An employee of the country’s biggest state gas firm who earned $100 a month allegedly used his post to pocket $145 million in bribes over 12 years. Not a bad retirement plan…
Posted in March 2008 …
Europe’s Richest Man?
President Vladimir Putin of Russia has been likened to an African plutocrat after a controversial political scientist claimed that he had acquired control of £20 billion in energy assets – enough to make him Europe’s richest man. Stanislav Belkovsky, a colorful figure on the political scene, claimed that Mr Putin had made a multi-billion pound … Continue reading »
Tourism in Afghanistan & Pakistan – 1 (or Afternoon Tea & Scones with Karen Sprague)…
I have been asked a great number of times why I am going to Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran… The comments/questions always follow the line of A) Why would anyone ever want to go there? or B) You’re going to die… The questioners/commenters may be right. I might get beheaded. However, they could die driving to … Continue reading »
Highway 49 Road Trip – The Yuba River, Downieville, Sierra City, Sierra Valley And More…
Looking for a solid road trip through the Sierras? Look no further… This 317-mile long state highway, dubbed the “Golden Chain” Highway, meanders through nine counties in the heart of the California Gold Country. Oakhurst anchors its south end while Vinton and Loyalton are found to the north. The miles along Highway 49 described on … Continue reading »
Why is this law never enforced?
California Code of Regulation Turning Out of Slow-Moving Vehicles Vehicle Code 21656: On a two-lane highway where passing is unsafe because of traffic in the opposite direction or other conditions, a slow-moving vehicle, including a passenger vehicle, behind which five or more vehicles are formed in line, shall turn off the roadway at the nearest … Continue reading »
India’s Only Female Motorcycle Racer
17-year-old, Alisha Abdullah, is India’s only female motorcycle racer… She has not merely stormed a male bastion but Alisha Abdullah has actually been racing past her male competitors on her 115 cc four-stroke bike. This 17-year-old Chennai college girl is the only woman bike racer on the current circuit. She has had quite a few … Continue reading »
Marysville’s Silver Dollar Saloon & Bok Kai Temple – Part 2
So, once you walk out of the Silver Dollar Saloon (located at the corner of D and First Streets), directly to your left and behind the house (pictured below and allegedly the oldest house in Marysville) behind the Saloon will be the area encompassing the Bok Kai Temple… The building to the left is the … Continue reading »
