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.