Air Traffic: Boeing

      Our Minister of Manufacturing has informed us that down in Southern California, the Boeing debacle is being felt.  One company has just laid off over 160 employees, some who have been on the job for years.  The company is a key supplier of parts for Boeings' 737 MAX jet liner.  After FAA and Boeing announced that the 737 would not be recertified before July, 2020. the company could no longer wait to shave the cost of emplyees.
       Many are highly trained engineers, some are mid-level managers, and many more are hands on production workers.  All of this is directly related to the chaos that has enveloped the entire company of Boeing.   Comments from employees, managers, and executives have pointed the finger at those who sought profits over safety.  Others chastised the FAA for going easy on Boeing when it introduced the MCAS system that controls the aircraft during flight by automatically lowering the nose and into a descent, which occurred in both fatal crashes.
      Time will tell if the old bird, the 737, will fly again.  I have to ask myself: "Self, would you get on a plane that requires 2 computers to control it when a sensor sends a signal that something is wrong?  Or that requires pilots receive special training to take control BACK from the computers?  Some folks equate this scenario to HAL taking over the spacecraft in the movie "2001, A Space Odyssey", by Arthur C. Clarke.(  He spoke about the story and the movie in person at San Jose State University in Silicon Valley in Spring, 1970- 50years ago).
     Boeing just announced that a new/old plane, the 777 took its first flight this week.  Hmmm.  After they cancelled 2 earlier dates because of bad weather.  No doubt they didn't want to explain another crash landing.
      Our minister will be sending updates.

East Asian Minister Moves on to Hong Kong

      Well, now, the coronavirus from Wuhan has upset not only the continent of Asia, but everything on the periphery.   No matter if one is in Japan, or Phillippines, or Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand or India, you are affected.
     Our man left the P.I. recently and has camped in HK for the time being, waiting for the dust to settle or become less obscure as to "what's next?"
     The Chinese government, already under economic pressure from various economic points, has ramped up the response after over 100 announced deaths and more than 4000 reported infected cases among the population, mostly in HUbei Province and the city of Wuhan. 
      How about a "Pop-up hospital?"  That's part of the response.  Yes.  The Beijing committee thought this would demonstrate a complete commitment perception by the population in general and the world press in particular.  All this while the Congress of the US performs its duty of putting on a sideshow to entertain those pathetic fans who follow Trump no matter what he does or whatever the Dems think up next to stop the 2020. train.   Apparently, the DNC is in full panic.  Why you ask?
       BERNIE is leading.  The OLD Socialist/ Commie sympathizer has tickled the hearts of the usual suspects: the something-for-nothing crowd of millennials, Gen-Xers, Hippies, and Hangers on.
Now he is the undisputed leader in Iowa and New Hampshire, the first contests of the seasonal run up to the conventions of summer.  The OLD Goat is pressing his luck, but then, that's what he's always done.  This time, the old ticker might not hold up under the pressure.  His online fan base is becoming increasingly unhinged and often makes threats and confrontations online to any sap who put up opposing views of Bernie.
       Well, the Trump White House, aka. the Republican Party, can't wait to see Bernie get hold of the divided left wingers that have consumed the Dems with talk of unparalleled give away programs and policies. Oh, well.  It's the election cycle and makes people crazy, everywhere.  Look at the UK.  Look at Italy.   No, don't look at Italy-too scary.  Especially in Rome.
     So, we wait for more updated info from China.  Wash your hands, don't go to China.   Cover your mouth when you cough, and where a mask at all times.   

I-80 Blocked By Big Rig @Nyack

     Well, kids, it's still winter.  A big rig lost it westbound, then went through the median, and flipped onto its side, blocking all east bound lanes.  Ugh.  The driver's condition unknown at this time.  CHP reported one lane is open westbound to some traffic.  Other options are available:Highway 50, south shore is one.  Old 40 in some areas, depending on your destination(s).  I would advise staying home today, catch up on that DIY project gathering dust.  Or put on the snow shoes and get into the powder around the backyard neighborhood.
      If bound for Tahoma, wait a day; avoid the frustration.

Burning Man: Metal Art Sculpture OMAC Oakland, CA

     An artist created this iconic sculpture to honoring a friend who passed away a few years ago.  The original at the Black Rock Playa is over 25' tall and is a classic that all who view the piece will never forget.

Metal art piece made for Oakland Museum Exhibition of Burning Man Art works

Metal Art OMAC: Burning Man

     The founders of Burning Man have purchased a parcel of land in Nevada near the Black Rock desert playa(which is owned by the federal government and ,managed by the BLM).  The parcel of 4000+ acres will house a permanent site for Burning Man art works that are too big to be moved enmasse  to any other location.  This ranch, called the Fly, will also back up the Playa in case of an attitude/policy change w/i the BLM or the State of Nevada, or Reno, or whoever.

metal art piece especially constructed for the Oakland Museum installation: steel mesh about twice life size

.  The original is probably 25' higher

More Burning Man Art

metal light art piece

metal art piece

The Burning Man Foundation supports artists with grants, spending over 1.8 millions per year to commission works by artists who apply for a grant.

temple wall piece at OMAC

Oakland Museum of Art of California: Exhibition Burning Man

       In conjunction with the Nevada Museum of Art in Reno, NV, the Oakland Museum of California is hosting a temporary installation of the Art of Burning Man, from the annual Burning Man Festival held in the playa at the Black Rock desert north of Reno.
      This festival which started in San Francisco in 1986, moved to Nevada after a use permit for a fire(the 'burning' man) was rejected in 1989.  The founders decided the Nevada site was the best option and it has proven correct.  It now has been an annual event attracting 70,000 'Burners" who descend on the temporary city for a week of celebrating the non commercial gathering of artists and involved visitors who are inclined/prodded to give away something for nothing but "love".  It has worked, so far.   After some years of growing pains, it has stabilized into a well organized gathering with a modicum of supervision and basic rules, enforced by "rangers",  designed to allow freedoms with restraint within the 'community'.  The Mayor has interviewed a number  of Tahomans who trek to Black Rock desert each September to attend the goings on there.  All praise the effort and experience.  However, the cost has become an obstacle for the average attendee.  $800/ticket.  Hmmmm.  And I have to bring everything I'll need for a week of living/camping/ 24/7 for a week?  Is it really worth it?  No headline music; no concerts; no clubs; just dust, sun, portalets, no showers, no pools; no In-n-Out.  Hmmmm.
    What does it look like?

Black Rock playa during Burning Man encampment

Super Bowl LIV

LIV
     Yes, that's the official designation of Super Bowl 54 between the 49ers of San Francisco and the Kansas City Chiefs from KC.  The team from San Francisco has won 5 of 6 appearances.  KC 1.  Last one over 50 years ago.  Offense versus Defense.  defense wins big games.  Patrick Mahomes will carry the KC banner into Miami where they will demonstrate to everyone that they are the future of the NFL.
      The 49ers will ride in on the back of 40 year old Kyle Shanahan whose father coached the team many years ago.  In only his 2nd year as head coach, he has welded a team that is balanced, talented and well led on the field by Jimmie Garrappolo who was the understudy of Tom Brady at New England.  His assistant coaches have the skills to bring home the Lombardi Trophy that goes to the winning tea.  February 2 is the day of the contest, the weather should be fine, based on extensive research on the subject.
     Place your bets: Kansas City is the favorite.

Impeachment Trial Begins

       Well, the Dems are at now with the media spotlight on the other half of Congress: the Senate.  Nancy and her gang finally had enough courage to show up with the articles.

Grandma Pelosi

     Mrs. Pelosi has chosen some of her best crew to take the spotlight to see if some of them might be able to enlist some support among voters to give the Democratic Party the opportunity to capture the White House come November.  It will be an uphill battle-never pleasant among the attacking forces-and the Senate has its soldiers lined up in close ranks to thwart any serious challenge to their majority.  It will certainly end up as an acquittal, as predicted.  But Grandma Pelosi has to make the effort, if not least to maintain her role as Speaker/leader of the House.

Damian Lillard Sets Club Record

Well, the SF Golden State Warriors did what they could, but they lost anyway in overtime yesterday.
   They lost to the TrailBlazers from Portland, Oregon.  They are not the most winning team, but they have some good players.  Last night, Damian  Lillard had a memorable career night.  He scored 61 points, adding a few  during the overtime section.  He was on fire, as they say.  Despite Warrior efforts to restrain the shooting, he kept it up.  Lots of 3-pointers, lots of foul shots(of course), and many opportunities .  Steph Curry was on the Warriors bench and he for one could see and understand what can happen during a "big night".  Fun to watch.

Minister of East Asian Affairs Travels

      Our indefatigable Minister of east Asia is on the road again.  100 million or more Asians in China are on the road, somewhere as it is Chinese New Year.  Traditionally, Chinese families want to spend time with family and friends and celebrate the turning of the calendar.  Last year, 2019, was the year of the pig.   This year, the first year of the new 12 year cycle is the year of-THE RAT!
    So, our minister is visiting some islands in the Phillippine Islands.  There, some folks celebrate the New Year, but in a local way as this Christian country follows the gregorian calendar.  It's a holiday but the minister will check up on conditions around the Taal volcano which has erupted near Manila this past week.
     A report of his findings will soon follow.

Canada Extradition Hearing Begins For Huawei Executive

        Huawei executive Ms. Meng Wanzhou, 47, appeared in a Canadian courtroom this week as her hearing on an extradition request from the United States that she be returned to the US to answer charges that she deceived 5 banks to get around sanctions against Iran.  She has been under house arrest for 14 months in Vancouver, B.C. after being arrested at the airport as she tried to return to China.  She wears an court -ordered electric monitoring device to keep tabs on her whereabouts.
She is the daughter of Huawei's founding executive, Mr. Meng, who worked for the Chinese PLA in security(state security).
     The hearing should last about 3 more days and then the judge will decide if she violated Canadian law as well.  In the finding, she would be returned to the US to stand trial.  If found not to have been in violation of canadian law, she will be freed and allowed to travel back to China.
     Meanwhile, Chinese health authorities are dealing with an outbreak of coronavirus that was found in the city of Wuhan.  It has claimed 3 lives so far, and has sickened more that 200 citizens.  A case has been reported in the US.  All travelers are being screened at this time.

Putin Shakes Up Kremlin

Putin's Economy

Putin's New Man- Formerly Tax Chief

        After Premier Medvedev resigned last week, few realized that this act was just the beginning of a massive shake up.  Following the Premier's resignation,  his was followed by a dozen more resignations amidst a change in Mr. Putin's plans for the future.  Such moves have been rare during the 30 years of Putin's leadership roles since he was the deputy mayor of St.Petersburg.   His improbable ascendancy to the presidency baffled world leaders who hardly knew his name let alone his qualifications to assume the position.  It didn't take long for Putin to make his mark at home and abroad.
         He now has created a new governing board(formerly only an obscure advisory committee) that will manage the political landscape for the largest country.  Mr. Putin will be the chairman of this board where he will sit for an indefinite period-open ended term.  In essence, he will continue his role as leader in fact of the country.   His current term in office expires in 2024, four short years away, but he will have aged considerably during those years as his country continues its economic decline in 2nd world status.
      He is leading international movements in Ukraine, in Syria, and now in Africa/Libya.  He has dealt with Chechens, Trumps, Obamas, and Xi.   But dealing with his own people is his biggest failure.  The population is restless, and more suppression is not helping to quell the opposition.  he has carefully kept pressure on Mr. Navalny and his followers by periodically arresting him for dubious reasons.  His dealings with Iran demonstrate a willingness to incur the wrath of the West, and Europe in particular.
      While world leaders meet in Davos, Switzerland this week, more talk will be made of Russya's continuous slide economically due to sanctions by the US and its allies.  Seizure of Crimea is still on the front burner and looms large among leaders that Russya/Putin cannot be taken seriously as a capable leader.

Alpine Meadows Avalanche

       The snow that covered much of the basin on Friday accumulated in the higher ski areas locally.  While sveral inches fell at lake level, more than 2' fell on the highest peaks and trails at most of the operating resorts, including Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, Boreal Ridge, and Diamond Peak and North Star.  The resorts have an avalanche prevention system manned by highly skilled individuals who make assessments and mitigate the dangers using various methods and techniques that include mortar-fired explosives that  will cause most accumulations to descend/fall before skiers and borders enter danger zones.  For whatever reason, mitigation techniques did not suffice this past week.
      An avalanche claimed the life of a local man who had entered the danger zone prior to the movement of a heavy accumulation near the mid-mountain level at Alpine Meadows.  After an energetic search effort, the victim and a companion were found, one alive the other had died at the scene.
       While many injuries occur yearly at the resorts, fatalities are extremely rare events.  Often times, the deaths occur as the result of a collision with trees off trail.  Apparently, that was the case in this instance.
       We mourn the loss of a winter sportsman, and will continue with every effort to reduce injuries and accidents throughout the basin.

VOVA Selects New Premier

        Citizens of Moskova woke to find that Premier Sergei Medvedev had resigned his position rather suddenly.   Hmmmm.  Just when it seemed that the Kremlin sought some stability on the home front after dealing with international adventures in Ukraine, Crimea, Syria, Chechnya, and other places.  Seems President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin wants to protect his future authority with some changes in structural elements of his ongoing leadership role of 30+ years.   Somebody must have told him even HE won't live forever despite his efforts.  No doubt some daring physician said he's getting old.
        So Mad Vlad has decided he'll take an end run around(football terminology) around the "constitution" and form a committee of governors to "advise" the government".   He, of clourse, will head the committee, staffed by hand-picked 'yes' men of his own choosing.  No women need apply, of course.  So who did he pick to replace the hapless Medvedev?  Someone hardly known at all from some dark recess inside the onion-topped rat's nest in Moskova.   That would be Mikhail  Mishustin.
Who?  That's the question.  Well, the old white guy was the former tax-service chief.  Tax -service chief?   Did he sign tax refunds to both tax payers?  Did he sign off on Putin's personal tax returns? 
Did he sign his own tax returns?  What has he done worth reporting on?  Oh, he's a friend of Vlad's.
       Since the Kremlin has spent billions of rubels on rearming its military to help in its efforts abroad,   domestic spending has declined across the board including reduced spending on pensions, education, and medical programs.  He has promised increased spending in those areas.   Ha, ha, ha: he'll last a week were he found to carry out these programs.   No doubt he won't drink any tea offered while he's in office.   He spoke to "Parliament " and said he would carefully guide this spending through as stated.  How much vodka did he drink before he agreed to take the job?  What did his life partner say about his longevity in office, in life?   How did he respond to the questions surrounding the dismal land known as Siberia-the land God forgot?  Maybe he'll suggest to Vlad that it's time to reorient thinking about Siberia-the vast part of Russya that only digests people and rubles without contributing anything meaningful to the population there or west of the Urals.  Maybe he'll have the balls to suggest that the Russya far east partner up with Canada and the USA and provide business and cultural links to both?   Wouldn't that be a novel idea?  Or, maybe he'll suggest selling most of Siberia to the Chinese who now provide most of the population there anyway?
     Changes are coming, even as sanctions on Russya continue the pain.  The citizens are restless east of Moskova.   The end is nigh.

US Stock Market Rises Above 29000

       Well, the trend line continues to climb northward as the economy continues its record setting surge.   Despite incremental improvements-advancing less than 1%, the numbers don't lie:  the value of American stocks are the envy of the world-wherever you hail from.  Part of the reason was the signing of a trade document between the US and China.  This trade deal has been slow to come together as the Trump Administration pressed China to make changes that had been stewing among US government agencies and American corporations since 2001 when China joined the World Trade Organization.  Many tech companies complained of forced partnerships with Chinese companies that inevitably led to stealing of trade secrets and patents that the Chinese refused to acknowledge as proprietary.  The agreement also addressed conduct of Beijing as it deals with currency issues, specifically, using the Yuan as a currency to manipulate to the disadvantage of foreign traders/countries.  Beijing signed on to avoid currency wars with the US.

49ers Meet Green Bay Packers This Sunday

       So, NorCal will be watching their favorite team this weekend as the '9ers take on Aaron Rodgers and his Green Bay Machine at Santa Clara venue.  Having soundly defeated this team in December, odds are favoring the San Francisco club to repeat and proceed to the Super Bowl.
      The Super Bowl opponent against whoever wins on Sunday will be either the Kansas City Chiefs and Mr. Mahomes or Tennessee and its Titans.   Whoever ends up in the Super Bowl, it seems it will open a new chapter in the future NFL.  No more Tom Brady, Bill Belichik and their New England Patriots. 
      Place your bets early to get the best odds.

US Army Announces Deployments to Korea and Afghanistan This Winter

    In a public message from the Dept. of The Army, it was announced that 2 regular units would be rotated into foreign war zones to supplement forces existing and to bolster the commitments that already are a fact of life for US forces.
     The 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Div. will deploy to Korea for a Winter rotation to South Korea.   They will replace the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Div.   They will encamp at Camp Humphreys.  This new base is 40 miles south of the base at Yongsan, Seoul, the capitol.
      Meanwhile,, at the same time, the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Div. will be rotated this winter into Afghanistan.  They will replace the 82nd Airborne Div. Combat  Brigade as part of the commitment of Operation Freedom Sentinel. This unit is currently at Fort Drum in New York State.
      These units will join 2 others:  the 3rd Security Force from Fort Hood , Texas; and the 10th Mountain Division Combat Aviation Brigade out of Fort Drum, NY, also deploying to Afghanistan this winter.
      All Tahoma supports the troops during their deployment into hostile zones where combat operations have continued for almost 20 years.

Taiwan Snubs Beijing

      Last Sunday's election set a new voter turnout record in Taiwan: over 8 million voters went to the polls to help Ms. Tsai's reelection make a statement.  To wit: Taiwanese value their democracy and will support individuals who represent their viewpoint.   Pres. Xi- we don't want unification; we are not and will not be part of the Communist state that abuses its citizens with impunity.  Examples of this abuse are rampant across the mainland landscape, beginning with the Uighurs in the West.  Closer to the Pacific coast we have the abuse of citizens of Hong Kong who realize their days of freedom from oppression are numbered(less than 25 years).
      By voting in Ms. Tsai, voters in Taiwan demonstrate support for all of Hong Kong's citizens and its brave protesters who will not back down from the Beijing.  People of Taiwan are living within a booming economy, growing at a rate over 3.2% per year.  few economies can boast anything close to that number.  Its manufacturing index, especially in electronics, is the mainstay of this boom.  Pres. Xi of the mainland says that Taiwan will always be considered a province of China.  Not so say the people of Taiwan.  Even when Beijing threatens to force the issue, Taiwanese do not flinch in the face of such threats.
     Power to the people of Taiwan.

Last Debate Tonight for Democrats

     6 Democratic contenders for the 2020 nomination will discuss issues tonight on TV.  Bernie Sanders(Vert); Joe Biden; Elizabeth Warren(MA); Amy Klobuchar; Pete Buttegieg(Southbend mayor);  and Tom Steyer(billionaire from the Left Coast).
       They will try to shine while soft peddling  questions from the moderators who can't seem to make anything happen with their style/format/audience/information/general cluelessness of media methods in the era of mass social media.
       Polls, polls, and more polls seem to give little clue as to the general feeling among voters, not just in Iowa, but many other places.  New Hampshire is next up and who knows what will happen there; Bernie has done well among voters and media types in NH, Vermont's next door neighbor.  It's winter there now, and most voters will be indoors, rallying around the TV or not.  Most know who they won't vote for, but the candidates.

Big Snow In Forecast

      Well, the holiday weekend is almost here and there should be plenty of fresf powder after the storm passes through tomorrow night and Thursday.  Cal Trans has issued an avalanch warning for Highway 89 vic Bliss State Park and the Emerald bay section of the HIghway which will no doubt be closed to through traffic until road crews can clear the road and interrupt snow accumulation on the mountain sides of the roadway.   Make plans.
      Wind advisory for the Lake itself tonight and tomorrow.  No sailing or water skiing.
Be safe.

Book Review: The Siberian Curse, by Fiona Hill and Clifford Gaddy

book cover

      Ms. Fiona Hill had her 15 minutes of fame recently as she was exposed to massive media coverage during the impeachment proceeding in the US House of Representatives.  Her background as an advisor/professional on the National Security Council gave her the cachet as a person of note who could make authoritative statements about the Russyan government and its recent dealings with America and the Trump organization and the Trump family and its dealings with the Kremlin.
     Their book was published by the Brookings Institute where Ms. Hill is a senior fellow in the Foreign Studies program.  Clifford Gaddy is a senior fellow in the Foreign Policy Studies and Governance Studies at the Brookings Inst. and is a visiting professor of economics at Johns Hopkins University.   So both authors are serious people, well informed and well thought of in their fields.
Being professional researchers, they understood the many parts of the project that resulted in this book.  They set about assembling a team of researchers and experts who would aid them in the work needed to accomplish the goals of providing a timely report on conditions in the post-Soviet Union Russya at the turn of the millennium in 2000.
       The Mayor has a deep background in geography having studied it and lived it as a global traveler
and most recently a student of geopolitics courtesy of associations with others in foreign services.  This book is essentially a study of the economic geography of Siberia during the last 75 years up to 2003 when the book was published.  The authors analyze conditions as they exist today in Siberia and then provide history(the close associate of geography), climate studies, economics, sociology, and human geography.   Reading this book could leave one cold-literally.  The descriptions of Siberian environments elicits a feeling and desire to flee to warmer weather and a warmer location somewhere south, anywhere actually.   Ms. Hill sights one example after another of cities in Siberia that host weather and climate unfit for human occupation, much less industrial development and commercial activity.  During the tsarist period, Siberia was seen as a place to send criminals and other undesirables.   During the Soviet/Stalin period, Siberia was seen as a place of internal exile and prison location.  The GULAG was the name given to the system put in place to forcibly populate this most uninhabitable landscape.   Millions of Russyans were dispatched to the GULAG, and once there, few would ever survive long enough to leave and return to European Russya, west of the Ural Mountains.   It was only after Stalin's death that the system began to be reduced and closed down, not the least of which was the great cost in maintaining even a minimum level of livable conditions.
       The primary theory of the authors is that the Kremlin over the centuries looked upon Siberia as the great Russyan Asian part and must be considered, like the American West, the land of opportunity and wealth.  Hence, Siberia must be developed at all costs, ignoring economics and geography.  Even today, the Kremlin balks at altering the course of history regarding Siberia.
Evidence is overwhelming that current policies regarding Siberia do nothing to overcome insurmountable obstacles related to the cold.   Basic comforts required by citizens: heat and food and housing are extremely expensive throughout Siberia.  Often these requirements are not met and the federal government in Moscow must intervene.  This is an annual effort without let up.   The desire to protect the 6000 mile border also contributes to the Siberian problem.
       In the Far East, to the Pacific Ocean, Russya shares an extensive border with China.  This causes great concern especially when the Kremlin looks at population figures in that region.  There aren't enough Russyans there to fill any need, either for occupation or defense.
     Vladimir Putin has made various attempts to solve many of these problems with little success.  He would have to spend the rest of his life trying to change the attitudes inbred into the thinking of generations.  It won't happen anytime soon.
       Given the current international situation, an in depth understanding of Russya is essential for any US citizen who wishes to have some background into Russyan politics.   This book will contribute greatly in that effort.  

US Stock Market Hits new Record

     To the envy of the rest of the civilized world(excluding Russza and China) the equity markets in the US hit new records yesterday to start off 2020 with impressive gains.  The White HOuse smiled and told reporters that the best is yet to come.
    Roll on, Roll on.

Two Missiles Down Passenger Jet From Tehran

       Well, now, the Iranians have a problem.  A passenger jet aircraft took off from a Tehran airport.
Within a few minutes, it exploded midair and came back to earth in pieces.  Hmmmm.  The first statement from the government that the plane experienced a mechanical failure prior to the crash.
Liar, liar, pants on fire.
         Many Canadian citizens lost their lives, along with some Germans, some Brits, and a few other nationalities.  The government has recovered the flight data recorder and has asked BOEING to help in the forensic effort to identify the cause.  Hmmmmmmm.  Really?

Japan, Incorporated: the Legal Side

       Much to the chagrin of Japanese legal beagles,  Carlos Ghosn's escape has shined a light on the vagaries of a legal system that appears to favor confessions and regret against guilty or not guilty.  In the system as explained by various media outlets,  the judges who sit in court prefer a defendant who arrives in the court room with a confession to his or her crimes already logged by prosecutors.   Mr. Ghosn, after sitting under house arrest for months, came to the conclusion that Japanese courts were under the sway of corporate giant Nissan, et a., and his case was really an attempt to control the business associated with the automotive group.   Because the system would not allow his wife to visit him under the circumstances, he rightly concluded it was time to seek a different remedy.  He opted to flee the country and jump bail, as they say.
       mr. Ghosen is now in Beirut, Lebanon, the country in which he has family and holds a passport.
His escape, well planned and better executed, is the stuff of legend as details come out as to how it went down.  The curious elements include a train ride of 300 miles; a walk to the train station in his neighborhood; a hiding place that was a band box for music equipment; a stroll through security screening; a trip on 2 private jets; and a landing enroute in another foreign country.  An expert known for handling escapes planned the events and performed them well, beginning to end.  His business will get a boost.
       Mr. Ghosn now is in a much better position to negotiate his legal position.  The Japanese government will now have to review its attitude toward legal proceedings in the country, especially as it pertains to corporate contracts and the executives who work for theses corporations.  I for one would be hesitant to travel to Japan if I was involved in any way with some associated business.  I have spent more time in Japan than most Americans, and although I find it an attractive place from a geographers point of view, I would not want to do business there, even today.

Why We Live in California

Mile Rock Light and Pt. Bonita Light and Marin Headlands- Winter Day 2020

Holding Gold: Now

     Well, maybe you heard:  the price of gold reached a 7-year high yesterday, achieving a price per ounce of $1566.   Take another look at Grandma's wedding band, that keepsake you've been holding for 30+ years.   Sell or hold, the age old question.   Your kids don't want it; your wife has her own; and you might lose it anyway.  It's probably worth $200, maybe more.  Hmmmm.
     Newmont Goldcorp and Barrick Gold Corp also benefited.  Hold their stock?  Good for you, but you wish you had a few hundred more shares, right?   Maybe it would make sense to hold a few Krugerrands or maybe Mexican 50 Peso?  The Mayor likes the big peso because it's a nice looking design and has more than the standard 1 ounce wt.  Palladium soared over $2000 the ounce-incredibile.  Platinum appraoches $1000/oz.
      How about silver?  It has gone over $18/oz to $18.40.  Where are those Kennedy halves I used to hold?  Or did I give them away last Christmas to the kids?  I can't remember.  Oh, well.  Keep your eyes open.  If gold reaches $2000/oz, I'm heading down the hill to Highway 49 with shovel and gold pan-in an hour I can make 5-10 grand easy, even in a snow storm.  Bring it.
Eureka!   

House Continues to Ponder Next Move

     Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, said today the House will give the Senate(Mitch McConnell) more time to outline trail procedures and possibly more time to nominate witnesses that might be called.  Former NSC Chair, John Bolton, said he would testify if called by McConnell.  Minority leader Chuck Schumer, said that the Senate will take action as soon as the articles are given to the Senate.  News media has been absorbed by the latest military strike by the US drone in Iraq and the most recent retaliatory missile attacks on bases where American troops are likely to be.
        Pres. Trump retreated from statements that he would target Iranian cultural sites.  However, economic sanctions are likely to increase in the short term despite anti-American protests and made for tv demonstrations by militant Iranians.  American journalist Jason Rezian who was held in prison as a spy for over a year,  stated that a military-style conflict is unlikely at this time due to many factors, not the least of which is a projected decline in the country's economy, continuing its slide since 2017 when Pres. Trump cancelled the agreement between Iran and the West.
      US military leaders said that B-52 strategic bombers will be moved to the Middle East in case needed against Iranian moves in Iraq.
      So, it's an election year- things happen, here and abroad.

US Military Arrests Chinese Spy

      Military authorities in Florida arrested a Chinese citizen, Lyuyou Liao, for taking photos at a Naval Air Station at Key West.  The man was warned before he entered a signed, restricted area, off limits to all visitors.   he was seen walking along a perimeter fence and witnesses say he was warned not to proceed.  He then continued his walk and entered the area off limits to the public.
     Military authorities said he is being detained.  Local police did not comment.  Apparently, the man was carrying an obvious camera for his work which the MP's took notice of the movements of this Chinese spy.   A spokesman for the U.S. Navy said that NCIS and the F.B.I. were investigating.

Top Iranian Military Leader Dies in Drone Strike

      Gen. Q. Suleimani died in Baghdad along with a top militia leader enroute from the airport to a meeting where he was to meet with Iraqi leaders of opposition forces.  The daylight strike came via an armed drone dispatched by American military units nearby.  In interviews with media journalists, former American ambassador H. Crocker said that the general had American blood on his hands, had ordered the deaths of thousands of Syrians in the civil war in that country, and had been instrumental in the Iranian effort to spread its influence throughout the Middle East by projecting the use of military force wherever and whenever it pleased the supreme leader in Iran.
     Iranian leaders vowed revenge as they would.  The American president seemed reluctant to engage with Iran despite numerous provocations during the 3 years of his presidency.  He demonstrated restraint when Iran sent missiles into Saudi oil production fields crippling the operations necessary for oil storage and extraction; he did not retaliate when Iran sent missiles into two oil tankers traversing the Persian Gulf; and he waited until 2 days ago after Iran sent missiles into a base that killed 2 American contractors.  So Iran got what it wanted: an armed response to a stream of murderous acts.  No one knows what type of response will come from the country run by a theocracy of religious fanatics who care little for the welfare of their own people.   Condemned widely by other Arab countries in the region, Iran continues to agitate among them.   In addition to supporting revolutionary groups, the Ayatollahs punish all opponents within its own borders.
      Another response is in action by America in the form of 3,000 armed soldiers who will be sent immediately to Kuwait in case needed by forces already in the region.  European governments are aware of the escalation as are China and Japan, two important customers of ME oil.
     2020 is starting out as a pivotal year in this ongoing cesspool of human misery.

Chinese Hackers Invade Cloud Space

     The US Dept of Homeland Security has released more evidence about the hacking of cloud computers by groups of Chinese hackers known as APT10, the collective of of Chinese hackers who are most evasive(APT is short for Advanced Persistent Threat).  The Justice Dept. charged two Chinese men with cyber crimes:   Zhu Hua and Zhang Shilong.  Both are believed to be hiding in China.   Attempts to find them there have been unsuccessful.  Many companies have been attacked by groups of hackers in attacks called Cloud Hopper since these attacks enter companies via their cloud computing storage links.  Zhu Hua is known as Godkiller online, and Shilong is known as "Darling Dragon".   They both could serve up to 27 years if they could be found and brought to the US.   What are the chances.

Tom Brady and Company Are Out of Playoffs

      In front of a large home audience, in a heavy rain, the New England Patriots lost a wild card game to the Tennessee Titans, 20-13.  The last play of the game was a Brady pass from the 1 -yard line that was intercepted and returned for 6 points, making the final score.   Many fans and the announcers seemed to think that it was the last play of Tom Brady's storied career.  At 42 year 's of age, he has played longer than just about all pro football players during a career.  His long time coach, Bill Belichek, has only known 1 QB while with the Boston team.  His records go beyond what others have achieved.  He will be in the Hall Of Fame as soon as eligible.
          The game itself was a snoozer, with the Pats trying and failing to score given many chances late in the game.  Tomorrow's sports writers will outline his career and speculate on his likely future in retirement.  Will he move on from football into another career?  Will he join the club that he has carried for his time on the field of play?  Will he seek rest and contemplation for a few years?  Many questions waiting to be answered.   It will take time; and he will take his time.

Chengdu Pastor Sentenced to Prison

      A noted Chinese pastor of a church group in the Southwest city of Chengdu, China, was sentenced by a Chinese court to a prison term of 12 years.  His crime, passing out Bibles to local groups and preaching the benefits of religious studies.  It's common knowledge that the Communist government in Beijing has been cracking down on all religious groups, at home and abroad(see Falun Gong).   The pastor Wong, had been arrested by the government office of internal control.  It's leader personally supervised the raids on the pastor's central offices where they confiscated books and materials whoile setting fires that essentially destroyed the building.  Not easy to practice religion in China-just ask the Dalai Lama and his Tibetan followers, or any Christian for that matter.
      It has been reported that the office leader of this anti-religion arm of the Party recently made an attempt to get a visa to visit the U.S.A. with his family under the guise thaty he wanted to take the family for a vacation to Disneyland.   Hmmmm.  I guess he didn't like the East Asian versions close at hand.  The visa office of the embassy where he applied decided that his actions came under very specific rules if the Dept. of State regarding those directly involved in the suppression of religious practitioners in the hose country.  His application was denied for the present and was sent to Foggy Bottom for administrative review as a matter of course.  This review will take a year or more.  In the meantime, the Chinese visa applicant will have to cool his heels at home until he hears from the embassy which will tell him;   DENIED-do not reapply.

Homewood Ski

      So, Holiday conditions are ideal in Homewood and the West Shore of Lake Tahoe.  There's 3' of packed powder at the lakeshore and about 6' on the mid-mountain.  Overnight temps keep the snow form and ideal.  So, take advantage: go early, enjoy the slopes, be careful on the roads after the sun goes down.  Pay attention to changing conditions; check the weather on any app.  Consult CalTrans for updates on Highway 89, our local thoroughfare.

not Lake Tahoe

Winter Weather in California

Monterey Bay vista