Hockey, Basketball and Summer

Winter sports are finally ending and moving off the stage in time for summer.

Dustin Brown of the Los Angeles Kings celebrates with the Stanley cup after the Kings 3-2 double overtime victory over the New York Rangers in Game 5 at Staples Center, Friday.

Photograph by: Harry How, Getty Images , The Canadian Press

Last night, or more accurately, this early (as in wee hours) morning, the Los Angeles Kings won Lord Stanley's Cup and returned as Champions for the second time in three seasons. This would not hardly garner a passing mention in my blog except for my newly discovered connection to the Kings. Their Captain, Dustin Brown, grew up and played high school hockey in my hometown and is a huge local sports hero. He even brought the Stanley Cup to Ithaca during the last Championship and cemented his place as a true hero. And so--congratulations to the Kings, to Dustin and to everyone who follows the Kings, they are a class act. 

On to the other winter sport which is slowly and painfully grinding to an end, NBA Basketball. The San Antonio Spurs (often abbreviated SAS which confuses me because that means Special Air Service) have a commanding 3-1 game lead over the thuggish Miami Heat. A few weeks ago I read a story about the difference in support for the Sours versus the Heat. If this were an election, 49 states would vote for the Spurs and only one, Florida, would vote for the Heat. This series could, thankfully, be over Sunday night allowing summer sports to finally assume their rightful place on the pedestal before the monolithic and uncompromising NFL returns to suck the life out of fans everywhere.

I am satisfied with the Kings' victory and I can now completely focus upon Baseball--which is my true sports addiction.

Summer is here and it's baseball time. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Politicians, Unions, and Child-like Behavior

So this will probably result in a rant by the time it is done--but there are just some things that I don't understand and if I were king for a day, I would change.

For instance, why do politicians feel that they are elected to find new ways to raise taxes? Maryland is talking about trying to find a new way to tax drivers for the number of miles they drive. Sound new? Really? What is a gas tax? The more miles you drive the more gas you use and the more you pay in taxes. Duh! There are just trying to find a new way to increase taxes.

Oregon and Washington State are already experimenting with this approach. It seems that the new environmentally sound cars are reducing revenue and so politicians need another source. I am sure the revenue hungry state of Maryland will soon follow suit, and this is in addition to toll roads and increased gas taxes.

And don't forget--Maryland taxes rain and soon, I am sure, will tax air. 

Politicians need to find ways to reduce taxes and not creatively develop and implement new and hidden taxes. 

Here in Howard County, the School Board, who are really non-partisan politicians, are refusing to negotiate with the teachers union and the result is chaos at the end of the school year. The article Teacher Contracts Stall in Howard County describes the impasse.

The childishness of the entire situation, as characterized on the news, is incredible. A bunch of adults with bad attitudes playing out their grievances in the press. Just what we need--great examples for the kids.

Bob's view? Simple. Teachers deserve raises commensurate with the continual rise in cost of living and taxes. They haven't had they in a couple years. They are behind. Howard county is one of the 10 best school systems in America. Unless we want to descend into mediocrity, we are going to have to pay for the education. That's why people move to Howard county. That's why our housing prices are so high. Yeah, we have high taxes--but penalizing teachers for the free-spending county executive is not the right answer.

The School Board and the Teacher's Union need to talk because there are some incredibly stupid things happening which are jeopardizing the education of the people who really matter--the students.

If I were elected, I would like to think I could fix this. But the reality is that I would probably be a lone voice of reason in a sea of insanity. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

A Burger for the Ages

The Tower of London

Last evening, I was out at a social for a conference I am hosting this week and was introduced to the largest burger stack that I have ever seen.

It is called the Tower of London and apparently it is a burger speciality at Union Jacks.

It was incredibly impressive. 

This was the most massive burger and is was filled, or stacked with an impressive array of meats and cheeses--multiple layers of all of the kinds of foods that cause permanent arterial damage.

I admit, when I saw this burger placed onto the table I, for a brief moment before considering the consequences, wanted to get one for myself. Common sense prevailed. It was getting late, I needed to get home to prepare for another exciting conference day, and I wanted to be able to sleep. I am sure that incredible sandwich would have kept me awake all night.

But it was a sight to behold--and watch be consumed, piece by piece.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Reconstruction continues

At the End of the Day

I was amazed, that despite torrential rain yesterday, the work on rebuilding my pool continues and the demolition was completed. It looks weird. I have been looking at the same pool for over 13 years and to see it without the tile and coping is definitively different.

I am excited about today's portion of the project. It should be pretty much completed today and ready to begin the refilling process. 

There is a lot less mess than I though I would see. I am also amazed at how white it looks. I am used to the blue water or the green cover filling or covering the pool. Seeing the white coat of the pool is definitely a different experience.  It seems so bland. 

I am anxious to get this project completed and to begin enjoying my pool again. It should be good for another 20 or so years!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Rehabilitation Begins

The pool reconstruction project is underway--well at least it has begin. When I finally made it home yesterday, I found most of the water in my pool drained in preparation for the make-over.

My pool is 21 years old and in definite need of a make-over. It is showing its age and has lost its fun loving appearance. I know that it has experienced many years of fun in the sun and hosted countless parties, but after the difficult and very cold winter, the need for a reconstruction became very apparent. 

I am excited that soon the pool will be restored to its original splendor.  We often refer to our back yard as our private resort.

Last evening it was really strange to be sitting in the pool and dry. I was amazed at how steep the stairs are and how different everything seems without the water. 

I guess it makes the point that, for fun, just add water!

Hopefully, by the time I get home tonight, most of the demolition will be completed and the reconstruction will be underway--it is very sad to look at an empty pool and imagine what should be happening.

Even Riordin took a moment to check out the activity from the safety of the edge. 

Actually, I am pretty happy with how things look below the waterline. 

It is above the waterline that has suffered the most from the recent extreme winter.

Soon the water and then the fun will return!

And the sound of bodies jumping into the water will be heard again.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - June 9, 2014

1. June 6, 1944--D Day. I cannot believe that it was 70 years ago. To the kids in school today it must seem like ancient history, almost like studying the Romans and the Greeks. But it isn't--much of our world is still shaped by that results of what began on that day.

2. When someone gives you permission to do something that you want to do, don't stand around waiting for them to change their mind.

3. Annual events help me make my way through the year. For instance, I have already begun planning our 4th of July Celebration, even though it is still almost month away. I don't really want it to arrive because it means that the summer is passing--but I do enjoy the festivities.

4. Pool rehab is slated to begin today. When it os over, hopefully my pool will be restored to its former elegance.

5. Morning seemed to come too quickly today. Can I get a do over of the night?

6. When the sunshine gives way to rain, my spirit seems to fall a bit longing for the sunshine and forgetting that the rain helps me remember how much I enjoy the fun that the sun brings.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Chrome Comes up Short

California Chrome
Being Stepped on By Matterhorn

A horse, a race, and an unsatisfactory ending. It was a thrilling chance for history and to end the Triple Crown drought--but alas, California Chrome did not have enough gas in his tank to overcome the leaders and claim the first Triple Crown in 36 years.

I had hoped to cheer for a winner.

I liked this gritty horse and its unlikely owners. 

I wanted a Triple Crown winner. I liked this horse and the story behind him. 

California Chrome in Purple and Green Silks

I was looking forward to a resurgence of a sport which is continuing to fall into irrelevancy with the exception of a few major events.

Chrome's Hoof after the Race

I saw the similarities to other Triple Crown winners, but in my heart I knew from the start that despite being the favorite the odds were clearly stacked against California Chrome.

Did he get stepped at the start of the race and did that cause him to run "flat" as his jockey reported? Who knows? But, victory was not to be had yesterday and we remain searching for the next great race horse to capture the Triple Crown and join the eleven greatest race horses of all time which include Secretariat, Seattle Slew, Affirmed, Citation, and War Admiral among others.

Maybe next year, a winner will emerge from the Run for the Roses who again will capture our hearts and become the next Triple Crown winner. For now, we are left with the what could have beens and the joy and excitement of he almost did it!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Traffic in Baltimore . . .

I had an experience yesterday. It centered around enjoying Baltimore afternoon traffic. It was not a good experience.

Baltimore, apparently, is one of those cities that continuously strives to confuse traffic patterns and drivers thereby snarling traffic for no apparent good reason. 

During my afternoon sojourn into the city, I experienced random lane closures which were responsible for a horrific accident which saw the back end of a car removed from the frame by a large tanker truck. I did not take an image of the accident because I was driving.

But as if that was not enough, on another of the major arteries into the city, Howard Street, lanes are closed and side streets randomly closed to accommodate construction of a larger than life casino. This situation turns the Baltimore-Washinton Parkway into a parking lot for the last miles as it empties into the city.

In my case, a trip that used to take 15 minutes, now needs 45 to ensure an on time arrival. And that, sadly, is not all!

I-95 leaving the city is fraught with lane closures which snarl even the lightest traffic into a maddeningly slow event trying to escape the city and return to the relative sanity of suburbia. 

And to complicate matters last evening, the closure of Interstate 70--yes a whole interstate due to emergency bridge repairs, left travelers stranded in with few options to get home.

Three major arteries into and out of the city: The Parkway, I-95, and I-70 were closed or restricted yesterday and for the near future. RECOMMENDATION: Avoid Baltimore or get a hotel room!

I have experienced insane traffic planning and patterns in other cities--for instance Ithaca, NY, but never on a scale like Baltimore.

The traffic in Baltimore is terrible.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Target for a Great Afternoon

My Floatie in the Pool, Waiting

There it was--freshly placed into the pool and reach for immediate occupancy. An anticipated source of relaxation and enjoyment. 

The afternoon was hot--which has been unusual this year. The temperatures were pleasantly in the almost mid-80's and the water was clear.

Time to enjoy the pool!

Diving into the cool water was a freeing experience. Floating, suspended weightless for the length of a breath of air was exhilarating. Even for the few moments suspended below the surface--I was surrounded and supported.  Then, to the surface and into the floatie for a few scarce minutes of relaxation. 

Beginning next week, my 21 year old pool will be undergoing a major maintenance project. It is showing its age and needs to be restored to its former elegance and functionality.  Yes, I am tired of reattaching tiles to the walls and picking up places of plaster from the pool bottom. We have decided to retain the current look of the pool

More to follow--but for this weekend, realization and enjoyment on the surface of the water.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Lacrosse to Cello in Three Days

Being a kid in today's world seems like it is a great experience. Where else can a kid play in a lacrosse game on Sunday and follow-up on Wednesday as a lead cello player in the elementary school year-end strings performance.

Ethan would be that kid! Wow! 

And it was a lot of fun to be present at both events as a proud grandparent of an extremely talented child. Of course, I may be just a touch biased. Maybe more than a touch.

The school did a masterful job separating out the band and strings parent contingents by offsetting the start times. It was a pleasant departure from the previous performance and made the entire 30 minute strings performance very enjoyable!  Yay--and thankfully short.

I am so proud of Ethan and to document his performance I have a video.

Enjoy the Batman Theme as you have never heard it before, or likely ever will again.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD