Warriors Win: Bigly; Kings Look to Next Year

        In the 1st Game 7 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs, the Sacramento Kings got blown away by an aggressive, determined, rebounding Golden State team. In what was touted as the end of the Warrior dynasty, ie. Curry, Green, and Thompson. It was not to be the end of that incredible combo, just yet.

     The Warriors won 120 to 100, with a 24 point lead at times in the 4th quarter. It was a 2nd half surge that brought the victory to San Francisco. At the halftime break, SF was behind 52-51. A slim margin that could have been greater. Many missed free throws added up to a struggle for a lead in the 2nd quarter. The Kings were making the best of SF's missed opportunities, hitting 3's to keep ahead. And then, Number 30 started to get hot, actually hotter than ever. Steff Curry carried the team to victory with solid help. Firing on all cylinders, he put 50 points on the board by himself- a record in a playoff game by the Warriors. And he missed a number of those free throws to boot. As the 4th quarter played on, Coach Kerr sat his starters with 3 minutes to go when up over 20 points. Confidence and experience dictated this obvious decision.

     Curry's last 3 points came as he inbounded the ball, took a tip from Green, and aced a shot from the corner. The Sacto fans were speechless. They knew they something special on their home court.

    And now, on to Los Angeles to play LeBron and his Lakers. Fun time on the West Coast.

Putin Orders Cascade of Rocket Artillery on Ukrainian Urban Centers

      So, things are not going well in the Kremlin bunker housing Mad Vlad & Co., architects of the assault on a sovereign nation next door.  Among the impact areas was a large apartment house filled with civilians minding their own business and private lives. And then, BOOM, as a missile impacted the building, destroying multiple floors of the apartment house. So far, 25 dead have been pulled from the rubble. Firefighters continued to douse fires caused by the rocket upon impact. Damage is severe and the building will no  longer be usable as living quarters for the many residents who have been forced to seek shelter elsewhere in the early spring weather.

       Continued documentation of the violations of all international standards of diplomacy and politics, Russya has forsaken what little reputation it had enjoyed post dissolution of the USSR in 1991, over 31 years ago. Now the Little Rus Dictator for Life of the Largest Country in the world pursues some hideous fantasy created in a dreamland of his own making as he ascended to the president's role of the Rus. Where will this end? Nobody knows.

Warriors Lose at Home

       It was a rare night: the local boys hosted a team from the hinterlands on their home court. Their lineup featured a cast of stalwarts with a decade of experience, not to mention several championships. The contest was one in which the home team could advance in the playoffs to the next round. And: they lost, by a lot.

      Hmmmm? Does this signal the end of an era? I believe the handwriting on the wall: age has caught up with the Dubs. The 33,34, and 35 year-olds on the squad can't outlast the 22, 23, and 25 year-olds of the Sacramento Kings. The Dubs were playing catch up the whole game. They could not break away from the usual surge followed by immediate set back to the same position:7-10 points behind. Turnovers: too many. Missed shots: too many. Fouls: too many. Missed foul shots too many. Lack of poise and speed: obvious.

     So, it's back to Sacramento tomorrow for Game 7-Loser goes home. Yes, the Warriors won 3 in a row to get here, and did win a game 5 in Sacramento, but that was a long time ago.

Fox News Lose

       Well, the settlement figures published around the world indicate clearly how much the Family Murdoch was pulling in from ads on their Fake News channel. $787 million is a number most of us are unfamiliar with, unless we're contemplating a Mega Lottery fantasy win. The award was not followed by a family lament of ruination or demise, the comment was: "This settlement indicates a continuing commitment to the highest journalistic standards." What standards do they refer to, and where might such standards be followed-Mars?

       Such a statement underscores the detachment from reality; the detachment from rational thought; the detachment from any thought of changing anything in the world of low brow entertainment where canned fodder is fed to a crowd of thoughtless, uneducated, angry, viewers. Days later, the Murdochs announced that they have fired Tucker Carlson, the city of San Francisco's contribution to modern America. The charlatan had the largest following among the viewers of Fox' entertainment lineup. Ol' Tucker will now have to look for another job, as he has always done as his career turns once more to the shoulder of the road to success.

       Sadly, Fox has not mentioned any actual change in direction from its immediate past. Rupert must be burning the midnight oil as he and his son, Lachlan, workout a new programming strategy to fool the gullible audience they stand to lose to other providers of lies and misinformation. Even Elon Musk wants to tap this audience that provides ample evidence that there's a fool born everyday.

Warriors at Home Tonight

     Actually, the tip-off will be at 5:00pm. PDT @Oracle. This home game is critical for the Warriors-they don't want to return to Sacramento to face the Kings in a game 7 @ home. No way. Theymust win tonight if they want to advance. The Kings need the win to bring the contest home for their last chance to advance. If they lose tonight, they go home until next season. Tonight's contest will be a good one, with both teams intent on winning. Be ready to watch your faves as they  try to end the series right today.

Warriors Win on Road

        Well, the outcome was hotly contested. The Sacramento fans were warmed up for another home win. The Golden State team had other ideas. With 3 healthy starters well known around the NBA: Klay Thompson, Steff Curry, and Draymond Green , the boys from San Francisco are a tough team. The Kings have played them tough, taking the first 2 games at home, sending the Warriors home where they promptly won both games to tie the first round series. 

      Now the Golden boys are up: 3-2. They will return tomorrow( a short bus ride south) to Oracle Arena on the South Bay shoreline for a chance to take the series 4-2. Golden State has an excellent home record and is looking to continue that feat. Steff Curry does well in front of the local fans. In the last game, Draymond Green scored 21 points(despite missing 3 foul shots), a scoring high since December 1919! His scoring was again outshone by his defense, forcing turnovers and several blocks. His temperament was also under control and Coach Kerr was pleased with his overall performance.

     Tomorrow night's game could be the big win needed for the team to gather momentum that could bring them to the final, and a possible repeat. 

Warriors Win at Home

      The first round battles continue as San Francisco's Golden State Warriors rebounded from 2 losses and handed the Sacramento Kings a loss. Now we have a tournament, not a rout. Can Stepf Curry continue to lead his team? He's done it before. He helps lift the play of all the team  members. He hit 38 points last night, including some impressive 3's.

Watch 'em.

California and Utility Bills

        Let's see: you are the lead politician in a Democratically-controlled legislature. You need an issue. Hmmmm? How about we make the middle class pay more for utilities? That's sounds like a winner to me. Next step: get a law through committee. That's done. Now we just push it through the Senate and Assembly, and-voila'- the dupes pay more, we have more funds to pass on to the less fortunate recent arrivals, and my ascent within the "Party" continues. Ahhhhh. I love Left Coast politics-sooooooooooooooo rewarding.

     Bottom line: utility bills will soon be based on one's salary. Based on household income. Based on tax returns/taxable income; based on sales of long term property, eg. stocks and real estate. Sell your house, pay more for gas and electric. Democratic win-win.

Viva California.

Have a nice day

Eric Davis: The Judge Who Brought Down Fox

       " Thank you, Eric Davis." These words were probably said in private by Rupert Murdoch, Tucker Carlson, Sean Hannity, and legions of other Fox News scum after Judge Davis approved of the settlement that awarded Dominion Systems what is reported to be the largest defamation award in American history. I repeat: The Largest Defamation Award in American History. What will the talking "airheads" say on the air? How will they explain it to the rockheads who follow their drivel on Fox Spews? My, my. Now the reputation will follow Mr. Carlson and Mr. Hannity to their graves. Mr. Murdoch? This greedy creep will be dead soon enough. His tombstone will read, simply: "He Lied for Money".

       Judge Davis will have earned high accolades for his professional conduct. His reputation will be enhanced forever. His ruling(s) in the case will serve as a warning to the various 2nd tier news providers that truth will be served, eventually. $787 million will sink most businesses. Not Fox, but most others. Now the reportorialists in the background at Fox will possibly start acting like fact checkers instead of arrogant fans of their leaders. Perhaps some will look for honest work elsewhere. Big cities need policemen and women. Hmmmm. Maybe not the best place to learn about the truth.

       Schadenfreud will be bounced around today in various domains. Mainline reporters will have a good laugh and a few smirks when they turn on Fox Spews to gaze at faces of the rebuked "talking airheads" . It will make them all feel good; justified, correct, and professional as opposed to humbled, dejected, lame, weak, damaged, vulnerable, pathetic, sad, suicidal, and depressed. But, we know from experience, these types often rebound soon after an humiliating experience such as this judicial rebuke. Their collective thick skins will add a few more layers, and off they run to bolster the damaged egos. The spectacle will live on in the minds of all journalists, especially the home-grown American journalists. This textbook example of defamation will be included in every journalism course in every university(with few exceptions) across the fruited plain. Centuries from now Dominion v. Fox News will be cited for students, and hopefully, they'll take heed.

Fox Settles With Dominion Minutes Before Trial

       In a last second deal, Fox Corp. decided to settle the lawsuit filed by Dominion Systems. Fox agreed to pay-ready for this: $787 millions. This is not the $1.6 billions demanded, but still, it's a nice chunk of change. All those talking heads at Fox will now have to tighten their belts to keep their shaky jobs. Good Ol' Tucker Carlson, the pathetic blowhard from San Francisco, and Little Stubby Sean Hannity who screams for his supper, will join Lou Dobbs in the confessional as they swallow hard when forced to apologize on the air. What a scene it was.Lawyers smiling, laughing among themselves. All that money being sucked out of Rupert's wallet. No wonder the wedding didn't take place. Who wants to be married to a 92 year old loser? Nobody.

Have a nice day.

Warriors Lose 2 in a Row

       Golden State is now down 0-2 after having been surpassed by the Sacramento Kings in Sacramento. Despite serious efforts including outstanding performances by team regulars, the Kings were able to eke out victories in these first round contests. Coach Steve Kerr will have to work hard to lift the starters to come back to expected results: wins!

      After a layoff of 2 days, the team will play in SF the next games. Can the home fans swing the balance? They must, if the team is to make progress.

Fox Corp. Goes to Trial

       The cheap entertainment site: Fox Corp. will be in court today to face charges of defamation against Dominion Corporation and its electronic voting machines. The Dominion Corp. was targeted by Fox Corp. on air puppets as responsible for the 2020 election defeat of former President Donald Trump, who himsself, is under arrest, charged with paying an individual to keep silent during his reelection campaign.

    Dominion lawyers claim to be able to show that Fox reporting on the air was false and known to be false by the very same talking heads on the air, spreading defamatory accusations in the absence of any credible truth to what they reported. Dominion is asking for $1.6 billion in compensation for lost business and continued harassment by supporters of the defeated former president who lost the election to Joe Biden.

     Rupert Murdoch will also make appearance to give testimony. Other well known liars and cheats such as Tucker Carlson, Sean Hannity, and Lou Dobbs will make the spectacle a must watch for many who lack any other diversions.

Portland, Oregon: Failed City

        My, my, my. Seems like the West's most progressive urban setting has not been able to resurrect its central business district after riots destroyed numerous businesses over a year ago. Famed retailer REI(recreational equipment inc.) announced that it will close its iconic Portland downtown store at the end of its current lease. Why, one asks? Rampant theft and vandalism is the corporate response. Hmmmm. Rampant theft and vandalism. Sounds like many US urban centers these days. Portland's reputation as a very liberal, very progressive environment has spread well beyond its borders. the city, just inland from the Pacific coast, is a hub in the Northwest, and somewhat of a tech center with an upscale population of young professionals and traditional business types that blend together to make the space attractive to many.

      However, when riots ensued after news of the murder of George Floyd reached Portland, chaos ensued and roving mobs of agitators and rioters bent on violence and destruction forced the closure of most downtown business. Mayor Ted Wheeler played to the mob and told the police to back off and not arrest anybody involved. This message only provoked more violence and more destruction by mobs that included many outsiders who arrived to join in with the locals. What has changed? It seems that certain attitudes have infiltrated certain segments of the local population, eg. the police won't arrest you; misdemeanors are just that: misdemeanors. Recently, a burglary suspect rammed his vehicle into the front doors of REI, jumped out and ran in to gather up as much clothing as possible and ran away. Who does that? Individuals who assume they won't get caught and individuals who feel the time is ripe to pull this off without worry about any consequences what so ever. Welcome to a liberal, progressive, Left Coast environment.

       One can feel a bit of sympathy for long term residents, but one must acknowledge that large concentrations of people require active policing and a strong environment in which the police department can function as intended: to hold individuals accountable for their behavior(s) when in this city. The Columbia River passes by the city of Portland and gives it standing as a port city. The Willamette River also passes through the city as it moves to the Columbia River, lending visible evidence as a city with many possibilities for environmental development and science. Universities abound, providing a basis for business activities with sustainable sources of new employees for a bright future. The wine industry in the Willamette Valley is world renowned and is expanding annually, offering more quality products to its list of high end wines.

      All the above examples of Oregon's possibilities have been overshadowed by the sad events in Portland. It will take more time and more effort to correct what happened in this political melange of hype-liberalism.

Where is Ted Wheeler today, one asks?

Boston Marathon Today: April 16th, 2023

     The starting line is packed and ready for the beginning of this great race of human efforts. Who will be the winner? Well, odds on favorites are that both men's winner and women's winner will hail from East Africa: Kenya or Ethiopia, or __________. Visually, the race will follow the same traditional course, well known in runner's worlds. Weather is always the unknown and with weather forecasting sciences, it appears the runners of today possess benefits not afforded the runners of old. Today's runners know what to expect a week ahead of time. That is significant when thinking of punishing one's body for 2-2 1/2 hours, pushing the envelop of human capabilities. The Mayor, having participated in many marathon races and having trained for same, has a small clue of what these men and women will go through today.

       Due to the murderous bomb explosion 9 years ago, the finish line has been altered, limiting access by spectators, for security reasons. Not an imprudent decision in these days in the United States when even elementary schools are targeted by mentally-deranged, assault weapon-carrying murderers.

     The time expected for the 26 mile race? Could break the 2 hour mark. Stay tuned.

Russyan Trade Restrictions: Latest Versions

       Sanctions against Russyan economic efforts began before the invasion when the world was fed news that Mad Vlad & Co. in the Kremlin ordered troops to move into Ukraine. Over the past weekend, the group of 7 and its economic body imposed new sanctions against Russya: the restriction on purchase of Russyan-sourced nuclear fuel(enriched uranium). This special product has been a staple of Russyan commercial activity for years, generating in excess of 1 billion dollars a year to fund war efforts and provided funds for the Kremlin to openly engage in combat.

      The group met in Sapporo, Japan, on the northern island of Hokkaido, site of winter Olympics recently. Western European countries have pledged to abstain from purchasing these Russyan-sourced fuel cells. This action comes as some western countries reopen nuclear energy reactors to supplement power generation instead of coal fired plants. Russya has been active in its attempts to generate foreign money income as sanctions have crippled its domestic businesses. Diamonds, a Russyan domestic product have now been targeted by the world. Antwerp, Belgium, a traditional source of diamonds, has recently decided to cease buying Russyan-produced rough diamonds. Despite their high quality, the Russyan producers will have to search far and wide to find other markets; maybe in China, a relatively new market for diamonds. However, the Chinese economy has slowed, and the post-Covid era has been  been difficult economically for Beijing. The Chinese deputy prime minister will visit the Kremlin this week on a official 4-day visit to bolster the ties between the two countries: the largest in land and the largest in people. Hmmmmm. Is it the beginning of a trade off: money for land?

Ukraine in Pictures

      As the war is carried out in Ukraine by armed forces of the largest country in the world, news reporters continue to provide stark evidence of the inhumanity of Russya in photographs. The NY Times provides many of these graphic pictures of scenes from a nightmare the entire world as witness. While locations are generally included, they are not identified by grid coordinates, but by broad designations such as " near Bahkmut, or a mile from the front lines in eastern Ukraine, or north of Bahkmut, etc. Some describe scenes of a burial in process in Kviv and other cities where citizens gather to bury the dead soldier(s).

      Many of the pictures include those of soldiers participating actively by running to and fro, firing weapons, and shielding themselves in sloppy, muddy, deep trenches. They are all uniformed in camouflage and heavy winter clothing, befitting the season of the ongoing combat operations. Disturbing images of wounded civilians demonstrate the indiscriminate shelling of urban centers as part of the tactical efforts of Russyan forces. None of these photos depict invading forces anywhere. No doubt, those images will surface later, when the Steppe peoples retreat from Ukraine.

     as always, photographers take chances to tell their stories to the world. No, a viewer does not experience combat. No, the viewer does not understand combat. No, the viewer is not "on scene". The viewer absorbs only the graphic image as a small part of the entire story, told in words remote from these scenes by journalists working their craft elsewhere, as always.

Africa: Now, Sudan. Again

     Civil ar has broken out, again, in Sudan between military factions vying for control of this east African nation of 40 million citizens. Army units under the control of the 2 rival generals are fighting in the capitol of Khartum as civilians run for cover. Despite efforts to prevent violence, the conflict began to rage in the open yesterday. Photos indicate shelling of sections of the city with heavy smoke rising from fires started by shelling buildings near government centers.

       Since the military takeover 2 years ago, an uneasy truce has been observed. Now the split between the opposing generals has become acute with the obvious results: armed conflict out in the open.

      Will we see the Blue berets of the UN soon? Not for awhile. In the meantime, the innocent civilians duck and run for cover.

NBA Playoffs: Warriors v. Kings

        Guess what? The tenor of basketball has changed: now teams play----Defense!. Fancy that. Last night's contest in Sacramento between the Kings and the Warriors demonstrates that , once again, teams, coaches, and players on the court play differently. The speed/tempo increases visibly; even rebounding improves (after a season of afterthought). So, the Warriors seesawed with the Kings, and late in the game were up by 10 points. And then, it was tied. Now back and forth, and as it came down to a 1 point game with 1.9secs to go, Curry took his shot and-----missed. 

Game 1-Kings win

Sen. Diane Feinstein: At Home,Sick.

       California's US Senator, Diane Feinstein, is confined at home in San Francisco recovering from a bout of shingles, that nasty systemic disease that is very, very painful and is almost impossible to cure quickly. She is a ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee among others. She stated that she has asked Sen. C. Schumer to name a temporary democratic replacement while she is recovering at home and is unable to travel to assume her duties.

      California representative in the House, Ro Khanna, has asked publicly that she resign so a replacement can be named immediately while President Biden is in the White House and Democrats hold a majority in the Senate. While the Senator has announced she will not run again, she has not indicated any idea of resigning before her term is up in several years. (She is 89 years old).

     Several California politicians have entered the race to replace her at the next election. Adam Shiff is one, Barbara Lee is another. Sen. Feinstein has served for over 30 years, beginning her local career almost 50 years ago as a member of the City's Board of Supervisors.

Why Evan Gershkovich?

      Why would the Kremlin arrest an American reporter for the WSJ?  Hmmmm. Not an unreasonable question even if Russya's recent past demonstrates policy that does so. Ann Simmons, Moskva Bureau Chief for the WS Journal explained in a 1-page open letter to readers. In it she explains obvious reasons: Mr. Gershkovich is fluent in the language at a very high level, able to understand cultural nuance like a native speaker; his family has Russyan roots, which helps when interviewing citizens about various topics; he is young, smart, and hard-working with significant experience in journalism; and he goes into the field to cover topics of import here and abroad. His arrest reminds readers of the case of former Ambassador Michael McFaul who was declared persona non grata by Putin while he was out of the country, thus making his return impossible.

        Mr. Gershkovich will be released in time, but he will then leave and will be unable to return to Russya where he might ask more questions and get truthful answers as opposed to answers that the Kremlin gives to its citizens and the world.

      Thank you, Ms. Simmons for the illumination in this case. It sheds light on the Kremlin's behaviors and policies. It underscores national weakness in Russya and ongoing problems that run deep through the entire population of the largest country in the world and neighbor of Communist China.

President Tsai of Republic of China Visits US

         Oh,China, at it again: seeking credibility around the globe. They offer interesting views on progressive ideas, hoping the world will overlook the Communists' egregious record on human rights relations with neighbors and others. Now the attitudes and policies toward Taiwan appear to be a coverup of inroads being made in Africa, and Tibet, and of course, in the far west of the country in Uigher country where those natives, Muslims, have been ccorraled into re-education prisons where they are force fed Communist doctrine.

        Now we have military demonstrations over the Taiwan Straits, that oceanic highway critical to many nations besides Taiwan. Japan, the Phillippines, Vietnam, and China itself. Port o Calls by ships count in the hundreds of thousands per year in Chinese ports. Shipping companies and some American allies are concerned that Chinese patrol boats may begin inspections on transit vessels in the straits. If this happens, many options will be discussed; not the least of which is the timing and shape of the international response.

      Chinese navy vessels are numerous, but not significant in size or capability. The US 7th Fleet calls the Western Pacific Ocean home waters, as it has been for almost 75 years. While not of the size in numbers of its earlier versions, it is still the large elephant in the 'hood.

     What's Xi's next move? What about his "Little Bro" Kim Un in North Korea? Hmmmmm. Nuts on the march.  Too bad.

NYT Upshot Column Draws Attention

       A column in the "Upshot", a pundit writers' insight examination of a topic, drew considerable public commentary. The gist of the April 6th column indicated that the White House and Congress extended a massive benefit program that reached a broad swath of Americans, including  top to bottom tiers of income. Eligibility was not really an issue: if you were found, you received a benefit or more.

       The comments printed(listed in online spaces) underscored many closely held myths by segments of the population. Of course, most Americans have little general knowledge of economics; and differences among economists provide grist for those holding a dim view of the "dismal science".  Many writers opined that European governments take care of the citizenry by taxing at high rates. All European member states vary among themselves, whether Finland, Denmark, Sweden, or the UK. Healthcare variations engendered most opinions listed in comments, primarily the high cost in America v. Euro-style. At an age that recalls the pre-insurance period prior to 1955+/-, it seems that the current model in the US has outlived its usefulness. As mega-corporations, with Congressional support(and Citizens United), have concentrated healthcare among themselves, workers pay more and more for less and less. Wait times, that yardstick talked about as a viable measurement, appears to grow and grow in America today. Dems and Republicans differ on many issues, but health care stands out as the least agreeable topic. And don't forget: Congress, has its own healthcare system, different than yours or mine.

        So, if you go back and read the "Upshot" article, I suggest reading the comments section as well, for perspectives. 

Banks and Their Auditors

     Silicon Valley Bank was closed by the Comptroller of Currency, the F.D.I.C., and depositors on the run. Sec. Treasury Janet Yellen announced that all depositors would be insured for all their funds. Techies around the Bay Area gave a big sigh of relief as they learned their monies were secure: no need to panic. Yet.

     Now just a few weeks prior to the takeover, the auditors gave SVB a passing grade: sufficient funds were available to protect all customers. But wait: the bonds on the asset side. What about them? They missed them; all of them. Incompetence, and worse. Criminal neglect, at least. The auditors deserve punishment.  This is not just bad work; this is criminal, a violation of law, not just poor performance. Hmmm. What will happen?

Nothing. Welcome to US banking: a system run by Wall Street for Wall Street and all those who call themselves "Bankers". Really-Crooks and Confidence Men. OLD MICHAEL MILKEN, THE EX-CON, EVEN HE IS ON the loose again. Bernie Madoff died in Prison; Charles Ponzi died penniless. And on and on. SVB was not a large bank, only middle sized with $162 billions floating loose on its books. It figured(management figured) the could park liabilities(deposits) in treasuries at long term. Then the FED inconveniently started raising interest rates. The rest of us watched, and waited. SVB did nothing but stare at the clouds and hope for the best. Who are these people? Anyway.?

        Where's Barney Frank? Oh, wait, he's on the board of a bank that needed some assistance from a fund of banks to stay solvent. Chris Dodd? Where he be? 

Your Giants

      The home team isoff to the usual start: losing most contests, despite new rules. The LA Dodgers came to town and promptly whipped their butts. 10-1. Oh, well: welcome to baseball, 2023.

G-2 Leak Exposes Pentagon Secrets

          Well, if everything is classified, then nothing is sacred. So, the Head of Homeland Security is spinning his way into the headlines as it has become known that military data has been found all over the internet-where secrets go to -----LIVE.

         Given past exposures-leaks; one would expect improved methods for securing data and information. But, as we know, bureaucracies are vast, and when linked by computers and multitudes of users, things often leak. News media has reported that the data sat exposed for a few weeks before finding its way to Instagram, et al. Now that is cause for concern. But not for you and me; we are only concerned with income tax deadlines. Oh, wait: the deadlines have been extended because of Covid, tornadoes, record snowfall, record rainfall, mass shootings, and Kevin McCarthy's ineptitude. Sigh. Now our number 1 Irishman, Pres. Joe Biden , is visiting the "Old Sod".

     "Joe, come home and clean things up. Ukraine needs help, and not the security leaks. Thank you,

The Mayor of Tahoma

San Franciso'c Mean Streets

         A bicyclist was fatally injured yesterday in the Presidio of San Francisco, the former military base converted to a quasi-park, with market rate housing, commercial office space, and a world class setting that includes the Golden Gate Bridge.  Its winding roads, waterfront areas, and golf course offer stunning views of the Bay and the Marin Hills to the north. It also functions as a pass through for Highway 101 and Highway 1, bringing substantial traffic on a daily basis. As a destination for tourists and locals alike to enjoy its many benefits, the Presidio attractions draw a wide mix of visitors, including bicyclists of all stripes. This recent fatality involving a cyclist is a bit different. The victim was a world class cyclist, well  known, and admired for his many victories on an indoor track. Hence, his road riding skills were less than the best. And perhaps he assumed drivers in San Francisco, the progressive bastion on the coast, were an aware group, respectful of those who choose pedal power rather than horsepower.

       Now, he is history: another statistic, another life cut short, a grim reminder for all who choose pedal power in San Francisco.  Be aware; beware. The City That Knows How doesn't care. 

Mad Vlad Says the US Caused the Ukrainian War

       In another attempt to deflect blame for his country's invasion of a near neighbor, President of the Largest Country in the World stated that the US and the West was responsible for his country's invasion  of Ukraine and the murderous attacks on the civilian population of that country.  The Mayor is not a psychiatrist; however, Mad Vlad's statements indicate clearly the man lives in an imaginary world of his own creation, far removed from reality. Perhaps he thinks this is true,real, unimagined. Does anybody else think these same thoughts? Does Volodymyr Zelensky think like this?

     Poor, OLD Vlad. Ranting and raving around the Kremlin while his aids attempt to pacify his most outrageous moves and decisions. And the world copes with his acts of aggression, his acts of fantasy aided and abetted by a nation of dupes.

UN Calls Aces on Russyan Diplomat

       Russyan minister to UN recently claimed that Russyan army forces had not removed 16,000 Ukrainian children from their homes.  She had tried to address the UN General Assembly but was denied after protests by I.C.C. which has issued an arrest warrants for Ms. Lvova-Belova and Mr. Putin. The U.K. mission to the UN said it was outrageous that a person accused of stealing children from a sovereign nation would be allowed to speak at a UN meeting. Her crimes could warrant a life sentence in prison. Russya holds the rotating chair of the presidency of the Security Council this month. Ms. Lvova-Belova was prevented from speaking on a UN webcast.

San Francisco Street Life: Not Pretty

       Despite efforts of SF's City Hall PR people, things continue to deteriorate. Case in point: a tech community member was walking near his apartment on Main St. south of Market yesterday when he was confronted by unknown suspect(s). An altercation occurred in which the tech executive was stabbed and he died at the scene. Details have not been given while authorities notify the next of kin. And so, welcome to modern city living. Be cautious wherever you are in SF. Don't leave your home after sundown; be aware of all persons observed in the vicinity of your path. Carry a defensive weapon; don't look like a "target": look earnest and aware as much as possible. This is the "new" cityscape of the once great City. The City has been turned into a nightmare for all residents and visitors alike. Until the Mayor and her minions change course, it will only get worse. 

       Oh, those $60k/year ambassadors: they don't work after dark: too dangerous. What are the possibilities of workers returning to downtown? Slim and none. Who wants to work in a failed, unsafe environment? Nobody. About mid-Market St.: nightmare. Keep all the crazies in one spot: be prepared to encircle the area with massive police forces to keep the drug dealers and users there. The place: Civic Center Plaza. What was once the signature plaza on the West Coast is now the poster place of a failed civic organization. Solution: throw more tax dollars at the problem. result: more wasted money. Time to turn the City over to the Federal government; like Chicago.  

        Murder victim, Bob Lee, was a respected tech executive with a long history of extraordinary innovative technology management since his college days. He worked for Google and developed the Android program for smart phones. He also worked for Square, now Block. He recently moved to Florida, joining his widowed Father. It is not known why he was recently visiting San Francisco. The SF DA said the City does not tolerate such crime or criminals, despite an increase in murders in SF this year.

NCAA NAtional Championship

 UConn wins its 5th title, prevailing over Cinderella team-San Diego State. It didn't look good for the Aztecs from the get go, with UConn's dominating offense. Try as they might, the SoCAl team could only get so close before the easterners extended their lead to a comfortable 10-12 points throughout. As the clock wound down and the gap remained the same, San Diego players lost their heart, lost hope, and accepted the situation that would not change. Next year.

Measuring Snow Pack

   As most Californians now know, we've had lots of snow! In today's New York TImes, a video is included that demonstrates a new and timely method for measuring more accurately just how much snow is on the ground. Hydrologists routinely take measurements at various times to assess water content. This year, access to established points have been restricted because of : too much snow! So, an aircraft with scientists on board did a flyover and sent results almost instantly to the water resources board in Sacramento. Results so far: the San Joaquin Valley will probably receive more water than it could absorb. Watch it.

Fox News and Mr. Carlson

      My,my. Fox News Co. will go to trial in front of a jury to answer a lawsuit brought by Dominion Systems, a company that brought a defamation accusation against Fox. And also to include principals Mr. Tucker Carlson, et.al. The judge handling the case denied a summary judgement request by both parties and the jury trial will begin in about 2-3 weeks.  The country will get to watch and listen as the scum on the Fox side attempt to coverup their lies and falsehoods they have spewed on the air to gullible viewers for years. Their blatant lies will now come back to haunt them all, including the King of Scum, Rupert Murdoch, Prince of Lies, owner of the Media company that owns Fox.

       Fox News is not a reality show. Fox News is low brow entertainment that sells stuff to its audience who have limited access to factual reporting and disinterested reportorial staff. Mr. Tucker Carlson, a San Francisco native, has seen himself as an entertainer not unlike his hero, Donald Trump. Now that Mr. Trump has been indicted, Mr. Carlson is starting to feel less sure of himself. He can begin to feel the heat as his day in court, initially as a trial witness, then a target of numerous lawsuits, begins, and the end of his career as a stooge for the Murdoch family of stooges, top to bottom, plays out on camera.