1. Happy Birthday Chris. Wow. I don't feel as old as the calendar says we are. Seems like yesterday I was a jock on a high school football team beating Union Endicott 10-0 for her birthday present.
2. Baseball is summer. Period! When it ends, summer is over.
3. The pastor asked us to tell each other what we like about autumn in church. I said, "nothing." People laughed. I was serious!
4. Autumn precedes winter. Don't forget that. It tries to delude us with the colorful trees, but fundamentally the snow is coming. Ugh!
5. Baseball is day after day and not just once per week. That is why I like it.
6. Orioles! Just think about it. Last year they were the 26th best team in the league. This year the 8th. Next year the World Series.
7. I have spent a lot of time these past few weeks thinking about cancer. It sucks. Survivors are heroes. Nuff said!
8. I wish we could elect a president who will fix the country, but I am afraid that will not happen.
9. Can you spell fifty-seven? Ugh! I can.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Monday, October 15, 2012
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Baltimore Running Festival 2012
I attended, but did not participate in, yesterday's Baltimore Marathon and Running Festival. Personally, running for running sake and I never really got along. But I am impressed with those people who can run long distances without coughing up a lung.
Jeremy and Mike ran in the half-marathon and both completed it with really respectable sub 10 minute mile times. We were near the finish line outside Orioles Park to cheer them as then ran by--within sight of the finish line and they both looked really good running.
As we were waiting for their race to start we had the opportunity to see the world class runners pass the 9 mile marker about 40 minutes after the race began. They had significantly separated themselves from most of the other runners and were clearly in the lead.
These guys didn't even look tired.
The winner, from Kenya, finished the race in about 2 hours and 13 minutes. We had a friend who ran the full marathon in just under 3 hours and 15 minutes--fast enough to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Congrats Kevin!
It was a beautiful day. The sky was clear and although very cool in the shade, the sun was warm and the humidity was low. A more perfect day for a run would be hard to imagine.
It was fun to be in the city and celebrate the joy of running and health, and pushing oneself to achieve difficult goals.
It was a celebration of life!
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
 |
| Jeremy and Mike after the Half Marathon |
Jeremy and Mike ran in the half-marathon and both completed it with really respectable sub 10 minute mile times. We were near the finish line outside Orioles Park to cheer them as then ran by--within sight of the finish line and they both looked really good running.
 |
| Baltimore Marathon October 13, 2012 Nine Mile Point |
As we were waiting for their race to start we had the opportunity to see the world class runners pass the 9 mile marker about 40 minutes after the race began. They had significantly separated themselves from most of the other runners and were clearly in the lead.
These guys didn't even look tired.
The winner, from Kenya, finished the race in about 2 hours and 13 minutes. We had a friend who ran the full marathon in just under 3 hours and 15 minutes--fast enough to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Congrats Kevin!
It was a beautiful day. The sky was clear and although very cool in the shade, the sun was warm and the humidity was low. A more perfect day for a run would be hard to imagine.
It was fun to be in the city and celebrate the joy of running and health, and pushing oneself to achieve difficult goals.
It was a celebration of life!
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Saturday, October 13, 2012
And so the Magical Baseball Orioles Season Ends
The Orioles lost to the Yankees in game five, the deciding game, of the American League Division Series (ALDS) last night.
Although it pains me to write it--congrats to the Yankees. I won't be cheering for you to win the series, but congrats anyway. I know the maligned Orioles from Baltimore stretched you in ways you never imagined possible. There was the home run or is it a foul ball home field call--but that's baseball.
Effectively, my baseball season is over. Yes, I will still cheer for the Giants. Personally, I hope the Yankees lose to Detroit, because my second favorite team is whoever is playing the Yankees.
I'm looking forward to the off season, and Spring Training, and the hope for next year.
One team had to lose--despite the best efforts of our school system to teach otherwise--one team wins and the other loses.
That's life. That's sports.
That is why we keep score.
Thank you to the Orioles. Each one of the, all season long. It was a lot of fun and it was downright exciting. The Orioles Magic is finally alive again.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Although it pains me to write it--congrats to the Yankees. I won't be cheering for you to win the series, but congrats anyway. I know the maligned Orioles from Baltimore stretched you in ways you never imagined possible. There was the home run or is it a foul ball home field call--but that's baseball.
Effectively, my baseball season is over. Yes, I will still cheer for the Giants. Personally, I hope the Yankees lose to Detroit, because my second favorite team is whoever is playing the Yankees.
I'm looking forward to the off season, and Spring Training, and the hope for next year.
One team had to lose--despite the best efforts of our school system to teach otherwise--one team wins and the other loses.
That's life. That's sports.
That is why we keep score.
Thank you to the Orioles. Each one of the, all season long. It was a lot of fun and it was downright exciting. The Orioles Magic is finally alive again.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Friday, October 12, 2012
Orioles Baseball Reflections--ALDS Finale Tonight
What a ride it has been with the Orioles this year. The past two nights have had me staying up hours past my bedtime cheering for the team as they are locked in an epic struggle against the evil empire (Yankees). The teams are now tied 2-2 in a best of five series which ends tonight. They have played 25 innings of baseball over the past two nights--making me a very sleep deprived fan.
I am sure tonight will be dramatic. The best pitcher the Yankees have to offer will be on the mound against the "next man up" Orioles.
I like our chances.
I reread some of my blogs form March when I was headed off to Sarasota for Spring Training. The Orioles were expected to be terrible, but in my usual Spring Training mode, I believed that "it" could happen.
I am the eternal Spring optimist.
I go to Sarasota to get a feel for the team.
Here is what ESPN wrote before the season began:"Lefthanders Brian Matusz and Zach Britton make major strides before the team is crushed under the weight of a powerful division. For the sixth straight year, Baltimore fails to win 70 games, for the 15th straight year the team has a losing record. Yes, this is the best-case scenario."
Their best case scenario was, it turns out, a long way from reality. That is why the games have to be played.
The reality:
The Orioles won 93 games and made the playoffs for the first time in 15 years. They beat Texas (American League Champions for the past two years) in the one game Wild Card round. They have set up tonight's finale by playing the Yankees to a draw in the American League Division Series. All of these accomplishments are a long way from finishing with over 100 losses. I bought World Series tickets for the first time in my life and I believe that I may yet get a chance to use them to see the Orioles play for the crown of "best in baseball."
So win or lose tonight--the guys gave me and the other fans a season to remember. I hope they don't try to manage my expectations for next year. Because I know what goals I have in mind for this exciting baseball team.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
I am sure tonight will be dramatic. The best pitcher the Yankees have to offer will be on the mound against the "next man up" Orioles.
I like our chances.
I reread some of my blogs form March when I was headed off to Sarasota for Spring Training. The Orioles were expected to be terrible, but in my usual Spring Training mode, I believed that "it" could happen.
I am the eternal Spring optimist.
I go to Sarasota to get a feel for the team.
Here is what ESPN wrote before the season began:"Lefthanders Brian Matusz and Zach Britton make major strides before the team is crushed under the weight of a powerful division. For the sixth straight year, Baltimore fails to win 70 games, for the 15th straight year the team has a losing record. Yes, this is the best-case scenario."
Their best case scenario was, it turns out, a long way from reality. That is why the games have to be played.
The reality:
 |
| Entry Hall at Orioles Spring Training Facility |
The Orioles won 93 games and made the playoffs for the first time in 15 years. They beat Texas (American League Champions for the past two years) in the one game Wild Card round. They have set up tonight's finale by playing the Yankees to a draw in the American League Division Series. All of these accomplishments are a long way from finishing with over 100 losses. I bought World Series tickets for the first time in my life and I believe that I may yet get a chance to use them to see the Orioles play for the crown of "best in baseball."
So win or lose tonight--the guys gave me and the other fans a season to remember. I hope they don't try to manage my expectations for next year. Because I know what goals I have in mind for this exciting baseball team.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Let's Talk Politics
How can you tell a politician is lying? His/her lips are moving.
Sadly, it seems so true. We have become jaded by empty promises from office seeking people who will, it seems, do anything to win.
And then what? We are left wondering--what did I ever see in that person?
Who loses?
We all do when people without a clue get elected.
I always like to consider--can they make a decision? Do they surround themselves with people who will give them good advice--and will they take it? Can they evaluate competing views and choose the best one for the country? The news media seems to believe that consistency is the most important thing. Sadly though, the ways bills are written a seemingly good bill can be so loaded with pork that voting for it is just wrong. So really, it comes down to can they think, can they speak in full sentences, and can they make decisions under fire?
It is hard, as voters, to evaluate all of those complexities. And failing these items we become swayed by the manufactured facts and voting records fed to us by the campaigns and news media.
The real problem is that it is all so important. But often, there seems to be no right answer.
Maybe Mickey Mouse would be the best choice. At least I know the words to "It's a Small World" and I can never tell if Mickey's lips are moving.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Sadly, it seems so true. We have become jaded by empty promises from office seeking people who will, it seems, do anything to win.
And then what? We are left wondering--what did I ever see in that person?
Who loses?
We all do when people without a clue get elected.
I always like to consider--can they make a decision? Do they surround themselves with people who will give them good advice--and will they take it? Can they evaluate competing views and choose the best one for the country? The news media seems to believe that consistency is the most important thing. Sadly though, the ways bills are written a seemingly good bill can be so loaded with pork that voting for it is just wrong. So really, it comes down to can they think, can they speak in full sentences, and can they make decisions under fire?
It is hard, as voters, to evaluate all of those complexities. And failing these items we become swayed by the manufactured facts and voting records fed to us by the campaigns and news media.
The real problem is that it is all so important. But often, there seems to be no right answer.
Maybe Mickey Mouse would be the best choice. At least I know the words to "It's a Small World" and I can never tell if Mickey's lips are moving.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Anti-ism wins: Protestants a Majority no Longer
The Associated Press reports that "For the first time in its history, the United States does not have a Protestant majority, according to a new study. One reason: The number of Americans with no religious affiliation is on the rise." Rachel Zoll, an AP Religion Writer reported this in her article titled Report: US Protestants lose majority status.
Karl Marx wrote that "Religion is the opiate of the masses." I wonder what the lack of a widespread religious underpinning to our society bodes for the future?
The study suggests that the Americans who say they have no religion vote overwhelmingly for Democrats. I'm not sure what to make of this except that social policies offered by democrats may offer an alternative to religion. The aims are similar--take care of those around you through social programs. But the tax implications, as we have witnessed in European countries, are huge to pay for programs and that leads to bigger government and increasing inefficiency which creates more of a tax drain on society.
Despite the lure of social "do-goodism" though, the real issue is why are more and more Americans choosing to avoid and reject the hope offered by religion?
Could it be because the message has become blurred by high visibility fanatical policies? Has protestantism become equated with an "anti-ism" approach to significant issues without providing an alternative? I can see it. In the name of religion we have witnessed Koran burning, gay-bashing, violent anti-abortionist activities, and in-your-face "I'm right and you're going to hell" mentalities which, frankly, turn me off.
It seems, aided by the sensationalism of the news media, that protestants are anti everything. It is obfuscating the message of eternal hope and the love of God. The efforts of the majority are being overshadowed by the radical few. And now, the numbers reflect that.
We need to be less damming and more affirming and forgiving.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Karl Marx wrote that "Religion is the opiate of the masses." I wonder what the lack of a widespread religious underpinning to our society bodes for the future?
The study suggests that the Americans who say they have no religion vote overwhelmingly for Democrats. I'm not sure what to make of this except that social policies offered by democrats may offer an alternative to religion. The aims are similar--take care of those around you through social programs. But the tax implications, as we have witnessed in European countries, are huge to pay for programs and that leads to bigger government and increasing inefficiency which creates more of a tax drain on society.
Despite the lure of social "do-goodism" though, the real issue is why are more and more Americans choosing to avoid and reject the hope offered by religion?
Could it be because the message has become blurred by high visibility fanatical policies? Has protestantism become equated with an "anti-ism" approach to significant issues without providing an alternative? I can see it. In the name of religion we have witnessed Koran burning, gay-bashing, violent anti-abortionist activities, and in-your-face "I'm right and you're going to hell" mentalities which, frankly, turn me off.
It seems, aided by the sensationalism of the news media, that protestants are anti everything. It is obfuscating the message of eternal hope and the love of God. The efforts of the majority are being overshadowed by the radical few. And now, the numbers reflect that.
We need to be less damming and more affirming and forgiving.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
On an Damp and Cold Night
The night was cold. The crowd was loud. The game was on the line.
The city seemed united behind a bunch of baseball players locked in a struggle between the rebel alliance and the evil empire.
I looked at the clock as the game ended--it was 11:59 PM on October 8, 2012.
The upstart Orioles pulled even with the Yankee juggernaut in the best of five elimination series.
But they had help.
48,000 fans were louder than I have ever heard them. I was listening to the cheers echo off the surrounding buildings during the pauses. Fans united, trying with their voices to help the team find a way to win.
And, in no small way it seemed that we did.
Nine innings of baseball with the crowd growing stronger with each pitch finally reaching a deafening roar as the last Yankee batter struck out to end the game.
Nothing could be sweeter for Orioles fans.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
 |
| Orioles Park - October 8, 2012 |
The city seemed united behind a bunch of baseball players locked in a struggle between the rebel alliance and the evil empire.
I looked at the clock as the game ended--it was 11:59 PM on October 8, 2012.
The upstart Orioles pulled even with the Yankee juggernaut in the best of five elimination series.
But they had help.
48,000 fans were louder than I have ever heard them. I was listening to the cheers echo off the surrounding buildings during the pauses. Fans united, trying with their voices to help the team find a way to win.
 |
| Oriole Park - Post-season Baseball October 8, 2012 |
And, in no small way it seemed that we did.
Nine innings of baseball with the crowd growing stronger with each pitch finally reaching a deafening roar as the last Yankee batter struck out to end the game.
Nothing could be sweeter for Orioles fans.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Monday, October 8, 2012
Orioles Baseball -- First Playoff Game in 15 Years
Last evening I attended the first home playoff MLB game is fifteen years at Camden Yards.
The stadium was alive. It was decked out for the game--spirits dampened only by the rain which delayed the start by two and a half hours. The crowd was alive and the team responded. Even with the rain and the delay--it was electric.
And I hope tonight will be more of the same.
That is the great thing about the baseball playoffs--they last for more than just one night/day; unlike the NFL. When the season is 162 games long it is good that the playoffs are not a series of one-and-done affairs.
Go O's.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
The stadium was alive. It was decked out for the game--spirits dampened only by the rain which delayed the start by two and a half hours. The crowd was alive and the team responded. Even with the rain and the delay--it was electric.
And I hope tonight will be more of the same.
That is the great thing about the baseball playoffs--they last for more than just one night/day; unlike the NFL. When the season is 162 games long it is good that the playoffs are not a series of one-and-done affairs.
Go O's.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Monday Musings - October 8, 2012
1. Baseball is a 27 out game, unless tied. The Orioles were great for 24 outs yesterday. Unfortunately, the Yankees owned the last three outs.
2. Winning ugly is still a win.
3. Busy weekends pass so quickly. From Charlottesville in the morning, to Monticello, and then and Orioles game. Wow, what a day. Anyone want a holiday?
4. I am wondering if I am beginning to overload on baseball? Nah.
5. The colors of autumn are really beginning to invade the hills. We saw a windblown leaf storm this weekend.
6. Holiday mondays are a great way to recover form a busy weekend. Why are holiday's so busy, too?
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
2. Winning ugly is still a win.
3. Busy weekends pass so quickly. From Charlottesville in the morning, to Monticello, and then and Orioles game. Wow, what a day. Anyone want a holiday?
4. I am wondering if I am beginning to overload on baseball? Nah.
5. The colors of autumn are really beginning to invade the hills. We saw a windblown leaf storm this weekend.
6. Holiday mondays are a great way to recover form a busy weekend. Why are holiday's so busy, too?
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Wings Over Wine Country
One winery we visited yesterday was hosting the Wings Over Wine Country awareness for injured animals for the Wildlife Center of Virginia.
The organization brought along a few animals. including the screech owl in this picture.
This owl is missing one eye and the other is damaged rendering her effectively blind. They believe she may have been hit by a car or a train. he was found along railroad tracks near an intersection. Now she is a permanent ambassador to raise awareness for injured animals.
It is amazing what one finds while spending a great day sampling the fruits of the vine.
-- Bob Doan, Writing from Charlottesville, VA
The organization brought along a few animals. including the screech owl in this picture.
This owl is missing one eye and the other is damaged rendering her effectively blind. They believe she may have been hit by a car or a train. he was found along railroad tracks near an intersection. Now she is a permanent ambassador to raise awareness for injured animals.
It is amazing what one finds while spending a great day sampling the fruits of the vine.
-- Bob Doan, Writing from Charlottesville, VA
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