Wine making :2015 Version 5.0

Package Label From Vine'a ala francais

     Well, the Mayor had to make a decision: to oak or not to oak.   The vintage 2015 has been in stainless steel for about 10 months.  It's time for final aging and adjustments before bottling.  So: what to do?: get a 30 gal. barrique or not?  Bottle as it is or not?  Problem No. 1- there are no 30 gal. barrels available at reasonable prices right now because everything is going to large producers as they get ready for the 2016 crush(underway at present).  The Mayor likes some subtle oak flavor in his wine, so, next option:  add some oak in another form.  here come the sticks.
      My friend Jim sells barrels, lots of them.  He imports directly from France, and has done so for over 30 years.   He knows oak.  He began selling enhanced-aged, toasted, cut, oak strips for a few years.  I explained my predicament and he brought in his oak man to offer some solutions.  Given my amount and wine type, he suggested a medium toast, French oak that would give the wine just enough to taste but not too much to overwhelm Pinot fruit flavors. 
     Done.  We placed the sticks in the barrel and will wait 60 days, then begin a cycle of tasting until we arrive at our goal of subtle oakey flavors.
     We can't wait!

Book Review: Orville and Wilbur

Kitty Hawk- 1903 Wright Flyer Soars

    Author Fred Howard wrote a comprehensive and insightful biography of two of America's most famous brothers: Orville and Wilbur Wright.  These two invented manned flight at a time when scientists projected the skill would not come to mankind for a million years.   Mr. Howard was a aviation technology expert.  After flying during WW II, he went to work as a librarian at the Library of Congress; then at the Smithsonian Museum helping to edit and coordinate the Wright Brothers papers.
     As an editor for various scientific publications, author Howard became adept at separating facts from fiction, and also being able to translate weighty science theory into comprehensible English.   he worked for several publishing houses in this role.   He worked on this biography for over 15 years and wrote the wonderful story of two American men, who, without formal education, were able to conduct experiments with a only their imagination and determination as the foundation of their works.
     Growing up in Dayton, Ohio, sons of a religious minister, they were the essence of hardworking, can-do American citizens.   Beginning with bicycles, they worked on the concept of flight, studying bird flight, and earlier experiments of flying machines.  Early on, they married the physics of motorized propulsion and momentum with the lifting characteristics of a curved surface(wing).   After years of trying, they finally succeeded at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, in the early winter of 1903.
     Author Howard tells the story in great detail.  He brings in the doubters(early guilters), the pretenders and charlatans,  and the also-rans.  Glenn Curtis, Charles Lindbergh,  Louis Bleriot', Alberto Santos Dumont, Octave Chanute, and the fakirs Augustus Herring and Gustave Whitehead.  This book was published almost 30 years ago, at a time when many citizens could recall the early days of flight.  It has much more detail than a more recent history published by historian David McCullough.
      Unknown to the average American is the aftermath of the first flight.  Legal wrangling over patent rights consumed much of the Wright brothers later years.   Many pretenders tried to steal the thunder of the Wrights accomplishments, claiming earlier flying success.  All adds up to a wonderful story told by an accomplished writer/historian.
5 Stars/ worth the effort

Wells Fargo to Stumpf: Give Us our Money Back, now.

       CEO of Wells Fargo was ordered by the board of directors to return his $41 million bonus.  Yes, $41million.  As the scandal of the illicit activity of the bank, i.e.. opening and closing customer accounts simply to generate sales, on his watch, has mushroomed into something much bigger.  It underscores the flagrant disregard for the rules and for ethics, both of which seem to be missing in the finance community these days.   The head of community banking will also lose her bonus, even though she has already retired.
       So, here we go again?  Banking business is a contributor to: 1) economic stress, 2) growth limitations, 3) stagnant business climate, 4) mistrust of banking system, 5) mistrust  of government regulators, 6) mistrust of elected politicians, 7) lack of hope for change in inequality among workers and management.
     Even Mr. Trump said that we are in a bubble Monday night during the debate.  Hard to say what he really thinks, but he said it as opposed to Hillary who clearly stated that we are growing, albeit, slowly.
     Wells Fargo has 265,000 global employees.  Is it hard to manage them all?  Of course, but that's business.  You're either in or out.   Man up, Mr. Strumpf: retire, quit, resign, whatever.  Just leave, you are an embarrassment.

Lake or Bay?

Looking Out Over San Francisco Bay as High Pressure flattens waves

        No, this is not lakeside in Tahoma; it's bayside at San Francisco Bay.  High temperatures and the lack of winds have created a balmy day over most of Northern California and especially the Bay Area, lots of the tech world we live in.
      A number of new wild land  fires have sprouted up, serving notice that fire season is not over.   But, we'll enjoy these days, even as rain is forecast for Sunday.

Too Big To Fail: Deutsche Bank?

     Well, there is more trouble for Germany's financial sector:  Deutsche Bank's stock has plummeted as the bank has been tagged as under pressure to raise capital funds to allay concerns about cash funds required by regulators.   The bank is trying to sell assets, including a stake in a Chinese bank where negotiations are continuing.
      Angela Merkel, a proponent of no taxpayer bailouts, may have some problems with the situation, given her position.  This comes on the heels of the US Dept. of Justice demanding $14 Billions with a B from the bank for its role in the banking crisis.  Bank spokesman says it will not pay this demand as discussions have only begun.
       This could be the end for Deutsche Bank, a bank that is not "Too Big" to fail.  It is becoming increasingly evident that these financial behemoths are, in fact, a drag on the world's economy.  They have too much power, take too many risks, lose control of their employees(see Wells Fargo), and are too cozy with regulators.  Does this affect Tahoma?  Yes, of course.  Fall out from this failure could reduce visits by Germany's tourists who love Lake Tahoe.
 

Sobranes Fire Report

In the hills above Big Sur River

A training Session in the valley

Training Class Photo: Fire for Effect

Radio Check

     The crews at Tassajara are ready and willing to tackle the challenges of wildland firefighting as the 2 month+ old blaze moves toward their location.  It has now become the most expensive fire in National Forest efforts to combat this naturally-occurring scourge.  It has been burning across central California's Los Padres National Forest for almost 10 weeks.   It is still only 60% CONTAINED.

Hillary is Endorsed By NYT

     So, finally, the "Old Grey Lady" puts its support in print-boldly, one could say.  The Sunday NY Times reaches 2 million + households and 3 X that number of readers, many of them Democrats, but many Repulsicans, too.  Almost the entire page of the editorial section was devoted to various support positions in favor of Hillary Clinton.  Whether emails or Bengahzi or Health Care attempts, the NYT editorial spells out its strong case for her election as the next President of the USA.
      Tonight, Monday the 26th of September, Hillary will debate the liar Donald Trump, standard bearer of the GOP, party of idiots and cowards(see Cruz and Rubio and Ryan).  The debate could be viewed by upwards of 100 million viewers- a substantial number of whom will be voting in 50 days.  It could be make or break for Mr. Bluster or it could also tighten a race that has befuddled experts for the entire year.   Mr. Bluster has never spoken to the voters for more than a few minutes; he can't focus that long unless there is somebody wearing a skirt involved.
     So, this could be really a test for the Darn Old, a test he is most likely to fail unless he steps out of character and attempts normal behaviors.  Good luck.
    See you tonight after the debate.

Russyans Deny Aerial Attack on Syrian Convoy

     A relief truck convoy heading into the city of Aleppo, Syria was the target of repeated air attacks from Russyan and Syrian government bombers.  The attacks focused on trucks carrying food, medicine, and other essentials for the trapped Syrians still in the occupied city held in part by Syrian rebel forces and in part by Syrian forces loyal to dictator Bashar al Assad.
      Russyan spokesman said that the jets bombers were not Russyan.  However, US intelligence said that, in fact, Russyan air force bombers were all over the area at the time of the bombings.  An unknown number of citizens were killed and most of the trucks were destroyed.  The cease fire has been broken, and US Secretary of State, John Kerry, stated at the UN that it's clear that Russya does not want a ceasefire at all.
     Sad, but true, the forces of Mr. Vladimir Putin continue to rain death and destruction on innocent civilians in Syria.  For what?  To prove to his few admirers that he can make trouble wherever he wants?   Maybe one day he'll wake up, but don't hold your breathe.   He wants to turn the Russyan clock backwards, to Soviet times, when Russyans could live in their government controlled lives without fear of reality interrupting their consumption of state-owned vodka.   Russyans could bask in the glory of having defeated the Nazi onslaught(with the help of US men and material).   They can also smile at living in the largest country in the world, now even larger as Mr. Putin has annexed the Crimean wine district and the Donbass Region of Ukraine where all the manufacturing is carried out.  They can wake up in the morning and reflect on their new independence and smile at the FSB snoops who dog their every step.  Life in Russya: so pleasant to enjoy.

Minister Returns From Rio

    Our Minister of Latin American Affairs has returned to Sao Paolo after 2 weeks in Rio de Janeiro.  He was there to help with the ParaOlympic Games, held after the regular Games.  He said everything went smoothly and no Americans were arrested or detained by Brazilian authorities who have their hands full with political matters at present.
    A full report of his stay in Rio will follow.

Matthew Turner Update

500 gal. fresh water tank/HDPE & 50 gal. grey water tank

fitting up portside bump rail w/ 6" bronze lags

Fresh water/grey water/ black water tanks assembled

     The Mayor spent some time this week in Sausalito to help out with the shipbuilding efforts of the callofthesea.org.  The ship is now fully planked and the new electric engines should arrive later this week or next week from BAE Systems.  These 2 state of the art motors will drive the ship in close quarters when sails would not work so well.  That is, when the ship is manuvering dockside or similar situations.
      Water tanks are being hydro -tested for integrity prior to placement.  After the engines are installed, the mechanical spaces will be filled with all appropriate equipment to run the ship: generators, diesel fuel tanks, batteries, pumps, and various control panels.
     Metal work is also in work as the architects communicate with fabricators around the Bay Area.  Machinists are scrutinizing plans and putting together quotes for fabrication of rigging elements.  Steel wire stay cables are being wrapped and seized in preparation for the rigging phase in 2017.
    Douglas fir planking is being milled in long lengths at 2"X 4"X20'.  THis wood is beautiful to behold: clear, vertical grained lumber cut to precise measurements.  It will make the deck glow when in place soon.
More later
      As of September 21, '16, all the HDPE tanks have been hydro-tested on site and approved by the USCG inspectors who came by yesterday to view the tanks before they are installed.  All have to be plumbed for their respective positions inside the hull. TBD.

Relief Convoy Bombed by Russyan Jets in Syria

      Just when relief agencies thought they had achieved a breakthrough, air assets of Bashar Assad's regime thought better of the idea.  They directed jet bombers to put the hurt on the convoy, blowing up the trucks filled with food and medicine.  American intelligence agencies identified Russyan aircraft as the delivery vehicles.
     So, there you have it: Russyans being Russyans.

Mr. Putin: Wine Drinker

     Vladimir Putin: wine drinker.  That's the obvious new title for Russya's leader.   Did you see the foto?  Mad Vlad strolling through the cavernous vault of a Crimean winery, formally part of Ukraine, now annexed by Vlad because he wants to drink more wine.  Actually, because of hhis military takeover of Crimea and the Donbass region of Ukraine, the EU/NATO countries cut off Russya's access to fine European wines.  Now Vlad has developed a taste for Bordeaux,starting when he was the deputy mayor of St. Petersburg/KGB Lt. Col.  He can appreciate Left Bank and Right Bank vintages; blends and mixtures put out by premium French winemakers.
      So, what to do?  Hire some American winemakers?  We believe that some Americans are already on scene to evaluate this year's crop of local wine grapes.  Will these advisors make a difference?  Well, if you believe the tenets of terroir, trying to make a silk purse form a sow's ear is next to impossible.   But, modern chemistry(modern wine making) has done wonders not only in America,but also in Italy and France.  But, do Russyans really want to give up the White Gas(vodka) for vino nobile?  Hmmmm?  Seems like an uphill battle for the Russyan wine palate.  After all, will the Russyan State want to forego all its vodka profits by promoting wine consumption by the Les Miserables?   Doubt it.
       So, we will keep monitoring the wine making efforts of Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, president of the largest country in the world.

Stanford v. Univ. of SoCal: Football

      The Mayor was down on the farm this past weekend: football.   The Leland Stanford, Jr. team v. the University of Spoiled Children(USC).  A good crowd was in evidence to watch favored Stanford rip the Trojans apart as Cardinal quarterback McCaffrey displayed his talents for playing the iconic game.   The weather was perfect, if not a little too warm.
      While down in Palo Alto, we visited the Cantor Museum on campus.  A special exhibition was on display with a focus on works of art that incorporated images of California's water features portrayed by some of the world's greatest painters and photographers.  Many of the usual suspects were there: Ansel Adams, Alfred Bierstadt, William Keith, Edward Muybridge, etc.  Many works were of relatively unknown artists, such as John Key, the painter.
     The museum itself is a fine example of architectural elegance.  The building has been transformed after a near total destruction in the 1906 earthquake that did much to transform San Francisco.  The fault line is almost in the backyard of Stanford, along the San Andreas Fault just a mile or so to the west.  The bricks have been replaced by concrete with steel reinforcement, and other structural components have been upgraded.
     The painting by Key is a landscape with a view from the Tahoe City area, south, with Rubicon Peak in the right center, and Mount Tallac just left.  Snowy peaks in the distance identify the time of year as late spring or early summer. 

Lake Tahoe, 1870, John Ross Key

Map of California,1880

The map of the state clearly depicts the state after statehood established the boundary with the Nevada territory before that area became a state.  The county boundaries are not clear, indicating the soon to be developed county lines.
More later

Senate Approves Bill to Fund Lake Tahoe Environment Protections

      Sens. Dean Heller and Harry Reid from the State of Nevada were the authors of a bill approved this week that authorized $415 millions for the Tahoe Basin for protection of the lake and its surrounding area.  Tahoma will surely benefit from the investment in our local environment.  Since 1997 when the Federal government passed the first comprehensive lake protection bill, the money spent can be seen in the many ongoing projects:  the Highway 89 runoff interdiction barriers; the creek restoration efforts on General Creek near Eagle Rock; the improvement of the West Shore bike path; and the Lake Research Study at the UC Davis Campus Lab at Incline Village, NV.
     All these efforts will help preserve our lake for future generations.

Russyan Hackers Get Into W.A.D.A.

      So, the little Kremlinistas are having fun again, this time at the expense of the World Antidoping Association or WADA.   The system set up for the RIO Olympics was hacked and athletes personal health information records were exposed and made public.  As noted by many different cybersecurity organizations, these acts of cyber-crime are done for amusement and diversion from other nefarious activities such as stealing economic secrets, corporate strategies/plans, business records, and credit card numbers to sell to criminals around the world.
      Russyan planners in the Kremlin of Mr. Putin have become adept at compromising systems across the globe.  American Defense organizations have been following these cyber attacks that come directly from Russyan state groups.  They are also involved with Chinese military hackers who are just as aggressive as Russyan groups.  As part of the defense of domestic systems, US intelligence agencies maintain their own cyber espionage efforts under different names, but all work to counter cyber hackers from foreign powers.

Obama Hits Campaign Trail Again

    President Obama is on the 'stump' again, for Hillary.  Laid low by pneumonia this week, Hillary has taken a few days off from the rigors of the long campaign.  Pres. Obama took time to lambast her opponent-Darn Old Trump.  He pointed out Mr. Trumph's praise of Mad Vlad Vladimirovich Putin as an invader of small countries, someone who locks up his political opponents, and threatens to destabilize emerging economies everywhere.  Not a nice leader in the eyes of Mr. Obama.
     Polls indicate that Hillary maintains her lead in key states-Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Virginia.   Mr. Trumpf has toned down his rhetoric as professional managers told him to shut up his face.  He is still the underdog, and will always be an underdog, or at least a dog, no offense to canines.

Russyan Athletes Protest Ban of Parathletes from Rio Games

     Currently, the ParaOlympic Games are underway in Brazil.  Several Russyans have been banned.

Shot Putter Josef Gornashenkovich

Dance team Members Nikolai and Svetlana from Novosibirsk

9/11: 15 Years Later

      15 years ago today Americans were given the shock of the millenium: Arab terrorists guided 3 commercial passenger jets into the World Trade Center buildings in New York City, and one into the Pentagon in northern Virginia.   Another crashed before it, too could add to the carnage.  These acts were well planned by Osama bin Laden, the Saudi turned terrorist, who subsequently was executed by US Navy SEALS on orders from President Barack Obama.
     More than 2500 innocent civilians died as passengers aboard the aircraft or occupants of the 3 buildings.  343 NYC firefighters died doing their jobs at the site.   A memorial now occupies the site along with a new building.   The memories are still fresh for thousands of family members of those murdered by those insane Islamist terrorists.
      The New York City Fire Department will never forget that day, nor will any firefighter on duty in the USA forget the sacrifices of their fallen comrades.   All firefighters will have a special place in their memories for all Arabs, Islamists, and terrorists of any stripe who follow in the footsteps of these killers.
      Does anybody remember the story of Rick Rescorla, a vice president of security at Morgan Stanley?  He guided hundreds to safety down the stairwell of one of the towers.   He could have saved himself but went back to see if he forgot somebody who was lost inside the stairwell, now filled with smoke and dust.  He died in this final effort.   His story was told by author James B. Stewart in The Heart of a Soldier, (Simon & Schuster).  Rescorla fought in Vietnam, although a British citizen at the time.  He proved himself a hero back then, long before he went back for one last sweep.

Garry on Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin

" Vladimir Putin is a strong leader in the same way that arsenic is a strong drink."  Garry Kasparov, former world chess champion and ardent critic of Russya's President Vladimir Putin.
    Good to see Mr. Kasparov speaking out and speaking up against the modern day leader of the largest country in the world.

Mexico and Its Aluminum Hoard

      Who knew?  Aluminum stashed in Mexico?   Recently, an executive of an American company had a hunch that Chinese aluminum was coming into the US through the backdoor.  He flew a small aircraft over an industrial park in Mexico and, lo and behold, discovered a cache of aluminum product sitting alongside a manufacturing facility.  Some of the cache was covered in hay bales to disguise its appearance.  Hmmmm.  What's going on here?
      Seems that China's largest aluminum maker was flooding the US market by first sending the metal to Mexico.  After a brief stopover, it was then forwarded to the US market: a bigger, more lucrative market.   Was this a trade violation?  Of course, and it underscores the continuing problems of doing business with China's companies and its government.  Both seem to have a different take on 1) ethics, 2) legal agreements, 3) business in general, and 4) the US Dept. of Justice., 5) the US Executive Branch of government.
      80% of the US Aluminum smelters have closed in the last 15 years.   Thousands of jobs have gone away.   Where are they?  Why, in China, of course.   Despite attempts to restrain the dumping tactics of Chinese businesses(supported by Beijing policies), the US has been slow to address the issue at sufficient levels to put an end to this method of gaining market share.  This tactic is nothing new: monopolies are created by various tactics and policies to drive out the competition.  It works!  Look at the success of WalMart and Home Depot: 2 US companies that devastated small businesses across the US as the big box stores stole market share by entering regional and local markets and underselling all the "inefficient" locals.
     Globalization is really a substitute for monopolization.   Ask President Xi about aluminum.

Samsung Phone Users Anticipate Recall

      U.S. Product Safety Commission advised Samsung smartphone users to set aside their phones to avoid battery fires.   The commission identified the Galaxy 7 model as the phone at issue.   Tahoma residents should follow this notification and not charge their Galaxy Note 7 models.   An official recall will soon be announced.   The culprit is the lithium -ion battery installed with the phone.   The FAA said the phones should not be used on any commercial aircraft, citing recent examples of fires caused by the phones.  Samsung stock went down Friday, wiping out $10 billions of market value.
      Company executives said the problem does not have to do with the phone itself, but is a battery manufacturing flaw only.   However, the Consumer Products safety Commission issued an unusual warning, advising phone owners not to use the phone itself.   This comes on the heels of other warning involving battery issues: the hover boards sold extensively last year.  Not all Samsung batteries have the problem.  Those provided by Amperex, a Japanese company affiliate of electronics maker TDK, have not been a problem.  Most of those units were sold in China.  
     This recall could help to boost sales of Apple's new iphone 7, which went on sale just last Wednesday.   Samsung is the largest producer of smart phones, i.e. hand held computer communication devices.

Trouble on High Seas for Korean Shipper

       Hanjin Shipping Co., which filed for bankruptcy protection, has disrupted international shippers and their customers as container ships owned by the company have become trapped at various ports around the world because docking fees need to be paid.  Hanjin filed for Chapter 11 protection  in South Korea last week, and Chapter 15 in the US a few days later.  A US judge gave the company protection saying he wants goods off loaded rather than laying offshore, waiting in an ocean of uncertainty.
      This action comes as the global economy and shippers in particular deal with slow growth worldwide; a reduction in movement of crude oil; an international tensions caused by the ongoing conflict(s) in the Middle East, the South China Sea, and Ukraine.
     The Hanjin brand is familiar to most residents of California who move about Los Angeles and San Francisco: the huge container ships come and go on a regular basis, displaying their loads in impressive fashion as the laden ships cruise into the harbor(s), stacked to impossible heights with thousands of steel containers holding every conceivable product.   The shipping industry has been a victim of too much capacity for the level of international trade that exists.  Owners have been scrapping hulls to reduce costs and to respond to the current climate of international trade.   Dismantlers/breakers  in India and other locales have been busy, despite low prices for steel scrap(partly because of China's over zealous producers).   Where this will end is unknown, but bankruptcy lawyers are sure to reap benefits for years to come.

Hand Wringing Goes On After North Korea Missile Launch

      Well, Children, we have lift off of another North Korea missile.   The Man/Child Dictator of Pyongyang has done it again: thumbing his nose at the civilized world.  John Kerry, US SEcretary of State commented immediately.  Japan chimed in; South Korea made a statement; China said something.  Print media made a few remarks, even placing a few diagrams that illuminate the targeting capability of the regime's missile arsenal.(See below).
      Apparently, China is refusing to make waves because of fears that her intervention(s) may cause a collapse of the Kim Ung's government, thereby unifying the peninsula, and thus opening a door for disaffected Chinese citizens who wish ti emigrate to the Free World(you know, where the Rule of Law is in place and citizens actually have rights and protections from government whims and terrors).  Now President Obama, in his remaining months at Casa Blanca, may decide his legacy does not depend on any actions during these months.  He'd rather leave that for his successor, whoever he/she may be.   But, that risks having the whole mess over there blow up(figuratively) into an embarrassing situation requiring some intervention.
      This also is taking place just as Russya and the U.S. have announced some agreement on a cease fire in Syria, which has been a source of international concern for over 5 years as refugees flee the conflict and multiple groups  jockey for positions on the ground.  Not the least of which is the pirate group known as ISIS.  
       North Korea is definitely pushing the envelop on the international stage and may soon have its wish of concentrated opposition to her missile development program.  Maybe even the Terrorist hub in Iran will get some attention.

Wells Fargo Has Egg on Its Face

      So, more problems in banking.   Seems like there is something in banking that leads to crime, on the inside.  Must be: TOO MUCH MONEY.  Wells Fargo, the San Francisco-based giant of private/commercial banking, agreed Friday to accept a $185 million dollar fine for illegally signing up customers for Wells' products they didn't want or didn't order.  Many customers found bills and fees for credit cards and programs not identified by the bank as part of the customers' account(s).   The action was settled by not admitting to wrong doing and agreeing to a consent decree that includes oversight by the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau(Federal), the Office of the Comptroller of Currency(Fed), and the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office.
      The bank announced that it had fired over 5000 employees as a result(a small part of the 255,000 employees worldwide), and would contact those customers affected.   Many customers were unaware of the actions that affected their accounts.   Agencies stated that customers should report unusual activities on their accounts.  the number to call:  (213) 978-3393.
      Many residents in Tahoma and on Lake Tahoe's West Shore are Wells customers, a financial institution with branches around Highway 89, Highway 50, and Highway 80, etc.   It seems that over aggressive sales tactics helped drive the problem to significant levels of participation.  Salesmen often used bundling of products to raise commissions based on sales of those products.  Customers were signed up for credit cards and loans they did not want.
      Wells Fargo's stock price went down 2.4% on Friday, September 9, worse than other banking shares.
       So, it seems, despite the governments best intentions, fraud and deceptive sales practices continue at major banks.  When will Congress get the message: TOO BIG is the problem?

Congress' Top Bananas Visit South Lake Tahoe

     If you had a difficult time breathing yesterday on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe it is because all the air was being sucked south to facilitate the 20th Annual Meeting on Lake Tahoe.  The list of politicians is enough to make your head spin:
Harry Reid, former Senate Majority Leader(D., NV), soon to retire
Barbara Boxer, (D., CA), soon to retire, one of longest serving women in Congress
Dianne Feinstein, (D., CA) , chairwoman Senate Intelligence Cmtte), one of longest serving women
Jerry Brown, (D.) Gov. of California, one of only governors to serve 3 terms in office(split), early environmentalist, practitioner of Zen Bhuddism, married, no children, Jesuit trained.
President Barack Obama, (D), in his last 5 months as POTUS, keynote speaker at 20th Summit Meeting.
       This is another opportunity to share Lake Tahoe with the world.   The pristine quality of the lake environment, the natural setting, and the natural history of the site combine to make the location one of the most celebrated in the USA.  No wonder all the politicians show up: it's a win-win situation for all.
    The Prez listed all the wonderful things done by his administration to ensure the future of the lake for generations to come:  money for reduction of forest fuels(those piles of logs in your back yard); money to keep runoff pollution from entering the lake; money for research; money for water quality monitoring; money for jobs around the lake; and more(money for the Salton Sea).  It's enough to make your head spin, even if you live elsewhere.
      The Prez also announced creation of 2 new national monuments:  Papahanaumokuakea Marine Monument, the largest in the world, off the island of Hawaii; and the Katahdin Woods and Waters in the State of Maine, a site of native American importance.
      So, yes, it's been a great Summit, for 2016.  Next year will be different as so many of the attendees of 2016 will be retired and sent out to pasture in 2017.  Time marches on.

Elite Etonians Visit With Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin

     Well, now.  Aren't we special?  We self arranged a visit with the President of Russya, Mr. Putin hisself. How does this happen that a bunch of school boys from the UK(alias The BREXIT BUNCH) get a private audience with one of the world's busiest leaders?   One of the boys said that he sent over 1040 emails to Kremlinistas to facilitate this meeting.  Further investigation revealed that the head abbot of the Russyan Orthodox Church hand significant  influence on the Kremlin chief of staff.
     So, we get to be a witness to a special event- a photo op/PR stunt ala Western media conventions.  This convention dictates that the most powerful meets with the least powerful: it makes a great contrast of positions, a media fave.  So the fresh-faced elite boys get to shake hands, chitchat, hangout, and otherwise rub elbows with the leader of the largest country in the world.  The BBC took advantage and spread out the event for the world.  Maybe Harvard students will be next, or maybe Yale or..........??????
       How about some South African students from Cape Town?  Don't hold your breathe.