Chinese Legal Scholar Vows to Fight Arrest for Use of Prostitution Services

       Now the argument has been made by sex workers around the world that they provide a social need, by evidence of its historical operations.  The Communist government in Beijing has been an advocate of the opposite viewpoint: sex workers are to be criminally charged and prohibited in society.  As a result, among others, the Beijing government uses the anti-prostitution laws as a cudgel against critics and opponents of the central Communist government.  Hence, the charges against the Chinese legal scholar who was recently arrested, charged with crimes apparently related to use of services from a sex worker.
     (Most recently, a self-identified sex worker, Jen, gained international recognition as the "Naked Athena" who confronted Federal officers in the city of Portland, Oregon where demonstrators were protesting police actions related to the death of George Floyd; a video was part of the program).
      The legal scholar in China says he will fight the government's charges and defend himself to the fullest extent with a legal team made up of the best minds in the business.  Of course, we know from experience, this effort will no doubt fall on deaf ears, and the accused will be found guilty as charged, given the government's goal of silencing all dissent in the country.   Given recent government activities in Hong Kong, Xiajian, the South China Sea, Wuhan, and the Amur River area on the Russyan border, one can hardly expect anything else from a legal defense of government accusations.
     As America and China dance the dance of political positioning, all topics are being put on the agenda, whether social, political, or commercial.
Stay tuned, there's more to come in the COVID-19 World.

Chinese Diplomat

San Francisco: Last Refuge for Chinese Student

     It was announced by the F.B.I. that a Chinese woman who was interviewed in June by the Bureau agents, has been hiding in the consular building in San Francisco.   Three other students were arrested for visa fraud related to lying on their visa applications.  It is believed that these students are members of the PLA, the regime army.
       This hiding in a foreign consulate by a foreign national of the country that is represented is a violation of diplomatic protocol.  The Chinese government will have to answer for such a serious breach of these protocols.   All of these recent actions have been the result of a crackdown on all Chinese activities abroad, whether in Europe, the Americas, or Africa.  The USA is winding down an election season as the country struggles with a surge of coronavirus cases.  At the same time, China is now becoming a target of Sec. of State Mike Pompeo, who has stated that Chinese activities must be confronted globally.
       Actions in Hong Kong signify that the Beijing government will not stop its programs despite signed agreements.

Chengdu, China: City of Pandas, Hackers, and Diplomatic Chaos

      Well, now, citizens of the universe.  The world is waking up to the new Chinese regime and its tactics.  It was announced in the US, that the Chinese Consulate in Houston, Texas will be closed by orders of the Executive branch.  It was identified as a center of Chinese government spying, technology theft, and student activities related to those efforts.  Visa fraud was also identified as an area of exceptionally high numbers of cases.   Houston is a center of US space technology, oil and gas research and production, and military bases.   This has been known for sometime and as is the practice, it is tolerated in an effort to understand not only the scope of Chinese efforts, but also style and competence of its practitioners.   Our Minister of East Asian Affairs agrees it is an ongoing problem: dealing with the Chinese in any manner.
      Dateline: Chengdu
         Chengdu is a very large(6+ million citizens) industrial center in Southwest China.  It is a doorstep to Tibet, and also an agricultural center situated on a broad basin surrounded by significant mountains.  This geography also contributes to another local problem:  some of the worst air pollution on the planet.  Often times during the winter months the city's AQI exceeds 250, and most all citizens wear masks whenever outside.   Visibility is often measured in kilometers.  The US Consulate had installed a measuring device after the Chinese government refused to report the actual figures.   The city is also a hub of educational effort with one of China's most prestigious medical schools.  It also is home to the Panda Reserve which is home to the famous bears recognized around the world.   The city escaped the devastating effects of the coronavirus that spread around the world from Wuhan, Hubei province.   In February, the US State Dept. evacuated most consular personnel from the site to protect their health.  All consular activities were then closed indefinitely.
     As announced yesterday, the Chinese Government ordered the US to close the Chengdu Consulate in retaliation for closing their consular offices in Houston, Texas.
And so it goes.
     On top of it all,  the US Dept. of Justice announced the indictment of 2 Chinese nationals operating out of Chengdu.   These 2 young men were hacking into US computer systems in various areas including universities research facilities, defense contractors, health companies, and supplying stolen trade secrets to the Chinese military.   They are believed to be in Chengdu and were unavailable for comment.

Chengdu resident

Mammoth Lakes Fires the Bear Whisperer

       The town of Mammoth Lakes, a mountain burgh in the Eastern Sierra, had a staff member whose job description included managing renegade bruins-the black bears of the southern Sierra.   Due to the millions plus who visit every year, encounters with hungry, aggressive bears became commonplace.   Town folk decided to pay a full time individual to help control the problem locally to prevent bad outcomes due to human/bear interactions.   Hence, the "bear whisperer" as he is called.
     He developed his own methods, based solely on his experience.   Not a biologist, not a circus maestro, not a doctor of anything, he talked to the animals, used noise makers, and generally harasses the animals to make them leave the immediate area to avoid contact.   It worked, for more than 2 decades.   But budget cuts forced the town to cut back the annual pay by half.  So he quit.
     Now what, given the increase in visitors this summer.  No doubt there will be more encounters and more complaints.  Hopefully, no injuries will result.   State rangers may euthanize offending bruins, as is the practice throughout California.   Repeat offenders are captured and relocated once.  Then, captured and euthanized for a repeat.   Most animal rights folks oppose the practice.  In Tahoma, the Bear League is an aggressive group of one that uses public shaming to counter behavior it fins offensive, despite destruction caused by bears.   Eventually, bears might have to go to online learning classes to be taught how to behave while living among humans.   Good luck.

Cozy Bear: FSB At It Again

       So,  the coronavirus is moving across the steppes of Russya, the largest country in the world.  The outbreak has caused concerns in the Kremlin, the seat of Putin's power structure.  Given that the state health system is primitive, under funded, over worked, and faces acute shortages in every category, it's no surprise that the natives are restless.  Mad Vlad has rewritten the constitution to allow two more 6 year terms, essentially making him "leader-for-life".   The DUMA, representative house chamber, voted to change the document even before the national vote.  So much for their version of democracy.  Ha, it remains a national joke.   Anyway, the lack of healthcare has caused the natives to start looking to Moscova for answers.   And the Kremlin, naturally, goes to the FSB for a response.   And the FSB starts hacking the global systems to find real answers to their quest.  Wake up, Cozy Bear.
        The group charged with all national hacking efforts, Cozy Bear, began their hacking early in the pandemic.   They wanted scientific information related to research into the development of vaccines that might work against this virus.   Where to look?  Universities?  Of course.   CDC, yes.   Laboratories of the pharmaceutical companies-good idea.   So, we have the typical clandestine FSB hackers running the national kleptocracy effort to identify the most promising avenues of research to help Russya in its quest for a national vaccine that could bolster Putin's standing in the polls, which are slipping dramatically.
        These techies in Moscova(and St. Petersburg) are happy to facilitate these hacking efforts.  It gives them a "mission".   They are "serving" their MOther Country.   This adds to the long list of sins committed by a large 1st world country that has no business to be included in the category.  This sad state gives nationhood a bad name.   It seems that Russya has a genetic disposition to flawed governance.   For centuries, these people have been subjected to leadership that is incapable of forming a rational coalition of thoughtful individuals who can make a decision about anything, unless, of course, it includes a sentence to the GULAG.
     When will it end?  NObody knows, least of all, the Kremlin.

Leaders

Russya Arrests Regional Governor

      Yes, the Kremlin arrested a state governor because he opposed the hand-picked candidate selected by the Kremlin.   He is the governor in a far off region located on the Pacific rim or about 4,000 miles east of Moscova.  This is in the Kharbarovsk region, 6 time zones away from the Kremlin.  No doubt another message is being sent to dissenters even those few in Vladivostok, that sad, lonely port city.
     Now that Dictator Putin has guaranteed his position of power for another 16 years he's feeling like he's in charge of his oligarchy and can exert power as he sees fit.  Just normal behavior.  Look a little south and check in on Xi Jing Ping.   Same methods.  Same Man.

Beijing Arrests Dissenter

     Oh, well.  Not everybody can satisfy the Party demands.  So,  a famous scholar was arrested by State Security for engaging prostitution.   Hmmmmm.  Now this professor/scholar is not a viril young man, but a venerable respected member of academia.   Needless to say, even party members were shocked at this arrest.  Maybe a mistake was made.   He was released in a few days.  But the news was spread over the country to send a message to those who might oppose Beijing.  This comes at a time when Hong Kong continues to oppose the new National Security Law imposed on members of protests in the Special Autonomous Region of HK.   Not really special and definitely not autonomous.

Former Protesters

      Who's next?

Hong Kong at Night

American Airlines Announce Possible 25,000 Layoffs

      Yesterday, American Airlines announced that layoffs will probably be made to 25,000 employees by October 1st.   Carrying huge debt, more than the other large domestic carriers,  American must pare costs in the face of continued decline in passengers.   The summer season was already suspect before it even started.   Thousands of flights had to be cancelled as flying plans were altered as the public changed its preferred mode of travel.   Internationally, most countries decided to quarantine all Americans arriving in the EU and many other countries.
      However, American's CEO announced that the company would increase flights this summer, betting on a resurgence of demand.   This comes at a time when COVID cases are spiking across the country with few exceptions.   While New York State has seen a steady decline in new cases and deaths, new locations have experience large increases in cases.   All citizens are understandably aware of the conditions onboard all aircraft:  tight seating, recirculated air, no FAA rules requiring masks or health checks before boarding, and uncertain seating arrangements.  Is the plane full? At 50%?  60%?  Is it cleaned before boarding?  
      Unless a passenger is a first time flier, most experienced passengers have little sympathy for the airlines and their respective economic circumstances.   After years of abusive treatment, the flying public wants nothing to do with these monopolistic industry giants.   Remember the fees?   Remember when Dr. Gao was hauled off a flight to make room for a company employee returning to base?  Too much weight in your carryon bag?  Pay more, now.   Have to cancel?  $250 please.  Oh, missed a flight-?  Too bad.  Loser.
      American Airlines will fail, despite taxpayer intervention.  Adios.

MV Matthew Turner: Certified

      After 7 years of construction, months of delays, lockdowns due to virus precautions and mandates,  our tall ship, the Brigantine Matthew Turner received its COI- Certificate of Inspection.  This document represents a milestone for the Call of the Sea organization.  The ship can now officially carry passengers on overnight excursions around the San Francisco Bay and its environs.
The hundreds of volunteers who had labored long and hard on the project can breathe a sigh of relief that, finally, all their labors have been approved by the licensing authority: the United States Coast Guard.
       The certifying officer, Lt. A. Diaz, cruised with the trained members of the crew, and put them through a rigorous process that indicated not only that they could navigate safely and operate all onboard systems, but could also successfully conduct a "man overboard" drill, an essential skill for all passenger approved vessels in the USA.  The weather cooperated, providing conditions that would normally be encountered on the Bay:  winds from the West @ 15-20mph.  These conditions required all members of the crew to safely turn the ship about, locate the marker buoy(representing the victim), and retrieve same.   It is not easily accomplished; but after many drills, good planning and good leadership by the captain, the crew performed well while under observation of the inspecting officer.
      Soon, the cruising schedule will be published and within Marin County health guidelines, passengers will be taken aboard for an unforgettable experience onboard California's newest 'Tall Ship".

Stern First into the Bay: April 2018

Ready for launching

Waiting for Top Masts

Huawei: New Pressure From UK

      Well, it took awhile, but the UK has come on board to put more pressure on China by acknowledging that Huawei is beholden directly to the Communist regime in Beijing.  The UK government decided that they could not use Huawei technology in their 5G rollout throughout the kingdom.   Hmmmmm.  While they offered the usual reasons for the decision, it came down to following the lead of the USA as it ups the ante on confronting the "new" international transgressions  from Beijing.   While Huawei executives claim they will not employ spyware in their technology,  most intelligence community members agree that this is a farfetched claim.  What Beijing wants, Beijing gets.
       Recently, the White House issued a new policy about foreign students enrolled on American campuses.   These students, numbering over a million, would have their visas cancelled if they did not take any on campus classes in the physical setting.   This comes as some schools announced they would only have online classes.   Harvard and M.I.T. immediately, filed lawsuits to negate the order.   Others files Amicus briefs.   This the White House recognized as too much of an obstacle, and cancelled the order yesterday.   Chinese students make up the largest number of foreign students on American campuses.  It's all about the money; and foreign students pay big money for the privilege of attending American universities.
       So, as Hong Kong continues to deal with the latest National Security Law put in place by Beijing,  the world watches, and waits.

Repulse Bay

Entrance to Yangzte Gorges

US State Depart Issues Statement on China and Law of the Sea

       Finally, after some years of comments and statements regarding China's claim of sovereignty over a large portion of international waters in the Western Pacific and its approaches from Southeast Asia, the State Department issued a statement that the US does not recognize China's claims of sovereignty over the South China Sea.   These waters are international without national ownership i any form.   This statement, long in coming asserts a new recognition that China's efforts to establish control in the area will no longer be acceptable.
     Better late than never.

Hong Kong: No Fly Zone

     American Airlines and United Airlines announced today that flights to the autonomous state /region of Hong Kong will be suspended indefinitely.   This comes as a result of Beijing's announcement that flight crews of arriving flights from the USA will be tested for the coronavirus.
Currently, passengers arriving from the USA must quarantine for 14 days.   Recently, our own East Asian Minister had to quarantine under government observation for 14 days.   Given the lack of interest among American travelers for visits to China, I think the airlines just followed good business practice: no demand for service equals suspension of service.
      This will underscore the turbulence occurring in Hong Kong as a result of Beijing's crackdown on the local movement to thwart the suspension of the 50 agreement made with the UK before the 1997 turnover.
     More to come

Hong Kong Eye

Great Wall Section-Vic. Beijing

Mandatory Household Poster-Llasa

Bill Browder: Russyan Nemesis Speaks

       Mr. Putin's Number 1 antagonist outside the Federation is an American/British financier who had ties to Post-Soviet Russya.  When his businesses in the "New" Federation began to succeed where locals had failed, Putin -led oligarchs descended on Mr. Browder and using the fake legal system that exists in the largest country in the world, they pursued criminal charges of tax evasion against him.  This was a multi-pronged attack that succeeded on many levels.  While abroad conducting his operations, the Kremlin issued a request to Interpol, the fake policing agency,  requesting Mr. Browder's arrest.  This was not successful.   Mr. Browder was forced to abandon his Federation operations and engage legal representation to protect his freedom and his reputation.   Not only has this required a defense strategy to avoid prosecution, but also it has limited Mr. Browder's ability to continue in business.  However, Mr. Browder is both intelligent and resilient and is not cowed by the dictator in the Kremlin or his globe-trotting henchmen who will certainly attempt to murder Mr. Browder if he should lower his guard while living abroad.
     Just recently, Mr. Browder went public with his efforts to convince the EU that it should embrace the US Magnitsky Act which identifies those individuals who use state-sponsored terror to subdue opponents of the Federation and its leaders.   Mr. Browder makes convincing arguments for adoption of this recognized legal act to control those thieves and murderers that conduct business in a single-handed method approved by the Federation's leadership, ie. Mr. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin-Dictator for Life.
      Mr. Browder is to be congratulated for his steadfast determination to aid all international business men.

Cat Lover

 

Hong Kong: I Can't Breathe

     So, Beijing/Xi has made a new policy of oppression come to pass in Hong Kong.  No ore Mr. Nice Guy.  NOw it's just Communist Oppression as we would expect of any functioning Commie government.  It didn't take long fo Mr. Xi to get the ball rolling.  Thinking of Democracy?  Think again.   Want to protest?  Think again or go directly to jail or disappear.
     The US Navy sent to super aircraft carrier groups into the South China Sea as a show of force.  To what end, you might ask?  Well, as a start., it lets Beijing know we are not asleep at the virus pandemic wheel.  The carrier Theodore Roosevelt is nearby which could add another 50% to the efforts.   Is this an escalation?  Well, China knows that its pushing the geopolitical envelope.  So, keep your eyes open.  Things are getting interesting.

Tahoma 4th of July: ShutDown

     Well, no surprise here.  The band had been hired, the flyers were distributed, and the stage was set for a musical event to be held at Marie Sluchak Park in downtown Tahoma.   As John, head of Tahoe Cedars HOA made preparations, he was notified by El Dardo County to Cease and Desist any celebratory musical events at the park.  He had no choice but to comply with the order.  Signs were posted to announce the cancellation.
    See you next year?  Maybe, maybe not.

Airlines: Customer Service? Not a Chance

     Well, fellow traveler, you have read that more passengers are buying tickets than just a few weeks ago.  Perhaps the flying public is adapting to current conditions.  However, the airlines are continuing their intense efforts to abuse all passengers as they try to adjust to reduced schedules and a plethora of misinformation put out by the scoundrels in airlines Offices of Misinformation.  As an example, if a passenger feels sick and does not want to fly with the ticket already purchased, he can cancel the ticket without a penalty.  However, he must then rebook a flight at a later date at a new price, usually considerably HIGHER than before.  This policy stimulates the passenger to forego a change and fly while sick, which increases the chances of spreading whatever disease or condition suggested a change in the first place.
     Now what about onboard conditions?  Airlines say they will clean the aircraft in a deep cleaning method to contain the virus.  They also tout the filtration systems on board the aircraft which is in constant circulation and mixed with fresh(?) incoming air.   Hmmmm.   And then, the airlines say they will limit numbers of passengers on flights to increase social distancing.  Ha, ha, ha.   We have seen the photos of aircraft interiors as passengers board-they are almost full.   Liars all.  Do not believe what the corporate scoundrels tell you-they lie, lie, lie, and lie some more.  United has a new CEO, but old Oscar "Bum Heart" Munoz is still chairman, and his policies will continue to guide this most ridiculous airline whose stock has been most volatile over the last 5 months.  United has justbaccepted a $1.5 billions dollar bailout loan from the US Treasury to keep flying through September(keep employees on payroll).
      NOw you are on board.  Hungry?  Better bring a sammie.  Thirsty?  Don't drink the hand sanitizer, but better bring a few shots of rum in a 1 oz. plastic container.  Feeling like using the lavatory?   BEWARE.  Wear that mask inside the miniature coffin-sized toilet.  THis is the site of the greatest danger with flying today.  Unless passengers follow the most arduous routines while inside the toilet,  they will be most vulnerable to airborne virus particles.  They will be spread by the flushing action of the mechanism which spews water droplets among other nasty items: germs/viri.
The air exchange inside is minimal and the lack of space is an added drawback.  So?  Hold it!  That's right.  Hold it-it could save your life.   The fuselage crammed with hundreds of passengers seated w/i inches of one another is a flying petri dish of incubating germs. 
     Mayor of Tahoma recommendation:  DRIVE YOURSELF TO THAT DESTINATION.  The hell with United, American, Delta, and Southwest Airlines.   They don't deserve your money or your life.

Russya: Pay Bounty Hunters Now to Kill American Soldiers

      So, do you need more evidence that Russya is a failed state?  Do you need convincing that Mad Vlad is truly mad?   Maybe you aren't interested in the news-you want good health instead.  Perhaps you know a Russyan or two.   Maybe you knew Czar Nicholas II.  Or Tolstoy, or the poet Pushkin.

        In the past few days, it has been reported EVERYWHERE that US intelligence agencies sent collective data to the White House in February, 2020, that the Russyan government(Kremlin/FSB-same thing)  was sending funds to the Taliban in Afghanistan to target and kill members of the US military forces located in that country.   International payment records indicate that funds were transferred to Taliban accessible accounts.   It was also noted that shortly thereafter, 3 US Marines died in a car bombing in that country.   Since February, despite an agreed upon ceasefire,  the Taliban and its minions of depraved murderers, have stepped up bombings and murders against not only Afghans but also NATO members on the ground who work with US troops.

Two Boobs and a Horse

       As the Mayor has mentioned in the immediate past,  Russya is an international pariah.   With Mad Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin in charge,   this the largest country in the world,  continues to flair about on the world stage,  supporting rogue governments wherever they can be found, eg. Venezuela, Syria, Cuba, and Libya, to name a few.   Additionally,  Russya uses her influence to counter any and all international efforts of the United States to resolve tensions between and among nations whether in China, Hong Kong, North Korea, Pakistan, India, or Saudi Arabia.   Such a position clearly indicates that Russya is a lost cause.   The long suffering citizens of that country desire what others do:  peace,  and a future without the threat of war.

American icon: Bald Eagle

    In the last week, information emerged from the Russyan interior that forest fires were raging across Siberia.   2,500,000 acres of forest were ablaze during a heat wave that saw temperatures exceed 100.5 degrees -IN THE ARCTIC region of Siberia.   This is a first.  Never happened before.   The Russyan response:  "this is inaccessible territory and the fires will burn themselves out".    Local citizens in Verkoyansk  enjoyed swimming parties in the Lena River- normally too cold to even attempt a swim.   At the same time,  those lovely decision makers in the Kremlin, 6,000 miles away from the Pacific Ocean, are plotting their next devious moves against perceived opponents around the globe.  Instead of dealing with the poor victims of the coronavirus and COVID-19 which is exploding across the landscape,  the Putin-lead government is managing an  "election/constitutional change"  to ensure that Mad Vlad will stay as leader of the sad country until 2036.
     Don't forget to vote this week.