TWIT: Making Donald Great Again

credit: Bramhall, New York Daily News
BC Idonwanna sez: Bearded One unfit for democracy!

More: Superior Court Judge Arthur Engoron finally had enough of Trumpilini's mob antics after he posted a picture of the judge's clerk on-line. He suggested the clerk is dating Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and is running the trial against him; this is called "doxxing in tech jargon.  Engoron, who Don 'Legit' labeled a "far left Democrat", entered a limited order prohibiting the defendant from posting about court personnel.  Legal observers, including US Person,applaud his move, which should have happened before now.  Engoron is a middle-class Ivy League graduate who drove a cab during his college days.

Update: Contrary to predictions in the media, Trumpilini appeared at his fraud trial in New York and promptly conducted a "campaign event" before the gathered cameras. He called Attorney General Letitia James a "corrupt racist" and attacked the presiding judge as "rogue" and "out to get him". At lunch he said, "he [Engoron] should be disbarred".  The media may be finally catching up to his expert manipulation; CNN cutaway from his rant. Nevertheless he was enabled this week to threaten retiring Chief of Staff Mark Milley with execution, and brandish a Glock pistol in North Carolina. Once again he deftly used the media's 'election coverage' to mount an incendiary public relations campaign against his criminal prosecutions.  Is he is playing a game of "chicken" to provoke legal authorities into covering his mouth, so he can scream "free speech" into the cameras?  

Special Counsel Smith has reiterated his request for a gag order; in their motion the prosecutors wrote, “All it [an order limiting his speech] would limit is the defendant’s use of his candidacy as a cover for making prejudicial public statements about this case and there is no legitimate need for the defendant, in the course of his campaign, to attack known witnesses regarding the substance of their anticipated testimony or otherwise engage in materially prejudicial commentary in violation of the proposed order.” US Person thinks Judge Chutkin should issue her order now, not later. Every day of delay further enables Don 'Legit's' PR campaign to discredit and undermine the US justice system.  Or better yet, move up his trial date currently set for March 4th to give him less time to agitate before the cameras.

{28/09/2023}The most significant development this week is in a New York civil case.  Superior Court Judge Engoron ruled a partial summary judgement for Attorney General James, finding that Trumpillini routinely overvalued his assets by billions of dollars on financial statements to defraud banks, insurers, and others for the purposes of securing loans and making real estate deals.  Judge Engoron also ruled that he should loose some New York licenses making impossible to conduct business in New York and that a independent monitor of Trump Org would continue. If the decision is upheld on appeal, it would constitute a serious, if not fatal blow, to his family business that brought him fame.  Trump called the decision, "un-American".

A bench trial on other undecided issues in the case filed a year ago will go ahead on Monday after the appellate court ruled against the defendant's request for more delay.  AG James expressed satisfaction with the partial summary judgment and said she looked forward to presenting the remainder of her case. She is asking for $250 million in damages.  Judge Engoron also expressed his displeasure with Trump attorneys for presenting "repetitive and frivolous' arguments.  He fined each Trump lawyer $7500.  

“He drove these companies into bankruptcy by his mismanagement,
the debt and his pillaging.”--Trump Casino Investor

Down in Georgia, state Judge McAfee imposed a gag order on the defendant prohibiting him from making statements that could intimidate witnesses or potential jurors.  The federal judge presiding over his criminal case for obstructing an official function on January 6th has yet to make a ruling on the Special Counsel's request for a similar order.  She has, however, rejected a motion to recuse herself from the trial based on allegedly biased statements she made in sentencing an insurrectionist. Don 'Legit' waited until the last day of thirty to notify Georgia state court that he would not seek removal of his case to federal court.  Apparently he did not want to testify in support of his motion as Mark Meadows had to do.  Perhaps influencing his decision more is the potential opportunity for the 'king of reality TV' to make a media spectacle of his state trial before the courtroom camera. Cameras are not allowed in federal courtrooms.  Also, his state trial will take place after a 4-6 month trial of his co-conspirators Chesebro and Powell who involved their right to a speedy trial. Reports are that both will be offered a plea deal in court. How un-American!

credit: Bramhall, New York Daily News
Wackydoodle sez: Look, it's the stairway to prison!

Caribbean Island Transforms into Nature Reserve

Eighty per cent of Earths islands are infested with rats, a legacy of global trade. The Caribbean nation of Antiqua and Barbuda began eradicating rats and goats on the small island of Redonda, then a dusty, debris strewn volcanic landscape, in 2016. The invasive species were left behind by guano miners who stopped mining before WWI. Over the decades the island was denuded.  Rocks and soil slid into the ocean damaging sea grass and corals. Redonda was a not a nice place to visit, in fact it was dangerous. Even the hardy goats were slowly starving to death due to the lack of vegetation.

After removing the invasive animals, plants sprung back to life enticing seabirds and other wildlife to re-colonize the island. Biologists working to restore Redonda were surprised by how quickly life reestablished itself once the rodents were exterminated. Brown boobies (Sula leucogaster) and red billed tropic birds (Phaethon aethereus) were able to raise their young again once the egg-eaters were gone. Redonda ground dragon, a critically endangered and endemic lizard also returned; it's population has tripled since 2017.

Once the island was restored to a healthier condition in a relatively short period of time, the government declared Redondo a 74,000 acre nature reserve in 2023 that includes the sea grass meadows and coral reefs surrounding the island.  This restoration is a good example for other Caribbean nations whose small, uninhabited islands are also overrun by invasive species. A 2022 study found that removing invasive species such as cats, rabbits, pigs and rats is 88% effective in restoring biodiversity on affected islands. Restorations have taken place in French Polynesia, Tonga, and South Africa. One small island at a time to heal our battered Earth.[photo credits: E. Marshall]. Green Kudos! to Antiqua and Barbudo.

Right Turn at Verbove

Ukrainian ground forces have been making slow progress in their counteroffensive since June of this year. Breaching the extensive Russian fortifications has taken longer than expected since western tactics using massed armor and air power have proven ill-adapted to the situation on the ground. Ukraine's Air Force is not up to the task of consistent close air support and western provided armor is susceptible to artillery strikes and pervasive land mines. Ukraine has chosen to advance in small infantry assault groups aided by drones, which allows them to clear obstacles with less loss of men and material. In one frontal assault in Zaporizhia Ukraine lost 31 vehicles. For comparison, the Allies took almost 90 days to bust through the fortified hedgerows of Normandy, and they had air superiority.

Reports are that Ukraine has beached the outer defensive lines between Robotinye and Verbove which puts them behind Russian defensive positions intended to counter frontal attacks. [map below]That means their armor can move through this breach and maneuver more successfully, if the Russians are not given time to fall back and reconstruct barriers. Ukrainian troops are now in a position to out-flank on the their left and move southwest downhill towards Tokmak, a key road and rail hub about 12 miles away. Tokmak is heavily defended and ringed by fortified positions, but the town does not necessarily have to be taken if it is enveloped and shelled. Tokmak is strategically key, so that if Ukraine takes the town or puts it under fire control, their offensive can be considered a partial success. One close observer has called Tokmak, "the single most strategic position in all of southern Ukraine." It connects via five main roads and the all important northeast-southwest rail line, which Russia uses to move most of its supplies.

On the northern front, Ukraine is moving to encircle the battered town of Bakmut. It has never been as strategically important as Tokmak, but has become a symbol of Ukraine's resistance since the Ukrainians were forced out of the town by Russian invaders in May. This cauldron is consuming a great number of Russia's best troops, paratroopers and Spetnaz, at a rate of around 1,000 per week. Advances have been made to the south of Bakmut with the significant recapture of the villages of Andriivka and Klishchiivka. Ukrainian forces now control the heights around the town giving their effective artillery a clear line of fire into its shattered remains. It will be a hard winter for the Russian occupiers.

More good news comes from another front in the war recently opened up by Kyiv--aerial bombardment of Crimea. This offensive is being conducted using long-range missiles and drones against Russian military installations in the peninsula. The highly prized naval port of Sebastopol has been hit resulting in the destruction of a large landing ship and a Kilo class submarine using British/French Storm Shadow/SCALP cruise missiles. The dry dock in which the vessels were berthed is out of service. Additionally, the Black Sea Fleet headquarters was struck resulting in the deaths of senior Russian military officers.  Reports are that the strike occurred during a senior officer briefing, indicating the quality of Ukrainian intelligence.

United States has finally agreed to provide a limited number of ATACMS, a ground to ground, ballistic missile with a range of 190 miles and a circular error probability of< 50m <50m .="" span=""> [photo]<50m .="" span="" style="font-size: x-small;">. This munition should make life much more difficult for Russian occupiers of Crimea. Ukraine is also looking to supplement its longer-range firepower with the German TARUS stealth cruise missile, which has a range of 250 miles. It is specifically designed to penetrate reinforced concrete structures. The German government has not yet approved supplying TARUS and will ask for modifications to limit the missile's range to prevent their use against targets inside Russia. Ukraine definitely has the initiative at this point in Russia's unprovoked 19 month invasion. Will it attempt to maintain momentum during the coming winter season? Stayed tuned.

TWIT: When Speech is not Free

People forget sometimes conveniently that Don 'Legit' is out on bail as a criminal defendant in four cases,two state (GA, NY) and two federal (FL, DC). He and his supporters have been using the press to intimidate court personnel, potential jurors, and witnesses. It has become so blatant that the Special Prosecutor has moved for a gag order in DC federal court prohibiting him from making these kind of statements. Of course the Orange Menace is screaming bloody hell about being restrained, claiming at every opportunity that his First Amendment right to free speech is curtailed. In other words, his political campaign cover is giving jurists second thoughts about sanctions. He may be a front-running political candidate, but that status does not entitle him to shout "fire" in a crowed theater, or attempt to intimidate prospective jurors and witnesses.  Criminal defendants have their civil rights restricted all the time. Trump should be no different especially if he is attempting to try his crimes in the court of public opinion.  

It is becoming increasingly likely that the 2024 election will be a rematch between Ole Joe and the man who would be king.   Trump supporters are at work in the states to alter delegate rules in favor of Trump's candidacy.  His nearest competitor, Ron DeSantis, continues to plummet in opinion polls.  Trumpillini is so comfortable with his lead that he can skip party debate events and organize his own showcases like the upcoming speech to autoworkers in Detroit.  Spoiler alert: his record on unions and workers is pitiful.  Despite the facts,  (his so-called rescue of workers in Indiana ended up with 1400 being laid off by Carrier Global Corp.) Democrats are freaked out by the pseudo-populist showing up in Detroit because he captured a large share of labor votes last time around.  Uncle Joe Brandon is on his way to show solidarity with striking auto workers on the picket line. Way to go Joe!

And one last item:  Cassidy Hutchinson, star witness of the January 6th Select Committee, claims Rudy 'Coludie' groped her on January 6th in her tell-all book, "Enough". Seems Rudy was just trying to match his boss, the department store rapist. 

credit: M. Luckovich, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Wacydoodle sez: Another perfect call!

Rhino Numbers Rise

Rhino numbers in Africa rose to 27,000, a modest increase compared to their former estimated population of half a million.  Conservationists are encouraged that their efforts are being rewarded by the ancient herbavores.  Southern white rhino populations have increased for the first time since 2012 rising from 15,942 at the end of 2021 to 16,803.  Black rhinos have increased 5% However Javan and Sumatran remain close to extinction in the wild.

All African populations have been decimated by poaching for their horn and loss of habitat.  551 rhinos were killed in Africa in 2022 a slight rise since 2020, but smaller than the catastrophic peak of 1,349 in 2015. In Nepal the greater one horned or Indian rhino population is stable at 4,000.  While encouraged, conservationist say vigilance and cooperative action is  still necessary in the face of huge pressures on the animals.  

only Javan footprints are often seen

The plight of the Sumatran and Javan rhinos is extreme.  Scientist estimate only 34 Sumatran rhinos live in the wild in small fragments of forest that make it difficult for them to breed successfuly.  In March of last year a female was born in captivity after several miscarriages.  The Javan rhino population is about 76 all of them located in Ujung Kulon National Park.  Historically, Javanese love water and often strolled along the beaches to take in salt.  Illegal fishing activities by humans disturb the shy animals, and they are endanger of drowning in a severe storm causing flooding.  In December 2018 the nearby volcano Anak Karkatua erupted causing a tsunami with waves 5 meters high.  Fortunately no rhinos were known to be loss because of the eruption.  They might not escape harm next time.  Rhino protection units including a marine patrol along the coast have been established to protect them

Iconic Banyan Tree Still Lives in Lahaina

Update: Lahaina's iconic banyan tree sprouts new growth: [credit: BBC]

It has become a symbol of rebirth for the residents of historic, now devastated Lahaina, Maui. According to an expert arborist the tree planted in 1873 still has a living cambrium layer beneath the charred bark. The tree is definitely traumatize by the flames and will require years to recover, but it should revive. The banyan is on a schedule of daily watering from a truck carrying four thousand gallons.[photo credit: Goodfellow Bros.] The ground beneath the landmark will be covered in a layer of compost to provide added nutrients, and it will be aerated to enhance drainage when the tree is watered.

The Indian banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) is one of the oldest in Hawaii. Planted by a former sheriff to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the first Protestant mission in Lahaina, requested by Queen Keopuolani, widow of the great King Kamehameha. The tree grew to 60ft high and spread its multiple trunks (46) over a quarter mile area making it the largest banyan in the US. The tree is sacred in India, where it is native. Holy men achieved enlightenment beneath its canopy. A member of the fig family, it does have one less admirable characteristic: when young it supports itself on a neighboring tree, which it eventually engulfs and kills, hence the name strangler fig.

The tree has yet to wake up from its coma-like state, but hope and love for the tree is abundant on the island.  A local kumu,or rabbi, has blessed it to aid the banyan's recovery.

NASA Says "No Evidence of ETs"

In a much anticipated report, NASA states that after its investigation of UAPs (formerly known as UFOs) it found no evidence of extraterrestrial origins for UAPs.  This conclusion is diametrically opposed to the testimony of former intelligence official David Grush before a House committee earlier this summer.  He claimed the government is hiding crashed UFOs and is in possession of biological specimens.  The Pentagon has denied this claims.  At the same time as Grush's sensational testimony, the Mexican government was presented with what were alleged to be two alien corpses.  Scientists have debunked the claim, concluding that the specimens are amalgams of looted body parts from Nazca, Peru.

Of more than 800 unclassified sightings reported at NASA public meeting in May, "only a handful" cannot be explained as known man-made or natural phenomena.  UAP data coming from military sources is hampered by poor sensor data, lack of multiple electromagnetic measurements, and lack of baseline data said the space agency.  NASA team members did not have necessary classification clearance to examine classified data.   The military now has an office devoted to investigating claims of UAPs since it considers their existence to be of national security concern.  NASA resorted to quoting Thomas Jefferson in its report, "extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence"; that evidence does not yet exist.  Perhaps, along with football, UFOs have become a new American religion?