Crazy Weather

Today I woke up in Florida and found it was the same temperature (21 F) as it was in Chicago.  Now 21 in Chicago during December might not be a big deal, but it's like 10 degrees below zero in the Sunshine State.  About now is when all the Gore haters will say "Global Warming my ass".  Of course, this is a perfect example of weather extremes caused by the warming of the planet.  However, to understand Climate Change, aka Global Warming, you have to understand some complicated concepts, such as Average and Global.  But, then I realize that a lot of these people also believe the earth is only 10,000 years old, and  at one time men use to ride dinosaurs like horses (sorry women, no Title 9 back then).  In other words, most people are just too stupid to get it. For now, The King needs a heater for his (electric with solar panel on top) golf cart.

Christmas Gift

My passion is golf.  I just flat out love playing the game.  It's so challenging.  You have to do every facet of the game.  You can't pass the ball to someone else when you're having a bad day.  No calling for a specialist from the bull pen to finished what you started.  It's you and only you.  That's why I love the game so much.

I was able to teach the game to my wife and daughter.  We were all able to get together to play a couple rounds before Christmas.  To me, that's the best Christmas gift.  Since I taught them both, every shot has a piece of me in it (good or bad).  I especially love watching my daughter play, because I don't see her very often any more, since she's several thousand miles away attending grad school.  

Playing golf with my daughter will always be my favorite gift.  I hope we'll have lots of rounds together in the future.  I also hope she realizes that after I am gone, she'll always have a piece of me with her every swings she takes.

Harry Potter

My daughter started reading Harry Potter books when she was a young girl. She would make sure she would get the newest edition the minute it was released.  Then it was off to the bedroom to read until completion.  She wasn't going to let little things like food or sleep keep her from devouring the latest novel.  Well it turns out there's a lot more just like her.

Yesterday my wife,  daughter and I visited the new Harry Potter theme park in Orlando.  I was amazed at the sheer number of people dressed for the occasion, sporting graduation gowns, Harry Potter type scarfs and waving magic wands.  Plus, these kids were super knowledgeable.  It's obvious that they actually read the books.  I am told by my daughter that every shop and building was accurate to the smallest detail.  I'll have to take her word for it, since I am as ignorant about Harry Potter as she is brilliant. However, I must say the Honey Duke candy store and the Dervish & Banges wand shop were really cool, except for the hour we stood in  line to get in.

I have to confess that The King did not go on The Dragon Challenge or Hulk ride on the way out - my daughter did.  The older I get, the bigger chicken shit I become - or smarter.  All in all, we had a great time.  Mostly, The Queen and I watched  The Princess have a good time.  But that was a real joy.

After this visit, I am especially thankful to J. K. Rowling for turning millions of kids (and adults) into prolific readers.  If you're one of her fans, find a way someday to give Orlando a visit. Happy Holidays everyone.

About Time

The Senate finally repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell".  Hopefully this is a step toward ending discrimination in our country.  Those who are willing to defend our liberty deserve to be treated with dignity and equality.  This is a great day for America.  We're one step closer to walking the talk.

Wanted: Wizard of Oz

The Republicans are now happy - for awhile.   President Obama has caved to the GOP by extending the Bush tax rates for another two years.  What ever happened to not "kicking the can down the road"?  True, unemployment benefits got extended and the Social Security tax was lowered by 2% for one year, but at what price?  The rich got a big piece of cake, while everyone else got crumbs.

So much for the debt commission.  They recommended a combination of tax raises and spending cuts to get our debt crisis solved.  For the near future, I see neither happening. What we need now is the Wizard of Oz to give congress a heart, a brain, and above all else, some courage. Or maybe, we just need a King who already has those qualities.  Know anyone????

Conservatives

When I was growing up, I can remember my teachers talking proudly about the accomplishments of Franklin D. Roosevelt.  I learned how he managed the challenge of the Great Depression and directed our troupes to victory in World War II.  I wonder if my teacher was alive today, she would be allowed to teach the same material.  You see, FDR had a problem  -- he was a LIBERAL. 

Some where a long the line, liberal has become a dirty word.  That's because the Republicans have done a great job of spreading propaganda about liberals.  Every time they get a chance they bash all of the ills of society as  by products of liberals.

Well I say it's time to turn the tables.  We need to make the word Conservative a dirty word.  It shouldn't be that hard -- especially if you are able to read history.  It was the Conservatives who prolonged slavery, denied women the right to vote, created sweat shops, promoted Jim Crow laws, fought against Social Security, and so on, and so on.  The list is endless.  Conservatives care about money and nothing else.  Bottom line, they're a bunch of haters.  When I am King, I'll put people first.