How About Those Hackers

       Well, now. Hackers have been active-again.  Recently, they've been busy infiltrating Microsoft and Microsoft systems. They have taken advantage of backdoor openings made vulnerable by discovery of weaknesses in the system's design. Patches come dribbling along as Microsoft deals with the attackers.

     Where O where do the attacks originate from. Hmmmmm. Maybe  offshore. Maybe from Mars(the Planet, not candy company). These attackers must work diligently to discover structural problems in the system design. Once discovered, they attack and infiltrate systems in use. Microsoft works hard to protect their products, however, leaks and hacks happen regularly as 'Bad Actors" become more sophisticated in their efforts to break into computer networks in government and corporate systems. It's a problem that continues.

      Who is it this time? Who might security teams expect? The usual suspects: Iran, Russya, and of course, our friends the Chinks. Beijing has spent lots of Yuan funding legions of PLA hackers, that branch of the Chinese Army charged with hacking offshore systems that might benefit Beijing. So Microsoft understands their problem: 1 American computer company versus the entire Chinese army. Yes, the US Federal government understands where the problem lies, but how much pressure can they bring? Lots. Look how the White House is juggling tariff rules. Now is the time to twist a few thumb screws on Beijing and the PLA. Oh, like hacking? How about 75% tariff on all goods from China? How about 150% tariff on everything? How about we cripple all Chinese economic efforts? How about we stop all imports? This is the leverage we have and this is the leverage we should be using. Hack the US, we stop ALL TRADE from China. Simple. Trump is of a mind to do just that. His economic advisors have plans ready to implement tariffs that would stop the Chinese economy in its tracks, plunging the already failing economy into a death spiral. Yes, including their own destructive economic disasters in real estate.

      Don't want to play ball with Washington? Want to keep hacking as government policy? Good luck, the storm is aboout to descend on Beijing.

Wheeee ! 

Russyan Recruits Surprised

    So, as most countries at war for several years find out, recruiting for replacements becomes more difficult as time and casualties accumulate. Things with the Rus are no exception. Mad Vlad has deepened his involvement and his clock is ticking: he's aging fast and his peeps are starting to smell a bad odor from Ukraine: the odor of rotting flesh, Rus flesh.

        Recent media articles have described the experience of young Rus soldiers, recruited with the promise of a signing bonus, like a professional athlete who signs a contract with a pro team in the USA and other countries. But here, in the largest country in the world, recruiting has become more difficult. Even in the wastes of Siberia, that vast territory that comprises most of Russya, the word is out: don't sign up for the army, you will be sent down south without training and be ordered to assault a fortified position manned by experienced Ukrainian soldiers fighting for their lives. What could go wrong?

     As the young man/soldier explained to the journalist, this is not what he signed up for. Yes, he was given a uniform; eventually, a weapon with minimal training. Then ordered to the front lines to join some unnamed unit; then ordered to join in an attack against fortified bunkers fully manned. Oh, then my fellow soldiers started dropping all around-dead. Oh, drones came in waves and chased us and fired bombs right on top of us.

        Hmmmm. The Kremlin says it's time to step up and pursue elusive victory, soon to be in the grasp of liberation forces. Oh, NATO and Europe won't do much. Trump is our frine. Wait, he said he will rearm Ukraine. Oh, well. He'll change his mind like he always doers. Onward, forward to victory. Meanwhile the signing bonuses are left waiting for signatures. The word is out: stay away from the recruiting offices. Go to the cemeteries and pray you won't find your name on a headstone, not today or tomorrow.

    The war grinds on as the Rus absorb over 1 million casualties. 

Netanyahu Gets Tough

       Negotiations with Hamas and Israel toward a ceasefire and an end of hostilities has hit another roadblock. Negotiators have found that Hamas pleads for changes on the brink of any agreements. Mr. Netanyahu has been down this road many times with the withering numbers of Hamas leaders. Those pirates of GAZA are increasingly aware of the soon approaching endgame that will send them into oblivion.

       The Pirates of Hamas overplayed their hand. The Israeli leader played his trump card-overwhelming force giving no quarter to any Hamas position or individual.  Exchanges occurred: prisoners from Israel for hostages taken by Hamas. Hmmm. What's wrong with that picture? Well, for starters many of the Israelis were in the form of dead bodies-hostages taken during the invasion on October 7th were systematically starved and abused by their captors.  Palestinians had been imprisoned for various criminal acts while in Israel.  The numbers did not equate: 10X Palestinians for 1 Israeli.

      As time has gone on, most of GAZA lies in ruins. Most senior leadership personnel have been eliminated.   Netanyahu has vowed to finish the job and eliminate all Hamas leaders, including the parking lot attendants and coffee runners.  Space constraints will be strictly enforced and security in Gaza will necessarily be under control of the IDF. Never, ever again will an attack take place as happened on October 7th. With the support of the USA and the White House, the Israelis moved quickly to address the problem head on. Enough of Hamas pirates. Enough black mail. Enough antisemitism. Enough bowing to Iranian supporters and Iranian influence. It's over for Hamas, and Iran is next. Enough of the Imams and the mullahs.  

Texas Flooding Continues

    Many questions continue to be asked as the search for flood victims near the Guadalupe River. It has become known that the summer camp owners were granted an exemption for their buildings located on the existing flood plain. Hydrologists provided substantial evidence that the construction on the flood plain would pose an unacceptable risk to any occupants. However, the owners appealed that decision and were granted the exdeption to the 'no building rule'.

      Who granted that exception? Who will carry that burden to their grave? Who influenced them? Who stepped in on the behalf of the campers? Who did the owners enlist to support a exception? Lots of questions, and perhaps Gov. Greg Abbott will answer some of these questions.

    I doubt it. 

Erratic Behavior on Display

       So, Tariff King is very busy with one new announcement after another. These announcements are soon followed by changes once, twice, and thrice. Hmmm. What's going on in the mind of POTUS? Or is it in the mind of Steven Miller, his No.1 assistant? Or is it in the mind of Steve Bannon of "War Room" fame?

      Psychologists have avoided the topic to keep their reputations intact and to avoid the barrage of lawsuits that would follow them individually to the grave. Smart. Who wants to tangle with a kook? NIObody, not even the Supremes who rollover at his requests.  Federal judges have come out with unfavorable reviews of POTUS and his "executive Orders" and the power grabbings of his staffers. Recently, his Secretary of Education got the green light to dismantle the entire department and probably dismiss herself as she turns out the lights.

      So institutional behavior is on display in the White House and other outbuildings around Pennsylvania Avenue(pick one). The minions found among these buildings are kept on their toes by reading Truth Social postings by POTUS; that way they can collectively follow the changes wrought by Trumpie during his waking hours.  If Trumpie was walking down the street without hus security detail he might be picked up by paramedics because his behavior would warrant a 72 hour psych hold.

    Having practiced street medicine for decades, one c an identify with acute accuracy the symptoms of a mind going off the rails. Indications which can be subtle change as an individual moves through space, depending on what is his state of mind: fearful, happy, disconnected, tired, hungry, lonely, angry, in pain, lost, searching, escaping, plotting, sad, dangerous,(to self and others), cold, hot, changing, confused, conversing with invisible strangers, asking for help out loud. So which is it these days as the population is subjected to all of this behavior by POTUS.  

      It's past the time for intervention: his behavior is bizarre, but because he can instantly communicate with hundreds of millions of followers, he can single-handedly affect all. Hmmm. What would we say about Joe Biden? It's been said already. Trumpie's behavior is suspect and his handlers know this but are unwilling to step forward for all the obvious reasons as we suffer and as we will continue to suffer going forward. 

Air India Crash: Early Report

        Modern aircraft are designed to fly safely. After 100+ years, aeronautics has reached an enviable position: flying is the safest mode of travel. Media make the most of each accident involving an aircraft designed to carry passengers whether large or small,  we hear/read about a crash. Are there fatalities? They will be noted in all reports.

     The crash in India  recently occurred in dramatic fashion: the final seconds of the flight recorded on video before crashing into a school building and claiming an additional 20 + lives on ground. Investigators have released preliminary information: the fuel to the two engines was cut off moments after leaving the ground. Engines cannot run with out fuel. Once shut down, it takes minutes for engines to restart. Didn't happen. All on board save one, were killed on impact.

       Who can explain this tragedy? It will take time, but now the plane, the fuel, the traffic controllers appear to be cleared of responsibility. More news will be forthcoming. 

Texas Tragedy Continues

       The flooding in Texas along the Guadalupe River has caused collective grief across the country as searchers continue to look for victims including many, many children swept away by raging waters. The circumstances only add to the level of grief as the contemplation of those final minutes of the lives of so many children. The black of night, the sudden awakening, the lack of help of any sort, and the horror of facing imminent death in swirling darkness.

     Governor Greg Abbott is calling a special session of the legislature to ask for new funds to create a new warning system in the Texas Hill country where the flood occurred. This hill country is a known area of deep ravines, rocky soil conditions, and an area of former floods. The question remains: who would allow buildings constructed on a flood plain? What insurance company would insure anything built on the flood plain? But, this is Texas. Recall what happened to homes near Houston, TX a few years ago that were built in a flood plain: wiped out when the flood hit the plain.

      Texas and Texans like to deny reality as they always have, going back to the days of the Republic and the Texas Rangers. Too big to fail; build, build, and build some more.  Land is cheap:(worthless?). Keep building affordable husing on worthless land. Yea, Gov. Abbott. Oh, about those presidential aspirations? Forgettaboutit.

     Over 143 victims are still unaccounted for and searchers continue looking; families and survivors grapple with the ongoing aftermath. 

Measles Cases Surge in US

     The most contagious virus known that affects/infects humans-measles, has surged in recent years. This virus had been eradicated by intelligent application of vaccines after public health officials mandated that all children be vaccinated and schools banned unvaccinated  children from schools. Then the anti-vaxxers emerged from the fever swamp to pose as independent parents with individual decision-making skills.

     Then we have Trumpie appointing a drug-addled scoundrel as head of the Health Dept. He has made it a part of his program/leadership to thwart medical evidence that vaccines work. A recent out break in Texas among unvaccinated children demonstrates the virulence of measles. How will this play out? Let's wait until the midterm elections and see how the vote goes; maybe some Dems will win a few (only 3 seats needed to swing Congress away from the Orange haired Baboon & Co.. Until that happens, measles will conquer the population as it spreads among the unvaccinated children whose parents are plain S T U P I D. 

US Senators Step Up

        US Senators Richard Blumenthal(D.,Conn.) and Lindsay Graham, (R., SC.) have introduced a Senate Bill that calls for immediate sanctions on the Kremlin(and its supporters/enablers). These are in addition to existing sanctions, thus known as 'secondary' sanctions. They have 83 co-sponsors of the bill, making 85% of the group in support of these sanctions.

    As explained in mass media, these financial terms will affect those countries who supply the Kremlin with foreign exchange  by purchasing exports from the largest country in the world-the country trying to takeover more real estate in Ukraine. Who are these folks: the list includes some of the known opponents of all things US: China-likes Rus oil; Iran, likes to buy Rus weaponry to lay on the Israelis; North Korea: likes to send army members to fight in Ukraine to get experience just in case: and a few countries in sub-Saharan Africa that like additional security with the Rus Afrika Korps(former Wagner Groupies). This is a partial list.

      The war/invasion in Ukraine is in its 4th years with over 1 million Rus casualties, and hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian casualties, mostly civilians, innocent civilians. NAd Mad Vlad continues to press his efforts.

      Trumpie had his Sec. of State Rubio, question the Kremlin's lap dog while both are in Kuala Lumpur at a conference. Sergey V. Lavrov heard Rubio tell him that Trumpie is really, really unhappy with Lappie's boss Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin whose held the reins of the Czarist landscape for over 24 years. Vlad P. will soon age out of his role as dictator-in-chief of the Rus. Maybe if new sanctions put the country in a financial dependent position, the Rus will put a stop to the war effort that's costing the population  their future. Perhaps Japan will no longer buy Iranian oil. The fixed price of oil is now @$60/barrel for Russoil. Let's make it $30/barrel as that price would sap foreign reserves to the bottom of the barrel.

    Trumpie can't ignore these 2 senators as they hold sway among their colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Hmmm : what are the chances? Stay tuned. 

Mad Man of the Kremlin Attacks

        The International Criminal Court released evidence of vast war crimes committed by Russya in Ukraine over the last 10 years. The crimes included murder, torture, imprisonment, sexual violence, and kidnapping.  Sounds like a complete list of possibilities. But as any historian will tell you, the human being is always capable of finding ways to inflict pain on their perceived enemies and oppressed minority groups in any country.

     So, the Kremlin launched the largest bombardment on the Ukrainians yesterday, random targets, mostly of a civilian nature. Who cares where they land as long as they land in Ukraine.  The Mad Man pulling levers has been the subject of recent comments by US President Trump. He is not happy with things the way they are going. One the one hand, VOVA(Putin) says he wants to stop the war. But, he continues with unabated attacks on the neighboring sovereign nation of Ukraine. Trump now says he will continue to rearm Ukraine with munitions and antiaircraft arms. He will ensure that Pres. Zelensky of Ukraine is given what is necessary to defend itself from the invasion by the Rus army of murderers and rapists who fill out the ranks. And all of this after a million Rus casualties in the last 3 years of combat.

      The US Congress is ready to impose secondary sanctions on Russya and those countries that evade existing sanctions on Russyan energy products(oil & gas). Just recently, Trump said he would not resupply the Ukrainian defenses with needed munitions. Now, this week, a new answer: we will resupply. VOVA must have his little head spinning like a top. But, he's dealt with Trumpie before when they were friends(2016-2020). Now; frenemies.

      Pope Leo met with President Zelensky yesterday in Rome at the Vatican. The Pope offered to host peace talks between the Rus and the Ukrainians. The Kremlin says they aren't interested. And the war goes on, and troops from Siberia are dying in the Black earth of Ukraine.

      And, the children kidnapped by the Russyan army are still being sought by the families from which they were taken by force in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. This is the Kremlin's answer to infertility among Russyan males and females. This usually happens when individuals drink prodigious amounts of vodka:impotence and lack of interest between the parties involved. How sad: the entire country-the largest in the world- in thrall with the former KGB Lt. Col. who seized power almost 24 years ago. So, he wants to out-Stalin Stalin.

    Xi JP might have something to say about that as sanctions bite the Dragon, too. 

HAMAS Signals Israel: Let's Talk and Cease Fire

    Ha, ha, ha: the Pirates want to talk. Finally the Palestinian scum come out of their hole(s) and signal a change in attitude. They have finally but not completely have gotten the message: the IDF will kill all the HAMAS leaders, sooner rather than later. Extending the war will only assure the death of all HAMAS, top to bottom. This is what is necessary before Israel will feel secure in their home.

     HAMAS leadership has been properly gutted by effective military action by the IDF. It has taken awhile and has cost many lives on both sides. However, when dealing with pirates, one can give no quarter: they must be treated as the vermin they are. The Palestinians are slow on the uptake: many believed the rants of the feeble leaders who proclaimed insults by the Israelis. So, they ordered the invasion and massacre of innocent civilians and gloated on the success of their pirate band that murdered over 1000 defenseless children, seniors, and women of all ages. This is unacceptable at all levels and the GAZA people have learned to some degree that the Israelis will not stand for this activity ever again.

    So the HAMAS pirates want to talk. Keep up the pressure on the pirates until they release ALL the hostages. What price is too high for HAMAS? The price has been quite high for some time. Now the "too high" price has been achieved, almost. Keep up the barrage until they decide or until there's nobody left to resist. HAMAS must be eliminated once and for all now and forever. 

Iran: Now Dog Walking Crimes

    The Supreme Leader and Co. have now targeted the population that favors pets. You know: dogs and cats, etc. Hmmmm. What's up here in the 21st century. The Supreme Leader, really off his rocker, has proceeded to determine that a single dog hair is impure and against the tenets of Islam. Could this be the beginning of the end of theocracy in Iran? Could be, but the more insidious the move, the more repressive the regime becomes.

     So, now the citizens of Iran, mostly in population centers, will be subject to inspection if they are seen walking their pets. During COVID, many restrictions were placed on movement among the npopulace. Many sought solace from restrictions by securing man's best friend. This obviously didn't sit well with imams, the Supreme Leader and his mullahs. Dog hair is a sin against religion and must be dealt with accordingly. No dogs allowed that make the environment unclean.

   Happy 4th of July 

Putin Doesn't Listen: Rockets Fall on Kviv

     So, summer in the northern hemisphere. The bountiful crops are maturing in the black earth of Ukraine amidst the largest bombardment of the war with the Rus from up north. Mad Vlad Putin continues to pound innocent civilians trying to survive the invasion. Drones, missiles, and rockets landed in and about Kviv in the largest yet assault. Defenses were overwhelmed and many civilians were killed and wounded.

     Pres. Trump is celebrating his "Big Beautiful Bill passage by Congress yesterday and he will sign it today, his target date. Meanwhile, Putin refuses to negotiate at any peace conference. Old Mad Vlad just cannot give up his brutalist attack on a sovereign nation. Ukraine President V. Zelensky has asked EU members to send more weapons to aid in the defense of his country.

    And the war goes on. 

SF Gate Zeroes in on Tahoma

   The Mayor's office is pleased to announce that the media has been busy in Tahoma and on the West Shore. An intrepid reporter made a stop here recently, last week or so, and developed an article that covered the basics in downtown Tahoma. Essentially, she was intent on taking a close look at the offerings of the three food emporiums: The Dog & Bear restaurant; the Cult Burger restaurant, and our long time coffee bar-Where We Met.  The article was published on SF Gate.com.

      All three owners were interviewed, and all 3 informed the writer of the current status of their respective operations and a bit of their own history. Each had a story to tell, and each commended the surroundings for offering a unique experience on the West Shore. As locals know, Tahoma is really at the end of the line of 89-that's Highway 89. While nominally continuing southward toward South Shore and Stateline, there isn't much to wriyte about before one arrives at the Highway 50-Highway 89 wye near Myers where the two merge briefly before splitting again. So, if one is hungry or thirsty, Tahoma is it on the West Shore.

     Liz Fontaine and her gelato bar that supplements her espresso bar, has made a large impact on the locals and on visitors. She has the longest hours while offering standard fare of a coffee bar. The gelato bar opens afternoon(or mornings) to long lines of beach goers returning from the shoreline steps away. In the early morning, the lines for coffee reach out from the window bar. While a variety of drinks are available, there is no decaffeinated brew on the menu. Liz usually does the openings, while her loyal staffers takeover soon after. She has managed to survive the long winters and the shoulder season slow periods when she has limited hours.

     The Dog and Bear has also survived the same seasonal periods found in the Sierra. It is not easy to maintain operations year round when customers are few and far between. D & B has done it well providing a choice among the local offerings(including the Tahoma Market's famous sandwiches 1/4mile north). The pizza oven does great take out and also sit down meals. The long bar has ample beverages that slake the thirst of tourists and travelers going south(and north,too). The owners, a local couple, have extensive experience and have a great menu that pleases all guests. The brews are found to be modern and numerous. Better get there early on the weekend during July August, and September. TVs add to the mix for sports fans.  

       Next to the coffee bar is the Cult Burger bar. Here one can can that missing menu item not found at either of the other 2. A good hamburger. Cult Burger does it simply and does it well. Fortunately, they have the best hours during the winter season when locals can be hungry at any time. They open early in the afternoon and stay open well into the evening hours. They offer one of the best burgers anywhere: tasy beef patties @ about 1/3 lb cooked to order with sides of fries, onions, and mushrooms . A selection of cheeses rounds up the meat. Also shakes are available-thick and tall which completes the meal for a hungry diner.

      This article should bring some extra traffic to downtown Tahoma and some spillover to Tahoma Market up the road. It might even bring some folks to the Post Office in between  to buy some stamps. Remember stamps?

Happy 4th of July 

Diplomatic Issues Surface in Colombia

    Sec. of State Marco Rubio, recalled the US Charge' d'affaires from Bogota, Colombia, John McNamara, in the role there since February 1, 2025. The case involves statements made by Colombian President which have not been disclosed. The Ambassador to the US from Colombia was recalled in retaliation for the US move. Secretary Rubio stated that the official was recalled for consultations regarding statements made in Bogota'.

       Given that the embassy in Bogota is already in an uproar over the shut down there of U.S. A.I.D. staff(>300 personnel, the president of Colombia is facing serious political problems in his country. In the northeast of the country, narco -traffickers have encroached on territory formerly under control of F.A.R.C., the rebel group that was to surrender its arms and be folded back into the official government as a member. Things have not gone well despite decades of American support. Travel is now restricted in the northeast state on the Venezuelan border where groups are fighting between each other for control.

      Given the condition in the White House, Colombia might soon be placed on the "no Go" list of countries no longer favored by Pres. Trump. This could snowball into problems for all Latin American nations as the new budget bill allots more money for border security, immigration enforcement, and military spending. Immigration across the southern US border has stopped with the fewest crossers in decades as word spreads that there will not be any asylum requests allowed nor will immigrants requesting a hearing be allowed to roam free in the US until their case is heard. I.C.E. has been ordered to deport as many as possible and to exceed 3000 /day. Results indicate that mistakes have been made, but I.C.E. has not changed its tactics.

    Is Mexico next? Who knows, information is limited but tariffs have caused great concern among business owners on both sides of the border. Time will tell but the situation is in flux at at this time.