Yo, Semite!

Proud to report that we made our annual pilgrimage to Yosemite Valley and saw only one bear attempt to enter our campsite at night to pilfer some grub. She/He was no match for our loudness and brightness as everyone yelled and reached into the darkness to locate their flashlights. Harmless and hungry. Well, the bears are hungry and acclimated to humans being inside their park. Camera at the ready? Pshaw!! I wish in hindsight I had a photo of the bear's hindsight as she tore outta our camp.

$9 for a box o' wood and $8 for a sixpack of Moose Drool. Haven't had that beer since a trip to Montana six years ago. Good drinkin' near the fire.

Rafting is slow on the river; bring yer paddles fer certain. And use them.

Blogon Blogoff

Sometimes, Blogger just doesn't update.

I hear "tick-tock, tick-tock" when I watch this lady.

Waiting for Blogger to update and refresh my posts.

Big Ben XVII

Update August 8th:
Seventeen is the magical number. Seventeen is when the 1/4% rate hikes finalize - for now.



Okay, Benjamin Bernanke was installed as Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board a lonnnnnng time ago. That - is old news.
In the beginning, it seemed that Ben needed some skills development in the "Loose Lips Sink Ships" department. His words had immediate effects on the stock market, and we can only guess that somebody spanked him behind closed doors.

Lately, his edicts have become nearly as cryptic as those of his predecessor, Alan Greenspan.

"We think inflation is going to moderate".
"The recent rise in inflation is of concern".
Rising crude oil & commodity prices "remain a risk to the inflation outlook."

Look for another quarter-point increase after the Fed's next meeting on Tuesday, August 8th. Currently at 5.25%, the federal funds rate could go to 5.5% at that point.

"Who cares", you ask? People borrowing money on installment loans for cars and homes.
.
.
.

LiveNation

Had to put this somewhere.
It's here for now. Might move later.

LiveNation Venue Locator
.
.
.

We Know You're an Animal - Solitary or Herd? Join the Flock

A new browser is creating a stir among the flock.

www.flock.com

Now in Beta testing with the public, Flock v0.7 allows for batch uploads of picture files, quick scrolling through photostreams, photo sharing & notification of new photos, RSS feed integration, and there's more. Read their notes.

The Dawn Ride

The mist of the morning calls cyclists from the valley into the hills.
A dawn ride is a stretch for a late riser, but the business day cannot wait for a late start. Ride now or ride later. When will you be most tired? Right.
A loop including Saratoga Gap to Longridge to Peters Creek is the new Wednesday morning ride. Nice to be there midweek. The CHP is relaxed from their weekend slam. The hikers and bikers number few. The trails can be approached at full throttle.
Join us.