History Now: Suggested Reading

        While news media attempt to keep readers abreast of events as they occur, historians attempt to put events in a larger context: history. So, Ukraine is not without its own history, most of which is unknown to most Americans, excepting Anne Applebaum, the prolific author from Washington, D.C. Most recently, she has illuminated readers on modern history, modern history of the 20th century.  Mostly, she has focused on Russya, and by extension, on Ukraine.  She writes, writes, and writes some more.

    The Mayor of Tahoma is a follower of Ms. Applebaum, and is justly proud she is an American historian. I would like to recommend some of her most recent articles on events in Ukraine, all in The Atlantic magazine:

 The U.S. is Naive About Russia. Ukraine cannot Afford to Be. 1/3/22

The Reason Putin Would Risk War-2/3/22

Why the  West's Diplomacy With Russia Keeps Failing -2/13/22

There Are No Chamberlains in This Story-2/21/22

      By reading these points of history, as she explains, one can better understand what is happening now in Ukraine.  Readers will then be able to form more informed opinions about the geopolitical situation that America confronts, along with a pandemic, and not the least, economics of inflation at home.

Your opinion counts!

View Across Lake Tahoe January 2022

Putin Not Interested in Halting HIs Aggression

        Well, Russya is experiencing some economic problems. Good.  The Russyan stock market is closed; the ruble has dropped 30% against the US dollar, protests are occurring all over Russya against the Kremlin's attack on its southern neighbor, and Russyan army troops continue their attacks.  Air traffic will now be altered: the Kremlin has announce that foreign airlines cannot pass through Russyan airspace; this after Russyan aircraft were restricted by the E.U.  Flights from the E.U. to Asia will now have to go around Vlad's territory.  Has anything changed his mind about the war? No.  He's on a personal mission to demonstrate his manliness.  It's all about Vlad.

Tahoma Stands With Ukraine

      So, while the world watches.  Russyan military units are in the process of surrounding the capitol city of Ukraine, Kyiv, prior to seizure of the government there.  Ukraine army units are preparing for a stout defense of their government and President Volodymyr Zelensky and his cabinet officials.

      As the Mayor of Tahoma has predicted, Russyan President for life, Vladimir Putin, has ordered all his military forces to invade an independent country on its southern border.  His maniacal pronouncements indicate that the man has lost his senses.  His pathetic speeches uncover his mental illness that has only grown more severe with his time as head of state in the largest country in the world.  Now he will strike not at Ukraine, but his real nemesis-the United States.  He professes that the US does not accord him the respect he wants and deserves.  The result: the first army cross border invasion on European soil in almost 80 years(see Poland v. Germany,1939 aka blitzkrieg).

       As a small American town, Tahoma is connected like most others with the world.  Local residents cannot overlook world events which will affect things here as well as where they occur.  Hence, we announce today: We Stand With Ukraine and its citizens who are now the victims of Russya's violation of international law for which its leaders will be held accountable and face criminal trial at the Hague when peace is restored.

       Locals are advised to follow the events of this war as they unfold in eastern Europe.  NATO and its members are girding for what could be a defense of the Western European landscape before this is settled.  The US has sent 10,000 troops to Poland to bolster the border with Putin's Russya.  Sanctions will fall on a myriad of Russyan institutions, mostly financial, which will cripple its already weakened economy.  The Olympics in Beijing are over, but Xi Jin Ping will have a headache that will linger as  Mad Vlad and his plan takes over where Covid left off.  

     President Joe Biden will address the nation on March 1st with his State of the Union address.  He certainly has quite a bit of material to cover: Covid, Ukraine, the Inflation in our own economy, unemployment, NATO, military preparedness, and the nation's response to naked aggression by Russya.

Don't miss it!

Ski Week-2022

   Well, sports fans, it was quite a week.  As the week ends, those families that took advantage of amazing conditions will return home satisfied for all their efforts.  Last weekend started out as the month of january foretold: nice weather-cold at night, sunny during the day, temps at a moderate 40+ degrees.  The late december snow was still around and the ski resorts made some more.  And then, a forecast of snow popped up on the radar-literally.  And a slight dump occurred; at Homewood resort, the top got about 22" and the lakeshore got about 14" of dry powder.  With a little bit of grooming, the skiing and boarding hardly gets better.   The Winter Olympics concluded last Sunday and the Norwegians went home with 16 gold medals, besting the whole world, again.  ROC, or the Russyan Olympic Committee, went home with less.

          Local businesses enjoyed the crowds, finally getting something that resembled "normal" after two Covid-tainted winter seasons.   Tahoma Market was busy as was the Dog and Bear restaurant in downtown Tahoma.  Where We Met Espresso is on a winter hiatus, but the Sushi Bar is open for takeout again.  The Dog and Bear has received good reviews; finally a dependable eatery in town.  Tahoe Swiss Village in Homewood continues to improve as visitors bump elbows with locals at this new version of the old standby.  The bar inside has become a happening place.

      |More weather may arrive Tuesday, perhaps the beginning of the March Miracle! We'll see.

How do you define SNAKE?

Reptilian

 

Kyiv: Under Major Assault by Mad Vlad's Army

       So, now the world has to deal with another Russyan Mad Man: Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, aka Raz-Putin. It's been 80 years since Europe had to endure a major land war(overlooking things in the former Yugoslavia which broke into 3 pieces a few years ago).  With modern technology in use on both sides of the conflict, with no safe places to hide anymore, the death and destruction soon to follow could dwarf this war like no other. President Biden will now accelerate all strategic economic sanctions against all Russyan sectors to include banking, trade, ordinary business, tourism, air travel, student visas, technology transfers, caviar, oil, gas, palladium, platinum, wood products, etc., to name a few.  It will remain to be seen what he does with the SWIFT accounting: will the President cut out Russyan participation in the global settlements ?  Some European countries want him to hold off so they can continue to pay for energy orders already in the pipeline.

         How convenient for the Kremlin to wait until the Winter Olympics were concluded in Beijing.  Certainly, Mr. Putin told Dictator Xi Jin Ping he would not spoil the scene in Beijing by invading little Ukraine during his party.  Can you imagine the stress added to athletes as they careened down the bobsled run knowing they might not have a home to return to in Kyiv? So, Mad Vlad has his "Big Day" when all the eyes of the world are on the leader of the largest country in the world where the ground is frozen solid for another 2 months.  The local vodka drinkers will have plenty of topics for discussion at their next gathering in a few hours.  The conversations would go like this:

Alexei: Sergei, can I pour you a double?

Sergei: Make it a triple, I can't believe the Little Turd in the Kremlin is actually doing this very stupid thing in Ukraine.  Doesn't he have enough to do here where we all live?

Alexei: I think I'll pour myself a triple.

Natalya:  What about me? Am I a nobody?  I want a triple-I;m stressed beyond the limit.  My cousin is a trucker and he delivers shit to the Donbass area.  Now he'll have to deal with the army which will commandeer all trucks to carry troops to all the Ivans in the field now.

Martina: My ex-husband, Igor,  is a general in the Army and he is on the move now.  Funny thing: he has a Ukrainian girl friend who he claims loves him dearly.  Now what?  Will he have to take her prisoner?  Give me a triple, too.  I need it, now.

Konstantine: Will he stir the dust around Chernobyl?  Could the dust drift into our own territory near Ekaterinaburg?  That wouldn't be good.  Give me a triple, fast.  I need to calm myself.  I might have to cancel my vaca to the Sochi beaches in May.  I have great plans: my own Ukrainian girlfriend promised me some Ukrainian "delights" and I don't mean caviar.  What to do?

Natalya: Too bad for you.  Just forget about all foreign vacations for 2022.  What we need is more vaccines to fight Covid infections.  That worthless shit that Vlad spread all over the Steppe only aggravated the spread of the virus.  Now America will cut us off.  More Russyans will die of Covid than artillery fire in Ukraine.  He is nuts, the Little Twerp.  Pour me another triple. And order out for some blini. 

Igor: How about some spanikopata? And maybe some spaghetti?  

Alexei:  Oh, forget it.  We won't be enjoying any "foreign" foods soon.  Our leader wants us to be completely independent, excepting relations with the yellow hordes down south.  We'll all be eating cow eyes and entrails ala Beijing by summer.  Pass me a triple, I'm empty.💋👾👿👫👄👯

      So, life in Russya continues as before: no real attachments to reality excepting that as it has always existed on the Steppes.

Have a nice WAR, Ivan.

War Leader and Pussy

Truckers on the MOve

    So, now angry truck drivers in the US will converge on Washington, D.C. to protest.  Protest what, you ask?  Maybe the price of diesel.  Maybe the price of doughnuts.  Or maybe they are bored and want to visit the Smithsonian Museums during the winter when summer crowds are still in school.  Now the Capitol Police have had a year since January 6th, '21 when a Trump rally got a little goofy.  They've changed since then.  The Chief of the Police says they will not take such action lightly; if truckers break the law, they will be arrested immediately, if not sooner.

      Where are these Little folks coming from?  Let's look at the license plates when they arrive, because they will be recorded in many ways so that when the trucks are confiscated and impounded, the owners will know where to look for their vehicles so they can get back on the road to home.  Maybe Trumpwill show up to welcome the truckers.  Maybe the Orange-haired Baboon will give a rally speech like he did a year ago.  Merrick Garland will have his hands on the levers to keep the group from achieving any notoriety while in town.  MItch McConnell and Kevin McCarthy will probably lay low so as not to be photographed shaking hands of the big fat trucker  drivers: bad move in this social media madness era.

Be ready, Virginia commuters- there are problems coming your way.

Raz-Putin On the Move

       Hey: our intelligence services got a win: they collectively called the move into Ukraine by Russyan army forces from the perimeter positions north and east.  President Joe Biden could speak with confidence when he alerted the West that Raz-Putin already gave the order to attack.  He didn't have to discern if Raz had weapons of mass destruction, we've known that since 1949 when Uncle Joe blew off his first nuc.  Satellite imagery was used to follow the buildup of Russyan military force near the Donbas/Luhansk region of Ukraine, the closest to the existing border with the largest country in the world.

       Dr. Madeline Albright(remember her?), former US Secretary of State, wrote yesterday about an interview with Mr. Putin almost 22 years ago when he popped up on the world stage as a new Russyan political factor.  She called him " reptilian".  I love that word: it instantly conveys a sense of loathing, an abiding fear that makes one's skin crawl, and enhances an awareness that otherwise might be lost during an interview.  He was part of the flotsom that emerged from the ditritis of the old Soviet Union, that vast conspiracy formed over 100 years ago and replaced a monarchy that had ruled the Rus for centuries.  His former roles as KGB(foreign and domestic spy agency) colonel and deputy mayor of St. Petersburg offered little insight to his personal ambitions or personal philosophies.

Showtime in Ukraine: Russyan Troops Invade

        Well, President Joe Biden told the world what was coming: war in Ukraine.  Informed by the US intelligence apparatus, the White House advisors kept the President up to date on all Russyan troop build up in and around the eastern part of Ukraine.  Now they are in motion:the next question is: where and when will this juggernaut stop?  Only Raz-Putin can answer that fundamental question.  Little Mad Vlad is very angry as he spits out the absurd reasons for going to war. In his little warped mind, history cheated him and modern Russyan people out of their future, out of their greatness; out of their rightful place in the world.  Hmmmmmm.  Haven't we heard all of this blather before?  Didn't another Little Dictator spew the same rubbish 80 years ago?

        So, now the US will start the "Dance of the Sanctions": tighten the noose around the Russyan Bear's neck.  Clamp down on all things Russyan:  travel, banking, business, education in the West; hiding ill-gotten gains in the City of London; numbered accounts in Swiss banks where the oligarchs stash their stolen moneys.  What else?  Oh, Mr. Raz -Putin's cronies: those selected to reap the benefits of being inside the circle of influence.  Who will rebuild the homes of those victims of the attacks?  Hmmmm.  Does the Kremlin have a "Build Back Better " plan for the civilians who got injured and lost their homes?  Maybe the Russyan army has a home repair business division, sort of like the commissars of the Russyan army in WW II who stood behind the troops and shot whoever faltered during an attack.  Maybe the Russyan army will have to pull some troops out of Syria to land in Odessa to support those unfortunate amphibious assault troops(Marines?).

        And now the SWIFT banking system will invoke the charter obligation to cut off those members who do not conduct business responsibly-Russya!!!!!

       Ha! How many assets sitting abroad will be frozen?  Until that happens, all this other bleating and bellowing is just more of the same: Hot air amplified.

Have a nice day.

Hi: My names Vladimir-How do you like me so far?

Snow: Let it Snow

       Yes, Tahoma has awaken to white powder on the ground.  It is a light dusting- the first in weeks, and hopefully not the last. Forecasters say it will add little to the pack, but we'll take it, no matter. It could actually continue tonight as clouds continue to float across the mountains into the Great Basin area of Nevada and Utah.

         We must be joyful about this event today; The holiday-Presidents Day often marks the high point of winter in Tahoma and Lake Tahoe itself.  While there is still much snow remaining from December's record snowfall, we are still a long way from catching up to normal.  Some locals are expecting a "MArch Miracle".  But we do not lack of dreamers here. Dreaming of deep powder on the slopes always gives one a positive outlook and hope.  The Winter Olympics in Beijing concluded yesterday and all the isolated athletes departed for their home countries; some to scary conditions such as those in Russya where mad men are pulling the levers of forces that could lead into a European land war.  Will former snowboarders from the Moskova suburbs be changing boarder pants for winter camo suits?  Will Ukrainian skiers switch to rifles vice ski poles? Will Beloruss ice dancers dress up as infantrymen?

       Mad Vlad Putin has left the land of rational thinking.  The little twerp is dancing around the Kremlin, behind the curtain, laughing, laughing, and laughing some more as the levers he pulls sends jet aircraft, tanks, troops, ships, and missiles on a path to destruction.

     Simultaneously, Pres. Joe Biden is readying his levers: no more money to Russya; no more real estate to oligarchs; no more international American visas to anyone from the largest country in the world; no more international settlements in financial dealings; no more Aeroflot flights to London; all Russyan assets in the UK frozen-for ever.  The oil pipelines will be shut down; no more purchases of Russyan energy products; no more international student visas to any country except China.   Xi Jin Ping will now have the ultimate hammer with the Bear to the north:  want business? Let's talk- but by the way, just listen as we tell you, Mr. Putin, all the terms you will now have to comply with.

      Have a nice day Vladimir.

Sierra Pacific Industries Dealt Legal Blow

    Sierra Pacific Industries, a lumber company from Redding, California, was denied  in their application to build 760 luxury homes in the Martis Valley between NorthStar Resort and the town of Truckee.  Despite approval from the Placer County Board of Supervisors, the 3rd Court of Appeals made the ruling this week.  Environmental groups which had been on high alert, cheered the ruling which was based on the fact they developer failed to take into account the impact on Lake Tahoe of the new homes.  Estimates were that over 4500 day trips to the lake basin would be one of many harmful effects on lake water quality and air quality inside the basin.

Score one for Mother Nature.

Putin Takes a Break From Diplomatic Chores

Vladimir and Spotted Friend From Africa

      Dictator for Life Of the Rus Peoples and Master of the Largest Country in the World and surrounded by belligerents on the entire perimeter of the vast country, Vlad Vladimirovich Putin rested his weary mind and body.  Captured at rest with his pet, the photo depicts a man comfortable with hisself: see that smile, that intelligent face, the casual dress, the "love" for his pet, the warm embrace, the delicate hands adding to the entire scene- this is his essence, his glory, his whatever.

       He's so proud; so happy that his billions are offshore in the UK, safe from home grown bankers; Bill Browders, Navalny's, Magnitskys, etc.  His cronies also know that their ill-gotten gains are there, too.  Pesky critics are prone to exaggerations and lies, so best to shield these assets from them and the few opponents still running around free.  Who needs them , anyway?

Have a nice day.
 

Biden Calls Putin's Bluff

       Putin is surprised:  Pres. Biden measured up: he called Putin's bluff.  Ok  Vlad- move on Ukraine, we take all the properties of the oligarchs in the UK-all 85,000 of them.  Yours, too.  No more money going into art and real estate from the Steppes.   You'll have to send your money to Hong Kong, China.  Ha,ha, ha, ha,ha ,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha.

Oh, Canada.

      The Mayor's Canadian relatives, those Blue Noses from Nova Scotia, are some distance from Ottawa, the capitol.  However, because of modern media, they are fully aware of the shenanigans going on in Ottawa and Windsor, where a bunch of thugs have disrupted traffic on a few border-crossing bridges, disrupting business and lives for a couple of weeks.  PM J. Trudeau, has declared a national emergency, invoking powers never used before.  Arrestes have followed.  Thugs have been removed from the bridges. Traffic is moving again.  These anti-vaxxers and their brainless, spineless friends will now answer to a higher authority.  And those copy cats in the US and other countries will duly note the actions.

Drive safely.

Comrade, Bro Partnership

       So, Since February 4th, the world has been treated to photos of the "new" EurAsian Bromance, or in this case the new BroComradeship-mance.  Xi Jin Ping and Mr. Vladimir Vladimorovich Putin have embraced one another4, finally, for the cameras.  The 2022 Olympic Games, held in snow-less Beijing, held opening ceremonies at which both dictators attended(a ribbon cutting?).  Little Vlad stared directly into Xi JP's hazel eyes, a declaration of affection if there ever was one.  NOw they've cemented their relationship after all this dancing around the perimeter of love.

      It's only fitting: one is dictator for life of more Commies than Putin would ever hope to dictate as China's population stalls at about 1.457 billions(including those pesky Uyghurs out west), while Putin's former Commies have topped out at about 134.5 millions of cold vodka consumers hoping the Siberian Steppe doesn't become another province of China as the growing season creeps northward, affording Cinese farmers to advance on a broad front of agricultural opportunities. Next thing you know, Sochi beaches will be covered by Chines middle class workers getting a little tan to compliment their sallow faces.  What can Vlad do ? Smile a lot.

       Let's not forget that Vlad doesn't really care about China-yet.  He's enjoying the ripple-affect in Ukraine and Western Europe where his goal is to extend Russyan influence over the former satellites of eastern Russyan captives. One wonders: does Putin pray at night to Josef Stalin, asking for guidance and inspiration?  Maybe so, maybe not.  Whoever he prays to hasn't been very forthcoming with advice he can use.  So, Mad Vlad tumbles around the eastern Ukraine border, scaring a few old locals, but otherwise, it's business as usual there as winter's cold marches on toward spring and rebirth.

      Joe Biden is doing his best to act presidential as world banks chat about what a shooting war might mean for loan rates, IPO's, stock valuations, vacations to the Black Sea beaches, availability of Russyan girls during those vacations, corporate board seating arrangements, and of course, compensation levels post war.  Ahhhhh, bankers-enjoying the same reputations they have continued to warrant after all these years.  Scum.

      Did you give the appropriate gifts yesterday?  Send in your personal efforts-we'll keep a list.

Have a nice winter's day.  And Kamila: go back to the dacha and ask the coach: why was the drug discovered this time?  I deserve better, Comrade Doktor.

Valentines Day

   Don't forget: have a partner? Today is the day you must show up- Bigly.  No matter how small a gesture, it must be made, consciously.  Or, suffer for the next 12 months.

Flowers-always good.

Chocolates-great effort.

Make dinner-superb.

Bottle of fave beverage- fine move.

Surprise outing- good, too.

Don't forget, Comrade.

Super Bowl LVI: It's Over

    Mercifully, it's over.  My pick, the Bengals lost to the LA Rams.  I watched the last few tortuous minutes which took f-o-r-e-v-e-r.  Penalty after penalty, the Rams marched toward victory until they were just 7 yards shy of the touchdown needed to overcome a 3 point deficit.  No matter what the Bengals did, it wasn't enough.   QB Matt Stafford of LA, seemed in control while the Bengal defense melted under the pressure.  QB Joe Burrow of the Bengals sat glumly on the bench and watched his dreams of glory fade to black.  Next year, it will be different. Sure. Rams win: 23-20.

Half time show: Boring; but I only heard about it. Had to pull some weeds in the garden.

Ukraine: In the Proverbial Crosshairs

        Have you ever looked through a telescope mounted on a rifle? I have. As the eye adjusts, the optical instrument focuses on a line between rifle and target, now appearing much closer to the rifle than without the scope. Instantly, the appearance of "crosshairs" or visible lines within the scope become obvious, indicating that a target is now inline with the "line of fire" or trajectory at an estimated distance depending on the setting or the optical power of the instrument. So, now we pundits apply this metaphor to the political situation on Ukraine's border with Russya and to the situation as it exists on the ground on that border.  Estimates published by the US note about 130,000 Russyan soldiers and all the equipment they need to conduct operations against an "enemy" in Ukraine(where thousands of Russyan soldiers already occupy Crimea and the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine.  My, my, Mr. Putin: what will you do next?  The world wonders.

        Suitcase diplomacy, aka shuttle diplomacy, is at a high pitch: diplomats from the US, most of western Europe, and Canada, have been flying in and out of Ukraine(Kyiv), Moskova(kremlin), and Brussels(NATO and EU HQ), talking, talking, and more talking as they make a collective effort to avoid a violent conflict between Russya and Ukraine which would imperil thousands of innocent civilians caught in a crossfire.  We've seen it all before(pick a place), and it gets ugly rather quickly.  It's gone beyond just rhetoric as Pres. Joe Biden announces that "severe" penalties against Russya will be an immediate result.  He has at his disposal numerous actions that will serve to isolate this "rogue" nation and its rogue leader-Mr. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, sitting in the Kremlin pulling levers for the last 22 years. How does it feel to be the No. 1 lever puller in the largest country in the world(as we know it)?  Only the Little Dictator knows.

        Perhaps it's time for the International Court in the Hague to make a statement:  Mr. Putin-any casualties as a result of this unprovoked act of aggression will result in an indictment for use of weapons of mass destruction, murder, and genocide.  You will be tried in absentia in a court of law; if found guilty, you will be sentenced in absentia and banned forever from the world.  Hmmm.  Does the Little Dictator give a hoot about this?   Recall, this is the individual who sends his assassins to many foreign countries to kill his opponents and his detractors wherever they can be found.   His lapdog, Mr. Sergey Lavrov, continues to speak in roundabout sentences, offering little fodder for the observers and diplomats concerned with the situation.  Old Vlad must find it interesting that He, and only he, can have the world shudder based on a few strategic moves he makes based on some perceived threat(see Stalin paranoia). He can then justify all his moves to the cowering minions as they go about their daily lives in Siberia and other cold climes familiar to the Rus.

        All visas given to Russyans who now live and work abroad will probably be cancelled and withdrawn.  I suspect many visa holders will apply for refugee status.  I would if I was unfortunate enough to be one of the thousands who find themselves in that category.  How about all those university students, quivering in their isolation from friends and families?  Maybe the Russyan athletes stuck in Beijing will ask the Communists to give them refugee status so they can remain in China?  What a laugh!  Would there be 1?  Ha.  They already know what Communism looks like-they live it at home on the Steppe.

Happy Valentine's Day, especially to the 15 year old ice-skating doper from Russya in Beijing.

Super Bowl Sunday: Does Anybody Care

     So, after all the fanfare, all the publicity, all the tickets sales, all the ad sales($7 million for a 30 second spot), it's showtime in LA(Inglewood exactly).  SoFi Stadium-a new one, home turf for the LA Rams.  The locals will appreciate the situation- they could walk from home(almost) to their seats.  What a luxury!

Given the monstrous traffic jams across LA, having a few options is always a good thing.  Joe Burrow will be watched by millions.  He could pull off a victory and enter the books as a winner, joining a number of other 'Joes': Montana, Theisman, Namath, Joe Joe, etc.

     Likely outcome Bengals 37 to LA Rams-33.  Cincinatti will finally win the big one.

Beijing: Where the World Meets Communism Head On

       So, you are an Olympic athlete, winter's version of same.  You made the team; you've worked hard for 4 years at least.  Now, it's showtime.  No excuses here on the world stage.  Oh, we are in the midst of a pandemic.  China has a "no infections allowed" policy.  Catch a virus-get isolated and/or sent into quarantine.  Or, if detected before arrival, no entry.  This is just the beginning.  Now let's look at politics, which is the largest part of these games.  The I.O.C., the soul less body that oversees every Olympics, continues to demonstrate its lack of morals, ethics, and seriousness about everything connected to the modern Games.  The I.O.C. does look closely on finances.  Hmmmm. How much did NBC pay- north of $18 billions.  Not an insignificant sum.  How much did the Chinese pay to bring the games here?  Nobody is talking on that figure.  But, world opinion knows that these Games were to be billed as another opening for China into global power politics.  This in addition to the Beijing summer games of the recent past(see buildings still around from them in Beijing). eg Birds Nest Stadium.

      How about local communications?  Have an iphone?  Guess what? The PLA  has your number.  Who is that?  Why it's the Peoples Liberation Army, in charge of cell phone service everywhere.  Huawei?  Who dey?  A provider.  Your cell number has been provided to the PLA; your name and number, too.  Whay can one do?  Get a throw away phone while in China.  A one time use phone; rent one before you arrive-that's what smart money is doing.  Oh, and don't forget that it's again' the law to criticize the gov'ment of China while in China.  Don't bad mouth the Commies; you could end up in prison; under house arrest; or yanked out of your starting gate to answer to the PLA thugs who don't answer to anybody.

        The media coverage has been overly benign, ensuring that all broadcasts are sterile reportage of the events.  They are washed and sanitized for the viewers so as not to enrage party members nearby.  How lovely!

TEXAS: The Lone Star State

       Is Texas in America?  Is Texas a country?  WHo are Texans?  Is there a border between Texas and Mexico?   Who guards the border on the Rio Grand River?  Is there a lot of oil in Texas?  Have you ever been to Texas?  Why all this talk about Texas?  Are the Cowboys playing in the Super Bowl this year?  Is George Bush in Texas?

     Well, the Mayor just visited Texas to look it over.  Maybe to buy some real estate, or not.

Los Angeles: Super Bowl City

       So, the LA Rams will play for all the marbles on their home turf.  They'll host the Buffalo Bills-no, wrong.  They'll host the Tampa Buccaneers, no, wrong.   They'll host the 49ers, no, losers.  They'll host Green Bay packers, no, wrong.   It's the Cincinatti Bengal Tigers, first time in 34 years.  It will be a big game for all fans of LA Rams and Ohio fans of the Bengals.  The long suffering Bengals finally made it to the big Dance.  The weather should be fine, but SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA doesn't depend on good weather.  But the fans do: driving across LA can be a challenge on a summer day, let alone winter.  So, stock up on food stuffs, line up guests foe the party, and place your bets in any one of a millins betting pools.

      Super Bowl LVI will start at 6:30pm EST.  The big half time show will feature a bunch of nobodys, but who cares.?  Maybe we will see some fireworks; maybe a flyover paid for by taxpayers, etc.  Football remains America's largest diversion from reality.

Opening Day: 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing

    Big day today(tomorrow) in Beijing.  Xi JinPing will be on hand to greet the 2 or 3 attendees at the ceremony.  Most athletes will avoid the ceremony which will be held in a telephone booth(?) somewhere. After all the preparations, the event will be less than a showcase of Chinese efforts.  Even in the US, much-vaunted Peacock network screwed up the delivery, confusing subscribers about how and where to find the live broadcasts.  It's really sad: even the executives can't figure out their own confusing plans-how did the marketing departments put together such a horror show of mixed up instructions that even the designers can't operate.  The viewers have already given up on the Olympics for this year.  Feeling sad for the athletes?  Don't, those feelings are hardly justified today.  It's all about politics and money only.

     Mad Vlad will be in Beijing today, too.  No, he's not competing in equestrienne events.  The old horseman/Cossack wannabe will be sharing pork buns with the sly-faced dictator who can out fox Mad Vlad just by sneezing or farting.   Sure Russya is the largest country in the world, but China has the 2nd largest economy(slowing) in the world, and a billion more citizens to boot.  Take that, Vladimir.  Today, Xi JP will tell Little Vlad to tone down the rhetoric over Ukraine.  Any conflict with the West there will harm Chinese business, so stop now.  All of the business China does with Ukraine and Europe is at risk.  Not good for Beijing, Vladimir.  So shut your reeking pie hole or else we might have to squeeze Moscova and call off some business ties you need/want in the future.  You are not in charge of everything.  Stop right now.

     We'll have to wait until the Olympics conclude before we hear of the conference outcomes between the two.

Commies Like Fences Too

    The fear of Covid infections has caused China to fear invaders.  Human invaders who are infected.  There are lots of them as we know after 2 years into a pandemic.  China has a zero infections goal, sort of. The results of such a policy has forced the government, among other things, to focus most recently on the country's borders.   So, Beijing will now fortify its borders which are considerable, especially with Russya.  Although one could count on 1 hand the number of Russyans clamoring to enter China.  Not happening.

      Down south, a project that began 2 years ago includes sensors, cameras, and barbed wire.  Along the border with Vietnam, a 12' fence went up a year ago.  Locals are now prevented from visiting China to sell corn, and to harvest medicinal herbs in the cross border area.  What is it about fences that are the hallmark of Communist regimes?  Think Iron Curtain.  Think Gulag camps.  Think East and West Berlin.  Think Check Point Charlie.  Think Cuba.  And now-China.  Hmmmm.  China says it is to prevent people with Covid from entering the country and bringing in the highly infectious disease.

      How about in the Amur River area in the Far East?  4 million Chinese farmers and laborers descend on the area annually to plant crops, tend them, and harvest them to bring south to market(there is no market in Far East Russya).  Will they be stopped at the border now?  HArdly, that area is considered by China as historically part of the Middle Kingdom and old Mad Vlad wouldn't have the balls to mess with his new best friend forever Xi JP.  Locals on social media call it "The Great Southern Wall".  The beijingers call it "The Anti-Covid Great Wall".  Emporer Xi JinPing calls on Chinese to secure the borders and "safeguard the sacred land".  One has to love statements like that from dictators/Communists;  they think people like to hear such drivel.   Reviewed records indicate that the Beijingers fortified 285 miles of border, mostly in the south(Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam/Laos.  One southern city, Ruili, has seen elaborate efforts to control all border crossings.   Trucks must be stopped, searched, and sanitized before being allowed to crossover.  Then Chinese labor offloads the cargo and transfers same to Chinese trucks.  Using the Covid virus gives the Beijingers easy support to the new fences, the goal of which has always been to control the flow into and out of China.

          During the Cold War(remember that?), fences were a regular topic of discussion.  Many attempted escapes had to cross a no mans'land to safety, and rarely were these successfully carried out.  Watch towers were a common place fixture, manned with armed guards, like a concentration camp.  But never forget when dealing with Commies, fences are the norm. 

Learn Russyan: Go To School In Central African Republic

         So, now we will be able to improve our language skills while on safari, maybe.  The Central African government, through its Dept. of Education, has signed an agreement with the Russyan Federation to teach the Russyan language to young students in the country.  This sounds odd, yes?  It is odd, no?  Why one would ask with total skepticism.  Hmmmmm.  Is it because a coalition of future workers will have Russyan managers in nearby industries?  Is it because C.A. R. student demonstrate exceptional talent that can be useful to Russyan mining interests?  We know that C.A. R. has a connection to the central government there.  We know that Russyan miners extract over 50% of diamond exports from the local mines, and the Russyan army provides security for all protected mines shared with the local police forces. A very interesting situation.