n an apparent challenge to the new POTUS, Tehran fired a missile Sunday that exploded after cruising about 600 miles. This appears tobe a clear violation of the Nuclear agreement signed by the UN and the US. State Dept. spokesman says that they are concerned about this provocative action and have noted it could be considered a cause for reintroduction of sanctions against Iran.
More to follow.
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Monday, January 30, 2017
Former Naval Officer Appointed to NSC
Steve Bannon, POTUS security advisor, was appointed to the National Security Council. Demoted were Cahirman of the Joint Chiefs, Gen. Joe Dunford, and Sen. Coates. They will only be consulted upon invitation to meetings of the council. Hmmmmm.
Sunday, January 29, 2017
Winemaking 101
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| wine bottling area |
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| wine bottling facility |
This is the 3rd vintage of our Santa Rosa Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir is that flavorful red known as burgundy in Francia. We just finished a French burgundy, Domaine Alain Michelot, 2010. It was very good, but different than the Santa Rosa version. This variety is shipped from Baune, in eastern France, near Alsace.
The Geographer and the Casino King
The Prime Minister of the UK, Theresa May, arrived in Washington,D.C. for a face-to-face with the new president(POTUS). She hardly had her hat in her hand, but her visit underscores her position on the BREXIT issue at home. The clock is ticking on the separation from the EU, and Ms. May is well aware of this time table. The better to negotiate a new "deal" with the "self-avowed" deal maker extraordinaire. Mr. POTUS has called the Brits his fave over 'there'. If there is an ounce of truth in that, Ms. May just might be able to make a deal. But it is very early in this presidency, and there's much time and thought before anything is put on paper.
The week also saw discussions with Mexico come out as less than satisfactory for both parties. A face-to-face with Mexico's President Nieto over "The Wall" was cancelled. The trade issue combined with the immigration issue was more than enough to cause much teeth gnashing at Foggy Bottom and in Mexico City. While much ink has been used discussing immigration, the fact is a new law to control the flow is a long way off. Most economists are trying their best to explain NAFTA to the White House and what it has meant to both countries over the past 25 years. Yes, there is an unequal trade balance between the US and Mexico, but the trade agreement has continued to improve life south of the border.
On Saturday, POTUS was to speak with POR(pres. of Russya). This conversation would be more symbolic than substantive. Of the many issues, few could surpass Ukraine, Crimea, Syria, Afghanistan, the Middle East, Hacking of the D.N.C. computers, and, of course, economic sanctions that have helped push the Russyan economy deeper into recession. Well, maybe they talked about a face-to-face this spring in a neutral country: North Korea? or Kamchatka? Or Belorussya? or France? What would new Sec. Defense Mattis do? The former Marine general was sworn in this week at a Pentagon ceremony where he was praised by POTUS.
Regarding the hacking of US party computers before the election, Russyan state media announced Thursday that there has been several arrests of individuals suspected of leading the hacking effort. Names have been published and defense lawyers have responded to various inquiries. Hmmm. What does the Kremlin want to do now? Deflect a little criticism? The large international computer security company, Kaspersky, has had one of its senior executives arrested and charged with : TREASON. Yes, don't you just love the Russyans? What a bunch! Treason, such an over used word. Made up to facilitate elimination of opponents, no doubt. Why would anybody do business with Kaspersky, an obvious arm of the Kremlinistas? Oh, well. To each his own.
And then, the executive order to stop the entrance at the border(airports) of all foreign nationals from a list of countries, most notably those in the Middle East that have figured in the news for at least the last 12 years. Chaos has reigned, especially at US airports on the east Coast that are the primary gateways of these travelers to the US. Hmmmmm. How can these departments keep ahead of the pen? Not easy.
What next from the shores of the Potomac River? Just wait a day. Our Minister of Latin American Affairs texted that he will attend a meeting today to look at the latest executive orders. Many foreign diplomats are concerned that these 'new' orders are illegal. Already a US judge has issued a stay against further stoppages at the border. Hmmm. Different times.
The week also saw discussions with Mexico come out as less than satisfactory for both parties. A face-to-face with Mexico's President Nieto over "The Wall" was cancelled. The trade issue combined with the immigration issue was more than enough to cause much teeth gnashing at Foggy Bottom and in Mexico City. While much ink has been used discussing immigration, the fact is a new law to control the flow is a long way off. Most economists are trying their best to explain NAFTA to the White House and what it has meant to both countries over the past 25 years. Yes, there is an unequal trade balance between the US and Mexico, but the trade agreement has continued to improve life south of the border.
On Saturday, POTUS was to speak with POR(pres. of Russya). This conversation would be more symbolic than substantive. Of the many issues, few could surpass Ukraine, Crimea, Syria, Afghanistan, the Middle East, Hacking of the D.N.C. computers, and, of course, economic sanctions that have helped push the Russyan economy deeper into recession. Well, maybe they talked about a face-to-face this spring in a neutral country: North Korea? or Kamchatka? Or Belorussya? or France? What would new Sec. Defense Mattis do? The former Marine general was sworn in this week at a Pentagon ceremony where he was praised by POTUS.
Regarding the hacking of US party computers before the election, Russyan state media announced Thursday that there has been several arrests of individuals suspected of leading the hacking effort. Names have been published and defense lawyers have responded to various inquiries. Hmmm. What does the Kremlin want to do now? Deflect a little criticism? The large international computer security company, Kaspersky, has had one of its senior executives arrested and charged with : TREASON. Yes, don't you just love the Russyans? What a bunch! Treason, such an over used word. Made up to facilitate elimination of opponents, no doubt. Why would anybody do business with Kaspersky, an obvious arm of the Kremlinistas? Oh, well. To each his own.
And then, the executive order to stop the entrance at the border(airports) of all foreign nationals from a list of countries, most notably those in the Middle East that have figured in the news for at least the last 12 years. Chaos has reigned, especially at US airports on the east Coast that are the primary gateways of these travelers to the US. Hmmmmm. How can these departments keep ahead of the pen? Not easy.
What next from the shores of the Potomac River? Just wait a day. Our Minister of Latin American Affairs texted that he will attend a meeting today to look at the latest executive orders. Many foreign diplomats are concerned that these 'new' orders are illegal. Already a US judge has issued a stay against further stoppages at the border. Hmmm. Different times.
Saturday, January 28, 2017
Jerry Brown's State of the State Address
Jerry Brown, governor of California, gave his State of the State address to the state legislature this week. It was brief, about 15 minutes is all. The old Jesuit was his feisty self, throwing down the gauntlet to the Washington establishment's new look. he stated his position on possible reductions of fedral funds to the state, especially those to support MediCal and Medicare programs. he mentioned that those funds could easily exceed 3.1 billion dollars. Nobody has to tell him that the coast Democrats are not a majority anywhere anymore and that the littoral environments, both east and west, are fringe elements of the larger country.
More later
Gov. Brown's office announced that the Governor would be getting more radiation treatment for his ongoing efforts to deal with prostate cancer. the Governor has been diagnosed for more than 4 years. He is not expected to lose more than a day of work.
More later
Gov. Brown's office announced that the Governor would be getting more radiation treatment for his ongoing efforts to deal with prostate cancer. the Governor has been diagnosed for more than 4 years. He is not expected to lose more than a day of work.
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Stock Market Average Soars
The Dow Jones average went above 20,000 yesterday for the first time, marking a new era for investors. However, analysts expressed a word of caution amidst the euphoria. Jason Zweig, writing in the Wall St. Journal (wsj.com), stated that history of the market includes the cycles of highs and lows, reaching back to the crash of '29 which brought the average down to a level that took almost 25 years to reach again. Other crashes followed over the next 60 years, some only recently: the dive after the 2008 recession.
Yes, long bull markets are there, too, but nobody really had insights into the future of the market with justifiable accuracy.
A cautionary tale. Just this week, the retail sector of the economy has been hit with shock waves as investors in retail shopping malls have turned back properties to lenders, in effect, creating high risks for holders of securities based on real estate mortgages held on mall properties. Anchor tenants
have been under pressure as online buyers opt out of shopping and brick and mortar locations which offer little to various retail shoppers, especially boomers who recall the experience of mall shopping as it used to be with high quality, domestically produce goods. Now, the offerings are generally low quality goods produced in China or India or Bangladesh. While not boycotting these goods or locations, shoppers refuse to make the effort to root out quality amidst the trash at Macys, Kohls, Walmart, etc.
Yes, long bull markets are there, too, but nobody really had insights into the future of the market with justifiable accuracy.
A cautionary tale. Just this week, the retail sector of the economy has been hit with shock waves as investors in retail shopping malls have turned back properties to lenders, in effect, creating high risks for holders of securities based on real estate mortgages held on mall properties. Anchor tenants
have been under pressure as online buyers opt out of shopping and brick and mortar locations which offer little to various retail shoppers, especially boomers who recall the experience of mall shopping as it used to be with high quality, domestically produce goods. Now, the offerings are generally low quality goods produced in China or India or Bangladesh. While not boycotting these goods or locations, shoppers refuse to make the effort to root out quality amidst the trash at Macys, Kohls, Walmart, etc.
Sao Paolo Mayor to Privatize Assets
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| Sao Paolo Mayor Doria |
Our Minister on scene has described the response of the populace as positive, although pushback by those employees will certainly be there soon enough. Joao Doria even dressed as a street sweeper to help the policies.
The new mayor is a successful business man who has been compared to new president, Donald Trump. "No, says the Mayor. I'm not a Donald Trump clone. But Michael Bloomberg is a model for me".
He could do worse.
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