Alexei Navalny: Found

Town of Kharp in Arctic Russya

      Our Minister of Asian Affairs has informed the Mayor's Office that opposition leader, the imprisoned Alexei Navalny, has been located. He is in a penal colony in the town of Kharp, in the Siberian region of the largest country in the world, Russya, Land of Rus. Kharp is home to two penal colonies: Owl Colony and Polar Wolf.

       Well, now, peoples, where is this 'town'? Siberia: we've heard of it, supposed to be cold there. It's vast: stretching from the Urals to the Pacific Ocean in the east Asian rim. It's north of the Arctic Circle(63 degrees N latitude) and at this time of year is dark, receiving a hint of twilight twice a day. The nearby Sob River(no, not filled with tears) remains frozen about 9 months of the year. Locals are Nenets people, indigenous herders who eek out a living in this region as they move with their herds across the landscape to find forage for the animals. While appearing as nomads, they practice transhumanse: seasonally following weather/climate conditions suitable for this practice. Harsh conditions prevail year round.

      So, in keeping with Kremlin practice of isolating opponents, two penal colony prisons were established some time ago; places where the guards and support staff share the environmental conditions meant to convey government control of individuals. The Czars used this method to great effect. The modern Czar, Putin has taken up where the Romanovs left off. One of the most recent new residents is the well known dissident Alexei Navalny, one of the thousands of Russyans who despise the former KGB colonel, ex-deputy mayor of St. Pete's, and former friend of the late Yevgeny Prighozin, assassinated leader of the Wagner Group.

      Kharp town is located on the Sob River, a tributary of the massive Ob River which flows from the southern Urals north on the eastern edge of the mountains to the Gulf of Obskaya, a 500 mile long body of ocean that is a finger of the Arctic Ocean. The western shore is the Yamal peninsula, a mountainous space almost completely uninhabited for every good reason.

       The guards and staff have state provided housing, and receive about 50K rubles/year median salary, plus a bonus if they stay during the winter(Ha!). The inmates suffer through the year with minimal protections from the environment: enough heat and clothing to survive without contracting the usual diseases found in the region: ample respiratory infections. Alexei has a 19 year sentence to carry out, and at 47 years of age will be close to retirement age when he is released. This should happen after the former KGB operative goes to his reward somewhere.

     Merry Christmas, Alexei.

Gina Raimondo: Tough on China

      US Secretary of Commerce announces a new approach to trade with China: tough stance in light of the record. Chinese emporer Xi Jin Ping has been glad handing world trade representatives in various countries as he parades the 'feel good' approach to other nations. At the recent Climate gathering he stated that China was onboard with actions to address this 'global' concern. China is moving toward all electric,says XJP; and then announces that more coal-fired electricity generators are being built at a record pace. Hmmmmm. Is there a disconnect Xi?

       Ms. Raimondo has made trips to China to negotiate with her peers there. A major issue is the production of modern computer chips necessary for the vast uses now found in almost every new product, and every new military tool/power train/ship/missile. This awareness coupled with the fact that Taiwan is the world's premier chip maker brings this issue to the fore.

      Ms. Raimondo is an excellent negotiator and has been a boon to trade for the USA; and not so muchn for US/China trade as she has informed Pres. Biden's cabinet that more must be done to protect not only the domestic industry but also to protect the technology developed here in the USA. JOe Biden is getting the message. 

Can a Bird Fly on One Wing

       So, now we have a little more of the story; the story that has drifted past our consciousness due to Gaza, Jack Smith, Jimmy Lai's trial; Evan Gershkovich's detention extension, Mad Vlad's decision to run again for president; and climate change. When the Wagner Group leaders boarded a plane in Moskva for a short trip to St. Petersburg, those 10 men were very confidant  of their aircraft, the pilots and crew: they were among friends. However, they were unaware of the work of Kremlin henchmen-those doing the bidding of a Tyrant-their boss: the Tyrant running the largest country in the world-Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, former KGB colonel and deputy mayor of St. Petersburg.  A small bomb had been attached to one wing.

       Tyrant Extraordinaire decided that the Wagner Group was no longer necessary to work with in the political sphere of the Land of Rus, aka Russya.  His key fixer/assassin hatched a plan to take care of this extrajudicial group run by the now famous Russyan Yevgeny Prighozin, former chef and businessman, former friend of Vlad(FOV). Yevgeny had the audacity to take matters into his own hands; he wanted to upstage his military rivals and fix the " Ukrainian Problem" immediately without delay. He staged a coup near the DonBas region of Ukraine and began a well-publicized March to Moskva and this action set the world a chattering. Was this the end of the invasion? Was this the insiders' revolt Volodomyr wished for to end the war? In a matter of days, the assault troops of Wagner stalled south of Moskva. Quick actions contained the Wagner Groups' efforts and negotiations began in earnest. Prighozin was to be harbored in nearby Belarus as a house guest until further instructions came from the Kremlin. After a few minutes, Yevgent returned to Russya to firm up his power with the Tyrant. However, his death warrant had been signed.

         So, the Wagner folks boarded the military jet suitable for its passengers and took off on their journey: their "last" journey. When the aircraft reached 28,000 feet altitude, videos show an explosion on one of the wings; now the plane began its death spiral with only the remaining wing. In seconds,, the impact caused a small explosion and fire and it was all over for the passengers and crew: those innocents who had no idea what awaited them when they boarded minutes before takeoff.

        Remains were identified and the largest nation in the world accepted the news that Yevgeny got what he deserved from the Tyrant: assassination. Some things never change and the actions of tyrants remain the same across the globe.

      And what of the future of the Wagner Group? How about the Wagner operatives in the Central African Republic where they guard the President and his cabinet when they are home?  Who will guard the gold and diamond miners who need security from rebel assault? These issues will be dealt with by the Tyrant who is in the process of mounting his reelection campaign for March, 2024.

Merry Christmas to All from the Mayor

Where is Alexei Navalny, Mr. Putin?

 Not here, not there. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Chinese Home BUyers Subjected to Beijing Threats

       Real estate problems in China have been exposed for the last few years. Overbuilding and extensive use of credit saw massive building of residential apartments throughout the Chinese landscape. Buyers would line up to buy a condo in a high rise building that may or may not have been completed. Most buyers bought a shell or unfinished unit which they began making payments on while they funded the finish: doors, windows, kitchens, heat, AC, doorknobs, toilets, lights, locks, etc. Often this could take 4-5 years of saving before occupancy.

      Beijing ordered a slow down, maybe even to the point of destroying some condos already built. What of those who paid money upfront? And the developer stopped building or never began? Left holding the bag(snipe hunt), citizens complained on line. Bad in China. The Communists monitor online chatter. It has become so prevalent that Xi JP had to act. He ordered the PLA watchdogs to shut down any site that hosted complainers. Done. 

     So, if your real estate deal went bust: don't say a word: only positive responses are now allowed in China on social media. 

     Welcome to State-run government(s). In this case: COMMUNIST.

Have a nice day.

Harvard Grad Upgrades Sitting President and the University Corporation

       It's been 2 weeks since 3 Ivy League presidents testified and answered questions about anti-semitist activities on their respective campuses. Harvard U., Yale U., and M.I.T. have had issues as a result. The furor has not abated, most recently when the Harvard Corporation Board announced that it will retain its sitting president, despite her words in response to questions posed by Congressional representatives.   

      The former student, Dan Sullivan, is not atypical of a Harvard grad: he's accomplished much since departing the halls of ivy. His resume is replete with significant accomplishment in further education and professional attainment. Additionally, the man has joined and served in the USMC and is now a colonel in the reserves. He has served in Afghanistan. Now he lives in Alaska where he has a family.

      His recent column in a national publication(WSJ) states his discomfort with the state of university education at his alma mater. In his considered opinion, the students now enrolled are getting what they have paid for: a classic liberal education that examines all ideas. He claims that these students are being fed a diet of political opinion in line with today's ultra liberal bias found in the Ivy League. His thoughts are not alone as other alumni have voiced similar sentiments about their alma maters. Bill Ackman for one.

    When will the cause calm down? Will the US have to wait for the end of Israeli IDF attacks on HAMAS rat holes? Probably. The students will have to endure more opprobrium through the time frame and the winter months. Good luck.

Giuliani: A Disgrace to his Italian Roots

        A judge awarded plaintiffs $148 million in damages in their lawsuit against former NYC mayor Rudy Giuliani. This sad, sad human being, age 79, has disgraced himself and his profession: lawyer. How? By hooking his life and career to fellow New Yorker: Donald J. Trump. Prior to signing on to the Trump train, Mr. Giuliani had a modicum of support and appreciation left over from his days as Mayor of NYC when the Twin Towers were brought down by Saudi Arab terrorists. While never exposed to the dangers faced by first responders(firefighters and police), Rudy seized the moment to squeeze as much publicity as possible with some success.  

     And then Trump arrived. And Rudy took the bait: sign up now and rise to the national scene. He did. And what a price he paid. When the Orange-haired Baboon tried unsuccessfully to overturn the presidential election of 2020, Rudy was among those sycophants who agreed that the election was stolen according to the Donald. It's been down hill ever since for the former Federal prosecutor of NYC. The financial award to two election workers clearly indicates how craven Rudy's actions were: he not only criticized these two women, but accused them of altering ballots, removing ballots, and organizing records to thwart a victory  by the former president. His words created a living hell for these two innocent victims, and he has the gall to appeal and continue the lies he has spewed since 2020. The man has serious mental health problems. His health obviously has been compromised by drinking too much cool aid.

     While the amount of money sounds significant, plaintiffs will not see that much and will not see any money for a long time.

Not Justice. Goodby, Rudy. Please, please don't come back again.

Houthis Strike Ships in Gulf

       Houthi rebel forces, armed by everybody's favorite Muslim country-Iran, has begun firing missiles at ships transiting key straits in the Gulf of Aden. The civil war in Yemen has been ongoing for several years with considerable loss of lives among Yemenites. The Houthis, a proxy force for Iran, is confronting Yemen which is supported by Saudi Arabia. So in essence: Arab v. Arab, westerners keep out. However, shipping in the area consists largely of oil tankers headed to China, Japan, and Africa, among others. It is a source of dollars for the Saudi royal family currently run by MBS, the crown prince.

      So, British warships and US warships have shot down numerous drones fired from Houthi emplacements in Yemen. Large shipping companies(Maersk, etc.) have sognaled they will no longer send ships through this area until further notice. Given developments in Israel/Gaza and Ukraine, the world and the West does not need another armed conflict on the agenda. However, the importance of ship traffic here as part of world trade/economics necessitates focus immediately.

     Serious long term approaches to Iran's leadership and its foreign interventionist programs cannot be ignored any longer. As along time supporter of HAMAS/Hezbollah, Iran must be brought to heel. Israel cannot be used as a proxy in this fight: the West must step up to the plate and hit the long ball against this evil regime that for decades has been a source of religious zealotry with Islam at its core belief system. Religious fundamentalism has no place in politics, then and now.

     Can the EU and the US get together here? Will the UN finally be shown for what it is: a shell game of overpaid jaw flappers?

FBI Agent Convicted of -------Spying

        There's always a few bad apples; even the much-vaunted F.B.I. has a few, or maybe more than a few. Recently, a member of former Director J. Edgar Hoover's modern crime stopping organization was convicted in court of passing State secrets to ------Russyan agents for----$$$$$$. How crass. What about the man's character: did he mask his true self for all these years? He's 55 years old, married. We know he rose through the organization and his last position was head of counterintelligence in the New York District where spies live and work like the rest of us. NYC is the site of the United Nations, the organization that hems and haws over Israel and Palestinians. Naturally, many of those attending this session or that are foreign agents, ie. spies.

      These spies don't ride the subway to work. They're too smart: they know there's no point in rubbing shoulders with work-a-day schlubs trying to make a buck on Wall St.,etc. They hang out with Mayor Eric Adam's gang of "reformers" and NGO drones asking for money. And, since 2 Southern governors are shipping  immigrants to this northern 'asylum' city, lots of folks stand out with their hands out asking for anything and everything.

      This senior F.B.I. manager was no doubt oblivious to the asylum seekers situation. He was more concerned with Russya and the Kremlin's operatives seeking intelligence. The largest country in the world has been at the spy game longer than just about everybody, save the Pope and the Vatican City. Our home grown spy was the a senior agent charged with-------counterintelligence in the New York District. Hmmmm. Who selected him? And who turned him? That spy deserves a raise and probably a medal- Hero of the State. Was it the money? Probably.

      He will spend a few years(4) in the federal pen somewhere reading second hand news, catching up on Ohtani's exploits, and trying to figure out if the wife will split and take up with another agent or maybe an NFL player or coach.

       Occasionally he will look in the mirror and ask himself out loud: "What was I thinking?" Such is the fate of those who engage in 'self' destruction. All his former friends will absorb the lesson and move on with their little lives, hoping to avoid anything that resembles the fate of their former friend-The Spy.

       Mr. Charles McGonigal was convicted of aiding a Russyan oligarch who aided the Rus in his contests with another oligarch. One could say this is low level activity that doesn't involve state secrets like those of recently deceased master spy Robert Hanssan, However, McGonigal used his position to circumvent the law and as a result, he'll be serving a 4 year sentence. Have a happy "rest of your life, criminal".

Nederlandse Kooikerhondje

    Can you pronounce this name? How many letters are involved? 24 letters total for 2 words to describe a breed of dog or canine house pet. Hmmmm. And why do we know about these rare animals? Recent publicity. Yes, when odd animals are associated with famous or infamous individuals, these pets become a loci of points, points of interest; points of discussion, and points of finance.

     Let's start at the top. That would mean providing the owner's name: Shohei, as in Shohei Ohtani, the most famous baseball player in the world. Hmmm. He's Japanese and plays his game in the USA. He also commands a significant salary, north of $700 millions. How much is that, really. Well, the figure is a lot closer to 1 billion than 1 million.

This "Decoy"

                   
     The Los Angeles Dodgers are going all in on the future and they are paying the price: $700 millions over the next 20 years. So, Ohtani could retire in a couple of decades and live quite comfortably with a nice cushion.

Play ball, woof, woof.

TRPA Lists Housing Plans for Worker Housing

      If one goes to the TRPA website currently, one can see what looks like some future locations for housing as identified by planners at TRPA. As might be expected, there's not a lot of "there" there. With the area on the West Shore identified, one sees that Tahoma has a large section covered on the map. Most of the zone is located north of Pine St, adjacent to Highway 89 and is included in Placer County to the north. A small section extends south into El Dorado county and encompassess downtown Tahoma where we know a few old motel units still stand. These properties are held in private hands and consideration by TRPA as sites for worker/low income housing are fantasies. SOme of these properties are owned by a church group that will soon start operating as meeting places. Already a caretaker is living behind the Norfolk Hotel property and the old Log Cabin is also being lived in a a new tenant(lights on!).

       The Tahoma Meadows is now owned by the Homewood developers, thinking ahead for their work force. Good luck, as they are stirring up the locals with their plan to make Homewood resort a private club. Locals are on the march to prevent a change to approved plands from Placer County and TRPA. When will plans be finalized? Who knows. Nothing moves quickly in Tahoe.

Tahoma Christmas Party Saturday Night

       Wondering what to do this Saturday night? Come to the town party at Marie Sluchak Park in Tahoma. Our bit of public space, complete with seating, stage and backdrop screening, is the site of a holiday affair for the public. Starting at 6:00pm, entertainment will perform and food will be available. Cult Burger will be open as will nearby restaurant Dog & Bear serving fine food.

    Here's an opportunity to socialize before a series of storms arrive Sunday night and will effectively open the ski season for the end of the year. There could be as much as 2' of new snow which all local skiers will welcome. What remains from the dinky storms of late is hardly enough to encourage active efforts to hit the slopes. Man-made snow is Ok, but hardly for this time of year.

 See you there. and weather is forecast to be very nice for mid-December.

Putin Announces Another Run

         Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin will seek reelection next year in March 2024.  24 years at the helm of the largest country on the planet is not enough. The former KGB Lt. Colonel needs another power boost to bring back the old Soviet Days when the Rus had respect in some places outside the borders. Let's see: was that in Europe? Was it in Africa? How about the Arctic? or Antarctic? or Australia? Or Bulgaria? or --------POLAND?  

      Putin doesn't read history he makes history or you go to jail in the Gulag. Where is Evan Gershkovich, the American journalist in jail waiting a "show trial" in a kangaroo court run by a fake judge in a fake judicial system that uses fake laws and fake lawyers making fake claims against defendants? This is Putin's own legal system designed by the KGB/FSB.

       This is the world of today's Rus peoples who live the Russyan modern nightmare: that dark world run by an invisible hand from the Kremlin where faceless, nameless Rus exercise complete control over a population of humans who live under constant threat of arrest. Don't look, don't touch. You live in Russya where black is white and night is day and today is tomorrow. 

        The state -run media spews fake news to the masses who consume prodigious amounts of state-sponsored vodka at prices anyone can afford. Prisoner Paul Whelan, an American citizen,  "convicted of espionage by the Rus Court, languishes in a Rus Hellhole as the largest country in the world dangles his body in front of American diplomats waiting for the right offer for his release. This is modern piracy. This is a tactic the goes way, way back. Recall when Jimmie Carter was faced with hostages taken by Iran in '80's(400+ hostages); negotiations lasted until Ronald Reagan was elected president and the Ayatollahs smiled, assuring themselves that they mattered in the political world of international politics. Little did they know that they would then be branded FOREVER as pirates. Down south, in the Middle East we have more piracy.

     Will Putin get reelected? Ha. Will their be an opponent? Ha. This is a boiler plate election. Putin will win 99% of the votes and those who vote for the opposition will go to the GULAG. (Navalny territory).

Stay tuned.

Need Money? Try Rewards For Justice(RFJ) Program

       Chances of winning the lottery are very slim.  Chances of stumbling across a bag of gold are even slimmer.  But finding a Russyan hacker are much better. Find the right one, and the US State department will award you as much as $10,000,000. for information that produces an arrest of certain Russyan hackers. That's right, 10 millions. And Christmas is coming. What are the specifics, please?

       This week the F.B.I. announced that Russyan hackers attacked a European oil  refinery and infected the computer system that controls the safe operations of the production machinery. Worse, they masked the malware so that it would appear to monitors that all systems were operating normally. Hence the severity of the breach and the chaos that could result if the operations failed. It was also disclosed that said hackers tried and failed to attack and infect American companies with their malware. These Russyans work for the Kremlin. They Work for Mad Vlad. They work for the Rus peoples of Siberia and nearby lands of Asia.

     So, who are we looking for today? Evgeny Viktorovich Gladkikh. He works for-ready- Russyan Ministry of Defense Central Scientific Research Institute of Chemistry and Mechanics in Applied Development Center. (Big names make more money). The F.B.I. does not know where Evgeny is hiding; but assumes he is in Moskva along with other team members. He is part of the FSB and Defense Dept. of the Russyan army. You know, the Russyan Army fighting in Ukraine with former Wagner Group ex-cons who are digging in for the winter down on the Dniper River.

      For the $10 million, the RJF will cut a check for your bank account, in dollars, not the worthless ruble spread around Moskva.  I could use $10 mill, but I don't know what Yevgeny looks like much less where he's hiding. But, more than a few Rus know the facts of his whereabouts and could contact US agents in the embassy or send an email to Foggy Bottom with a few facts. It's kind of similar to a computer game with real prize money.

Good luck.

Gruesom Governor Has a Budget Problem

    It's a big one: about $68 Billions. Hmmmm. Recall just a few years back the projected budget shortfall was about $9 Billion and the 66% Democratic legislature decided some changes needed to be made. Old jerry Brown figured he could raise some taxes and fees and voila, a budget surplus. Now Gavin the candidate has some real challenges ahead: what to cut; where to cut; how much to cut are just a few. Tax revenues fell short as business and personal income levels fell. The FED raised interest rates and delivered a body punch to home buyers, mortgage lenders; small business; and borrowers of all stripes. Incomes went south and so did projected income taxes.

      When will the cut list come out? In time for Christmas? hardly, that would be an amateur move; bad timing. So, maybe January, about the beginning of the campaign season of 2024. How exciting. Watch the squirming in Sacramento. Old Dan Walters loves to cover these issues- very amusing as the pols trip over themselves explaining why this cut is more deserving of that cut. Antics. Maybe the Sandwich King Kevin McCarthy will ride in from the Valley and throw a lifeline to Gavin. DOubt it. 

San Francisco Reaches for the Stars

         So, a developer wants to create new housing in San Francisco; by the Bay, in the Financial District, 71 stories tall, or 20+ stories above the Bank of America bldg. It will be similar in height to the nearby existing Salesforce tower. It will be designed for market rate apartments, bypassing some "old" conditions now thought to hinder residential building.  Hmmm. Yes, the state legislature finally realized that there's not enough places to live in California, much less in San Francisco.

     Bayhill Ventures(cute name for a builder-makes you wonder if they're serious) announced their plans to build this "skyscraper", that old, old, descriptive term used by old people. Those who might live on the 71st floor will probably want parachutes as part of the appliance mix. It would add 1250 units to the City, hardly enough to change the needs of the town. However, the Census Bureau announced that the City lost population in the last couple of years: from about 854,000 to 717,000, or quite a number drop. Thus rents have stabilized somewhat. The rush out has continued, and is nowhere more apparent than the Financial Dist. where office space vacancy are north of 25%. Those former commuters are loving their conditions working from home. Who wants to take a gamble on B.A.R.T. where the "fare jumpers" slide in among the techies and often cause deep anxieties among routine passengers. The BART police dept. is understaffed and over stretched, usually sending officers out on calls by themselves. When a potential arrest is anticipated, the officer involved will call for a backup and can wait a long time before help arrives depending on locations of both parties. Not a good system at all.

      So, 71 stories, and right nearby a 'leaning tower' is  being remedied due to foundation problems. And there could be a big quake anytime. Bayhill Ventures doesn't really care, it's an engineering problem they can fix. Maybe.

Sandwich Maker to Leave The House

        Deposed Speaker of the House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy, has announced he's leaving the body to focus on sandwiches/and other things. He wants to disappear. His ouster has left him friendless and his replacement, the screwy Mike Johnson, is floundering around, asking for help from anyone who can offer some guidance. Most recently, Screwy Mike visited the Orange-Haired Baboon down in Mar-A-Largo in Florida.

     So, McCarthy will return to his sandwich roots in California and contemplate his future, what ever that may be. Good Luck with that.

Mad Vlad to Middle East

 

Birds of a Feather

 

    Two leaders shake hands for the media. Two-of-a-kind acknowledge their shared interest in-DOLLARS. Yes, Mad Vlad needs dollars and the Arab needs dollars,too. Birds of the Dollar Agreement. The US is not helping either of them as the US is pumping oil at capacity +++. The better to push barrel prices down from recent highs. Both leaders of their respective oil producing nations want to discuss retaliatory strategy to punish the US. MBS likes to play games with everybody, especially dictators, autocrats, Commies, and even folks from the Dark Continent down south.

      Lately, Mad Vlad has been rounding up journalists in his attempt to stifle the truth and conditions at home(Land of Rus Peoples).  Evan Gershkovich, a 32 year old American citizen, has been held in prison in Russya for over 7 months. He's waiting a trial. Despite being approved to gather stories inside Russya, the Kremlin(the seat of dictatorship) decided he knew too much. Evan speaks Russyan and has a knowledge of history and culture few western journalists possess. His insights and stories might stir dissent within the borders of the LARGEST COUNTRY ON THE PLANET. So, jail. His employer, The Wall Street Journal, has been relentless in their coverage of his situation. The US State Dept. is also focused on the case. But, after 23+ years of running a country in sharp decline, Mad Vlad has changed tactics. First, invade a neighboring country, eg. Ukraine. Stir up those living on the frontier. Test the climate and steal a small portion, and watch the reaction from the global community. Hmmmmm. I can get away with this, as folks are afraid to mix it up.(reminds historians of another dictator who tested Europe's reaction to a land grab.)

      As the war in Ukraine grinds on, Putin got a boost in the US Congress which failed to pass Pres. Joe Biden's budget that included millions of military aid for Ukraine's army. Thank you, Republican Party members. So, the former KGB operative took time out from his busy schedule and sat with Arabs to talk oil: prices and production levels. How will this shake out for these two Birds-of-a- Feather? Time will tell as Russyan soldiers continue to die in the Donetsk region in the east. Oh, and let's not overlook some of the local fallout for the Kremlin's policy of offering freedom for imprisoned murderers in Russya after they serve on the battlefield in Ukraine. This week, one of the returnees unloaded his weapon in his old village killing several citizens.  Maybe the Wagner Group will have to alter recruiting goals. Maybe they'll have to go to Moskva instead of Vladivostok.

       What will MSB say to the Old Colonel/Deputy Mayor of St. Petersburg? Vlad, reduce production. Yes, that's it, Vlad; we must reduce production. Yikes, Really, Mohammed? But, but, but. No buts.  Vlad Do it. Next.

Harvard Trains Spies and Also Yale

        The F.B.I. announced the arrest of a retired US Ambassador. Hmmm, shocking on its face, sure. This individual held posts at the highest levels in addition to the position of ambassador. Where was he educated? Harvard! Yes, and Yale, too. Oh, can't leave out the Jesuits: Georgetown U. He trained at the Foggy Bottom center for Foreign Service Officers. He joined State in 1981 when he began his career as :SPY. Spying for Cuba and -CHINA. This could be the highest ranking spy in US history. 

       AG Merrick Garland on statements after the arrest, stated that the information divulged by this spy reached the highest government levels of Cuba, China, and their partner, Russya,home of the Rus. Who was he? A man. A man who like so many other Ivy folks, think they are above the rest; too smart to get caught. Hmmm. as he was put into 'cuffs', this pathetic individual started to cry. Why? Because he's smart enough to know he'll never, ever see the light of day again as a free man. He's 73 years old and has , perhaps another 7-10 years of living on this earth. He'll be living, ha-living, in an 8'x10' cell. His career is lengthy and detailed, mostly as an expert on LAtin American affairs, due in part to his home country of Colombia. How many courses on ethics did he attend?

       His name: Victor Rocha. Again: Victor Rocha. Spy extraordinaire. Who vetted this criminal? Hmmm. Sec. State Antony Blinken will no doubt have to come up with some answers and soon. Maybe it's time to clean house.  It was only a few years ago that critics forced the State Dept. to widen the hiring pool to include westerners(as opposed to WASPS from northeast) and graduates from state schools. It has definitely improved results, but more house cleaning is in order.

      Will Rocha be able to receive mail in Federal prison? Not if left to the guards.

Have a nice time at trial, Victor. Don't waste an email to Raul Castro-he's unavailable.

NYT Prints HAMAS Atrocities From 10/7

         We've all read of HAMAS murderers running amok on Oct. 7 in various locations during their attacks on civilians in kibbutzim and other towns. We've also heard reports of focused violence against the helpless: old women, young women, babies, and disabled individuals. These attacking murderers were trained in Iran by IRANIANS to focus their hate in certain ways to provoke anger and revenge. The results speak for themselves: Israeli army troops will not stop its counter attack until the job is done.

      A columnist for the NYT spelled out the details in very graphic language. Make no mistake: this attack had a focus only monsters could imagine. The details will not be repeated here. Needless to say, muslim men continue to rebuke women wherever they may be. The international response to these facts tells much about the "progressive" liberal leftists: we are not what we make out to be: we are worse.

        Look at the responses from students in our universities, spoon-fed naifs who listen intently to the garbage-spewing academics who spread vicious falsehoods that are swallowed wholesale by these 'children'. A sad time in the US and abroad.

Trump in Iowa: Lies and More

        The campaign of the oft-indicted former President Donald tRump is up and running against one of the weakest group of Republican hopefuls since Lincoln ran in 1860( a long time ago indeed). His campaign message(s): more of the same tired slogans he used to hoodwink potential voters. He says: Joe Biden cannot protect Democracy; He-Biden- cannot run this government; and the biggest lie-his loss in 2020 was caused by fraud among voters and their Democratic lever pullers. 

      Never mind that there's no evidence that supports his outrageous claims and his outrageous lies. He is a megalomaniac-ask any psychologist. Books have been published with all his characteristics labeled and identified. As more media publish his statements, any thinking person can see through the smoke and mirrors he sometimes uses to make his case.

       Sadly, even in Iowa, other candidates have hardly nudged the numbers away from this sad sad American anomaly. The Iowas caucuses are a few weeks away; Florida governor Ron DeSantis has covered all the ground in the state, visiting every county, hoping lightening will strike and his poll numbers will somehow improve. I don't think so.

      Nikki Haley, former Governor of South Carolina seems to be improving among likely voters. Maybe she can overcome her lack of impact. maybe not.

     And the tRump keeps dodging criminal conviction(s). His civil trial in New York is winding down with closing arguments next week and a judge's ruling in January. The State of New York is hoping to recover in excess of $250 millions and seeks to ban the Trump company from doing business in New York State. The Judge already ruled the company is liable; and he'll decide how much.

      Will  a decision sway Trump and family? Not likely.

Agnes Chow: Welcome to Canada

        A 27 -year old woman has arrived in Canada and she has decided to stay: FOREVER. How long is forever? The philosophical question and its answer is always a subject of debate(among those who care!). She is from Hong Kong, the former British colony(colonizer extraordinaire!) and now, after Beijing kicked the formal agreement to follow the British rules into the ocean, a city that is completely Chinese run by Chinese for Beijing's Communist Party. Yes, that Communist Party run by Xi J P. 

     Ms. Chow, formerly of Hong Kong, is a dissident citizen of the city of HK. Since her high school days back in the early days of 21st Century, she along with other like-minded young people protested the heavy hand of Beijing when the Communist Party began imposing new laws against protests and speaking out against government policies and actions against these protests. With Mr. Wong, a fellow student, she was arrested, her travel restricted and she spent 7 months in prison before being released. (Can you imagine a Chinese prison? Our own Minister of East Asian Affairs visited many incarcerated prisoners in various locations and offered first hand descriptions of deplorable conditions, such as restricted spaces, lack of sleeping beds, lack of protection from adverse weather, and serious over crowding. Lovely, those PLA prisons.

     So, Ms. Chow, playing along with Beijing, decided to roll with the plans to repatriate her sympathies and allow her to go abroad to study. Since visas to the US are almost impossible now, she selected next best: CANADA. The police escorted her to a documents station where she was photographed, again, and had passport reinstated. She got on a plane and left Hong Kong. It took her about 10 seconds to decide to stay and give up on Hong Kong and China and everything she has ever known. This came as a result of her dealings with Beijing. Given her youth, Beijing and Xi assumed she would return and could be trumpeted as a "re-educated" youth who had amended her ways. Wrong. She is bright enough to know the difference between freedom and prison. She chose freedom over the Communist Party and the PLA.

     Welcome to a new life, Agnes, may you prosper FOREVER.

49ers Put One on the Eagles

       The San Francisco 49ers are making an impression on the NFL this season. It contnues after today's win n the road against a tough opponent that had not lost at home this season. The '9'ers hung a loss on them, at home with an impressive 42-19 victory. QB Brock Purdy shined as he lead his team to 5 successive scoring drives. While the Eagles were expected to win, the Bay Area gang would have none of it.

     The SF red and Gold team had a slow start, turning the ball over twice before they could put points on the board. Philly wasn't any better with little to show for their first efforts. But then Purdy and his crew found the groove and they took off, putting double figures up and increasing the lead in the 2nd half. Late in the 4th quarter, QB Jalen Hurts was sidelined, possible injury. But he returned and there was a glimmer of hope for locals. But SF remained tough and scored a late touchdown to ice the contest. With a record of 10 and 3, Coach Kyle Shanahan will start thinking playoffs.

Goodbye George Santos, Finally

       News media has had a great time exploiting the single best story from Congress in awhile. A Republican representative elected in New York's Queens and Long Island district, bounced around for over a year before critics were able to publicize that this representative was: 1) a liar, 2) a crook, 3) an uneducated lout, 4) a confused individual without a shred of character, 5) a criminal on the lam, 6) a charlaton, 7) a snake oil salesman, 8) a spendthrift, 9) a talented schemer, 10) and a Republican.

       George Santos, 35, was expelled from the house after a vote by members that finally put a rest to all the allegations and evidence against him. He has become only the third House member to be expelled since the Civil War( a long time ago!). He won't be off the hook for many of his alleged crimes, many of them involving fraud, theft, and other federal crimes. He will probably face a prison sentence by the time the dust has settled.

      The Republican Party will breathe a sigh of relief, briefly, because they tolerated his position much longer than they had to. Screaming headlines over the last year dragged the GOP through the mud of scandal linked to this young man. Not to mention that at the same time, the Leader of the GOP, former President Donald T. was having charges of various types filed against him for much worse crimes. It's been a bad year for the GOP, one of the worst.

      Unfazed by it all, they kicked Rep. Kevin McCarthy out of his role as Speaker; then chose a DoDo bird from the Deep South: Mike Johnson. Ha,ha, ha, ha. Can you imagine? This lunkhead is now Speaker. And then he goes and visits the deranged former President seeking advice. Congress gets sicker everyday. Woe the people.

     So, OLd george Santos can now crawl back to his rat hole of a life and tell stories about what it was like to be an elected member of Congress for a year. He'll spin his tales endlessly, especially when he's behind bars in a minimum security institution.

Another Day, Another American Journalist Arrested in Russya

       Good morning, Madam, we are from Security Services. We have a warrant for your arrest; please do not resist. Get into the vehicle now. Give us your iphone and your documents now. Do not speak, especially that English language which we hate to hear. Don't say anything or it will go against you in our esteemed Judicial system recognized as most fair by wide acclaim in Siberia, etc.

      So, Mad Vlad grabs another headline. He is very upset that HAMAS has stolen the headlines while his troops in Ukraine are bleeding and the winter of 2023-2024 is fast approaching. Yes, his ragtag army of former prisoners, and ex-Wagner Group Green Men is having supply issues and morale issues and lots of other "issues". Ms. Alsu Kurmasheva, an editor and journalist who holds Russyan and American citizenship, was arrested by Kremlin drones(in the biological sense) because the arresting thugs say she has not registered as a foreign agent. Now this identification has been around for awhile; lately, it has become the go-to tag placed on anybody who happens to be foreign. 

     If the Mayor of Tahoma shows up in Duckburg, Russya, am I a foreign agent.? Of course I am: I represent the metropolis of Tahoma and I promote Tahoma. Hence: agent/agency= foreign agent. So deems the mighty Kremlin. 

     So, we have more of Russya doing what Russyans do and have done for a CENTURY since the Bolsheviks ran the Czar(s) and family into history. A lovely place to be from, but certainly not to live in.

     Who wants to live in Russya? Ask all the migrants. Answer: not Russya, any place but. repeat: anyplace but Russya. 

      Ms. Kurmasheva works for Radio Free Europe, and will now spend Christmas, etc. in a confined cell waiting. It's what's happening in Mad Vlad's Russya: home of the SAD RUS peoples. 

Journalist Evan Gershkovich Pretrial Detention Extended

      So, WSJ journalist, Evan Gershkovich, has had his prison time extended to 10 months. The judge added the time because: 1) judge had a bad day, 2) judge's wife had a bad day, 3) judge's girlfriend had a headache last night, 4) Old Farmer's Almanac published Russyan weather forecast indicating a cold winter across most of Russya excepting stolen land in Ukraine(Crimea, etc,), 5) Russyan army recruiters can't find any males over 12 and under 80 years of age to fill in depleted ranks down south. And Mad Vlad needed a psychological boost as he has been shunted to the back pages of global media because of the Iranian mullahs terrorists invasion of Israel to murder 1,200 unarmed civilians(women, children, mostly). So, a little PR is necessary for some attention.

        Take on the easiest target: somebody already behind bars: an American journalist. Good move by the FSB, says the former KGB Lt. Colonel/deputy mayor of Duckburg in western Russya. Maybe we'll have a trial next year, maybe springtime when the weather warms up and WSJ personal can arrive to cover the trial w/o snow and ice everywhere. Seems like Evan G. is handling his confinement like a true Russyan that he is. He's a living testament to Russyan manhood. Oh, wait, he's American. Strike the last.

      Hey, Boris, how's the American media handling the news? As expected: gratuitously?  Oh, well; wait until there's more fighting in Gaza. Good night, ALexei.

Repeal the Death Tax.Com

      Well, well, well. So, more than a few California tax payers are upset over the passing of Proposition 19 in 2020. What? Prop 19? When? Most of us who voted in that election were appalled to find this grab of private real estate was part of the National Assoc. of Realtors plan to increase and perpetuate high commissions in the California housing market. In a carefully-worded description in the Voters'Handbook, then Secretary of State, now US SEnator Al Padilla, wrote that passing this would benefit senior citizens. This wording was followed by two other pieces of confusing elements: to wit: upon the death of a property owner, the real estate would pass to heirs after being reassessed AT MARKET VALUE. THis is the gutting of 1978's Prop. 13 that kept senior citizens from losing their homes due to annual reassessments that they could no longer afford.

       The confusion and pain experienced by property owners across the state has resonated among those who recall the earlier fight to pass Prop. 13. Now, the Howard Jarvis(one of the authors of Prop. 13) Taxpayers Assoc. is sponsoring a signature campaign to put a repeal on the ballot. The Nat. Assoc. of Realtors, exposed as the monopoly it is, will hardly come to the rescue this time. Sen. Al Padilla will lay low, not willing to endure anymore flack over his past support of the N.A.R. (donated $42 millions to pass it). The president of the HJTA will support the passing of this proposition after signatures are gathered. 

     Go to the web site and print off a copy of the form. Now is the time as Gov. Gruesom tries to curry favor with the national electorate to  increase his chances for the White House(God help us!). Oh, as a sop to home owners, Prop. 19 allowed heirs to keep the original assessment to $500,000 if lived in by the child. If a higher value, the property would be reassessed higher. Thank you, Sen. Al PAdilla.

One can go directly to the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Assoc. website.

Follow this and save money for your family.

Book Review: Autumn in the Heavenly Kingdom, Stephen Platt, author, Vintage Books-2012

      Americans today live in a world shaped by our Civil War. The war guided until its end by Pres. Abraham Lincoln. The war ended in February, 1865, and Lincoln was assassinated almost a month later in a plot to over throw the Federal government. The sectional rivalries that existed then are still evident today as states maneuver on their own perceived tracks to destiny.

      As Americans fought their bloody battles that stretched from border states to the Mississippi River region, a civil war in East Asia was entering its own bloody phase of violent confrontations. Known in the West as the Taiping Rebellion, this most violent civil war would last another 4 years. How bloody was it? At least 20 millions died during the conflict. Think of it: in America, approximately 365,000 Americans died as a result of combat. Many died of wounds and disease. Ten times the number would be 3.65 million. So

me scholars put the Chinese numbers above 30 millions. 30,000,000. Thirty millions. Hmmmm.

      What happened? Why is this conflict hardly mentioned in America, yet this conflict was just a prelude of what was to come in less than 50 more years. The Qing dynasty had ruled for more than 200 years; these rulers were Manchus, from Manchuria. They were generally despised by the population and recognized as not really Chinese at all. As more and more Westerners entered east Asia with many Christian missionaries afoot, the Chinese population began to think differently about their government and their rulers. Dissension seeped in among the people. By the 1850's, protests against the ruling dynasty became overt, and the military arm of the rulers began to take action.

       For the next 5 years, the future of China was in question. How would all the players fair whenthedust settled? It appeared that the rebels would be successful. However, foreign interests played a significant role, especially our favorite imperial power: England. Commercial interests in London and England's Parliament had been conducting business in East Asia and China for decades. It was very lucrative for the parties involved. At a time when cotton was king in America, cotton was also a significant commodity in the mills of England. The American South sold much of the slave-produced cotton to the English.  As the American war began, southern US ports became closed and cotton could not find its way across the Atlantic Ocean.

Part II

Panettone Season is Here

         So, Thanksgiving is over, finito, completo. Christmas trees are on the stands, in the lots everywhere. It happens fast now as retailers attempt to lure shoppers immediatemente. dd to this situation are the customary seasonal products, not just fir trees and holly branches, but food items, especially the " big Bread" aka panettone, that famous Italian specialty. What is it, really?

      Panettone is a baked bread, sweetened and its shape is a rounded dome with a paper wrapped bottom section, similar to a large cupcake.  It is a light yellow color on the inside of the loaf with a browned top. The entire loaf is 'peppered' with fruit glace' including citron and raisins which give the loaf additional texture. It is generally very light in weight, not dense as in daily bread loaves. It is eaten in various ways, depending on the preferences of the buyer and the family. The Mayor prefers slices to be toasted, minimally, then lathered with salted butter. Occasionally, a bit of fruit jam is also smeared across the face.

     Combined with a caffe' latte or cappuchino, it is the best way to start any December morning. 

Buona giornata tutti.

Panettone alla Rulli

49ers Win

    Yep, the Wonderkin' Brock Purdy did it again. One of his sponsors-TOYOTA- is very happy. Signing him up was a coup. Can you imagine the contents of his contract? If they even get into the Game; he'l reap significant rewards. Good for him.

  They beat rival Seattle last night, the  TNF Game. They looked good, outscoring the Seabirds 31-13. While slowed in the 3rd Qtr, they bounced back in the 4th to put the game on ice.  '9"ers are now 8 and 3.

OPENai

      Not so open now. Or, maybe too open. Ha,ha,ha,ha,aha,ha. Another SAM to to add to the list of tech wizzes brought down. Oh, wait a minute: this SAM is different. He's back. Following the news about this SAM has been exhausting. Headlines changing every minute. Who can keep up these days.

Money Laundering 2023

      If you launder money in the US, it will cost you. Maybe--------$50,000,000.00. Seems like a nice round figure. It's like losing the lottery: instead of winning a billion, you have to P A Y to play. This happened this week and made headlines. The Justice Dept. and the Attorney General sent a significant message to those nefarious characters that we know exist , that the jig is up. No more slap on the proverbial hand. This time is different.

      Who was the chief character in this case? Hmmmm. How about the chief executive of Binance, the largest global cryptocurrency exchange, that's who. Changpeng Zhao appeared in Federal Court in Seattle on Tuesday and entered a guilty plea.  He was accused of facilitating transactions with sanctioned groups. Not nice Senor Zhao.  He agreed that his company will pay $4.3 billions in fines. Yea, "TOUCHDOWN" said prosecutors.  Prices of Binance coin dropped to $242. The company acknowledged that it lacked controls. The firm was founded in 2017 in Shanghai, that's in China for the geography challenged folks. You know: where Dictator Xi runs the show.

Binance CEO Zhao

Thanksgiving 2023

      So, today is a holiday; 30 million Americans will hit the road, driving more than 50 miles today to celebrate this very American holiday. In San Francisco, on Alcatraz Island, indigenous groups will celebrate their own version of Thanksgiving, recalling the days of 1969 when tribes invaded the island, a federal piece of land and declared it a native American property. That situation lasted a bit longer than expected until the invaders saw the reality of a place without resources of any kind excepting terrible weather in the middle of an inhospitable salt water bay.

      Platitudes will be heard, extolling the virtue of America. America- the hope of the world-still. Just recently. New York City has received over 163,000 asylum seekers of all stripes. Think about it: 163,000 people who: are broke, don't speak English; are largely unskilled; left homes and family forever; have no clue about anything other than they need food and shelter. Many are single men; many are children; many are women; many left family behind; many believe what they've been told: America accepts everybody and anybody and I fit those categories.

      So, Thanksgiving. Those who are here are one up on those who have been returned; those who are waiting at various border points, and those somewhere they call home who want to leave dictatorships; sad economic prospects; and those who envision a new life, like my great grandparents who left homes, never to return.

   Be thankful today.  The pandemic is waning, the economy is improving; many student loans have been retired by the Federal government. Many colleges will have to seek new methods to extract funds from students. And there are alternatives to turkey meat.

HAMAS Trades Humans

      Iranian-backed HAMAS has accepted a deal that will exchange hostages taken during the terrorist invasion of Israel on October 7th. This action is from the playbook of the Iranian mullahs, those mental deviates who have enslaved their country according to some religious tenets held dear by the leaders of that cultural wasteland. The fact that the invading terrorists were trained in Iran by Iranians should be highlighted by the rest of the civilized world.

      As long as Iran is the root cause of violence in the Middle East, the country must be isolated by the rest of the world. Completely and without fail, unless the world risks the possibility of a major power collision. Behind the scenes, we have the usual suspects: Russya and China, lurking about, seizing opportunities to cause trouble as they can. Russya has been on the ground in Syria now for many years, propping up the Assad regime where they support suppression of dissent and rebellion for those citizens who seek freedom.

     The Israeli army has been fighting HAMAS since the invasion of their country began and they have exercised considerable restraint despite the rebukes from certain parts of the western world. Pro-Palestinian groups have organized demonstrations against Israel since the beginning, siding with terrorists who murder unarmed children, women, old people, pregnant women, infants and unborn babies. They have earned the worst reputation known: sadistic murderers. These are PALESTINIANS.  They have agreed to join HAMAS and support these policies. Hence, they will receive no quarter from the Israeli army, and they deserve nothing less than extinction. The Israeli army is closing in on the headquarters of the HAMAS leadership. They will be found and executed on the spot.

     Meanwhile, a ceasefire will take effect tomorrow, Friday, November 24th. A limited number of hostages taken by the terrorists will be exchanged for a larger number of Palestinian prisoners held by the Israelis. It is in no way an equal exchange. The hostages in Gaza were kidnapped and removed from their homes by the invaders. The Palestinians were jailed for crimes committed in Israel and jailed. Not equal.

     Again, these tactics are favored by the Iranian regime as a political tool. The Israelis are not fooled by these tactics. PM Benjamin Netanyahu is not fooled. He might not be a Moshe Dayan; his reputation has suffered of late; he may not last in his current role much longer, but he will not hesitate to confront the leaders who are attempting genocide against Israelis.

Small Protest Group Blocks San Francisco Bay Bridge

      In a well-planned operation, a small group of protesters disrupted the morning commute by stopping and parking cars on the bridge leading to San Francisco. While the Highway Patrol responded immediately, the effect of the topped traffic rippled across the normally moving traffic lanes. Tens of thousands of drivers were stranded in their cars for hours until tow truck drivers could reach the block of vehicles.

     Is this free speech? Are these protesters courageous? Did they congregate on social media and make a collective decision to disrupt the lives of tens of thousands of working Americans who may or may not agree with their political leanings?

      Bay Area residents have seen these activities before, especially on the Golden Gate Bridge, where access is somewhat easier for protesters. With little regard for the individual effects suffered by countless drivers, these protesters gain publicity on the one hand, but gain more negative sentiments for their "cause".  Has anybody conducted a poll among the commuters? Hmmmm. It seems to me, often a witness to such tactics, that cruel and unusual punishment would be appropriate. Short of the rack, perhaps a mandatory year in the county jail would take these grownup children to a different mental state. Perhaps civil disobedience  would take a different form such as holding signs along the highway( normal).

   The plight of the CHP is also a factor: yes, they are charged with keeping highways safe and free of hazards. However, this is not a traffic problem, really. I would love to hear the defense ' arguments in court, such as "I felt this was necessary to wake people up." "I wanted to show support for ---". This is free speech." "It is protected by the Constitution". "Arms makers are profiting and must be stopped". The Pentagon is supporting Israel." "Israel is responsible". "It's the fault of the Jews." And on and on.

     Time to make the children accept the consequences of civil disobedience: jail, now, for 1 year. Longer for repeaters. Case closed.

Xi at Filoli

      Welcome to California. So, with due diligence, State Department officials decided a good meeting place for two world leaders would be a classic estate well known to bay Area residents: Filoli. Known as much for its gardens as much as the house, it sits in a bucolic setting about 40 minutes south of the City, on the Peninsula. The Coastal hills of northern California have provided space for many citizens who would enjoy time away from the hustle of big city life.

       The Matson family was among those folks who enjoyed this home in the hills just east of the beaches along the San Mateo county coast. While the coast is cool and foggy, especially during the summer, this area brings sunshine and warmer temperatures throughout the year. yes, it does rain, but not too much and most of the time it's during the brief winter months.

      The home is not like William Randolph Hearst's Castle on the central California coast: it has taste and class. It was meant to be lived in, and not a place to entertain and exhibit riches beyond the dreams of mere mortals. So, it is one story generally, with views of the green hills that surround the property. The gardens were designed to be a source of pleasure year round. Laid out for walking, the garden is easily gained from many points of the house. Seasonal flowers  offer color changes with the 4 quarters of the year. The house was built after automobiles were introduced and drivers/chauffeurs were familiar with the roads. Now, Interstate 280 skirts the edge of the property and makes it easy to visit from around the Bay.

     Now Pres. Joe Biden and Chairman Xi Jin Ping sat to discuss important topics on trade, on business, on economics, and on military moves in East Asia. APEC-or Asia Pacific Economic Conference is being held in San Francisco. Due to the Israeli-HAMAS war currently underway in the Middle East, more than a few demonstrations are ongoing in SF. Local police have their hands full, especially when VIP's are on the move.

     Topics include the flow of Fentynal into the US; the South China Sea and China's provocations in international waters; climate change and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions(already discussed in the immediate past; and human rights(see Hong Kong politics-eg. Jimmy Lai missing).

    Pres. Biden will not have to hear Chairman Xi go on about the booming economy in China: it's not! He might have to endure excuses for China's new coal plant construction projects and the slow down in China's Belt and Road International grabbing of projects in the 3rd world(see Africa).

      An aside: many corporations got in on advertising by funding events and social gatherings. The largest donor: a small indigenous tribal nation in Northern California: the Graton Indian band of Rohnert Park. Hmmmm. ANd why is a small casino spending millions of profits from gaming?

     Let's see: political influence maybe? The tribe has been instrumental in putting Rohnert Park on the Map. While initially, the Rohnert Park pols were vocal opponents, they came around when the tribe started to flex economic strength. Being a federally recognized entity gave the tribe special status as a sovereign nation. No easy trick to accomplish today. But with the help of former Sen. Barbara Boxer, they established a site as a tribal nation. And the casino soon followed.

    And now it makes money for the nation to spend as it pleases. San Francisco is one of the local beneficiaries. Welcome APEC.

Hong Kong Conference of Corporate Leaders

      So, Hong Kong is attempting to play nice with the West. CEOs from 90+ companies showed up at a fancy hotel to listen what Beijing wanted them to hear: we are about business. Business is good for all.

Hmmmm. Where's Jimmie Lai? Mr. Xi.

      Who owns the South China Sea? And, while we're at it, where are the Uighurs? You know, those being "re-educated in a PLA compound somewhere out west. Oh, and your real estate disaster. How's that going, Xi?

      And how about your efforts to get the Chinese youth back to the farm? Can these folks get cell phone service in the rice paddy? And their new, diet: rice and more rice and more rice, and back breaking hand techniques to harvest sugar beets? 

        And what about the APEC conference in San Francisco where Chinese delegates will have to rub shoulders with-------Republic of Taiwan delegates. How's that going to go, Xi? Maybe your puppets will run into a few reps from Nvidia. You know, they make popular 'chips'. Joe Biden might show up. He'll talk, too.

      Be careful in San Fransicko- lots of street drugs being sold and consumed in broad daylight. Oh, well. Nobody's perfect.

       Mr. Lee, political leader of Hong Kong, has been sanctioned by the US. This did not deter some of Wall Streets' biggest names from saying a few words about finances. That's what they do: talk.

      See you in San Fransicko.

Xi JP Asks Millenials to Work on Farms

       Ol' Communist Dictator Xi JP has some daunting economic problems. A crumbling real estate sector is just one that lights up the marquee. The other is youth unemployment across most sectors. Young folks want work. Jobs are scarce. Hmmmm. Answer by the party: go back to the land.

     Xi notes that during the "Cultural Revolution", many Chinese youth of the post war period were lured back to the land as Communist Party leaders needed some patriotic slogans to inspire a generation as the State tried to organize some economic program other than another failed 'Great Leap Forward". So Xi and company went to work in the fields. Builds character, isn't that what they say? They = party hacks and comfortable pols in the big city.

     Most international students of Chinese economics know this is nothing more than a shift of priorities: less pressure on city services and government programs will help the country overcome the slowdown; the recovery period, and make the government appear to be solving a crisis brought on by its own missteps.

    Unfortunately, more than half the population already lives  on the farm. Yes, the city/urban population is about half, by decree. You can't come to the city w/o a permit/passport, otherwise, cities would be overrun with people w/o skills and little education. Keep them in the countryside until further notice.

   So Xi is getting desperate. How many people must he arrest and imprison to appear as significant leader? Hmmmm. Maybe the finance sector will begin to come around. Maybe our South China Sea aggressions will produce some return. Maybe the military sector, the PLA, will assert control over new areas. Maybe Russya will buy more cheap goods to sell to its shrinking population. Maybe Siberia will take more of the folks looking for elbow room?

    Poor Xi. Now he has decided to meet Pres. Biden in San Francisco. Wait til he sees the City by the Bay. It will encourage him as he wades through the homeless camps; the drug bazaars on City streets, and the failed businesses on Market St. He go home thinking it could be worse: We could be San Fransicko. He'll have to go back and read more of Mao's 'Little Red Book' for guidance.

Governor Gruesom Visits Asia/China

     The taxpayers of California ask themselves: Why is our governor visiting with a head of state of the West's No.1 rival and antagonist? Hmmmmmm. 

Answer: Publicity stunt. Pure and simple. Old Gruesom the newsom has been climbing the political step ladder to new heights.

      He has his sights on even higher office, read Federal/national. As we in California know, his ambitions exceed his ability to lead/govern. To wit: look at the record:

1. state income tax: almost the highest in the country, and certainly on the West Coast.

2. gasoline tax/cost among the highest price in the nation, generally $1.20 higher per gallon. And nobody really knows where the extra money went. Some say it's the blend cost. Some say it's just one more 'tax'.

3. property taxes: extremely high and going higher every year, no matter the value changes. Oh some say it's because of Prop. 13. MOst CAlifornians have no idea what Prop. 13 is/was, nor do they know what preceded the passing of the proposition. Just look and compare our taxes to the rest of the world/nation. Then look at all the parcel taxes approved by the voters(those few who voted.)

4. Prop. 19 passed; really an assault on Prop. 13. The National Assoc. of Realtors, that national lobbying org. most recently the loser of a court case that challenged their monopoly over real estate sales and sales men, pumped $42 millions into the campaign to pass the law, written by Sec. of State AL PAdilla, now a sitting US Senator(named by Gov. Gruesom to fill the seat of  VP Kamala Harris. This proposition raises property taxes on all real property that is passed on to family heirs, with a few caveats. A sop to the NAR.

5. Education outcomes: poor.

6. Equity: poor

7.Home prices: through the roof.

8. Home construction: near impossible: costs of permits often exceed the cost of construction in some cities and counties.

9. Road conditions: abysmal 

10. Jobs: poor  

He's Guilty: SBF

       So, the 31-year old M.I.T. grad is found guilty. Now M.I.T. can add his name to the long list of graduates who made: headlines, history, industry disruption, and political impact at an early age. His parents, the 2 legal scholars living  and teaching at Stanford University, will go to their graves with a tarnished reputation as parents of a notorious crook, liar, philanderer, charlatan, political donor with other people's money, and one who damaged everyone he touched.

       Hmmmm. And what are the lessons here?

Fill in the blanks

SBF Takes the Stand

    Sam Bankman-Fried has testified in his own defense in court in front of judge and jury. He and his defense team are trying to convince the jury that the collapse of his FTX empire was just a mistake. He said he couldn't remember 142 times during questioning. What a liar.

      Prosecutors reveled ample evidence that he knew exactly what he was doing. MIT graduate that he is, cannot claim ignorance, ever. His parents sitting in the courtroom, will no doubt spend the rest of their lives trying to figure out how they went wrong.

      But, when 8 billions disappear, people ask questions. Reports from the FTX bankruptcy indicate that some funds have been recovered from the bitcoin collapse. Results are not completely final yet.

Stayed tuned. The trial will soon end and SBF will see his life in color when the verdict is read in court.

The FED Speaks

      Well, those of us who care, know that Jerome Powell, FED chairman, made a statement following a meeting of FED governors yesterday. The markets had already reacted to anticipated(leaked) statements that announced nothing new or earthshaking: inflation was still a problem; the economy was still to 'hot'; target inflation had not been achieved(2% annual), unemployment was still low(effectively zero), and interest rates would not be lowered anytime soon; maybe in 2025.

      So, consumers will pay more in interest down the road. Homes, cars, luxury goods will cost more. Cash is king. Hedge fund managers are buying Treasuries, going against another trend among investors, notably those usual buyers offshore. Yields are up while prices are down. Those investors with cash are moving 'sticky money' out of savings accounts into short term T-Bills for the 5 %+ returns. This creates anxiety among smaller banks who now have less cheap money to loan out to businesses in need. The FED thinks this will slow things a bit.

      Some small banks-Republic First - is struggling, and hoping an infusion of cash will save it. Good luck, crooks.

     Meanwhile, Trump and family are in court facing the 'music' from New York. Their business in the state will soon end and the family will be on the hook for $250 millions they cheated the state out of property taxes over the years. Family scum.

HAMAS Opens Border to Egypt

    How generous of HAMAS- the leaders of this malevolent organization has allowed a few desperate people to leave Gaza. They had to be on "the List".  No name, no exit permission. This strangles one's hope. Among the few allowed to escape were seriously injured, foreign nationals with foreign passports and a few Palestinians who left family behind to gain freedom from the corrupt regime running the territory. Isn't this quaint? Putting desperate people through a sham hurdle designed to create more fear and anxiety. It reminds one of WW I when borders were dissolving as countries and empires collapsed, leaving fearful refugees fleeing wholesale death and destruction by armies who tdidn't know what was happening.

       Ambulances carried wounded survivors of Israel's response to the HAMAS terror attacks of October 7th when unarmed civilians were targeted and slaughtered by well trained assassins who killed women, children, and the elderly while seizing hostages to be used later as trade bait. Who does this? Iran and Iranians and their proxies.

What a world-the Middle east.

The Tunnel War in GAZA

       The reporters in Israel and GAza have written about the vast underground complex developed by HAMAS over decades of occupation of Gaza. Much of the terrain along the border with Israel is plain, hilly ground; beneath is a network of inter-connected tunnels, many of which extended under the border itself into Israel. The IDF has known of their existence, and has a unit especially trained to enter these networks.

       These tunnels also pose significant challenges: many are under well known civilian institutions-hospitals and schools. HAMAS uses information about Jews and their opinion about human life: life is worth protecting. HAMAS ' opinion is the opposite: life is expendable, no matter. Hence, tunnels under hospitals to give pause to the IDF.

      Tunnels are not new: after the development of airpower, the counter was to build hardened targets difficult to penetrate, difficult to locate, and expensive to destroy. Case in point: in Vietnam, US forces were slow to respond to the evidence that Viet Cong and NVA were using tunnels to exist beyond the reach of troops and aircraft. For years many Vietnamese civilians lived exclusively below ground. Just north of the DMZ, near the South China Sea, hundreds of villagers lived in tunnels.

       During WW II, many Nazi fortifications were hardened positions almost impervious to aerial attacks. Years in the making, these positions offered costly places to expend men and munitions. (See Ste. Malo in "All the Light One Cannot See").

    So, the IDF will have an answer to this 'Tunneling" problem. I would offer that these tunnels will be rendered uninhabitable for humans sooner rather than later. It will be costly; but cost is not a factor when fighting for your life.

Tunnel in Ste. Malo Nazi Fort of WW II

It's Over: Texans are World Series Champions, Finally

       In their first ever World Series Championship, the Texans prevailed over the Arizona Diamondbacks, in Arizona. Down 3 games to 1, the Snakes faced a win-or-go-home situation. The game started slowly for Texas-no hits.  But going into the 7th inning, the boys from Texas couldn't muster 1 threat. Nor could the Grand Canyon Staters. They were being 'No hit'-not good. The fans were raucus believers, hoping for a big breakout inning.

       They got one, but it didn't come from Arizona. The Darlings of Arlington finally were able to display their well known power, adding 4 more runs after a pitching change. Now 5-0, Texas. The Snakes had their collective backs to the wall. After a home run in the 9th, the Texans took command. The smiles turned to grimace; the noise diminished, the end was nigh. Manager Bruce Bochy didn't change his expression-a trademark habit that doesn't divulge inner emotion or concern, allowing pundits of all sorts to fill in the blank(s).  With 3 outs to go, up by 5 runs, Boch' smiled.

     Corey Seeger was the MVP, and well deserved. Reticent to expound on the experience,  he offered few words of his own. 

      Boch' hoisted the big trophy, again, for the 4th time, joining an august group of well-knowns, Joe Torre, Connie Mack, Walter Alston among them. The Texans have another year to figure out their future; it's a long off season for the 2nd place team, among all the "what -ifs".

Benjamin Netanyahu on War

      the WSJ published an open letter to the world explaining the situation in Israel today. As a wartime PM, Mr. Netanyahu has his hands full. His political skills will be taxed to the max. The letter identifies the situation in very specific terms, clearly and succinctly. His message is to the free world as we are called. The attack by HAMAS on Israel was fostered by Iran-the hub of violence that spreads terror and pain across the Middle east. Even Saudi Arabia is aware of the crimes committed by this inhumane government.

     Clear evidence was revealed that HAMAS terrorists were trained by Iran in Iran prior to the attack. PM Netanyahu calls out the Iranian leaders for what they are: a scourge on the world: our world and every other nation. He says the war will not end until it's over. He asks that the world not equate Israeli's response with the HAMAS attack which clearly targeted civilians: men, women, and children-unarmed targets easily overcome and murdered in their homes.

     Israelis advised Palestinians to evacuate territory as the army prepared for the attack of HAMAS positions. HAMAS uses civilians as shields; HAMAS also discards any rules regarding hostile actions.

     The world watches.

World Series: Game 4

       Bruce Bochy could become the next governor of Texas. Although highly unlikely to enter politics, his fame and fortune appears to be ready to ascend to unthinkable heights. Last night, his team of unknowns, achieved status few have ever attained: the team posted back-to-back innings with 5 runs scored per each. This is record breaking territory; and he did this in Arizona, the home turf of the Snakes, aka-Diamondbacks(rattlers, serpents, asps, vipers, etc.).

       Boch' looks like the epitome of calm as he watched from his dugout, chewing his favorite gum at a furious pace. His eyeglasses slip a bit every now and then which he adjusts with one-finger accuracy. Most sports fans know that he retired after 3 World Series victories with the Giants, but retirement was too much like death for this sports genius. He accepted the offer from the Texans and now prepares to enter the record books once again.

       What's his secret? How does he make decisions; how does he out think his opponents? Where does his mastery of human emotions come from? Is it age? Is it experience? Education? Genetics? Or just the  #8-hat sized head filled with grey matter above average? Perhaps he will tell all to Michael Lewis? Then again, after Lewis' efforts with S. Bankman-Fried, maybe he'll seek another writer to talk with(Peggy Noonan?) Jason Gay?

       Older athletes, older men and women appreciate his stamina; his charisma; his inner calm that inspires his young super stars to perform above their weight. Have you ever tried to inspire youth in any fashion? That's fraught with every obstacle known. Why? Science says their brains are not fully formed; they can think, they can learn, but they are still developing inside the skull, the impenetrable center of everything.

      So, the Texans are up 3 games to 1. Arizona has heavy odds against winning 3 straight. Game 5 should/could be the final act for baseball's MLB 2023, and there will be lots of joy in Mudville,(Arlington) Texas.

Thank the Boch'!

Ps. For a bit of history: recall San Francisco's own manager of the Texans was Frank Lucchese for a few years in the 70's. He graduated from Galileo HIgh and played semi-pro ball before becoming a major league manager.

Tunnels in Gaza?

       David Leonhardt and Lauren Jackson wrote this morning(in NYT) about HAMAS' underground world in Gaza created as a response to Israeli aerial bombs. The network is extensive and allows terrorists goons to hide in relative security during air raids.

     Tunneling for protection and security is nothing new in warfare tactical and strategic planning, especially today with vast technologic -capabilities around the world, even in the hands of terrorists like HAMAS. History is replete with stories of tunneling. As example, the Vietnamese Communists were driven to excavate vast underground complexes not only for fighters, but their families and villages alike. The famous tunnels of Cu Chi  offer classic tours of these underground maze-like structures that survived the American War in SE Asia over 50 years ago. On a recent tour there, the Mayor observed some of these hiding places.

        During WW II, the Nazis and German engineers sought fortifications that could withstand aerial bombardment in many places, including the well known Atlantic Wall in western France. The southern limit of the Wall bumped up against the Pyranees Mts. of Spain/France. Often, the Nazis repurposed Medieval forts due to their strategic positions. An example in this case is found in the port city of St. Malo. The Mayor recently on tour in the area was able to examine the interior of this WW II relic. The engineering was incredible despite being constructed/reconstructed during wartime. Over the top of the fort in places, was solid concrete, steel reinforced, that was 18' or 15 m. thick. Despite being hit directly by aerial bombs, the interior was never breeched.  The key to survival underground is, of course, ventilation: intakes and exhausts. The Nazis had electric fans providing both and were capable of operation w/o electricity in the event of failure.

        On the Bay of Biscay Coast of France, Nazi architects built covered berths for the Atlantic U-Boat flotilla that had formerly docked in Germany. This advantage led to the destruction of much Atlantic ocean shipping prior to May, 1942. While the lids on these "sub pens" were not as strong as Atlantic Wall positions, it did offer limited protection.

         These historic lessons were not lost to HAMAS of their Palestinian and Iranian friends.

World Series: Game Two

       Well, down south, in the Lone Star State, the home fans were not treated to another "walkoff" home run. It was a different story for Game 2. It was a psychological boost for the visiting 'Snakes from Arizona. They blew the lead late last night, and then their reliever gave up the big homer-the Walkoff and Texas went tobed with a 1 in the Win column.

      Tonight, the Snakes got the lead and didn't  give  that lead up. The final: 9-2 clearly indicates the power in Arizona's lineup. It also highlights the pitching problems with the throwers from Texas. Bruce Bochy is not unfamiliar with rotation issues in the Series. Looking back at his handling of the Giants and their victories in the Tens: Boch' had a lot to deal with, and he mastered the pitching and made them winners 3 times.

      Can he do it again? The games will return to Arizona for 3 games, and it's always nice to win at least one away game. MAny of the players are unknowns, but already, some are earning high accolades for post season play.

     More to come; tomorrow is a travel day.  

Ukraine Targets Traitor in Crimea

       Commandos from Ukraine's forces targeted a Russyan sympathizer who was slated to be picked by the Kremlin to govern in their occupied territory in Ukraine. The man was living in a town near Yalta in Crimea. He had served in the Ukrainian Parliament some years ago, and decided to join Russyan forces when they invaded eastern Ukraine in an attempt to takeover the entire country. 

       In 2014, Little green men captured Crimea under a fake pretense offered by Mad Vlad of Kremlin, Moskva. Pro-Russyans stood by as these Little Green Men, aka Russyan army stooges, took over all administration of the area. They also established a naval base to facilitate supplies and commercial operations. They also established resorts on the Black Sea for troops' R&R.

      After the Ukrainian army went on the offensive in 2022, things changed in Eastern Ukraine and in the northwest of the country. The attempt to capture the capitol city ,Kyiv, failed and the thrust was blunted furiously by well-planned counter moves. Pres. Zelensky directed his military leaders to fight for survival of the country. They did.

     So, yesterday, the turncoat was shot twice by Ukrainian commandos, but survives. He may live on, but he'll get the message no matter: Sir, your days are numbered. We do not condone switching sides, and we know you'll always be a Traitor.

The World Series-2023

       Recall Bruce Bochy: Hall of Fame manager; guided the San Francisco Giants to 3 World Series Championships in '10', '12, '14; 9 years ago. He retired after that stretch of famous wins.

He's back!

     Down 5-3 in Game 1, it looked like the Arizona Diamondbacks would prevail against the Texans at home in Arlington, Texas. And then, after a 2-run blast in the 9th, it was tied:5-5. Extra innings would begin. After 10th, tied. And then: baseball drama.

      The reliever for Arizona had some control problems, and was replaced. The next pitcher had the message: keep it low and away from the hottest hitter on the field. The first few pitches were low and away, keeping the batter's chances of tagging one for extra bases to a minimum. And then: the walkoff; the fan pleaser; the redemption for a slow start. Bruce Bochy barely cracked a smile.

      The hometown crowd screamed with joy as the latest hero circled the bases and Game 1 is in the books: Texas 7, Arizona 5. Today: repeat @ 5:00pm Pacific DT.( 7:00pm Central).

Phillies GO HOme After Loss

         Going into the NAtional League Championship series, the Phillies looked unbeatable. What a lineup: speed, power, youth, and experience. The team had it all. And then, it didn't. The Arizona Diamondbacks(aka 'The Snakes')(the 'Rattlers') put the Phillies in the record book as losers of Game 7, a shocking role and an even more shocking loss. 

        They were ahead early, the Phils, then AZ scored 1. Then scored 2 more; now 3-2. Then AZ scored again, now 4-2. LAte in the game, the Phillies loaded the bases and it looked ominous for the Snakes. But, a reliever put down the threat, and the Phillies didn't score. And they disappointed their home town believers who must wait until next year to try again.

World Series Teams: Texas Rangers v. Arizona Diamondbacks. Get your Snake bling now.

Gov. Newsom Meets Xi

       Ever the publicity hound, California's gad fly governor was in China this week to smooze with China's dictator, Xi Jin Ping. Reports indicate he was looking for cooperation on energy use and reduction in conjunction with California. You know, that "Big State" on the 'Left Coast"?

     Maybe Gov. Gruesom has his eye on a higher political position, like Hillary once did many years ago. Or maybe the Gov is trying to open markets for CAlifornia produce? Or California chips. Oh, Pres. Biden just limited China's access to certain chips. Oh, well.

Zuck and Company Back in Court

       META(aka Facebook, WHatsApp, INstagram) was sued in Federal court yesterday by 33 states' Attorneys General, alleging in the 230 page complaint, that META and its policies were harming minor children. The District of Columbia also files suit there and was joined by 8 more states.

       Mark Zuckerberg will have lots to talk about this morning while sipping his coffee drink of choice(espresso? Decaf? Latte/half caff?). Seems that internal policies acknowledge that META focused on children as a market niche ripe for corporate exploitation. The lawsuit contends also that the actions were harmful and were not obvious to under age children who were drawn into extended use(the 'rabbit ' hole). Of course, they could then be flooded with paid advertising, the mothers milk of tech companies.

      Other social media platforms, eg. TikTok,etc. will also be scrutinized using the same analyses. Adults who use the social media vehicle understand most of the methods used by tech to entrap and manipulate users. Children do not. The lawsuit also asks the court(s) to compensate the states over the harm caused by members of the class.

       In Europe, many of the EU countries have already focused their attention on big tech and its minions there. The EU is directing much of its efforts to protect the members from harm caused by monopolistic practices generally by blocking competition across the many platforms.

     As an aside, the city of San Francisco, cancelled the operating permit for Cruise self driving vehicles after one of their vehicles ran over a pedestrian who had already been injured by another vehicle! Hmmm. Not ready for prime time in SF.

Judge 3, Trump Lawyers-0

      There's a pattern here.  Losers are recognizing that they have limited options in front of the state of Georgia's judges. Cop a plea or go to trial and take your chances in front of jurors who no doubt know about your efforts to harm the voters in Georgia who voted in the 2020 presidential election. Another lawyer who happens to be a woman, Ms. Jenna Ellis, decided she would rather pay a fine, take years of probation, and write a letter of apology to the state's voters. She admits her guilt, and must pay restitution in the amount of $5,000. Chump change, but we know her record of the plea will follow her to the grave.

     So be it; as the orange-Haired Baboon sits in court today in Manhattan, staring at his former fixer, the excon, Michael Cohen, will soon have to listen to a verdict that may force him to add "loser" to his real estate resume. Ahhhhh, the legal system. So complicated here, but sometimes it does work to the benefit of all.

Will Bibi Invade Gaza?

      This question is on the lips of many political players around the world, many of whom inhabit rat holes in the Middle East. The Mullahs in Iran are one group, various followers of one form of islam or another are a large part, and some Christians and agnostics round up that group. Any and all actions will play a role in the future of Israel and its neighbors, as always.

    Mr. Netanyahu has firmed up his leadership at home but after meeting with Mr. Joe Biden in Tel Aviv, he knows he must proceed with caution. While international sym[athies lean in Israel's favor, many supporters of Palestine have had their voices heard, especially among liberal/progressives around college campuses in the U.S.

     The moral dilemma has been a topic for the pundits. To seek revenge or not is the question. How do rational people respond to barbaric acts committed by terrorists against innocents/civilians? How can their leaders be held to account? How does a nation proceed when hundreds of hostage lives are at stake? How does a nation deal with the source of this evil-Iran's leaders? ANd the threat of expansion of hostilities is ever present. Will Hezbollah in Lebanon raise the ante by invading Israel from the north? Hmmm. Bibi has his plate full. And many at home inIsrael have no sympathies for his leadership, given his legal troubles brought on by his own actions.

       It seems now that the media is focused on current conditions among civilians in Gaza. No water, fuel, or food has been allowed to enter Gaza. A hospital was targeted by Hamas, killing hundreds of sick and injured residents there. An errant missile fired toward Israel the likely cause of the destruction.

      What would an invasion accomplish? Will there be justice done? Will HAmas leaders be captured? They don't even live there; they live in luxury in QATAR. Hmmmmm. Maybe Israel should invade Qatar instead.

       Events change by the minute. Keep an eye out.