Making Merry in Milano

        The Summit meeting in Milano among European leaders apparently was not very cordial.  German leader Angela Merkel had few encouraging words for her Russyan counterpart, mad Vlad Putin.  Italian leaders present noted a particularly cool attitude of Mrs. Merkel toward Mr. Putin who tried in vain to discuss his Crimean adventure as a Russyan prerogative and a completed activity in
Novorussya, the old czarist term.  Mr.  Poroshenko of Ukraine did not buy into it and remarked that at least the representatives were in discussions despite the slim chance of settling any issues.
      The Dance of Diplomacy is always a spectator sport as media types like the photo ops, and the diplomats like the food.   The heavy lifting, of course, takes place behind closed doors.   As Mr. Poroshenko said, "the implementation" has yet to be accomplished, referring to the peace agreement that has been signed over the Donbass in eastern Ukraine.   This activity comes as background to the war in the Middle east that all parties are watching closely, as Turks, Kurds, Americans, Arabs, Brits, and more confront the Islamic murderers around the city of Kobani in Syria.
     We in Tahoma are watching events closely.

Election Time
     Jerry Brown, Governor of California, has his name on top of millions of ballots mailed out to voters in the last week.  November 4th is weeks away, and the wily old veteran is hoping for one last term in the hot seat in Sacramento.  Many of the ballot propositions will determine his legacy, which was bolstered this week by the state Supreme Court which refused to hear challenges to his High Speed Rail Project in the Central Valley in an effort to link LA and SF by high speed trains.   His wish for twin aqueducts under the delta may not get past the discussion stage as environmentalists rip the proposal from every angle.
     Don't forget to put a stamp on your ballot when you mail it in, if absentee.   It will be returned: no freebie here.

Please, Will Somebody Buy My Oil

        It's hard to overlook, but gas prices at the pump are falling.  Drivers are getting their Christmas gifts early.  Almost a 15% drop in the last 2-3 weeks.   But, this time: it's different.  This could be a trend that could last for months, if not years.   Why?  No demand, or so much less demand as to depress prices.  Fuel efficient vehicles, less travel, electric autos, hybrid autos, Elon Musk's multi billion dollar battery factory in Nevada.  It's enough to make a sheik cry.
     Saudi Arabia announces they will not stop pumping.  Makes sense, why cut back and let the Americans get a toe hold in new markets?  Seems like some economists haven't figured that one out yet.  If the USA is pumping 3.5 million barrels extra into the pipeline, and there's already slack in the market, prices will come down.  And they have, most everywhere.
     Now, what happens next?   Hmmm.  Lots of folks are starting to make some dire predictions.  If the market wants $85/ a barrel and your cost is $120/barrel, how long will you continue to produce at this price?   Now we have Mr. Putin negotiating with his good Communists buddies down south: Chairman Xi and Co.   The Chinese Communists like nice neat contracts with predictable outcomes.  Mr. Putin likes to keep a steady income stream.  Contracts, signed, Chairman go home happy, like kid with puppy.
      Now what if you're Venezuela: inflation running high, crime rampant in the streets, and Cubans knocking on your door asking for favors(oil)?   Not such a good situation.  Not a lot of options, either.  Others are controlling the market for your No. 1 product.  The natives are restless; your allies are going silent; students are in the streets.  What now , Mr. Maduro?  Nationalization?  Been there, done that.  Free food?  Done.  I see trouble brewing in South America's largest oil producer.   Could be a coup standing in the wings.   Will Raul Castro show up in Venezuela as an "advisor"?   Sort of like Russian troops showing up in Ukraine to protect "Russians".
    Keep your eyes on the price of oil- it will move and move governments.

Movie Review: Io Sono Li, or Shun Li and the Poet

       This film was chosen as a selection for the October Italian Film festival in the north Bay Area.  It was chosen on the basis of the many awards received in many categories, including best actress, cinematography, supporting actor, screen play, and more.
     The film is, of course, Italian in origin, and is filmed in and around the city of Venice, uniquely recognizable across many cultures.  The film tells the story of a young Chinese woman, brought to Italy as a contract worker for a group of Chinese businessmen involved in the garment trade and restaurants.  Shun Li is the young woman in the role of the contract worker.   After a stint in the garment world, she is sent to Venice to work in a newly purchased waterfront restaurant that caters to the local fishermen who ply the local waters to make a living from the famous lagoon.
     The poet, Bepi as he is known to his fellow fisherman, is a widower, well along in years, but not ready to call it quits as he finds meaning to his life on the lagoon and solace among the calm waters that surround his ramshackle house on stilts over the water.   In time, viewers learn that the owners do not want their contract workers to associate with Italians; it would be bad for business.  The boss threatens Shun Li: stop talking w/ the fishermen, or your work time contract begins again!  Bepi doesn't understand Shun Li's new silence, and resents his pals objections to any relationship with foreign workers.
    Later, Shun Li returns to the garment world and learns that her 8 yr old son has arrived from China and her bond has been paid by an unknown benefactor(not Bepi).  Now free, she returns one day to Venice to thank Bepi for his kindness only to learn he has died, and has left her his fishing station.  As a final request, Bepi asked her in a letter to give him a "poet's Funeral'.   With the help of another of Bepi's fisherman friends, they make a final visit to the shack, which Shun Li douses with fuel oil and ignites with a torch.
     A touching, moving film of different cultures coming together in very human ways.   Beautifully photographed, terrific acting by the principles with good dialogue that serves to complement the thoughtful production.   Much of the dialogue is in Chinese, with subtitles.
5 stars*****

Putin's Pussy: not a Riot

      Vlad the animal lover.  The Moscow press/media machine likes to portray its boss as a lover of all animals, especially endangered species such as the Siberian tiger.  You know the one: big head, big fangs, claws, whiskers a foot long, piercing yellow eyes, fast afoot, stealthy, dines on humans.  That's the one.
     The species was almost extinct due to hunting and poaching.   This particular big cat guy does some border jumping, getting into Chinese spaces, across the Amur river.  Our cat, called Kuzya, was recently released in the Russyan Far East in May of this year.  Their Far East is our Western Pacific, capisce?
    So the cat has territorial ambitions, like his ace benefactor, Mad Vlad.  He wants some Chinese real estate in which to roam around, maybe find a little pussycat.  But, alas, poachers are afoot in Sino territory where a tiger pelt can fetch $10000.  So, let's track the feline, keep him safe.   Scientists responsible for keeping tabs on Siberian tigers are nervous about dealing with Chinese border guards.  It will take some deft diplomacy to keep the peace while the striped animal moves about HIS chosen habitat, borders notwithstanding.
Tiger power: can he sell it?

Russian Shipbuilder Without a Ship

      In another act of "business, Russiya-style,   the government forced Sergei Pugachev to sell his two shipbuilding firms to United Shipbuilding, headed by Igor Sechin, one of Mad Vlad's closest associates and head of Rosneft, the Russiyan state oil company.  The price was at about 1/4 of its estimated worth according to the accounting firm BDO.
    Mr. Pugachev told the Financial Times that the rule of law has been suspended in Russya, pending Putin's next popularity poll.   He also complained that businessmen have become "serfs" in his country.   These actions come after another businessman, Vladimer Yevtushenkov, head of conglomerate SISTEMA, was placed under house arrest, accused of money laundering.  Ha.  He was also head of Bashneft, Russya's 6th largest oil company.   After a court hearing, his shares in the company were taken over by the government.
    Lovely doing business in Siberia, etc.

Shades of Pussy Riot: Kremlin at it Again

       The Russiya FSB, your friendly Putin thugs, are at it again.  This time they're after a very well known singer/artist, a man of considerable reputation, a man well known by Mad Vlad.   They sat together at a Paul McCartney concert in 2003.  This musician/singer, Andrei Makarevich, 60 years old, is the front man for the rock group Mashina Vremeni or Time Machine, who played a concert for refugees in Ukraine in an area controlled by the Ukrainian army.   This did not sit well with Raz-Putin.  The Kremlin immediately began a campaign to bring discredit to the group and Mr. Makarevich in particular.
     And so it goes in the Novorussiya of Mad Vlad.   With the media under government control, the citizens of Russiya are fed a constant stream of lies meant to undermine Western influence, especially the US.  At the same time, the media is whipping up nationalistic fervor among the gullible population.   Soon, one after the other of Mr. Makarevich' concerts around the country have been cancelled, owing to false excuses bordering on the absurd.
     All of this comes at a time when Russiya's economy is in freefall.  Since Mr. Putin took over in 2012, growth has slowed to a halt and foreign investment has stopped.   The economic sanctions imposed by western nations have further crippled the domestic economy.  Can Mr. Putin's popularity really be at 86% positive?  If he's doing the polling, of course.
      The value of the ruble is another little economic issue for Raz-Putin.   Since July, the value of the ruble has plummeted from 34/$1 to 40.33/$1 on Friday, 10/10/14.  This factor piggybacks on the price of oil which is under $90/barrel.   Moscow relies heavily on the sale of energy resources abroad for  foreign exchange.   Hmmm.   Bad planning here.   Maybe Putin should rethink the incursions into Crimea and Ukraine.   Winter is around the corner; Russyians are pulling their furs out of storage, getting ready.  Could be cold for more than a few locals around the Kremlin.   Maybe Vlad will see Russyians being harassed in Kiribati, or the Seyschelles Ils. and make another move.
We'll keep you posted on Vlad's next mad move.

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, Again

     This weekend, more smoke will float across the Lake, thanks to another nearby blaze.   This time, the fire is near Interstate 80, in the vicinity of Applegate.  CalFire says its about 30% contained, which translates into "no containment" yet.
     As temps climb due to the stationary high pressure zone on the coast, conditions will hamper containment efforts.  So, if you have respiratory issues, slow down, cancel the hike, watch a little baseball(NLCS-5pm).
     Look out for marauding bears, enjoy autumn, even if a little smoky in the Basin.

Who Wants to Work in Italy?

     Lots of folks, especially the youngest workers.   With an unemployment rate north of 40% for the youngest workers, Premier Matteo Renzi has his work cut out for him.   Apparently, Angela Merkel of Germany recognizes the impending recession throughout the EU.  She now supports spending by central banks in an attempt to get the economy moving again.  Renzi of Italy has to deal with his moribund Parliament, a cesspool of lethargic decision makers who have been unable to change anything of note for years.  The poor Italian worker who is unemployed looks to a very bleak future, a future that as yet has not been identified.
      Renzi, of the Partita Democratica, was elected from the City of Florence by voters hoping his youth would conquer the Parliamentary stalemate.   He's trying, but it is an uphill climb as labor unions, older workers with contracts, and pensioners do not want changes that affect their income streams.  Sad, but true, the Italian economy will never achieve growth without the necessary changes to the ancient labor laws that restrain hiring.  What business will hire a worker that he can't fire or lay off without going through the process required by archaic labor rules and contracts?  Combined with a legal system based on a mishmash of codes that resemble a foreign language, the odds are against any hiring.
     As an example, we have FIAT, the Italian auto maker.  Where is Fiat's new focus: America.  Yes, Sergio Marcchione purchased Chrysler and is now making money while Italian operations languish in a sluggish market beset by unions and labor laws.   He would shut down all Italian plants, fire all the workers and call it a day, if he could.  But he can't.  So, he accepts the status quo in Italy, and seeks success from American operations, which are expanding amidst an improving economy throughout North America.
    Good luck, Sergio.   Good luck Matteo Renzi!

Putin: The Store

     America; What a Country.  So, a guy says, "I'm going into business.  Maybe a week, maybe more".  What's your product?  Putin products:  T-shirts, hats, photo mugs, tattoos(temps).  The former Lithuanian, now American feels that there's a market for Putin memorabilia.  Why?  He's a headline grabber of the 1st order.  He has a following, that's for sure(even if ordered to be a following).
     So, this is a Pop Up business.  By its very design, temporary.  Here today, gone tomorrow has a new meaning in NYC these days.  It's different from a food cart/truck: they move about the hood, but they have a long term outlook, long term life.  Plus, a food truck has an investment of considerable dollars.  Not a pop up, usually.   Quick in, quick out.
     Now about Putin's Place, or whatever it's called.  Will it have legs?  Will it go the distance?  Like any business, time will tell.  Or maybe the headlines will tell, or not.   Where's Mad Vlad going next?
Liberia?  Hmmm.

Bears, Autumn Bears, In Pairs

     Neighbors around 89 and Pine are chatting about the recent bear sitings and the recent bear break-ins.   sad to say, it's that time of the year again; Autumn.  Bears front load on food, which means they'll pretty much eat anything.  Oh, there's a house=Food Safe.
     A house in Meeks Bay was the scene of a bear break in this week: a sow bear and two cubs.  Black bears all.  If you the home owner have 1st floor windows, board them up.  Bears now consider the first floor an accessible place with food generally available.  Even more distressing, the bear (s) turned on the stove!  Fortunately, no fire resulted from the caper.
     Things could get interesting around the West Shore until a real winter sets in. Pray for snow, get an electric fence.  They are cheap insurance.
     Have a bear in the house: call the Sheriff @ 911.  He's only a few minutes away from Tahoma at any time, 24/7. 

Giants Win

      Best record in the National League?  Who cares?  Not the Giants.  Playing small ball or torture, the Giants, behind some clutch pitching and some luck, they sent the Washington Nats back to DC with their tails between their legs, Bryce Harper, notwithstanding.
      Coming home to S.F. with a 2-0 lead, the Giants were able to skip an extra trip east as they defeated the Nats at home, 3-2, earning a place in the National League Championship Series to be played against the St. Louis Cardinals.   That matchup will be a good one, as the former series rivals face off yet again.
Better them than the arch rival to the south, the LA Dodgers, who bowed to the Cards after the Cards trashed the best pitcher in baseball Clayton Kershaw, giving him an 0-2 record during the series.
     Now, it's the time for the Orange and Black to carry the  team to St. Louis and back, looking to get to another World Series before the month is out.
Go Giants.

The Turks: Between a Rock and a Hard Place

      When two of your neighbors are Syria and Iraq, one must sleep with one eye open, if not both.   If Kurdistan(an unofficial 'Stan) is included within your boundaries, one has a continuing irritation that requires attention.   If one has a stream of refugees crossing the southern border fleeing an onslaught by murderous fanatics, the problem cannot be overlooked.   What to do?
     Pres. Erdogan of Turkey must navigate the political landscape of his own country as he tries to negotiate with the minority Kurds who have been restive for over 40 long years.  One the one hand, he would not want to recognize their, the Kurds, autonomy.  On the other, he doesn't want ISIS, the murderers, running across his borders necessitating a military confrontation that will absorb manpower and resources of significant proportions.  What has been suggested is a controlled zone of neutral status, free of combat, where refugees can live until the conflict is resolved.   This may be wishful thinking in light of ISIS goal of forced recognition(see YouTube videos of their murders of innocent victims).
     ISIS now occupies Mosul, in northern Iraq.   They are threatening a border city in Syria that the Kurds are trying to hold onto.  The outcome is being contested as we speak.   The international community is not ready to consent to Turkey's demands for a unified response, using the US' request for action as a non-starter.   The EU recognizes Turkey's reticence, but seeks support from Ankara in its fight with ISIS, if only to prevent the spread of this pirate group that has alienated just about everybody in the Middle East.
     Let's keep our eyes on Mr. Erdogan and his action plan.  He knows he has the focus of the world on himself.   What will he do next?  Not a lot of options these days.

Where Is Kazakhstan, Anyway?

      In miles, Kazakhstan runs to about 12,000 miles from Tahoma, California.  It's located in what we Westerners call Central Asia.  Its northern border fronts the Russiya Federation for over 1000 miles.  Its southern border runs along other "Stans": Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan.  It also has a sizable border with our friend, China, in the east.   Most of the country is a dry basin area geologically separate from the Ural Mountains in the west and the Indian Shield and Himalayan System in the south.
      That's your geography lesson for today; but we are not done yet.  Why, you ask?  The bantam dervish of the Kremlin,  Raz-Putin, is stirring up things on Russiya's southern border.   He's creating another focal point for outsiders to gaze over as he thrashes about the Kremlin's hallways, looking for love.
      The president of Kazakhstan said in a statement, that his country's independence is paramount to the future and will not be jeopardized by the FSB of Vlad Putin.  Strong words, surely issued as warning.  Kazakhstan is not Ukraine, and has vast natural resources; but , of course, landlocked, dependent on transportation networks and pipelines to move those same resources.   If one gazes at the map, it's hard to overlook the immense size of the existing Russiya federation, stretching east to west across 11 time zones from the Pacific Ocean to the Baltic Sea, and enjoying an Arctic coastline second to none.  And why does Mad Vlad want more territory to come under his control?
      It must be in the genetic makeup of the Russiya brain.  Is fear an inherited characteristic?  Recent neuro-scientific discoveries indicate this is true.   The epi-genome, the outer shell of a gene, does carry the direct  influence of the preceding generation.  So one can assume, modern Russiyans are born in a fearful state, concerned about foreigners, interlopers, spies, etc.  Mad Vlad is playing an old Russiya strategy.   Ok.  We get it.
    Now, enough.   We in Tahoma have plenty to worry about right here at Lake Tahoe.  Kazakhstan?  Please.

The Ridge, since 1962

      California wine drinkers have been familiar with Ridge for many years.  Even more so after the movie of recent years that told the story of Ridge success in the French wine competition in 1976 where  the American wine won out over all the European wine makers, marking a 1st, and putting Europe on notice that America and her wines had established a firm beachhead on the continent.
     While in the Santa Clara valley nearby, we thought that here was an opportunity to visit the famous winery located in the Santa Cruz Mountains to the west of San Jose.  Following Stevens Creek into the hills, we took a right turn onto Monte Bello Road and began the climb to 2300'- the top of the ridge.   We had an appointment and called ahead as we slowly made our way up the road.  The bay laurel trees gave way to live oaks with a few pines scattered around.   As we reached the ridge top, we drove along the edge of the vineyards for a 1/4 mile, arriving at the gated entrance
     We parked next to the reshaped/redone old barn, now a tasting room.  We joined another couple and their adult son.   After a brief history, we left with our guide, Luis, who walked us through the vines, explaining in detail many of the characteristics of the location, or terroir, that give the wines here their distinctive character and flavor.   The day was hot, even at 11 o'clock am.   This year's crop was already harvested, like Napa and Sonoma, just a few weeks ago.
     We then returned to the barn for some tasting.   In brief, we tasted 5 varietals.  I'll list them along with heritage:
2012 Estate Chardonnay, 100% Chardonnay, Monte Bello, Santa Cruz Mtns.
2012 Geyserville, 71% Zinfandel, blend, Alexander Valley
2010 Perrone Merlot, 100% Merlot, Monte Bello, Santa Cruz Mtns.
2011 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Monte Bello, Santa Cruz Mtns.
2011 Monte Bello Cab, Monte Bello Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mtns.
(This is one of their collector program wines and runs $165/bottle)

     Each varietal was described in an accompanying printed card that included all the pertinent facts as to the wine's history.  These facts included certain details: age of the vines; harvest dates; avg. Brix(sugar) at harvest; fermentation(yeasts), pressing time; barrel composition; time in barrel(aging); rainfall for season; bloom; and weather for the growing season.   This is the most detailed description ever presented at a tasting by this wine drinker.  A testament to their confidence in the product.  It was one of the finest tasting experiences ever, second only to some of Italy's small wineries in Tuscany where the experience includes sitting down to a meal with the winemaker.
      Going to San Jose?  Call ahead and make a stop at the Ridge one of your special activities.

Book Review: The Foreign Correspondent, Alan Furst

       Here we are again in Western Europe, now 1938.   Lots of spies about, lots of mischief afoot.  Our hero, Italian Carlo Weisz, is a writer with Reuters, the international agency.  That employment is also a cover for some of his other activities: writing for an underground anti-Fascist, anti-Mussolini newspaper published in France and distributed by a group of volunteers, mostly young people.
      The story begins with the murder of  Mr. Bottini, the editor, of  Liberazione, the title of the paper.  He was the victim of  OVRA,  the Italian secret police abroad, founded by Mussolini in the '20's to carry out clandestine operations abroad against Mussolini's perceived  opponents and enemies.   These actions were intended to put fear in the heart of those Italians who sought refuge in foreign countries.
     The question immediately arises: can the paper survive the outside pressure from OVRA?  Author Furst now weaves his tale through European capitols: Paris, of course, Rome, Berlin, and Madrid.  Long train rides, night flights, dark nights, and characters of slight description all add up to a good read.   This novel was one of Furst's best, and was a NYT best seller.
     These historical novels of  Furst capture the period, and provide background on the world war that is fast approaching and nobody seems able to put on the brakes.  In this particular work, Furst introduces a few characters that will appear in some of his later work.  There's a lot of intrigue here for the spy novel enthusiast.  Enjoy.
4 Stars ****

Down in the Valley of Silicon

       Mayor went down into the heart of the tech world last week.   San Jose, the former city of fruits and vegetables, now the undisputed center of the tech universe.   It's is interesting to walk around the "new" downtown and at the same time, recall from memory the images of the old downtown, now long gone.  The transformation began about 30 years ago, when computers were shrinking in size, thanks to the silicon chip and its transistor load.  Soon the PC would be introduced and the Apple Mac would soon follow it.
     We had occasion to visit a couple of local wineries.   The Gugliemo Bros. Winery in Morgan Hill was the scene of a testimonial dinner put on by the Santa Clara County Sister County Commission.  They took the occasion to award their Medici medal to Professor Duilio Peruzzi, professor emeritus of geography from San Jose State.   Over 100 family and friends helped celebrate.  Many former students and department members attended.   Many of the former students recalled fondly, their experiences with the professor in Italy in the '70's and '80's.   Mr. Gugliemo presented Dr. Peruzzi with a magnum of their signature wine.
      Friday and Saturday were devoted to San Jose State alumni activities, with a focus on the Saturday afternoon football game at Spartan Stadium.  The Wolfpack from U. Nevada, LV were in town for the match up.   The day was hot, hot, hot, including the entire weekend.  
     At the heart of downtown San Jose, a 2 day running event featured a half marathon, a 10K race, and a 5K race.   Lots of folks showed up to participate.  A good time was had by all.

Giants Win-Move On to Division Series With Washington Nationals

     Madison Baumgardner pitched a gem- a 4-hit  complete game shutout.  Aided by a grand slam from shortstop Brandon Crawford, a first for a shortstop in the post season.   Pittsburgh's Pirates appeared to be baffled by Mad Bun's array of pitches, swinging wildly at his offerings, only able to get one batter to 3rd base all night.
     The Nats are another animal.  They have the best record and great pitching.  With 5 games to prove who is the winner, it will be a good series.   Experience versus expertise.
Watch it.

Hot Spell: On Schedule

     The October heat wave, or Indian summer, is here.   Temps will soar over the next few days, hitting high 80's lakeside, and 90's down the hill.  While enjoyed by outdoors types, fire crews will keep their tankers fueled and ready.  Humidity low, moisture missing,  and the King Fire as a starter.
    If the east wind starts up, there could be trouble.   We hope fire district folks in Meeks Bay will have a quiet week.
Be careful -no fires, please.

Book Review: Putin's Kleptocracy, 2014, by Karen Dawisha, Simon & Schuster,

     I love the word kleptocracy.  It's so evocative.  It evokes images of well-dressed rogues running amok through the halls of government office buildings, stuffing  bags with money, laughing as the shunt it off to off shore accounts( and a few in Swiss banks).   Of course, it also includes mental illness: they HAD to steal; they could not stop stealing once they started.
     This a history of Putin's rise to power along with his KGB cronies since he was an assistant mayor in St. Petersburg, the "gangsters' paradise of the new Russia.   Quick learner Putin realized that here was the opportunity of a life time: grab the reins of power that were blowing loose in the winds of change.  Seize them he did, and lots of money while doing it, especially for his KGB gang of thieves.  Professor Dawisha, of Miami, Ohio Univ. , writes well and provides ample evidence, including material from wikileaks.   Her work is the most detailed look inside the corruption of the Russian government to date.  Unfortunately, it will not be translated into the Russian soon enough to affect events in Ukraine, etc.  Other titles have spoken of Russian corruption at the highest levels of government-see Masha Gessen's "The Man Without a Face",(2013) and "The Corporation"(2009) by Yuri Felshtinsky and Vladimir Pribylovsky.   The author does much to identify "who owns Russia".
Thanks for the review go to Anna Arutunyan, a Moscow- based journalist and the authur of "The Putin Mystique:  Inside Russia's Power Cult".
Be bold-read this book; grasp international politics.  Obama has read it.  Maybe.