Disney Hotel and Electric Cars

Plug your Nissan Leaf or Chevy Volt Here

Today Lulu and I drove our Prius from Tallahassee to Orlando. We are staying at the Hilton Hotel Bonnet Creek in Disneyworld.

Lulu has a convention here of FAME - Florida Association of Media Educators.

We had a nice ride down - taking I-10 to I-75. We took a little side detour toward Tampa. At the intersection of I-75 and Route 50 - we had lunch with Carl and Marylou Zimmerman. Then we took Route 50 - Route 27 - and Route 192.

The Zimmerman's are our friends from Tamaqua that have a winter home at Wesley Chapel. Carl is my cousin and Marylou is one of Lulu's best friends. They just drove down from Tamaqua yesterday. They were greeted to Florida with a 12-day baby sitting job. Their daughter lives nearby - and her 3 kids will be with the grandparents while Christa and her husband are going on a cruise to Barbados.

With all the stops it took us 6 hours to get to Disneyworld from home.

While parking our car in the hotel parking garage - I noticed electric car outlets. If you drive a plug-in car - full electric or plug in hybrid - free fuel.

Our Old Honda Van is Back in Pennsylvania

Two years ago - we traded our 2004 Honda Van for a 2008 Toyota Prius on Craigslist. While checking the new owner's Facebook page - I found this picture. They are back in Pennsylvania for a visit with family. Note the autumn leaves and how full the Honda is.

They had listed their Prius on Craigslist for sale. They had a baby and another one on the way. They wanted $18,000 for the Prius. I agreed to buy it. When I asked them what they were going to drive - they said they wanted to buy a mini-van. I suggested that they take mine for a drive. 

We settled on a trade plus cash. I gave them the Honda plus $9000. The Honda had 150,000 miles on it. The Prius had 20,000 miles on it.  

Today the Prius has 35,000 miles on it and it is going to Disneyworld today. I wonder how many miles are on the Honda now. It was a great deal for both parties.

The President Who Seems Not To Care

By Richard Cohen, Published: October 29 copied from the Washington Post Today

One of the more melancholy moments of the presidential campaign occurred for me in a screening room. The film was Rory Kennedy’s documentary about her mother, Ethel — the widow of Robert F. Kennedy. Much of it consisted of Kennedy-family home movies, but also film of RFK in Appalachia and in Mississippi among the pitifully emaciated poor. Kennedy brimmed with shock and indignation, with sorrow and sympathy, and was determined — you could see it on his face — to do something about it. I’ve never seen that look on Barack Obama’s face.

600 Miles Later - at 17 Years Old - Florida Van Gets First Taste of Snow

It is official - the Florida van is a snowbird - now living in Rural Retreat VA. Rural Retreat is on I-81 in the Appalachian Mountains. 

Jack and Tami made the 600 mile trip home in their new van. Jack said it performed flawlessly. They were greeted to the state by snow from Hurricane Sandy. Tami said - let's move to Florida.

Bobby Bowden and His Bentley Signing Books at the Mall Friday - and Sally

Bobby was signing books at the mall on Friday. I could have sworn this was my Coal Cracker friend - Sally Bair from Schuylkill County.

Bobby Bowden - 3 years about his "Forced Retirement" still does not attend FSU football game.

Do not even get me started about how rudely Florida State has treated this man. Tallahassee and FSU were unknown to the world until Bobby coached the football team to 32 straight winnings - 2 national championships - 19 bowl games - and 15 straight finishes in the Top 4 in the nation. A season with more than one loss was considered a down year. Yes Bobby is a millionaire - but he made billions of dollars for FSU. Rant over.

On Friday Bobby was at mall about 1 mile from our house signing his new book. There was a long line waiting for him to sign items. If you bought a book for $15 - he personalized it - along with another item you bought at the store.

Lulu and Her Dodge 600 Were in the Homecoming Parade

Here is Lulu in her classic 1986 Dodge 600 Convertible in the Homecoming Parade.

What a beautiful sunny Florida fall day for riding in a convertible and having a Homecoming Parade. FSU's colors are garnet and gold - perfect autumn colors - even in Tallahassee the leaves turn a little bit. 

The parade started at 2 PM and barely went a mile - but lasted about 90 minutes.

Lulu and Dodge Classic chauffeured David Bottoms - the Distinguished Writer Award Winner. Our neighbor Wayne was a member of the committee to choose award winners.

My job was  to hustle along trying to get a decent picture or three.

This is the Garnet and Gold flag of the Seminole Nation.

The is FSU's famous mascot Osceola riding Renegade.

This is Tony Sanchez - the real chief of the Seminole Nation. He also runs casinos.

These prisoner followed Renegade.

President Eric Barron and his wife have a golf cart.

This is an award winning float.

Someone put a flag over the radiator of her classic 1986 Dodge  - completely covering its personality. You could not tell what kind of car is was.

Our neighbor Wayne in the parade.

There Goes Jackie and Tami in Their New/Old Van

Harry with Jackie & Tami - right before they left for home in Virginia

About 5 months ago - I bought an old van. When Lulu's brother Jackie saw it - he asked me to find him a similar one. Although I did not think he was serious - I went on the hunt for another.

Because the price of gasoline is going up - it is not hard to find old vans - but it is hard finding nice ones. But about a week later I got one. The guy wanted $3700 but I convinced him it was only worth $2600. Negotiations went quickly.

Duke Is At Doak Today At 3:30

We have two sets of guests at our house for today's game.

Jackie and Tami flew down yesterday to take home  their (17 year old) new van. Lulu has used this chance to have a tailgate party. I was lucky enough to land a numbered parking pass right next to the stadium - so we will be going over early to party at 12:30.

To make matters worse - a hot Jaguar buyer is bringing his wife to see the Jag at noon. It is his second visit so I am hoping he will buy it.

Finally - the flu bug bit me yesterday - my head is like a balloon to see the Dukies.

Good luck to Duke and the Noles!

Home From 5 Days in Richmond

Drew and family bought a home in Richmond.

I had 5 great days with the kids.

My 2 flights home were just as good as the 2 flights up. Everything was on time. It was a free flight paid for by frequent flyer miles.

Drew and I spent some time doing improvements around the house.

In 2 weeks - Lulu and I are both going to visit. We are also going to see the Seminoles play Virginia Tech and Maryland on that trip.

Volleyball - Seminoles Beat Gators - First Time in 18 years

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (from seminoles.com) - In front of a raucous Tully Gym crowd, the 12th-ranked Florida State indoor volleyball team earned an emotional 3-0 (25-23, 25-22, 25-21) victory in front of over 1,600 fans to snap a 21-match losing streak over 11th-ranked Florida on Wednesday night. Indeed, some of the current Seminoles (19-2) were barely walking the last time Florida State defeated Florida - Oct. 31, 1994. It had been a streak full of repeated heartbreak until Wednesday evening when the current crop of Seminoles put together a milestone win for the program. In the process, Florida State extended its school-record win streak at Tully Gym to 21 matches.

Seminoles 33 Miami 20

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/10/21/v-print/3059769/miami-hurricanes-florida-state.html#storylink=cpy

From the - Posted on Sun, Oct. 21, 2012 Stephen Morris returns, struggles in Miami Hurricanes’ loss to rival Florida State Seminoles BY SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN sdegnan@miamiherald.com CHARLES TRAINOR JR. / MIAMI HERALD STAFF Miami Hurricanes Phillip Dorsett is defended by Florida State Seminoles Ronald Darby in the second quater at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, October 20, 2012. Darby deflected the ball. There was intrigue leading up to the game, buffoonery during it and at least on this particular night, a packed, rockin’ house at Sun Life Stadium.And in the end, the team that was expected to win, did. But it needed 17 points in the fourth quarter to pull away. No. 12 Florida State defeated Miami 33-20 Saturday, handing the Hurricanes their third consecutive loss. The Seminoles (7-1, 4-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) have defeated the Hurricanes (4-4, 3-2) the past three years, and six out of the last eight. "We have to develop our guys and recruit some more and keep working, and don't make any excuses,'' said UM coach Al Golden. "They're a better team right now.'' Hurricanes fans waited all week to see which quarterback would start — usual starter Stephen Morris, who sprained his left ankle last week against North Carolina, or backup Ryan Williams. Morris, who was listed by UM as “doubtful,’’ got the nod.

Mimi is in Miami for the Game with the Hurricanes

Drew - the kids - and I are lined up in their Richmond living room to watch the Noles play the Hurricanes. My friend Mimi flew to South Beach for the weekend and is tailgating at the"name of the month" stadium. She sent me this photo of the Goodyear Blimp. The blimp makes its home nearby down there. There is no place like South Florida and South Beach Miami.

Lulu is back in Tallahassee. She will probably see half the game from the sofa.

Harry's iPhone

Cruising Over Atlanta

6:20 At The Gate - On The Way To Richmond

It is still dark. Getting on a crowded flight to Richmond via Atlanta. I expect to be there by 11.

The plane is crowded with Gators flying to Columbia SC for their game with Spurrier and the Gamecocks.

I will be flying home Wednesday late.

I will be watching the Seminoles playing Miami in Drew's living room with Jack.

I volunteered for a bump.

Late Note - Stupid Gators going to the wrong city.

Study Library Science in London

I just saw this ad on the Internet - 

An exciting opportunity to earn six graduate LIS credits while living in central London is being offered by the Florida State University School of Library and Information Studies. Two multimedia production courses, taught by Dr. Nancy Everhart from July 8 to July 29, 2013 at the FSU London Centre, will use this dynamic city and the surrounding areas as a backdrop for creating projects such as podcasts, social networking sites, blogs, short films, and digital photography. No prior experience with these media is required. All classes will be field trip based. There are online requirements before and after the time in London.

Almost a Barn Find - a 1927 Ford Model T Roadster

This is an original - all metal - 1927 Ford Model T Roadster.

I have always wanted to own a Model T Ford - here was my chance. Tom had posted his for sale in Craigslist a few weeks back - I contacted him to go take a look at it. Yesterday - Lulu and I drove the Prius about 25 miles east of town. Lulu usually does not like to go along on my "American Pickers" tours although she does not miss that show when it comes on TV.

Henry Ford built the Model T from 1908 to 1928. He sold over 20 million of them. At one time - 50% of all the cars in the world were Model T's. No - Henry did not invent the automobile. Henry did not even invent the production line or interchangeable parts - but he did take all those ideas and roll them into one. While other cars were selling for thousands of dollars - Ford produced cars for $250 each. He did this on a production line in Detroit that paid workers $5 a day - double what the going rate was back then. When Hitler started producing the VW - he was trying to emulate Ford. ford built a factory where iron ore came in one end on a boat and cars came out the other end on a railroad.

It has a 4 cylinder Ford flathead engine.

4 Days in Richmond

The Capitol in Richmond - before they added the wings reminds me of the Parthenon in Athens Greece

Tomorrow morning early I am flying to Richmond. Son Drew and family moved there in July and it is my first chance to see the new house.

I am looking forward to spending lots of time with Jack (4) and Kate (almost 2). Of course - I always like to see Drew and Robin - but Robin will be away visiting her Dad in South Carolina.

The Presidential Debate

My Buddy George Gets Another Science Award

Dr. Stuart Fleischer presenting the Rob Nave Award to George Dawson - Professor Emeritus FSU

This past weekend George Dawson attended the annual meeting of the Southeastern Association for Science Teacher Education in Macon, GA. He was given this award.  He thought he was through with this stuff when he retired 11 years ago.  The man giving him the award is one of his former students who teaches at the American School in Tel Aviv - Dr. Stuart Fleischer.  He was the keynote speaker at the conference and wanted to be the one who gave this plaque to George.  FSU had more teaching alumni there than any other school other than Macon College, the host institution.  The person who nominated George was one of his  students  - Dr. Randy Spaid - who worked as a graduate assistant on a couple of George's interactive media projects.

Dawson said, "Having so many fine people come into my life over the years is why I loved my job so much."

George's wife Joel accompanied him to Macon to receive the award. George is still very active - camping - biking - and traveling.

20 Years Ago - Wide Right

Computers Rank FSU Below Top 25

FSU No. 14 in BCS standings

You can't fool the computers when it comes to ranking college football teams. 

Due to FSU's scheduling a bunch of patsies including two I-AA schools - the computers dropped them out of the Top 25. Less than 10 days ago - the Noles were ranked Number 3 in the nation by the polls. Then they lost to a weak NCSU team by a point and flummoxed Boston College in Tallahassee 51-7.

The initial 2012 BCS standings were released Sunday night, and one thing is clear about Florida State's No. 14 ranking -- the Seminoles (6-1) are not much of a hit with the computers.

FSU checks in this week at No. 8 in the Harris Poll and No. 10 in the USA Today coaches' poll, both of which are considered in the BCS rankings as well. But five of the six computer models that are used don't have the Seminoles ranked in the top 25.

And the one computer program that did rank them had the Seminoles at No. 23.

FSU (6-1) remained at No. 12 in the AP Top 25, which is not factored into the BCS.

The Seminoles travel to Miami this Saturday to play the always difficult Hurricanes. So far FSU is 6-0 when playing in the Sunshine State - 0-1 when playing anywhere else. Although Miami is in-state - it is an 9 hour bus ride to the event for the band. I would not bet on the Seminoles. Out of 7 games this year - I think they only beat the point spread twice.

Tamaqua Football 7-0 - Must Still Play PV and Marian

From the Reading Eagle - 

When Sam Bonner took over as Tamaqua's head football coach in 2007, his main goal was to get the Blue Raiders to a point where games in late October mattered.

So far, he has reached those goals in multiple seasons.

Tamaqua made the Eastern Conference playoffs in 2008 and '11 and has had two eight-win seasons under Bonner. In his sixth season, he has a record of 35-27, which is pretty good in a tough circuit like the Anthracite Football League.

Try This At Beaver Stadium - $10 - Half Hour Before Kickoff

FSU 51 Boston College 7 - Great Weather For Scooter Ride

James Wilder Jr - I love how this kid plays - remember his dad?

Florida State has been licking their wounds all week after losing in Raleigh last weekend by a point. The press here has been savaging Coach Jimbo Fisher for his weak and unimaginative play calling last  Saturday. Their national championship hopes were dashed by a second half of timid deer in the headlights play calling after going into halftime with a 16-0 lead. To top off that poor performance - Fisher laid the loss on the players' lack of execution. He said after watching the video - he made all the right calls. Fisher took no blame for the loss and vowed to coach his way. Sure.

5 PM in the Boston College/FSU Game Early

We are in section 32. Row 17. $10 each. Tons of tickets for sale outside. We bought the first pair we looked at. Left the house at 4:30 on scooter. We are in shade already.

Coach Jimbo Fisher Changes His Tune Quickly

After his team’s 17-16 loss on Saturday night to N.C. State and the subsequent firestorm of a press conference on Monday, Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher likely knew Wednesday night’s call-in show would generate a slew of pointed questions from FSU fans.

What wasn’t known was how Fisher would respond. Especially after he said multiple times on Monday he didn’t regret a single call from that stunning loss in Raleigh, N.C.

$250 American Airlines Voucher

We have an American Airlines travel voucher that must be used by November 11, 2012. It is worth $250 off any regular ticket - it cannot be used for upgrades - etc. We received it from a flight and forgot about it until now. It is transferable to anyone. You can use it for booking online - we can give you the serial number and secret code. Asking $200.

Note added - October 11, 2012 - I put the coupon on craigslist - and a Emily from San Diego bought it for $175.

Harry and the Driving Simulator at the FSU Psychology Department

This is my driving simulator.

This is the headgear that tracked my eye movement.

The Psychology Department at FSU needs guinea pigs for their many studies. They often call me because I am retired and have free time - and also you know what a sucker I am for cash.

Yesterday - I was called to see if I wanted to do a driver simulation study. I had my pick of dates and I chose this morning at 9 AM. As I arrived - there was a student at the front of the building with a VIP parking spot for me. We went upstairs - I signed a few papers - then we went to the lab.

Back in 1974 - Lulu and I went to summer school to become Driver Education teachers. It was held at East Stroudsburg State College - we stayed on campus - knocked of 12 credits together - and became certified Driver and Safety Education teachers. Lulu took the courses at the undergrad level - I at the grad level - the difference was writing a paper. During that time driving simulators were in their infancy - and frankly a big joke. Schools were trying to get out of the "driving requirement" by sitting students at these simulators for a few hours.

Today - driving simulators are all computer driven. I was sitting at a steering wheel with a gas and brake pedal. In front of me were 4 computer screens - the road was projected on the center one - the mirrors were project on the side screens. A complete dashboard was shown on the 4th.

Simply - I was driving down the road for 10 minutes. There was plenty of traffic including a lot of bikers. My job was to obey the law and drive. If I decided to go over 50 MPH - a policeman would pull me over.

Florida has more bikers killed or maimed than any other state. In 2009 - 51,000 were injured and 630 were killed. Simply - the psychologists are trying to find ways to make bikers and motorist share the highway more safely.

After 10 minutes - the test was over - I had to fill out a questionnaire - then they paid me with 3 - five dollar bills. Do I have to claim this on my tax forms?

The student took me back to my car - and quickly claimed my "super duper" parking pass. I was home by 10 AM.

Another Day - Another Van

This van is 15 inches longer than ours.

When Lulu's brother Jack saw our new old Dodge van - he told me to find him one. A really nice one came up on craigslist - a little more expensive and a little more luxurious than ours. The seller wanted $3700 for his 1995 Dodge Conversion Van with 111,000 miles on it. 

We did a carfax to make sure it was a Florida car - indeed - all 4 owners lived in Florida. the report also showed that it was not wrecked and that it had regular service done on it. After bringing it to our house - I took it for a drive - and the owner and I agreed on $2600. I wrote him a check - he took off his license plate - and his daughter drove him home in her BMW. 

Jack and Tami have booked plane tickets to come visit for the Duke game - then drive the van home to Virginia.

The van is remarkable - no dents - no rust. Sure the paint has nicks and scratches - so would you have 17 years and 111,000 miles.

It has the following equipment - 360 V8 engine - automatic transmission - power steering - power disk brakes - power windows - power locks - power mirrors - tilt steering wheel - cruise control - nice tires - chrome wheels - engine AC - roof 110 volt AC and heat - dual radios - individual AC outlets and lights - leather captain's chairs - leather electric bed - tinted windows - shades on all windows.

The carpet is like new after a good shampooing. 

This van has chrome wheels - ours doesn't.

FSU Jimbo Fisher's Blames the Kids - Not His Play Calling

First Time Coach - Jimbo Fisher

On Saturday night, after his offense was shut out in the second half and his team had blown a 16-point halftime lead, Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher openly questioned some of his decisions and play-calls in the Seminoles 17-16 loss to unranked N.C. State.

During his Monday press conference however, Fisher’s mood and words were noticeably different. After watching the film he said the play-calling wasn’t the problem against the Wolfpack. It was the execution by his players. “I don’t regret any of the calls,” Fisher said. “I mean I regret we didn’t execute some things we did. And we’ve got to play better.”

The Seminoles amassed 221 yards of offense and 16 points in the first half against N.C. State, which had allowed a conference-record 566 yards passing and 41 points to Miami the week before. In the second half though, FSU managed just six first downs. And zero points. And Fisher said afterwards that maybe he got too conservative in his play-calling. On Monday he said that wasn’t the case. “Anytime you’re a leader you always question,” Fisher said. “You have to look at yourself first. And you say, ‘Did I make the right call?’ And you always say, ‘Well, maybe I didn’t.’ That’s why I say a lot of times I have to wait to see the video. 

After seeing the video they were in what we thought they were in. They were doing exactly what we thought they were doing. It’s not blame. We just didn’t execute. “And it’s not the same guy. A guy can grade 88 percent in a game and have two bad plays and they happen to be at the wrong time. You take two here, you take one and you take one and that’s what it was an accumulation of as you looked at the second half. In the first half we didn’t have it that way. That’s why we controlled the ball and controlled field position.” From the Tallahassee Democrat.

This Van is in Moultrie Georgia - $2500

Che Guevara Killed on This Day in 1967 by the CIA

Che Guevera - 39 - killed by the CIA

He graduated from Med School

With a Cuban cigar

Communist Icon

On this day in 1967, socialist revolutionary and guerilla leader Che Guevara, age 39, is killed by the Bolivian army and the CIA. The U.S.-military-backed Bolivian forces captured Guevara on October 8 while battling his band of guerillas in Bolivia and assassinated him the following day. His hands were cut off as proof of death and his body was buried in an unmarked grave. In 1997, Guevara's remains were found and sent back to Cuba, where they were reburied in a ceremony attended by President Fidel Castro and thousands of Cubans.Ernesto Rafael Guevara de la Serna was born to a well-off family in Argentina in 1928. While studying medicine at the University of Buenos Aires, he took time off to travel around South America on a motorcycle; during this time, he witnessed the poverty and oppression of the lower classes. He received a medical degree in 1953 and continued his travels around Latin America, becoming involved with left-wing organizations. In the mid 1950s, Guevara met up with Fidel Castro and his group of exiled revolutionaries in Mexico. Guevara played a key role in Castro's seizure of power from Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista in 1959 and later served as Castro's right-hand man and minister of industry. Guevara strongly opposed U.S. domination in Latin America and advocated peasant-based revolutions to combat social injustice in Third World countries. Castro later described him as "an artist of revolutionary warfare."Guevara resigned—some say he was dismissed—from his Cuban government post in April 1965, possibly over differences with Castro about the nation’s economic and foreign policies. Guevara then disappeared from Cuba, traveled to Africa and eventually resurfaced in Bolivia, where he was killed. Following his death, Guevara achieved hero status among people around the world as a symbol of anti-imperialism and revolution. A 1960 photo taken by Alberto Korda of Guevara in a beret became iconic and has since appeared on countless posters and T-shirts. However, not everyone considers Guevara a hero: He is accused, among other things, of ordering the deaths of hundreds of people in Cuban prisons during the revolution. From This Day in History