Aug. 2 (Bloomberg) -- Natural-gas prices soared, nearing a six-month high, on concern Tropical Storm Chris will disrupt Gulf of Mexico production as a heat wave in the eastern U.S. spurs record demand for electricity to cool homes and offices.

Reuters - The Nikkei average climbed to its highest close in a week on Thursday, rising 1.69 percent as exporters including Toshiba Corp. and Canon Inc. gained ground after a fall in the yen spurred optimism about their earnings.

The brokerdealer sector was a key source of strength on Wednesday. Prompted by earnings news from Lehman Brothers (LEH), the group climbed about 2.4%. This added to gains posted during the previous session, when earnings from Goldman Sachs (GS) spurred buying interest.

Leavenworth and Vantage climbing - The Castle and first Vantage trip

Yosemite Climbing - Various Routes

When we tire of well-worn ways, we seek for new. This restless craving in the souls of men spurs them to climb, and to seek the mountain view. -- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Mittal visit spurs speculation