Election Day 2018 is Just Around the Corner

      Get out the vote: that's the order from downtown Tahoma.  Tuesday, June 5, 2018, is Election Day.  We have an opportunity to elect a new governor who will lead the state for the next 4 years.  Jerry Brown is finally going to be put out to pasture, where he belongs.  He has stated he will take to the farm that he owns somewhere in the Central valley and, along with his wife, will contemplate the future of mankind.  The choices for governor are extensive.  If one reviews the list, it seems there's no lacking of office seekers in California.  The front runner is Marin county's own Gavin Newsom.  He's the sitting Lt. Governor who had to be told by Gov. Jerry Brown to shut up more than once.  This ultra liberal raised with a silver spoon in his large mouth is a liberal's liberal, espousing every far left scheme related to any and all social ills, perceived social ills, hinted social ills from every known and unknown cause.  He will attempt to use the office to springboard to Washington, D.C. where he can effect change on a grand scale.   With a little luck, the voters of california will send him home, and not to another 4 years in Sacramento.
Go Vote
Lots of different ways to get this done.  Oh, and read the ballot measures-it's your money they spend everyday.   Think about it when you pay sales taxes(highest in nation outside of NY), highest property taxes outside of NY and NJ; auto reg fees-highest anywhere, etc.

Tahoma Residents Have Chance to Review Tahoe Plans

      The TRPA has released a draft copy of a new regional plan proposed for the entire bi-state basin.  It is called the SHORELINE PLAN.   This plan draft is available for viewing/review online at shorelineplan.org.  In considerable detail, the plan lays out a new version of plans for the future use of the area.  Since its inception in 1969, the TRPA has shepherded development across the region, often running into considerable opposition from a variety of interested parties.
     The TRPA is calling for comments during the review period that ends on Jule 9, 2018.  Three sessions of public workshops/comment nights are scheduled for June 4th @ TRPA offices, 128 Market ST., Stateline, NV;  June 6th, North Tahoe Event CTr in Kings Beach, 8318 N. Lake Blvd.,  and finally June 13th, 2018, at TRPA offices, Stateline.  All meetings begin at 5:30pm until 7:30 pm.
Here's a chance for locals and for visitors to make an impact on the future of Tahoe and its impending changes as planned by government entities.
      Make a difference: read it and comment.

Kremlin Strikes Again in Kiev: Fake News

    

 The following story of fake news was reported by Ukraine's Security Services.  Mr. Babchenko appeared at a news conference very much alive yesterday, May 30th.  The government then stated that an elaborate charade was put together to thwart a Russyan assassination attempt on Mr. Babchenko's life.   The Kremlin responded that this act was a provocation.  It is not much of a stretch to believe that there was in fact a plot to carry out this contract killing ordered by the Kremlin.
Read on for the statement put out by Kiev security bureau:

        The wife of a journalist found her husband at home bleeding from multiple gunshot wounds in his back.  He died on the way to the hospital.  This incident occurred in Ukraine, that country that has been a victim of Kremlin aggression now for over 3 years as Kremlin- backed military units invade the DonBass Region of eastern Ukraine, claiming that local citizens of Russyan heritage were being mistreated by the government and sought liberation from oppression by outside(Russyan) agents.
     Apparently, poison was not used on this occasion(as it was used in England earlier this year) because it has certain drawbacks.  So a more primitive, old school method was put to use, thus avoiding the long, drawn out stay in a hospital that continues the media coverage the Kremlin hates more than ever.   But not enough to continue to silence those journalists who "dare" to speak out against King(Czar) Putin.
      The Ukraine government will no doubt carry out the investigation and find the perp who committed this overt act of repression.   Arkady Babchenko was 41 years old.  He was a sharp critic of Kremlin policies, especially the takeover of Crimea, its support of separatists insurgents in the DonBass region in Ukraine, and the Russyan campaign in Syria.   The Committee to Protect Journalists in New  York called for a complete investigation into his death.

Italy: Confusion in Ranks

    Yesterday, our Memorial Day, the Italian President, Mr. Maratrella, threw a curve ball into the political landscape not just in Italy but in all of Europe.  The first bit of fallout was the drop in the Euro to 116 dollars/E.  Italian banks stocks went down as much as 2.2% on the news that the president rejected the parties' choice for economic minister, choosing instead a veteran economist who more closely favors the President's view that a closer bond with the EU is necessary for Italy's future growth.  This decision could be rejected by Parliament which would trigger another election in the fall.  An inability to form a coalition government will keep Italian citizens in turmoil for most of the rest of 2018.  This alone will slow growth.
     Leaders of the two largest coalition parties: the League and the 5 Star Movement called the move anti-Italian and attached the hated label of fascism to the move.   The inability of parties to resolve differences continues to disrupt business in the country, north and south.  Mr. Martarella will have to go back to the negotiating table in another attempt to deal with these two idiots:  Mr. Salvini and Mr. DiMaio.

Minister Visits Mall

Vietnam War Statue

Vietnam War Monument Wall

Memorial Day Parade Memorial Day

     That would be the National Mall in Washington, D.C.  It was Memorial Day yesterday and our Minister of Latin American Affairs led a Brazilian delegation to view various sites.  Number 1 on the list was Arlington Cemetery in Virginia where the group stopped at the John F. Kennedy gravesite.  The Eternal Flame located on the tomb continues to evoke many emotions among visitors.  Also included was a visit to the Vietnam Veterans Wall on the Capitol Mall.  A ceremony was in progress with many Gold Star families in attendance.   It is always a moving day when the Nation stops to remember its veterans of all conflicts.
      Our Minister explained the life-sized sculpted figures that stand near the Granite Wall; those figures depicting members of the military who served in Vietnam that were added years after the wall itself was installed amidst much controversy.  Yesterday marked the 50 Year Anniversary of the deadly year of 1968 when the US military suffered more casualties than any other year.

Finals NBA: LeBron vs. Curry Again

    So here we go again.  The Golden State Warriors  will play the Finals against their arch enemy, the LeBron James led Cleveland Cavaliers.  In last night's Game 7 of the warriors vs. the Houston Rockets, the Houston fans were treated to a typical Warriors' game:  tease the crowd in the first half, deliver the death blow in the third quarter, hold on in the fourth quarter with stifling defense and ball control.  James Harden and company tried hard to overcome the Warriors formidable shooters: Curry, Thompson, and Durant.   Houston led after the first quarter, and at one point were up by 15 points.  Coach Steve Kerr of Golden State seemed calm as his troops closed the deficit at the half to 10 points.  Still, there was some doubts among believers that the Rockets could prevent a comeback.
     Comeback they did with a flurry of 3-point shots that baffled the Rockets defense.   Curry electrified the team with his shooting from various positions.  The super-charged Warriors rolled over the home town favorites.   The Rockets missed 27 of 30 3-point shots, and would never overcome the Golden State 3rd quarter comeback.
     So nowit's on the the finals against the Cavs.   The Warriors are favorites to win again as the Cavs rely almost exclusively on LeBron's talents, unquestionably considerable.   Will the warriors Repeat?  Don't bet against them.  Tahoma fans love their Warriors.

Celtics v. Cavaliers: Going to Game 7

   Well, now.   The Celtics could have wrapped up the league finals yesterday but they were denied by LaBron and Company.  With his record setting performance,   Mr. James had other ideas.  Digging deep for an all out effort, he personally carried the team to victory.   He was the 'scoring machine' needed to overcome the Celtics and their multifaceted attack.   He scored inside;  he scored outside, he scored from the foul line.  He blocked shots, and he did it all in front of adoring home fans who cheered his efforts and seemed to energize this icon of the courts.  Perhaps he'll end up facing the Houston Rockets who seem very capable of beating the defending Champion Golden State Warriors.   No matter, who ever wins Game 7, will have their hands full in the Championship Playoff series that will start in a week.  Don't bet against LaBron.
Update
Celtics lose and go home;  Cavs will now play Warriors again.