England was alone against the Nazis in the early years of the war, totally dependent on resupply from the United States by way of the convoy train that stretched across the North Atlantic. Faced with terrible weather, little or non existent air cover, and inconsistent naval escort service, the merchant marine ships were at the mercy of the U-Boat. For years, the convoy concept was a subject of debate, despite the mounting losses among independently routed ships. It was a cat and mouse game between 7 knot per hour ships and 12 knot per hour subs(on surface). As the tonnage figures climbed, Allied leaders needed to come up with a better plan. That plan was the convoy and an increase of small escort ships trained in aggressive anti-submarine warfare. Coupled with a break through in decryption, the solving of the ENIGMA coding machine used by the German Navy to signal its subs, the Allies were now ready to reverse the fortunes of its convoys and put the U-Boats on the defensive.
Utilizing number crunching mathematicians and convincing arguments, the Allied air forces began attacking U- Boats as they transited the Bay of Biscay into the Atlantic. On the open sea, patrol planes now aggressively attacked surfaced subs discovered by radar that was most recently added to their aircraft. In the end, 41 U-Boats were sunk in May, 1943, with a loss of most of their crews. This was double the replacement rate and acknowledged by Donitz as unsustainable losses.
Thus, the outcome of the war was pressed to its future end as a victory for the Allies over nazi Germany. Mr. Gannon made good use of German naval archives and was able to interview several surviving German Naval personnel who agreed to talk of their experiences. Not all would care to recall those days. Many claims, on both sides of the periscope, had these claims altered after post conflict examination. Claims of sinkings were changed to damaged or better. Sizes of merchant ships were drastically altered in many cases, reducing losses by considerable amounts.
A great read that captures the North Atlantic naval war against the submarine in all its aspects.
5 *****
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Obama on Immigration: November 20, 2014
President Obama will go before the nation tonight to outline his executive order that will give a framework to a new Federal Policy on Immigration. This is not a law but a policy. There's a difference not often understood by anyone, including the president. A simmering issue that has long divided the 2 major parties will now come to a boiling point and take over the headlines for months if not years as the country wrestles with this thorny topic which refuses to go away.
Coming as it does on the tail of the ACA of 2012, this immigration order will polarize an already polarized public. Dems and Republicans, already adjusting to election results from November 4th, 2014, will take the new order as the starting gun for Obama's last 2 years in office. While many immigrants, legal and illegal, will hail the order as progress, many will look askance at the affect on minorities across the country. Will it make a difference? How will that translate in terms of jobs, education, and border control. Will the border become calm and serene? Will the I.C.E. agents go home?
Hmmmm. It will be interesting. Just watch. Tonight, on TV.
Coming as it does on the tail of the ACA of 2012, this immigration order will polarize an already polarized public. Dems and Republicans, already adjusting to election results from November 4th, 2014, will take the new order as the starting gun for Obama's last 2 years in office. While many immigrants, legal and illegal, will hail the order as progress, many will look askance at the affect on minorities across the country. Will it make a difference? How will that translate in terms of jobs, education, and border control. Will the border become calm and serene? Will the I.C.E. agents go home?
Hmmmm. It will be interesting. Just watch. Tonight, on TV.
Book Review: "Black May" by Michael Gannon, Dell Books, 1998.
Reading a history written by an accomplished historian is always worth the effort and Michael Gannon's work is no exception. BLACK MAY , published in 1998, is an epic story of a brief period during the naval war of World War II. The story examines the events of May 1943 which marked the turning of the tide in the North Atlantic against Nazi Germany's U-Boats, which had been the scourge of all shipping since the outbreak of war in September, 1939.
Mr. Gannon is a professor emeritus of history at Univ. of Florida where he has taught for many years. He is the author of 7 other histories, including a history of Spanish Borderlands which garnered awards from the Spanish government. His timely effort led him to interviews with many of the surviving participants who were able to recall specific events and give personal recollections that add considerable color to the facts as they unfolded.
Prior to May '43, Allies were still struggling against Adm. Karl Donitz' submarines which had been operating from bases in occupied France. These base locations enabled the sub fleet to avoid the choke points in the Baltic Sea and the Iceland Gap. It also lowered turn around times for the boats, increasing an overall presence along convoy routes from North America to Western Europe and Russia's northern ports(Murmansk).
Much of this war-at-sea chronicle has been told, mentioned as a back story to the land and air war that captured headlines during the same period. Part of this can be explained by a few pertinent factors: few if any sailors on board a sub, survived a sinking; most didn't. Successful sub commanders usually were eventual casualties themselves as continued service would negate a good outcome. A majority of German subs never encountered a viable target. Gannon places the figure at over 50 per cent.
More later.
Mr. Gannon is a professor emeritus of history at Univ. of Florida where he has taught for many years. He is the author of 7 other histories, including a history of Spanish Borderlands which garnered awards from the Spanish government. His timely effort led him to interviews with many of the surviving participants who were able to recall specific events and give personal recollections that add considerable color to the facts as they unfolded.
Prior to May '43, Allies were still struggling against Adm. Karl Donitz' submarines which had been operating from bases in occupied France. These base locations enabled the sub fleet to avoid the choke points in the Baltic Sea and the Iceland Gap. It also lowered turn around times for the boats, increasing an overall presence along convoy routes from North America to Western Europe and Russia's northern ports(Murmansk).
Much of this war-at-sea chronicle has been told, mentioned as a back story to the land and air war that captured headlines during the same period. Part of this can be explained by a few pertinent factors: few if any sailors on board a sub, survived a sinking; most didn't. Successful sub commanders usually were eventual casualties themselves as continued service would negate a good outcome. A majority of German subs never encountered a viable target. Gannon places the figure at over 50 per cent.
More later.
Minister of Latin American Affairs Hits Road Again
Our indefatigable Minister continues his amazing 2014 schedule. Last week he visited Surinam at the request of their government office of Central Intelligence. Meetings were held over several days that discussed local and regional topics concerned with internet security. The weather was hot, humid, and generally normal for November. His hosts were very grateful for the timely response to their requests for "current state of affairs" discussions that came on short notice.
Our Minister was feted at a closing night social gathering where he was gifted with several tribute gifts.
He then hustled home to Washington, DC., where he met the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for a round of discussions about the calendar for 2015, which has to be on the next Tahoma Civic Affairs committee meeting in December. The discussions went well and specific details will be included on the agenda for that meeting. He then mentioned a departure time of Monday morning for a trip to Bogota'. No rest for the wicked.
Talk about timing: apparently, while his plane was in the air, an Army general from Colombia was kidnapped by FARC guerillas in eastern Colombia, even as their representatives were involved in peace talks with the national leaders of Colombia. What are they thinking?
We wait anxiously for his updated status report from Bogota'. He also noted before he departed that Bogota' is his favorite city in South America.
Updates later in the week.
Our Minister was feted at a closing night social gathering where he was gifted with several tribute gifts.
He then hustled home to Washington, DC., where he met the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for a round of discussions about the calendar for 2015, which has to be on the next Tahoma Civic Affairs committee meeting in December. The discussions went well and specific details will be included on the agenda for that meeting. He then mentioned a departure time of Monday morning for a trip to Bogota'. No rest for the wicked.
Talk about timing: apparently, while his plane was in the air, an Army general from Colombia was kidnapped by FARC guerillas in eastern Colombia, even as their representatives were involved in peace talks with the national leaders of Colombia. What are they thinking?
We wait anxiously for his updated status report from Bogota'. He also noted before he departed that Bogota' is his favorite city in South America.
Updates later in the week.
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Making Merry in Milano
The Summit meeting in Milano among European leaders apparently was not very cordial. German leader Angela Merkel had few encouraging words for her Russyan counterpart, mad Vlad Putin. Italian leaders present noted a particularly cool attitude of Mrs. Merkel toward Mr. Putin who tried in vain to discuss his Crimean adventure as a Russyan prerogative and a completed activity in
Novorussya, the old czarist term. Mr. Poroshenko of Ukraine did not buy into it and remarked that at least the representatives were in discussions despite the slim chance of settling any issues.
The Dance of Diplomacy is always a spectator sport as media types like the photo ops, and the diplomats like the food. The heavy lifting, of course, takes place behind closed doors. As Mr. Poroshenko said, "the implementation" has yet to be accomplished, referring to the peace agreement that has been signed over the Donbass in eastern Ukraine. This activity comes as background to the war in the Middle east that all parties are watching closely, as Turks, Kurds, Americans, Arabs, Brits, and more confront the Islamic murderers around the city of Kobani in Syria.
We in Tahoma are watching events closely.
Election Time
Jerry Brown, Governor of California, has his name on top of millions of ballots mailed out to voters in the last week. November 4th is weeks away, and the wily old veteran is hoping for one last term in the hot seat in Sacramento. Many of the ballot propositions will determine his legacy, which was bolstered this week by the state Supreme Court which refused to hear challenges to his High Speed Rail Project in the Central Valley in an effort to link LA and SF by high speed trains. His wish for twin aqueducts under the delta may not get past the discussion stage as environmentalists rip the proposal from every angle.
Don't forget to put a stamp on your ballot when you mail it in, if absentee. It will be returned: no freebie here.
Novorussya, the old czarist term. Mr. Poroshenko of Ukraine did not buy into it and remarked that at least the representatives were in discussions despite the slim chance of settling any issues.
The Dance of Diplomacy is always a spectator sport as media types like the photo ops, and the diplomats like the food. The heavy lifting, of course, takes place behind closed doors. As Mr. Poroshenko said, "the implementation" has yet to be accomplished, referring to the peace agreement that has been signed over the Donbass in eastern Ukraine. This activity comes as background to the war in the Middle east that all parties are watching closely, as Turks, Kurds, Americans, Arabs, Brits, and more confront the Islamic murderers around the city of Kobani in Syria.
We in Tahoma are watching events closely.
Election Time
Jerry Brown, Governor of California, has his name on top of millions of ballots mailed out to voters in the last week. November 4th is weeks away, and the wily old veteran is hoping for one last term in the hot seat in Sacramento. Many of the ballot propositions will determine his legacy, which was bolstered this week by the state Supreme Court which refused to hear challenges to his High Speed Rail Project in the Central Valley in an effort to link LA and SF by high speed trains. His wish for twin aqueducts under the delta may not get past the discussion stage as environmentalists rip the proposal from every angle.
Don't forget to put a stamp on your ballot when you mail it in, if absentee. It will be returned: no freebie here.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Please, Will Somebody Buy My Oil
It's hard to overlook, but gas prices at the pump are falling. Drivers are getting their Christmas gifts early. Almost a 15% drop in the last 2-3 weeks. But, this time: it's different. This could be a trend that could last for months, if not years. Why? No demand, or so much less demand as to depress prices. Fuel efficient vehicles, less travel, electric autos, hybrid autos, Elon Musk's multi billion dollar battery factory in Nevada. It's enough to make a sheik cry.
Saudi Arabia announces they will not stop pumping. Makes sense, why cut back and let the Americans get a toe hold in new markets? Seems like some economists haven't figured that one out yet. If the USA is pumping 3.5 million barrels extra into the pipeline, and there's already slack in the market, prices will come down. And they have, most everywhere.
Now, what happens next? Hmmm. Lots of folks are starting to make some dire predictions. If the market wants $85/ a barrel and your cost is $120/barrel, how long will you continue to produce at this price? Now we have Mr. Putin negotiating with his good Communists buddies down south: Chairman Xi and Co. The Chinese Communists like nice neat contracts with predictable outcomes. Mr. Putin likes to keep a steady income stream. Contracts, signed, Chairman go home happy, like kid with puppy.
Now what if you're Venezuela: inflation running high, crime rampant in the streets, and Cubans knocking on your door asking for favors(oil)? Not such a good situation. Not a lot of options, either. Others are controlling the market for your No. 1 product. The natives are restless; your allies are going silent; students are in the streets. What now , Mr. Maduro? Nationalization? Been there, done that. Free food? Done. I see trouble brewing in South America's largest oil producer. Could be a coup standing in the wings. Will Raul Castro show up in Venezuela as an "advisor"? Sort of like Russian troops showing up in Ukraine to protect "Russians".
Keep your eyes on the price of oil- it will move and move governments.
Saudi Arabia announces they will not stop pumping. Makes sense, why cut back and let the Americans get a toe hold in new markets? Seems like some economists haven't figured that one out yet. If the USA is pumping 3.5 million barrels extra into the pipeline, and there's already slack in the market, prices will come down. And they have, most everywhere.
Now, what happens next? Hmmm. Lots of folks are starting to make some dire predictions. If the market wants $85/ a barrel and your cost is $120/barrel, how long will you continue to produce at this price? Now we have Mr. Putin negotiating with his good Communists buddies down south: Chairman Xi and Co. The Chinese Communists like nice neat contracts with predictable outcomes. Mr. Putin likes to keep a steady income stream. Contracts, signed, Chairman go home happy, like kid with puppy.
Now what if you're Venezuela: inflation running high, crime rampant in the streets, and Cubans knocking on your door asking for favors(oil)? Not such a good situation. Not a lot of options, either. Others are controlling the market for your No. 1 product. The natives are restless; your allies are going silent; students are in the streets. What now , Mr. Maduro? Nationalization? Been there, done that. Free food? Done. I see trouble brewing in South America's largest oil producer. Could be a coup standing in the wings. Will Raul Castro show up in Venezuela as an "advisor"? Sort of like Russian troops showing up in Ukraine to protect "Russians".
Keep your eyes on the price of oil- it will move and move governments.
Movie Review: Io Sono Li, or Shun Li and the Poet
This film was chosen as a selection for the October Italian Film festival in the north Bay Area. It was chosen on the basis of the many awards received in many categories, including best actress, cinematography, supporting actor, screen play, and more.
The film is, of course, Italian in origin, and is filmed in and around the city of Venice, uniquely recognizable across many cultures. The film tells the story of a young Chinese woman, brought to Italy as a contract worker for a group of Chinese businessmen involved in the garment trade and restaurants. Shun Li is the young woman in the role of the contract worker. After a stint in the garment world, she is sent to Venice to work in a newly purchased waterfront restaurant that caters to the local fishermen who ply the local waters to make a living from the famous lagoon.
The poet, Bepi as he is known to his fellow fisherman, is a widower, well along in years, but not ready to call it quits as he finds meaning to his life on the lagoon and solace among the calm waters that surround his ramshackle house on stilts over the water. In time, viewers learn that the owners do not want their contract workers to associate with Italians; it would be bad for business. The boss threatens Shun Li: stop talking w/ the fishermen, or your work time contract begins again! Bepi doesn't understand Shun Li's new silence, and resents his pals objections to any relationship with foreign workers.
Later, Shun Li returns to the garment world and learns that her 8 yr old son has arrived from China and her bond has been paid by an unknown benefactor(not Bepi). Now free, she returns one day to Venice to thank Bepi for his kindness only to learn he has died, and has left her his fishing station. As a final request, Bepi asked her in a letter to give him a "poet's Funeral'. With the help of another of Bepi's fisherman friends, they make a final visit to the shack, which Shun Li douses with fuel oil and ignites with a torch.
A touching, moving film of different cultures coming together in very human ways. Beautifully photographed, terrific acting by the principles with good dialogue that serves to complement the thoughtful production. Much of the dialogue is in Chinese, with subtitles.
5 stars*****
The film is, of course, Italian in origin, and is filmed in and around the city of Venice, uniquely recognizable across many cultures. The film tells the story of a young Chinese woman, brought to Italy as a contract worker for a group of Chinese businessmen involved in the garment trade and restaurants. Shun Li is the young woman in the role of the contract worker. After a stint in the garment world, she is sent to Venice to work in a newly purchased waterfront restaurant that caters to the local fishermen who ply the local waters to make a living from the famous lagoon.
The poet, Bepi as he is known to his fellow fisherman, is a widower, well along in years, but not ready to call it quits as he finds meaning to his life on the lagoon and solace among the calm waters that surround his ramshackle house on stilts over the water. In time, viewers learn that the owners do not want their contract workers to associate with Italians; it would be bad for business. The boss threatens Shun Li: stop talking w/ the fishermen, or your work time contract begins again! Bepi doesn't understand Shun Li's new silence, and resents his pals objections to any relationship with foreign workers.
Later, Shun Li returns to the garment world and learns that her 8 yr old son has arrived from China and her bond has been paid by an unknown benefactor(not Bepi). Now free, she returns one day to Venice to thank Bepi for his kindness only to learn he has died, and has left her his fishing station. As a final request, Bepi asked her in a letter to give him a "poet's Funeral'. With the help of another of Bepi's fisherman friends, they make a final visit to the shack, which Shun Li douses with fuel oil and ignites with a torch.
A touching, moving film of different cultures coming together in very human ways. Beautifully photographed, terrific acting by the principles with good dialogue that serves to complement the thoughtful production. Much of the dialogue is in Chinese, with subtitles.
5 stars*****
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