Monday Musings - August 9, 2021

 

1. It is the second Monday of August. My, where has the time gone. The month is passing like a whirlwind.

2. Did you ever notice that when someone says, "Money isn't the issue," it is almost always about the money?

Baltimore Skyline
Clifton Park Golf Course, Baltimore, MD
August 7, 2021

3. Baltimore from Clifton Park Golf Course on an early sunny Saturday morning looks welcoming. It was a nice morning for golf.

4. Spending a quiet Sunday afternoon in the pool, chatting and planning our future was a great way to enjoy the heat. 

5. The Orioles have dropped five in a row, losing a series to the Yankees 1-2, and getting swept by the Rays 3-0. They have again secured last place in the American League after a promising start to the post-All Star Break portion of the season. There are 52 games remaining in the season and the Orioles still have a change to record 60 wins, but based on their current record they will end 58-104.

6. Weekend traffic has become worse than weekday rush hour traffic. It seems that everyone who is not working is trying to go to the same places at the same time.

7. The truth of climate change is becoming apparent and it is a lot worst than we thought. We can deny it all that we want to, but it is happening just the same.

8. Get vaccinated. Wear a mask in crowds. Be safe. 

9. Today in History. In accordance with his statement of resignation the previous evening, Richard M. Nixon officially ends his term as the 37th president of the United States at noon on August 9, 1974. Before departing with his family in a helicopter from the White House lawn, he smiled farewell and enigmatically raised his arms in a victory or peace salute. The helicopter door was then closed, and the Nixon family began their journey home to San Clemente, California. Richard Nixon was the first U.S. president to resign from office.

Companies Scrap Plans for Fall as Virus Cases Rise - The Wall Street Journal

Some Climate-Change Effects May Be Irreversible, U.N. Panel Report Says - The Wall Street Journal

Judge Sides With Norwegian Cruise Line in Suit Over Vaccination Proof in Florida - The Wall Street Journal

U.S. Response Sends Clear Message to Afghanistan: You’re on Your Own - The New York Times

‘This Is Really Scary’: Kids Struggle With Long Covid - The New York Times

‘Goldilocks virus’: Delta vanquishes all variant rivals as scientists race to understand its tricks - The Washington Post

Florida church reeling after six members die within 10 days amid spike in cases - The Washington Post

Australia expands COVID lockdown over concern virus has spread from Sydney - Reuters

To save the planet, focus on cutting methane - U.N. climate report - Reuters

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week 

I welcome this chance to further strengthen the unbreakable ties between the United States and Israel and to assure you of our commitment to Israel's security and well-being.

Israel and America may be thousands of miles apart, but we are philosophical neighbors sharing a strong commitment to democracy and the rule of law. What we hold in common are the bonds of trust and friendship, qualities that in our eyes make Israel a great nation. No people have fought longer, struggled harder, or sacrificed more than yours in order to survive, to grow, and to live in freedom.

The United States and Israel share similar beginnings as nations of immigrants, yearning to live in freedom and to fulfill the dreams of our forefathers. We have both sought to establish societies of law, to live in peace, and to develop the full potential of our lands. We share a devotion to democratic institutions, responsible to the wills of our citizens. Our peoples embrace common ideals of self-improvement through hard work and individual initiative. Together, we seek peace for all people. In partnership, we're determined to defend liberty and safeguard the security of our citizens. We know Israelis live in constant peril. But Israel will have our help. She will remain strong and secure, and her special character of spirit, genius, and faith will prevail.

The prophet Ezekiel spoke of a new age -- when land that was desolate has become like the Garden of Eden and waste and ruined cities are now inhabited. We saw how miraculously you transformed and made the desert bloom. We see how, despite dangers every day, your families continue working together to build a better place to live and to prosper in peace and freedom.

Our dream, our challenge, and, yes, our mission, is to make the golden age of peace, prosperity, and brotherhood a living reality in all countries of the Middle East. Let us remember that whether we be Christian or Jew or Moslem, we are all children of Abraham; we are all children of the same God.

 - Remarks at the Welcoming Ceremony for Prime Minister Menahem Begin of Israel, September 9, 1981

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD