What Happened Yesterday?

 

Some call yesterday an historic day. Sadly, I guess it was because of what happened in New York City involving a former president. 

I have always looked up to most former presidents, of course there was a guy named Nixon who departed under a huge cloud. 

My point here is that a lot more happened in the world other than a former president begin indicted. 

From the Atlantic, here is a recap of some big other stories of yesterday:

Of course, a lot of other things did happen in the world today. Finland officially joined NATO, a hugely important geopolitical development. Wisconsin, long described as a “laboratory of democracy,” is holding an election that could alter the country’s future. A freight train sits as a derailed wreck in Montana. And in Florida, the state rapidly emerging as our own laboratory of authoritarianism, it’s a new day where people can walk around carrying concealed weapons without a permit—a policy that polling suggests most Floridians oppose but that is apparently wildly popular with the “own the libs” demographic.

“The era of nonalignment in our history has come to an end—a new era begins,” Finland’s president Sauli Niinistö said. (Letters from an American)

Of course, I am especially interested in the Florida item.  I guess I will never know who is packing heat. 

And I welcome Finland into NATO! That, friends, is huge!

So quite a bit happened yesterday. We were just a bit myopically focused upon a courthouse in NYC.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Universal Orlando Resort - A Review

Chris, Luke, and I in Harry Potter Land
Universal Orlando Resort
April 3, 2023

 It was a very full day. Chris and I departed home at 7:30 AM and returned home just after 9 PM. In between was four hours driving with the rest of the time spent at Universal Orlando Resort. 

Let's begin with the cost. We bought a two-park one day pass for $209 per person. We knew we would be visiting both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. We made the transition on the Hogwarts Express--definitely worth the ride, but not the posted 75 minute wait. To miss the wait, we also bought the two park Express passes at $314.99. Total admission cost for the one day jaunt for two people: $1116.12 (with tax).

First Observation. The resort is incredibly expensive and that jaundiced my objectiveness even before we arrived. I paid less for a 7-day cruise in November than one day at Universal. 

Second Observation: Driving to the resort is relatively simple. It is right off Interstate 4 and there are large parking garages close to the resort. I was not happy that after paying over $1K to visit the resort for the day that they gouged me for $30 to park my truck. Ugh! Really? With the price of admission being astronomical, parking should be included. 

Street Sight
Universal Orlando Resort
April 3, 2023

Third Observation: It took 45 minutes from parking the truck to finally get through security and the admission process and actually be inside Islands of Adventure. This meant navigating the crushing crowds on City Walk and getting scanned and admitted. The actual admission process is cumbersome, even with passes on the phone because there are so many people who are unfamiliar with the process.

When we finally met up with family, who proceeded us to the resort, we began to have some fun. We went first to the Jurassic Park area and our first ride was the VelociCoaster. Even with the express pass we had a very long wait and it was almost 90 minutes from arriving at the resort's gates until we were actually on our first ride of the day. 

As the day progressed, things got better. I was told, but unable to confirm, that the park was a maximum capacity while we were there. It was clear that they were unprepared for the crush of people and the crowds were evident all day. 

Fourth Observation. Use the mobile app to order lunch. It took about 90 minutes to get burgers and eat them because we did not use the mobile app. The automatic Coke dispensing machines are a joke. They were not dispensing drinks reliably and I saw many people put their daily paid cups in the dispenser only to be turned away. I found that beer was a much better choice. Overall food prices are not bad. The burger platter was $15.49 and beer was $9.50. Coke was $4.49 per glass or they had a plan for an all day drink package--which seemed a bit pricey to me. 

So let's talk coasters. I love coasters and I got to sit in the front seat on two of the best. We did not get to experience Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure due to long lines and it does not accept the Express Pass. But here is my ranking of the four coasters that I experienced:

1. Hulk - old, yes, but smooth and like flying a jet fighter (P.S. I did fly a jet fighter trainer, once) (I was in a front seat)

2. Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket - really cool vertical start and music to enjoy while riding (I was in a front seat)

Men In Black Alien Attack
Universal Orlando Resort
April 3, 2023

3. VelociCoaster - Fun, but not smooth and the turns are rough although the maneuvers are creative.

4. Revenge of the Mummy - Nice special effects, but I always think a coaster in the dark removes the fun of seeing the world spin around.

Other rides as I remember them:

Dudly Do-Right's RipSaw Falls - A classic log ride with a scenario that has outlived its time. A great ride to enjoy getting wet, but the story is dated.

Jurassic Park River Adventure - Great ride, you will get wet. It seemed that parts of the ride were not fully operational when we were on it. 

Men In Black Alien Attack - A great fun ride to play "shoot the outer-space aliens." I won the car with 75,000 points. Sorry Luke!

The Simpsons Ride - Not worth the time. They paid too much for this ride. The story is not compelling and the 3D graphics are cheesy.

The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman - nice ride, good 3D graphics, great story and put together pretty well. Enjoyable.

Hogwarts Express - already mentioned. 

Harry Potter The Forbidden Journey - great ride but somewhat intense. Great story and graphics.

We probably did a couple more, but these were the memorable rides. When you divide it out, I paid about $45 per ride. 

We departed the park about 6:30 PM to allow us to get home at a reasonable hour.

It was a fun day filled with thrills and the joy of being with family. Some of the rides were memorable, BUT the overall park experience needs improvement. Given the amount of money being collected, I expected a first class experience--I do not feel as though I received that. 

Fifth Observation - The Express Pass is a requirement! That written, the pass is expensive and in a perfect world I would do away with express passes and increase the capacity of the rides. I felt bad walking in front of families with kids who could not afford an extra $300/per person and had stood in line for 75 or 80 minutes for a 90-second ride, while I stood in line for maybe 10 - 20 minutes at the most.  As the day went on we actually almost walked onto some rides, for the same 90-second experience. 

Bob's Recommendation - Visit but only after fully understanding the cost! Universal Orlando Resort is overpriced; offering mediocre service in every venue. Some of the new rides are first class, but looking around, many of the others require maintenance and the warts are showing. The day I visited, the park seemed to be over capacity.

Important note--this was not my first visit to Universal Orlando Resort. I remember the days before Harry Potter when one of the marquee rides was the Jaws boat ride and there was a dueling rollercoaster, both now gone. Express passes were not a requirement in those days. I believe express passes are a result of running the parks above capacity.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Note: I updated the ride list and amount per ride because I had forgotten one. April 4

Monday Musings - April 3, 2023

 

1. Welcome to April. The first Monday of the month has arrived. Spring is arriving in the north. There are 38 Mondays remaining in the year. 

2. My two favorite NCAAM Basketball Final Four teams were eliminated: FAU and Miami. FAU lost on a shot where time expired while the ball was in the air--there is no coming back from that.

Crowd at The Square Grouper
Jupiter, FL
April 2, 2023

3. It was an enjoyable Sunday of golf and relaxation capped by a cruise on the Loxahatchee River and Intracoastal Waterway. We boarded the PonTiki for an hour cruise and were able to see some of our favorite spots from the water. One of those, The Square Grouper, was very crowded as we sailed past. I guess they were all out celebrating Palm Sunday.

4. Today we are off to Universal Studios - Orlando. I am not really sure what to expect as it has been over 10 years since we last visited there to deposit large sums of money into the pockets of the studio.

5. After blowing the game on Saturday with a dropped game ending fly out, the Orioles have managed to go from first to worst in the AL East. Ugh!

6. Today in History. On April 3, 1860, the first Pony Express mail, traveling by horse and rider relay teams, simultaneously leaves St. Joseph, Missouri, and Sacramento, California. Ten days later, on April 13, the westbound rider and mail packet completed the approximately 1,800-mile journey and arrived in Sacramento, beating the eastbound packet’s arrival in St. Joseph by two days and setting a new standard for speedy mail delivery. Although ultimately short-lived and unprofitable, the Pony Express captivated America’s imagination and helped win federal aid for a more economical overland postal system. It also contributed to the economy of the towns on its route and served the mail-service needs of the American West in the days before the telegraph or an efficient transcontinental railroad.

Authorities detain a woman in connection with explosion that killed a prominent military blogger and injured dozens of others - CNN

America faces yet another grave national drama - CNN

Why this is one of the worst times to buy a car in decades - CNN

Ukraine says its forces fight on in Bakhmut despite Russian claim to have taken it - Reuters

Oil surges as OPEC+ surprise output cuts shake markets - Reuters

Trump to fly to New York for court surrender amid tight security - Reuters

McDonald’s Temporarily Shuts U.S. Offices as Chain Prepares for Layoffs - The Wall Street Journal

Scared to Bike in the City? Here’s the Gear You Need to Stay Safe—Plus 10 Smart Tips from Skilled Cyclists - The Wall Street Journal

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Car Show

Interesting Fiat
Tequesta, FL
April 1, 2023

 I missed the Palm Beach International Boat Show, intentionally. I did not want to be tempted beyond my ability to resist dumping huge amount of money into the black hole called boat ownership.

Yesterday, however, Chris and I were not afraid to attend a local car show. It was held in a neighborhood near us and featured about 30 classic cars along with a couple of interesting weird autos. For instance, the orange vehicle pictures here, I am not sure how well the canopy would hold up at road speed. But it definitely makes for good shade. I like the orange color. 

GTOs in a Row
Tequesta, FL
April 1. 2023

The muscle cars were kings of the show and there were a few of them to enjoy. The GTOs reigned. I was surprised that there were no Dodge Challengers on display and only one Barracuda. There was also a line of Corvettes, but I am not as much a fan of those cars.

It was a fun diversion on a Saturday afternoon. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Welcome April

 I am looking forward to April, and it has arrived. No that is not an April Fools Joke--it is true. After hiding our in Florida for most of the Winter, we are ready to venture north to enjoy Spring, Easter, and most importantly family and friends. 

While our travel does not begin until next week, the fun begins today with the arrival of Jeremy and his family for a few days of fun and sun. Chris and I will be making our first visit to Universal Orlando as Florida residents on Monday. I am not a huge amusement park fan because I would rather spend the exorbitant amount of money that the parks drain from my wallet on other adventures, such as a cruises. Seriously, what I am paying for one day at Universal is more than the cost of our entire 7-night cruise last November. Of course that was before excursions, the drink package, and internet--but still, food isn't included at Universal!

Next week we fly off to Maryland for almost two weeks to celebrate Easter and visit family and friends. We are very much looking forward to the adventure as it is the precursor to a longer visit during May into June which will allow us time to visit wineries and enjoy Maryland during the late Springtime. 

As an aside, Chris and I managed a 12-mile bike ride in the wind yesterday. I found it enjoyable, but the final leg home was directly into a wind of about 15-20 mph. The good news is that my newly-tuned bike was perfectly set-up and the ride gave me exactly 302 miles for the month of March! It is the second month where I managed to cross the 300 mile threshold. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Crazy Busy Thursday

Turtles near the 16th Tee Box
Jupiter Dunes Golf Course
Jupiter, FL
March 30, 2023

 It could be the title of a movie. 

Yesterday was one of those days that once started; charged along and did not stop until well after dark.

Let me explain.

First, since my bike was in the shop for maintenance I thought it would be a lazy morning. Not so. The first thing up was the annual fire suppression sprinkler inspection. This was an all day event with no scheduled time. Chris and I were responsible for not only our home but another home as well. Chris managed to grab the inspector about 9 AM and we completed both inspections by 9:30. 

From there the day began to spiral out of control.

Looking Back at the 11th Green
Jupiter Dunes Golf Course
Jupiter, FL
March 30, 2023

Since it was early, we decided to head to the local golf course for our weekly dose of frustration. Fortunately this course does not issue Tee times, as it is a first come, first served course and is not usually too busy mid-morning. We hit the course shortly after 10 AM and expected to be home about 12:30, which was important because Finnegan and Riordin had vet appointments at 2:30 PM. 

Well, as it would happen, it was one of those slow-play days on the course and we did not finish until after 1 PM. Ugh. So we headed home with plenty of time to change, eat, and get to the vet.

But wait! At about 1:50 PM as I was eating my lunchtime salad (leftover from the night before) and punching the address for the Vet into my mapping program I realized that the vet was not a 10-minute drive away in Jupiter, but a 35-minute drive away in West Palm Beach. And this was after wasting about 15 minutes locating the cat carrier. We were already late. The remainder of my salad was still on the counter when we finally returned later in the afternoon. 

So we launched into the afternoon traffic. Chris called the vet to tell them we would be 15 minutes late. They were OK with that. No problem, right? Wrong! When I was putting the address for the vet, to which we had never visited, into the mapping program I did not notice that I selected S Military Trail rather than N Military Trail which was the actual address. We were in my truck since the plan was to retrieve my bike after the vet appointments. Upon arriving at the address I had selected in the mapping program we realized that I had erred and it would be another 10 minutes before we would be at the location where the Vet was practicing. The exciting part of this particular road is that it is a divided roadway, I managed to accomplish no less than five U-turns (all legal) getting to the correct address. 

The experience at the vet was great. We really like them and did not feel like we had to mortgage one of the vehicles to play the bill. Of course there will be return visits. Riordin was diagnosed with an infection, which explains a lot, and so he is on an antibiotic. 

From the vet we drove back to Jupiter and retrieved my fully-serviced bicycle. They also cleaned the bike and it almost looks new, except for the over 1800 miles it has on it. And my back brakes work now! They had gotten a bit loose and I knew was going to take the bike in for service so I didn't take time to adjust the brake. 

Then it was home for some relaxation, the time being about 5:30 PM. But wait--we invited the neighbors over for Happy Hour! Yup. So when we arrived home it was time to clear the remains of the unfinished lunch and make apps for Happy Hour, which we had decided would begin about 6PM. 

It was a great Happy hour on our back porch and since the friends we were hosting live two doors down, they wandered in through the screened porch. It was a fantastic time and both Chris and I actually relaxed with a few adult beverages and stimulating conversation. When our time together ended about 8:30 PM, we realized that the day had spiraled out of control into a crazy busy Thursday, but that it had been busy and fun. 

I hope today is a bit less fun.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

On the Bike Trail

23.24 Mile Ride
Tequesta to Hobe Sound, FL
March 29, 2023

 I decided to change up my ride yesterday and headed off to the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge, just over 11 miles away. It is a tough ride and the route I take involves riding along US-1 for about six miles and crossing two drawbridges. No, not the same bridge twice, but two different as I ride a circuit rather than an out and back. There is a drawbridge on SE Bridge Road in Hobe Sound, it is a small one, and then nearing the end of the ride there is a larger drawbridge, Cato's Bridge, on Beach Road in Tequesta. Cato's Bridge has a significant hill to climb and no bike lane making it challenging with traffic. I had the opportunity to wait at Cato's Bridge for two sailboats to pass through. Being at the end of the ride with about 21 miles behind me. my legs were a bit wobbly when, after waiting for about 5 minutes or more, I restarted my trek to cross the span. 

The Atlantis from Hobe Sound
National Wildlife Refuge
Hobe Sound, FL
March 29, 2023

Yesterday was a beautiful day for a ride. I prefer a ride like this on a weekday as there is less traffic headed for the beaches along my route. Also, there are fewer bikers. On weekends groups of bikers ride Beach Road and that makes some of the truck and car drivers a bit impatient.

Although it is only my second biking trip to Hobe Sound, it is a beach that Chris and I very much enjoy and we attempt to get there every so often. Riding my bike, I take a few minutes to walk up the access ramps to stand and look out at the ocean to enjoy the scene. Yes, I did actually intentionally frame the tall grass sticking up in the image. 

The total time to complete the trek was 1h54m, of that 1h46m was actual time in the saddle. 

I am close to logging my second over-300 mile month. I lack just under 11 miles to cross that goal, but my bike is in the shop for maintenance. I have ridden my bike over 1840 miles since acquiring it during February 2022. I have a few rides not included in the total, but I have good records for most months. Also, while we were in Maryland during April, May, June, July and August 2022, I only rode about four times. I had no idea how many miles I had ridden until I added up the numbers. I guess it was definitely time for some maintenance, especially since it was beginning to sound like a sewing machine when I pedaled. The shop tech said I probably needed to lube the chain. Who knew the chain needed to be lubed? I do, now!

Well, today is a golfing day.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Rodney Atkins Concert - March 26, 2023

Witham Field, Stuart Airport,
Stuart Florida
March 26, 2023

 As I mentioned in my Monday Musings this week, Chris and I attended a Rodney Atkins concert in Stuart, Florida, on Sunday night. 

The concert was in a field at Witham Field, the Stuart Airport, and it was a fun venue. The concert was staged to support the Farm Dog Rescue charity and I felt it was a well attended event. I very much appreciated the reasonable prices for beverages, including adult beverages, and the presence of food trucks on-site to provide a variety of dining opportunities. 

Maggie Baugh was the opening act and went onstage right on time. She covered a range of classic country and sang some of her own compositions. Her vocals were strong, but she really showed off when she grabbed her fiddle. She covered Charlie Daniels' The Devil Went Down to Georgia and while the vocals were a bit rough, the fiddle playing was excellent. She provided a great and enjoyable opening act. 

Rodney Atkins
Witham Field, Stuart, FL
March 26, 2023

Rodney Atkins' portion of the show was solid. He saved his hits for last and I was almost afraid that If you're going Through Hell was going to be left out--but it was his final number and also his strongest performance of the night. His portion of the show lasted about 90 minutes and highlighted especially the expertise of his band. During the first portion of the show I felt that Rodney's vocals sounded tired. He strained for the high notes which were mostly unsupported. I never felt he connected with the crowd except in the most superficial manner. The second part of the show was much improved vocally as Rodney really seemed to enjoy singing and telling stories related to his hits.

Rodney covered a classic 1967 Buffalo Springfield song, For What Its Worth (a/k/a/ Stop Hey, What's That Sound). I enjoyed reliving the experience of the 1960's right up until he changed the words to reference "not let them take our guns" or something like that. The is no reference to taking guns away in the original song and while the sentiment may reflect his personal political views, and played well to the Florida crowd, in light of the gun violence related tragedies happening across America I felt it inappropriate.

I have a one minute video of the night from during the first part of the show. Lighting was a problem. The stage had a couple of bright lights that often were blinding. The sound, however, was expertly mixed and provided a clear and balanced experience.

Overall, I enjoyed the concert and am looking forward to supporting the Farm Dog Rescue next year. It was fun to see the performer of some of my favorite songs in person.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Where have the Republicans gone?

 Where have the real Republicans gone? 

Why have those who still believe in the ideals of Lincoln and Reagan seemingly gone into hiding while the Grand Old Party is co-opted by self-serving megalomaniacs? 

I see some potentially great Republicans out there, but they are hiding and afraid to crawl into the presidential olympics leaving the electorate to choose between worse and worse-er. 

I am appalled that one announced Republican presidential contender is allowed to stand on a platform for hours issuing vilifying and slanderous remarks while spouting irrational lies without consequences. 

The threat this person poses was summarized by one writer as follows:

And the danger to democracy at home was crystal clear last night, as former president Trump held a rally in Waco, Texas, where in 1993 a 51-day government siege of the headquarters of a religious cult gave birth to the modern anti-government militia movement. Since then, Waco has been a touchstone for violent attacks on the government. There, last night, Trump stood on stage with his hand over his heart while loudspeakers played not the national anthem but a song recorded by January 6 insurrectionists. Footage from the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol played on a screen behind him. (Letters from an American)

And an unannounced Republican presidential hopeful travels the country on a book-signing tour espousing the great job he has done as a governor, yet peeling back the onion it is clear that he has turned his back on homeowners and residents who need relief from the dual hurricanes of this past year and on others, like me, who are facing quadrupling or more rises in homeowners insurance, if insurance can found. All the while facing he is backwards and saying what a great job he did during COVID while ignoring his actions to limit freedom of thought in education and attacking communities of people and issues with whom/which he does not agree (e.g., LGBTQ+, and Women's Rights) through legislation rammed through a rubber-stamp legislature.

I won't even begin to get started on the Republican Speaker of the House and how he has sold his soul and the  soul of the party for and is intent on crippling the country and its economy for personal gain and perceived power.

Where is the plan? How are these Republicans going to move the country forward from partisan finger-pointing and division to make America the land of e pluribus unum again? It is clear that the Republican leaders are not trying to make America one, but rather divide and conquer by pandering to their base rather than leading for the masses. 

Instead of working to make themselves great, America needs a president and congressional leaders who are the ultimate servants of the people. Leaders who listen and take action. Leaders who promote stability, and not self, through selfless actions and words. 

The Republican party has lost its way.

There are no leaders left to guide them back and the party has resorted to gerrymandering and cheating to remain a viable force in American politics. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - March 27, 2023

 

1. The last Monday of March 2023 has arrived. By this time next week it will be April. For those counting, there are 39 Mondays remaining in the year which is steadily approaching the second quarter (or third quarter for using the Federal fiscal calendar).

2. The NCAA Men's Final Four is set. There are no seeds higher than 4 remaining and three of the teams are making their first Final Four appearance. What a tournament. I am still cheering on FAU and Miami!

3. Chris and I attended a Rodney Atkins concert in a field at the Stuart Airport last evening. We had a great time and the weather was almost perfect. It was a good show. I even enjoyed the opening act as she sang a lot of oldies that I knew. The event was the Tacos, Beer, and Dogs concert supporting the Farm Dog Rescue of Martin county. It has been a while since I attended a concert where the adult beverages (beer and wine) were priced at $5 and $7. We enjoyed dinner from local food trucks which were positioned on site.

4. Traffic appears easing here as people learn to deal with the US-1 bridge closure and I also believe that the winter-only residents (a/k/a/ Snow Birds) are returning to their permanent nests. 

5. Baseball begins its regular season on Thursday. I am excited for the games to begin and here's hoping that the Orioles have a great year. My prediction is that they finish with 84 wins and a wild card playoff spot.

6. Today in History. March 27, 1912: In Washington, D.C., Helen Taft, wife of President William Taft, and the Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese ambassador, plant two Yoshino cherry trees on the northern bank of the Potomac River, near the Jefferson Memorial. The event was held in celebration of a gift, by the Japanese government, of 3,020 cherry trees to the U.S. government.

The planting of Japanese cherry trees along the Potomac was first proposed by socialite Eliza Scidmore, who raised money for the endeavor. Helen Taft had lived in Japan while her husband was president of the Philippine Commission, and knowing the beauty of cherry blossoms she embraced Scidmore’s idea. After learning of the first lady’s interest, the Japanese consul in New York suggested making a gift of the trees to the U.S. government from the city of Tokyo.

Pressure on Netanyahu as union calls 'historic' strike - CNN

Race left out of Rosa Parks story in revised weekly lesson text for Florida schools highlights confusion with state law - CNN

Delta passenger opens door, deploys emergency exit slide on plane at LA airport - CNN

Largest strike in decades brings Germany to a standstill - Reuters

NATO slams Putin plan for nukes in Belarus; Russia pounds Avdiivka - Reuters

North Korea fires ballistic missile off its east coast, South Korea's military says - Reuters

Trump casts 2024 contest in apocalyptic terms, slams prosecutors - Reuters

Trump Grand Jury to Reconvene Amid Mounting Expectations, Rhetoric - The Wall Street Journal

U.S. Pulls Back From Values That Once Defined It - The Wall Street Journal

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL