Friday, January 8, 2021

Happy Friday

 

Friday has arrived. 

Usually on Friday's at work there is a bit of excitement at the prospect of the weekend and some exciting plan. But, COVID has robbed us of that. No longer do I dream of heading off to some new place or returning to visit a favorite place. Or even driving north to visit family. These weekends are stretching into a COVID bland string of days. 

At least this weekend the NFL will provide some entertainment. But after a while the games become the same--devolving into moments of action punctuated by minutes of commercials. 

Maybe the the wine group will have Happy Hour tonight--by Zoom. There is something unsatisfying about a Zoom Happy Hour because the discussion between seven people can only be about one thing at a time rather than having multiple discussions happening all at once. And then there is the wine--I like being able to enjoy multiple wines and talking about the structure, taste, and one of each of them. It is hard to share a bottle of wine across cyberspace. More importantly though--we are all happy to be able to be together and break the monotony of another COVID week.

The pandemic remains unchecked. The infection rates and the numbers of Americans dying from the virus continue to be at levels no one would ever believe and the toll on their families is unbearable. The government is totally ineffective and even the vaccine program has been so underplayed that it us an embarrassment. 

It has been quite a week, however, and reflecting on what has transpired and how it will affect our country. I won't recount it--suffice it to write that I never saw what happened coming. 

But regardless--Happy Friday. 

Our happiness what we make it.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD


Thursday, January 7, 2021

Bookend for the Administration

 

The Republic stands!

Capitol Under Siege
Washington, D.C.
January 6, 2021
It was a turbulent 24 hours which saw the first black elected to the U.S. Senate from Georgia; two Democratic Senators elected from Georgia shifting the balance of power in the Senate; the storming of the U.S. Capitol, which has not happened since 1814 by the British during the War of 1812; and Congress completing the 2020 Election by certifying the Electoral College results for Joe Biden. Whew!

And the flag still flys over the Capitol, a testament to the American spirit and the strength of our leaders who, despite the threats and lawlessness did not abandon the country and stayed to complete their solemn business in the "citadel of liberty."

That the president was behind the storming of the Capitol is, in my mind, an abomination. I was grieved to the innermost parts of my soul by the lawlessness. I support the right of people to protest--but, I do not support the wanton lawlessness that was on display yesterday. Even during the height of the Civil Rights Rallies and the Anti-War protests of the 60's and 70's--storming the Capitol was considered off limits. There is a distinct difference between legal protests and wanton lawlessness. And guess who still has not condemned the storming of the Capitol by his supporters?

The Washington. Post reports this morning that the president incited the lawlessness:

Trump issued a call to arms. Then he urged his followers ‘to remember this day forever!’

I will remember this day as it provides an apt bookend for the Trump presidency. Thirteen days to go.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD 


Wednesday, January 6, 2021

Biking Away the Winter

 

Last month, to fight off the winter doldrums and to help maintain some physical fitness during the winter since I am not playing racquetball, I bought a NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle

Riding Along a North Carolina Lake
S22i Studio Cycle
I reported on the purchase, but I have not written about it in the intervening weeks. 

Last evening, after work, as I was riding around a lake in North Carolina following my trainer I took a couple of pictures to demonstrate how the cycle provides the ultimate escape. 

Full Screen with Workout Details
S22i Studio Cycle Ride
The afternoon in Maryland was dark, dreary, and rainy. Not to mention temperatures in the 30's. Not a good afternoon for a ride. But yesterday, despite the weather outside of my home, my cycle took me on a 7 mile foundation ride along a lake during autumn in North Carolina. It was a beautiful ride and it was an easy ride after a difficult and challenging mountain climb the other day.

I was amazed at how much better I felt after getting outside, in the warm sun for a nice afternoon ride. I changed my mood and I got in some good exercise as well.

Most people have heard of the Peloton cycle, but when I did my research I was impressed with the extra features provided by the S22i--and it was significantly less expensive once all of the extra requirements for the Peloton were considered. 

I have ridden my S22i every day since I have had it--and I have had it over three weeks now. I definitely feel improved fitness and I actually look forward to the rides each day. I have build some personal rides using Google Maps around my condo in Florida--and it is always good to get back there and dream of the heat, humidity, and sweat during the dark days of winter. 

I am hoping to bike away the Winter and be ready for the Springtime.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Tuesday, January 5, 2021

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, January 4, 2021

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 HistoryOn 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.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday, January 3, 2021

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

Saturday, January 2, 2021

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


Friday, January 1, 2021

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


Thursday, December 31, 2020

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


Wednesday, December 30, 2020

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

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