Repentant Elton John Delivers

Had a delightful treat of an Elton John concert while in Las Vegas to present at the MoneyShow. He and his band rocked!Elton John in concert

Elton’s fingers still fly with an amazing reach to play his signature chords and get down with a little rock and roll boogie woogie piano.
Elton John on piano

Got an extra half-hour with Elton John engaging the audience between every song and often stepping out from behind the piano to chat us up. Evidently the show two days before was cut short when Elton John threw a tantrum and left the stage after 35 minutes. Now he seemed eager to make it up.
Elton John Engages Audience

As you can see, the chameleon piano morphs its skin to match the nifty visuals on the background screen.
Elton John's Chameleon Piano

With three percussionists, the band made itself felt. When they reached a crescendo, my clothes would literally vibrate.
Elton John concert crescendo

Good vibes indeed!

San Antonio Valley Ranch

I just like the feel of gravel under my feet.
Gravel Under My Feet
In this case, the gravel is at San Antonio Valley Ranch.

This Nature Conservancy property is on the way to becoming an ecological preserve. It is home to a herd of elk — no photos sorry. But elk! Just over the hill to the east of silicon valley!

Here is the fun and scenic route we took that day. The hybrid was so quiet, we surprised a bobcat on the road. No photos of that either. She ran the other way in an instant.

Back at the ranch, the newly planted trees are fenced to protect the new kids on the block from browsing animals.

If you appreciate the Nature Conservancy’s work, or just want to do a Good Thing, please visit my personal fund-raising page and consider a donation.

View of Google from the Weeds

On a recent hike around Shoreline, caught a view of Google HQ from the weeds:

View Of Google from the WeedsOf course the Google-plex has its share of parking lots, but maybe more interesting is the alternate transportation.  Over the hill lounge the shuttle buses, waiting to take the Googlers home.

google bus playgroundFurther down the bay are the NASA blimp hangers, in process of restoration by Google execs in exchange for parking spots for their personal jets.

blimp hangers