Topic: Spare The Air

The U.S. State Department ordered the closure of the Russian consulate in San Francisco, the oldest in the country, dating back to 1852. Black smoke was seen billowing from the consulate chimney as staff reportedly burned records before the Saturday deadline. The closure is a retaliatory move following Russia's expulsion of hundreds of U.S. diplomats.

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open the session from San Francisco, noting the heavy fog and local "Spare the Air" restrictions on wood-burning fires. They discuss a Wired article regarding a proposed 14-level underground bus station and high-speed rail hub. The hosts express skepticism regarding the feasibility of French TGV or German ICE style trains operating on existing local tracks.