“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
Pablo Picasso

First I want to thank each of you for taking the time to read my musings and collections of news stories I found interesting. The contribution of comments to share knowledge and opinions have been a Welcome addition.

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
Pablo Picasso

Another opportunity to practice the skills you have been acquiring to notice the methods being applied to shape opinions and emotions about an event. Alexei Navalny has died from a blood clot while serving his sentence in a Russian penal colony.

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
Pablo Picasso

Happy Chinese New Year

Yang begins its annual rise as turning of the earth's Yin Yang cycles renews. The start of Chinese spring. Right on schedule my early yellow crocuses have began to bloom and green tips of daffodils are peeking out of the soil.

Yin Yang interrelationship and some of China's basic philosophy regarding energy was developed in northern China, where annual cycles of energy are easily noticed in 4 distinct seasons and changes in length of night and day. As Chinese civilization expanded and citizens migrated the Yin and Yang interrelationship was noticed in other aspects of the natural enviornment.

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
Pablo Picasso

Let's start with some local news. (I lived in Portland for a few years, have multiple relatives in the area and consider it part of my local area)

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
Pablo Picasso

The violence will not stop soon enough to prevent additional lives to be lost and a culture damaged. The International Criminal Court ruling South Africa has Standing to file the case is hopeful. It is a big step towards a multipolar world. Now we will see if the United Nations is still a viable organization to expand peace around the world.

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
Pablo Picasso

The winter weather has been a little intense with snow, subzero weather and freezing rain. Doing fine, have limited time to spend at C99.

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
Pablo Picasso

Still working on better understanding the events of the early 1960's and the successful push towards world peace.

Nuclear Test Ban Treaty John F Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.

Success in Moscow

President Kennedy selected Averell Harriman, an experienced diplomat known and respected by Khrushchev, to resume negotiations in Moscow. An agreement to limit the scope of the test ban paved the way for a treaty. By excluding underground tests from the pact, negotiators eliminated the need for the on-site inspections that worried the Kremlin.

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
Pablo Picasso

A few issues I found interesting this week.

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
Pablo Picasso

Taiwan is holding elections on the 13th of January. Will tensions increase or decrease? Changes happening fast. Collected some articles on the economy, future investments and current conflicts. China's economy has been growing since 1949. The Cultural Revolution disrupted the growth for 10 years. Then back to growth and improving quality of life for its citizens.

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
Pablo Picasso

Christmas - the Season of Peace

Our nation's self-image since WWII is in large part a promoter of peace in the world and our communities. The story goes - We are not perfect, but try our best. Except this year is different. It is harder to ignore US government, NGO, corporations and many of our citizens are addicted to killing people for personal gain. It does not have to be large dollar amounts, simple paycheck or pension is adequate for many. This week's vote process in the United Nations Security Council we were left exposed providing opportunity and assistance in the destruction of a native population from their historical home.