DECEMBER MEETING
Holiday Party featuring the Main Street Singers
Meeting
November 17, 2010
Speaker:
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Keith Raffel, Silicon Valley Entrepreneur Turned Crime Fiction
Novelist |
Intro by:
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John Richardson |
Subj.:
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Silicon Valley Can Be a Dangerous Place |
As counsel to the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Keith Raffel
held a top-secret clearance to watch over CIA activities. As a Silicon Valley
entrepreneur, he founded UpShot Corporation, the award-winning Internet software
company, and sold it to Siebel Systems. He has also been a carpenter, college
writing instructor, candidate for Congress, and professional gambler. These days
he stays busy writing his mysteries and thrillers in Palo Alto where he lives
with his wife and four children around the block from where he grew up.
His second book, “Smasher” (2009) has become a National Bestseller
in 2010 (Independent Mystery Booksellers Association). Reviewers for it say, “Raffel
blends computer world wheeling and dealing with the academic world’s lust
for glory and fame” (Publishers Weekly) to “A taut roller coaster
ride...Hold on and prepare to stay up all night” (Cara Black).
The speaker will address how he thought he was changing careers from entrepreneur
to novelist and how it turns out he really wasn’t. He will also address
where the idea for “Smasher” originated and what being a writer is
like.
We will provide ample opportunity to question the author about his experiences.
You can find more information at www.keithraffel.com.
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Meeting
October 20, 2010
Speaker:
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Dr. Sean Bushart Senior Program Manager, Nuclear Sector,
Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) |
Intro by:
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John Richardson |
Subj.:
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Renewing Our Future: Electricity Roadmap
for Meeting Technology Deployment Challenges |
EPRI is a non-profit R&D organization funded by the U.S. and international
electric power generating utilities. As such, EPRI is in a unique position to
evaluate the “technology roadmap” necessary to cost-effectively meet
anticipated restraints on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, widely recognized as
a contributor to greenhouse gas effects and thus global warming potential. EPRI
is investigating the electricity generation mix needed to meet possible CO2 reduction
targets of the future. The non-technical talk will illustrate possible scenarios
for our national electricity mix and will review some of the associated technical
and economic challenges and opportunities. Aggressive pursuit of a broad portfolio
of technology options is identified as a cost effective and technically achievable
pathway to meet CO2 reduction targets.
Dr. Bushart has a distinguished career in a number of areas that bear directly
on this subject, including low level waste manage- ment, waste minimization
technologies, and radiation safety. As a senior member of EPRI, he is an integral
part of the planning and management team for its R&D programs, with a broad
perspective over the whole range of electricity generation alternatives. |
Meeting
September 15, 2010
Speaker:
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Brian Adams, Entertainment Editor
and Critic, KLIV Radio (1590 AM) |
Intro by:
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John Richardson |
Subj.:
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Memories from Personal Interviews with Show Business Legends |
Brian Adams will share his most memorable moments of having met and interviewed
many show business legends during his 22- year career in Bay Area television.
Consider, for example: – What was it like to visit Academy Award winner
Ernest Borgnine
at his home in Beverly Hills and hold his Best Actor Oscar? – What was
most surprising about Brian’s encounter with comedian
Red Skelton in San Jose? – What did he receive from actor Jimmy Stewart
at a tribute event
in Monterey? – How did an interview with Bob Hope that never happened
become one of his most memorable entertainment stories? – What was it like
to do a scene with Orson Bean on the set of the
television series, “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman”? – How was it
to meet Sophia Loren, Jack Lemmon, or ??? ?
Brian currently provides entertainment reports on KLIV radio and movie reviews
on KRTY radio (95.3 FM). A familiar face to Bay Area television viewers, he
worked at KICU (Channel 36) for 22 years, earning numerous regional and national
awards and two Emmy nominations. He has also taught communications courses
at Santa Clara University for the past 19 years. |
Meeting
August 18, 2010
Speaker:
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Sandy Barbour, Athletic Director
University of California, Berkeley |
Intro by:
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John Richardson |
Subj.:
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The World According to Oski |
What a world it is for the student-athletes at UC Berkeley! With Cal’s
history of comprehensive excellence in athletics, we will be privileged to get
an inside view from its dynamic and enthusiastic Athletic Director. Sandy Barbour
oversees a 27-sport program with more than 800 student-athletes.
She will address Berkeley’s perspective on intercollegiate athletics, including
the value college sports brings to the campus, historical performance, and some
of Cal’s distinctive traditions. She will also discuss national trends,
including conference expansion, and their impact on UC Berkeley.
Sandy Barbour had major athletic management responsibilities at Tulane and
Northwestern and a term as Deputy Director of Athletics at Notre Dame before
assuming her current position at Cal six years ago. Her accomplishments at
Cal have included recognition as Regional Athletic Director of the Year, for
2008-09, by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics.
Her college athletic career started at Wake Forest where she was a four-year
letter winner and served as captain of the field hockey team. She has earned
advanced degrees at both Massachusetts (an M.S. in sports management) and Northwestern’s
Kellogg School of Management (an MBA).
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Meeting
July 21, 2010
Speaker:
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Bob Simon, Honorary Life Member
of SIR and Former Big Sir, Branch 35 |
Intro by:
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John Richardson |
Subj.:
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The Way We Were – A Memoir in Rhyme |
Invite your wife and/or guest(s) to share picnic food and enjoy
an engaging program
$19 per person in advance, $21 at the door
This will be a SIR summer holiday event using “old fashioned”poetry
(meaning it rhymes) to remind our members, spouses, andguests of the special
events in their lives. It will take them back to family vacations and weddings,
staying young and going gray, holiday celebrations, serving our country, and
falling in love.
Our presenter, a published poet, is well known to many of us
for his gift of story telling and his commitment to the best for
SIR. He started writing light verse for special occasions over
40 years ago. His works convey at least a hint of humor and are
meant to be heard—to be spoken aloud—to be listened
to.
Bob never attended poetry school. He studied economics andbusiness
(MBA) at Stanford, flew for the U.S. Air Force (for example, Globemasters
to and from Japan), and spent 20 years fund raising for Stanford,
including a six-year term as Director of Stanford’s New York
City Office. Poems emerged along the way.
The nostalgic theme of this event will be supported by the recorded
music from the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s presented
by member Milt Wehrman. Since retiring in 2003, Milt has been a
professional discjockey playing in a wide variety of venues, including
birthdays, anniversaries, class reunions, social clubs, and community
events. For more about his passion and show see his website, www.FiftiesAndSixtiesForever.com. |
Meeting
June 16, 2010
Speaker:
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Tom Ravenelle
Assistant Special Agent in Charge
San Francisco Division, FBI |
Intro by:
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John Richardson |
Subj.:
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The FBI World – Experiences in
Actual Major Cases |
In his 23-year career in the FBI, Tom Ravenelle has had a variety
of responsible positions investigating violent [bank robbery, extortion and kidnapping]
and white collar crime [financial and fraud], and investigating domestic and
international terrorism
including drug-related crimes. He is currently the Program Manager
in the San Francisco Division for Cyber and Civil Rights Programs
and also serves as the San Francisco FBI SWAT Commander.
Mr. Ravenelle will illustrate his talk with specific field experiences
drawn from his diverse background and will show how the FBI
World differs depending on where one is assigned. |
Meeting
May 19, 2010
Speaker:
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Charles Watson, Senior VP, i2inc |
Intro by:
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John Richardson |
Subj.:
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Connecting the Dots — The Technology Battle for Intelligence |
Since 9/11, with the Nigerian attempted bombing of a Detroit-
destined airplane from the Netherlands, there seems to be little or
no progress in integrating many extremely large databases without
the delays of human intervention. But real progress is being made
at all levels – local, regional, national, and international.
Software for intelligence-led operations empowers government
agencies and private sector businesses to investigate, predict,
prevent, and disrupt the world’s most sophisticated criminal and
terrorist activities. The key success factors are accessing and
sharing data, streamlining policy, and empowering everyone in the
analytical and investigative lifecycle to be an enabler. The resulting
enhanced speed and accuracy of decisions will be illustrated with
examples from the U.S. and the Middle East.
Charles Watson, a 20-year industry veteran, is a leading expert in
enterprise software marketing and sales. He is responsible for
global marketing for i2, the world’s leading provider of investigative
and analytical software solutions for defense, national security, law
enforcement, and private sector businesses.
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Meeting
April 21, 2010
Speaker:
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Jed York, President
San Francisco 49ers |
Intro by:
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John Richardson |
Subj.:
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The Game Plan |
As President of the San Francisco 49ers, Jed York overseas the
team’s day-to-day operations and all aspects of the organization.
Since taking that position in December, 2008 he has made major
decisions to shape the team into a Super Bowl contender.
Jed will share his vision for the 49ers, including aspects of building
a championship team, recognizing the 49ers faithful, and carrying
on the family legacy. We will get an inside look at many facets of
the 49ers’ world, including its players and coaches, facilities (both
current and planned), and community outreach activities.
Jed is leading the effort to build a new state-of-the-art stadium to
secure a long-term home for the team in the Bay Area. He will
update us on the new stadium planned for Santa Clara.
A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Jed began his career
as a financial analyst. In 2005 he joined the 49ers as Special
Projects Manager, learning how each department works to
accomplish the team’s goals on the field and in the community. He
became Director and then Vice President of Strategic Planning
before becoming President.
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Meeting
March 17, 2010
Speaker: |
Donna Axelson |
Intro by: |
John Richardson |
Subj.: |
Matt Axelson, Navy SEAL ---
Warrior and Patriot in Afghanistan |
Matt Axelson was a member of an elite team of Navy SEALs whose
extraordinary heroism, ultimate sacrifices, and high honors in the
counter-terrorism war in Afghanistan will be the focus of our March
Meeting.
From the selection of uniquely qualified and trained individuals, to
their deployment and battle challenges, Donna will share the full
story of how her son became such a brave member of our special
forces in the counter-terrorism battle. She will unfold for us how
Matt’s “Operation Red Wing” became the deadliest operation
in
Naval special forces history. This story was initially disclosed in
several TV broadcasts and has now been documented in the New
York Times best seller, “Lone Survivor” by Marcus Lutrell, one of
the members of the SEAL team on the mission with Matt.
Ultimately, Donna and her husband, Corky, spearheaded a
movement to establish the Veterans Memorial in Memorial Park to
honor all of Cupertino’s fallen heroes of war.
Donna has taught in Cupertino schools for 30 years and is currently
the Technology Support Teacher for twenty-five schools..
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Meeting
February 17, 2010
Speaker:
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Dan Rusanowsky -
San Jose Sharks Radio Announcer |
Intro by:
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John Richardson |
Subj.:
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Inside the Shark Tank |
Dan Rusanowsky is uniquely qualified to describe for
us the world of San Jose Sharks ice hockey -- the
franchise, the history, the season, the expectations,
and the scope of their community involvements. He
has been the Sharks’ play-by-play radio announcer, the“Voice of the Sharks” on
98.5 KFOX (KFUX-FM), for 18 seasons (and all 119 playoff games) since the founding
of the Sharks in 1991.
Dan is a 29-year veteran of hockey broadcasting at all
levels, being one of the club’s most recognizable
figures both on and off the ice. He’s responsible for
producing all radio broadcasts, and he directs and
administers the multi-station Sharks Radio Network. As
a writer, he contributes to the Sharks Magazine and
website. An active, year-round member of the Bay
Area broadcasting community, he is one of the few
play-by-play announcers tapped by the NHL to
announce the “Game of the Week” on the Westwood
One Radio Network. He’ll have A’s if you bring Q’s.
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Meeting
January 20, 2010
Speaker: |
Edward Karpman, M.D. – Urologist |
Intro by: |
John Richardson |
Subj.: |
Male Sexual Health – Challenges
and Opportunities |
Dr. Karpman is a board certified urologist and one of the few
urologists who is also fellowship trained in Male Reproductive
Medicine and Surgery, Microsurgery and Male Sexual Dysfunction.
His illustrated talk will cover common problems in men’s health:
testosterone replacement, erectile dysyfunction, Peyronie’s
disease, and ejaculatory disorders. To simplify the understanding of
the topic, the talk will be organized along with the normal sexual
response cycle: excitation, plateau, orgasm, and resolution. Dr. Karpman established the El Camino Urology Medical Group,
Inc., Mountain View. He is a graduate of the University of
California, Davis and the University of Vermont medical school,
both with honors. He scored in the top 5% of all medical school
graduates in the nation on his medical board exams. He also
trained at the UC Davis Medical Center (Urologic Surgery) and
Baylor College of Medicine (Male Infertility, Microsurgery and Male
Sexual Dysfunction). He has received special recognition for his
lectures to the graduate class of Human Sexuality at Santa Clara
University. He also lectures extensively on testosterone deficiency,
testosterone replacement therapy, and penile prosthetic surgery. |
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