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All posts for the month August, 2020

2020 U.S. Tennis Open

Posted by golfkat on August 31, 2020

Posted in: Action, Cultures, Entertainment, Sports, Travel. Leave a comment

Though I wrote this email many years ago, I still get excited about the two weeks of the US Tennis Open in Flushing Meadow, NY. This year will be a challenge, without fans, and the crazy roar of the fans during long rallies. Some of the top players are skipping the Open this year, due to Covid. But Naomi Osaka (above photo), Serena, and Djokavic will be there.

Two players who will not be there are the Bryan brothers (above photo), the doubles duo who have won sixteen major doubles titles. Also missing are Nadal, Federer, and some of the top female players. Mixed doubles has been eliminated this year, and both men’s and women’s doubles will have limited fields.

But if you are a tennis fan, you will someday want to make your way to NY in the late summer for this tournament. Just picture George Costanza eating an ice cream on camera, the laughing stock of New York. Who remembers that scene on Seinfeld? Or Jerry wanting to date the deaf lineswoman?

My guess, if you are a player who depends on the crowd to pump you up, this year’s tournament might be somewhat of a letdown. But on the bright side, play will be more continuous with fewer interruptions from the crowd.

I attended the famous U.S. Open at Flushing Meadow in 1982. If you play tennis or are a big fan, you must go someday. It is an even bigger spectacle today. Watching the matches on TV brings back wonderful memories of my trip there. It is a much bigger event than the U.S. Open for golf. This story is from my trip there in 1982.

Having been a very avid tennis player and fan for most of my adult life, I jumped at the chance to attend the U.S. Open in Flushing Meadow, New York during the 80’s. I was going to Chicago and Atlanta on business anyway, so it fit right in. I got the tickets from the Northern California Tennis Association, for which I was a committee volunteer. During a meeting, the Director asked if anyone wanted the tickets, and I said YES. Do you remember who won the Men’s title in 1982?

Chicago and Atlanta were just a couple of stops on the way to the big event. A friend from Chicago was planning to meet me at the Open. That did not work out, but I decided to go anyway. I landed at LaGuardia Airport around midafternoon, and found a hotel room at a nearby Marriott. If you have never flown over the New York skyline, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty, it is a fabulous, and inspiring sight.

I called my cousin to see if he wanted to have dinner and go to the Open the next day with me. He and his parents picked me up, took me to a Long Island sushi bar, and showed me their home on Long Island, right across the street from the Bethpage Golf Course. They also showed me the sushi bar they were planning to open very soon. Chet, the Jet (he was a hockey player), who later became a physician, said he would meet me after work the next day. I gave him one of my tickets, and hoped for the best.

At this point, I must tell you that New York cab drivers are in a league of their own, for good or bad. A good one is invaluable, a bad one is the biggest jerk you have ever met. I got a good one to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center at Flushing Meadow, site of a former World’s Fair, and just a train track crossing from the Met’s Shea Stadium. The Open has been held here since 1978, and actually began in 1881 in Newport, R.I.

The tickets that I had were good for both the day session, as well as the hard to get evening session in the Stadium court. The thrill of the day session was that matches were held on multiple courts, so that you could always find a good match. And I could get a front row view of all the well-known men and women players. The grounds also had several hospitality and merchandise tents, as if New York was not expensive already. I did buy T shirts, caps, and towels for my friends back home.

I wandered the many courts, looking for a good match. I found some people I knew, believe it or not. The first was one of the referees from California, who I knew through my own tennis competition and volunteer work. The second was a player, Ann Kiyomura from San Mateo. She played a great match against Kathy Jordan from Stanford, and upset her in 3 sets. She offered tickets for the next day, but I told her I would be on my way home by then. Most people do not know that Annie, at the time, had won more Junior tennis titles than anyone in history. She never became a big star, but she did win the Wimbledon women’s doubles one year with a gal from Japan. Her younger sister Vicki lives in the South Bay, and we played in the same tennis club and circle of friends for many years.

The worst part of this whole day was the cost of food. I think a hot dog and a soda were almost $10. But it was such a great experience, I said what the heck. It brought to mind a scene from Seinfeld, where Jerry and George went to the Open. Jerry met a deaf linesperson, while George was gorging a big ice cream, all over his face, while the TV cameras were trained on him.

Another nice thing about wandering around is getting to see the up and coming young players in practice or in junior matches. We also got to see the better players and their coaches working out on the practice courts. One of the big sensations back then was the infamous Dr. Renee Richards, formerly Richard Raskin. One look at her/him, and you could tell something was not right. Also, tennis groupies followed the good-looking young players around like horseflies. By the way, the winner this year (1982) was Jimmy Connors.

As the day wore on, things quieted down a little, at least for New York. I stayed all day since I was having so much fun. My evening Stadium ticket would get me into the evening matches shortly. When I entered the Stadium, I tried to find my seats. It turns out they were box seats, right near some famous people. I saw the likes of Dan Rather, Jack Kramer, Althea Gibson, Walter Cronkite, Johnny Carson, and Donald Dell. We were about 8 to 10 rows from the court, and could hear the players talk to the referee.

Chet finally showed up mid match. The second big match of the evening was Ivan Lendl and Tim Mayotte. The crowd was going crazy since Mayotte looked like he would upset Lendl. Around 10pm, the crowd began to stir, to the point where it was a big distraction. Chet said we had better get moving. We were about to get hit with a sudden East coast downpour in a matter of a few more seconds. We got to shelter in time, but it looked like the matches would be called for the evening.

About an hour later the rain let up, and we headed for the taxi and train area. Chet wanted to make sure I got a cab back to the hotel safely, so he waited with me. I guess we waited too long, as very few cabs were going by. We were joined by another young man attending the Open, and looking for a cab back to his hotel as well. We waited and waited.

Finally, out of the darkness came a cab. We asked how much and he replied $50. Chet told him to get lost, that he was ripping us off, and should be reported. He came back again in about 10 minutes, wanting $60 and started to insult us by calling us country bumpkins, and that we should be grateful he was around to take us to our hotel. Again, Chet told him to get lost.

He came back a 3rd time, wanting $75 and started swearing at us, in prime New York cabbie vernacular. We were ready for him this time. The other fellow and I engaged in some rather spirited banter with him, while Chet let the air out of his tires on the passenger side. When he finally took off, he was running on his tire rims on the right side, and never came back. We finally got an honest cabbie, dropped Chet at the train station, and got back to our hotel.

As you can guess, New York has never been one of my favorite places. The City is just out of control. The unending energy courses through you as you walk down any major boulevard, board the subway, and walk around Times Square or Wall Street. I just do not feel that I am in control.

But you can easily see why New Yorkers responded so well to the 9/11 disaster, as they are tough, resilient, and never give up. For me, I need a little more space and time. It is a crazy place, and you must go there at least once in your life.

I will be rooting for Naomi Osaka to win her third major title. N osaka4 bryans

2020 Tour de France

Posted by golfkat on August 29, 2020

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Much like other sports, this year’s Tour de France has been postponed from June to August 29, 2020, through September 20. And needless to say, it is the premier cycling event of the year, eclipsing even Olympic year cycling events.

And for many years, I had absolutely zero interest in the race, due to doping and various forms of cheating. Now that I am a semi-serious cyclist, and the sport is a bit cleaner, I have become a fan. I record every stage, watch them religiously, as only a cyclist would and can do, particularly during the pandemic. I do envy the stamina of the riders, though I would never subject myself to that abuse.

This year’s race will be 2,156 miles, or 3,470 kilometers. Just for comparison, I try to ride between 25 and 30 miles a day, perhaps three to four times a week. The race is divided into 21 stages, nine flat, three hilly, seven mountain, and two individual time trials. In between will be only two rest days.

Also, importantly, this year’s race will utilize a bubble as part of their anti-Covid measures. The crowd will be asked to wear masks, social distance, refrain form selfies and autographs. The norm pageantry of the awards after each stage will also be rather subdued.

Again, it is almost incredible that upwards of 3.5 billion people will tune in to this event. Normally, about TWELVE million spectators line the routes, whether on the Champs Elysees, or the Alps. And it is FREE!

The race involves 22 teams, of nine riders each (total 198 cyclists). They usually each have both a star sprinter, and a competitor in the general classification, or the overall race. The sprint generally involves the flat stages, and bonus points along the route. The star sprinter is my cycling favorite, Slovakia’s Peter Sagan, who has won most of the last decade of sprint titles (green jersey) at the TDF. The winner of the race receives about $500,000.

Each stage is about 225 kilometers in length, taking about 5.5 hours to complete. Each of the 22 stages has a winner, with the lowest cumulative time winning the overall title. Each stage winner gets a yellow jersey. The overall leader also gets to wear a yellow jersey in the race. The top sprinter gets to wear a green jersey, and the best climber wears a white jersey with large red polka dots. I would prefer wearing the green jersey of the best sprinter!

Each race is unique, and involve fairly detailed strategy and advanced planning for the terrain. Almost every race begins in a ceremonial fashion. It quickly moves into a breakaway, where a few riders, anywhere from a handful to perhaps as large as 15, take off ahead of the peloton. Almost always, the peloton catches the breakaway before the finish line.

Attacks occur generally on hilly or mountainous terrain, where a rider tries to break away from either the peloton or the breakaway group. The element of surprise is often their ally. Teamwork is very important, as are the support vehicles with extra bicycles, food, water, and medical assistance.

Sprinters often position themselves on the flat stages to make a strong run at the end of the race. They use various techniques, such as slipstreaming to position themselves for the final meters of the race. Again, they king of the sprints, Peter Sagan, is highly skilled in both strategy and sprint speed. Sprinters, with a different body type, generally do not excel at climbing.

Lead-out groups or teams try to both control the pace, and protect their lead rider, whether a sprinter or climber. They keep the lead rider safe, and allow him to slip stream during the race to save energy. The reduced wind resistance is a big factor in the final sprints and climbs in the mountains.

Some other terms used:

Grand Départ — The first stage of Tour de France.
Peloton — French for “group.” Peloton is the main group of cyclists who ride together for coherence.
Breakaway — A rider or group of riders who have broken away to lead the race.
Slipstreaming — Riding close behind another rider in order to benefit from almost no air resistance.
Bonking — Also known as “hit the wall.” This when a rider has completely run out of energy.
Domestique — Every team has a leader, and the remaining riders (domestiques) support the leader in whatever way they can in order for them to win stages, accumulate points and hopefully win the tour.
Directeur Sportif — Each team has a director, known as directeur sportif, that follows riders during the race and gives them instructions, water, helps with mechanical issues and replaces damaged bikes.
Flamme Rouge — French for “red flag” this is used to indicate the last kilometer of the race.
Lanterne Rouge — French for “red light” this is the last rider in the general classification/the tour. This is not a dishonorable term.
Musket Bag — A shoulder bag containing food and water that is handed to riders at feeding stations.
SAG Wagon — A vehicle that follows cyclists and picks them up when they can no longer ride due to injury, fatigue, biking failure, and also carries gear.

So, the question is, would I attend the Tour de France? The answer today is definitely YES. I have attended several other cycling events, and consider the TDF the Holy Grail of cycling. Wouldn’t it be grand to find a nice little village in the French countryside, and drive to several legs of the race? But I would not act like some of the idiots along the route who need to show off on camera.

Oh, it might be the only reason I would go back to France! Although the wine is a good reason too. This year, more than most, I wish I was there. After all, the route will cross many wine regions of France.

Good Trouble and the March on Washington, August 28

Posted by golfkat on August 27, 2020

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Friday, August 28 is the March on Washington. My original plans were to be there. The Covid pandemic has forced me to change my plans. But I will be there in spirit. The culture in our country must change, or we will not survive.

Speakers will begin to address the audience at 11 a.m. Friday, but the crowd is expected to begin gathering at the Lincoln Memorial and around the Reflecting Pool about 7 a.m.

Organizers said all attendees should enter the rally through a marked entrance on 17th Street NW.

A pre-rally show is also planned. After early criticism from D.C. activists that the demonstration excluded local residents who have lost family members to police violence, the speaker lineup indicates several D.C. residents will speak before the main event. Early speakers will include Howard University’s student government association president, D.C. clergy members, activists calling for D.C. statehood and the mother of Marqueese Alston, who was 22 when he was killed by D.C. police in 2018.

The event is being led by Sharpton’s National Action Network in partnership with the NAACP, the National Urban League, the Hispanic Federation, unions, clergy members and civil rights groups, among others.

Speakers will include relatives of Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Eric Garner and others killed by police. Anthony Benjamin Crump, a lawyer who represents many of them, will also address the crowd. Speakers also will include Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Tex.), Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez, and singers George Clinton, Tyrese and Ne-Yo.

I would imagine with the shooting in Wisconsin, and the boycotts by both professional basketball and baseball, the March will help focus on the issue of racial equality. I sincerely wish I could be there. I am proud of the athletes making “good trouble” as John Lewis believed and preached.

In the meantime, I think each of us can take one small or large step toward ending the racial pandemic. Forget the politics, just try to be a decent human being!!! Very simple.

I come from a family that was incarcerated after Pearl Harbor. All of my family were sent to either the swamps of Arkansas, or the blistering desert of Arizona. Please realize it could happen again!!

Nelson Mandela: “Sports can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination.”

August 26, National Dog Day

Posted by golfkat on August 26, 2020

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We have been stewards of three dogs, two were rescues, and one is Lexi. She is a mini Labradoodle from the Portland, Oregon area. No matter when and where you adopted or acquired your dog, I am certain you agree with me that they are the best companionship.

During this pandemic, pet adoptions have soared. My only hope is that the pets will remain with their owners after things return to a more normal way of life.

If you look into the eyes of your pet, it seems you can see their soul, and feel their happiness, and eagerness to please. And I firmly believe that our pets give us far more than we provide for them. They become members of our families.

My dear and dedicated friend Ric (President) runs Wings of Rescue. Their mission: Wings of Rescue flies large scale transports of at-risk pets from overcrowded shelters and disaster areas to shelters where there is empty kennel space and where no local shelter pets are displaced by our flights. Ric is based in SoCal, but flies all over North America to rescue animals.

Wings of Rescue is a donation-based charity, flying large numbers of at risk, healthy pets long distances from high intake shelters to our network of no-kill shelters throughout the United States and Canada. Founded in 2012, Wings of Rescue has a squadron of volunteer pilots flying the rescue missions in their own planes, as well as a fleet of chartered cargo planes. In 2019 our goal is to fly 12,000 pets to safety. Since our inception, over 34,000 pets have been flown to safety.

I have known Ric for upwards of ten years now. I admire the work he is doing. He is one of the most dedicated “friend to the animal” people I have ever known. Check out the Facebook page for Wings of Rescue.

Better yet, as an animal lover, please consider donating to our cause. Much of the travel I have enjoyed over the years is directly from Ric’s wise and generous counsel. Each time I ask him for information, I am sure to make a donation to Wings.

We know these are difficult times, but if you are in a position to give, every dollar will help fly pets to safety on this emergency flight and out of harm’s way. A $25 gift helps cover the fuel costs of flying pets to safety.

Please, join or mission to save these pets by donating now online or by mailing a check to Wings of Rescue, P.O. Box 21747, Seattle WA 98111. Anyone donating $150 or more will receive a free Wings of Rescue “Let The Fur Fly” t-shirt.

We have many worthwhile animal rescue organizations in the area. Animal Rescue Fresno (ARF) is another, worthy of our support.

Whatever you do, adopt a pet, donate to an animal rescue, feed a feral cat, anything you do is greatly appreciated!!!

Drinking More or Less?

Posted by golfkat on August 24, 2020

Posted in: Cultures, Entertainment, Health, Travel, Wine. Leave a comment

The consensus is that Americans are drinking more alcohol during the pandemic and shelter in place rules. Sales of alcoholic beverages in the US are “over the top” with increases of 30% or more, along with a new sensation, seltzers with alcohol. But behind this surge, there are more stories.

Forbes: US liquor imports have fallen off the table. In the second quarter of 2020, the US brought in about $1.8 billion in liquor from abroad, down from $2.5 billion in 2019, a fall of nearly 30%. The decline has been most acute for whiskey imports, which are down by almost 50%, with cognac and brandies seeing a similar dive.

The import reduction is due to three main factors, according to spirits industry veteran Adam Levy. One, bars and restaurants across the US are either closed or seeing fewer customers due to Covid-19. This reduces demand for all types of liquors, but particularly high-end liquors used for cocktails. In-store liquor sales are up, but that hasn’t made up for lost sales outside the home.

Two, the Trump administration slapped a 25% tariff on Scotch and Irish whiskeys and other European-made liquors in October 2019. These tariffs were retaliation for subsidies that the US government claims the European Union gives the airplane manufacturer Airbus, which the US government says disadvantage US-based manufacturer Boeing. The tariffs make importing these liquors more expensive, reducing demand.

Finally, Levy believes the rising quality and variety of US-made liquors, particularly bourbons, have made less Americans less likely to look to foreign liquor brands. Put together, these three factors are a perfect cocktail for imports falling off a cliff. (Yes, U.S. bourbons are great!)

Vodka and gin imports may have been less impacted because they are used in drinks people know how to make at home. It’s easy to make a vodka soda or gin and tonic for a small party, but not that many people are going to serve their friends a Manhattan, said Levy. (I never thought of that)

With bars and most restaurants closed, the alcohol consumption pattern becomes problematic. Drink at home? Yes. Drink with friends? No. Drink more often? Probably. Spend more on alcoholic beverages? Yes. Celebrate the simple things in life? Yes.

Drinking patterns are changing. Forbes: Drinkers who regularly consume alcohol at on-premise establishments are now spending more of their money at liquor and grocery stores, as well as online, since their favorite bars and restaurants have been forced to shutter during the COVID-19 outbreak. That seems rather obvious to me.

How about a drinking game?

The Forbes writer created a drinking game to help pass the time.

Drink if Trump is late to his own press conference;
Drink every time Trump refers to the coronavirus as the “invisible enemy;”
Drink whenever Trump calls a reporter “fake news;”
Is Dr. Anthony Fauci missing from the briefing? Take another drink

I would be constantly inebriated if I took a drink every time he lies!!! So, I better not play this game.

The Greatest Spectacle in Racing

Posted by golfkat on August 23, 2020

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The “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” will now take place on Sunday, August 23, instead of the traditional Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. But I will look forward to the race, as it brings back some wonderful memories. This article is from 2010. About the only change is that about half of the engines are Chevrolets, half are still Hondas. And of the top nine qualifiers, eight are Honda engines!

The start of the race is a powerful and exciting event, 33 high powered engines, revving up to about 230 mph, 3 racers wide, 11 rows. The noise is deafening, ear plugs must be worn, the vibration shakes the grandstands and your soul, as the crowd noise tries to match the roar of engines. No matter how hard I try, I cannot imagine making a left-hand turn while pushing 230 mph!!!

You probably know by now that I attended five Indy 500 races. It is the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” by far, and one of the top five sporting events I have attended. Though most events (parades, concerts, parties), including attending the race are rather subdued this year, the Race still draws me in. Tune in at 10am today!

I first went in honor of my father, his love of auto racing, superb knowledge of auto mechanics and engineering, and his trips to the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” The photo above is Bill Vukovich from Sanger. He was my Mom’s neighbor on Indianola Avenue.

Here is one of my five visits:

Only about 400,000 plus racing fans will attend the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing”. I often listened to the race on the radio as a child. My Dad and I would listen, then I would run outdoors to play, before coming back to see who won the race. There were many ties to the Fresno area where I grew up. Several drivers and car owners lived in Fresno. The most famous was Billy Vukovich, who won the race twice in a row, before crashing and burning to death the following year, while leading the race by a huge margin.

The Indy 500 Museum is a great place to spend some time before the race. The collection of cars provides great insight into the evolution, not only of race cars, but also of the safety features developed over time. It is also a great place to get out of the heat for an hour or so. Oh, and the food at the Indy 500 is also outstanding!

All the engines (now also Chevrolet) for the race cars are made by Honda. Starting in 1996, Honda began an ascent to the heights of open wheel racing. In 2004, Honda won its first Indy 500 race. Much like most innovators here, they were laughed at first, then moved to owning the entire field, and sole supplier to the race.

Some facts about the Honda engine: The service life is about 1400 miles, between which the engine can be rebuilt. A total of 40 drivers completed 202,210 racing miles over the course of the 17-race season with only a single race-day failure. Honda also powered the entire 33-car Indianapolis 500 starting field, and for a record-extending fourth consecutive race, there were no engine-related retirements during the running of the Memorial Day classic.

The engine itself is a fuel injected, aluminum alloy 90-degree V8, and weighs 275 pounds. Its displacement is 3.5 liters. It has a dual overhead camshaft, and four valves per cylinder. The crankshaft is alloy steel, with five main bearing caps. The pistons are forged aluminum alloy. The engine uses McLaren Electronics for engine management. A six-speed transmission and single water pump are much like most passenger cars we know. The fuel is 100% fuel grade ethanol.

About Mr. Honda himself: Soichiro Honda’s love of victory helped launch a small company into a racing giant. He possessed an uncanny ability to develop technology for racing and adapt it to the consumer market. At age 22, and drawing upon his skills as a mechanic, Mr. Honda developed a V-8 Curtis Wright aircraft engine to race on a Ford chassis. He took the wheel himself that year and set a Japanese speed record hitting 75 mph. Honda Racing was born.

Later that year, after an unfortunate racing accident, Mr. Honda made a promise to his family to never take the wheel of a racer again. So, Mr. Honda began to tackle racing from the development standpoint, producing some of the finest engines ever to race.

From their website: Triumph and innovation. Precision and speed. The lifeblood of Honda Racing. Join us and rediscover some of our proudest moments through the years, and honor the man who gave rise to one of racing’s greatest powers.

Small side bar: We saw Air Force One at O’Hare Airport Friday in Chicago. Apparently, our fine President and former Chicago resident is in town for the long weekend. I guess he needs some much-needed R & R after trying to help both Barbara Boxer in her Senate re-election, and the gulf oil spill fiasco. Most suspect he is barbecuing in his backyard this weekend. We were not invited.

But we had a fabulous dinner at Harry and Izzy’s last night. The rack of lamb was almost as good as Jimmy’s in Carmel Valley. Then we had a drink at the Equinox atop the Hyatt, much like the one in San Francisco. The more we drank, the faster it spun!!! Sunday is the big day!

The reality of the engines is this. The roar of the 33 racecars accelerating down the main straightaway for the start is truly exciting and earth shaking. And we must wear ear plugs just to deal with the noise and vibration. And our seats are on the main straightaway, in the grandstand area, and not far from the start-finish line. A closed-circuit camera system allows us to see the remainder of the track. Best of all, the pit area is right in front of us!

Today is a big and bright blue sky, soon to be filled with balloons, upon completion of “Back Home Again in Indiana” by Gomer Pyle, aka Jim Nabors. But the excitement builds, the engines are fired up, the crowd goes crazy, and we are on our feet. This is the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing”.

I went with my brother one year, as well as another with my Aunt and Uncle, and yet another with my insurance agent. It is one of the best sporting event and parties on earth!!!

I strongly encourage you to go, even if you are not a racing fan. The parade, and the race day festivities are among the top five sporting events I have attended!!!! Where else can you see the Purdue Golden Girl, the legend, A.J. Foyt, and every celebrity who loves auto racing?

Get High on Wine

Posted by golfkat on August 22, 2020

Posted in: Cultures, Entertainment, Travel, Wine. Leave a comment

According to Winespeed:

At 11,690 feet above sea level (3,563 meters or over 2.2 miles high), the “Pure Land & Super-High Altitude Vineyard” in Cai Na Xiang, Lhasa, Tibet, has been designated by Guinness World Records, as the “world’s highest vineyard.” The roughly 160-acre vineyard, planted in 2012 on the Tibetan Plateau, includes 11 different grape varieties from the well-known muscat, to bei bing hong, an indigenous variety used to make local ice wine. Though no facilities currently exist, owner Rong Shun Biotechnology Development Ltd. hopes to expand the size of the vineyard as well as build a winery and tasting room. Meanwhile, half a world away, winemaker Claudio Zuccino, owner of Ayni winery, farms his vineyard Finca Moya at 10,922 feet (3,329 meters) above sea level, making it the highest vineyard in South America (2nd highest in the world). Ayni’s facility, Cava Mina Moya is, however, the highest altitude wine cellar in the world. Chewing coca leaves to cope with the oxygen shortage is the norm for Zucchino, who had to construct a single-carriage track four miles up the mountain before he even considered planting vines. The vineyards of Armenian winery Zorah, in the foothills of Biblical Mount Ararat, grow at 5250 feet (1600 meters) above sea level, a stone’s throw from the world’s oldest known winemaking facility (the 6100-year old Areni 1 cave). Mount Sutherland Vineyards in South Africa sits at a mere 4,921 feet (1500 meters) above sea level in the Sneeuberg Mountain Range.

An amazing number: U.S. wineries purchase 200,000 oak barrels annually from France. The U.S. is the largest importer of French oak barrels (up to $1,800 each), buying one-third of France’s production. Only 25 percent of a French oak tree is used in barrel making; with American oak, at least 50 percent is used, and the price of American oak barrels is less than half. The rest of an oak tree is used for building materials, fuel, fertilizer, and barrel alternatives such as chips, spirals, and cubes.

Spanish wines are a good bargain these days. Winespeed: Barolo and Barbaresco, two of Italy’s most legendary and serious reds, are not grape varieties but the names of wines made in the Alba region of Piedmont from nebbiolo grapes. The red grape barbera is Piedmont’s most widely planted variety and the region’s favorite every night dinner wine. Vineyard estates in Piedmont, Italy’s preeminent wine region, are meticulously cared for and mostly small (the average vineyard estate is 3 to 5 acres/1.2 to 2 hectares), which reflects vintners’ philosophic belief that great wine is the progeny of a single, perfectly adapted grape variety—in this case, nebbiolo. Supremely complex and riveting, Barolo and Barbaresco are esteemed throughout Italy because nebbiolo, one of the world’s most site-specific grape varieties, is one of the most difficult to master. No place else in the world has more nebbiolo than Piedmont, and no place else has had more success with this complicated grape. Barolo and Barbaresco are highly structured, expensive wines that can be aged for years, even decades. Today most are made in a way that renders them softer (but not soft, exactly) at a younger age, and thus enjoyable earlier. These formidable, firm, black-red wines are meant for carnivorous drama—for whole roasted pigs or lambs—or with grand pastas showered with white truffles (Alba, after all is the Shangri-La of these mythic culinary fungi) and costing a ransom. Needless to say, Barolo and Barbaresco are decidedly not what the Piedmontese drink with dinner every night. That distinction goes to barbera (and another lovely red, dolcetto) a vibrant, mouthfilling, slightly rustic wine of the same name, oozing with a wealth of fruit flavors. Barbera is an easy companion to food, thanks to its relatively high acidity and low tannin.

I did not realize yesterday was national Prosecco day. Meanwhile: While cocktail bars today may often substitute Champagne, the Bellini was most definitely born from Prosecco—celebrated yesterday on National Prosecco Day. The first Bellini was poured in the summer of 1948 by Giuseppe Cipriani, founder and barman of the legendary Harry’s Bar in Venice. Inspired by the region’s fragrant white peaches and world-famous sparkling wine, Cipriani pushed the fresh fruit through a sieve to create a purée, then combined it with crisp, bright Prosecco. The official recipe is one-part pureé to two-parts Prosecco. According to Arrigo Cipriani, current bar owner and Giovani’s son, Cipriani named his refreshing concoction after 15th-century local Venetian artist Giovani Bellini, whose landscapes glowed with similar pale pink shades. Harry’s Bar opened in Venice in 1931 and was declared a national landmark by the Italian Ministry for Cultural Affairs in 2001.

What does ABC stand for? Answer below.

It is now the heat of summer, so it seems everyone, except maybe my buddy, Mr. Mike, is moving to lighter, crisper wines. So, chill the bubblies: Champagne, Prosecco, Cremants. Then put a few others in the wine fridge: dry rieslings, Sauvignon blancs, and perhaps a tawny port as an apertif.

Gerry

ABC stands for “Always bring chardonnay” but I would amend it to “Always bring Champagne!!!”

Red Wine, White Wine and The One In The Middle.

The Lowly, Disrespected California Roll

Posted by golfkat on August 21, 2020

Posted in: Cultures, Food, Travel. Leave a comment

First, some history: Sushi chef Hidekazu Tojo studied culinary arts in Japan, but his relocation from Osaka to Vancouver, Canada in 1971 put sushi — and the now-ubiquitous California roll — on the map. The chef took the principles of sushi from Japan and tweaked them slightly for Western palates, which were not used to raw fish. This also included flipping the sushi rice from the outside to the inside to mask the seaweed.

Tojo says the name “California Roll” came from the out-of-towners, many from Los Angeles, who gave the roll rave reviews that led to its surging popularity in the late 1970s. While other chefs lay claim to inventing differing versions of the roll (including a handful in L.A.), in 2016 Tojo received recognition from the Japanese government for inventing the roll and his role in promoting Japanese cuisine.

But I think the lowly, often scorned California roll serves a purpose. For many people, it is their first experience with both sushi and Japanese food. While certainly not a traditional Japanese food, the California roll provides a taste of seaweed, and sushi rice. The avocado and crab (or some “fake” seafood) provides some familiarity.

From here, the sushi neophyte can slowly, like a snail, move on to other “cooked” food placed on rice. This would include shrimp, egg, eel, or vegetarian items, like pickled seaweed, and soy.

Once the taste of seafood hits the palate, our beginner can move into raw fish, or sashimi. I have taken a cowboy from Montana, who swore he would never eat raw fish, and made him a believer!!! Yes, peanut gallery, it can be done.

So, don’t laugh at the lowly California roll. In fact, why does every sushi joint on the planet, rename the California roll to their own location? I have eaten the Escondido roll, the Emerald City roll, the desert roll, the Gotham roll, the Scarlet O’Hara roll. Yes, all California rolls by a different name!!!

Paris Bookstore and City Lights

Posted by golfkat on August 19, 2020

Posted in: Cultures, Entertainment, Travel. Leave a comment

This quaint bookshop along the banks of the Seine opened in 1951, and hardly anything from its original wooden interior has changed since. Its previous iteration, which opened in 1922 but closed down during the German occupation of Paris, was heralded as the hang-out for then-unknown années folles (Crazy Years) writers such as Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, and Ezra Pound.

The bookshop still embodies that rebellious disaffected spirit and remains the bastion of English-language literature amidst its French-speaking surroundings. The magic of this shop is not necessarily in its break taking view of Notre-Dame from across the quay, but rather in its steadfast tradition of opening its doors to itinerant artists who need a place to stay while in Paris—to date some 30,000 of them.

The shop fondly refers to them as Tumbleweeds, and there are only three things asked of them during their stay: read a book a day, help at the shop for a few hours a day, and produce a one-page autobiography. The latter now form part of Shakespeare & Company’s ever-growing archive of stories from travelers who have found hospitality within its walls.

Sounds very civilized, as my travel buddy, Mr. Mike would say!

I assume the closest facsimile here in the U.S. would be City Lights Bookstore in San Francisco. City Lights has a definite “feel” to it. I have written about City Lights several times. It is my favorite bookstore. In fact, it almost went belly up during the start of the pandemic, saved only by generous donors through a Go Fund Me.

Having been a world traveler, it is difficult for me to pass by a bookstore without at least a brief visit. Even a book kiosk at an airport causes great anguish if I cannot browse for a few minutes.

My last three reads: Cadillac Desert (boring), the Mary Trump book (depressing), and The Book Thief (sad but insightful)! Quite a contrast of content!

Close the Borders!

Posted by golfkat on August 18, 2020

Posted in: National Parks, Travel. 2 Comments

US borders to Mexico and Canada are closed until at least September 21. The borders have been closed since March 18.

We are relatively fortunate here in the US to have not one, but two international borders. Both Canada and Mexico present entirely different border crossings. Those of you in Asia, Europe, or Africa may not realize the differences.

The border crossing from Southern California into Mexico is relatively easy. It can be done on foot, since it is best to leave your car on the US side. Once past immigration, just take a cab into Mexico, usually Tijuana or the airport.

Coming back can be a hassle, particularly during shift changes and rush hour. Avoid the early morning and late evening rush caused by people who commute daily to and from Mexico to the US. The border guards generally look for large amounts of currency, firearms, and drugs. If you buy prescription drugs in Mexico, try to limit your supply to about 30 days.

The Canadian border, until recently, was always relatively hassle free. No problem at the international airports. But driving across is a real hassle. It seems our friends north of the border do not want us in Canada! When we crossed from Montana (Glacier National Park) into Canada (Waterton National Park), the border patrol (Canadian Mounties?) made us feel quite unwelcome.

“Why are you visiting? How long are you staying? Are you carrying and drugs or weapons?” The poor truck next to us was delayed for at least a half hour, and it was empty!!! And never, I repeat, never cross with a motor home, as it will be inspected in great detail for several hours, again for weapons and drugs.

Crossing from or into Canada via airports is much faster and friendlier. In fact, returning to the US is efficient and friendly since US Immigration performs the border check in Canadian airports instead of the Canadians. I have crossed in several places, Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal with great efficiency both directions.

That said, we are all stuck at home. Personally, I would enjoy standing in a long line at customs and immigration, just for the fact that I am traveling again!