Monday Musings - August 5, 2024

 

1. And the year continues to move along. Today is the first Monday of August. There are but 21 Mondays remaining in the year. 

Looking out loanDepot Park
Miami, FL
July 25, 2024

2. While we attended the Orioles and Marlins baseball game two weeks ago, I took an image of the skyline of Miami from the windows at one end of loanDepot Park. It is quite a sight. Overall, we had a great time. Looking closely at the image the lights from the inside of the stadium can be seen in the reflection. 

3. It has been a relatively quiet week. The storm and preparations have kept us busy, but we are glad to have been missed. 

4. I was reminded yesterday of where not to shop on a Sunday, Costco. What a mess. Wait, and I wound up making two trips there. I won't complain about crowding during mid-week shopping again. 

5. Chris and I are looking forward to the visit of our grandson Luke this week. He always gives us the opportunity to have some fun that we might otherwise overlook. I'm feeling a waterpark coming on!

6. Today in History. On August 5, 1962, movie actress Marilyn Monroe is found dead in her home in Los Angeles. She was discovered lying nude on her bed, face down, with a telephone in one hand. Empty bottles of pills, prescribed to treat her depression, were littered around the room. After a brief investigation, Los Angeles police concluded that her death was “caused by a self-administered overdose of sedative drugs and that the mode of death is probable suicide.”

Marilyn Monroe was born Norma Jeane Mortenson in Los Angeles on June 1, 1926. Her mother was emotionally unstable and frequently confined to an asylum, so Norma Jeane was reared by a succession of foster parents and in an orphanage. At the age of 16, she married a fellow worker in an aircraft factory, but they divorced a few years later. She took up modeling in 1944 and in 1946 signed a short-term contract with 20th Century Fox, taking as her screen name Marilyn Monroe. She had a few bit parts and then returned to modeling, famously posing nude for a calendar in 1949.

Oil tumbles as global economic fears take hold - CNN

Taiwan is making a TV show about a Chinese invasion. And it’s hitting close to home - CNN

Musk-backed PAC under investigation for potential violations of Michigan laws - Reuters

Ukraine finally deploying US-made F-16 fighter jets, Zelenskiy says - Reuters

Mount Etna erupts - Reuters

Stock Futures Fall as Global Selloff Intensifies - The Wall Street Journal

Burgers, Botox and Birkins: Consumer Pullback in China, U.S. Hits Broadly - The Wall Street Journal

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigns, army chief says - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Saturday Evening Chillin'

Under the Tiki52 Canopy
Tequesta, FL
August 3, 2024

 It was a spur of the moment decision. 

Chris and I, along with Finn, went to Tiki52 for an early evening happy hour. We had been out shopping and it appeared that the rain would take a two-hour break, so instead of heading home we went off to one of our favorite watering holes.

The place was empty--especially for a Saturday night, but with more rain expected in a couple hours, that was to be expected. 

The sun even peaked out for a short time while we were there. We enjoyed some live music and just relaxed before heading home to shelter-in-place for the evening. Thunderstorms were expected. They were not as severe as some areas around us experienced, but the thunder did boom a bit. 

And that was Saturday night. At least TS Debby decided to head up the Gulf Coast of Florida and avoid our area. We are getting some much needed rain, but nothing severe. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

As the Storm Churns

 I wrote earlier in the week about the storm churning in the Atlantic. Fortunately, for those living in our area we are going to miss the worst part of it. The storm did what I kind of expected it to do and is making a pass at Florida's west coast and through northern Florida to saunter up the East Coast. 

The good news is that the storm is projected to remain a. tropical storm and not develop into a full-blown (haha play on words?) hurricane. But even so, the rains and flooding will be a huge problem for some areas. 

But, southern Florida will mostly be spared. We are expecting much needed rain, but no severe or extensive flooding. Yay. 

It is important to follow the storms as they develop. And to also be relieved when they pass by. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Unconscious Bias?

 I had an interesting thing pointed out to me the other evening. 

We, collectively but not absolutely, seem to differentiate between men and women presidential candidates in a very important and potentially misogynistic manner. 

More often than not, we call the male candidates by their last name: Biden, Trump, Obama. 

On the other hand there appears to be a tendency to address women by their first names: Kamala or Hillary come to mind. 

Why don't we call men by their first name? How does Joe or Don sound? 

There are exceptions. I understand that the pool of women who are/were presidential nominees is small, two. And yes, the vice president candidate, Sara Paulin, was not called Sara. But even so, JD Vance is addressed by his last name.

I wonder if there is an unconscious bias at work? Or is it something more sinister and misogynistic?

Food for thought.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

updated to clarify a confusing sentences, 3 Aug

And July is gone

Finnegan
Tequesta, FL
July 3, 2024

 The month of July 2024 passed into history during the night. Welcome to August. I wish I was happy about the passing of July, but I am not. 

July was a different month for Chris and me. We were at home in Tequesta for the entire month. We did not travel anywhere and were able to just enjoy the month and living. Of course, we bought a new refrigerator and a closet system. The closet system is being installed next week. 

Palm Beach Zoo
West Palm Beach, FL
July 13, 2024

My image of the month is one I took of Finnegan sitting by the patio door. He posed so nicely for me, but, unfortunately, I could not get the light properly balanced to see his eyes.  

My second favorite image is one I took at the Palm Beach Zoo. The lush green on mid-summer just screamed at me. The murky South Florida water also figures into the scene. There were no animals prominent in the scene, which is not what I'd expect at the zoo. The amount and diversity of the foliage is what draws me to this image. 

And so July is a wrap!

August will be significantly different as we are planning a trip north for the annual memorial golf tournament in memory of our nephew Troy. We will likely be there over Labor Day. And of course there is that "not quite yet a tropical depression" heading our way to dump lots of rain on us this weekend. 

Fun times. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Storm Watching

 South Florida has been, thankfully, the storms and heat that have been raging much of the country. 

But, there is a storm on the horizon that we are keenly watching. The entire region watches as new tropical depressions form and potentially transition into a tropical storm and then a hurricane. This one is no different with the exception that it is not formed and the daily projections continue to have it sliding further north and away from a direct strike on our region. 

Late last week the cone of probability was centered on South Florida and now, over the past days, it has moved northward towards Georgia and the Carolinas. The even better news is that the disturbance, as it is called, has not yet developed in to a tropical depression and may only provide some much needed rain to the region where it makes landfall. 

We continue to watch the advance and I am hitting the National Hurricane Center's graphics multiple times per day. I think they publish a new graphic every six hours. 

We are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Touring the Area on my Bike

Limestone Creek
Jupiter, FL
July 29, 2024

 The past two days I have enjoyed outstanding bike rides. All totaled, I have ridden 38 miles around the area and enjoyed both some great weather and re-exploring some places where I have not ridden in a while. 

Yesterday I rode almost 22 miles. I managed some off-road riding on a trail near Limestone Creek. It is a short trail, but provides a welcome change from street riding. The trail is less developed than the GAP, which makes it different in a good way. There are a couple of nice places to stop for pictures and to enjoy the scenery and the wildlife. I miss my smart glasses for the ease of capturing images along my treks. 

It was good to be back on my bike. I also managed to spent 82 percent of the ride in training Zones 3, 4, or 5. Yes, I did manage 7 minutes in Zone 5. Maybe some day I will play racquetball again and that will come in handy. 

For now, I just enjoy the riding and maintaining some semblance of being in shape. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL  

Monday Musings - July 29, 2024

 

1. The month is winding down. Today is the final Monday of July. My favorite month of the year is almost over! There are 22 Mondays remaining in the year and August is almost upon us. 

Water Lily's by Monet
Norton Gallery of Art
West Palm Beach, FL
July 27, 2024

2. We returned to the Norton Gallery of Art on Saturday.  Saturdays during the summer months Palm Beach County residents are allowed free admission. We took George and Sue with us, who are visiting. We enjoyed seeing the art and sculptures again and had the opportunity to explore a bit deeper. 

Bird of Paradise
Norton Gallery of Art
West Palm Beach, FL
July 27, 2024

3. My Ray-Ban smart glasses have ceased functioning. I am, of course, crushed. There are about 8 images trapped on them from our Friday boat outing. I went through the published troubleshooting techniques. It seems the battery has ceased holding a charge, ugh! I am getting a new pair under the warranty---but it may take some time. At least I can still wear them as not-smart sunglasses.

4. FRANKFURT/GDANSK, July 29 (Reuters) - European companies focused on clean energy are abandoning expansion plans, bracing for lower sales or see funding of U.S projects in doubt because of fears over what a potential election victory for Donald Trump could mean for their sector. (See Reuters News item below)

5. The impatience of some drivers is making driving dangerous. Saturday, as I pulled out of the parking lot at the Norton Museum of Art a car came speeding right up behind me. It was clear the driver was impatient but could not get around me as quickly as he (I confirmed it was a person exhibiting male characteristics) desired. I was behind another vehicle and there was a slow mover in the lane next to me. As soon as the road was clear he sped by giving me a profane gesture. We both continued up the road and he arrived at the red traffic light a few seconds before I did, although he weaved through traffic and changed lanes about 8 times while I drove steady. George, who was in the car with us, remarked that he must be going to Chick-fil-A. We all laughed. The car turned the corner, as did we, and it sped down the road to turn into McDonalds. We continued on to I-95 Northbound. Total time saved was estimated at 10 seconds. Number of vehicles placed in increased danger was about 12. 

6. Today in History. The U.S. Congress passes legislation establishing the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), a civilian agency responsible for coordinating America’s activities in space, on July 29, 1958. NASA has since sponsored space expeditions, both human and mechanical, that have yielded vital information about the solar system and universe. It has also launched numerous earth-orbiting satellites that have been instrumental in everything from weather forecasting to navigation to global communications.

NASA was created in response to the Soviet Union’s October 4, 1957 launch of its first satellite, Sputnik I. The 183-pound, basketball-sized satellite orbited the earth in 98 minutes. The Sputnik launch caught Americans by surprise and sparked fears that the Soviets might also be capable of sending missiles with nuclear weapons from Europe to America. The United States prided itself on being at the forefront of technology, and, embarrassed, immediately began developing a response, signaling the start of the U.S.-Soviet space race.

Harris seizes on new way to attack Trump - CNN

Both Venezuela strongman Nicolas Maduro and opposition claim election win, as US voices ‘serious concerns’ - CNN

The discovery of a possible sign of life in Venus' clouds sparked controversy. Now, scientists say they have more proof - CNN

Biden to propose Supreme Court term limits, binding code of conduct - Reuters

Israeli officials say they seek to avoid all-out war in Lebanon retaliation - Reuters

Trump effect in clean tech sector deepens angst in Europe's boardrooms - Reuters

Russia says oil depot in Kursk region on fire after Ukraine drone attack - Reuters

America’s New Political War Pits Young Men Against Young Women - The Wall Street Journal

Dozens of Russian Mercenaries Killed in Attack in Mali - The Wall Street Journal

Alzheimer’s blood test shows 90% accuracy, outperforming other exams - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

#mondaymusings

What do they really mean?

Happy Sunday. Some Sunday food for thought.

Friday night at a rally near here, the Republican candidate for President made the following and very concerning statements:

Trump said: "Christians, get out and vote, just this time. "You won't have to do it anymore. Four more years, you know what, it will be fixed, it will be fine, you won't have to vote anymore, my beautiful Christians."

He added: "I love you Christians. I'm a Christian. I love you, get out, you gotta get out and vote. In four years, you don't have to vote again, we'll have it fixed so good you're not going to have to vote," Trump said.  (Reuters)

I have never heard a candidate tell people supporting him that they won't need to vote in the future. And I am very concerned about what he means when he says: "we'll have it fixed so good you're not going to have to vote,"

Does he mean there won't be a vote? 

Our government is built on the fundamental concept that we vote, why would he be telling people they won't need to vote?

I obviously do not have the answer to this question, but based upon many other of his statements, I am concerned about what this may mean. 

And then there is the vice-presidential nominee, Vance who made the following incredible statement:

“When you go to the polls in this country as a parent, you should have more power,” he told the conservative Intercollegiate Studies Institute. “You should have more of an ability to speak your voice in our democratic republic than people who don’t have kids. Let’s face the consequences and the reality. If you don’t have as much of an investment in the future of this country, maybe you shouldn’t get nearly the same voice.” (Election Law Blog)

Does this mean that he does not believe that all people are created equal and that each person over the age of 18 should have one vote? As the 26th Amendment to The Constitution states:

The right of citizens of the United States, who are 18 years of age or older, to vote, shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any state on account of age.

Giving parents additional votes is clearly in violation of the 26th Amendment. 

Why does he discriminate against people who do not have children? 

At what point would a parent lose the ability to garner extra votes? When the child turns 18? Would grandparents get additional votes for their grandchildren?

Whom else does he plan to discriminate against? 

He clearly discriminates against seniors who may no longer have minor children, in addition to persons over 18 who do not have children. 

The Republican candidates provide a lot of fodder for concern and it is not just confined to a couple of specific ideas. They seem to lack a basic understanding of the Constitution and what it means to be an American. 

As an aside, I am coining a new term, it is similar to the RINO term. Trump is a ChINO. (Christian In Name Only)

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Turtle and Food

Small Turtle
Stuart City Pier, Stuart, FL
July 26, 2024

 It was a day on the water. 

Well, really it was a day on land but our mode of transportation was boat. We spent the morning on my favorite Jupiter Island ocean beach accessed from Peck Lake in the ICW. We had the beach to ourselves for most of our time there. The ocean waves were gentle and the water was warm. We were quite a sight with six chairs, three umbrellas, and coolers on the deserted beach. 

From the beach we loaded up and motored to Stuart. As we finished mooring the boat we noticed there was a small turtle near the dock. I was able to get this image before we walked away to find some lunch.

Johnny Storm in the Meal
Stuart, FL
July 26, 2024

For lunch we enjoyed a meal at The Boathouse. One of the specialties came with a very interesting form on it. I just had to get an image as it appeared to be a superhero standing in the middle of the rice ball. I guess it looked like Johnny Storm from the Fantastic 4. I'm not sure what it was supposed to be, as it was not my meal, but I was fascinated by how my imagination could make food look like something from a movie. 

The ride back to the marina was uneventful, but enjoyable. I did not realize hot the day had become until we were not either in the moat or on the beach. 

After the great day boating, we settled in for the evening watching the Olympics Opening ceremonies. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL