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*January 2009While some parts of the country are experiencing a severe winter and blizzards, in the San Francisco Bay area it is balmy, almost spring-like weather. Sunny and blue sky. Day-time temp. has been in the low 70's Fahrenheit (21 deg. C).New York Temperatures May Plummet to Lowest Since ‘04 (Update2) Jan. 15 (Bloomberg) -- New Yorkers will get a blast of the coldest temperatures since 2004 after a snowfall today that snarled flights at the region’s airports. Temperatures will dip into the single digits tonight and may peak at 10 degrees (minus 12 Celsius) tomorrow, said Jim Connolly, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Upton, New York. With the wind chill, the temperature will feel like zero or colder, he said.New Yorkers are a hardy lot. They will survive the cold spell. And for us, Bay area residents, it will be payback time during the summer months. We need rain, a lot of it to avoid drought. Time is running out.Here are some pictures taken during recent outings -- walking and bicycling trips. San Andreas Lake, looking south from Sweeney Ridge access trail© MusafirCity of Pacifica from Sweeney Ridge© MusafirFoggy Bay - Container ship heading for Oakland© MusafirOn a recent hike at Foothills Park, we took Los Trancos trail from Wildhorse Valley, then followed Trappers Fire Road and Shotgun Fire Road all the way to top. The fire road ends at Gate 4 (Page Mill Road) which has no public access. After a picnic lunch we returned to the valley via Costanoan trail.View of Windy Hill from Madrone Fire Road, Foothills Park© MusafirJHL at junction of Trappers and Shotgun Fire Roads, Foothills Park© MusafirDeer grazing at grounds of Filoli© MusafirMeeting of seagulls on Upper Crystal Spring Reservoir© Musafir

* Innocent civilians in Gaza are paying a heavy toll for actions by Hamas. There is world-wide condemnation of Israel's retaliation which greatly exceeds all reasonable responses to rockets launched by Hamas. Israel has full support of the U.S. Government in what it is doing. But what if the USA didn't give the green light to Israel ? Chances are that Israel would not have used its military power without restraint to kill and destroy as it is engaged in doing now.The world is waiting to see what Barack Obama would do after he is inaugurated as president on January 20th. Would he take a high moral position and do the right thing or, like other American politicians, decide not to displease AIPAC ? We don't have to wait long to find out.Headline in Guardian.co.uk "Leading British Jews call on Israel to halt 'horror' of Gaza"A group of Britain's most prominent Jews has called on Israel to cease its military operations in Gaza immediately, warning that its actions, far from improving the country's security, will "strengthen extremism, destabilise the region, and exacerbate tensions inside Israel".Describing themselves, as "profound and passionate supporters" of Israel - and supporting its right to defend itself against the "war crime" of Hamas rocket attacks - they added that the current tactics threatened to undermine international support for Israel.The intervention, in a letter published in today's Observer, came as fears grew that Israel was to launch a "new phase" of its military offensive inside the Gaza strip. Yesterday warplanes dropped leaflets warning Gazans "not to be close to terrorists, weapons warehouses and the places where the terrorists operate". The two-week-old campaign has already killed more than 800 Palestinians, while 13 Israelis have died, three of them civilians killed by Hamas rockets.Although individual Jewish writers and religious figures have expressed their opposition to the conduct of Operation Cast Lead, the letter represents the most significant break with Israel's tactics from a group of UK Jews.Use of Incendiary BombsJERUSALEM – Human Rights Watch said Sunday that Israel's military has fired artillery shells with the incendiary agent white phosphorus into Gaza and a doctor there said the chemical was suspected in the case of 10 burn victims who had skin peeling off their faces and bodies.Researchers in Israel from the rights group witnessed hours of artillery bombardments that sent trails of burning smoke indicating white phosphorus over the Jebaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza. But they could not confirm injuries on the ground because they have been barred from entering the territory.

* Israel's Use of Military Force - Lebanon ReduxShame on Israel for what it is doing in Gaza. For the unjustified -- disproportionate -- response to Hamas, for the indiscriminate killing of civilians and destruction of homes, shame on Israel, and shame on major powers, especially America, for unequivocally supporting Israel. A lot of the hardware being used by the Israeli military is supplied by the United States. The military industrial complex at its nefarious best.It has become quite clear that President-elect Obama's position about the Middle East will not be substantially different than one followed by President Bush. No American politician, Democrat or Republican, is immune to the pervasive influence of AIPAC. As to Hillary Clinton, Condoleezza Rice, and Tzipi Livni, call them sorority sisters. Two of them have bloody hands; the other one will soon dip her hands.Anyone remembers UN Resolution No.242 ? See the article Still Waiting for No.242 by Paul Foot in Guardian.co.uk, November 13, 2002.AFP - January 4, 2008Moawiya Hassanein, head of Gaza medical emergency services, told AFP the number of Palestinian killed since the Israeli operation was launched on December 27 had now passed 500, including 87 children.News.Yahoo.com - January 4, 2008Israel launched the air campaign against Gaza on Dec. 27 with the aim of halting incessant rocket fire on its south. The operation appears to have slowed but not halted the rocket fire.Hundreds of rockets have hit Israel since the offensive began, and four Israelis have been killed. The relatively low number of Israeli casualties is largely due to warning sirens that give residents notice of incoming missiles and allow them to take cover.The death toll in Gaza has outraged many. U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon conveyed his "extreme concern and disappointment" to Olmert and called for an "immediate end" to the operation.Denunciations also came from the French government, which unsuccessfully proposed a two-day truce earlier this week, and from Egypt, Turkey and Jordan, Muslim nations with ties to Israel.The late Yehuda Amichai on war"A POEM THAT I WROTE IN A HIGH FEVER"You who are lengthening your liveswith the best doctors and best medicinesremember those who are shortening their liveswith the warthat you in your long lives are notpreventing.You who are again screwingthe younger generationsand winking at each otherthe winking of your eyelidsis like chill of the swinging shuttersin an empty house.---Yehuda Amichai (translated from Hebrew by Leon Wieseltier) ...

*Peace, Elusive PeaceIn a few days a new year will begin. Our world is full of turmoil. Wars raging; death raining from the sky on innocent civilians who are pawns in power plays of major nations. Collapse of the scams concocted by Wall Street and blessed by government watch dogs have affected countries far beyond the shores of the United States. Not easy to be hopeful about the future. But hope for a peaceful world we must.There Is Always Hope©friskypics.com/photos/hope.jpgSlaughter in GazaThe mighty Israeli military force has been let loose against the people of Gaza. The slaughter of civilians is reminiscent of what took place in Lebanon in the fall of 2006. The attacks are being justified as retaliation against rockets launched by the Hamas.One should ask what made Hamas use rockets. Did the Israeli embargo on food and essentials, including fuel and medicines, have anything to do with it? Is the scale of retaliation justified ?The United States, of course, is supportive of Israel. That is not going to change. In America's eyes Israel can do no wrong. For Condoleezza Rice, a fitting end for her term in the Bush Administration. Her hand was behind the scene when Israel continued to bomb Lebanon during cease fire negotiations, and she no doubt gave the green light to the Israelis to turn Gaza into rubble. Hamas came to power in 2006 after a democratic election. The Bush Administration didn't expect Hamas to win, and it never gave sympathetic hearing to the legitimate grievances of the Palestinians. It would be naive to expect the departure of Ms Rice to make much, if any, difference in US position about the Middle East, especially in not promoting a two-state solution for the Israelis and Palestinians.

*The Good EarthOn the drive up toward the hills on December 27th, Arild and I wondered if we were going to find chanterelles. Were the rains of the past week enough to make them emerge or they needed more time. There had been years when chanterelles were abundant in November and then, as in 2007, none were to be found before late December. Whether I come home with chanterelles or not, walks through the damp forests are very enjoyable and rewarding. And it was a special pleasure to be with Arild. A friend for almost 40 years, it was AC who initiated me into trout fishing, backpacking in the Eastern Sierras, and foraging for chanterelles. After suffering a stroke in 2006, he stayed away from walking in the hills last winter.The chanterelles were not plentiful but we did find some. Most of them were buried under leaves. It is Arild who has a keen eye for detecting the tell-tale bumps.The first Chanterelle 2008 Season© MusafirAnother good specimen© MusafirAC, Happy forager© MusafirRainy morning I© MusafirRainy morning II© MusafirRainy morning III© MusafirThe winds that blow--Ask them, which leaf of the treeWill be next to go !--Soseki (translated by Harold Henderson)*

*The Enemy WithinA Most Wanted Man, John LeCarré's latest novel, left me depressed. The sense of foreboding about the end began when I was halfway through the book.Timesonline.co.ukWhen the definitive history of the “war on terror “ is written, the complicity of European countries in America’s more extreme enterprises will be one of the sadder chapters. Illegal detention, “extraordinary rendition”, torture and perhaps even murder will headline the charges brought against nations that, until the Twin Towers fell, would have sworn they knew better.The fact that major powers led by the United States took part in extraordinary rendition and torture is no longer secret. Yet, the full details are not known; probably will never be known except to those who were involved in planning and execution. LeCarré's fictional work delves into the background of the cruel, amoral characters -- the true believers -- who take part in horrendous acts to make the world safe from terrorists. Or that is what they say. In his book, LeCarré masterfully spun together plots and counter plots that could leave some readers with a sense of revulsion about the spooks and their world."We have met the enemy and he is us."

* CIA's Weapon Against Terror The Bush administration has a policy of not allowing US aid funds being used by recipient nations for sex education and birth control -- for condoms. It was implemented to appease members of the so called Christian Right who are among Bush's core supporters. Yet, the CIA is doling out Viagra to Afghani men to win their support in the war. Taliban or not, the Afghanis are reported to be eagerly cooperating in providing information in exchange for the blue pills. Good news for Pfizer but what about the women of Afghanistan who have to deal with demands for sex, whether they want it or not, from chemically charged husbands? For the good Christians, condoms are sinful but Viagra is not. Perhaps they think of it as a gift from god. Talk about hypocrisy ! Excerpts from the Washington Post: The Afghan chieftain looked older than his 60-odd years, and his bearded face bore the creases of a man burdened with duties as tribal patriarch and husband to four younger women. His visitor, a CIA officer, saw an opportunity, and reached into his bag for a small gift. Four blue pills. Viagra. "Take one of these. You'll love it," the officer said. Compliments of Uncle Sam. In their efforts to win over notoriously fickle warlords and chieftains, the officials say, the agency's operatives have used a variety of personal services. These include pocketknives and tools, medicine or surgeries for ailing family members, toys and school equipment, tooth extractions, travel visas, and, occasionally, pharmaceutical enhancements for aging patriarchs with slumping libidos, the officials said. "Whatever it takes to make friends and influence people -- whether it's building a school or handing out Viagra," said one longtime agency operative and veteran of several Afghanistan tours. Like other field officers interviewed for this article, he spoke on the condition of anonymity when describing tactics and operations that are largely classified. Animated cartoon by Ann Telnaes, Washington Post

*The Economy * Winter Rains * Water Temple * Wild MushroomsWashington PostThe number of people filing for unemployment hit a 26-year high last week, as the deepening recession forced more employers to cut jobs.While, for the unemployed -- and those in fear of being jobless -- these are unhappy days, perhaps some good will come out of this. It might take a year or two but the economic recovery will take place; unemployment numbers will start to go down. Are we then going to see a repeat of the unhealthy spending pattern? Let's hope that a sense of balance will prevail. As to changes in the way Wall Street operates, not likely to happen.The Rains Late, but the much-needed rains have arrived. Still to make up for the dry period. The level remains below the norm but weather forecasts are promising.Haven't come across any chanterelles yet but on my walks through the woods I see that a lot of wild mushrooms are beginning to emerge. Last year, too, chanterelles were late because of the dry weather.Sunrise from my window on a cloudy morning© MusafirGolden Waxy Cap - Not ediblePulgas Water TempleFrom Wikipedia"The Pulgas Water Temple is a stone structure in Woodside, California, USA, designed by architect William Merchant. It was erected by the San Francisco Water Department as a monument to the 1934 completion of the Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct and is located at the aqueduct's terminus. In 1938, the original water temple was replaced with the current design."The water temple is made up of a number of fluted columns arranged in a circle, upon which a large stone masonry ring with the words "I give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people " [from Isaiah 43:20]are inscribed. There is a large tree-lined reflecting pool to the east."Pulgas Water Temple© MusafirReflecting Pool© MusafirDeer grazing near Pulgas Water Temple© Musafir

*A Winter of DiscontentShortest day of the year.Four days before Christmas, if reports are right then this year the almost ritualistic pre-Christmas shopping splurge is not taking place....and is not going to take place. The sub-prime mortgage scam did us in not only in the United States but also in Europe and the rest of the world. Some countries have suffered less than others but no country remains unscathed. Just as bailouts and other emergency measures were pumping money into the sick economy we got hit by reports about the enormity of Bernard Madoff's ponzi scheme. A confederacy of crooks -- the executives of Wall Street giants; the friendly watchdog agencies that looked the other way and let the crooks run unchecked; and the venal politicians who enacted laws to assist the crooks.With the unemployment roll growing and uncertainty about the length of the economic depression, the era of irrational exuberance is over for the time being. Consumers have gone to the bunkers. And who can blame them; it is truly a winter of anxiety, a winter of discontent."Now is the winter of our discontentMade glorious summer by this son of York;And all the clouds that low'r'd upon our houseIn the deep bosom of the ocean buried."--Wm. Shakespeare in Richard the ThirdBut the human spirit remains indomitable. This phase,too, will pass.Univ. of Montana ...

*Followers of Mohammed in Somalia Somalia has recently gained notoriety because of its pirates. News about radical Islamists in Somalia makes one weep and wonder who are the inhabitants of Somalia, human beings or some other species that crawled out from pre-historic caves. That,however, might be unfair on those who dwelled in caves. For all we know they might have had higher values. The Islamists in Somalia are the lowest of the low.The BBC reported:Public anger at the recent stoning of a 13-year-old girl in Somalia shows the growing resentment towards radical Islamists who have gained control of much of the south and centre of the country.Insurgents from the militant group al-Shabab are seen as authoritarian and unaccountable - unlike the Islamists who were in control of the capital, Mogadishu, in 2006.Asha Ibrahim Dhuhulow was stoned to death for adultery in the southern port city of Kismayo, which was taken control by al-Shabab and its allies in August. Flogging, watched by large crowds, is a common occurrence.But real barbarism begins when no one can any longer judge or know that what he does is barbaric.”--Ryszard Kapuscinski