Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Happy Birthday J.D.
For you literary types or just plain students of the American novel, today would have been the 96th birthday of our own J. D. Salinger, author of-----------Catcher in the Rye! Yes, that J.D. Salinger. author of the 2nd most read book in schools. What is also mostly known is that he became a recluse, living out his life in obscurity in New Hampshire. What is not commonly known is that he was a war veteran, landing at Omaha Beach in Normandy in 1944 and fighting his way across France, involved in that ferocious counterattack known as the Battle of the Bulge where Allied forces suffered the most casualties of the war, and then was involved in the liberation of the death camp at Dachau. As a result of his "battle fatigue" or "shell shock" or "post traumatic stress syndrome", he was hospitalized when he returned to the States after hostilities. He continued to write, without much further success and he never moved back into what we would now call mainstream life.
Lithuania: On the Cusp
Well, not really on the cusp, more like on the brink, the brink of stepping away from their next door neighbor: the home of Mad Vlad the Putin. Tomorrow, the country of 3 million will join the Euro currency bloc, becoming No. 19 of the union. A recent poll indicates a 63% majority favors the move. Since gaining independence from Russya after 50+ years under the Cossack boot, Lithuania seeks closer economic ties with Europe as a hedge against Russyan economic collapse because of Western sanctions and the plummeting of the price of oil and the devaluation of the fiat money rouble, now worth half from only 6 months ago. Cuba and China have both decided Russya is a bad bet, as long as sanctions are preventing foreign investment, and banks are forbidden from making ties with their Russyan counterparts.
All predictable when the leader of the largest country on earth goes after another little slice of pie down south near Sochi on the Black Sea.
When will Mad Vlad wake up? Never?
Happy New year to All Lithuanians and welcome to the club.
All predictable when the leader of the largest country on earth goes after another little slice of pie down south near Sochi on the Black Sea.
When will Mad Vlad wake up? Never?
Happy New year to All Lithuanians and welcome to the club.
Greece: Again
Greek premier Antonis Samaras formally requested the dissolution of Parliament on Tuesday, marking the beginning of an election period lasting a month. Apparently, those elected couldn't agree on anything. Now it appears that a new party of the Greek voters will seek power, and then challenge EU bank officials and their calls for more austerity. A newly formed party, To Potami(To Rivers?) a centrist group, will oppose the Socialist party. The other opposition party, Syriza, was blamed for the inability of Parliament to elect a new head of state. Here again, we see the inability of democratically elected representatives to get things done. Perhaps they should reduce the number of sitting politicians: too many cooks spoil the broth.
Look across the Aegean Sea at poor Italy: premier Matteo Renzi wants to be the change agent with his government but entrenched interests seem able to stymie even his mandate for change.
Greeks can't seem to grasp the seriousness of their ills. Fear overcomes the ability to think. Leadership is lacking and nobody likes the prospects for a future that different from what exists. Not to mention that this tiny country, albeit with a history, consists of but 11 1/2 million people with but less than 6 million capable or available for work. And the ECB wants to throw more money down there? Hmmm. Is anybody listening? Does anybody want to face reality? DoEs somebody want to go in there, turn out the lights, and go home?
Greeks--gotta love 'em.
Look across the Aegean Sea at poor Italy: premier Matteo Renzi wants to be the change agent with his government but entrenched interests seem able to stymie even his mandate for change.
Greeks can't seem to grasp the seriousness of their ills. Fear overcomes the ability to think. Leadership is lacking and nobody likes the prospects for a future that different from what exists. Not to mention that this tiny country, albeit with a history, consists of but 11 1/2 million people with but less than 6 million capable or available for work. And the ECB wants to throw more money down there? Hmmm. Is anybody listening? Does anybody want to face reality? DoEs somebody want to go in there, turn out the lights, and go home?
Greeks--gotta love 'em.
Alexei Navalny: Victim of Russyan Politics
How does Mr. Putin deal with opponents? Let us look at a recent example. Mr. Navalny has been critical of the Kremlin and policies emanating from its hallways. Since Mr. Putin took over from his surragate Mr. Medvedev, the Russyan political landscape has been littered with the skeletons of Mr. P's opponents. If one chooses not to abide the Novorussya, then you are ostracized, or sent away to prison.
Today, in an earlier than expected decision, a Moscow court found Mr. Navalny and his brother, Oleg, guilty of fraud and money laundering. In Russya, money laundering is a term for exchanging roubles for euros or dollars or anything other than the fiat paper printed by the Kremlin, now worth half what it was just 6 months ago. However, despite being convicted of these "crimes", Mr. Navalny was not imprisoned, only Oleg was sent away to the cooler. This is the Russyan way: "when in doubt, get the whole family involved in the "crime".
Alexei Navalny was then promptly taken to his place of residence where he was placed under "house" arrest, because he had violated an earlier sentence of house arrest to attend a protest against Mr. P.
Other protesters at the demonstration wanted to show their support of the brothers and to rally to the cause of opposing the Kremlin. About 100 were detained by riot police. The brothers were also ordered to pay fines of $8700, and about $48,000 in another case. The court decision will be appealed by both defendants.
Now that the long, cold winter has settled in over the vast lands of Russya, it will be interesting to watch as the price of oil sinks further and the predicted recession grabs the economy by the throat and begins to squeeze the life from those few Russyans who have any life left after living with Mad Vlad for the last 14+ years. What does the FSB do during a Russyan winter, besides drink vodka by the liter?
Today, in an earlier than expected decision, a Moscow court found Mr. Navalny and his brother, Oleg, guilty of fraud and money laundering. In Russya, money laundering is a term for exchanging roubles for euros or dollars or anything other than the fiat paper printed by the Kremlin, now worth half what it was just 6 months ago. However, despite being convicted of these "crimes", Mr. Navalny was not imprisoned, only Oleg was sent away to the cooler. This is the Russyan way: "when in doubt, get the whole family involved in the "crime".
Alexei Navalny was then promptly taken to his place of residence where he was placed under "house" arrest, because he had violated an earlier sentence of house arrest to attend a protest against Mr. P.
Other protesters at the demonstration wanted to show their support of the brothers and to rally to the cause of opposing the Kremlin. About 100 were detained by riot police. The brothers were also ordered to pay fines of $8700, and about $48,000 in another case. The court decision will be appealed by both defendants.
Now that the long, cold winter has settled in over the vast lands of Russya, it will be interesting to watch as the price of oil sinks further and the predicted recession grabs the economy by the throat and begins to squeeze the life from those few Russyans who have any life left after living with Mad Vlad for the last 14+ years. What does the FSB do during a Russyan winter, besides drink vodka by the liter?
Goodbye 2014: Hello 2015
All the media is filled with a look back over a tumultuous year, the year that was 2014. For Tahoma, it was a quiet year, all told. Not much of a winter, very little snow to speak of. The summer season was better-more visitors over the short vacation period. The real estate market was perky, here and there with lakefront properties commanding breath taking prices. The rest of the market showed some improvement, but nothing to get excited about. The Norfolk Inn on 89 was finally acquired by some local group that has already begun improvements. That alone is worthy of comment.
It seems that with multiple owners, the recession, and foreclosure, not much could be done. However, determination and persistence won out. A restaurant is in the works and that will help out local options. The West Side Pizza restaurant was sold to locals, and they may decide to change the menu. We hope so.
Where We Met Espresso/Gelato is closed for the winter, but owner Liz will reopen in the spring.
Highway improvements along 89 continue with new curbs and drains running continuously from Meeks Bay to Homewood with a few breaks in between; completion due in the next 2-3 years.
A lawsuit that held up the Homewood resort was settled and the owners group will proceed in 2015. That's good news for all Tahoma residents. Jobs could result.
We look forward to the challenge of 2015. Our Minister of Latin American Affairs is switching hats soon, perhaps March. He'll be joining the US Dept. Of State and will be posted to a position in Latin America. At least for the next few years, he'll keep up his reporting on all things Latino.
Two of our ministers will be in graduate school, improving their knowledge base. We encourage this effort on behalf of all Tahomans.
Local Weather Alert
I know it's cold-I see the snow covered peaks. But single digits? Yes, over the next couple of nights, temps will dip close to zero degrees. Don't forget to protect your: 1) self, 2) family, 3) pets, 4) vehicles, 5) plumbing, 6) heating systems/firewood supply, 7) communications equipment, spare batteries, lighting backup, and fuel for standby generators.
Have A Happy New Year From All of us in TAHOMA!!!!!!!
Welcome 2015
more later
It seems that with multiple owners, the recession, and foreclosure, not much could be done. However, determination and persistence won out. A restaurant is in the works and that will help out local options. The West Side Pizza restaurant was sold to locals, and they may decide to change the menu. We hope so.
Where We Met Espresso/Gelato is closed for the winter, but owner Liz will reopen in the spring.
Highway improvements along 89 continue with new curbs and drains running continuously from Meeks Bay to Homewood with a few breaks in between; completion due in the next 2-3 years.
A lawsuit that held up the Homewood resort was settled and the owners group will proceed in 2015. That's good news for all Tahoma residents. Jobs could result.
We look forward to the challenge of 2015. Our Minister of Latin American Affairs is switching hats soon, perhaps March. He'll be joining the US Dept. Of State and will be posted to a position in Latin America. At least for the next few years, he'll keep up his reporting on all things Latino.
Two of our ministers will be in graduate school, improving their knowledge base. We encourage this effort on behalf of all Tahomans.
Local Weather Alert
I know it's cold-I see the snow covered peaks. But single digits? Yes, over the next couple of nights, temps will dip close to zero degrees. Don't forget to protect your: 1) self, 2) family, 3) pets, 4) vehicles, 5) plumbing, 6) heating systems/firewood supply, 7) communications equipment, spare batteries, lighting backup, and fuel for standby generators.
Have A Happy New Year From All of us in TAHOMA!!!!!!!
Welcome 2015
more later
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Italia:2014-Road Trip: Part I
Now that the dust has settled on 2014 for the most part, it's time to recall some of the highlights of the year. The NYTimes published its 'Year in Pictures" on Sunday, revealing many captured moments that one remembers well. But, the Mayor can recall a few of his own, especially from the road trip in Italia.
We started from Rome, flying nonstop to Palermo in Sicily. This was the first return after almost 20 years when we visited Taormina on the east coast of the island in the shadow of the volcano Mt. Etna(which was erupting and producing thunderous explosions at the summit). Palermo is a modern city on the northwest coast, surrounded by eroded hills and mountains. The airport is located to the west of the city along the coast. The city itself is a large port providing shipping services for freight and passenger traffic. Ferries arrive here from the peninsula and from Sardinia to the north. A few come from the southern islands in the Mediterrenean: Pantelleria and Lampedusa, both Italian possessions.
For 3 days we walked the streets of the city taking in the sights and enjoying autumn weather in the 70's. Our meals here introduced us to what we would encounter on the road: fish, and lots of it. We also began to grasp the local pastry traditions that accompany every meal: cannoli, filled with cream. For breakfast? Yes! Because of the historical and geographical position of Sicily, layers of culture can be uncovered wherever one looks- Greeks, Spaniards, Trojans, North Africans, Turks, and Egyptians all left signs and symbols about the landscape. Architectural elements abound with a variety of ownership. Remember the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies? Do your homework. Remember King Ruggiero II? Look him up-beyond Google.
We picked up the rental car after 3 days and off we went, heading west along the coast. The date:11/3/14.
More later.
We started from Rome, flying nonstop to Palermo in Sicily. This was the first return after almost 20 years when we visited Taormina on the east coast of the island in the shadow of the volcano Mt. Etna(which was erupting and producing thunderous explosions at the summit). Palermo is a modern city on the northwest coast, surrounded by eroded hills and mountains. The airport is located to the west of the city along the coast. The city itself is a large port providing shipping services for freight and passenger traffic. Ferries arrive here from the peninsula and from Sardinia to the north. A few come from the southern islands in the Mediterrenean: Pantelleria and Lampedusa, both Italian possessions.
For 3 days we walked the streets of the city taking in the sights and enjoying autumn weather in the 70's. Our meals here introduced us to what we would encounter on the road: fish, and lots of it. We also began to grasp the local pastry traditions that accompany every meal: cannoli, filled with cream. For breakfast? Yes! Because of the historical and geographical position of Sicily, layers of culture can be uncovered wherever one looks- Greeks, Spaniards, Trojans, North Africans, Turks, and Egyptians all left signs and symbols about the landscape. Architectural elements abound with a variety of ownership. Remember the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies? Do your homework. Remember King Ruggiero II? Look him up-beyond Google.
We picked up the rental car after 3 days and off we went, heading west along the coast. The date:11/3/14.
More later.
Oil Continues Decline
It is a slow time of the year in the USA and other locations that celebrate Christmas and New Year's in the last week of the calendar year. But, despite the lack of investment activity, the oil market continues its slide. A barrel of oil closed yesterday at $52/per. This is good news for some, bad news for others.
We have discussed this price drop and its effects before- there are winners and losers. The winners continue to be drivers/consumers of energy at retail- prices at the pump continue to go down. This bodes well for retail merchants dependent upon spending by consumers for cash flow and profits. Also big winners: airlines, where fuel costs represent a high % of expenses. Oil producers and drillers and servicers will see profit declines as cutbacks in drilling operations and reduced exploration follow price declines.
Then there are national losers: those sovereign states that are dependent on oil and gas for their country's budget health-think Russya, Iran, Kazakstan, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and UAE. All will see income reductions through 2015 and beyond. The big winner: Uncle Sam and his USA. Now, a net exporter at a time when GDP is growing at a 3.5% annual rate. Russya is projecting a recession or worse in 2015, Venezuela is on the brink of depression and/or revolution. As part of the fallout, Cuba is cozying up to its northern neighbor across the Florida Strait. The average price of a gallon of gas int eh US is $2.40! Down almost $1 since June of this year. Even I feel better about my personal finances. I love to watch the final figures on the gas pump substantially lower than just 6 months ago.
These conditions are likely to persist, and in many cases, will be the only pay increase for many workers. Or a tax break, depending on how you look at it.
Go to Tahoe this week; go skiing- weather is great!.....
We have discussed this price drop and its effects before- there are winners and losers. The winners continue to be drivers/consumers of energy at retail- prices at the pump continue to go down. This bodes well for retail merchants dependent upon spending by consumers for cash flow and profits. Also big winners: airlines, where fuel costs represent a high % of expenses. Oil producers and drillers and servicers will see profit declines as cutbacks in drilling operations and reduced exploration follow price declines.
Then there are national losers: those sovereign states that are dependent on oil and gas for their country's budget health-think Russya, Iran, Kazakstan, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and UAE. All will see income reductions through 2015 and beyond. The big winner: Uncle Sam and his USA. Now, a net exporter at a time when GDP is growing at a 3.5% annual rate. Russya is projecting a recession or worse in 2015, Venezuela is on the brink of depression and/or revolution. As part of the fallout, Cuba is cozying up to its northern neighbor across the Florida Strait. The average price of a gallon of gas int eh US is $2.40! Down almost $1 since June of this year. Even I feel better about my personal finances. I love to watch the final figures on the gas pump substantially lower than just 6 months ago.
These conditions are likely to persist, and in many cases, will be the only pay increase for many workers. Or a tax break, depending on how you look at it.
Go to Tahoe this week; go skiing- weather is great!.....
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