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.

El Dorado County Going to Court: SCOTUS

      That's right: our own local county here in the Sierra Nevada(aka the Snowy Mountains) is a defendant in a case that has made its way all the way up to the Supreme Court of the United States(SCOTUS in media parlance). As mentioned in an earlier post, this case revolves around a mitigation "fee" imposed on a property owner in El Dorado County who, in the course of his building permit application was assessed a "fee" of $124,000. for traffic mitigation. One owner, one house, a fee to compensate the county for traffic mitigation, ie. road maintenance, road improvements, road travels, road.... everything. 

      So, if one wants to build a house in El Dorado County, a property owner has to spring for a battery of fees: schools(all), water, sewer, runoff, paramedic fees, police, fire protection, ambulance, power, etc. All of this in addition to architects, contractors, water hook ups, sewer hook up, materials, roads/ encroachment; sprinklers/fire, and on and on. The legal question is: are you kidding me? (Not really). The question is: is the money/fee a taking from the owner or not? Defendant El Dorado County has finally  met an owner who has considered himself abused and a victim of a "taking" by the government. 

     The 9 Justices will here arguments Tuesday. The ruling will probably arrive sometime next summer-June or July. This court is conservative and while no one can predict with accuracy on the outcome, a betting man would give the nod in favor of the plaintiffs.

     The Mayor of Tahoma is more than familiar with El Dorado County and its fees. Having paid 5 figures to get his building permit 15 years ago, the payment of mitigation fees in 6 figures still stings to this day. And what did it accomplish, then and now? Nobody can tell me or any other property owner who was victimized by the county of El Dorado. It would be a great day for America if the Court rules against this obvious taking, which is really a tax by another name. Yes, we must wait for the decision, but on Tuesday, we will hear in real time what type of defense the county lawyers will put up in front of the court. No doubt they hired outside attorneys in hopes of turning this decision in the favor of El Dorado. It has potential to be a landmark case that will "settle" law in these cases across America. I hope so. It's past time to correct these egregious fees that only fatten the salaries and pensions  of bureaucrats in Placerville, the county seat, and other bastions of paper shufflers in the State of California, home to single party governance.

. 

El Dorado County Makes the News

       The weekend edition(Sat/Sun) of the Wall Street Journal tops its editorial page with coverage of the case concerning our local administrative entity: El Dorado County(the folks down the hill on Highway 50/Placerville). The case : Sheetz v. County of El Dorado will be heard this Tuesday in front of the United States Supreme Court in Washington, D.C.  It could be a majoy property rights case with far-reaching economic implications, especially for us here in Tahoma, CA.

Boeing: You Have a Problem

       So, one boards a plane in Portland, OR for a brief flight south to Ontario airport in California. 15 minutes into the flight while climbing to cruising altitude, a section of the fuselage blows out of the side wall. Airmasks descend to eachseat and the flight attendants go about the cabin reassuring panicked passengers that there's an issue with the aircraft and the plane will return to Portland. It landed safely 20 minutes after it took off.

      So, now Boeing executives will have some meetings today: first order of business: spin the media. Have the company spokesman declare this is a minor issue brought on not by structural issues but a 'freak' accidental failure. Then reply to media questions that this aircraft has been certified safe by FAA within the last 6 months(November 2023). The FAA has plane loads of safety officials responding to Portland to investigate. Droves of passengers are responding by cancelling flights reservations on Alaska Airlines and any airline that flies the 737 Max-9, the plane involved. Would you fly on a 737? Only if I was suicidal.

Happy New Year to all Boeing executives and all Wall St.. financiers and all MBA bean counters and all Congressional lackies. 

Surf's Up in California

    Weather forecasters have issued warnings for high surf conditions along the California coast. Beach walkers beware; be aware; be watchful; be careful near the waves. One group that lives for such warnings: big wave surfers. That community waits all year for the information that predicts giant waves that will provide opportunities to ride their boards down the face of waves that may crest at 60'. 

     We coast dwellers have heard of 60' waves, but few have had the experience of seeing one of those monster waves. In one nearby location one could witness this phenomena close up: the Santa Cruz(Holy Cross) county beaches known as mavericks. This is the area just north of the town of Santa Cruz on the north edge of Monterey Bay. Monterey Bay is hardly such as there is no natural harbor and really no safe harbor from the NW swell that dominates the coast. The shape of the over shore shelf helps to make it such a surfing mecca. As the swells approach the shore, the forces attending the momentum causes a rise in height to monster proportions.

     Want to watch? Go to surfline.com. Amazing videos of daring surfers will impress all who watch the action. Well worth the effort. ABC and NBC news also have videos of the waves and the surfers.

Missiles Rain on Ukraine

        It's Christmas Time around the world, even in Russya and even in Ukraine. As a gift to Ukraine, the Kremlin's occupants sent another gift to its southern neighbor in the form of guided missiles, ie. aimed armaments. Ukraine's defense systems performed well, but in this instance, they were overwhelmed. While this action is underway, the US Congress is stalling a bill to provide funds(for arms) for Ukraine's support. The funds actually pay arms makers for their products made in American factories.

      Old Man Vova, aka Putin, reiterates the cause of his invasion of Ukraine: to protect Russya. Hmmmmm. What is included in Vova's nightcap vodka- fentynal? Winter has driven troops on both sides to ground for protection against the harsh effects of Siberian/Asian winters. In turn, ground assaults are few and far between. Perhaps the stalemate will cause recruitment efforts to improve as the 2nd anniversary of the invasion approaches. The home "front" in Russya is beginning to tire of the conflict. Despite increased trade with China, most Russyans don't see themselves as bosom buddies of Xi Jin Ping.

     Recently, the Mayor of Tahoma has encountered several Russyan asylum seekers here in California. They are most grateful to be here and far away from the clutches of Mad Vlad. They know intuitively that Mad Vlad wants to go down in history as the longest serving ruler/Czar/dictator ever in Russya. His certain reelection this year could cement that outcome. In the meantime, the missile rain storm will continue in Ukraine.

Michigan Defeats Alabama

      In the college semifinal, the big game between the northerners from Michigan, beat the south's Crimson Tide/Alabama 27-20 in overtime. after tying the game in the 4th quarter, Michigan ran out the clock to take the game into overtime.

      Both teams would have the ball on the opponents 25 yardline. Michigan scored on a 17 yard running play. When ALabama got the ball, they tried their best but Michigan's defense held the Tide. As the 4th down played started, the Tide called for a quarterback running play which ended the game in overtime.

Next game: the National Championship against the winner of Washington v. Texas, now on.

Russyan City Targeted

        A New Year's gift: missiles from Ukraine. Belgorod is the Russyan city lcated about 30 miles north of the border with Ukraine. Ukraine's president, Volodymir Zelensky, said such attacks will continue and will target military installations and troop concentrations.

      In response, Mad Vlad said that he will continue his assault on Ukrainian territory. The Russyan's continued attacks are indiscriminate destroying residential buildings, homes, and civic structures, all non- military types.

     The eastern city of Kharkiv in Ukraine has been subject to bombardment with missiles fired by Russyan forces into this city of 330,000 residents. More than a dozen civilians were killed during the assault.

      The war effort for Russya has stalled, primarily because Russya cannot find enough troops to refill the ranks after accepting over 300,000 casualties in the invading army ranks. Seems Russyan young men would rather not die in a muddy rathole in the DonBas region in Ukraine, despite what Mad Vlad says on state TV.

     It's full on winter in Siberia and in Ukraine; not a time for offensive operations. Troops have gone to ground to stay warm and avoid exposure to the harsh conditions. Maybe The citizens in Belgorod will send a message to the Kremlin: enough already, VOVA!. Bring the troops home; we don't want this mess to continue.