Mr. Troutbend is getting ready to drive to Las Vegas tomorrow, an 800 mile jaunt to participate in bowling tournaments. Please don't wish him luck in a comment because it won't make any difference. He never does very well, but I suppose it is endearing that he keeps trying.

It is 74 degrees here and 108 degrees there so the ten days he is out there will seem plenty long enough. Of course he will be in air conditioning most of the time. It's the drive across town to the bowling venue that will get to him.

I notice that United airlines is raising its cheapest fares, some as much as $90 one way. Starting Oct. 6, most of United's economy-class fares will require a one- to three-night or weekend-night minimum stay. The policy does not apply to fliers in other classes.

I remember years ago when the airfares were quite a bit cheaper with a Saturday night stay, so I guess we are getting back to that. That was when I was traveling for business, so it was great to have my employer pay for an extra hotel night and rental car in order to save on airfare. Now that I would be paying for that extra night out of my own pocket, I will have to figure out if it isn't cheaper to pay to higher airfare and sleep at home.

Anyway, we don't fly much any more, so it's not a huge issue.