Jimmy Lai:Soon to be on Trial in Hong Kong

   Where's Jimmy Lai?  Let's see: he's been arrested and held in prison now for months. Beijing announced that his trial in Hong Kong will begin today. He will answer charges of seditious activity. Hmmm. Sounds like a scripted charge put up by the Communist government in Beijing which took over Hong Kong in violation of the treaty signed with the U.K. 25 years ago. Everybody knew that was a sham ans Xi JP proved it as such. Old Xi is having a moment now as protests continue across China over Covid restrictions. When will it end? Nobody knows, but Beijing has begun relaxing strict control over movement around the country. People were forced to stay home because of Covid controls. Folks could not work; could not shop; could not leave their homes and apartments. Schools were closed, businesses shut down, and transportation halted. All to facilitate control of a virus that defies control: it's in the air!!!

      Commies being commies, they shout into the wind: "We know better", "We're Communists". Long live Communism. How sad, really. They probably don't know history.

More Protests Rock Large Chinese Cities

    In the largest street protests in over 32 years, Chinese of all demographics have hit the streets in protests against Beijings harsh pandemic position on curtailing the spread of the Covid 19 virus. Lockdowns and isolation have been the Communists' go to position. Citizens cannot leave their homes, cannot go to work, sick or not. The Unemployment rate for young workers has soared above 20%. Beijing refuses to alter course in the face of these mass protests. Not since Tianeman square protests in 1989 have there been such anti-government protests. Dictators never learn. Nor oligarchs or despots. People want to be free. It's universal. despite arrests, jailings, beatings, camera recordings, the protests continue in large cities and small. How will this play out? Nobody knows at this point.

Pulisic Puts Team USA into Round of 16

       Facing elimination in Game 3 of the Group play in Qatar, the Boys from USA out hustled the Iranian side, scoring once, and then defending that goal for the rest of the contest.  Christian Pulisic took a pass in front of the goal mouth from his teammate, and sent the ball home then crashing into the goal keeper who came out a few steps to defend. He was banged up and stayed on the ground for several miutes. He then walked off but was not taken out. His team responded with 9 field players while Pulisic recovered on the sidelines. After a few minutes, hr returned to the field after checking with the center ref. After the contest, he reassured his many fans that he'll be ready to play Saturday against the Orangemen from the Netherlands. After playing England to adraw, I'm sure the team will be more than optimisticabout their chances against this top European side.

      Watch the game Saturday morning.

Jury Convicts Stewart Rhodes, Leader of Oath Keepers

       Lawyer and far right leader of the extremist group known as Oath Keepers,Stewart Rhodes, a Yale-educated lawyer, was convicted of sedition by a jury after a trial during which he took the stand on his own defense but could not convince the members of the jury that he was only waiting for Pres. trumpto ask for help from his group's members. Hmmmmmm. Well, Stewart and compatriot, Kelley Meggs, will be able to contemplate their lives while spending 20 years+/- in prison. federal prison, at that. The DOJ put considerable resources into its investigation because it will have serious implications for the Rum Pot in Mar-A-Lago, Florida, former tweeter-in-chief.

      Good old Stewart, smart enough to spend several years studying law books in Yale law school, but not smart enough to put his education to useful, productive endeavors. Too bad for you, Dirt Bag. Have fun in the exercise yard at Leavenworth.

Xi JP: He Leaves the Mask on but Gloves Off

        My, my, my: trouble along the Yangtze River in Asia, also known as China. The Covid virus is running amok among the Chinese population, especially those most vulnerable-the elderly among the population. In addition, the Beijing autocrats insist that the current protocols continue: severe lockdowns, mandatory isolation, business closures, and surveillance of everybody everywhere. Sounds like a Communist plot. Oh, wait: it is a Communist plot. The Chinese are Communists(at least those robots in Beijing)! So, Xi has given the word to national police: continue on, don't let the rebels make any progress. Rules are rules; they must follow all rules. I have spoken. I am Xi JP, leader of Asia, China, the Chinese people and anybody and everybody else. Don't forget. It's all about "The Party".

     Recently, the USA has tightened the thumb screws on Chinese tech companies, forcing them to cut back on all expansion plans across the world. Huawei, already under sanctions, will be hit with even more sanctions as the USA instructs worldwide businesses who want to do business with US companies, must adhere to new rules about doing business with Chinese companies in the tech sector. This will further the goals of US sanctions to restrict inroads made by China in its quest to become the new world leader, an obvious challenge to the USA.

More Sanctions Coming for Russya

       A 9th set of sanctions are being discussed this weekend in Europe. Poland and the Baltic States(Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia) are discussing another round of trade restrictions that will add more trouble for those in Russya who want to do business internally while cut off from international partners, suppliers, and customers. The slow squeeze continues to strangle domestic production, domestic operations, and severely limits all Russyan exports. As Putin's costly war against Ukraine moves into its first winter of operations, citizens in Russya will experience growing difficulties with basic needs. Additionally, travel restrictions will hinder movement of citizens out of Russya no matter where they want to hide.

      Down south, near the center of combat operations of the feeble Russyan army conscripts, many have been trying the malingerers' approach to getting shipped home: get a doctor to assign an injury/illness to you and go home for extended care. This is one of the oldest methods used by all armies all the time forever. Everybody has heard the story of soldiers who use their weapons to shoot a foot and claim combat wounds. various knives and cutting instruments also work wonders. "Igor, pass me your bayonet. I need to open a can of borscht for dinner."  Whoopsy, I slipped and cut off my finger(s). "Ivan, is this rifle loaded. Boom. Oh, my foot is bleeding. Call a medic." And so it goes in Ukraine as more and more Russyan soldiers acknowledge the futility of all their efforts in Ukraine. And at such great cost as friends and brothers are slaughtered like so many cattle. For what? For Putin's glory? For "Mother Russya? Please. I just want to go home. I like Ukrainians, anyway.

     So, look and listen for an announcement tomorrow: new sanctions against the invaders.  

Canada v. Croatia

       Our northern cousins, those formerly English, have demonstrated a high level of skills on the soccer pitch. Simultaneously,  Croatia has elevated its game to an equally high level since the partition of the former Yugoslavia. In the first half of today's World Cup contest, Canada got a jump start in the 2nd minute with a goal that rocked the Croats. But, the East Europeans were not daunted by this rapid fire goal. Over the next 43 minutes, the Red & White checkers dominated the pitch, out running the Maple Leafs, beating to the ball again and again. In the 32nd minute, the Croats put one in the back of the net, after having an earlier shot called back for offsides. Then, with the sides' aggressive onslaught, the Croats scored another goal in the 44th minute, making it a 2-1 tally as halftime was whistled by the referee.

Advantage: Croatia

In the earlier game, favorite Belgium was defeated by Morocco. Hmmm. What's going on with European teams?

Next game: Germany v. Ronaldo & Co.