The Court in New Orleans sentenced former new Orleans mayor, Ray Nagin, to 10 years in prison for corruption during his term. Despite the pleas for leniency by defense attorneys, the judge decided to give the longer term, but not the maximum.
This case represents something unusual in the River City: a corrupt official actually going to jail. He is the first of a long line of politicians who committed crimes while serving in office and then got off without any jail time.
Perhaps his timing was not good after the condition of the City during and after Katrina it had suffered so much . Nobody had the patience with another corrupt individual.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
World Cup Update
Argentina has advanced. The Netherlands will play Brazil for 3rd place on Saturday. The final will include 1 European country-Germany, and 1 from South America-Argentina. It could be a close game, but maybe not. After the blowout of Brazil on Tuesday, 7-1, by Germany, Argentina will approach the contest with trepidation. With so many weapons in their arsenal, the Black and Red could be unbeatable. Yes, Leo Messi is probably the top player of either team, but it will take the combined efforts of the many to win this contest.
Argentina won on PK's, 4-3, after Argentina's goalie blocked two shots by the Orangje. In a contest of goalies, guessing right may carry the day. Netherland's goalie got a hand on the last shot but the ball had such power behind it, it tipped off the hand, rose to hit the top bar, and ricocheted into the goal. It's hard to accept after 120+ minutes of scoreless ball, but that's soccer.
Some pundits dissected the game, giving points to both teams for balanced attacks. Nobody seemed to take into account the steady rain that forced the players to play conservatively because of the lack of control, and awkward movements on the wet turf.
The final will be in the Macarana stadium in Rio.
Argentina won on PK's, 4-3, after Argentina's goalie blocked two shots by the Orangje. In a contest of goalies, guessing right may carry the day. Netherland's goalie got a hand on the last shot but the ball had such power behind it, it tipped off the hand, rose to hit the top bar, and ricocheted into the goal. It's hard to accept after 120+ minutes of scoreless ball, but that's soccer.
Some pundits dissected the game, giving points to both teams for balanced attacks. Nobody seemed to take into account the steady rain that forced the players to play conservatively because of the lack of control, and awkward movements on the wet turf.
The final will be in the Macarana stadium in Rio.
Russian Hacker Convicted
The US Attorney General announced the conviction of a Russian citizen for running a web site that sold stolen credit card numbers, stolen id's, and bank account #s. He was convicted under RICO statutes that were established to thwart organized crime several decades ago.
His defense rested on the claim that none of the participants knew one another; therefore, were not co-conspirators. The jury thought otherwise and the guilty party joined a number of others convicted in the same case. The hacker had been arrested by authorities in the Maldive Islands a year ago, and has been in custody since. He is considered a flight risk.
The Russian government called his arrest and conviction a breach of international law, but that was it. In light of the Kremlin's recent activity in Ukraine, officials probably want to maintain a low profile.
Others have been arrested in the case and await trial. Justice officials say the site took in over $100 million before being shut down in 2012. Little comment has been publicized about ongoing RICO investigations regarding these types of web sites.
His defense rested on the claim that none of the participants knew one another; therefore, were not co-conspirators. The jury thought otherwise and the guilty party joined a number of others convicted in the same case. The hacker had been arrested by authorities in the Maldive Islands a year ago, and has been in custody since. He is considered a flight risk.
The Russian government called his arrest and conviction a breach of international law, but that was it. In light of the Kremlin's recent activity in Ukraine, officials probably want to maintain a low profile.
Others have been arrested in the case and await trial. Justice officials say the site took in over $100 million before being shut down in 2012. Little comment has been publicized about ongoing RICO investigations regarding these types of web sites.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Obama Goes to Texas: Fund Raiser
The President is on a road trip, again. He's going to the South, the Deep South. He wants to tap into some Democratic Big Oil money to help with the elections upcoming that could determine the composition of Congress during the reminder of his White House tenure. He's invited Governor Rick Perry to attend one of his conferences. It comes at a time when The Tex/Mex border is again the focus of the Dept. of Homeland Security's ICE division. Unprecedented numbers of illegal immigrants have been crossing the Rio Grande river seeking residency in the US. Most of these most recently arrived are unaccompanied minor children who pose a whole host of problems for state, federal, and local governments.
Pres. Obama has asked Congress for $3.7 billions to immediately address this hot button issue that straddles the aisle in the Senate and the House. Each side has constituencies that favoe law enforcement of existing law and humanitarian concerns of the others. Most of those arrested are from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. The President is also asking Congress to change the law signed by George Bush in 2008 to facilitate returning those recently apprehended minors to their country of origin.
Advocates for asylum hope to vet those desiring to stay and placing them with relatives and host families. Time will tell how this topic will affect Obama and his adminstration
Pres. Obama has asked Congress for $3.7 billions to immediately address this hot button issue that straddles the aisle in the Senate and the House. Each side has constituencies that favoe law enforcement of existing law and humanitarian concerns of the others. Most of those arrested are from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. The President is also asking Congress to change the law signed by George Bush in 2008 to facilitate returning those recently apprehended minors to their country of origin.
Advocates for asylum hope to vet those desiring to stay and placing them with relatives and host families. Time will tell how this topic will affect Obama and his adminstration
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Book Review: The Guns of August by Barbara Tuchman,1962
The centennial of the Great War, or the War to End All Wars or World War 1, is upon us. On June 28, 2014, the centennial of the beginning incident was marked: the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand and his wife in Sarajevo by a 19 year old student radical.
In 32 days, after much discussions at the highest levels of Europe's governments, Germany crossed the border of neutral Belgium with a massive army of 300,000 troops. The army was on its way to conquer France and its capitol, Paris.
The author chronicles the 30+days of the opening of the conflict that embroiled the world with few exceptions, in a war that changed Europe and the world as it had been known until that time. Her meticulous research, using primary sources, confirms the theories that the window of opportunity to prevent the war was small indeed.
From the onset, it was apparent that the Kaiser had an agenda and a plan that he and his generals were more than ready to execute immediately. In August of 1914, a very hot August it was, the Allies were sent reeling from the German onslaught. Belgians did not cooperate and stood alone against the tide that swept through their country. Expecting no resistance, the Germans were not pleased when the little army became an opponent just strong enough to slow the wave down, giving France a little breathing room.
The Germans dealt harshly with civilians and international reporting identified the perpetrators of mass executions and other outrages. All activities were according to plan, and the Kaiser's troops continued on into France where they met slight resistance until the end of the month.
Despite fierce engagements, the French were ill prepared, and kept up a fighting retreat, hoping for a miracle. The miracle happened. On August 31st, Gen. von Kluck, in charge of the army closest to Paris, decided to turn east to pursue the retreating forces of France. Exposing his flank, the French Gen. Gallieni, seized the moment and with the help of the British Expeditionary Force, attacked the Germans' exposed position. Within days, the tide had turned, and the apparently unstoppable spike-helmeted Teutons were swept to the east in a flight of disorganized panic.
The war now was not going to end quickly. Four and a half more years and 8 1/2 millions of casualties later, it would end on November 11, 1918.
Of course, we know the experience did not end all wars but set the stage for the 2nd World War, 20 years later.
For the next 4 years, commemorations will be held in many places. Germans, generally will not be invited. This book is highly recommended.
In 32 days, after much discussions at the highest levels of Europe's governments, Germany crossed the border of neutral Belgium with a massive army of 300,000 troops. The army was on its way to conquer France and its capitol, Paris.
The author chronicles the 30+days of the opening of the conflict that embroiled the world with few exceptions, in a war that changed Europe and the world as it had been known until that time. Her meticulous research, using primary sources, confirms the theories that the window of opportunity to prevent the war was small indeed.
From the onset, it was apparent that the Kaiser had an agenda and a plan that he and his generals were more than ready to execute immediately. In August of 1914, a very hot August it was, the Allies were sent reeling from the German onslaught. Belgians did not cooperate and stood alone against the tide that swept through their country. Expecting no resistance, the Germans were not pleased when the little army became an opponent just strong enough to slow the wave down, giving France a little breathing room.
The Germans dealt harshly with civilians and international reporting identified the perpetrators of mass executions and other outrages. All activities were according to plan, and the Kaiser's troops continued on into France where they met slight resistance until the end of the month.
Despite fierce engagements, the French were ill prepared, and kept up a fighting retreat, hoping for a miracle. The miracle happened. On August 31st, Gen. von Kluck, in charge of the army closest to Paris, decided to turn east to pursue the retreating forces of France. Exposing his flank, the French Gen. Gallieni, seized the moment and with the help of the British Expeditionary Force, attacked the Germans' exposed position. Within days, the tide had turned, and the apparently unstoppable spike-helmeted Teutons were swept to the east in a flight of disorganized panic.
The war now was not going to end quickly. Four and a half more years and 8 1/2 millions of casualties later, it would end on November 11, 1918.
Of course, we know the experience did not end all wars but set the stage for the 2nd World War, 20 years later.
For the next 4 years, commemorations will be held in many places. Germans, generally will not be invited. This book is highly recommended.
Brazil Goes Down: Hard
Nobody could predict this game or the outcome. How does a team get blown out so badly on the world stage? The loss of a superstar? A mental collapse? Does the coach have a hand in it all?
After the first few goals by the German side, it became apparent that Brazil was finished. Down 5-nil before the half, any casual observer would agree, the hosts were done. Over. Finito. Terminado.
What does that say about tomorrow's game? Whoever wins will be the underdog in the final on Sunday. Maybe the Dutch could match the Berliners, but doubtful. Too many weapons for the boys from der Deutschland.
After the first few goals by the German side, it became apparent that Brazil was finished. Down 5-nil before the half, any casual observer would agree, the hosts were done. Over. Finito. Terminado.
What does that say about tomorrow's game? Whoever wins will be the underdog in the final on Sunday. Maybe the Dutch could match the Berliners, but doubtful. Too many weapons for the boys from der Deutschland.
Saturday, July 5, 2014
World Cup Update
Goodbye Colombus. Or goodbye Colombia. In a hard fought match of South American neighbors, host team Brazil bested Colombia in extended time. The game ended 2-1 Brazil, but it was closer than that. Neither team scored during regular play from the pitch. All goals were scored on set pieces or a PK in the case of Colombia's lone goal. The Red Shirts scored when young star James(Rodriguez) juked the Brazilian goalie and converted the PK which came after the goalie kicked the Colombian striker advancing toward goal. He was awarded a yellow card for the trailing leg kick. The Fortaleza crowd went wild at the end of play as Brazil advanced to the semifinals of next week.
Germany dealt France a blow to their reputation. The 1-0 final put Germany into the semi's again for the 6th straight time.
Today's games with the Dutch side and Costa Rica will prove just as good. We'll be watching.
Nederlands v. Costa Rica
At the end of regular time and extended time, the score is tied: Nil-Nil. The 2- 15 minute overtime periods will commence in 10 minutes. The Dutch Orangemen have had their chances, and the central American side has had theirs with many close calls. The Dutch have been called offsides many more times indicating their aggressive advancing to goal.
It may come down to a shootout of PK's.
Germany dealt France a blow to their reputation. The 1-0 final put Germany into the semi's again for the 6th straight time.
Today's games with the Dutch side and Costa Rica will prove just as good. We'll be watching.
Nederlands v. Costa Rica
At the end of regular time and extended time, the score is tied: Nil-Nil. The 2- 15 minute overtime periods will commence in 10 minutes. The Dutch Orangemen have had their chances, and the central American side has had theirs with many close calls. The Dutch have been called offsides many more times indicating their aggressive advancing to goal.
It may come down to a shootout of PK's.
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