Monday Musings - October 12, 2026

 1. Happy Columbus Day, Indigenous People's Day, or whatever it is called now. It is the second Monday of October! Wow. The month is cruising along and there are only 11 Mondays remaining in the year. 

Osprey outside the Window
Tequesta, FL
October 11, 2026

2. The bird outside our window. Yesterday during a drenching thunderstorm, Chris and I went to the veranda to check on the storm and were startled to see an osprey sitting in a tree very close to our condo. We enjoy seeing ospreys when we are at the beach or boating, but have never seen one perch on the treeling behind the condo. It was easy to assess that the bird was seeking cover during the storm. It remained for a while before flying away.

3. Family NFL Results. It was a another less than satisfying weekend for most of the family teams. The teams went 2-2-1 for the weekend and now post a 14-14-1 record for the season. 

Ravens (4-1) soared over Falcons (2-3), 30-23

Steelers (3-2) trample Colts  (2-3), 34-22

Commanders (1-3-1) snatched a tie from the jaws of victory against the Giants (3-1-1), 27-27 

Cowboys (2-3)  were outgunned by Buccaneers (1-4), 16-24

Dolphins (0-5) lost again to Bengals (3-2), 24-31

Chiefs (4-0) BYE

4. Revered or Reviled? Apparently, our President is more concerned about putting his name on everything he can than with how history will remember him. His temper tantrum for not winning the Nobel Prize was classic. I know that I am looking forward to the day when governmental business is no longer conducted via social media. His quest for accolades and awards reminded me of something General Patton is quoted as saying: 

“For over a thousand years Roman conquerors returning from the wars enjoyed the honor of triumph, a tumultuous parade. In the procession came trumpeteers, musicians and strange animals from conquered territories, together with carts laden with treasure and captured armaments. The conquerors rode in a triumphal chariot, the dazed prisoners walking in chains before him. Sometimes his children robed in white stood with him in the chariot or rode the trace horses. A slave stood behind the conqueror holding a golden crown and whispering in his ear a warning: that all glory is fleeting.” (Highlighting mine)

5. Today in History. After sailing across the Atlantic Ocean, Italian explorer Christopher Columbus sights a Bahamian island on October 12, 1492, believing he has reached East Asia. His expedition went ashore the same day and claimed the land for Isabella and Ferdinand of Spain, who sponsored his attempt to find a western ocean route to China, India, and the fabled gold and spice islands of Asia.

Columbus was born in Genoa, Italy, in 1451. Little is known of his early life, but he worked as a seaman and then a maritime entrepreneur. He became obsessed with the possibility of pioneering a western sea route to Cathay (China), India, and the gold and spice islands of Asia. At the time, Europeans knew no direct sea route to southern Asia, and the route via Egypt and the Red Sea was closed to Europeans by the Ottoman Empire, as were many land routes.

Ukraine accuses Russia of violating Trump's energy ceasefire - Reuters

Six reasons Democrats may fall short of a midterm landslide - Reuters

Closure of Riyadh airport extended after deadly Houthi strikes - Reuters

China's tax crackdown piles pressure on luxury brands as US spending falters - Reuters

Trump backlash stokes GOP fears of a midterm wipeout - CNN

A megadrought has drained the nation’s largest water reservoir by 70% - CNN

European troops arrive in Greenland as Trump targets allies with new tariff threats - MS Now

‘Wow!’: Trump snaps after losing out on Nobel Peace Prize again - MS Now

Elon Musk Flooded Republican Groups With $276 Million in Rescue Mission for G.O.P. - The New York Times

Kremlin rejects 60-day truce offer and refuses to comment on Trump’s ‘energy ceasefire’ - The Guardian

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - October 5, 2026

 1. Monday Musings returns. This is the first Monday of October and the first Monday of the Fiscal New Year--at least we did not have a shutdown this year. There are 12 Mondays remaining in 2026.

Miami in the Morning
Port of Miami on Celebrity Beyond
October 4, 2026

2. One of the things I enjoy at the end of a cruise is getting an image of the port as we sail in under the cover of darkness. I thought I was thwarted during the most recent cruise due to the dirty infinite veranda window that would not open. But, I snapped an image anyway and with the help of AI to remove the haze caused by the window and optimize the image, I am pretty happy with the result. It is Miami in the Morning. I took the image at 5:50 AM as Celebrity Beyond was approaching the Turning Basin. Amazingly, Chris and I would be off the ship, in our car, and on the way home in about two-and-a-half hours.

3. Family Football Catch-up. Well, the family teams continue to be mediocre, often snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. They went 3-3 for the week and are now 12-12 for the season.

Ravens (3-1) held on against Titans (0-1), 24-18

Steelers (2-2) lost ugly to Browns (3-1), 24-27

TFKATR* (1-3) lost to Colts (2-2), 13-30 

*TFKATR - Team Formerly Known As The Redskins

Cowboys (2-2)  snatched victory from Texans (0-4), 34-30

Dolphins (0-4) failed to execute against Vikings (4-0), 10-15

Chiefs (4-0) snuck past Raiders (0-2) 30-27

4. It is just over one month to the mid-term elections. I have never before noticed the incredible amount of corruption hovering on the edge of the elections. Votes are being bought. Offers of $5000 if Republicans win, an $100 to seniors on Medicare are nothing more than vote buying schemes designed to coerce votes. And worse, remember the Big Beautiful Bill? The absolutely negative aspects of that bill go into effect after the elections. I am concerned there will be pain and suffering as has not been seen since the Great Depression across America. 

5. Today in History. On October 5, 1892, the famous Dalton Gang attempts the daring daylight robberyof two Coffeyville, Kansas, banks at the same time. But if the gang members believed the sheer audacity of their plan would bring them success, they were sadly mistaken. Instead, they were nearly all killed by quick-acting townspeople.

For a year and a half, the Dalton Gang had terrorized the state of Oklahoma, mostly concentrating on train holdups. Though the gang had more murders than loot to their credit, they had managed to successfully evade the best efforts of Oklahoma law officers to bring them to justice. Perhaps success bred overconfidence, but whatever their reasons, the gang members decided to try their hand at robbing not just one bank, but at robbing the First National and Condon Banks in their old hometown of Coffeyville at the same time.

Yemeni government launches offensive to seize all areas from Iran-backed Houthis - Reuters

US removes B-1 bombers from UK base amid security concerns - Reuters

Ukraine will hit Russian refineries in response to Moscow's 'new doctrine' of airstrikes, Zelenskiy says - Reuters

In crude Ohio speech, Trump says he may not help the state if Democrats win - Reuters

Trump is suddenly urging Republicans to ‘vote by mail’ - MS Now

Why doesn’t high speed rail work in America? - CNN

California woman arrested for spying for China and surveilling Taiwanese president’s son, officials say - CNN

Iran’s Top Security Official Warns of Dire Economic Conditions - The New York Times

Measles Outbreak in Amish Country Forces Some to Rethink Vaccines - The New York Times

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - September 21, 2026

 

At the Car Wash
Tequesta, FL
September 20, 2026

1. Autumn arrives tomorrow at 8:04 PM EDT! Summer will have run its course. Today is the third Monday of September and only 14 Mondays remain in the year.

2. Yesterday morning was a beautiful day for a car wash. We had not needed to have the car washed due to the massive amounts of rain we have been receiving, but having the interior vacuumed and the windows washed are added benefits. There were a lot of dog nose imprints on the windows. The car wash was running at about half staff and they were not being overworked. Most other car owners probably felt that the forecast rain would negate any benefit from going to the car wash. As we are member of the club, we needed to get some benefit from our monthly fee. The car looked great, right up until it rained. 

3. The NFL was most frustrating yesterday. I watched two games and could not believe the terrible game changing calls made by the officiating teams even with the assistance of video review. The family teams had another rough day going 2-4. For the season they are now 5-7.

Ravens (1-1) gave the game to the Saints (1-1), 17-24

Steelers (1-1) got executed by Patriots (1-1), 3-20

TFKATR* (0-2) lost to Cowboys (1-1), 20-37

*TFKATR - Team Formerly Known As The Redskins  

Dolphins (0-2) were caged by 49ers (2-0), 13-35

Chiefs (2-0) defeated Colts (0-2) 33-30

4. And the Orioles effectively ended their season. With six games remaining the Orioles are 5 games out of the Wild Card and logged their 81st loss yesterday. That is significant because unless they win their remaining 6 games they will finish below .500 for the season, again!

5. Assault on the Constitution. We all know what happened over the weekend, the President who is sworn to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution blatantly ignored Amendment 1 by barring news media from the White house Press Corps. Is it a coincidence that these things happen over weekends? It was clearly another action designed to take the spotlight off the failing Iran War--which has widened, the Epstein Files, the failing economy, rising inflation, and the general ineptitude of the Executive Branch. Normally, I would be screaming that he needs to be impeached, but the successor is likely even worse. 

6. Today in History. On September 21, 1780, during the American Revolution, American General Benedict Arnold meets with British Major John Andre to discuss handing over West Point to the British, in return for the promise of a large sum of money and a high position in the British army. The plot was foiled and Arnold, a former American hero, became synonymous with the word “traitor.”

Arnold was born into a well-respected family in Norwich, Connecticut, on January 14, 1741. He apprenticed with an apothecary and was a member of the militia during the French and Indian War (1754-1763). He later became a successful trader and joined the Continental Army when the Revolutionary Warbroke out between Great Britain and its 13 American colonies in 1775. When the war ended in 1783, the colonies had won their independence from Britain and formed a new nation, the United States.

Merz clings on after German election 'disaster' - Reuters

Iran and US trade threats after Houthi attacks escalate regional conflict - Reuters

World leaders return to UN as it struggles to remain relevant - Reuters

Two dead in Moscow region, drones hit oil refinery - Reuters

CNN, MS NOW and Politico to sue Trump admin over White House access - CNN

New laws trigger a fresh legal fight over Nazi-looted art in Los Angeles and Auschwitz museums - CNN

Tensions escalate in Minnesota after Wednesday shooting involving federal agent - MS Now

Members go around Speaker Johnson again, advance Epstein Files Transparency Act sequel - MS Now

Trump Gets Caught in a Dilemma Over a Saudi Plea for Military Help - The New York Times

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - September 14, 2026

 

Out the Hotel Window
Charlottesville, VA
September 7, 2026

1. September is half over and guess what is lurking for arrival next week? Yup, Autumn. Today is the second Monday of September and there are only 15 Mondays remaining in the year. 

2. Well, there is but one game remaining in the NFL kick-off. It has been six days of football between the NFL and college. The football orgy began last Wednesday and finally concludes tonight. 

3. The Family Football Tracker returns and the season is not off to a good start. The teams went 2-3 with one game remaining for opening weekend.

Ravens (1-0) defeated Colts (0-1), 41-23

Steelers (1-0) got past Falcons (0-1), 20-13

TFKATR* (0-1) narrowly lost to Eagles (1-0), 22-24

*TFKATR - Team Formerly Known As The Redskins  

Cowboys (0-1) stomped by Giants (1-0), 20-28

Dolphins (0-1) drowned by Raiders (1-0), 13-27

Chiefs (0-0) face Broncos (0-0) tonight!

4. The Orioles have effectively removed themselves from post-season contention by losing the series to Toronto. They are 4 games out of the wild card with only 12 games remaining. They also are likely going to post another losing season unless they can win 9 of their remaining 12 games.

5. The Bankruptcy Game. Is Trump playing the game with America? Do we really believe that there will be a $5K payout is the Republicans win the election? And for that matter, what is the definition of winning? Check this out: The Board Trump installed to run the Kennedy Center is warning it could close as early as this week. According to The Washington Post, Trump’s officials said the center is facing “certain financial collapse” within weeks. They also “insist” that adding President Donald Trump’s name may be the only way to avoid bankruptcy. The bankruptcy game is something the president is familiar with. He has bankrupted the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, casinos, the Plaza Hotel, and some resorts. (Civil Discourse)

6. The image I took looking out the window of our hotel in Charlottesville, VA, clearly shows the beginning colors of Autumn. The leaves are yellow on the bushes outside of our first floor room. The view is not that great, of the parking lot. But it was a nice room and we had an enjoyable stay. 

7. Today in History. U.S. President William McKinley dies on September 14, 1901, eight days after being shot by a deranged anarchist during the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York.

McKinley won his first Congressional seat at the age of 34 and spent 14 years in the House, becoming known as the leading Republican expert on tariffs. After losing his seat in 1890, McKinley served two terms as governor of Ohio. By 1896, he had emerged as the leading Republican candidate for president, aided by the support of the wealthy Ohio industrialist Mark Hanna. That fall, McKinley defeated his Democratic rival, William Jennings Bryan, by the largest popular margin since the Civil War.

Hormuz talks postponed and oil prices jump - Reuters

Global AI stocks fall as industry chiefs call for slowing development - Reuters

Carney, locked in US trade war, pitches Canada to global investment titans - Reuters

Trump calls $5,000 payouts 'easy' to fit into federal budget - Reuters

Fed rate hike on Wednesday now likely, say economists, and at least one more to follow - Reuters

Adult woman dies of measles complications in growing Pennsylvania outbreak - CNN

Ukraine is fighting Russia anywhere it can – even in the deserts of Africa - CNN

Trump blames Ukraine for America’s record-high diesel prices - MS Now

E.P.A. Is Expected to Erase Limits on Climate Pollution From Power Plants - The New York Times

Saudi Arabia Faces ‘Worst-Case Scenario’ After Being Rebuffed by Trump - The New York Times

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - September 7, 2026

Happy Labor Day

1. The first Monday of September has arrived and along with it Labor Day and the unofficial end of Summer. Wow! And only 16 Mondays remain in the year. 

Sunset at Hark Vineyard
Earlysville, VA
September 6, 2026

2. Chris and I enjoyed a the wines of Keswick Vineyards yesterday. The visit brought back old memories of how we transitioned from simple enjoyment of wine to become interested in all aspects of wine making and enjoyment. This interest has led us to visit wineries and vineyards in the U.S. and other countries.

3. As yesterday ended, we were at the award winning Hark Vineyards enjoying a grand birthday party and a spectacular sunset over the mountains. The party and the wines were very special and made memories not to be forgotten. 

4. The Orioles and decided to end their post-season chances by going 0-6 so far in September. They entered the month with a chance to win a wild card post-season spot, and now six games into the month that have all but given that opportunity away. They were just embarrassingly  swept by the Red Sox in a four game series. They only scored six runs in the entire four game series and five of those were in the first game!

5. At 9:10 this morning [Sunday], after spending the entire weekend hiding inside his Bedminster golf club, avoiding the waiting press and their cameras, Donald Trump posted his first social media post of the day. By 10:35 this evening [Sunday], he had posted more than 60 times, with each share more concerning than the last. The posts became so disturbing at times that many began openly questioning if the president of the United States was having a mental health crisis, with some of his fellow MAGA Republicans even ridiculing him back. (Hope for America)

6. Today in History. On September 7, 1813, according to the most cited—and Congressionally approved—account, the United States gets its nickname, Uncle Sam. The name is linked to Samuel Wilson, a meat packer from Troy, New York, who supplied barrels of beef to the United States Army during the War of 1812. Wilson (1766-1854) stamped the barrels with “U.S.” for United States. But because Wilson was known locally as "Uncle Sam," soldiers began referring to the grub as “Uncle Sam’s.” The local newspaper, the Troy Post, picked up on the story and Uncle Sam eventually gained widespread acceptance as the nickname for—and personification of—the U.S. federal government.

Scholars have uncovered a handful of earlier references linking the U.S. to the nickname Uncle Sam, but the Troy Post origin story has stuck as the official one.

Far-right AfD courts conservative support after historic German state election win - Reuters

Iran to announce new restricted zone in the Gulf in the coming days - Reuters

Warning signs abound for Republicans as midterm campaign begins final sprint - Reuters

At least five killed in Amazon Prime Air cargo plane crash in Miami - Reuters

Horse smuggling exposes cracks in US defenses against screwworm - Reuters

Armed man arrested after pushing through crowd toward Ohio Democratic gubernatorial nominee - CNN

U.S. envoys Witkoff and Kushner arrive in Kyiv after talks with Putin in Moscow - MS Now

U.S. objects to new world map that corrects the size of Africa - MS Now

As War Grinds On, Trump Relishes Renovation Projects - The New York Times

-- Bob Doan, Charlottesville, VA

Monday Musings - August 31, 2026

 1. When today is over, the year will be two-thirds complete! Four months remain and only 17 Mondays. Today is both the last day and last Monday of August. 

2. It was a quiet weekend given the rain and storms. We did not do a lot to write about. We did manage. a few around the house projects. 

3. How about them O's! They swept the A's. The O's are 5-1 during their last 6 games and are 1 game out of the Wild Card. They are also 1 game below .500! There is actually hope that they might make and appearance in the post-season. 

4. Lake Ontario has been known by that name for over 400 years. I don't think an Executive Order from a narcissistic president is going to change that. It is too bad our president is focused on such small things when there are world changing events happening that he should be addressing. Oh yea, and what about those Epstein files? 

5. “So, let me get this straight,” national security reporter David Rothkopf wrote. “[T]he US illegally attacks a country, kidnaps its president, threatens its government with massive military force, gets them to hand over to US control a huge portion of their national assets, hails the billions it has already brought in and promises billions more[,] but we don’t know where the money’s going, how it is going to benefit the US, if it is going to benefit the US, who’s privately going to benefit, what side deals have been struck with the corrupt leaders of their country or ours, & we are supposed to celebrate this act of aggression and theft that violates international law and that could well turn out to be a massive mafia-style shakedown scheme to benefit the anti-democratic forces in Venezuela and the US, the president’s friends and supporters, possibly the president and his family?”  (Letters from an American)

6. Today in History. On August 31, 1980, representatives of the communist government of Poland agree to the demands of striking shipyard workers in the city of Gdansk. Former electrician Lech Walesa led the striking workers, who went on to form Solidarity, the first independent labor union to develop in a Soviet bloc nation.

In July 1980, facing economic crisis, Poland’s government raised the price of food and other goods, while curbing the growth of wages. The price hikes made it difficult for many Poles to afford basic necessities, and a wave of strikes swept the country. Amid mounting tensions, a popular forklift operator named Anna Walentynowicz was fired from the Lenin Shipyard in the northern Polish city of Gdansk. In mid-August, some 17,000 of the shipyard’s workers began a sit-down strike to campaign for her reinstatement, as well as for a modest increase in wages. They were led by the former shipyard electrician Lech Walesa, who had himself been fired for union activism four years earlier.

Iran targets US bases in Jordan in the first exchange of strikes in weeks - Reuters

Nepal teams seek hundreds trapped in hydropower tunnels after deadly floods - Reuters

Another Ukrainian town lies in ruins as Russians creep closer - Reuters

Trump says US will refill Strategic Petroleum Reserve using Venezuelan oil - Reuters

Trump calls for NBC’s Kristen Welker to face ‘rebuke or punishment’ from the FCC - CNN

Nepal Raises Number of Missing From Floods to 4,700: What to Know - The New York Times

Americans warned to rethink travel plans as terrorism threatens popular destination - FoxNews

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - August 24, 2026

 1. Today is the fourth Monday of August. The days are getting appreciably shorter as Autumn nears. Next Monday will be the last Monday of of the month and it is also the final day of August. There are only 18 Mondays remaining in the year. 

Storm Tracker
August 23, 2026

2. We received some rain yesterday, finally! It rained for well over an hour and we had a lot of lightening. I knew the storm was going to last a while because it seemed everywhere when I checked the weather radar. We are located at the blue dot.

Elliott Museum
Stuart, FL
August 22, 2026

3. We had some fun with Chris at the Elliott Museum on Saturday. While touring the Ashley Gang exhibit and I had her pose for a Wanted Poster shot. I think she did a good job looking like a wanted criminal! I thought the statement at the bottom of the Wanted Poster was especially funny.

4. I am hopeful of getting out on a ride today. I am itching to try out my new biking shoes. It has been almost a week since my last ride. I am really slacking off. 

5. There was an Indy Car Race on the National Mall in D.C. yesterday. Nicole and Mike were on a flight that was rerouted because of the race and added about 30 extra minutes in the air. One writer described the spectacle as follows: 

The race itself became a metaphor for the administration that created it. The course was so rough that crews worked overnight trying to grind down the bumps, and it still wasn’t enough. Cars slammed into concrete barriers throughout the afternoon, five drivers failed to finish the race entirely, and only 13 of the 25 starters were still on the lead lap when it was over, with one crash ending with what commentators called a “thunderous impact into the concrete barrier.” After weeks of disruption leading up to the race, Washington faces weeks more as crews remove 1,800 cement barriers, welded-down manhole covers, and grandstands from the city. And most of the people who attended weren’t even from Washington. Organizers said 60% of the tickets went to people from out of town. The residents whose streets were closed, landmarks blocked, and flights paused were basically an afterthought in their own city. (Hope for America)

Me, Chris, Nicole, Mike
Jupiter Island, FL
August 22, 2026

6. We enjoyed our time with Nicole and Mike over the weekend. Mike took a great selfie of us on the boat before getting off and heading to the beach.

7. Today in History. After centuries of dormancy, Mount Vesuvius erupts in southern Italy, devastating the prosperous Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum and killing thousands. The cities, buried under a thick layer of volcanic material and mud, were never rebuilt and largely forgotten in the course of history. In the 18th century, Pompeii and Herculaneum were rediscovered and excavated, providing an unprecedented archaeological record of the everyday life of an ancient civilization, startlingly preserved in sudden death.

The eruption is traditionally dated to A.D. August 24, 79, but archaeological discoveries have led some researchers to argue the disaster might have occurred in the autumn, possibly in October 79.

Mediator Pakistan to hold talks in Iran on US 'economic D-Day' - Reuters

Father of sailor aboard USS Abraham Lincoln taken into US immigration detention - Reuters

Ukraine wants peace but won't give in, Zelenskiy says on Independence Day - Reuters

US cancels joint marine drills with South Korea over Iran war-related force constraints - Reuters

Human-caused wildfire near Reno, Nevada, prompts state of emergency as 90,000 urged to flee - CNN

Bessent to unveil 'economic D-Day' sanctions, says Iran war entering 'endgame'  - CNN

Iran Cracks Down on One Luxury Left to Its Youth: Coffee Shops - The New York Times

Farmers Struggle to Get Basic Services From Depleted Agriculture Dept. - The New York Times

Why Trump’s pitiful new health care ‘plan’ is even worse than it appears - MSNow

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - August 17, 2026

 

1. For those keeping score, today is the third of five August Mondays. We are scampering through August. Kids are either back in school or heading to school in the coming weeks. Summer is almost over. Labor Day is a short three weeks away and there are only 19 Mondays remaining in the year. 

2. Protecting ourselves from the intolerable heat, Chris and I enjoyed a relatively quiet weekend. We did enjoy dinner with friends on Saturday evening. We had fun catching up with them after both couples had been traveling. 

Beck
Glen Burnie, MD
August 16, 2026

3. The Orioles are back playing .500 baseball. Sitting at 2 games below .500, they have taken three straight from the American League leading Tampa Rays. Amazing! They are not also in possession of the third Wild Card spot in the AL. I hope this continues. They looked really powerful in their 10-2 thrashing of the Rays yesterday. They are in the defining part of the season as they are playing the Rays 7 times in 10 days. It is play for October time.

4. We had a great Facetime call with Beck yesterday. He is the cutest boy on the planet and he is so relaxed and cute when we are connected by video. 

Woodstock 1969

5. Today in History. On Sunday, August 17, 1969, one of the all-time grooviest events in music history—the Woodstock Music & Art Fair—approaches its end after more than three days of peace, love and rock ‘n’ roll in upstate New York. Rain and other delays push the festival, originally scheduled to finish before midnight, into a marathon night of music that continues past dawn.

Conceived as “Three Days of Peace and Music,” Woodstock was a product of a partnership between John Roberts, Joel Rosenman, Artie Kornfield and Michael Lang. Their idea was to make enough money from the event to build a recording studio near the arty New York town of Woodstock. When they couldn’t find an appropriate venue in the town itself, the promoters decided to hold the festival on a 600-acre dairy farm in Bethel, New York—some 50 miles from Woodstock—owned by Max Yasgur.

By the time the weekend of the festival arrived, the group had sold a total of 186,000 tickets and expected no more than 200,000 people to show up. By Friday night, however, thousands of eager early arrivals were pushing against the entrance gates. Fearing they could not control the crowds, the promoters made the decision to open the concert to everyone, free of charge. Close to half a million people attended Woodstock, jamming the roads around Bethel with eight miles of traffic.

Trump crypto firm backs venture offering AI from restricted Chinese companies - Reuters

Trump orders Pentagon to cut back military exercises with South Korea - Reuters

US Attorney General Blanche publicly backs Pirro after Trump criticism over Reflecting Pool - Reuters

Russia hits steel plant in new strikes on Ukraine, Kyiv attacks Moscow region - Reuters

Trump’s vaccine order is counterproductive and ‘wrong on so many levels,’ GOP lawmaker says - CNN

Americans could soon pay a lot more for strawberries - CNN

Trump’s new financial disclosures are rife with conflicts of interest - MSNow

Top Admiral Praises Sailors but Concedes Hardships After Visit to U.S.S. Lincoln - The New York Times

Trump lobs curse-fueled warning against Mideast nation amid Iran war in Fox News interview - Fox News

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - August 10, 2026

 1. I can hardly believe it, but today is the second Monday of August. We are in luck though because August has five Mondays and will linger for a few weeks yet. Remember though, there are only 20 Mondays remaining in the year. 

Dressed for our Anniversary Dinner
Tequesta, FL
August 9, 2026

2. Thank you for all the kind words about our anniversary yesterday. We headed off to Cooper's Hawk for a great meal to celebrate, even though we celebrated on the ship. It was kinda lonely though, just being the two of us, but we had a great time nevertheless.

Rear-facing Radar on Bike
Tequesta, FL
August 9, 2026

3. I have been trying to modify the attachment of my rear-facing radar to attach to my bike rack instead of the seat post. Patrick was kind enough to 3D print one solution that I found. I got it all installed on the bike, but I also had a flat tire. After replacing the inner tube, I rolled the bike upright and broke the attachment. Yesterday, I blued the piece and added a screw to provide more stability and hopefully make it stronger. Time will tell.

4. The Orioles are a frustrating team. They effectively gave up on this season at the trade deadline and continue to play mediocre baseball. They are 5-5 in their last 10 games, but continue to fall further out of first and also out of the wildcard. I saw this graphic the other day which expresses my frustration with the team and its management. 

Beck
Glen Burnie, MD
August 9, 2026

5. Cutest boy ever. OK, he's not a baby anymore, he is a toddler--and he does. Chris and I were thrilled to spend a week with him and his family during our recent cruise, but yesterday, in a Facetime conversation, he was so busy and cute that I could not help but to snap an image from the screen. I think I caught him.

6. An interesting thought from Heather Delaney Reese this morning: This is the pattern of authoritarian leaders throughout history. They start wars to project strength, discover they cannot control what they have unleashed, and then try to rebrand retreat as triumph. Argentina’s military junta invaded the Falkland Islands in 1982 to rally nationalist fervor and distract from economic collapse at home. The war lasted just over two months. They lost. The junta fell. The Soviet Union spent a decade in Afghanistan trying to project dominance across Central Asia. They withdrew in 1989 with nothing to show for it but devastation, a broken economy, and a radicalized population that would haunt the region for a generation. Wars started by men like Trump are never about the stated objective. It is always about the leader’s need to appear invincible. And when the illusion breaks, it is the people who bear the cost. Not the leader. (Hope for America)

7. Today in History. On August 10, 1977, police arrest 24-year-old postal employee David Berkowitzand charged him with being the “Son of Sam,” the serial killer who terrorized New York City for more than a year, killing six young people and wounding seven others with a .44-caliber revolver. Because Berkowitz generally targeted attractive young women with long brown hair, hundreds of young women had their hair cut short and dyed blonde during the time he terrorized the city. Thousands more simply stayed home at night.

After his arrest, Berkowitz claimed that demons and a black Labrador retriever owned by a neighbor named Sam had ordered him to commit the killings.

Iran ties Hormuz reopening to US concessions on several demands - Reuters

In rural Wisconsin, frustrations over Trump ag policies heat up House race - Reuters

Ukraine kills 13 in drone attack on Russian city of Nizhnekamsk, officials say - Reuters

Trump has a Carter-style Iran problem as the economy drags - CNN

What we know about China’s moon-landing plans and why the US is so worried - CNN

The full cost of Elon Musk’s DOGE tenure is still being tallied — but a new report gives a hint - MS Now

GOP midterm strategy embraces Trump’s ‘communism’ fixation - MS Now

Chris Sale ejected before throwing a single pitch in wild Yankee Stadium scene - FoxNews

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL