Biden Hosts Island Nation Leaders

       In the first ever meeting among Pacific allies, President Biden hosted a tripartite meeting in Washington, DC. His goal: to indicate solidarity among the 3 nations as a message to Xi JP and his Communists in Beijing who like to think of the Pacific Ocean as the "Chinese Sea".

     After years of aggressive moves in the western Pacific, to include the build up of advanced military bases on rocky outcrop islands, Pres. Biden finally set the stage for high profile talks to assure these nations that we are well aware of the efforts of Beijing to intimidate these small countries: Japan and the Philippine Islands. Since the end of World War II, these countries have been vital to US interests and to the strategic plans for US in the Pacific region especially during the Cold War that followed. Japan has been home to large US military bases in Tokyo, Sasebo, Okinawa, Iwakuni, Yokosuka, and Tachikawa. During the Vietnam war, Japan was well placed to handle massive logistical efforts to support American forces in South East Asia.

      Additionally, the Philippines were home to large US naval installations in Subic Bay and Manila Bay. South Korea is also a keystone element of US strategic planning, and economic efforts. So, Xi JP is on notice: move carefully. The situation in Hong Kong provides a blueprint for Beijing strategy: believe what you see, not what we say. Ha. Hong Kong will be run as it was for the next 50 years. Not. The hell with that said Beijing. We changed the rules because we are China.

     Thank you very much, Xi Jin Ping. Have a nice day.

Iran Military Seizes Container Ship in Strait of Hormuz

        In a child-like method of aggression, an Iranian military unit took control of a large container ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a well known ship traffic choke point. This pathetic action clearly demonstrates the overall incompetence of the rulers of the country: a group of religious fanatics trying to act like politicians who know what they are doing. 

      Recently, after training terrorists in murder and mayhem, the Iran backed HAMAS terrorists invaded Israel and murdered defenseless civilians at a music concert. This event, supported by Iran, indicates the lack of leadership in Tehran. In one response the Israeli military attacked the Iranian embassy in Syria, killing 6 leaders of the Iranian military which used the embassy as its headquarters for operations in and from Syria run by the old dentist, Bashar el Assad, another murderer.

      The Iranian people suffer endless indignation as they are constantly pummeled by world reactions to  their international activities, including providing support for rebels in Yemen and Gaza.

     So, now they have a ship: cool says the Ayatollah! Now they know we are competent enough to take ship(s). Wow, says Aljezeera media: Iran should be feared by all. Hmmmm. What are they smoking? The usual huka pipe?

   As a result, insurance carriers, shipping companies, and various other players on the scene will be inconvenienced for a week or two. Tehran meanwhile holds funerals at home for the  military leaders sent to their netherworld afterlife by well-aimed missiles from down south. 

Ramadan is over, have a nice lunch.

How High is Your Utility Bill?

    Really, nobody knows in Northern California where Pacific Gas and Electric rules the roost. The utility has a stranglehold over the CPUC and its collaborators there who raise rates consistently based on ????????????????. And while we're at it: have you looked into the benefits realized after you installed a raft of solar panels? The benefits continue to sink while the costs continue to rise. Large corporate installers(you know who you are) continue to cloud benefits with mumbo jumbo, cloudy contracts and other devilishly contrived promises and programs. The State CPUC rolls right along with them by rubber stamping the demands of PG&E by reducing the amount of payments for an household's electricity production via the Very Expensive installed solar panels. Recall the touted benefits: reduce monthly bills, save, save, and save some more.

     And what do we have: some of the highest, if not the highest energy bills in the country and the world. Why is that? Governor Gavin Gruesom, chief architect of the assault on the middle class taxpayer, the few of us who still live in the former Golden State, now shadow state. In his zeal to appear progressive, as if this will propel him to new heights of political success, our man in Sacramento is presiding over the slow and steady decline of a once prosperous population now beholden to outrageous corporate greed across the landscape. There's no end in sight as the Super majority of dems in the legislature pursue strategic goals of limiting voter control over budget and spending plans rolling out of the Governor's off. Woe the taxpayers of California-you will be paying a lot more for the privilege of living with an ocean view.

Meeks Bay Plan Selected by TRPA

    West Shore residents of Lake Tahoe got a first glance of the new plan approved initially for review by TRPA yesterday. This is the 4th option of 4 proposals put up for review. A period of examination will noe begin for locals to comment on this plan before final adoption. Check it out on the TRPA website.

Darien Gap

    The Darien Gap

     Where is the Darien Gap? And why does it matter?  Well, now, the Mayor visited the Panama area last week to observe the situation relative to the geographic location. The Darien Gap is the assigned place name given to the area north of Columbia and south of the Panama Canal. Formerly, the area was part of Colombia, now part of Panama. This area is the main transit area for migrants from all over the world who seek a path to the United States in an attempt to enter without permission and without legal entry status.

     The Immigration laws are in place but have not been adjusted or altered since 1986 in the US. Changes are not any closer now than they have been since 1986. The southern border of the US is hardly an obstacle to any who arrive there seeking entry. many people from around the world now know this entry area is the easiest place to gain access.

      We took a tour of the Canal and the surrounding area: jungle, thick, impenetrable jungle. We saw crocodiles basking in the sun; we saw monkeys climbing in the trees, and we saw the vines, trees, bamboos, and other green growth that made it look impossible to walk through. This is the Darien Gap and it strategic position across the isthmus that must be traversed for those going north. However, the path does not cross the canal itself. Migrants are ferried across the ocean on a brief transition as they continue through Nicaragua onto Mexico and the next thousand plus miles, with maybe a train ride included depending on funds.

   Recent articles in the press describe the hazards, especially for young women who are victimized by           "coyotes" who charge for escorting migrants across the Gap. These women are subject to harassment and worse by these predators who take control of these seekers attempting to improve their lives instead of staying in Venezuela, Ecuador, Brazil, China, Russya, India, and many others who have been represented among those arrested at the US border by I.C.E.

Have a nice day.

Governor Newsom's California

     So, Gov. Gruesom is having some issues. Business folks are actively rebelling against the Sacramento Solons, that super -majority group of outrageous Democratic spenders who are upset that the citizenry is yelling: ENOUGH, Enough. We can't take it anymore. We pay more taxes than almost every state in the union excepting those spendthrift New England states.

      California is facing a deficit, a large deficit to the tune of $70 billions of dollars. No rainy day fund will plug the gap. New taxes will not plug the gap unless every man, woman and child coughs up more-hard earned dollars. How did this happen? The usual way: out spending dollars that the state wrongly expected based on faulty budgeting.

     So, businesses are going on the ballot with a measure to change the method of approving local taxes, a method cities and counties were using to add local taxes. Now Newsom is asking the State Supreme Court to withdraw a ballot measure that would alter the amount of votes needed to add a tax. This confrontation was almost inevitable as the Super Majority Legislature knows no bounds in raising taxes in any and every way. Californians pay, and pay, and pay some more.  As recently as Monday of this week, a minimum wage increase raised the hourly wage in fast food restaurants to $20./hour. This will force many small businesses to compete for workers with national chains required to pay this rate. It was a labor issue that was poorly thought out by the aides in Sacarmento.

     Income taxes will be paid shortly and along with the IRS, the State Franchise Tax Board, the state tax agency, will be sharply watching the returns as they arrive in the capitol city. Woe the middle class worker who thought he was "middle class"-now, they are the targeted payers as the rich evade all taxes everywhere, including California. Add to this the state gasoline sales tax-$.58/gal, and the sales tax 8-9%, and the income tax +12-13%. Now more people are leaving the state, especially retirees.

    Is there hope for California? No, not as long as Governor Greusom is in the seat as leader of the former "golden" state.

Have a nice day.

Janet Yellen in China

     U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has visited China to talk about trade and economics.  Hmmmm. This is not her first trip to the "Middle Kingdom".   Why is she back so soon?   Well, now, China has been experiencing some economic headwinds: its economy is slowing and has been slowing over the last few years. Beijing has not come up with the right path to reverse the trend. There are problems in the financial sector; there are problems in Hong Kong and its administration; there are problems in in the over built real estate sector; and there are problems with neighbors in Japan and the Philippine Islands. Oh, and with South Korea. 

      Ms. Yellen is aware of all these issues and is aware of China's support of Putin's invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing war that China supports. China is evading sanctions against Russyaand Ms. Yellen is aware of this. Now China is flooding world markets with cheap goods, upending fair trade practices as China tries to manufacture its way out of economic difficulties. Let's not mention the continuing cyber warfare efforts carried out by the Peoples Liberation Army, the military arm of the ruling Communist Party of China.

     Can China recover by making cheap goods to export? The world thinks not and Ms. Yellen is there to explain why not. Good luck, Janet. Xi JP is listening in his cunning, diffident style while smiling. Tell them all like  it is: enough  already. Covid was bad enough.   

FSB: Massive Incompetence Lead By Sycophants

        The terrorist attack in Moskva is egg on the face of Putin and his Kremlinistas, aka the Ship of Fools. After a warning from the USA, the yes-Men in Red Square told Mad Vlad that an attack would soon take place in Moskva, probably at a concert venue. So, Mad Vlad ignored the warning. Result: the world got a close-up view of Russyan incompetence at the highest level.

      Then, the Kremlin blames Ukraine. Ha, they are really underlining massive, nationwide fraud perpetrated by the Kremlin. What would Yevgeny Prighozin have done? Well, the late Wagner group leader would have dispatched a few troops to guard the various venues. Not Mad Vlad. He likes chaos and then awards responsibility to a favored enemy. Here he went after Ukraine, his current fave.

      The captured terrorists will now(after being subjected to the requisite beatings while in custody) face the well-known Russyan justice system where they will collectively be condemned to death for their actions when they murdered civilians at the concert. The trial will last a few minutes. Russyan justice is swift. Ask Alexei Navalny.

Or ask Evan Gershkovich, now a year in prison without charges. His crime? Nobody knows but Putin. And the terrorists? Hmmmm. Hired by some branch of Islam; hired to do one job, paid a pittance for their efforts because they had no skills, no education, no life, no hope. They were intended to die and become the promised martyrs, Iran's front line soldiers of fortune.

Thank you, Iran and your mullahs. Good work. Your reputation is intact.

Book Review: The Wager, by David Grann, 2023

       The Age of Exploration, the Age of Discovery, the Age of Colonization, the Age of Pirates and Slaves, the Age of Wooden Ships and Iron Men- these are some of the many names of that period of human history that has been well documented and written about for centuries. When Christopher Columbus set out from Portugal to find a new route to China, little did he know what he might find other than the goal of a new route for the ships that might follow. Thus, in 1492, Columbus sailed "the Ocean Blue" into history.

      What followed has become a cornerstone of western culture: explorers/searchers discovered lands unknown to historians, but well known to those peoples that had lived in the 'new world' for millenium: native peoples living in splendid isolation as they had always lived. Yes, they did not enjoy many of the modern assets found in Europe and Asia, but they did enjoy many other shared attributes: civic life, cultural tradition(s), religions, agriculture, architecture and engineering skills to name a few. No, they did not have the ability to design and construct ocean going vessels other than canoes. Europeans however had already built massive ships that could sail on any ocean powered by the wind, able to carry increasing heavy loads. They also developed ships that could engage an opponent with high powered weapons: iron cannons. Of course, countries contested one another for control/domination of the 7 seas. All was not peaceful during these 'ages'.

      England was wary of Spain and France; Portugal challenged Holland/Dutch; The Pope in Rome had to be reckoned with; and Germany would not be left behind. As more of the world opened up, more players entered the fray, seeking wealth and empire. Naval power was the tool that allowed one country to stay ahead, and none was as successful as the British Royal Navy. In the 1700's, all the seas were open to contest-pick one. Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and South Pacific were coursed by various fleets and flotillas eager to acquire a dominant role among those various nations flying flags of the reigning sovereign, most often crowned with a cross. Beneath the flags were men, those sailors skilled in the art of ships and all its ramifications. It was a hard life aboard these vessels: wandering across the boundless seas, charts most often useless; leaders who hardly knew where they were going or how long it would take to get "there". And worst of all: they crews were at the mercy of the Captain whose word(s) were law.

To be continued 

      In 1741, a flotilla was assembled in Portsmouth, England, to go on a mission into the Pacific Ocean. The secret mission was told to Commodore George Anson, a respected naval officer. The mission: intercept a Spanish galleon known to be carrying huge amounts of treasure in the form of gold and silver after selling goods from Asia in South America. The location of the mission would most likely be in the vic. of the Phillipine Islands. The flagship would be the HMS CENTURION, a 4th ranked ship of 66 guns. Four other vessels would join the flag as support. Total men aboard amounted to 2000 souls. The route would take the ships south in the Atlantic and around its southern tip: Cape Horn, the cape all sailors feared with good reason. Terrible winds, freezing temperatures, narrow passages, contrary tides, and thick fogs waited for the crews. Among the 5 ships was the HMS WAGER, 22 guns, 222 men aboard. The duration: unknown, probably several years. Families understood the lives of those men: shipboard life was grim, especially for the sailors whose living conditions were worse than farm animals.

     First stop: the Azores Islands to top off supplies and water.

    Before the flotilla arrived off Patagonia, the ship's crew began to experience scurvy: that uncontrollable condition that no one understood at the time, a condition brought on humans that lacked vitamin C or ascorbic acid. Soon, crew members began the wasting: weight loss, dehydration, vision loss, teeth falling out and death. However, the Commodore, George Anson, was not to be deterred from carrying out the mission: to cross the Pacific Ocean in pursuit of a Spanish treasure galleon. On to Cape Horn with all its hazards. Because of insufficient charts and navigation aids of any type, Anson rounded the Horn overcoming many weather-related difficulties. The flotilla was dispersed and separated, losing contact with the CENTURION. The Wager was among those lost and now operated independently, a common condition at sea. The captain struggled not only with weather but with an ailing crew and diminished supplies. The hull and its condition now became a dominant factor facing all decisions: go on, or turn around to seek shelter and repair.

     The captain decided to go on entrusting his ship with his own skill and the crew he commanded. They made it around and headed north to locate the flagship HMS Centurion and Commodore Geo. Anson. In that effort, they would fail and HMS WAGER would go alone into the Pacific Ocean.  Plying these coastal waters without navigation aids, reliable charts and maps underscored the multiple hazards as the ship struggled northward. The south coast of Chile contains many islands, coves and bays; there is also a constant swell of the seas that buffet these same positions. The WAGER did not possess sufficient provisons or a healthy crew which was being depleted by scurvy on a daily basis. The chief boatswain, Bulkeley began to assert his leadership role as he was able to motivate the sailors accomplish many tasks necessary for survival. He also brought questions to the master regarding decisions concerning navigation and sheltering in protective waters.

Truckee Says No More Water Bottles

        Finally, some civic action that will affect Lake Tahoe and its residents. The town of Truckee has passed an ordnance that will ban the sale of single-use plastic water bottles. These ubiquitous pieces of trash have been polluting not just the Tahoe Basin, but the entire State of California. Mass produced for a few corporate giants, these products are not recycled. Consumers assume because they are "plastic" they are returned and melted into another usable form. Wrong: they are not. They stay in the environment where they are left and decompose into microplastic beads, infiltrating organisms including human beings. Research indicates that these micro-plastics are found in most living beings today.

     Additionally, the city of South Lake Tahoe has also banned the use of plastic single use water bottles in their city. This move will help eliminate the tons of garbage left behind by thoughtless visitors who have no clue about the environment and could care less about local residents who have to clean up after these cretins from down the valley. 

    Perhaps the "Solons" in Sacramento will follow this path to help clean up the state's trash problem with water bottles- there should be a state-wide ban. Are you listening Governor Gruesom? Can you hear anything that makes sense? Or are you still too self absorbed to hear anything outside of the Governor's mansion?

Congrats to the town of Truckee and the City of South Lake Tahoe. Well done.

Book Review: The Peking Express, 2023: J. Zimmerman

          Over 100 years ago in China, the country was emerging onto the world stage. It wasn't easy. There were lots of foreign players on the scene, each with its own agenda that sought profit from involvement with the vast geography that had now begun to take its place on the world stage. France, Great Britain, the United States were among those key players. Other countries did not get overly involved as they, too, were stepping up their respective international position(s), albeit, smaller.

     The industrial revolution was rolling along, expanding globally as new technology surged as the big machines began to make the world over. Electricity, steam, and iron and steel became a necessary component of industrial might. Across the Sea of Japan, a powerhouse of industry was making significant industrial progress. Japan had defeated the Russians in the Battle of Tsushima Straits in 1905, humbling the Czar and crushing the former naval might of the country, sinking capital ships with entire crews onboard.

     During this time period, railroads marked progress for any country that invested in interconnected rail lines. However, China was late to the game with barely 500 miles of track on the ground. In 1923, a new line was opened, linking Shanghai on the east coast with Peiping in the north plain of China.  This 200+ stretch of track would provide rapid service between the capitol city and the dynamic business center on the coast. Simultaneously, foreign business had become entrenched in Shanghai and after much negotiations, certain portions of the city were enclaves of foreign countries where the Chinese government had ceded control to said foreign countries. Here we had Germany, France, Great Britain, the United States operating independent territories under their home governments. What could go wrong? Hmmm.

   Concurrently, the central government of China was in upheaval: the dynastic model had been overthrown, the result of revolution(s). Outside of the cities, warlords and their followers held sway and ruthlessly maintained a loose order based on their aggressive military activities. While not threatening major cities, the rebels/pirates used various methods to survive, to include the capture of hostages for ransom. Thus the table was set in 1923 for one of the most notorious train holdups in history. The Peking Express Affair.

more later

3 Stooges in Russya

      Well, now. How's the borsch-for-lunch bunch doing today in Moskva? No doubt, suffering from dyspepsia or something similar. The latest news carries various messages to their round table, none of them would prompt cheers of glee, more like cries of anguish.

      First, we have the announcement from the ICC-the International Criminal Court that 2 Russyan army generals have had warrants issued for their arrest. The charges involve their role as commanders whose units carried out operations against Ukraine's infrastructure-namely, the power grid, during the invasion ongoing. Lt. Gen.Sergei Ivanovich Kobylash, 58, is head of the bombing unit at the time of attacks. His naval counterpart, Adm.Viktor Niklayevich Kobylevich Sokolov, 61, commander of the Black Sea Fleet, directed missile attacks from his ships against power plants and distribution stations. These attacks are in violation of international law.

    Second, a Russyan naval ship(under the command of the Black Sea fleet) was sunk with ALL hands after being struck by a Ukrainian anti-ship drone, complete with video shared worldwide. Musyt have been a shock to all the babushkas whose family members were onboard the ship. This ship cost the Kremlin $65 millions+/-. Hmmmmm. Maybe they'll hire a salvage company to bring it back for repairs. A source of jobs for the faltering Russyn economy, struggling under newest sanctions put in place after Alexei Navalny was murdered while incarcerated in the Arctic penal prison.

    Third, the warrants were added to a growing list that includes the name Maria Alekseyevna Lvova-Belova, a Kremlin official  that was responsible for the mass deportation of Ukrainian children taken from their homes in the DonBas region after "Little Green" men invaded the area 2 years ago. Mad Vlad's name is also on the list. Since October, 2022, more than 1000 attacks have targeted Ukraine's infrastructure using missiles and drones.

     Ah, the Russyans-very interesting peoples. Still trying to revive the czarist era, for whatever reason.

Have a nice lunch boys.

Sierra Snow Blowing

   As forecast, a late winter snow storm, blizzard slammed the Sierra Nevada this weekend. The CHP closed I-80 at Colfax yesterday; and is now closed only to tractor-trailor vehicles. All others need chains and or snow tires and 4-wheel drive. Many events have been cancelled or postponed due to this weather. Locals did their best to adjust their daily lives: work, schools, events, shopping, etc. Power outages hit many communities including our own Tahoma. Liberty Power is working on improving the situation. Tahoma's own Ed Miller, dedicated civil servant of El  DO county was interviewed for an article published today in the New York Times. He was quoted , stating that when the power went out, his backup generator kicked in almost immediately; a system he says is an absolute necessity for living in the mountains.

      The storm is moving east as this is written, and will dissipate as it blows across the Basin and Range of Nevada and Utah befor reaching the Great Plains.

Stay warm.

Update: 1915hours

Liberty Energy has reported electric outages all along the West Shore from Tahoe City south along Highway 89 to Rubicon. Homewood has multiple outages across the energy grid. No specific time frame has been announced for restoration of services. Tune into the internet or use your iphone for updates.

Stranded in El Dorado

       The American Embassy in Colombia has been advised that immigration officials of the Colombian government are dealing with a local problem at the country's capitol city airport: El Dorado. A number of passengers arriving there are not the usual tourists: they are passengers stopped there as they layover on their journey elsewhere.

     Elsewhere? Where is elsewhere? As the world knows and has known for sometime, America is the "Elsewhere" referred to today. The modern communications revolution has informed the population of even the most backward 3rd world nation that opportunity exists in America. Opportunity does not exist in China, Russya, Iran, Cuba, North Korea, Lebanon, Iraq, Afghanistan, Egypt, and the rest. Only 1 country offers hope to these economic migrants and the doorway is illuminated by the torch-bearing lady known as "Miss Liberty', standing alone in New York harbor.  Hmmmm. And why is this?

     So, today, one can see an example of what happens to some of the migrants who have coughed up the funds to buy a ticket to get to the Mexican border/Rio Grande river. These migrants come from various 3rd world countries in Africa, most are sub-Saharan entities, countries with generational conflicts that continue to evade peace and stability. Take your pick, there are a plethora of examples that one can choose from: Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Congo, Mauritania, Chad, Cote d'Voire, etc. Somehow, a number of residents there were able to buy an airline ticket and pay for a guide to the real El Dorado-America. Hmmm. And then what happen?

     Like many international passengers these days, they missed their connection or were "bumped" for unexplained reasons(sound familiar?). And now stuck, like glue, to the airport in Colombia: El Dorado. The Colombian government has many problems, and this particular problem is hard to overlook because anyone can see it because: it's obvious-the passengers are black and they only speak French and they have no money to spend on anything. Maybe the Red Cross will help. How about the Russyans? Ha. Or the Chinese? Ha. Maybe Iran? Ha, again.

Have a nice day in El Dorado.

Cairo Hosts Meeting Between HAMAS and Israel

     The Egyptian government invited delegates from HAMAS, the Iranian supported terrorist murderers, and the Israeli government. It had been reported that both sides would discuss terms for an exchange: in this case the Israeli's would release Palestinian terrorist murderers and HAMAS would release a few innocent civilians taken hostage when HAMAS  terrorists invaded Israel on October 7, 2023. Israel asked that a list of "living hostages" held by HAMAS murderers be provided. The HAMAS murderers delegates-pirate leaders, refused to consider this request.

     Dealing with PIRATES is always the same-there is no 'dealing' with pirates/murderers. The only method is the traditional manner that is effective: kill the pirates.

Canada Research Center Infected by Chinese Spies

      Hmmmmm. What's going on across our northern border, the land of the Liberal government of Justin Trudeau? There's been a spate of bad news filtering south that Americans generally have noted and Americans near the border have noted in many instances of grave concern. It was reported that Canada will now require visas from visitors from Mexico due to information regarding those same Mexicans arriving then taking Uber south to enter the USA where they then disappear forever.

      And then, a long article high lighted the serious problem of auto theft in the country's major cities. Thieves target fancy cars and SUVs, place them in containers which are then shipped to various destinations in Europe and the Middle East where waiting buyers jump at the chance to own a modern vehicle as opposed to a horse, a cow, a mule, or a camel.

    And then, we hear/read of a problem at the top secret health laboratory where scientists study current issues regarding viruses and genetic modification of same. Two Chinese scientists were found to have been sharing information with their counterparts in China. One of them told supervisors she was going to Shanghai to visit family. It was discovered that she, in fact, went to the PLA/government lab to exchange secret information taken from Canada. Her partner was also accused of the same. They have since disappeared. The Canadian government went to great lengths to hide this information which has been known for over 2 years. It was only after formal requests were resubmitted did this become public information. There's some 'splaining due, but not much has come forth from Mr. trudeau's office(s).

Alexei Navalny Laid to Rest

       Renowned Russyan dissident, Alexei Navalny was surrounded by mourners in Moskva yesterday as locals and supporters convened to pay their espects to this modern day martyr, who died in prison where he was serving a life sentence for opposing the Little Dictator, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, Wannabe Soviet Retro Leader.

      His story is a classic Russyan tragedy with all the elements necessary to make it so. Handsome, young, gifted with charisma and high intelligence, this individual would not buckle to Putin's insistence that he remain silent. After a failed attempt at poisoning, the Kremlin decided enough: let's put him away where we can keep an eye on him. When Alexei returned from hospital in Germany where he miraculously recovered from Novichuk, he ascended the throne of sainthood because he knew he would be arrested immediately; and he was.

     His widow, Julia, will carry on his work. His two young children will go through their lives knowing the lessons of protest and the evils of Putin, Peskov, and the thousands of others who support the Kremlin's Mad Idiot.

Stormin' in Sierra

     By now, most folks vic. Tahoma are aware of the surrounding weather: SNOW Falling. This probably the heaviest dump of the '23-'24 winter precipitation cycle.  Today, now, I-80 is closed east bound @ Colfax, fairly low elevation. West bound, closed @ Truckee. Planning; there's no excuse these days for becoming stranded and endangering life and limb. As we also know, there are "rock Heads " everywhere who think the warnings are for others and they are "too smart" to become victims of their own stupidity.

     So, sit back by the fire, ensure that your roof is not sagging inward, and enjoy the quiet. This storm's totals will insure a great bit of spring skiing/boarding across the northern Sierra. Ski Week/ Easter Week will bring lots of folks to our 'hood. Keep your eyes on the road.

Cole Brauer: First Woman to Circumnavigate the Globe-SOLO

         It won't be long before the world greets a new hero: Ms. Cole Brauer,29. She'll arrive in Spain where she began her epic journey more than 5 months ago; the journey that involved crossing the world's oceans all by herself in a sailboat. Yes, a sailboat. This sprite of a human at 5'1" tall and barely 50 kilograms, has done what no other woman has done before: soloed a sailboat around the world. This very experienced sailor shared her experience on Instagram garnering a following of more than 400,000 followers. Her personality shines through as she overcame significant problems enroute, a few unexpected and many anticipated as part of sailing anywhere.

      She is adept at communicating her situation(s) and is able to inspire followers with her pluck and mental strength. Her 40' sloop requires constant care while at the same time, she requires constant self care-read sleep, food, maintenance of self needs, and self control to navigate her route. Her story is not an "Eras Tour" story but one of self discovery, learning, and gathering a one-in-a-lifetime experience she'll keep for the rest of her life.

     She is truly an American hero and an inspiration for all, especially young women who may harbor self doubts about "what am I here for"(thank you, Billie E.)

Check her out on Instagram and her 40' sloop- FIRST LIGHT

Canada to Require Visas Again

      No, Johnny, not you; but Juan and Juanita from waaaaayyyyyy  down south, Mexico way. If traveling to Canada from a location in Mexico, Mexican nationals will be required to have a visa to legally enter our northern neighbor. It seems that those that can afford a ticket purchase figured that paying a 'coyote' to get across the Rio Grande is an expensive hassle; it's much better to fly into Ontario, Montreal, or Vancouver and take an Uber ride across the border to El Dorado where the streets are paved with gold.

     Under pressure from Washington, et.al., the Liberal Government of Justin Trudeau found it easy to make the call. Conservatives have been applying pressure against Mr..Trudeau and his government recently in an attempt to make changes. Immigration is just one area where they have had some success. Who wants to the country that leaks immigrants to America? Not a good look, no matter who's in charge in Ottawa.

And this is just one of many issues bubbling up across the the Canadian realm. What else? How about the national science laboratory of Canada, for starters.

Where is Do Kwon?

       You know: Do Kwon, the Stanford University student who founded TerraForm Labs, a cryptocoin company that collapsed along with Sam Bankman-Fried's little crypto currency project. Mr. Kwon is in jail in: Montenegro, that European country in southern Europe near Greece. He was arrested there as he tried to evade police who had a warrant outstanding for his immediate arrest. The US Securities office has filed charges against him and his operation charging fraud, among others.

     Mr. Kwon was holding 3 different passports, two were fakes. He was hoping to get away without going back to face the music in the US. Did Mr. Kwon take any ethics classes while down on the Farm? Did he hang out with other brilliant undergrads at Stanford? Did he dine with Sam Bankman-Fried? Did he he go to Peets coffee on University Ave. and hobnob with like-minded techies? We won't know until his trial, which is slated to begin soon. He may not attend initially as the extradition proceedings take a bit longer. His lawyer, Mr. Patton, says he will not delay the proceeding by asking for an extension.  Mr. Kwon claims he has nothing wrong. Hmmmmm. Can we feel his pain? No.

Have a nice day.

Pirates Continue to Hold Hostages

        Like Dumbo holding the magic feather that allows him to fly, HAMAS continues to hold the Israeli hostages in Gaza as the Israeli Defense Force prepares for the final battle in Gaza. It will not be pretty but let us not forget how Iran and HAMAS triggered the war by invading Israel and murdering 1200 innocent, defenseless civilian women and children. HAMAS is beneath contempt as are the supporters of Palestinians(useful idiots) in the USA. The terrorists hiding among the population are nothing but pirates and will be dealt with harshly. Execution will be their collective fate, and the world will be freed of their evil. Iran is next.

Guatemalans Riot in California

      My, my, Gov. Newsom, what is going on in your home county(Marin)? Marin County is one of the most expensive places to live in California and America. Buying a home there requires top dollar income levels. A basic starter home-old, 1-story, marginal area, fixer-upper home, will require 1 million + to get in. Oh, then there's the property taxes and fees, fees, fees, fees. Newsom's Folly= California. Oh, and the utility bills will choke a horse.

     Last week, the Guatemalan consular office scheduled a local effort to give passports to many of their citizens now living in Marin county. There are many, many, Guatemalans here without legal status. They are illegals who have entered the old fashioned way: strolling across the southern border with Mexico. Now these illegals are trapped by their decisions: they cannot return "home" and re-enter the USA because:they are illegal and would risk being caught by ICE and banned for 10 years. So, the consulate decided, as they have done several times in the past to hold passport clinics on site in central San Rafael, the Marin County seat. An appointment was necessary to enter the queue. Folks started lining up after midnight. By dawn, there was more than 500 folks milling about the community center. After the arrival of the consular officials and staff, fights broke out between Guatemalans with appointments and those without appointments- shocking! So, a wise person called the police.

       Then what happened? 6 uniformed officers arrived after traveling a mile from headquarters. They were confronted with an angry mob that was getting out of control. Clearly outmanned and in grave danger, the police officers retreated after telling the consular officials to leave the city and stop issuing passports. 

       Immigration continues to baffle politicians from top to bottom, San Rafael being the bottom. And Gov. Gavin is running for higher office, somewhere. Good luck but stop wasting your money: you've reached your highest level of incompetency already.

21st Century Vietnam Inspection

       Well, now, it seems like only last year Vietnam was a backwater of business and culture. Not now: it's catching up- fast. Our Minister of East Asian Affairs has been on a fact-finding examination of all things Vietnamese. The reports have been fascinating as the facts expose the truths on the ground: good and bad. Of course, when dealing with Communists, there's always the good and a lot of the bad. Separating the two is easy in some cases, not so much in others.

      Natural beauty is one of the goods: SE Asia has a climate that can be overwhelming at times: two monsoon seasons slam the environment annually- the Northeast and the Southwest monsoons alternate in summer and winter. Both control many things locally: agriculture and transportation to name two. For many years , rice was a chief export commodity which stalled during the American War so named by government bureaus. The French War predates the one and blends the two at the end of the French colonial period(1800's to 1954). The French influence continues as the Catholic religion continues to be a strong influence. Architecture in Ha Noi exhibits much of the French influence in design and construction. Catholic churches and cathedrals dot the landscape, primarily in cities.

     For first time visitors, the modernization of the urban setting is clear: high rise buildings claim the city centers; electric vehicles challenge the streets and highways; bright lights glow after sundown, displaying neon signage as well as any Hong Kong neighborhood. Also evident is the rise in the middle class: coffee shops abound and young urbanites enjoy their espresso made with domestic arabica beans from the highlands. Ho Chi Minh city is a bustling delta/coastal enclave that offers a taste of world-class culture: iphones are abundant; electric bikes and scooters purr across the broad boulevards, and modern hotels offer comfortable rest.

     Not too many years ago, internet shops were prolific, now replaced with laptops, phones, and wifi. Youth will be served, as the pundits say. 

     In the background, the government, Communist, enjoys a stern grasp of the population. Ever vigilant for unrest and protest of policy, oversight is evident in the many cameras viewing activities among the residents. Internal passports aid in efforts to maintain control directly. If one wants to visit an indigenous village or cultural site, permission must be granted before that visit: identity, length of stay, and reason for the visit must be known ahead of approval. The local bureaucrats must be aware of all internal movement.

       The economy is growing and foreign investment is evident not just in retail stores, but in business, much of which is conducted via the internet. Things are changing in Vietnam, and changing fast. 

More later

A New Lunatic: Odysseus on the Moon

     The weather has cleared over California and the moon shone brightly last evening. Lake-side dwellers were treated to that fabled view from the shore of a Moonrise over the Nevada portion of the Sierra and the glistening stream of reflected light ripples into the landscape. It was announced that in the early afternoon on February 22, 2024, an unmanned lunar lander touched down on the moon's dusty surface successfully. It was a combined effort by NASA and a private contractor. The 6-legged vehicle touched down on a mission to gather data to be used in the near future when NASA will launch a vehicle that will land astronauts on the moon's surface again next year.

Book Review : A Hero for the Ages: Guardian of Guadalcanal, by Gary Williams. Lakota Press, 2014

       A local from Tahoma handed the Mayor a little book last weekend. He thought there was an interesting story in it. Well, there was an interesting story found there. It does not involve a modern day hero, but one from the last century-the 20th for those counting. WW II brought many many heroes to the world(along with countless scoundrels); not a few unrecognized and unrewarded. In this particular case, his actions at the cost of his young life and his bright future were recognized by  a group of leaders on the scene in the South Pacific island of Guadalcanal.

      For you youngsters-millenials,etc., WW II is ancient history, but it will be remembered as the last 'good' war- clearly defined antagonists, both good and bad.  The Solomon Islands, a group of tropical islands in the South Pacific was the scene of America's first effort against the Japanese army using ground forces; in this case the US Marines' 1st Infantry Division, assembled in haste to confront the Japanese who were on the march southward toward Australia. In August, 1942, after Pearl Harbor and after the Battle of Midway Is. in May of '42, Marines landed on the north shore of this jungle -covered swampy place where the Japanese were building an airstrip. 

       This was the first deployment of a Marine division anywhere. It was hastily assembled from units in Hawaii, California, and other locations. Few members had experience, but the leadership included many seasoned veterans. It was also the first use of combined forces: Navy, Army-air and ground, civilian transports, and Coast Guard sections. The Coast Guard units had been absorbed by the Navy; the civilian merchant seaman were under Army/Navy control. Command and control was made possible by on-the-job training. As the Marines began the operation(s), the Japanese recognized the threat and began its own reinforcement of the position with the landing of more troops and the deployment of key Japanese naval units to take on the US Navy, again. 

More later

New Victim in Russya

       It was announced in Russya by Russya state media that an American woman was arrested and brought before the Kangaroo Court of Injustice and charged with abusing the reputation of the army in Ukraine by making a $50 donation to a Ukrainian charity.

      The victim has an American passport and a Russyan passport. The American passport is not recognized as pre-eminent. She will be tried as a Russyan citizen, such as Alexei  Navalny, recently murdered in the Arctic prison where he was sent last year and died there. (His body has not been released).

    Dealing With Pirates

      This will now be the operative policy when dealing with Russya and Russyans. The international community can no longer recognize Russya as anything other than a state of Piracy. No truth will emerge from this country in the control of pirates. The world can no longer engage with it's leaders in any manner other than that which involves a plan of negotiating with pirates. Forewarned is forearmed.

     Photos of the victim have been distributed for propaganda purposes around the world. Read: this is how we treat dissenters no matter where we find them-at home or abroad. Her name: Ksenia Karelina, age 33. She calls Los Angeles, California home.

Welcome to not so modern Russya.

Have a nice day.

Traveler Alert: No Go Russya

      Well, finally,a word from our sponsor(s): If you are an American citizen :DO NOT TRAVEL TO Russya or any part of it. You will subject to arrest, imprisonment, harassment, and extreme isolation in Siberia.

     This warning comes from the United States Department of State as an urgent message to ALL Americans. The rogue state of Russya has now put into practice the illegal practice of arresting visitors to that state. As policy, the Kremlin now focuses on those Americans who foolishly think that they are safe from the Kremlin when traveling with an American passport. This is not true. The Kremlin no longer follows international law. Amnesty International has also advised against travel to anywhere within the borders of Russya. President for Life Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin has crossed into the dark world of oppressive governments that no longer wish to be members in good standing with international norms or laws.

Again: DO NOT TRAVEL TO RUSSYA or any part thereof.

Who's Next In the Gulag?

      That answer is easy in the West: Vladimir Kara-Murza. He's been imprisoned in the Russyan Governments Penal System, the system long used by Czars, Dictators, and descendants of dictators(presidents,etc). Mr. Kara-Murza is a Brit and he was arrested in Russya over a year ago; tried in the Kangaroo Court of Russya's version of a legal system(not legal, not a system). He was convicted and sentenced to 29 years of confinement. He's still alive. Imagine that.

    But we know after reading of Alexei Navalny's death in the Arctic near the White Sea that no one is secure, safe, or beyond the reach of the murderers of the Kremlin. Vladimir has a wife and 3 young children. Does Putin care? How about that stellar "Useful Idiot" Tucker Carlson, the personification of Fox News and the vile Murdochs.  Good luck, Vladimir. The world watches and waits; and not hoping for the best, but in a crude way, trying to make some opportunity to getyou out of the Russyan Rat Hole where you've been housed. As long as the Russyan army is crashing through Ukraine, chances of a break through with your case are slim. But you will not be forgotten, no matter what.

Yulia Navalnaya Will carry On

 Alexei Navalny's widow, Yulia, will continue the campaign against the dictator and his minions of thugs, thieves, murderers, and kleptomaniacs found in every corner of the Kremlin: the penitentiary without bars. Alexei's body has not been given to the family; one wonders how the leader of the Orthodox Church feels about this cultural slight. Could it be that he, too, has been silenced by the Kremlin? Where is the patriarch now? Cowering in St. Vladimir's cathedral? Hmmm.

      Putin's descent into madness is close to complete, and time will mark the end of his descent. All the signs of acute mental deterioration are evident with minimal observation: Tucker Carlson, the useful idiot from Fox News, was called out by the Little Dictator himself for avoiding any useful questions that would have allowed Putin to spout his prepped answers. Poor Tucker, so needy, even with his money and notoriety. A useful idiot personified.

   Yulia seems to have the integrity and the spine to carry on; she'll need both as she becomes the new target of sinister forces of the FSB/Kremlin operations. Now that Russyan army units are again on the march in Ukraine, caskets will begin arriving in large numbers throughout the country including the far reaches of the Steppe and Siberia, reaching Vladivostok for sure. No male is safe in Russya from the long reach of Moskva/VOVA.

Have a Nice Day

China Needs Babies

      Information has trickled into the media about Chinese birthrates. Yes, birthrates, of all topics. Pushed to the side are rumblings over Taiwan; postings about the harassment of Philippine fishing boats in the South China Sea(not a Chinese Sea); posts about Hong Kong and the disappearance of various opposition leaders.  So, why this new topic?

        Well, it must mean that a few wags have managed to get some data and more than enough info to shed light on a sensitive Chinese problem: fewer babies are being born, ergo, the future of the Chinese economy will have fewer workers to provide necessary workers to expand the economic future. Ok. We remember the '80's: the One Child Family law that would cure the future problem of too many mouths to feed. That law stopped the population "bomb" in its tracks. Result: nobody wants babies, especially Chinese women.

     Recently, the Communist Government leaders in Beijing decided to offer a cash incentive to families who have children. They've offered the equivalent of $1000. Ha, ha, ha,ha. This really underscores the sad truth that government leaders all the way up and down the ladder have no clue whatsoever about modern families. And the cost of raising said family. A whole generation has learned the sad truth about the housing programs and the cost of housing as a family expense. Oh, you bought a condo? Oh, now you wish to finish this "home"? Oh, it hasn't been built yet. Oh, the builder filed for bankruptcy. Oh, Beijing has taken over the development. Oh, you put all your savings into the purchase. Oh, you don't have the funds to provide: doors, windows, appliances, fixtures, lights, heat, AC, etc? Too bad, you. Oh, the Beijing solution: tear down those apartments already built to stabilize the market. Oh, Beijing will get back in the housing business because capitalism failed our Chinese leaders, again. Hmmm.

Happy New year: Year of the Dragon. Boom, boom, boom.

Japan Economy Slips to 4th

      Well, the numbers are in and Japan is experiencing a recession. The national economy lost ground in the last 2 quarters and is now by definition, in recession. Hmmmmm. What does this mean? Depends on who you ask. Japan has a myriad of elements to its national economic mix: technology for sure; heavy industry, automobile manufacturing, numerous connections in other parts of the world including China, India, and the USA.

      But at home, consumers have been reluctant to spend, again. Caught in a bind between interest rates, spending, and saving. While deflation has not been mentioned yet, Japan has been struggling for years to put some life into its consumer spending side. Famously frugal, the Japanese saver(s) are slow to respond to government expectations. Why spend? I might need more money tomorrow, or next week, or next month, or ............................

      So, the world watches as the USA soars to new economic heights. Oh, and don't forget to look west across the Sea of Japan. See the behemoth there? That's the 2nd largest economy in the world and they, too, are in recession. Hmmmmmmm. What now Xi?

Navalny is Dead: Kremlin

       Although the circumstances of his death have not been made known, it is now accepted as fact that Alexei Navalny id dead. He died under harsh conditions in the prison(gulag) facility located above(north) of the Arctic Circle in the middle of winter, a Siberian winter. A very sad death, indeed. President Joe Biden blames Putin outright. No surprises here. recall it was just a few months ago that Yevgeny Prighozin  and his Wagner Group leaders were assassinated by having their jet plane disabled while flying to St. Petersburg when a wing was blown off by a well-placed explosive device. Also the crew members were also among the dead. Collateral damge is the term to describe their unfortunate deaths. But, this is Russya, Home of The Rus, where anything can happen to  anybody, anytime.

                      A Very Nice looking Family: Father, Mother, daughter, and son.

                    Rest in Peace, Alexei. You are a martyr with a capital M. You will rank high in the pantheon of opponents of dictator Putin and his henchmen.

Putin Prefers Biden

      In a statement meant to create a moderate position from the Kremlin, home of murderous lackies of VOVA, Mr. Putin, who orders assassins around the world, decided that Mr. Biden, the sitting US President, would be preferred to former President Donald J. Trump. Hmmmmmm. And we all thought the two were love bros. Not so.

     VOVA is looking ahead, and he doesn't want to deal with a moron when it comes to international politics and international problems such as Ukraine, Gaza, Israel, China, Taiwan, North Korea, and Iran. VOVA already has a lot on his plate. Then he calls Siberia and the prison in the Arctic where Alexei Navalny has been housed for several months after being transferred. Thursday, Mr. Navalny was looking fine and talking about his conditions of living. Today, he is dead. Hmmmm. Yes, the Siberian winters are cold, but he was inside being protected from the harshest conditions there. His wife announced in Munich that her husband is dead. That is sufficient to accept the reality. And where will this former opposition leader be buried? Hopefully, his remains will be exiled to a comfortable cemetery out of Russya. He's too good, even dead, to be buried in that primitive country run by dictators and their henchmen.

R.I.P. Alexei

Trump Out of New York Business

   DJT is out of business in New York State, and both of his sons. His corporation is no longer allowed to operate in the state for 2 years. Hmmmmm. Is this the beginning of the implosion we've all been waiting for? Seems like if his company must pay $350 millions, it might constrain everything related to the Donald. Of course, Ms. Baba, his attorney, says this is part of the "witch hunt" which is pursuing DJT. They will appeal. Oh, good, the court will decide in a few minutes. 

      Now the various courts can move on with the big issues: is DJT immune from prosecution? Did DJT  steal classified documents when he left office and conspire to retain those same documents to impress prospective clients?  Sad to say but yes, the courts will decide he he intended to steal those important papers as he exited the White House where he soiled the presidency for 4 years until he committed insurrection on January 6, 2021.

    Now, about the election tampering charges in the State of Georgia. The fog surrounding the attorney general, Ms. Willis will soon end and that case will move forward. The smoke screen put up by the RNC and trump's legal beagles will go away. Then we'll see how DJT does with the state's laws versus federal laws.

Keep watching; keep listening; more to come. 

ALexei Navalny: Report of Death in Arctic Prison

        No surprise here: dissident citizen of Russya sent to gulag prison, placed in isolation. News agencies reported today that Alexei Navalny has died. This could mean he's sick. On Thursday, he gave a recent update and seemed fairly healthy. And now, probably dead.

       His wife, Yulia, took the stage at the Munich International Conference and announced that the Kremlin, home to heaps of Russyan scum lords, Navalny has died. Yulia, standing with remarkable composure, made a statement to attendees that this information from prison authorities cannot be accepted without question, acknowledged that it is probably factual. She went on to say that the Little Dictator will pay for this outrage against the Russyan peoples and will be brought to justice soon. Vice president Kamala Harris was in attendance. 

     So, here we go: more evidence of the state of affairs at home among the government lackies of the Kremlin, the source of the grief in Ukrainian space. No doubt Putin(VOVA) decided he needed some ammo for the media that has been taken over by the IDF in Gaza, home of terrorists HAMAS, killers of women and children, hostage takers, oppressors of Palestinian natives.

     Happy Lunar New Year

Ex-Fox Broadcaster Interviews Putin

      Remember old What's His Name? You know, the talking head of Fox News "fake News" Department? Yes, that one, who was removed from his broadcasting role by Fox owners Lachlan and Rupert Murdoch. Yes, the father and son team from down under who came to the USA and bought up a bunch of media outlets and tapped into a media market loaded with disgruntled low class blockheads who wanted to hear some rubbish spew from some talking heads. Tucker Carlson, the San Francisco native who went to the dark side to satisfy an insatiable need for publicity. And do we need anymore of his ilk when we already are overloaded with the type?

      So, his people set up an interview with the Russyan dictator-for-life Vladimir (VOVA)Putin. He likes useful idiots and here comes another one who needs a little attention. Ok, I'll use him, too. What, Tucker? You are asking about the American journalist that was arrested 10 months ago? He has fallen afoul of federal laws against spying in our country. Oh, he works for the same family as you work for? Hmmm. Well, they shouldn't send spies to Russya; we have laws that are very strict about spying, or anything else I don't like. It's out of my hands, really. Evan Gershkovich should not have come to Russya and claimed to be a journalist when he had other objectives. Our courts will decide his fate, not me.

     So, the useful idiot Carlson babbles on about nothing, giving VOVA a platform in America with one of the most disgraceful talking heads to appear on national TV in awhile. But then, he appeared on Fox News, a noted purveyor of fake news and partisan political sympathies. These are strange times and we aren't sure where they will end up. Nor does VOVA know as he continues to have his military forces rain missiles on defenseless Ukrainian cities, most recently in the city of Kharkiv where a missile landed in a fuel tank farm that exploded and sent flaming fuel into a residential neighborhood killing many residents.

Happy New Year-The Year of the Dragon, and it starts off with a big bang,

49ers v. Chiefs: Tied at End of regulation in Las Vegas

      Well, here we go: Overtime in Vegas. 19-19 tie.

49ers elect to receive.

Late News;

Chiefs win, scoring a touchdown with seconds to go after almost 1 more full quarter of play. Chiefs 25-49ers 22.

Chiefs win two Super Bowls in a row.

Mahomes is MVP again. Brock Purdy of the 49ers will have to wait until next year to try for a Super Bowl win. Even down 10 points, the Chiefs prove to be resilient and can never be counted out. Never with Mahomes at quarterback.

HAMAS Wants to Negotiate

       This offering is so insulting that Israel's Netanyahu scoffs and responds with an aggressive retort: : removal of HAMAS is our only goal since they massacred over 1200 innocent civilians and focused their attacks on defenseless women and children, especially using the cruelest methods most reprehensible known to mankind.  Do they really want an exchange of Palestinian prisoners, those jailed criminals locked up for criminal acts? What reasoning can they be using? 

      Do they really want 1000 criminals in exchange for the HOSTAGES they removed from their homes after murdering other family and friends? Where do they get these notions of argument? Oh, we know where: Iran, land of the Islam loving world peace keepers where the Palestinian assault troops were trained to execute masses of innocents. That question is easy to answer as we know HAMAS is an acolyte of all things Iranian.

     Israel must finish the job-eliminate HAMAS once and for all. Enough already-give no quarter to these pirates. They deserve no quarter-ever.

USA to China: Let's Talk

       So, Joe Biden and Company wants to reach out to Beijing, again. This time on economics and trade. Who will be the point person: our beloved Janet Yellen. She's an experienced negotiator and well versed on all things economic. Tariffs, trade, open markets, copyright infringement, corporate secret theft, cyberhacking(see earlier post of FBI  announcement), Chinese asylum seekers at the southern border; Jimmy Lai's prison sentence; Hong Kong's problems, etc. The list is fairly endless.

     But China cannot hide its economic downward slide. Too many foreign investors are fleeing the Communist business environment, heading: abroad, home, any where else. Chinese economy No. 10, G.I. No bueno. Carmakers are wondering how long before the EV industry can continue there if nobody is buying the product. battery metals are abundant and now the prices have slid into the TOTO toilet. The Americab public has awakened to a new mindset: EV's are not the current solution despite the government's push to stop the manufacturing of gas-powered cars and force Detroit to build EVs.

     So, Janet Y. will have lots to talk about with her Chinese peers-those in thrall to Xi Jen Ping & Co. in Beijing. What can she hope to accomplish: less aggression in the South China Sea? Less aggression toward Taiwan? Less restriction on the sale of computer chips China desperately needs for the economy? Well, that's a mouthful. Chips-so much to analyze. Japan is also in the mix because they set up multiple factories in China and now must regroup and rethink all those decisions. Can Japan be frozen out of the country under threat of embargoes? Can Janet leverage the sanctions against chip sales to Chinese companies? I think, as Mayor of Tahoma, that Janet has lots of leverage this time. The collapse of Evergrande, the 2nd largest real estate developer, is a signal that there are huge problems inherent in Beijing's control of the economy. Millions of real estate sales on homes to be built were never realized: the would-be owners were loaned money to buy and have nothing to show for their effort excepting worthless receipts. That's business; in China.

    Good Luck, Ms. Yellen. You'll have our support along the way to some policy changes in Beijing. Xi: are you listening? The clock is ticking.

It's Raining on the Houthis in Yemen

        Well, now, the rebellious terrorists on the Arabian peninsula are feeling the sting of reprisals. Reprisals are always a shock to instigators of rebellion. But in Yemen, the Houthis have held sway long enough that they are on everybody's radar these days, including Joe Biden's USA and MBS and his Saudis.

      So, it's raining various missiles onto Houthi concentrations, disabling lots of the arms so generously supplied by the Imams nearby; the Imams from Iran, source of so much discord brought about by their tunnel visions of a world to which they would like to return before they arrive in their heaven. You know: their heaven with its multitudes of young virgins waiting for the arrival of martyrs.

     So, the Houthis wanted a little publicity so they began targeting oil tankers traversing the narrow ocean channels on their way to markets in the Pacific Ocean(Japan and China to name a few). These tankers are defenseless leviathans built for bulk liquid cargoes. No antiaircraft weapons; no on board gun crews, not much more than navigation instruments and one or two lifeboats for the few crew members(cook, quartermaster, captain, navigator, chief engineer/systems monitor). In a nutshell: helpless.

     So, Houthis being terrorists, they decide to expand their reach with Iranian weapons put to their use. A missile here, a missile there, and we have tanker traffic diverted to the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. Now governments are being besieged by Big Oil: Hey, our taxes pay your bills; we expect our taxes to fund the Navy and provided protection around the world. When will that happen? Result: two carrier groups head east and deliver some Springtime warmth to the Houthis: long established targeting data is opened aboard the carriers; the target data is uploaded to the strike force aircraft, and they are armed and launched on a mission to destroy Houthi/Iranian supplied military assets. Several days of air attacks have left an impression in Sana and Baghdad. Anybody listening? NO, not really; the Imams are busy plotting against Israel, stoking fears in the region. Nothing new here; same old, same old, since 1948.

F.B.I. Testifies: The Chinese are Hacking Their Way to the USA

      The Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the F.B.I., testified in from of a Congressional committee yesterday. He laid out a few facts regarding cybersecurity concerns that have occupied the Bureau's cybersecurity experts. These tech wizards are charged with securing domestic networks and the controls over the vast infrastructure(s) that keep the national utility system free from outside interference. Mr. Wray spelled out what has been going on as a result of the Chinese military's infiltration of computer networks in the USA.

      He specified in detail what the hacking attacks have attempted.  The Beijing hackers focused on such things as air traffic control, water systems in urban areas, pipeline operations, communications, and other transportation facilities. This past December, the Justice Department and the F.B.I. obtained court approval to dismantle a botnet, consisting of home computers and small office computer routers. Most of this equipment was so-called end-of-life gear, that material so old it no longer receives fixes and updates and remains vulnerable when still in service. These nodes were used to hide infiltrations from outside hackers who used them to conceal their malware tools designed to infect operational software.

      The statements concerning these Chinese hackers' activities were made in front of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. The Chinese Embassy in Washington didn't respond to a request for comment. The types of attacks and attempts were not spelled out but were known to be targeting "water treatment plants, the electrical grid, natural gas pipelines and train controls."

     Jen Easterly, director of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said these attacks would add to the chaos during a Chinese attack half way around the world, and so deter any military response and cause fear and anxiety at home.

    Hmmmmm. And now we know that online postings of economic decline in China have been systematically removed by the PLA.   And why?  

Bazball in India

        Well, Mr. Modi has a sports problem with--------the UK/ Great Britain/Colonizer/ ex-Raj perp/ railroad builder,etc. India has many sports fans and many sports participants. In many sports to be true, but above all cricket. It's a version of what Americans call baseball. Throw ball; hit ball; run; score points; win. Simple. But, not so simple.

        Unless an American lives in a community with a number of locals with sub-continent roots, the national sport  of India gets little play and even less respect. It has not been able to "catch" on in the States as homegrown sportsmen and women prefer to whack the horsehide on the green grass-covered pitch or diamond as it is called(really square). The Mayor played many years in his youth, coached by Dad at one time, and by dedicated baseball Dads with some time to spare in the afternoon(night workers, produce workers,etc). While not sure if Lefty O'Doul ever made it to India, we do know he introduced Japan to the sport after WWII. It has been a thriving success there and has sent more than a few stars to the MLB in the US. And so, cricket remains big in India and in the UK and I presume in Pakistan. So, last week an earthshaking contest had an unexpected outcome: the team from the UK trounced the home team in India. Again: the team from the UK trounced the Indian team.

      No, that has to be a falsehood; fake news; lies; misprints; AI-generated fantasy. No, no, no. Truth. The facts are just that: facts. the UK team beat India in 4 days(cricket takes longer and goes on for days before a victor emerges). How did this happen?   Hmmmmmm. Here in the US, we call it "Billy Ball". The numbers crunchers have taken over. Stats. Stats.Stats. Data,data,data. Results, results,results. All equals victorious outcomes. It happened in India. Oh, yes, Mr. Modi, this will add to your political problems. The results will reverberate for years. A complete reevaluation of  strategy is in the offing. Analysis, analytics, AI, supercomputers, planning, heads rolling; funds pumped up and funds depleted. Who's to blame? Blame them all, blame nobody; fire the coaches and retire the old dependables. This cannot continue. The challenge must be confronted on every level. Our dignity is on the line. Repel the invader/colonizers. Can you imagine what would happen if a Japanese team won the World Series in NYC? The same will happen now in India. Batten down the hatches; prepare for stormy weather/typhoons/hurricanes/tornadoes,etc.

    Ollie Pope: the scourge of India. scored 196 runs, one of the greatest displays of batting in history. 196. Remember the number now and forever. It has changed the world of sport, forever. Michael Vaughn, former team captain, called it the greatest victory in his lifetime. Mine, too.

Winter Has Arrived

    So, Tahoma has a winter after all. A little late, but better than nothing. Snow will be falling in the Tahoe Basin and it might just persist for a few days, dumping quite a bit. The highest elevations will receive the the most, as usual. Lakeshore, less. Just how much remains to be seen. So, Have  your emergency supplies, if you haven't done so, get on it, now.

   Stay safe; keep  communications devices up and charged. Stay warm and dry; don't go out unless you have to. Remember: we live in the Sierra.

Death of a Poet in Ukraine

       The Great War of the early 20th century produced a number of poets, many of whom went on to greatness. Many died in combat. They became a collective group of "War Poets"; artists who captured the humanity and death of a generation of soldiers sent to Europe to oppose oppression from Germany; poets from America, Russya, Italy, and of course, Great Britain.

     And now, poets from Ukraine follow the footsteps of the earlier "War Poets", expressing the thoughts and feelings of those about to die. A 33 year old Ukrainian poet died in combat just a few weeks ago, January 7th. Witnesses reported he died when a Russyan shell hit his foxhole on the front lines. He had posted thoughts on January the 6th, the day before. 

      Maksym Kryvtsov was an activist early on, taking part in demonstrations calling for the ouster of former president Viktor Yanukovych, who supported Russya. Maksym began writing poetry at an early age, and had a following. He published sentences of work days before his death. An example:

   "My severed arms/ Will sprout as violets in the spring"-January 6. 2 days later , his Mother posted:

"My dearest son will sprout as violets". His fans understood the meaning. 

     When Russyan forces invaded in February, 2022, Maksym rejoined the army to fight the invaders. He wrote about returning to war:

 He took the cat that was like a pastry

And said: Cat, we need to go to War

Cold like ice

Came to us, like morning

Like life

Like illness

The lesson called "Quiet Life"

is over.

   He had joined the Ukrainian Special Forces and took part in the counteroffensive in fall of 2022. The poem he wrote prior to his death ended with these lines:

My bones will sink into the earth -Will become a carcass-My busted rifle will rust-poor thing- My spare clothes and equipment will be given to new recruits-Well I'd rather it were spring already-to finally Bloom

As a violet.

Maksym Kryvtsov was 33 years of age, and was buried after a service at St.Michael's Golden -Domed Monastery in Kyiv which was attended by hundreds of Ukrainians.

49er Victory: A Tale of Two Halves

      With great anticipation, Bay Area fans were on the edge when the kickoff started what turned out to be a memorable contest between 2 talented teams: San Francisco 49ers and the Detroit Lions. The 9ers were banking on their 24 year old phenom-Brock Purdy to lead them to victory. The Lions were counting on veteran QB, Jerod Goff, a Bay Area native, to do the same. Many Marin county friends wore the Blue and Grey of Detroit to support Jerod.

      The game started with amazing speed and Detroit scored a touchdown in the first drive, scoring after a few long runs found weakness in the defense. The 49ers were stunned, and the first half for San Francisco was a blizzard of failures and lost opportunities. Purdy threw an interception which added to their grief. The Lions continued their onslaught with 2 more touchdowns and added a field goal to make the score 24-7 at the halfway mark. The Red and Gold did manage to score one TD before the break, but it didn't do much to quiet the mounting concerns among the fans or among the coaches with head coach Kyle Shanahan. It didn't look good after 30 minutes of playing time. Fans in Santa Clara were subdued and rightfully worried as the 2nd half began.

     And what a 2nd half it was. It appeared that the boys from San Francisco had ripped the top off of a can of spinach, downed it immediately and played like renewed fighters. Down by 17 points, Brock Purdy had a list of jobs that would have cowed a 20 year veteran; but he displayed the "Right Stuff". 3rd and long-no problem: Purdy used his legs to make a first down and keep the drive alive. Need a few: Christian McCaffrey got 'em. Need long yardage: pass to Aiyuk. By the 4th quarter, score tied 24-24; but that was only for a few minutes. In no time, San Francisco added 10 more points making it 34-24 with a couple of minutes to go. The 49er defense rose to the occasion and stopped the Lions repeatedly preventing a score. When 4th down and short, Lion's coach Dan Campbell opted for the 1st down instead of a field goal: it cost him twice, what could have been the margin of victory. The Lions scored one more TD, but the clock wound down giving the Red and Gold a sweet come-from-behind victory in front of home town fans on a sunny, warm California January day. 

Kangaroos Hop Into Moskva Court

       Well, now, media reports today include descriptions of courtroom activities in Moskva, Russya's site of the Kremlin from which VOVA conducts his dictatorship. The Russyan "courts" are well known for displaying comic interpretations of law. Law? In Russya? Nyet. Nyet. Nyet. Yes, we have laws written in our language for our people and those "people" who visit Russya with criminal intent. Ha, ha.

      The reporter for the Wall Street Journal, Evan Gershkovich, made another appearance in a Russyan "court" room to be told, along with his Russyan appointed 'defense' counsel, that his "pretrial" detention has been extended. This is not the first extension of his incarceration in Moskva nor will it be the last. The young man has been "accused" of espionage while working as a state-approved journalist in Russya. Mad Vlad Putin and his sycophants need some leverage in dealing with the USA and Pres. Joe Biden. What better than to hold a hostage: it works. Another Americanski, Paul Whelan, a businessman, has been sitting in prison now for a few years of his 16 year sentence awarded by the Kangaroos in the system. Now the world knows about the Gulag era, which continues(see Alexei Navalny in state prison in the Arctic near the White Sea). This system, instituted in the 19th century was designed to punish those folks who disagreed with the Czar(king) of the country, the largest in the world.

      It was publicized as a more humane detention than regular prison for bad actors, criminals, pimps, and unruly soccer players. This falsehood was exposed by the American journalist, George Kennan, during and after his trip through the Steppe and through Siberia in 1885. He lectured far and wide in the US after the trip and gave the population its first look at Russya from the inside. It was not a pretty picture.

     So, the modern(Ha) gulag has more comfortable quarters for staff and electricity(mostly). Recently, the world got a glimpse of the inmates currently residing in some of the prisons: they were recruited to pump up the army units sent to Ukraine for Vlad's Special Operation. Yevgeny Prighozin promised the "volunteers" they would have their sentences commuted after serving in Ukraine. Of course, many "volunteered" for military service.(That program died when the Wagner Group was eliminated after its coup attempt last year).

      The legal system as it exists in Russya today is hardly worth the name. Its operations serve to enforce the dictats from the Kremlin. Hence, the staff members are kangaroos and acting as such: hopping around, making a mess, fostering laughter in every room, and inducing hysterical reactions wherever they hop.

    And what of the future of Evan Gershkovich? Hmmmm. If history is to be followed, an exchange will take place: something for Evan. What could that "something" be? Hmmmm. TBD.

Happy New Year, Evan. See ya soon, we hope.

It's The Economy, Stupid

      Well, now. We voters in Tahoma have been around; we've voted more than a few times in past decades. We know the drill: do yur homework. Don't believe everything you hear-read, read, and read some more. Don't listen to the jerk at the supermarket, nor the nerd at the espresso bar, or the sad sack at the Home Depot. believe what you want, but don't accept misinformation, "fake news", and anything a politician professes as gospel.

     A few days ago in sunny California, the Dems held a debate among a few candidates for the US Senate seat of the late departed  Sen. Diane Feinstein. Among them was former Dodger great Steve Garvey and sitting Congressman Adam Schiff. Adam Schiff was asked about the Russyan collusion claim that was spouted by many pols and he admitted that he told an untruth, aka. a lie. When have you heard of a politician admitting to a lie? Trump? NEVER!!!!!!

     So, Joe Biden has a booming economy in his favor. Last quarter of 2023 the US economy grew at the rate of 3.3% annually; a wonderful figure if you watch that number. The unemployment rate has been steady at about 3.6% or essentially full employment with everyone who wants to work is working somewhere. Yes, many employers are looking to hire but can't find "qualified" employees, employees who have necessary skills and experience.

more later

Winter in Northern Hemisphere

    Yes, there's snow on the ground in Tahoma: it's winter and we ski and sled and snowshoe across the frozen shore. In other climes, it rains and snows and temperatures dip below freezing routinely. Alexei Navalny is in a prison north of the Arctic Circle and it's cold up there. He does get some heat but isn't able to venture outside for a look see anywhere. Arctic winters are legendary, especially in Russya, the largest country in the world.

      Lately, winter has brought a different kind of rain in Ukraine, the independent nation under attack by the forces of Putin, over 340,000 of which have died there. Yes, almost as many deaths as the USA lost in WW II. But in 2 years, almost 3, instead of the 4 years of USA action in WW II. But, with Putin, it's not that numbers count but the 'ends' of Kremlin policy. In this case to divert attention from the failing state and its bizarre leadership by a gaggle of thick-headed bureaucrats and former police operatives. (Friends of Putin);  Missiles fired by Russya have rained down on Ukraine, especially cities in the DonBas region and the Kharkiv city that  is occupied by Ukrainians after retaking the city from Russyan forces last year. Drones were also used to bombard the city indiscriminately. Many civilians died as a result. Ah, Russya, your crimes will never be forgotten and long remembered.

      The Wagner Group is gone, so Vladimir hasn't targeted any other individuals for his failings yet. One in particular is of interest: American journalist Evan Gershkovich. A certified-by-Russya journalist, he was arrested while working in Russya for the Wall Street Journal as a news reporter. He has been confined now for over 8 months. No charges have been filed but he was arrested for alleged 'spying' for the USA. This is modern Russya: a failed state run by a dictator for life who is up for re-election in March. Ha. Elections in Russya? Don't be silly, Ivan.

      So, when will Putin begin negotiations for Evan's release? TBD. Maybe the puppet Peskov will make an announcement when he's sober, whenever that will be, nobody knows.  Must be interesting for the security forces watching Evan: he knows Russyan and speaks fluently; and he knows Russyan culture and history: a winning combo.

Happy New Year

Chinese Financials

       As folks from Tahoma and nearby environs know as a result of the Mayor's posts, the economy in China is on a downward trend. This "trend" appears to be a continuing movement. The real estate bubble there has burst, big time. Over 50 companies have disappeared in the last couple of years. More companies will soon follow.

     The citizenry has followed a path that challenges the Beijing lead into real estate: folks are no longer buying a place to live, they are renting in a down market for housing.  Thousands of "buyers" who took out loans and put down payments on condominiums are still waiting for their homes to be built. Meanwhile, the Communist government in Beijing is tearing down buildings hoping to stabilize the market. Hmmmm. When did this ever solve a real estate implosion?

      Now we also have other economic headwinds- those obstinate forces contrary to making headway. The Brain Trust in Beijing, run by the dictator Xi jin Ping, has announced that companies must return offshore funds to prop up the equities markets in the country, including its newest acquisition in Hong Kong where stock prices have tanked for the last couple of years. Oh, well, it's only money and is directed by Xi JP, chief financial officer of the Communist government. He announced that $280 billion must be returned to fix things up. At the same time, foreign companies are fleeing the Chinese economy for more promising venues(Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Singapore,etc). Valuations of HK companies have plummeted, down 48% in the last year alone. Sure, there are international implications but the most severe are at home in XiJP Land, friend of North Korea and other redoubts of dictatorships.

       What went on recently in Davos, Switzerland? A big party, not much else. A few concerns about Gaza, Yemen, Red Sea, Panama, New Hampshire, Atlanta, and maybe Washington, DC. Not much else. Keep an eye on Beijing, more to come.

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency: New Permit Fees

       Just when you thought it was safe to enter the placid blue waters of Lake Tahoe, the TRPA has issued new permit fees. If you think these are an improvement, read on. The TRPA is a regional oversight entity that manages all development in the Tahoe Basin(and some outside,too). This bi-state org was put in place so that the states of Nevada and California would not develop or implement separate rules for in-basin projects. It has worked, for the most part, over the last 50 years +/-.

        After the Highway 50 fire that almost wiped out Stateline, development ran into headwinds immediately as property owners ran into severe permitting issues as they tried to rebuild(normal). But, as any homeowner will tell you, the process is not for the faint-of-heart. The 'crats in El Dorado, Placer, and Nevada only follow the rules, meaning get ready to wait; get ready to spend, and get ready to fight with your insurance company at the onset. 

      So, TRPA has developed a whole new set of fees to replace those of the immediate past. The list is long; the list is confusing; the list is for every project, large and small. Small projects-repairs, replacements(small), ADU's, conversions,etc. appear to have been streamlined(debatable). Depends on the peculiar project. Each and every detail will be scrutinized down to the last nail-again-normal. All owners will be subject to incessant questions and clarifications-again, normal. Will there be a savings now? Will there be a much needed speed up in approval? Time will tell; but as residents of California know: it's never easy, and is the primary reason residents flee the former "golden" state for Texas, Florida, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona- it's cheaper and easier than California. 

       Gov. Gruesom  thinks a super majority in the legislature is wonderful: he can get things passed, such as Proposition 19 that has gutted old Prop. 13. But, folks are on to this dodge, and signatures are being gathered to put a ballot measure before the voters, again, in November.

     But, I digress. Back to TRPA: fees. Check out the Tahoe Environmental web site/Jeff Cowen, and view the new fee schedules for yourself.

The Blue and Gold Flag

       Russyan policeman: "Comrade Ivaninka, are you wearing lipstick in colors of yellow and blue?"

Ivanika: "Why, yes, comrade Boris FSB person. Do you like how my lips look today?".

FSB operative: "Ivaninka, this is a gross violation of national security laws and you have caused disrespect for our military personnel operating in the Mother Country's "special operation" in the former Ukrainian breakaway land we now are returning to the Mother Country as is our destiny as children of the ancient Rus tribal nation(s). As a result of your disrespect, you are under arrest. Do not resist; you will now go with me to jail where you will be subjected to the honesty and law of our hugely successful legal system that is the envy of the civilized world outside of the Mother Country, which I remind you is the largest country in the world. Your wrists, please. Cuffs Ok?

Ivaninka:" Would it make a difference if I used a different shade of blue?".

FSB lackey: "Not my concern. Tell it to the judge".

Ivaninka: "How about 20 rubles?" and we can forget the whole incident?".

FSB turd: "Don't complicate the issue here, comrade and fellow Russyan". It's not becoming at all. I'm just doing my job, but you are very attractive and I'm unattached. Maybe, after the trial and you pay the fine, we could go dancing or clubbing if that's sounds like fun?.

Ivaninka: "Are you hitting on me, or just making conversation? 

FSB lackey: "If you persist in using western psychology on me, it could affect the amount of the fine. Here's my cell phone number, call me from prison, why don't you. I have a nice apartment near the river with a great view, large screen flat TV and I'm tuned in to some great streaming services that show many. many western shows. I also have imported wines from California where I have many friends in the wine country-Napa/Sonoma. Ok?.

Ivaninka: "What's your real name, Comrade?

 FSB turd: Oleg.

Ivaninka: "Shove it, you vodka swilling dirt bag".

Protests in Russya

       Are there protests against Putin's "special operation" in Ukraine? Yes, there are. However, not like it used to be. It seems the Kremlin needs to stifle all protest and all dissent. Recently, the main media in the USA did some research on the subject. They examined the many cases of arrests of protestors in the largest country in the world led by a dictator.

      What   they found after examining all, that is-ALL the cases in Russya where a citizen of the country was arrested by police and charged with violations of "law" regarding dissent against the Ukrainian invasion or connecting the dissent to discrediting the military.  The citizens so charged could be fined, detained, or sent to prison for their offense. Many of those arrested were turned in (ratted on) by "friends" and neighbors or unknowns who "over heard" statements alleged to have been made by the citizen. Sounds like the old days of tyranny from 100 years ago well into the purges of the '30's and the post war years of Stalin's paranoia.

      Now the internet has become the choice of many protests. However, as folks have learned, the security services troll the internet sites looking for domestic dissent(ers). The citizenry has discovered this operation and most posts have been reduced that speak against the military and the special operation. The number of protests has been reduced this year and most of those involve internet posts. On Russya's most popular site- Russya-owned VK network, over 1000 cases of arrests came from reports by owners(state) of this media site.

      In Primorye, the Pacific Coast region, has developed a site where locals can inform on their friends and neighbors. Sounds like Russyans are revisiting their collective history of oppressive government control.

Happy New Year

Judge Artheur Engoron and Trump

        The Judge in the fraud trial of trump, Inc., Arthur Engoron, has ended the trial in his courtroom. The public has listened to the rants and ravings of the Trump organizations lawyers for months. The judge has been on the receiving end of much of the Trump insanity. But, as a true professional, he allowed much while limiting even more.

        The case rests with the judge only making this civil court proceeding decision. He allowed that he would probably decide by the end of the month. As the election year of 2024 begins, the country will become subject to the barrage of information designed by PR folks to sway this election billed as the most important in modern American history. Judge Engoron's decision will be one of the first the Orange-haired baboon faces during this year. Of course, the legal scum representing him are already finishing the drafts of the appeal should the judge rule against the Trump business. His sons might just escape conviction even though the judge already ruled that a fraud had been committed by Trump before the trial even began.

     Stay tuned.

Houthi Rebel Outrage

        As the war in Yemen continues Houthi rebels, members who follow the Shia version of Islam, publicly denounced the US for airstrikes against missile sites from which the Houthis were firing missiles(provided by Iran) against ships at sea in the region. It's not news that there are large numbers of oil tankers coming and going here that have been the targets of interruption lately.

        It is infinitely amusing to hear these leaders protest against retaliation against their units. It seems that their bombast is a message to those who were on the receiving end of an airstrike that hit the target. Too bad, Iran. The Ayatollahs are probably rolling around the palace trying to find their laptops so they can see the videos posted on Instagram/ Facebook/ TikTok/ YouTube/ or TehranGov.Crazy. What a country.

      It must be the water or lack there of that aids the mental health of Iranians. They used to be "normal" but then the world was fooled and reality has arrived in Tehran. 

George Sheetz Day in Court

       El Dorado County resident, George Sheetz, is having his day in court. The phrase " having your day in court" often refers to criminal proceedings as simple as explaining a 'moving violation citation' to the judge. In this case, in front of "The Supremes", Mr. Sheetz is represented by counsel, counselors, and a host of heavy hitters: aka, amicae curie- friends of the court.

      Not to be left out El Dorado County has a battery of "friends of the court": various political civil servants and their friends have jumped in to defend the respondent El Dorado County. Apparently, the City of San Francisco sees this case as a threat to its long standing position(s) that a developer must pay, and pay and pay some more for a permit to build a high rise or an outhouse.  SF's City Attorney, Davis Chiu, has his name atop a battery of lawyers from his over-sized offices in city hall.

      One can if one chooses to review the list, read the briefs and comments filed in December last after the case was accepted by the Supreme Court. The Mayor of Tahoma, El Dorado County, has done this to aid the residents who are interested in learning why building in the town, building in the county, and building anything in California is very, very expensive and essentially only available to corporate entities, hedge funders, and foreign governments.

First-the supporters of George Sheetz

Manhattan Institute(w/four other legal groups)

1. Southeastern Legal Foundation(SLF)w/ Beacon Center of Tennessee
2. CATO Institute
3. Pacific Legal Foundation
4. U.S. Chamber of Commerce
5. Atlantic Legal Foundation
6. National Federation of Independent Business
7. Mercatus Center
8. Mountain States Legal Foundation
9. Nat. Assoc. of Realtors

       The Federalist Society is not on this list but has opined on the case.

Supporters of Respondent El Dorado County;

      1. The Solicitor General of the United States

      2. The City & County of San Francisco

      3. Nat. Assoc. of Counties

      4. National League of Cities

      5. International Muni Lawyers

      6. Gov. Finance Officers Assoc.

      7. League of California Cities

      8.Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights

      9. Constitution Accountability Center

     10. Local Gov. Legal Center

      11. State of California

        The Justices will be looking at this lineup of "amici" and not the distinction among them. Most of the support for El Dorado County comes from bureaucratic entities paid by taxpayers. Seems to me there's an imbalance here: in individual v. an entire army of legal entities whose livelihood is maintained by--taxpayer(s). Mr. Sheetz is funding his opponents in a fashion. These various individuals see their roles as custodians of the community, guardians of civility and order in municipal operations wherever they are. But what about Mr. Sheetz? Nobody at the permit department of El Dorado county could explain why his permit needed $24,000 more of his hard earned dollars to be approved.

      California has a severe shortage of------HOUSING. The permit process and the cost of a permit has exceeded the ability of workers to pay for same. All the civic functionaries load the home owner/builder with more and larger fees as if the owner has unlimited funds.

    All of these issues are here exposed and will be a concern of the Justices as they combine their legal experience and knowledge to decide the arguments put forth this morning in Washington, D.C.