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 ...

As I of recent haven't said much about world affairs, thought I'd at least show you what Google AI says about the U.S./Israel War with Iran: The U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran is in a renewed stalemate after a temporary 60-day memorandum of understanding (MoU) expired . President Donald Trump states there are no active negotiations, while a U.S. naval blockade and maritime disruptions continue in the contested Strait of Hormuz. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ] Current Diplomatic Status Collapsed Truce: The June diplomatic agreement framework expired without a permanent peace treaty. No Negotiations: President Trump stated that no talks are ongoing or scheduled, demanding that Iran capitulate. Stiffened Stance: Iranian leadership insists they will not accept a basic ceasefire, demanding a complete end to the war, the lifting of oil sanctions, and the release of frozen funds before changing maritime policies. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ] Regional and Military Developments Strait of...