Election Day - again

 

The election season that will not end continues today and tomorrow. 

We may finally learn whether the Democrats or the Republicans will control the Senate. The run-off election for both Georgia Senate seats is being held today and with any luck we should know the results by sometime next week--given how the Presidential election went. 

And as for the allegations of voter fraud. Each and every claim by the Trump team was thoroughly debunked during a news conference yesterday. 

I urge you to read the NPR reporting of the news conference for the truth.

Georgia Election Official Debunks Trump's Voter Fraud Claims

And then there is tomorrow. 

Some have called the shenanigans in the in the Congress seditious. Something that should take 30 minutes will likely take many hours to complete and that is is the certification of the Electoral College vote and the declaration of Joe Biden as the President-elect.

There is an interesting editorial about the situation--from December Texas inspired lawsuit and the legalities associated with the activities of the Senators and Representatives who are foment the discontent:

The Constitution has an answer for seditious Members of Congress

Perhaps by the end of the week, Election Day will be finally complete. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD 

Monday Musings - January 4, 2021

 

1. Welcome to the first Monday of 2021. There are 51 Mondays left in the year. January is off to a rousing start. 

2. Family NFL Results.

    Ravens (11-5) defeat Bengals (4-11-1) 38-8. Ravens are in the Playoffs.

    Steelers (12-4) lose to Browns (11-5) 22-24. Steelers win AFC North, Browns are in the playoffs for the first time in 18 years.

    Cowboys (6-10) lose to Giants (6-10), 19-23. Cowboys and Giants are out of the playoffs because Football Team won.

    Football Team (7-9) defeat Eagles (4-11-1) 20-14. Football Team wins division with a losing record and will host a playoff game.

3. It is sad that Representatives and Senators who have taken an oath to defend the Constitution are currently engaged in efforts to subvert it and the peaceful transfer of power between the outgoing and incoming administrations. 

4. I am tired of hearing that 74 million people who voted for the loser need an explanation. Here is the explanation: 81 million voters cast ballots for the other guy! 

5. In another example of a poorly planned operation, with no one in control, the Coronavirus Vaccine Program is faltering. It is part of the continuing Trump legacy.

6. It will be a turbulent week in Washington as the Georgia elections are tomorrow and the certification of the Electoral College is on Wednesday. 

7. There are just 16 days until Inauguration Day. Maybe then the insanity will cease.

8. I was amazed at the traffic that I became stuck in on Saturday as I went shopping for essentials. People were definitely out--or perhaps returning from the holiday break.

9. Today in History. On January 4, 1965, in his State of the Union address, President Lyndon Baines Johnson lays out for Congress a laundry list of legislation needed to achieve his plan for a Great Society. On the heels of John F. Kennedy’s tragic death, Americans had elected Johnson, his vice president, to the presidency by the largest popular vote in the nation’s history. Johnson used this mandate to push for improvements he believed would better Americans’ quality of life.

Trump Pressured Georgia Secretary of State to Find Votes - The Wall Street Journal

U.S. Death Toll Tops 350,000 - The Wall Street Journal

Biden Plans Renewed Nuclear Talks With Russia While Punishing Kremlin - The New York Times

As Rollout Falters, Scientists Debate New Vaccination Tactics - The New York Times

As coronavirus death toll surpasses 350,000, Trump calls U.S. count ‘far exaggerated’ - The Washington Post

Your questions about the coronavirus vaccines, answered - The Washington Post

Iran says it resumes 20% uranium enrichment at Fordow site - Reuters

Japan PM says government will consider state of emergency for Tokyo area - Reuters

Australia's most populous state reports zero COVID cases, urges thousands to get tested - Reuters

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

In 1982 this country faces serious challenges. We're gripped by a recession brought on by decades of government mismanagement. But we're making a new beginning as a nation. The road to recovery is never easy. But America is no stranger to challenges. We need only live up to our convictions to set things right. We need only believe in ourselves, in our country, and in tomorrow.

Remarks on New Year's Day - January 1, 1982

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

And so it Begins, anew

I am a bit melancholy this morning. I shouldn't be, but the end of a long holiday season break/vacation and the beginning of a work week looming the COVID-19 planning, replanning, and pandemic associated changes grabbed me this morning.

I don't even feel like commenting on the political climate in the nation. 

Tomorrow it is off to work after almost two weeks away. The working portion of the new year begins. 

But at least I have today. With a bit of luck and playing some good football, the Ravens will hopefully make the playoffs! That would be nice. 

Unfortunately it is too cold and rainy to play golf. But I will ride my bike--my indoor bike, for some enjoyment and exercise.

Enjoy the day for tomorrow there grind begins anew.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Winds of Change

 

The new year is already one day old and already showing signs of improvement from the year behind us.

I was encouraged that the Congress, with the Senate voting yesterday, set a new tone for the year by overriding the President's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). 

Senate Overrides Trump’s Veto of Defense Bill - The Wall Street Journal

Yesterday's vote by the Senate marks the first time during the current administration that a veto had been overridden. The House voted to override the veto on Monday. 

According to the article cited above, Trump has vetoed eight other bills during his term--none of which were overridden.

There winds of change are beginning to blow through the halls of the Congress. The veto override was an example of bipartisanship working for the good of the country. I hope the effort on the NDAA represents a much needed change in the manner in which our leaders work. They must get beyond partisan politics and work for the good of the nation as a whole. 

It is a strong beginning to the new year.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

2021 Arrives

 

Happy New Year. 

2021 has arrived around the world and even right here at home. 

With 2020 behind us and a new year ahead, let's hope we can turn things around and do good things for our communities, our country, and the planet. The time to unify and cease divisive policies and practices has arrived.

I know that many people want to return to the "way things were before 2020." But I hope that we do not go back, but rather building upon what we have learned during the difficult year that is now behind us we commit ourselves to making things better. There were too many problems that we overlooked and now that we have brought them into the light, we can correct them and make our country and our society better and healthy. 

First though, let's defeat the coronavirus! Embrace safe practices and get vaccinated when it is offered.

We have a lot of work to do--take today and enjoy the celebration. Tomorrow we begin to reconstruct the future.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

New Year's Eve 2021

 

It is New Year's Eve!

We are about to put 2020 firmly into the rearview mirror and shake its dust from our feet. 

For some I know the new year cannot arrive fast enough. 2020 was a year of disasters, pandemic, death, and changed plans. We have experienced things that we never though we would experience. The United States has shown the world that as a society we are unable to unite to defeat a virus. 

To review the year in review, check out:

2020 in Review Fast Facts - CNN

It is amazing to review the year and to see how far we have come. 

The short review is that the year began with an impeachment and ended in a pandemic. In between over 341,000 Americans perished form COVID-19 and the ineffectiveness of the administration was laid bare resulting, partly, in the decision of the American electorate to not reelect the president.

What a year. We can hope that 2021 is better, calmer and more rational.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunrise Sky

Sunrise
Elkridge, MD
December 30, 2020

The sunrise this morning, the next to last day of 2020, was fantastic. It stretched from the East to the West filling my windows with beautiful color reminding me of the beauty of the world. It was a counterpoint to the news of the day about the continuing hospitalizations and deaths resulting from COVID-19.

Sometimes I need to get my head out of my computer or away from the TV to see the beauty around me, like I did this morning. It does not make the bad stuff go away, but it gives me perspective. The world is a big and complex place. There are problems and insane things happen all of the time, but there is beauty and it is worth seeing, enjoying, and protecting. 

The spectacular sunrise has faded much like the year 2020 will pass in less than 48 hours. I can remember the bad things that have happened this past year, the better activity is to find some good and remember the year that way. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

To the Pool!

 

Yesterday was a rare late-December day. The temperature crawled up past 50 and I was able to get outside and do some maintenance.

High Water in the Pool
Elkridge, MD
December 28, 2020

A pool owner's life is never without concern and maintenance. I have a mesh cover and that means that the rain adds water to the pool as the season continues. I had reduced the water volume significantly when I closed the pool, but it has been a very wet autumn and now winter.

I checked the pool yesterday and the water was within an inch of the top of the pool. If you look closely at the image to the right, you can see the line where the water was when I started pumping. At this point the water is still too high. I keep the water below the tiles to reduce damage when the deep freeze arrives. I was happy to find the water clear and I also added some mid-winter chlorine to keep the algae growth at bay.

I was amazed at the amount of rainwater we have received. I am also glad that I picked a warmer day to play in the water! It is really no fun pumping water in 30 degree weather. 

In the end I lowered the water to three inches below the tile line. Hopefully, will not have to perform the process again. 

Always something to do. Who knew that when I was thinking "to the pool" it meant that there was work to do, but no swimming?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - December 28, 2020

 

1. The last Monday of the year has arrived. There are just four days until the new year begins! Bring-on 2021 and good-bye 2020!

Finnegan's Christmas Photo
Elkridge, MD
December 20,  2020

2. Even though the Christmas Season is not completely over, I know many people are clamoring to get the decorations boxed and out of sight. Maybe it is because the Christmas decorations started appearing in stores during September.

3. Family NFL Report:

    Steelers (12-3) defeat Colts (10-5) 28-24. Steelers win division

    Ravens (10-5) defeat Giants (5-10) 27-13. Ravens win next week will secure a wildcard playoff spot.

    Cowboys (6-9) crush Eagles (4-10-1) 37-17. Cowboys are still alive to win the NFC East.

    Football Team (6-9) lose to Panthers (5-10). football Team can win the NFC East with a win next week. 

4. How has the return season been going? Fortunately, we do not have many returns and exchanges to make.

5. What are your New Year's resolutions? 

6. There are 23 days until Inauguration Day!

7. How were the crowds in the stores for Christmas shopping? I really did not visit the malls or stores to shop and I have to admit--Amazon, UPS, and FEDEX all did their jobs and delivered my packages on-time. 

8. Today in History. On December 28, 1895, the world’s first commercial movie screening takes place at the Grand Cafe in Paris. The film was made by Louis and Auguste Lumiere, two French brothers who developed a camera-projector called the Cinematographe. The Lumiere brothers unveiled their invention to the public in March 1895 with a brief film showing workers leaving the Lumiere factory. On December 28, the entrepreneurial siblings screened a series of short scenes from everyday French life and charged admission for the first time.

Trump Signs Pandemic-Aid Bill - The Wall Street Journal

France and Germany Retake Reins as Britain Leaves EU’s Economic Orbit - The Wall Street Journal

Refugees Come Under Fire as Old Foes Fight in Concert in Ethiopia - The New York Times

New York Investigates Whether Clinics Ignored Vaccine Rules - The New York Times

Authorities identify Nashville bomber, say his remains found in wreckage - The Washington Post

Your questions about the coronavirus vaccines, answered - The Washington Post

Sweden government to get wider shutdown powers under proposed pandemic law - Reuters

Russia reinforces Syrian area where Turkey-backed fighters have clashed with Kurdish forces - Reuters

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Gifts and Golf

 

Playing golf makes choosing some Christmas gifts a bit easier. Golfers are almost always in need of consumables, like tees and balls. 

Of course, if balls are gifted it is important to know which specific type of ball the golfer uses. It is amazing how particular we golfers are about the golf balls we use. I'm not sure whether that make that much of a difference with the handicap that I carry--one or two shots a round are not going to show up that much. But, even I am particular about the brand--unless I get a free one from the golf gods while searching for my lost ball. Even then, more and more I am leaving certain balls where they lie because I believe for some reason they are "beneath" me. 

This Christmas I gifted a few dozen golf balls--fodder for the water hazards and forests. 

I also received a tee shirt that completely defines my golf game. Chris often remarks that I never saw a tree on the golf course that I couldn't hit! And I also received a very blue pair of glasses to help find golf balls hidden in plain sight in the rough. I hope they work because I have a devil of a time finding balls that just missed the fairway. 

Maybe that is what I like racquetball as an alternative, at least the ball is confined to the court--well, mostly, unless playing at outdoor courts.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD