer, whoever it was.
     Mr. Navalny can't claim martyr status yet, but he's approaching icon of opposition, a serious position in the world's largest country, land of north flowing rivers and Siberia, home of the internal exiles, aka cheap labor. 

Book Review: "The Road Not Taken: Edward Lansdale and Vietnam", Max Boot, author

Artist Rendering of Gen. Edward Lansdale

Book Cover

       Have you ever wondered what happened in Vietnam after the French got their ass kicked in 1954 after 100 years of colonial occupation?  Maybe you thought that the most powerful country on earth would have had a walkover there.   But, no, it didn't happen, as we know.  After 10 years of fighting and 58, 000+ deaths of American troops, sailors, and pilots, the US left the South Vietnamese on their own, and the North Vietnamese Army walked in, almost unopposed in April, 1975 or 45 years ago.
How did this happen? is a question posed by historians, politicians, philosophers, and soldiers and marines who did the bloody fighting all those years.  Thousands of books, articles, research papers, theses, and unit histories have been written and published over the last 52 years.   Max Boot's biography adds to the list.   His biography of a central figure through out the experience answers many of the questions posed about the war.
      Two  years ago, acclaimed writer/journalist Louis Menand wrote an insightful review article in the New Yorker magazine, dated Feb. 25, 2018.  In the lengthy review of Max Boot's opus, Menand managed to identify historical data related to Lansdale's era of international activities in which the future general of the Air Force was working with and for the C.I.A. in the Phlippines Islands and later in South Vietnam.   In both places, Lansdale used his personality and drive to bring the situation as he found it to a good end.  Unlike in Manila, his efforts in South Vietnam were short lived.  Acting mostly on his own,  he was able to ingratiate himself to political leaders, to gain trust and confidence; to engender true mutual respect.  These efforts were largely abandoned by 1963, months before Pres. kennedy was assassinated and Premier Diem was also assassinated.   Lansdale had left South Vietnam by 1956, returning to Washington, D.C. to an obscure roll, working on a wild goose effort against Castro and Communist Cuba.   As the clock ticked forward, the political environment in South Vietnam continued to deteriorate, until the State Dept., the Pentagon, and the Nat. Security Council had had enough.   The US Army generals(veterans of WW II) took over and the die was cast for the future failure.    

New Russyan Vaccine: Will It Cure Novichuk Poisoning?

      Well, Kids, they're at it again.  It has been confirmed by German medical experts and pathologists:
Alexei Navalny, the Russyan opposition leader, was poisoned in Siberia just before he boarded a plane to return to Moskova.  After takeoff, he took seriously ill.  The pilot aborted the flight and requested an emergency landing at the airport in Omsk.   After landing, the plane was met by paramedic ambulance and Mr. Navalny was rushed to the nearby hospital.  His assistant wasted no time informing his staff and his wife of events and circumstances.   Local doctors would not give out any information.  
      His organization immediately requested he be transferred to Berlin, Germany to receive treatment beyond the reach of the FSB agents and their cocktails.   While poison was suspected from the beginning, it was only after German medical staff were able to examine lab results did they confirm their worst suspicions: NOVICHUK.   Mr. Navalny remains in hospital in a coma.  His survival is in doubt.   World leaders have made statements regarding the Russyan government's hand in poisonings in foreign countries.   The Putin regime has fallen on hard times since Russyan thugs took over Crimea from the Ukraine government, an area known as the Donbass region where industry exists side by side with minerals and energy resources.
      What will the next round of restrictions be from the West?  No more trips to Disney World?  No assistance with the Space Station resupply?  Maybe more diplomats will have to go back to the Steppe and face Siberian winters?   You know: the Winters made famous in Stalin's Gulag Archipelago- the island chain of lost Russyans.
     Is there any hope for Russya? No.

King of Novichuk and Friend

 

Chinese Members of PLA Indicted

Zhao Kaikai-AI student @ Indiana Univ.-PLA soldier

Song Chen- PLA-indicted

Tang Juan-PLA-indicted

       The DOJ has identified 4 Chinese military personnel who were in the US on visas that were issued to them as students who had signed statements that they were not members of the Chinese army.   In due time,  evidence was gathered that these Chinese nationals were not students but members of the PLA sent to America to spy on institutions that were involved in critical research that the PLA was most interested in to advance knowledge in military subjects.
     Nothing new here.  We know for a fact that duplicity of purpose is the usual method of doing business with Chinese nationals.  Our Minister of East Asian Affairs sent reports indicating the same: dealing with the Chinese PLA is a constant effort at uncovering their true motives and true missions.
Point: when the Dept. of State informed the Chinese Consulate in Houston, Texas in June, 2020, that the office(s) would have to shut down w/i 30 days and all staff members would have to return to China immediately.   The Chinese government retaliated by ordering the US Consulate in Chengdu to shut down w/i 30 days.  All personnel were declared Persona non Grata and therefore could not be transferred to other diplomatic posts within China(Shanghai, Beijing, Wuhan, Hong Kong, etc).

      All of this continues the tit-for-tat approach to modern China-USA relations.  As the current US administration takes a hard line approach to Chinese aggressiveness in trade, in military moves in the South China Sea, and human rights violations within its borders against Tibetans and Hong Kong.  The new National Security Law imposes a life sentence on protestors in Hong Kong found guilty of disruption of good order in the autonomous city of Hong Kong.  Oh, wait.   The Chinese signed an agreement with the UK that they would maintain a status quo for 50 years.  Oh, sorry, we tore it up in June.

Repulse Bay, HK