Light Art

Interactive Light Art in the Daylight
Baltimore Inner Harbor
November 2, 2019

Walking around the Inner Harbor Saturday evening, Chris and I discovered art with lights. They were very creative scenes that employed lights. We had a lot of fun watching them and interacting with them.

Interactive Light Art at night
Baltimore Inner Harbor
November 2, 2019

One of the art works involved pedaling bikes to activate portions of the art. It was fun to both interact with the art and the other people. 

The art really changed character as the evening fell. 


And then there were pieces that were larger and we were able to walk into an enjoy. I videoed the following one as Chris walked into it.

It was a fun evening and we had a number of unique experiences. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - November 4, 2019

1. Here we go--the next to last month of the year is here. Welcome November, it is too cold all ready.

2. The GORC Wildcats 12U season ended yesterday with a disappointing doubleheader loss. Well, at least we know what we have to work on during the off-season to get ready for the Spring campaign.

Chris in Front of a Lighted Art
Baltimore Inner Harbor
November 2, 2019

3. Welcome Standard Time. I am sure I prefer Daylight Saving Time. It got dark just after 5 PM last evening.

4. Chris and I spent Saturday evening at Baltimore's Inner Harbor enjoying the atmosphere and watching the sunset. After dark, the place came alive with light and color. It was a very enjoyable evening. 

5. Family NFL Results. The next time the league needs to pin a loss on the Patriots, just call on the Ravens, just saying!

   Ravens soundly defeated the Patriots 37-20
   Steelers squeaked by the Colts  26-24 (on a missed field goal)
   Redskins lost to the Bills 9-24
   Cowboys play tonight against the Giants

Baltimore Across the Harbor
November 2, 2019

6. As Chris and I were walking along the waterfront of Baltimore's inner Harbor Saturday evening watching the day fade into darkness, we observed the beauty of the Baltimore Skyline with the lights of the buildings being illuminated and reflecting in the almost still waters of the harbor. It was a scene for a picture, and so, of course, I took one.

Ferris Wheel
Baltimore Inner Harbor
November 2, 2019

8. Do you remember what a Ferris wheel looks like at night? It reminds me of Volunteer Firemen Carnivals from when I was young. The excitement of the nights and the lights and the sounds. 

8. Today in History. A spontaneous national uprising that began 12 days before in Hungary is viciously crushed by Soviet tanks and troops on November 4, 1956. Thousands were killed and wounded and nearly a quarter-million Hungarians fled the country.

The problems in Hungary began in October 1956, when thousands of protesters took to the streets demanding a more democratic political system and freedom from Soviet oppression. In response, Communist Party officials appointed Imre Nagy, a former premier who had been dismissed from the party for his criticisms of Stalinist policies, as the new premier. Nagy tried to restore peace and asked the Soviets to withdraw their troops. The Soviets did so, but Nagy then tried to push the Hungarian revolt forward by abolishing one-party rule. He also announced that Hungary was withdrawing from the Warsaw Pact (the Soviet bloc’s equivalent of NATO).

Headlines

A Million D.U.I. Cases a Year, but Breath Analysis Often Fails Test - The New York Times

Flood of Oil Is Coming, Complicating Efforts to Fight Global Warming - The New York Times

Scores injured in chaotic weekend of Hong Kong protests - Reuters

North Korea, U.S. could resume talks in mid-November: South Korean MP - Reuters

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

May I congratulate all of you who are Members of this historic 100th Congress of the United States of America. In this 200th anniversary year of our Constitution, you and I stand on the shoulders of giants -- men whose words and deeds put wind in the sails of freedom. However, we must always remember that our Constitution is to be celebrated not for being old, but for being young -- young with the same energy, spirit, and promise that filled each eventful day in Philadelphia's statehouse. We will be guided tonight by their acts, and we will be guided forever by their words.

Address Before a Joint Session of Congress on the State of the Union, January 27, 1987

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Santa Maria

2018 Replica of the Santa Maria
Baltimore Inner Harbor
November 2, 2019

It was sitting the Baltimore Harbor last night and I recognized her as soon as I saw her tied to the pier. 

2018 Replica of the Santa Maria
Baltimore Inner Harbor
November 2, 2019

It was the full scale 2018 replica of the Santa Maria, Columbus's flagship of the squadron that with the Nina, Pinta are famous for carrying the discoverer to the "New World."

Discovering history through the replicas is a fantastic thing. The Santa Maria is only about 161 feet in length. That is roughly one tenth the length of Oasis of the Seas at 1186 feet. Oasis is a ship that Chris and I have had the pleasure of sailing upon a couple of years ago. The crew of the Santa Maria was estimated to be between 35-45 men. Who sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in a small wooden ship. 

Looking Down on the Main Deck
2018 Replica of the Santa Maria
Baltimore Inner Harbor
November 2, 2019

She is beautiful, however, The woodwork is amazing and the ship appears sturdy. It, of course, is a floating museum. It is important to understand the conditions that the crew faced on a daily basis. It was not a lot of fun to be a seaman during the late 1400's. Life was tough and perils were found everywhere.

Yet, the small ships and crews found their way around the world. 

I enjoyed coming aboard and exploring the portions of the ship that were open to the public. I was amused that the ship was sporting extensive Halloween decorations, some of which are evident in the images that took. 

It was an enjoyable time delving into history. And after visiting the ship, Chris and I proceeded to enjoy the festivities adorning the Baltimore Inner Harbor for the remainder of the evening.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

First Frost

Frost on the Windshield
Elkridge, MD
November 2, 2019

One of the sure signs of Autumn is the arrival of the first frost. 

Frost on Chris's Car Roof
Elkridge, MD
November 2, 2019

This morning, the first frost of the season graced the area and signaled the official end to the growing season. Chris and I moved the palms and hibiscus into the pool house for protection before going out for Happy Hour at a friend's house last evening.  They were too full of water form the rains to bring inside the house yet--but as soon as they are dry, they will come inside for the winter.

Frost is a sure sign that winter is not far off. 

And it is cold this morning. As you might expect with frost. But the dawn is breaking with a clear sky and the autumn colors on the trees are even more vibrant as the leaves prepare to take their final dance with the wind and fall to the ground. 

The falling leaves mean that I get to rake the lawn again! Yay!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Day of the Turkey

Welcome November! 

And what does the arrival of November mean? It coincides with the arrival of the Day of the Turkey season. In the vernacular it is known as Thanksgiving! The Thanksgiving season has arrived. 

The Thanksgiving season is short, only four weeks, and it is often lost in the anticipation of Christmas. It is sad that the stores are already pushing Christmas--everyone is going to be burned out before December even arrives. 

Halloween passed quietly last evening. The torrential rains held off and we were able to give out most of our candy. It was fun as we were at home for the first time in about 14 years to enjoy the costumed kids in our own neighborhood. 

But now, bring on the Turkeys!!!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Halloween 2019

The day has arrived. Halloween, the day of candy and goblins. 

Sadly, the weather report is making it seem as if this year's edition in the Baltimore region will be a washout. 

This will be the first year that Chris and I are not going Trick or Treating with the grandsons--they are getting too old to want grandparents tagging along as they visit the houses in their neighborhood with their friends. 

Chris and I will sit in our house, watching the rain, waiting for the doorbell to ring with the kids in their costumes asking for a treat.

I am looking forward to the evening. Everyone be careful out there.

Tomorrow is November!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

A Series for the Ages

This World Series is a one of a kind. The last time the home team did not win through six games was--never! This is the first time that it has happened like this in all of the World Series that have been played. Tonight is the concluding game seven with no wins thus far at home for either team.


An ESPN writer puts it this way: No team has won a World Series without winning a home game, but several teams have won Games 6 and 7 on the road: the 1926 Cardinals, 1934 Cardinals, 1952 Yankees, 1958 Yankees, 1968 Tigers, 1979 Pirates and 2016 Cubs. The Nationals will look to make a unique kind of history in Game 7, while the Astros will try to cement their legacy as an all-time great team. 

Matt Kelly at MLB.com wrote:

The Nationals’ season-saving 7-2 victory over the Astros in Game 6 on Tuesday night made road teams a perfect 6-0 in this year’s Fall Classic. It’s the first World Series in which the road team has won each of the first six games, and it’s also the first time in 1,420 best-of-seven postseason series across MLB, NBA and NHL in which the road team has won each of the first six contests.

And then of course, last night's game had the controversy with the runner being called out for interference running to First Base. There needs to be some drama in every World Series. 

Personal Trivia


One year ago today, I completed my 16th of 44 radiation treatments for prostate cancer. Wow! What a difference a year makes. I have had two follow-ups with the radiation oncologist since completing the treatments and everything seems great!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

We the People--A Scary Revelation

We the People--

I read a very scary statistic the other day about Americans. Here is a headline from The Daily Mail:

Majority of Americans want to change the First Amendment: Study found that people want JAIL TIME for hate speech as they call for updates to 200-year-old law 'to reflect cultural norms of today'

This is a very concerning report. 

The Washington Free Beacon also carried an article, extensively quoted in the one above titled:

Poll: Majority of Americans Want First Amendment Rewritten

Why would we want to willingly give up our right to Free Speech and a Free Press? 

These seem to me the two major items in the article. 

I am very concerned.

Too many Americans have fought and died for our freedoms, and among them are the rights to Free Speech and a Free Press. I do not understand why we believe that because these freedoms are abused by a minority of people that these rights should be abridged. Who will then become the anointed protector of the rights and the ultimate decision maker regarding approved Free Speech? 

China is an example of a place where the freedoms that we enjoy and take for granted are not allowed. The government controls all access to the news and the internet. People are not allowed to freely express their views and especially cannot openly disagree with the government. These freedoms are what the protests in Hong Kong are futilely trying to protect.

Just because we don't agree with something that someone says or writes does not mean that we should legislate against freedom of speech or the press.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, Md

Monday Musings - October 28, 2019

1. Welcome to the last Monday of October. Friday begins November and Daylight Saving Time ends next Sunday morning at 2 AM. It is going to be a busy week. There are 64 days remaining in 2019.

2. It is a tough Sunday when all four of the family NFL teams are not playing. The Cowboys and the Ravens were on a bye, the Redskins played Thursday, and the Steelers play tonight. 

3. What an interesting World Series, the home team has yet to win a game. Wow. The Astros, with three wins,  are one win away from a the championship, but the series now returns to Houston. They will need to win a home game to win the series. The 1996 World Series between the Yankees and Braves was the last that saw the home team lose the first five games. The Yankees won that series by winning game 6 at home. 

4. Sadly the rains yesterday morning meant the GORC Wildcats 12U baseball team did not get to play the third game of the Field of Screams baseball tournament in Hershey. They really needed the experience. 

5. Driving long distance in an intense rainstorm is really exhausting. 

Me, Mike, Jim
Watching the World Series
Hummelstown, PA
October 25, 2019

6. What do you do on a Friday night in Hummelstown, PA? Go out to the local watering hole and watch the World Series, of course. 

7. Once the rain stopped about noon, yesterday became an idyllic autumn day. Bright blue sky highlighted the trees adorned in the autumn finery.

8. Family NFL Results:

    Cowboys had a Bye
    Ravens had a Bye
    Redskins lost to Vikings 9-19
    Steelers play Dolphins tonight

9. Today is National Chocolate Day--which is great since I was just un Hershey, PA. 

St Louis Gateway Arch

10. Today in History. On October 28, 1965, construction is completed on the Gateway Arch, a spectacular 630-foot-high parabola of stainless steel marking the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial on the waterfront of St. Louis, Missouri.

The Gateway Arch, designed by Finnish-born, American-educated architect Eero Saarinen, was erected to commemorate President Thomas Jefferson’s Louisiana Purchase of 1803 and to celebrate St. Louis’ central role in the rapid westward expansion that followed. As the market and supply point for fur traders and explorers—including the famous Meriwether Lewis and William Clark—the town of St. Louis grew exponentially after the War of 1812, when great numbers of people began to travel by wagon train to seek their fortunes west of the Mississippi River. In 1947-48, Saarinen won a nationwide competition to design a monument honoring the spirit of the western pioneers. In a sad twist of fate, the architect died of a brain tumor in 1961 and did not live to see the construction of his now-famous arch, which began in February 1963. 

HEADLINES

‘No Water, No Power, No Anything’: Fires Push California to Its Limits‘No Water, No Power, No Anything’ - The New York Times

1.5 Million Packages a Day: The Internet Brings Chaos to N.Y. Streets - The New York Times

Hong Kong protesters hurl petrol bombs after police fire tear gas to clear rally - Reuters

‘Many’ dead as Myanmar military sinks boats carrying kidnapped troops: Arakan Army - Reuters



Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

Two of our Founding Fathers, a Boston lawyer named Adams and a Virginia planter named Jefferson, members of that remarkable group who met in Independence Hall and dared to think they could start the world over again, left us an important lesson. They had become, in the years then in government, bitter political rivals in the Presidential election of 1800. Then, years later, when both were retired and age had softened their anger, they began to speak to each other again through letters. A bond was reestablished between those two who had helped create this government of ours.

In 1826, the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, they both died. They died on the same day, within a few hours of each other, and that day was the Fourth of July.

In one of those letters exchanged in the sunset of their lives, Jefferson wrote: ``It carries me back to the times when, beset with difficulties and dangers, we were fellow laborers in the same cause, struggling for what is most valuable to man, his right of self-government. Laboring always at the same oar, with some wave ever ahead threatening to overwhelm us, and yet passing harmless . . . we rode through the storm with heart and hand.''

Well, with heart and hand let us stand as one today -- one people under God, determined that our future shall be worthy of our past. As we do, we must not repeat the well-intentioned errors of our past. We must never again abuse the trust of working men and women by sending their earnings on a futile chase after the spiraling demands of a bloated Federal Establishment. You elected us in 1980 to end this prescription for disaster, and I don't believe you reelected us in 1984 to reverse course.

  -- Inaugural Address, January 21, 1985

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Tournament

The Team Between Games
Hummelstown, PA
October 26, 2019

The team played in its first tournament yesterday. I must confess, there is a special excitement about playing in a tournament and meeting other high caliber teams. Our team is making the jump from being a recreational league team to becoming a travel team. Every time we play, the boys get better and see what is expected of them as they play at a higher level.

Jax and Jack Chilling at the Hotel
Hummelstown, PA
October 26, 2019

While the outcomes of the games are still not what the team desires, there are more and more positives that we can focus upon coming out of every outing. Sadly, the Sunday game got canceled because they believed that they were going to win that game decisively based upon the strong performance in the second game yesterday. The boys are gelling as a team and it is truly sad that the season ends next week--with a doubleheader on Sunday. 

Singing Cars
Hershey's Chocolate World
Hershey, PA
October 26, 2019

It was fun to get out of town to a tournament and spend the weekend with the boys and their families in a hotel. I truly hope that we can play in more tournaments next year to get the boys ready for the weeklong Cooperstown Tournament that we will be playing during late-June 2020. 

Chris and I did get out with Ethan to Hershey's Chocolate World for some enjoyment yesterday morning before the first game. It was very different from the lat time I visited, which was during the 1960's. I must say--there was a lot of chocolate and the singing cows were just a bit over the top. It was a moo-ving performance.

A great weekend so far and since there is no game today, we will be heading home soon.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Hummelstown, PA