Pelosi’s Taiwan Talk Sparks Chinese Fire Drill

The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China does not have much use for American consultants, a notable exception being I.M. Pei, who, although from Shanghai, became an American, but nevertheless consulted on the design and construction of China’s new embassy at International Place, in the Forest Hills neighborhood. I say new only to distinguish… Continue reading Pelosi’s Taiwan Talk Sparks Chinese Fire Drill

Inflation’s Hot, So Bitcoin’s Not

Speaking of Hell, as I was at the end of the previous post, the difference between Hell and Washington DC in the summer has always been that Hell has dry heat. So, I would point out that all those folks elsewhere in the United States who think the people in Washington should go to Hell… Continue reading Inflation’s Hot, So Bitcoin’s Not

Verrrrry Interesting…. But Not Legal!

In Anglophone countries it is said that there is an ancient Chinese curse, customarily related as “May you live in interesting times.” Like many things commonly believed in many societies, and like many aphorisms believed to be of a reputed origin in many languages, there is no actual evidence to support such an assertion. No… Continue reading Verrrrry Interesting…. But Not Legal!

Monkeyshines, Monkey Business and Monkeypox

The Willard Hotel has been a fixture here in Washington DC since 1847, when a fellow named Henry Willard took over a row of boarding houses located next to the White House grounds. Prior to that, even, and probably due to their proximity to the White House and what was, at the time, the State… Continue reading Monkeyshines, Monkey Business and Monkeypox

Hashtag #Batty Billionaire’s New Toy

My home landline telephone number is not widely known. Generally, it gets passed around very judiciously among certain members of Washington’s insider elites, accompanied by advice that calling my office is considered decidedly more preferable. Members of my immediate family have it too, however, and very occasionally, I receive a call from somebody they know.… Continue reading Hashtag #Batty Billionaire’s New Toy