February 2020 started out with the US Senate discussing the upcoming Impeachment Vote. Corona Virus Travel Bans were being assembled by various countries. It ended with stock markets correcting with lower valuations given the outlook for business. The US Legislative Branch, the House and Senate, with impeachment over for now, started to examine the Virus.
China says the US is trying to block its candidate in race to lead United Nations Intellectual Property Agency
200228 – Yahoo News reported that Bejing is accusing the US of trying to block it’s candidate, Wang Binyang, from leading the Intellectual Property organization at the United Nations.
ForeignPolicy.com reported James Pooley, former deputy director-general at WIPO who managed the agency’s international patent division stated, “Why would you want to put the fox in charge of the hen house?”
The prospect of a Chinese leader at the organization has rattled some U.S. policymakers, who feel that WIPO’s current Australian leader has already been too accommodating to Chinese interests, setting up a Chinese branch office in Beijing in 2014, promoting China’s Belt and Road initiative, and proposing a plan to set up a patent arbitration office in Shanghai.
First Woman Marine To Lead a Howitzer Crew
200228 – The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that Julianna Yakovac is the first woman in the Marines to qualify and head a Howitzer crew.
Julianna credits her great unit and does not consider herself to be a trailblazer.
She stated, “I’m just happy to have the same opportunity everyone else has. It’s not any more of an accomplishment than my male counterparts.”
Controversy Over Transgenders Athlete's Push for Tokyo Olympics Try
200228 – The Australian News.Com reported that Laurel Hubbard, a transgender woman, wants to compete in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.
Controversies have been swirling for years now as societies discuss whether to allow new style XY-Chromosome girls to compete against traditional XX-Chromosome girls.
The 42-year-old, who previously competed as Gavin Hubbard in men’s weightlifting competitions before transitioning seven years ago.
She competes in the 90KG category.
New Calif Bill Aims To Create Gender-neutral Aisles For Children
200221 – Politico.Com reported that Evan Low, a Calif Assemblyman from Campbell, CA has introduced CA-AB2826 that would ban separation of boys and girls toys in California retail stores.
The bill reads, “A retail department store shall maintain one, undivided area of its sales floor where, if it sells childcare articles, all childcare articles, regardless of whether a particular item has traditionally been marketed for either girls or for boys, shall be displayed”.
No mention was made of whether online retailers such as Amazon would need to display GI Joe’s when a customer asked for a Malibu Barbie.
Calif legislators have veered away from Homelessness, COVID19, and other public concerns.
In the Next 5 Years, Microsoft to invest $1.1B in Mexico
200220-Reuters reported that Microsoft will invest $1.1B in Mexico over the next five years. CEO Satya Nadella states the investment is “focused on expanding access to digital technology for people and organizations across the country.”
Lopez Obrador the Mexican President stated this shows Mexico uis an attractrive investment destination, touting a strong local currency.
Russian Produced Airliner, Sukhoi Superjet 100 Finds Only One Buyer, "Aeroflot Airlines"
200219 – Reuters reported that Russia’s Sukhoi Super Jet 100 has found only one airline willing to purchase the plane.
Mexco’s Interjet it plan’s to sell it’s 22 planes and Irish CityJet’s stopped operating it’s seven Superjets last year.
Egypt Constructing Wall to Separate Itself From Gaza
20218-The MiddleEastEye.net reported that Egypt is constructing a new wall between it and the Gaza Strip.
The wall stands 18 feet high and extends 15 feet underground to help prevent tunnels.
Construction has been coordinated with Hamas, the de-facto ruling party of Palestinian territory.
Startup provides Law Enforcement with Names matching Online Images
200218-The New York Times reported a new startup Clearview is working on collecting all online photos, billions, yes billions, to be able to train it’s facial recognition system.
Law enforcement could upload a photo, and get a name match.
So far Law Enforcement in 49 states, and the Feds, have used the App to solve a number of crimes.
Syrian Airliner forced to Russian Held Airbase as Assad Forces Fire At Israeli Jet
200207-The Daily Mail reported that a Syrian Chams Airline, Airbus A320 carrying 172 passengers was on approach, was forced to divert to Russian controlled Khmeimim airbase.
In 2016 the Obama administration had imposed sanctions on Cham Wings airline for transporting fighters and equipment.
Senator Chuck Schumer(D-NY) Released a Tweet critizing Trump Imposing Travel Restrictions Because of the Corona Virus
200205 – Senator Chuck Schumer(D-NY), on the day the Senate voted to acquit President Trump accusing him of using this as an excuse continue his war on immigrants.
Senator Schumer later deleted, date unknown, this Tweet as the Corona Virus increased its worldwide spread.