MIT ChE Class 1966

MIT ChE Class 1966

MIT Chemical Engineering Class of 1966

The year 2016 makes the 50th anniversary of our class. From this inauspicious beginnings we rose as one group of individuals in our chosen profession in the mother country and our beloved USA. We became a part of a huge extended family, no matter the miles that separate us, yet find unity in a common experience and purpose.. Forever classmates...AMOR PATRIAE

Friday, March 21, 2025

 










Russia' Objective by the help of Donald Trump: A Strategy of 'Weakening Without Destroying' in the Context of the War in Ukraine



Weaken the economy of the USA  &  its  alliance with NATO




Why do Americans fail to understand Russia? Why do presidents regardless of their party affiliation constantly misread the stooges in the Kremlin? This persistent inability to appreciate the thinking exposed by another great power is especially striking given that Russia’s policies have not changed at all since the days of Ivan the Terrible or even earlier.

Many countries have changed. Some moved from a foe to a friend. Some moved in the opposite direction. Some became peaceful and some war-like. Russia, on the other hand, has always been, is and will likely remain the same.


Russia, first under the Tzars, later under the Bolsheviks and now under Vladimir Putin, has had a very simple and clearly defined main strategic goal: territorial expansion driven by the insecurity bordering on schizophrenia. That mania of suspicion is rooted in Russia’s internal political reality, the absolute failure of successive regimes to govern effectively.

Russia has never hidden its ambitions and intentions. The world history of the last few hundred years is, in part, the story of Russia doing what it claims it wants to do. One does not need to read lengthy volumes of history to understand what Russia is up to. One just needs to pay attention to current events.

So why is it so difficult for Americans to pick up on those obvious and historically self-evident objectives? The main problem with Russia is that Russia is literally a big problem. Solving it requires strategy spanning multiple presidencies, the discipline utterly absent. It requires attention to detail and understanding that the problem not addressed today will inevitably become a lethal threat tomorrow.

Very few presidents have recognized or had the courage to publicly call Russia what it is: the dangerous enemy. Unfortunately, democracies are inherently terrible at planning. The failure to sustain a single policy spanning multiple administrations across both parties has frustrated the decision-makers and has led to some unfortunate shortcuts impersonating a real policy.


DC Bureau: egg prices, bird flu

That situation has created many euphemisms that for decades have defined U.S. policy on Russia: engagement, containment and reset. This nomenclature allows Washington to address Russia as a crisis of temporal nature.

These pseudo policies have, short of never addressing the issue in earnest, bred ignorance and complete misunderstanding of the subject among the American elites who have lost all institutional knowledge of why those pseudo-solutions were invented in the first place.


The U.S.’s handling of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the recent speech by Vice President JD Vance in Munich, addressing the leaders of Europe have underscored how deep the denial of the Russian problem has gone in Washington, how both parties have created, and feel very comfortable inside, the parallel realities of the world beyond the country’s borders.



The initial American reaction to the aggression was to send “Uber” to evacuate the government in Kyiv and hope the Kremlin tantrum would thus be over. Russia’s potential victory was not considered to be a geopolitical earthquake. It was just Russia behaving badly.


When Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his government refused to surrender, Joe Biden and his administration were forced to support Ukraine’s efforts to stand up to Russia. The U.S. was dragged into the effort against its original intentions but with no desire to allow Ukraine to win. Russia was to be managed as if the current conflict was not part of the centuries-long policy but a chance and unfortunate terrible behavior by a stooge of which the world has plenty.

Soon after, the White House with the support of its European allies came up with a brilliant strategy. It was not a strategy per se, but a way not to address the crux of the problem, yet looking as if working hard on the solution: maintain the war of attrition against Russia to the last Ukrainian. The end result would satisfy everyone: Russia would be exhausted and Ukraine, as a friction spot between the West and Russia, would cease to exist.

Again understanding history would help to know that one does not exhaust Russia with a war of attrition. The prospect of an emboldened Russia and a conquered Ukraine became ever more possible. Even with those alarming signs Washington did not believe the approach was wrong. However, the Europeans started to become concerned.


And here arrives Donald Trump and his new MAGA approach to foreign policy and Russia in particular. 


Trump almost aquiece to all Putin's desire about Ukraine. Since the beginning of the full-scale war in Ukraine, the role of the United States in supporting Kyiv has been closely scrutinized by analysts and commentators. However, amid obvious arms supplies and financial aid to Ukraine, opinions have emerged suggesting that the U.S. is not merely weakening Russia but is also deliberately preventing its total collapse. This approach is driven by Washington's long-term strategic interests and aligns with the historical logic of American foreign policy.
Western support for Ukraine is often explained not only by moral but also by pragmatic considerations. For the U.S., this war provides an opportunity to weaken a major military adversary in Eurasia without direct military involvement, using Russia's own resource constraints against itself. However, according to some analysts, the American strategy has another important aspect: keeping Russia in the status of a controlled geopolitical player that constantly generates threats and can be used in international political maneuvers.
The division of tasks among different U.S. administrations also supports the hypothesis of a strategic balance: the Trump administration, unlike its predecessors, is taking more steps to slow down arms deliveries, which could be interpreted as a desire to keep Russia in a weakened but not catastrophic state.
In 2022, when the Ukrainian army achieved successes near Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Kherson, many expected the U.S. to provide more significant support in the form of heavy weaponry and long-range missiles. However, arms were delivered in small batches, and strategically crucial decisions were delayed.
This approach allowed the U.S. to:
avoid a rapid military collapse of Russia;
extend the conflict over years, contributing to the gradual demilitarization of Russia;
minimize the risk of full-scale destabilization in the region.
As a result, despite the degradation of the Russian army, Russia managed to adapt to prolonged conflict by conducting partial mobilization and securing arms supplies through third countries.
As Ukrainian forces increasingly strike deep into Russian territory, calls to halt hostilities have intensified. U.S. voices advocating a "freeze" of the conflict have grown louder, which would effectively mean preserving the current status quo. For Ukraine, this is unacceptable as it would give Russia a chance to regroup and prepare for another round of war in the future.
Limiting arms supplies and intelligence sharing can be seen as a tool to pressure Kyiv into negotiations. However, Ukrainian leadership remains committed to a strategy of fully exhausting the enemy.
Despite supporting Ukraine, European countries have found themselves in a vulnerable position. Long-term policies of reducing defense budgets have left Western Europe without sufficient resources for independent security. In this context, dependence on the U.S. has only increased, creating risks of manipulation through military supplies and potential pressure from Washington.
Moreover, some analysts point to the possibility of the U.S. using Russia as a factor to weaken European unity by exploiting the interests of individual states. This multi-layered strategy could leave the EU in a state of political uncertainty amid a prolonged conflict.
From a global perspective, Washington's primary challenge is not Russia but China. The U.S. is trying to prevent excessive Moscow-Beijing rapprochement, complicating its policy toward Ukraine. In this regard, keeping Russia in a weakened but not destroyed state can be seen as a way to control its foreign policy maneuvers.
However, the American strategy faces challenges:
China remains Russia’s largest economic partner, providing it with access to technology and resources;
Russian-Chinese cooperation in the defense sector is growing;
Internal instability within the U.S. undermines its ability to conduct long-term foreign policy.
Social and economic problems within the U.S. make American hegemony less stable, while their allies become more dependent on Washington's decisions. This creates maneuvering space for other global players, including China.




Senior intelligence officials are warning the Western world that Russia's interference in the 2016 US election was an escalation of aggression that is likely to continue.
Robert Hannigan, the former head of UK signals intelligence service GCHQ, has told Four Corners further attacks from Vladimir Putin are probable.


"As long as Putin can't address Russian economic problems, he's probably going to be tempted to wrap himself in the flag of nationalism even more firmly and to do more foreign adventures. I hope not, but I fear that might be the case," he said.


Dan Hoffman, former CIA station chief in Moscow, says this new threat from Russia should not be underestimated.


"As dangerous as things were between our countries during the Cold War, as much risk as there was of conflict, you might argue that we're in a worse place today." 

The U.S. is playing a complex geopolitical game in which weakening Russia is a means, not an end. Washington seeks to prevent Moscow’s total military defeat so that it can continue using Russia as an element of counterbalance in the global strategic balance.
However, this policy carries risks: Ukraine may refuse to compromise, and Europe may rethink its role in the security system. Meanwhile, China continues to expand its influence, capitalizing on uncertainty and the weakness of American decisions.
Amid these developments, the world is entering a new period of instability, where previous geopolitical schemes no longer work, and the global balance of power continues to shift in favor of new players.


Since the beginning of the full-scale war in Ukraine, the role of the United States in supporting Kyiv has been closely scrutinized by analysts and commentators





The Dual Objective of the U.S. in the Ukrainian Conflict

Limited Arms Supplies: A Containment Tactic

Ukraine Opposes a 'Frozen' Conflict

Europe Trapped in U.S. Strategy




Wednesday, January 22, 2025

 











CHATEAU FOR SALE NEAR PARIS




12,433 views Jan 5, 2025










Join me as we take a look at this Beautiful Petit Chateau for sale in Pau France.
Pau France
$1,038,000/ 980,000 Euro
7 bedrooms
4 bathrooms
4,154 sq ft/ 386 m2 (habitable)
built in 1757




















Please click here for more information on this stunning château: https://go.leggett.tv/IaDG
Stunning 19th Century Château, recently renovated, surrounded by woodlands and a park totaling 30 hectares. Peace and Privacy assured. 5 bedrooms and outbuildings with business potential, plus a hunting license for the estate. Not far from the charming royal city of Loches, and about 70 km from the city of Tours, with an airport (served by Ryanair) and TGV links. 💶🔑 €1,785,000
This video showcases a stunning 19th-century château in the Loire Valley, newly renovated and set on 30 hectares of land. The property features lakes, outbuildings, a swimming pool, and even a hunting license. The video takes viewers on a tour of the château's interior and exterior, highlighting its beautiful features and potential for conversion into a holiday destination.



Discover a fantastic French chateau with a unique business opportunity, and all for just over €500K!
This fabulous 7-bedroom, 5-bath property is perfect for those looking for houses for sale in France with potential to run a successful Bed and Breakfast. Situated in the peaceful Vienne countryside, this recently renovated chateau offers large gardens with a heated in-ground pool, energy-efficient heat exchangers, and an electric car charging point.
The main house features an owner's section with a fully fitted kitchen, a double-height lounge with panoramic views of the pool area, two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a dressing room. The Bed and Breakfast section boasts a custom-made front door leading to an entrance hall, a lounge/dining area, and two en-suite bedrooms, as well as a family room with kids' bunks and its own en-suite bathroom.
Adjacent to the chateau is a fully-equipped two-bedroom guest cottage, perfect for use as a gite or additional rental income. With spacious outbuildings for storage and activities, and a further house requiring full renovation, this French chateau presents a remarkable business opportunity for anyone looking to invest in houses for sale in France.
Located midway between the airports in Poitiers and Limoges, and within easy reach of the A10 and A20 autoroutes, Château-Garnier in the Vienne area is the ideal spot for a thriving Bed and Breakfast business. Enjoy the tranquility of the French countryside while running a successful enterprise in this stunning French chateau.




185,051 views Premiered Feb 2, 2023 Exploring a 1,400,000$ French Chateau for Sale near Bordeaux Peek Inside This Full Renovated Chateau This near by chateau has been fully renovated Thanks to our real estate friend Valerie we get to visit the property and see it for the first time as we are showing it / filming it The property 40 minutes away from Bordeaux center It has a vast garden , Outbuildings turned into a caretakers apartment A double garage and even a plot with planning permission at the end of the garden Edd sees the potential and even advises what renovations he would do to add more value to this property The owners have amazing taste in decor , and we see how nicely this property has been renovated From open space living areas to beautiful fireplaces ... Wooden floors , spacious bedrooms A wine cave , storage area , a 2nd kitchen ... For more informations on the property please contact Valérie :



1,350,000 euros 5.36 ha 600sq meters 11 bedrooms 5 bathrooms


An elegant and charming 19th century château, located in Poitou-Charentes, France. Nestled in the enchanting borderlands of the Charente and Dordogne departments, this 19th-century Château estate offers elegance, charm, and an extensive mature plot




1,197,000 euros. A historic 15th century château. Located in Charente-Maritime, Poitou-Charentes, France. Set within mature landscaped gardens of 7,542 square meters with a heated swimming pool and with a vast total living area of 1,299 square meters. This impressive 15th Century château is steeped in history and is officially a historical monument



$ 500,000


29,164 views Nov 30, 2023Compared to US dollars and US home prices, yes, this is affordable. And the property tax? A fraction of the US. An updated and affordable chateau for sale in the Limousin region of France. Located about an hour east of Limoges. This one appears to be good for a bed and breakfast or a nice large family home. Professionally listed by Leggett Immoblier. Reference #A22061JNK23















775,000 euros




Residential (Château, Country House, Maison de Maître, Manoir / Manor House), Maison Ancienne, Maison Bourgeoise , DetachedBedrooms:17
Bath/ Shower Rooms:17
Habitable Size:550 m²
Land Size:2.31 ha

HighlightsHeating: fuel
Kitchen: aménagée, équipée

Features
Balcony(s)
Character / Period Features
Driveway
Garden(s)
Land
Off-Street Parking
Parking
Rental / Gîte Potential
Ski
Stone
Terrace(s) / Patio(s)

Property Description

Castle, apartments as well as a house at the entrance of the property which will have to be renovated. 5 minutes from the center of this spa, ski resort, on the road to the passes of the Tour de France and Andorra, this property has all the assets to accommodate a large family, several members of the same family wishing to keep their own spaces, or rent what is not used, the options are many. This property will require restoration work, which explains the significant drop in price, which is justified. The thermal baths offer a year-round clientele, the ski season, a winter clientele, the same resort offers summer activities for those who wish to make their investment profitable, in short, a great opportunity in this thermal city that the town hall wishes to do move towards higher-end services. There is therefore a living area in the castle, rooms for rent if desired, and 6 functional apartments, which can be improved, but only rented as is. At the entrance, an independent pavilion with 2 bedrooms / kitchen-dining room, bathroom just waiting to be revived. I have had quotes drawn up for the standardization of the overall project, which I can communicate if deemed appropriate. Sloping ground of a little more than 2 Hectares surrounds the castle.







1,666,250 euros

850,000 euros




1, 660,000  euros
Residential (Country Estate, Château, Country House, Maison de Maître, Manoir / Manor House), Investment Property, Maison Ancienne, Maison Bourgeoise, Equestrian Property , Detached
Bedrooms:8
Bath/ Shower Rooms:5
Habitable Size:500 m²
Land Size:3 ha


HighlightsHeating: bois, granulés

Features
Balcony(s)
Character / Period Features
Driveway
Garden(s)
Gîte(s) / Annexe(s)
Land
Off-Street Parking
Outbuilding(s)
Rental / Gîte Potential
Stable(s) / Equestrian Facilities
Stone
Swimming Pool
Terrace(s) / Patio(s)

Property Description

An ancient seigniorial manor from the 14th century, proudly dominating the valley. Located one hour from Rodez and one hour and twenty minutes from Montpellier. It was built around 1363 by Pierre de Guitard and completely renovated in 1950 by Victor Guibert. Renovated for 15 years with taste and very well maintained by the current owners, who share this historic monument by offering guest rooms and the organization of events in the 175 m2 reception room with fully equipped catering kitchen. You will have 20 pieces. 8 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 1 reception office, 1 library, 1 living room, 2 offices, 1 kitchen and its large pantry as well as its large dining room and its imposing fireplace. Heating and hot water production are provided by a reversible wood pellet boiler. The whole is 500 m2 of living space as well as 20,000 m2 of land. A tennis court and a swimming pool complete this first part which can be sold without the outbuildings at the price of 1,140,000 euros FAI. A SECOND PART, distinct from the castle, will allow you to develop the current activity or give free rein to your projects and desires. A set of 900 m2 made up of 4 water-tight buildings, all equipped with double-glazed joinery. A 330 m2 house on 3 levels with new roof equipped with 9Kwa photovoltaic panels which cover the Chateau's electricity consumption. A stable and barn adjoining the house. A double shed/barn. 1 stone building made up of 2 stables and 1 barn on 2 levels with its bread oven. 10,000 m2 of land. Springs and drinking water reserves complete these two magnificent lots. All 2 lots are just waiting for you to continue writing the history of CHATEAU de LUGAGNAC.

euros 425,000 

Residential (Country Estate, Château, Country House, Maison de Maître, Manoir / Manor House), Investment Property, Maison Ancienne, Maison Bourgeoise, Equestrian Property , DetachedBedrooms:5
Bath/ Shower Rooms:4
Habitable Size:330 m²
Land Size:2.4 ha


HighlightsHeating: fuel
Kitchen: aménagée

Features
Balcony(s)
Character / Period Features
Driveway
Garage(s)
Garden(s)
Gîte(s) / Annexe(s)
Land
Off-Street Parking
Outbuilding(s)
Rental / Gîte Potential
Stable(s) / Equestrian Facilities
Stone

Property Description

SOLE AGENT ELEGANT MANOR HOUSE SET ON 6 ACRES OF LAND - RENOVATION WORKS NEEDED Traditional XIXth-Gascon château with large rooms set on 6 acres of garden and meadows, conveniently located close to an active town with amenities. Accessed through double wrought iron gates and a drive that curves up to the front door of the mansion, the entrance door opens onto a wide hallway leading to : - on one side, a large reception with fireplace (to be checked) and at the back a separate granny apartment to include a sitting area, a kitchen, a bedroom, a small bathroom and separate wc - on the other side, a formal dining room, a large kitchen with separate dining area opening to the garden at the back, pantry wc and a small bedroom. From the hallway, a traditional curved wooden staircase leads to the first floor landing with period built-in cupboards and a juliette balcony overlooking the front garden and the nearby countryside. On that level, 2 large bedrooms with access to the small tourrets on each side of the building, one with shower room and one with a bathroom. On one side of the building, corridor to 2 further bedrooms, wc and one shower. Period wooden floors throughout. Original single-glazed windows. Shutters. Fireplaces (to be checked). in all the main rooms Oil central heating system Roof in good general condition. Gutters to be replaced. Unusual well in the house. Garage/storage and timber shade. Mature garden with beautiful trees. Meadows. Private but not isolated. The nearby town (walking distance) with shops, supermarket, bars and restaurants. Excellent movie theater. Toulouse Airport is 75 minutes away. This property is versatile: either a beautiful elegant family home or a B B project in the heart of the Gers. Renovation works needed to restore the property in its former glory. FOR MORE INFROMATION AND REQUEST FOR A VISIT PLEASE CONTACT AGENCE HAMILTON IN LECTOURE ON