Monday Musings - December 13, 2021

 

1. Welcome to Monday all over again. Today begins the last full workweek of the year. There are two Mondays remaining in 2021. 

2. Thanks to everyone for the outpouring of love and sympathy over the passing of my Mom. Your thoughts and prayers have really helped as I remember my Mom,  the great woman of faith and tower of strength.

Patrick and Chris at the Cowboys-Washington Game
FEDEX Field, Landover, MD
December 12, 2021

3. Family NFL Results. It was a rough week, only one of the family teams managed a victory.

    Ravens (8-5) lose to Browns (7-6) 22-24

    Steelers (6-6-1) lose to Vikings (6-7) 28-36

    Cowboys (9-4) defeat Washington (6-7) 27-20

4. Two of our family were able to enjoy the Cowboys vs Washington Football Team game from the stadium yesterday. We did identify them on TV in their end zone seats. It was fun to know that members of the family were at the game cheering for the visitors while the remainder of us were gathered together rooting for the home team.

5. The darkness continues to expand its grip on the region, but in just two short weeks the Solstice will occur and light will begin returning.

6. Today in History. Vice President Al Gore concedes defeat to George W. Bush in his bid for the presidency, following weeks of legal battles over the recounting of votes in Florida, on December 13, 2000.

In a televised speech from his ceremonial office next to the White House, Gore said that while he was deeply disappointed and sharply disagreed with the Supreme Court verdict that ended his campaign, ”partisan rancor must now be put aside.”

“I accept the finality of the outcome, which will be ratified next Monday in the Electoral College” he said. “And tonight, for the sake of our unity as a people and the strength of our democracy, I offer my concession.”

 The U.S. Needs a Hypersonic Capability Now - The Wall Street Journal

The evidence so far indicates that Omicron spreads faster than other variants. Here’s what we know. - The New York Times

Chris Wallace Leaves Fox News as Right-Wing Hosts Hold Sway - The New York Times

Meadows Was Deeply Involved in Fighting Election Outcome, Jan. 6 Panel Says - The New York Times

Omicron could become dominant variant by next week in some European countries, officials predict - The Washington Post

Vaccine holdouts in U.S. military active-duty ranks approach 40,000 - The Washington Post

'Phenomenal' Omicron spread accounts for 40% of London infections - Reuters

Two cargo ships collide in Baltic fog, rescue underway - Reuters

Starbucks shuts two China outlets after reports they used expired ingredients - Reuters

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD