Now I ask you:  How does Dick Combs do it?  How does he keep track of all the ins and outs of foreign policy?  And he is fluent in Russian, too! Dick really gave us some wonderful insights into the challenges faced by our new president as well as the background of various foreign issues. The transition from one president to another hinges on their outlook and governing style.  Our President Elect seems to be pragmatic, open minded, and willing to draw on non-partisan expertise.  The following is a summary of a meager portion of the information Dick presented: The issues Obama faces are the war in Iraq, Afghanistan, Islam extremism, the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, African problems of violence and humanitarianism, and emerging global powers (China; Russia and former Soviet countries.)  Russia is still a potentially hostile country with poorly secured nuclear weapons at risk of terrorist appropriation.  Mr. Obama needs to concentrate on what is in the American national interest, rather than the interest of other countries.  The Bush Administration has been internationally unpopular.  The Obama administration stands to improve relations with our allies. I’ll tell you something else:  I need to get out a map and re-familiarize myself with where all these countries are…things are sure different than when I studied geography 40 years ago…whoops!...I mean 20 years ago! Thanks, Dick for a very informative program.  (I didn’t see or hear anybody napping, either, so that speaks volumes to your success!) 

Our Football Pool is alive and well.  There is still time to join, so contact Justin Mosley.  He has a variety of “innovative” gifts for “winners” even when you team doesn’t win!  This week our notables were Doug Berg, Gene Yunt, and Gerry Schneider. Congrats, guys!  Andy Balerud conducted a brief salute to our veterans.  He even wore an Uncle Sam Hat…looks good on you Andy!  Board elections are coming up.  Turn in names of “people of interest” to President Ed, Al Fisher, or Paul Sonier.  Thanks once again to our Wine Auction Committee for a job well done!  Special thanks to our Shannons (Mike, Eric, Mark, and JR) for all you do for our club and our wine auction. Our club mourns the passing of Dick Shannon, member for 65 years and the last of the “John Waynes.” Remember to calendar our Christmas Party on December 10^th at 6 pm at the Marriot. Let’s all dress up again like last year…that was fun! 

Thanks to those joining our Sully’s Sailors crew. Larry Nava raised over $600,000 on the Library Foundation Board.  Larry volunteers to be Captain Al’s assistant…is that like a cabin boy? ; Phil Hornburg came back from Africa with a gift of fermented fruit juice the elephants prefer! (Do the elephants have, like, little cocktail parties or something?) Phil volunteered to be the mutiny mediator on board ship (good one, Phil!); Doug Lovik is our first honorary crew member.  Doug is an original Navy Seal (Wow! With a capital “W”) and volunteered to be morale officer; Dick Watson is back from his travels in Illinois, North Carolina, Oregon, Montana, and Hawaii.  He figures he’s got enough money left over to join the Sailors for $200 and give $100 towards the wine auction.  Thanks, one and all! Next week our program is about “Water Efficiency Programs,” presented by California Water Service.  (For some reason this makes me think “meters”) Also, plan to attend our meeting on November 26^th (the Wednesday before Thanksgiving) when Mike Chrisman, State of California Secretary of Resources, will be with us (not an easy program to set up!) TTFN, Ta Ta For Now!