I'm Frustrated, but my Kings Fanaticism Continues as I Spend Money I Shouldn't

I have a hockey obsession, and this lock-out is starting to kill my soul.

Why are they doing this to me?  I should be enjoying a Kings victory romp through the NHL as they seek to repeat as Stanley Cup Champions.  Instead, I sit at home twiddling my thumbs hoping cooler heads prevail.  How does it make sense for the league to do this when they bent-over the players the last time around by getting "literally" everything they wanted, saw record revenues since that time, while employing some of the most fan-friendly athletes in American sports?

I guess I just answered my own question there.  The league owners got everything they wanted last time around, and I bet they figure they can do it again.  They appear to not want to honor the contracts they signed just because they think they can get away with it.  Regardless of the fact that it is the efforts of the players themselves that have endeared this game to us.

Anyway, I should be more angry and this should cause me to swear off the game and it's owners until this is over.  Of course, since I'm a fanatic Kings fan and I am still living off the glory of this past seasons Stanley Cup victory I can't help but ingratiate myself with some Kings Stanley Cup memorabilia.

So, check out a couple of things that I've recently picked up.  Below is the large photographic book detailing the Kings romp through the NHL playoffs.  It's filled with wonderful photos and has a limited DVD enclosed with it.  The DVD has Game 6 of the Finals with our very own Bob Miller and Jimmy Fox calling the game.  This would be like the Dodgers making available a DVD of Vin Scully calling the last game of a World Series victory when he was not on TV for viewers to listen to.  BTW, I've watched Game 6 at least 4 times since I've gotten it.

Yeah, I'm that crazy.

These next few items are from a Bailey Buddies Membership Club pack.  Bailey is the official mascot of the LA Kings.  He is named after the late Garnet "Ace" Bailey who had died on Flight 175 on September 11th during the World Trade Center terrorist act.  Two folks associated with the Kings were killed in that plane crash: Garnet "Ace" Bailey and Mark Bavis.  All proceeds related to the sale of membership fees are donated to the Kings Care Foundation.  This years membership cost $20.00 plus another $7.00 since you can't pick it up at a game and have to have it delivered.  For a price of $27.00 total it comes out to a great value.  Check out what you get below.  Go here to join and get these items.

Before I get to the item that really drew me to this, check out a plastic Stanley Cup Champions key chain and Kings ear buds (headphones).  Along with these items you also get a Kings lanyard, coupons for free food, and a Team LA gift card.

Now you can see what I really wanted.  Check out this bobblehead.  Isn't it glorious! 

Bailey sits atop my bare office computer next to the great Vin Scully bobblehead of last season.  Below is the backside.

For a card collector like me, I was happy to find a Stanley Cup Champions 9-card set.  This Bailey's Buddies deal is a "open net goal."  It's a sure thing- sure to make any Kings fan happy.

And it doesn't just stop at the playoff card set.  Last, but not least, is a game-used relic Bailey's Buddies hockey card of Mr. Pancakes- Dustin Penner.  I love how it shows him sporting his playoff beard. 

Here is the reverse of the relic card.

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