The local  Star-Advertiser  today carried an article that headlined: Gold hits record $5,311 as dollar falls ahead of Fed decision First of all, the  Federal Reserve today held interest rates steady for the first time since July .  Fed Chair Jerome Powell ( will stay on as governor until the end of 2028 ) said that economic activity and business fixed investment have been expanding at a solid pace, while consumer spending has been resilient.   However, even though the housing market continues to show weakness, it has begun to show signs of recent life.   Mortgage rates have been at a three-year low. Yet, 6% for 30-year fixed is not exactly low. 15-year fixed is around 5%, also not so good. On the other hand, it was 7% last year. A good low interest rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage is anything below 4%. In January 2021, a record low of 2.65% was reached. This rate hovered between 3% and 4% in the 2010s. However, and this surprising to me, the hist...

 Woke up on our final Tokyo day to a resplendent Mount Fuji. Final breakfast in the Tokyo Westin Hotel. This hotel is a popular place for wedding parties. Took the Airport Limousine Bus to Narita International Airport.  Over Rainbow Bridge. You might wonder why that name when the bridge is all white colored.  At nights, lights change the color to rainbow hues, especially during the holiday seasons. Got to the ANA Business Class Lounge with almost 3 hours to enjoy the food and drinks there.  This is one of the best in the world. Sat so that we could see the 14th day of the Tokyo Sumo Tournament.  Tomorrow is the final day.  Started with curry rice, Suntory AO whiskey, beer and sake. Second course of ramen, chicken and lasagna. On the way out of the lounge, saw these turtles. Asked Google AI what they were. The "turtles" are ANA’s (All Nippon Airways)   "FLYING HONU" Airbus A380s , featuring special liveries of Hawaiian sea turtles (Honu) to symbolize go...

 The  JR Yamanote Line : Called the Tokyo green line because all trains have the color green, and maps show the route in green.  21.44 mile circumference. Runs from 4:26AM to 1:20AM. During rush hour, runs every 2.5 minutes. Stops at all 30 stations. JR Shinjuku Station could well be the world's busiest train hub with over 3 million passengers/day. Takes one hour for a full circle. Breakfast, part 1. Breakfast noodles. Then off on our Yamanote Line adventure.  First stop, Harajuku Station for Takeshita Street shopping, The newest station, Takanawa Gateway, Got off at the Otemachi Station for more shopping,  Walked to the other side at Ueno Station. Note the do not take photos sign,  This shop sold pig knuckles and other assorted pork parts. Seaweeds. Finally, Ueno Station side. Went to our Westin Club for drinks and dinner. Assorted appetizers, including a wonderful borsch/beef soup, with Glenlivet on rocks and a Cabernet Sauignon. A satisfying 6684 steps t...