Disney does China

It has been all over the news--Disneyland Shanghai opened today! Well, it has actually been open doing the pre-full opening work-ups for a few days.

My sense is that the park is huge both in terms of size and cost. Theres are confirmed by the Wall Street Journal article about the opening earlier today. 

I have read stories about how Disney made huge concessions to the Chinese government to get the project accomplished.

The happiest place on earth comes to one of the most unhappy countries on earth in a clash of cultures. I find it fascinating that Disney has worked hard to translate their products into a culture where they are virtually unknown. 

I will never, likely, visit Shanghai Disney but I am happy that maybe through the monolithic company, and despite the efforts of their government, we can begin to change Chinese culture one smile at a time.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

An Independent Press

It is in the 1st Amendment to the Constitution. It is pretty clear.

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

I guess the amendment refers to Congress and not the President. Oh, right, the President cannot pass laws! Don't forget that, but the President is sworn in as follows: 

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

One candidate certainly does not seem to have a grasp of the Constitution or the amendments added thereto. This candidate believes that is it OK to restrict the press because they disagree with his particular views. The press helps to ensure transparency in government.

I am have seen the abuses of the press as the harangue people to the point of insanity, but I am convinced that a free and independent press is essential to protecting our freedoms. And not just for the Federal government--but even more importantly at the State and Local levels as well. Too many representatives, it seems, once elected place their personal biases and views above those of the electorate. Without a press to allow these views to be discovered and discussed in open forum, who knows along what path our government would proceed.

We must watch carefully during the next few months. Decisions affecting our nation and the world as well as our personal freedoms and our lives will be made in the polling booths.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

My Take: Spewing Hatred

The reaction by Americans and the world to the massacre in Orlando has been widely reported.

Some prominent politicians, typically, have chosen to pursue their goals of achieving The White House in November by publishing and speaking about their views and reactions. I found it interesting the The Washington Post managed to be uninvited to one candidate's rallies after publishing a series of stories about his lack of empathy for the victims. He even continues to profess policies that are clearly unconstitutional.

I have a news app on my iPhone that searches and returns headlines for my review. The number and variety of articles about Orlando is truly amazing and more than one writer has pointed out the nexus of three volatile topics facing our society: terrorism, guns, and homosexuality. 

From the articles and commentaries that I have read about Orlando, it is clear that these topics surely have struck a chord.

One of the worst and most disturbing comments about Orlando have come, sadly no surprise, from a reportedly Baptist minister in Arizona. This "pastor" was spewing the most virulent of attacks and lack of empathy for the victims. He truly gives Christians a bad name for their narrow-mindedness and lack of grace and mercy. I would quote his statements, however, I am appalled that such insensitive words could come from the mouth of a person professing to be a Christ follower.

The victims are people. Our brothers and sisters. They need love, support, and empathy because their lives and relationships have been shattered. Whether we agree or disagree with lifestyle choices, spewing virulent hatred is not helpful. Nor is using the hurt and anguish of the victims to pursue political gain.

My Take: Why does there always need to be an angle other than to love one another?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - June 13, 2016

1. I am appalled at the massacre that happened in a nightclub in Orlando. My prayers and thoughts are with the victims and their families. 

2. Congratulations to the Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins. It was a long season and they were the last team standing. Congrats also to the Conn Smythe Trophy winner Sidney Crosby for being the MVP during the playoffs.

3. Hot sunny weekend days are awesome, especially when there is a pool in the backyard.

4. I played a round of golf on Saturday and was confused for the whole weekend because I usually play on Sunday. In my mind I enjoyed a weekend of two Sundays. 

Dog Tired Keeshonden

5. During the weekend we watched three extra dogs, just for fun. After the smaller and more excitable pair had departed, the keeshonden were exhausted and crashed in the family room. 

6. The Orioles did not play well over the weekend losing three in a row to Toronto. Maybe they can regroup after a day off today. They remain tied for the lead in the AL East, however.

7. It is funny how a weekend can turn in just a few minutes. All of the plans and projects can become afterthoughts and shelved. Oh well, there is next weekend, I guess.

8. It is the last week of school for many here in Maryland. Here is to the teachers, instructional assistants, and educational staff who have made it though another year of preparing the future leaders of our country and the world. As the week ends, take a moment to celebrate--I know that you have earned it.

9. Summer vacation is upon us! Well, not me, but many. Have fun and be safe.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Home Repair Follow-up

Home repairs can be problematic. 

The Aftermath of a Home Repair

The faucet repair from Friday took a nasty turn. Ultimately, both faucets will be replaced, but one received a interim (hopefully 5 years or more) fix while what was expected to be the easier repair turned into a protracted complete faucet repair including an nice new hole in the basement. 

The faucet looks great on the outside of the house--the follow-up, not so much. There was a preexisting cover for the water cut-off, but some brilliant person ran a 2X4 right across the spot where the faucet enters the house from outside. That meant a new cut, as shown in the image, to access and replace the faucet. 

The end result? More fun with home repair. Repairing one thing has a cascading effect and requires more repair.

It reminds me of the children's song about the old woman who swallowed a fly. 

A classic story about one thing leading to another. I wonder if children still sing that song?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

When Home Repairs Go Bad

Friday has arrived and I am home waiting for a plumber! I hate it when home repair projects go awry. I do not often have to call in professionals.

One of the Troubled Faucets

Both of out outdoor (hose) faucets leak. Badly. Seriously badly. 

I checked out the YouTube videos about how to repair them and successfully made the problem worse. One of them not only leaks, it is like taking a shower when it is turned on.

The cost for my inability is a plumber's visit.

I hope they can be repaired inexpensively. I had thought that the problem was with the seals and washers. But, I am afraid the problems may be more severe than that.

Both faucets are old enough that neither Home Depot nor Lowe's carry parts. Ugh!

Hopefully by the end of the day they will be repaired and fully functional.

Another day, another project.

It never seems to end.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Brawl-timore Reflection

OPACY, June 7, 2016
Royals vs Orioles

I was at the baseball game on Tuesday, June 7, 2016 between the Kansas City Royals and the Baltimore Orioles.

This game has been in the news because of the brawl that broke out during. I watched the proceedings.

I was part of the crowd showing our support for Manny Machado, our all-star third baseman, now shortstop, who was hit by a 99 mile per hour fastball thrown by the Royals pitcher during the fifth inning.

It was a beautiful evening for baseball, although the wind was cool, the sky was clear and the evening warm enough for short-sleeves, shorts and sandals. 

I saw the high and inside pitches that the opposing pitcher had delivered during Manny's previous two at bats. As I recall, Manny was the only Orioles player to receive the head-hunting pitches.

Brawl at OPACY
June 7, 2016

During the fifth inning, the Royals pitcher, in my estimation, deliberately hit Manny with a 99 mpg fastball. That is what percipitated the ensuing brawl between the teams. 

Deliberately hitting someone with a 99 mg fastball is the same, in my mind, as assault with a deadly weapon. While I do not condone thuggishness behavior in any sport, including hockey, I understand the emotion of the situation. The the two principals involved were the only ones who actually threw punches. 

Major League Baseball will be handing out fines and suspensions for the brawl, but I hope they review the build up to the event. Sadly, the Orioles could be without Manny for 3-8 games. 

Was Manny justified in charging the mound and throwing two punches at the pitcher? Maybe--the guy just threw and hit him with a 99 mph fastball. That makes it an emotional thing it is hard to walk away. I hope the pitcher gets suspended for at least as many starts as Manny. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

My Take: When did We Stop Being Great?

I received a telephone call from one of the Presidential candidates asking me for money to help make America great again.

When did we stop being great?

When did we stop having the most powerful and flexible military in the world? 

When did we stop having the premier economy in the world?

When did the dollar stop being used for almost every major international transaction around the world?

I am tired of the implication that we have lost something.

We still have the mojo. And I am concerned that we are going to lose greatness by persecuting specific ethnicities. That is not the America that I envision and to which I am committed. 

The campaign has already turned ugly. Right now, the main difference that I see between the presumptive nominees of each party is gender. They are equally as extreme and both use the same political tactics.

Neither is trying to build America and both are trying to destroy the opposition.

My Take: If the candidates would focus upon their vision to govern this diverse democracy in an inclusive manner, the character flaws of the other candidate would soon become evident and the electorate would finally see a clear choice. As it is now, they are too much alike.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sitting Together

Chris and Makayla

Last evening as I arrived on the deck for happy hour, two of the ladies in my life were sitting on the patio sofa together waiting for me.

It was an neat image and I'm glad that I captured it. The weather was beautiful and we enjoyed a great evening outside. It is funny how Makayla will never look at me when I have a camera in my hand. 

I was beginning to think that with all of the rain, we would never be able to enjoy an evening outside again. The air was still and humid, It was truly a pre-summer evening. 

But then the mosquitos arrived!

Well, things can't just be perfect all of the time, then we wouldn't appreciate them.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - June 6, 2016

1. 72 years ago, the D-Day landings on the Normandy Beaches by Allied Forces marked the turning point of World War II in Europe.

Timbers at Troy 2nd Fairway
June 5, 2016

2. The weather forecasters predicted rain for yesterday--it did finally arrive, but not before I enjoyed a fully busy day.

3. I managed a round of golf Sunday with Mike, despite the ominous weather report. I played one of my best rounds ever. Mike took a nice shot of me right after I said my chances of hitting the green were zero. And I put the ball on the green.

Patrick with the Brakes

4. Changing rear brakes on a Honda turned into an all day job that required two trips to the auto parts store. But Patrick and I got it done! All new and ready for the highway. It was another two hour job that took all afternoon. But getting it finished felt good.

Faline in the Flower Bed

5. The fawn returned for another day of fun with the family. She returned to the very same spot and we were surprised at how much she had grown in a week. And yes, we believe it is a "she" based upon some of the gender identification techniques we read about on line. She has been named Faline, for obvious reasons. She was a bit more skittish this week and made notice of our presence. 

6. The political posturing in the Presidential olympics has taken reached new levels of absurdity. 

7. I noticed the leaves on the trees again. I love looking at them. I remember writing about the bare branches not so long ago and it is good to have to solitude that the trees provide.

8. I have been frustrated lately by drivers who do not give consideration to others by pulling to the left side of the lane on side streets when waiting to make a left turn to allow other drivers (lime, me!) to pass.

9. And writing of driving consideration--does anyone remember what the lever on the left side of the steering wheel is for? Yes, that's it, turn signals. Use them!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD