The New TV

 

Empty TV Box in Garage
Tequesta, FL
March 19, 2026

We finally decided to purchase the new TV we have been looking at for months. Having been tracking the price from a number of outlets, I was finally presented with a really good deal and we, to use an expression, "pulled the trigger."

What is the feature of the new TV we are most excited about? It has anti-glare technology. We will no longer have to watch TV while trying to avoid or look through the glare from the lights or windows!

But I'm not writing about the TV search and the purchase, it is about what happened after the monster was delivered.

We upgraded to a 65-inch class and were not fully prepared for the size. Fortunately, Chris was available to help move the TV from the box to the blanket covered kitchen table where the assembly process was completed.

So what did we experience during the installation process? First-off the instructions, suck!. They were all images and did not explain what the parts were or where they should be installed. The drawings were not very helpful and required a lot of interpretation. It was a real problem when I had options.

Newly Installed TV on the Wall
Tequesta, FL
March 19, 2026

Second the new wall mount, which was purchased separately, was also a disaster. The assortment of bolts to support installation did not contain one of the perfect length for the TV and even building the spacers up, there were not enough washers of the correct diameter to properly secure the mount to the TV frame. I had to go to Ace Hardware for additional washers (4/$.45). I had wanted to get bolts of the correct length, but they did not have them. It wasn't the money, it was the wasted time divining a plan that really bugged me. In the end, it worked and I was able to secure the mount to the frame in preparation for wall mounting.

But wait, there's more! 

When it came time to actually place the TV on the wall, I realized that I could not ask Chris to help because the TV is large, awkward to handle, and heavier than I could reasonably expect her to sling around. Fortunately, I was able to phone a friend who came to the rescue. Thanks Cody! 

The wall-mounting process actually went very well, we only had to change the height of the TV on the mount once! I had done a great job affixing the wall portion of the mount and leveling it!

But then came the final assault on the new TV--getting all of the streaming services working and understanding how the new TV works. 

Of course, now there is a game of musical TVs. I was confronted with the conundrum of which older TV to replace with the one that formerly was in the location of the new one. I put it in our bedroom with the intention of moving the one to replace the very old and small TV on the veranda, but Chris informed me this morning that the TV now in the bedroom is too big (it is a 55-inch) and she wants the old 41-inch TV reinstalled. Ugh! My roll down plan is officially trashed. The good news is that I had not yet performed the remove-and-replace operation on the veranda.

As an added benefit, today I get to take the packing materials to the recycling center. They are too large for the regular pick-up and I want them out of the garage!

I am looking forward to veggie-ing in front of the new TV this morning. And since baseball season is upon us, Go O's and Arundel High!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Yesterday I Learned (YIL) - Alum Cline Explosion

 

Alum Chine Explosion
Curtis Bay, MD
March 7, 1913

While watching the WBC final last night, as Team USA snatched defeat from the jaws of victory to a very hungry and enthusiastic Venezuelan team, I learned something really interesting. I learned that on March 7, 1913 the explosive equivalent of a tactical nuclear weapon (350 tons of TNT) detonated in Curtis Bay near Baltimore.

The full story is posted at: 

350 Tons of Dynamite Explode in Curtis Bay

This story was written during 2022 and based on a 2020 article written by Rick Forgo. 

Alum Chine
Undated Photo from Maritime Journal

I had thought that the collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge during March 2024 and the Great Baltimore Fire of February 1904 were the only significant disasters that happened in and around Baltimore.

But then I learned about the Alum Chine explosion. The freighter Alum Chine was at anchor near Curtis Bay being loaded with 350 tons of dynamite bound for Panama and the Canal construction when a fire started and the cargo detonated. 

One of the worst worst maritime disasters in Baltimore history occurred when a stevedore aboard the British cargo steamer Alum Chine accidentally set off a blasting cap in the ship’s hold that ignited 350 tons of dynamite on Friday, March 7, 1913. The resulting fire set off a series of earthshaking explosions in the Patapsco River that killed 33 men, injured another 60, and shook buildings as far north as Philadelphia. (Rick Forgo Article about the Disaster)

So, how did this excursion into history come about? Well, it is my son Patrick's fault. He did some research about a local cemetery and discovered that some victims of the explosion were buried there. But of course, we knew nothing of the explosion and that started this foray into history. 

Curiosity is a good thing. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

St Patrick's Day 2026

 Happy St Patrick's Day

Who doesn't like a chance to party? 

Sadly, it is going to be very cool and possibly rainy today which may dampen the celebrations, but whomever heard of a St Patrick's Day party being rained out? 

It might happen. 

In other activities, I completed my NCAA Men's Basket Ball Bracket in preparation for the tournament beginning. Of course I selected Syracuse as the next national champion. Oh wait, Syracuse is not in the tournament? Really? I guess that was a dream. 

OK, I selected UConn as the eventual champion. If it goes like most years, UConn will be eliminated during the second round and my bracket will be totally busted by the end of the round. 

Braggart's statement of the day (for which I cannot comprehend the purpose):

Jimmy Carter… How did his attack work out in Iran? Not too good. I think ours is slightly better. (on X and The Washington Post)

Does he know Jimmy Carter died? Jimmy Carter never attacked Iran, there was, however, a failed attempt to rescue the American Embassy hostages.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - March 16, 2026

 1. Good Monday! (or Happy Monday as one of my former bosses used to say) It is the third Monday of March meaning there are 41 Mondays remaining in the year. The Iran War/Conflict/Excursion/Incursion (pick one) is in its 17 day of frustration and ineptitude.

Fishing on the Loxahatchee
Tequesta, FL
March 15, 2026

2. Made it out for a ride yesterday and came across this solitary fisherman in his boat on the North Fork of the Loxahatchee River. Not the calmest day for fishing, but a great start to a Sunday for both of us. 

3. Cheers for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. They made it into the finals with a nail-biting 2-1 win over the Dominican Republic last night. All of the runs scored in the game were solo home runs. 

4. Although the administration appears to be trying to convince Americans that the U.S. military’s destruction of the Iranian military means the U.S. has won the war, Iranian leadership needed simply to continue in power to declare victory. Then, blocking the 20% of the world’s oil that flows through the Strait of Hormuz would give them leverage over the war’s outcome. (Letters from an American)

5. I have grave concerns about statements made by our Secretary of Defense. One in particular, that the SECDEF made last Friday morning in the Pentagon briefing comes to mind. According to a transcript of the briefing, Hegseth said: “We will keep pressing, keep pushing, keep advancing – no quarter, no mercy for our enemy.” (The Guardian) Let's be real here, while he was likely grandstanding because he doesn't know any better, but as the SECDEF he needs to temper his enthusiasm for war and killing. What he said is a war crime! Period. And it is not the first time that he has suggested the US forces should engage in war crimes. I am, frankly, appalled that senior leadership does not understand the seriousness of the business of war.

6. Today in History. The United States Military Academy—the first military school in the United States—is founded by Congress for the purpose of educating and training young men in the theory and practice of military science. Located at West Point, New York, the U.S. Military Academy is often simply known as West Point.

Located on the high west bank of New York’s Hudson River, West Point was the site of a Revolutionary-era fort built to protect the Hudson River Valley from British attack. In 1780, Patriot General Benedict Arnold, the commander of the fort, agreed to surrender West Point to the British in exchange for 6,000 pounds. However, the plot was uncovered before it fell into British hands, and Arnold fled to the British for protection.

Israel says it has plans for three weeks of war as airstrikes pound Iran - Reuters

Zelenskiy says Ukraine wants money, technology in return for Middle East drone help - Reuters

China's economy builds early momentum in 2026 as global risks mount - Reuters

Trump ramps up calls for help reopening Strait of Hormuz - CNN

For Subscribers US gas is now at its highest price since the inflation crisis - CNN

6 airmen killed in Iraq plane crash remembered with emotional tributes - CNN

The cost of Trump’s Iran war is even more infuriating than it sounds - CNN

Spring break crackdown: Southern towns roll out alcohol bans and new restrictions - FoxNews

Republican rebukes FCC chair’s threats to revoke broadcast licenses over Iran war - The Guardian

‘Triple-threat megastorm’ to scatter snow, high winds and thunder across US - The Guardian

A 16-Year-Old Soccer Star Arrives After Impressive 23-Minute Display - The New York Times

Final note: Take a moment today to remember our military personnel, especially those deployed to the Middle East. Pray for them and especially for the families whose loved ones have paid the ultimate price.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Irish all Over with Baseball on Top

 

The Irish Festival
Downtown Abacoa, FL
March 14, 2026

Enjoying a lazy Saturday is the epitome of a great weekend. 

Our big event of the day was attending the Irish Festival in Downtown Abacoa. There was a Spring Training game underway right across the street at Roger Dean Stadium which meant parking was a bit tight. OK, really tight. Fortunately, Chris and I arrived a bit early and were able to secure free parking in the overflow lot down the street. 

Irish Fest
Downtown Abacoa
March 14, 2026

We enjoyed the fest and I am looking forward to another fest in the parking lot across the street on the actual St Patrick's Day hosted by the local Irish Restaurant and pub, McCarthy's.

For the afternoon/evening, Chris and I watched a pre-season baseball scrimmage via GameChanger between Arundel High and Marriotts Ridge. Jax pitched the first two innings and later played left field getting an RBI as a batter. It was a long game--really long (3 and a half hours) and the final score was a less than satisfying 12-12 tie. The good news is that Arundel came back from a 6-run deficit to tie the game but could not push the winning run across in the bottom of the 7th. 

I love this video clip. Jax throws a killer curve to strike out the final batter of the first inning. 

I am very happy that baseball is back!

BTW--I, sadly, did not enjoy any pie on Pi Day.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Raniy Day and Taxes

 Happy Pi Day

I finally found something worthwhile to accomplish on rainy days--Taxes!

The past two days have had some rain, well yesterday the rain was off and on all day. It puts a damper on outdoors activity, like biking. 

Since it is tax season and all of my statements have arrived, I decided that I would do the taxes. And so I did! I use TurboTax, as I have for decades, which makes data entry easier. This year I used the take an image and upload feature, which really worked great. There was only a small glitch on one entry where a number was misread--I am glad I caught it because much as I would like, I don't have a pension in the millions! The taxes on that would have been incredible. 

But taxes are done and filed. TurboTax suggested it took just over two hours start to finish. It really took longer as I wasted a lot of time trying to find more deductions that the standard deduction. I came up woefully short.

Now that the taxes are filed, I no longer have to perseverate about them! Yay!

And I got them done a month ahead of time. 

It is raining this morning, I wonder what I will do today?

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

The Slog of War

Mauree Naree Ablaze
Straits of Hormuz

Beware Friday the 13th

It is apparent that the war being waged against Iran was woefully under-planned. 

How else would Iran have now become one of the leading oil exporters in the world and is exporting more oil than before the war? (Hindustan Times) We won't sink their tankers because we don't want to upset China; the primary recipient of Iranian oil. (Reuters)

Or even more concerning, the U.S. has dropped sanctions against Russia to allow them to ship oil! (Business Insider) Really, so the aggressor in the Ukraine conflict is getting a free pass because the U.S. didn't plan ahead on how to keep the Strait of Hormuz open?

Our adversaries are profiting from the war while U.S. military personnel are dying and the treasury is being drained.

What is the endgame?

Where is a battleship when we need one! I would think that one battleship could defend the Strait. Wait we retired them all. We have no way to pummel the defenders of the Strait with monstrously-huge conventional munitions. 

Strait of Hormuz

Why didn't the United States deploy sufficient naval ships to escort tankers? Under-planning! Everyone with a brain knows that Iran's best move in a conflict is to shut the Strait of Hormuz. We don't have sufficient naval vessels because there was no prior planning to create an international coalition to provide security for the 20 percent of the world's oil which transits the Strait of Hormuz daily.

I am not suggesting our military is under-performing. No. They are magnificent! Our brave service members have been let down by leadership which has ignored decades of assessments about how a conflict with Iran might proceed. 

If only we had an identifiable objective then we could really decide when we had completed it. 

Welcome to the quagmire. God help us!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Look, up in the Sky

Pelicans on Patrol
Juno Beach, FL
March 7, 2026

 This is a fun time of year to keep an eye on the sky. The pelicans are gathering in squadrons. Big squadrons! 

Sometimes they fly low over the water; between the waves looking for their next meal. More often though, they are flying together in the sky. Of course, there is often one pelican sitting on a piling in a marina showing off. 

Osprey with Fish
Hobe Sound Nature Reserve, FL
July 13, 2012

We also enjoy watching the ospreys hunt. They fly deliberately and often dive for fish in the ocean. That is exciting, but hard to capture on camera. One of my best was a few years ago when I imaged an osprey coming out of the ocean with a fish in its talons. They truly are magnificent birds. 

Something to scan the sky for. 

-- Bob doan, Tequesta, FL

Mid-week Thoughts

Stunning Orchid
Tequesta, FL
March 7, 2026

Happy Hump Day!

The middle day of the week is upon us. I'm glad everyday that I am happily retired and don't work through the workweek the way I used to. 

George and Sue departed yesterday after spending a great week with us and the house seems very empty this morning. They had both a good and bad trip home, as it was relayed to me. Getting through security and the flight was great, the fact that the battery was dead in their car on arrival to Baltimore was bad. Fortunately, they had a portable charger in the car and were not long delayed on their return home.

Traveling comes with a lot of challenges. 

Pelican at Jupiter
Henry Starter
Norton Museum of Art
March 8, 2026

I was happy to hear that TSA-pre is still functioning as Chris and I have planned travel for the Easter holiday. Hopefully, things will go smoothly for us.

It is orchid season. We were out the other night and I was very impressed with Mary's orchid. It was stunning and I had to get an image of it. 

While at the Norton Museum of Art on Sunday, we toured the permanent collections after visiting the Rembrandt exhibit. I came across this painting with the Jupiter Lighthouse as a subject. It was done by Henry Starter in 1935. I found the depiction of the lighthouse to be very interesting because there is no large tree around the base. Any modern image of the lighthouse will show the base obscured by a huge ficus tree.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Friends on the Beach

Six Friends on the Beach
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
March 9, 2026

 Celebrating the end of a beautiful day and the sad close to a vacation for two friends, we met on the beach last evening for Happy Hour and dinner. I decided to take an image of the six friends on the beach, but it was a bit different from most. As we sat there, I saw our shadows on the beach in front of the ocean. I decided that would be our good-bye portrait. It is kinda obvious which shadow is me, lol.

Heston Kjerstad
Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter, FL
March 9, 2026

We have thoroughly enjoyed our time with Sue and George and it sadly is coming to an end as they fly north today. But, we will be heading North ourselves in a few weeks for Easter.

We also attended a Spring Training Game between the hometown Cardinals and the Orioles yesterday. It was a solid game for about 5 innings until the Orioles gave up 5 runs in the 6th and 7th innings to lose 7-2. But we had fun seeing the Orioles for what I believe was their first trip to Jupiter since moving to Sarasota from Ft Lauderdale during 2010.

It has been a fun and busy week. We will miss Sue and George. Here's hoping for smooth TSA processing at PBI and a refreshingly boring flight.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL