Czech authorities have announced that a court ruling will allow the extradition of hacking suspect Yevgeniy Nikulin to the U.S. He was arrested in Prague on October 5th in cooperation with Interpol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Russya also wants him on a separate charge of internet theft in 2009. He is wanted on other charges of stealing information from LinkedIn, Dropbox, and other companies. Judge Jaroslav Pytloun ruled Tuesdat that all necessary legal terms have been met by both countries.
Good luck, Yevgenie. We hope you have good lawyers working on your case. Where you get the best shot at justice is debatable. Your appeal will likely be heard in the U.S. soon.
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Putin Plays Keyboards
Mad Vlad sat down to play-in Beijing. While attending a conference among Asiatics, Mad Vlad again demonstrated his musical talent. he sat at a nearby piano, and banged away a couple of Soviet-era faves: Old Leningrad and Morning Mists.
His facial expression exposed his misgivings when he heard the less-than-perfect results on the instrument that was obviously out of tune. None the less, the video captured his 'overture' in B flat.
He remarked when done that because of the lack of tuning, his efforts were less than optimum. Critics declined comment.
The late Mr. Van Cliburn must be rolling in his grave. More than a few Russyan composers would also be among those rolling in the sod. Audience reaction among Chinese listeners was not noted.
A few critics made note that this performance was directed at Emmanuel Macron, the newly elected president of France, who claims some prowess on keyboard. Whether this rings true is debatable. Mr. Vlad's music provided background for Mr. Xi's conference on "One Belt, One Road" initiative which aims to send an international message that the era of Chinese hegemony is upon us. Hmmmm. And we understand that North Korea is not included. Ha ha.
His facial expression exposed his misgivings when he heard the less-than-perfect results on the instrument that was obviously out of tune. None the less, the video captured his 'overture' in B flat.
He remarked when done that because of the lack of tuning, his efforts were less than optimum. Critics declined comment.
The late Mr. Van Cliburn must be rolling in his grave. More than a few Russyan composers would also be among those rolling in the sod. Audience reaction among Chinese listeners was not noted.
A few critics made note that this performance was directed at Emmanuel Macron, the newly elected president of France, who claims some prowess on keyboard. Whether this rings true is debatable. Mr. Vlad's music provided background for Mr. Xi's conference on "One Belt, One Road" initiative which aims to send an international message that the era of Chinese hegemony is upon us. Hmmmm. And we understand that North Korea is not included. Ha ha.
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Australia: What a Fun Place
How are things down Under? Ask John McCain. He's there now, bolstering support for are alliances in the region and to send the message that America is aware of strategic moves by China in the neighborhood.
Bloomberg Magazine recently ran an article highlighting a curious past time in this under populated nation in the southern hemisphere. It seems that the political power-that-be thought gambling would be an excellent source of revenue for the spenders who manage the government. They decided to make it simple: slot machines. Why? Easily controlled and manipulated by owners so as to extract the correct/less painful amount of revenue from "players". Now who do you think plays these one-armed bandits? Of course, those who can least afford to lose a penny.
Now we have a nation with a large segment of the population Hooked/addicted to this national revenue generating industry. And of course, the response is: "They are adults and they can decide how to spend their own money." Curious, isn't it? Do the pols play? Does the Tax man play? Not a chance. It is those unfortunates who "hope" to hit the jackpot. Jackpot. What a great term! Coined to put players at ease during their most hopeful playing time. And what happens when the few hit the jackpot? Bells and whistles-a form of advertising. Keep playing-,maybe you will be next.
Classes for those addicted are not required, nor are they easily aranged.
I would expect more of Australia, but it is not England, Canada, or America either. We have our own problems.
Bloomberg Magazine recently ran an article highlighting a curious past time in this under populated nation in the southern hemisphere. It seems that the political power-that-be thought gambling would be an excellent source of revenue for the spenders who manage the government. They decided to make it simple: slot machines. Why? Easily controlled and manipulated by owners so as to extract the correct/less painful amount of revenue from "players". Now who do you think plays these one-armed bandits? Of course, those who can least afford to lose a penny.
Now we have a nation with a large segment of the population Hooked/addicted to this national revenue generating industry. And of course, the response is: "They are adults and they can decide how to spend their own money." Curious, isn't it? Do the pols play? Does the Tax man play? Not a chance. It is those unfortunates who "hope" to hit the jackpot. Jackpot. What a great term! Coined to put players at ease during their most hopeful playing time. And what happens when the few hit the jackpot? Bells and whistles-a form of advertising. Keep playing-,maybe you will be next.
Classes for those addicted are not required, nor are they easily aranged.
I would expect more of Australia, but it is not England, Canada, or America either. We have our own problems.
Sunday, May 28, 2017
Memorial day: 2017
Tomorrow, Monday, May 29th, is Memorial Day. It is a day of reflection and a day of remembering those who gave all for their country. The day was named and put in place in 1971 by then Pres. Richard Nixon. One of the few things he did well during his abbreviated stay on Pennsylvania Ave. He did this to replace what had been called since the Civil War Decoration Day, which was placed to observe the great sacrifice of those who died in that conflict in 1861-1865.
As we continue to bury the dead from Iraq and Afghanistan, the Day has immediate meaning to the many families who are directly affected by the conflicts. The toll keeps increasing as time rolls on. For many years the war in Vietnam was our "longest" war, 10 years long. But it seems that endless war is the new norm. These conflicts appear to be without resolution of any sort. Questions are asked: "What are the goals?, Who are we supporting,today?, Are the troops well placed and effective in their mission(s)? Military leaders offer little in concrete responses; politicians the same.
On a day when we remember the sacrifices of the few, we should continue our quest for answers, starting with;" Why now, and why there?"
Memorial Day: Lest we forget.
As we continue to bury the dead from Iraq and Afghanistan, the Day has immediate meaning to the many families who are directly affected by the conflicts. The toll keeps increasing as time rolls on. For many years the war in Vietnam was our "longest" war, 10 years long. But it seems that endless war is the new norm. These conflicts appear to be without resolution of any sort. Questions are asked: "What are the goals?, Who are we supporting,today?, Are the troops well placed and effective in their mission(s)? Military leaders offer little in concrete responses; politicians the same.
On a day when we remember the sacrifices of the few, we should continue our quest for answers, starting with;" Why now, and why there?"
Memorial Day: Lest we forget.
Sierra Watch Program
Sierra Watch, a local 501(c) 3 organization, has embarked on a new campaign to raise awareness among Lake Tahoe residents and property owners about the new Squaw Valley development recently approved by Placer County supervisors.
The plan calls for 10-story high rises, including an indoor water park, with slides, fake rivers, and arcades. Something one would expect to see in South Florida or Orange County or Texas. Also included would be 1,493 new bedrooms. This would then guarantee the daily arrival of more than 1,300 cars into the Tahoe Basin.
The company behind all this is a group from Denver called KSL Partners. Worth a little more research here. It's another distant player in our own backyard. With predictable results. No local has to be told that the Tahoe environment is very sensitive to ALL of man's encroachment. Over the past two generations, history has observed the dramatic changes within the confines of the lake basin.
Fortunately, in 1969, when the first land use policy of its kind was put in place by the bi-state commission, wholesale development was arrested and strict measures were adopted to cleanup problems that already existed( septic systems, water usage, building permits, etc.). As we know, it's an endless battle with pro-development forces. Population growth affects a wide swath of the state of California and Tahoe is no exception. But controlled growth through careful planning has become the necessary tool to ensure a bright future for the environment and its various inhabitants, human and native.
So, Sierra Watch joins the Sierra Club and others to spread the word about these not-so-subtle plans to dramatically alter the Tahoe landscape. Check it out:www.sierrawatch.org. The address for the organization is:
Sierra Watch
408 Broad St, #12
Nevada City, CA 95959
The plan calls for 10-story high rises, including an indoor water park, with slides, fake rivers, and arcades. Something one would expect to see in South Florida or Orange County or Texas. Also included would be 1,493 new bedrooms. This would then guarantee the daily arrival of more than 1,300 cars into the Tahoe Basin.
The company behind all this is a group from Denver called KSL Partners. Worth a little more research here. It's another distant player in our own backyard. With predictable results. No local has to be told that the Tahoe environment is very sensitive to ALL of man's encroachment. Over the past two generations, history has observed the dramatic changes within the confines of the lake basin.
Fortunately, in 1969, when the first land use policy of its kind was put in place by the bi-state commission, wholesale development was arrested and strict measures were adopted to cleanup problems that already existed( septic systems, water usage, building permits, etc.). As we know, it's an endless battle with pro-development forces. Population growth affects a wide swath of the state of California and Tahoe is no exception. But controlled growth through careful planning has become the necessary tool to ensure a bright future for the environment and its various inhabitants, human and native.
So, Sierra Watch joins the Sierra Club and others to spread the word about these not-so-subtle plans to dramatically alter the Tahoe landscape. Check it out:www.sierrawatch.org. The address for the organization is:
Sierra Watch
408 Broad St, #12
Nevada City, CA 95959
Saturday, May 27, 2017
Trump in Italy
A conference was held the last two days in Taormina, Sicily, Italia. It a meeting of heads of state of the Group of 7 to discuss world problems and the future. Topics included climate change, fighting terrorism, and the economic situation among the groups represented. Host Italy did not get the chance to bring its #1 topic-Immigration - to the group. Italy has been struggling with large numbers of African immigrants who have landed on its shores for over 3 years, adding over 100,000 individuals to an already stressed economy. Pleas for aid from Northern European countries have largely fallen on deaf ears.
Most of these African immigrants now live illegally among suspicious locals who cannot begin to absorb the mostly male, uneducated, unskilled newcomers. Without assistance, they will continue to be a cause of concern not only of Italians, but of all Europeans who are concerned with this problem. African leaders who spoke at the conference made a plea for European investment in Africa. They say this is the number 1 solution to the migration problem: a lack of investment from abroad slows any improvement in opportunities for jobs across the continent. They spoke of the vast resources that could become the foundation of wealth for all who take the risk among the economies that are emerging today.
Will it happen? Hmmmmmm. Maybe, maybe not. Not easy.
Most of these African immigrants now live illegally among suspicious locals who cannot begin to absorb the mostly male, uneducated, unskilled newcomers. Without assistance, they will continue to be a cause of concern not only of Italians, but of all Europeans who are concerned with this problem. African leaders who spoke at the conference made a plea for European investment in Africa. They say this is the number 1 solution to the migration problem: a lack of investment from abroad slows any improvement in opportunities for jobs across the continent. They spoke of the vast resources that could become the foundation of wealth for all who take the risk among the economies that are emerging today.
Will it happen? Hmmmmmm. Maybe, maybe not. Not easy.
Poem: Who I Am
Who I Am
I am an athlete.
I wonder about the future.
I hear myself think.
I see nature.
I want to succeed.
I am an athlete.
I pretend to be a giraffe.
I feel happy.
I touch everyone around me.
I worry about the government.
I cry when I need to.
I am an athlete.
I understand my friends.
I say what I want to say.
I dream when I sleep.
I try my hardest.
I hope my dreams come true.
I am an athlete.
Unknown, ca. 2000, California
I am an athlete.
I wonder about the future.
I hear myself think.
I see nature.
I want to succeed.
I am an athlete.
I pretend to be a giraffe.
I feel happy.
I touch everyone around me.
I worry about the government.
I cry when I need to.
I am an athlete.
I understand my friends.
I say what I want to say.
I dream when I sleep.
I try my hardest.
I hope my dreams come true.
I am an athlete.
Unknown, ca. 2000, California
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