Before I go into my family, just one news matter:  this decision yesterday. The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate for the first time in three years and signaled one more interest rate hike in the coming months as it aims to slow rising inflation. The central bank raised rates yesterday 0.25%, making its flagship rate 4.00%. And as of this week, all but two members of the Federal Open Market Committee forecast another rate increase this year. Inflation was up to 3.4% as of August, fueled by the Iran war’s impact on energy prices. Fed Chair Kevin Warsh told reporters that his agency can’t affect the prices of food and other items, “but what we can do, and will do, is ensure that any change in relative prices don’t broaden out.” President Donald Trump reacted to the decision by demanding interest rates be lowered, “AND FAST!”  He later said the Fed’s decision was due to a “hostile board” that Warsh couldn't overpower. “I told, I talked to Kevin, and I think if ...

Nice to be home after our 5-week trip.  Here was our sunset view in Honolulu last night from where I am composing this posting. This morning. And towards Punchbowl Crater. Meanwhile, the price of oil jumped today . Adding to investors’ worries, a meeting set for today between Iran and Gulf countries regarding Hormuz was postponed “in the interests of consensus,” Oman’s foreign minister wrote on X. The international oil benchmark, Brent crude, rose as high as $108, while U.S. crude oil touched $103 per barrel. The bad news about Tropical Storm Norbert still at 40 MPH is that he is not turning more southward, once on a path taking him south of the Big Island.  Now, Norbert is heading straight for the middle of the Hawaiian Islands.  However, environmental conditions are such that the system is expected to degenerate into a post-tropical remnant low tomorrow, then dissipate by Wednesday.  It should be rainy and not so windy on Thursday. We in Hawaii are now paranoid ...