Jimmy Lai:Soon to be on Trial in Hong Kong

   Where's Jimmy Lai?  Let's see: he's been arrested and held in prison now for months. Beijing announced that his trial in Hong Kong will begin today. He will answer charges of seditious activity. Hmmm. Sounds like a scripted charge put up by the Communist government in Beijing which took over Hong Kong in violation of the treaty signed with the U.K. 25 years ago. Everybody knew that was a sham ans Xi JP proved it as such. Old Xi is having a moment now as protests continue across China over Covid restrictions. When will it end? Nobody knows, but Beijing has begun relaxing strict control over movement around the country. People were forced to stay home because of Covid controls. Folks could not work; could not shop; could not leave their homes and apartments. Schools were closed, businesses shut down, and transportation halted. All to facilitate control of a virus that defies control: it's in the air!!!

      Commies being commies, they shout into the wind: "We know better", "We're Communists". Long live Communism. How sad, really. They probably don't know history.

More Protests Rock Large Chinese Cities

    In the largest street protests in over 32 years, Chinese of all demographics have hit the streets in protests against Beijings harsh pandemic position on curtailing the spread of the Covid 19 virus. Lockdowns and isolation have been the Communists' go to position. Citizens cannot leave their homes, cannot go to work, sick or not. The Unemployment rate for young workers has soared above 20%. Beijing refuses to alter course in the face of these mass protests. Not since Tianeman square protests in 1989 have there been such anti-government protests. Dictators never learn. Nor oligarchs or despots. People want to be free. It's universal. despite arrests, jailings, beatings, camera recordings, the protests continue in large cities and small. How will this play out? Nobody knows at this point.

Pulisic Puts Team USA into Round of 16

       Facing elimination in Game 3 of the Group play in Qatar, the Boys from USA out hustled the Iranian side, scoring once, and then defending that goal for the rest of the contest.  Christian Pulisic took a pass in front of the goal mouth from his teammate, and sent the ball home then crashing into the goal keeper who came out a few steps to defend. He was banged up and stayed on the ground for several miutes. He then walked off but was not taken out. His team responded with 9 field players while Pulisic recovered on the sidelines. After a few minutes, hr returned to the field after checking with the center ref. After the contest, he reassured his many fans that he'll be ready to play Saturday against the Orangemen from the Netherlands. After playing England to adraw, I'm sure the team will be more than optimisticabout their chances against this top European side.

      Watch the game Saturday morning.

Jury Convicts Stewart Rhodes, Leader of Oath Keepers

       Lawyer and far right leader of the extremist group known as Oath Keepers,Stewart Rhodes, a Yale-educated lawyer, was convicted of sedition by a jury after a trial during which he took the stand on his own defense but could not convince the members of the jury that he was only waiting for Pres. trumpto ask for help from his group's members. Hmmmmmm. Well, Stewart and compatriot, Kelley Meggs, will be able to contemplate their lives while spending 20 years+/- in prison. federal prison, at that. The DOJ put considerable resources into its investigation because it will have serious implications for the Rum Pot in Mar-A-Lago, Florida, former tweeter-in-chief.

      Good old Stewart, smart enough to spend several years studying law books in Yale law school, but not smart enough to put his education to useful, productive endeavors. Too bad for you, Dirt Bag. Have fun in the exercise yard at Leavenworth.

Xi JP: He Leaves the Mask on but Gloves Off

        My, my, my: trouble along the Yangtze River in Asia, also known as China. The Covid virus is running amok among the Chinese population, especially those most vulnerable-the elderly among the population. In addition, the Beijing autocrats insist that the current protocols continue: severe lockdowns, mandatory isolation, business closures, and surveillance of everybody everywhere. Sounds like a Communist plot. Oh, wait: it is a Communist plot. The Chinese are Communists(at least those robots in Beijing)! So, Xi has given the word to national police: continue on, don't let the rebels make any progress. Rules are rules; they must follow all rules. I have spoken. I am Xi JP, leader of Asia, China, the Chinese people and anybody and everybody else. Don't forget. It's all about "The Party".

     Recently, the USA has tightened the thumb screws on Chinese tech companies, forcing them to cut back on all expansion plans across the world. Huawei, already under sanctions, will be hit with even more sanctions as the USA instructs worldwide businesses who want to do business with US companies, must adhere to new rules about doing business with Chinese companies in the tech sector. This will further the goals of US sanctions to restrict inroads made by China in its quest to become the new world leader, an obvious challenge to the USA.

More Sanctions Coming for Russya

       A 9th set of sanctions are being discussed this weekend in Europe. Poland and the Baltic States(Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia) are discussing another round of trade restrictions that will add more trouble for those in Russya who want to do business internally while cut off from international partners, suppliers, and customers. The slow squeeze continues to strangle domestic production, domestic operations, and severely limits all Russyan exports. As Putin's costly war against Ukraine moves into its first winter of operations, citizens in Russya will experience growing difficulties with basic needs. Additionally, travel restrictions will hinder movement of citizens out of Russya no matter where they want to hide.

      Down south, near the center of combat operations of the feeble Russyan army conscripts, many have been trying the malingerers' approach to getting shipped home: get a doctor to assign an injury/illness to you and go home for extended care. This is one of the oldest methods used by all armies all the time forever. Everybody has heard the story of soldiers who use their weapons to shoot a foot and claim combat wounds. various knives and cutting instruments also work wonders. "Igor, pass me your bayonet. I need to open a can of borscht for dinner."  Whoopsy, I slipped and cut off my finger(s). "Ivan, is this rifle loaded. Boom. Oh, my foot is bleeding. Call a medic." And so it goes in Ukraine as more and more Russyan soldiers acknowledge the futility of all their efforts in Ukraine. And at such great cost as friends and brothers are slaughtered like so many cattle. For what? For Putin's glory? For "Mother Russya? Please. I just want to go home. I like Ukrainians, anyway.

     So, look and listen for an announcement tomorrow: new sanctions against the invaders.  

Canada v. Croatia

       Our northern cousins, those formerly English, have demonstrated a high level of skills on the soccer pitch. Simultaneously,  Croatia has elevated its game to an equally high level since the partition of the former Yugoslavia. In the first half of today's World Cup contest, Canada got a jump start in the 2nd minute with a goal that rocked the Croats. But, the East Europeans were not daunted by this rapid fire goal. Over the next 43 minutes, the Red & White checkers dominated the pitch, out running the Maple Leafs, beating to the ball again and again. In the 32nd minute, the Croats put one in the back of the net, after having an earlier shot called back for offsides. Then, with the sides' aggressive onslaught, the Croats scored another goal in the 44th minute, making it a 2-1 tally as halftime was whistled by the referee.

Advantage: Croatia

In the earlier game, favorite Belgium was defeated by Morocco. Hmmm. What's going on with European teams?

Next game: Germany v. Ronaldo & Co.

Messi On His game

       Lionel, aka La Pulga, brought joy to the world today as he sent home a shot on goal that demonstrated his great skills. The goalie for Mexico never got a finger on the ball as it soared into the net from 40'. The Blue and White striped jersey reacted appropriately surrounding a jubilant Messi. This goal was followed by another Argentine goal to make the score 2-nil. It would not change. All teams in the group still have hope: Poland on top, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Argentina all have another game left in group play. Wednesday will see two teams advance to the knockout round.

Very serious these two: La Pulga and Ronaldo

England v. USA: A Draw

       This match up was touted by the media as 'the' game to watch. Both sides had high expectations. The English wanted to make a statement that they were worthy of serious consideration: ready for long-sought recognition after falling short so many times in the recent past. The USA side sought recognition as the 'new' worthy opponent for top teams. Youth is their watchword, with the 3rd youngest team at the World Cup this year. Both teams have a leader: harry Kane, captain of England, and Christian Pulisic, the leading international scorer for team USA.

       And then they started the 90 minute contest: ready to make that statement. Back and forth, each side pressing for advantage. However, all their efforts failed to produce a goal. Yes, each had opportunities that did not yield results. England had possession honors, and the USA performed better than most expected. Now the USA must win its next/last game against Iran to move on the the Round of 16. England will move on no matter. 

      Saturday's schedule is up and there will be some very good contests among some top teams. Watch them.  Mexico v. Argentina, and France v. Denmark.

Favorites Shine in Qatar

       Portugal held off a persistent and determined Ghanian side, going 1-nil in the first half on Pk by Ronaldo, becoming the first player in World Cup history to score a goal in 5 World Cup tournaments. In the 2nd half, fireworks demonstrated the aggressive play of both sides. Ghana scored the equalizer to make it 1-1, giving them some cheer. And then, Portugal sent two shots home to go ahead 3-1. In the 89th minute, Ghana put another ball into the net, making it 3-2, Portugal. By this time, Ronaldo had been substituted out, along with teammate Joao Felix. Extended time amounted to 9 minutes, giving Ghana renewed hope to score another equalizer. It almost happened: as the Porto goalie handled a ball and prepared to roll it forward to a teammate, he missed the Ghanian forward lurking behind him. The Ghanian was able to deflect the throw to a compatriot who almost, but not quite, got a foot on the ball less than 12' from the mouth. In what could have been a major faux pas, the Porto goal keeper was able to prevent the score.

Final Ghana 2, Portugal 3

In the next contest, Brasile faced another European side that has shown increased skill over the last few years. It was a scoreless tie at the half, but in the 2nd half, Brazil was able to demonstrate not only high skills, but also a flare for art and drama as 1 player put on a show, scoring consecutive goals, one of which was a fan favorite: an over-the-head bicycle kick that eluded any goalie attempt at a block. Game over, 2-nil Brazil over Serbia.

Tomorrow:

USA vs. England

Don't miss Harry Kane match up with Christian Pulisic. Harry has a bad ankle and could be on the sideline at the start. Me, I would save him for knockout play. 

Spain: Pace Setter

        Spain was not going to stumble. They didn't as they waltzed over a struggling Costa Rican side. The Spaniards played a technically astute game, dealing lesson after lesson to a, Central American side that provided little defense when needed. Spain dealt them a loss by the widest margin: 7-0. Spain will be hard-pressed to duplicate such an effort anytime soon.

And Now: Germany: Humbled

       The Germans: respected by all Europeans for their soccer football prowess. Expectations were running high when they stepped onto the pitch to match up with the Japanese. Here they would demonstrate to the world they came to play. Shocker: they lost, 2-1. What in the world? First Argentina, now Germany humiliated before the world. How does this happen? Hmmm. Well, maybe the world is catching up. Perhaps information shared is information learned across the globe. The algorithyms perform better than ever and can "teach" opponents how to defend against a myriad of attacks. The coach must be scratching his head. He must answer his many critics. And what can he say? Hmmmm. Not easy, but that's what he gets paid for: answers.

California: Running a Deficit: Again

       So, a state that depends on high earners for 40% of its income tax stream, looks to have run up against some reality: budget directors are projecting a $41-75 million dollar deficit. Hmmm. Is Gov. Newsom concerned? Of course not: he's works in a one party state controlled by: you guessed it: Democrats.

Ann Applebaum Calls Out Russyans in Exile

        Well, it's been awhile since Mad Vlad's minions invaded Ukraine(first time in 2014), about 9 months so far this time. However, the green conscripts sent south to do the dirty work for the Kremlin sycophants seem to have faltered in their efforts. They have abandoned the port city of Kherson, a ket component of Russya's efforts near the Black Sea and its criminal possession-Crimea, part of Ukraine. The troops of the Kremlin have retreated east across a major strategic obstacle-the Dnipro River.  The river is rather large: 12-15 miles across in some spots. Very few bridges are left standing that cross this wide obstacle. Currently, Ukrainian recon forces are crossing at night to lay mines for Russyan logistics troops who are charged with supporting their Siberian brothers(as opposed to their St. Petersburg brothers who fled the draft and are hiding in plain sight in various Baltic countries, a few-"stans" and wherever else they could flee before the Kremlin operatives caught up with them.

      Ol' Mad Vlad  must be rattling around Red Square(in his fur coat and fur hat and fur boots) trying to grasp the situation that seems to be spinning out of control.  Let's see: I've agreed to allow Ukrainian grain shipments continue; I've bombed and shelled most energy production centers throughout Ukraine; I've shelled the capitol city of Kviv; I've continued the delivery of some gas and some oil to Europe; yes, I blew up the Nordstream 1 pipeline just to keep them honest(ho,ha); I've shipped many residents of the Donbass to secure sites in Russya so they won't fall for Western propaganda ploys; I've recruited another 150,000 young Siberian fighters(I know they're green, but they'll be veterans in a few weeks); my Buddy Xi JP has thoughtfully stayed on the sidelines without falling victim to that pathetic Joe Biden the Democrat; stupid Trump hasn't helped either, which is a good thing; and my countrymen continue to support me, more or less but who's counting?

     Ms. Applebaum, a staff writer for the Atlantic magazine wrote in the current issue that Putin must not win, and that opposition continues at home and abroad among dissident voices. True, in her opinion, most of the Russyan citizens who have fled left to avoid being drafted into the army ranks. She states unequivocally that these same Russyans are on the sidelines, waiting for the war/special operation to conclude soon. Meanwhile, despite individual claims, they are lying low, not wishing to draw attention while guests in a host nation. Time is on their side as long as the conflict continues. They will not have to choose repatriation or asylum fow awhile yet. Then the fun begins. Stay tuned.

FIFA, QATAR, and the World Cup

    So, here's the latest iteration of a world contest: a bunch of Arabs roped the FIFA oligarchs into approving their bid 12+ years ago to host the tournament. Never mind that the country is smaller than Rhode Island, doesn't/didn't have enough stadium venues to host an egg roll contest, or even have a team that could be called a contender on any stage. But, Gianni Infantino, lead operative for FIFA oligarchy, decided he could support the venue. Well, how much was promised to the FIFA peeps? Nobody has that answer; probablyright there with how crypto coins are counted. Nonetheless, the first games were played this week and one surprise: Argentina lost to Saudi Arabia. Hmmmm. Lionel: you has some 'splainin' to do.

    The USA with a young team but not without experience was matched up with a UK team(don't call it that): Wales. A small proud country of Welshmen. They held the USA to a 1-1 tie. Hmmm. Could it be the USA won't make it out of group play? One can ask that of Argentina, a pre-tournament hopeful, certainly. Lionel has never won a World Cup for Argentina. He's won about everything else. So, The french, defeating an Australian side today, looks very could for a defending champion. Not easy to repeat; hasn't been done in 70+ years.

     So, keep watching, make up a story of your own about why Qatar is the host. Nobody can say you're wrong, no matter how wild you make it. Keep smilin'.

Old News: The Houston Astros win the World Series

     Well, the Mayor was on the road and missed the final game. But the outcome speaks for itself: the Phillies were bested by a better team!. So, Dusty Baker will now have his "ring"- that coveted prize that goes to the victors of a world championship.  He's been managing at the highest level for 25 years and he's lost more than a few Series. But now, he can hold his head up with the best(Bruce Bochy) and a few other managers. Perhaps his team will repeat, but that is always up in the air.

Astors win 4 0f 6 games to send the Phillies home without a 3rd victory. Bravo Dusty Baker.