Strenla, St. Petersburg - At least the rain gives us something to look at. The big drops are making big taps on the plastic roof ot the media center, while the far-off thunder rumbles have not only added to the experience. They now *are* the experience; the storm seems like a temporary hurricane, with strong winds and heavy rains. Photographers are racing to each of 27 windows. In every language, journalists are urging their photographer counterparts to "get this...

St. Petersburg, Russia - I've now finally entered the G8 Conference. I was a bit worried this morning after coming straight home from the club at 5.30am, leaving immediately for the G8 and finding out I was totally on the wrong side of the city; that I had to pick up my pass 2 hours away. Well, 4 hours later I picked up my pass (to my amazement), and jumped on a high speed boat to the international press center and its many benefits -- free food, internet, ice cr...