I Can't Believe He Said That

"It's all about him," I cannot believe what our president wrote about the murder of Rob Reiner and his wife. 

The comments are criminally insensitive and I wonder how any rational thinking person in America would continue to want to be led such a pompous wannabe. 

Two people were brutally murdered and he wrote the following: 

A very sad thing happened last night in Hollywood. Rob Reiner, a tortured and struggling, but once very talented movie director and comedy star, has passed away, together with his wife, Michele, reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME, sometimes referred to as TDS. He was known to have driven people CRAZY by his raging obsession of President Donald J. Trump, with his obvious paranoia reaching new heights as the Trump Administration surpassed all goals and expectations of greatness, and with the Golden Age of America upon us, perhaps like never before. May Rob and Michele rest in peace! (Truth Social)

This diatribe is from the same person who called a woman, "piggy" just for asking him a question.

Apparently, there is now a disorder called Trump Derangement Syndrome, which shows just how self-centered the president has become.

These, in my opinion, are the statements of a small-minded, bigoted person who has no respect for anyone. 

Civility and respect need to return to the White House. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - December 15, 2025

 

1. And here we are, mired in the middle of the last month of 2025. There are 10 days to go until Christmas and it is the third Monday of the month. There remain only two Mondays of 2025!

2. NFL Family Football Report. Given what happened with the Ravens last Sunday, I boycotted watching the NFL this week. Between both dismal play execution by the team and criminal refereeing, I just couldn't take watching the games yesterday. Three family teams have been eliminated from the playoffs, I put the Cowboys in that category because they must win their three remaining games and the Eagles must lose all of their three remaining games. The teams are 36-45-1, .445. 

Ravens (7-7) exacted revenge on the Bengals (5-9), 28-0 

Dolphins (6-7) play Steelers (7-6), tonight

Commanders (4-10) dispatched Giants (2-12), 29-21

Cowboys (6-7-1) were effectively eliminated from playoffs by Vikings (6-8), 26-34 

Chiefs (6-8) were eliminated from playoffs by Chargers (10-4) 13-16

Christmas Poinsettia
Tequesta, FL
December 14, 2025

3. Chris placed our poinsettia in the garden to add some much needed color. It does. It was especially radiant yesterday still carrying the raindrops from the overnight rainstorm.

Christmas at the Mall
Gardens Mall, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
December 14, 2025

4. We ventured to the local mall, the Gardens Mall, yesterday to do some Christmas shopping. We have been going to the mall fairly regularly during the year and it is usually a ghost town. Not so yesterday. The parking lots were full and the mall was bustling with Christmas shoppers. It was fun to be out and enjoying so many other shoppers. And we were successful in our efforts to find some actual physical Christmas gifts in a brick and mortar mall setting. The Christmas Spirit was definitely evident. 

5. The attacks at Brown University in Rhode Island and on Bondi Beach near Sydney, Australia, that killed so many people and injured so many others sadly highlight the continuing hostility and lack of civility in the world. I thought Australia had tough gun laws and we know how liberal they are here in the US. I cannot fathom why people believe they need to get weapons and go shoot strangers. 

6. Today in History. In a ceremony held in Baghdad on December 15, 2011, the war that began in 2003 with the American-led invasion of Iraqofficially comes to an end. But violence continued and in fact worsened over the subsequent years. The withdrawal of American troops had been a priority of President Barack Obama, but by the time he left office the United States would again be conducting military operations in Iraq.

Five days after the 9/11 attacks, President George W. Bush announced the “War on Terror,” an umbrella term for a series of preemptive military strikes meant to reduce the threat terrorism posed to the American homeland. The first such strike was the invasion of Afghanistan in October 2001, which began a war that continued for two decades.

Australia plans tougher gun laws after police say father and son killed 15 at Bondi Beach - Reuters

Meta tolerates rampant ad fraud from China to safeguard billions in revenue - Reuters

 Canada's farmers are producing record crops despite droughts and floods - Reuters

Morning Bid: Stocks catch a break after bruising AI selloff - Reuters

Authorities seek Brown University gunman after releasing person of interest - The Washington Post

Why Trump won’t stop trying to free Tina Peters — and why Colorado refuses to back down - MS Now

 Last-ditch and likely to fail: The House GOP is finally ready to act on health care - MS Now

NFL officials under fire after Rams edge Lions 41-34 to secure postseason berth - FoxNews

Congress races against the clock to avert skyrocketing health care costs for millions - CNN

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Christmas Movies: The Next 9

 Tis the season for Christmas Movies. 

Image from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

There are so many movies out there that Chris and I began watching the movies before Thanksgiving this year so that we would not go into complete Christmas overload. 

I ranked my top 10 all time Christmas movies last year. I reviewed the what I wrote and stand by it. I expect to complete viewing each of the movies in my Top 10 today or tomorrow by watching The Holiday (2006) and then It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

I realized that in reviewing the list that I had forgotten to consider one of my true favorites, a made for TV movie, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964). No, it doesn't crack my top 10, but I realized that I may need to continue into my next ranked favorite Christmas movies. 

And so, here are my next 9 favorite Christmas movies. Since I had a tie at 10 last year, I'm beginning at 12.

12. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

13. Red One (2024)

14. A Christmas Story (1983), Yes I enjoy the movie

15. The Christmas Chronicles 2 (2020)

16. The Claus Family (2020)

17. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)

18. The Santa Clause 2 (2002)

19. The Knight Before Christmas (2019)

20. White Christmas (1954)

And there it is. My top twenty Christmas movie list is complete. Obvious absences are Elf and any of the Grinch movies, although I do enjoy the Boris Karloff version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, but it was a short TV show and not a full movie. 

Happy Watching!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Decorating the Season

 

Christmas Flamingos
Tequesta, FL
December 12, 2025

Out on my bike, yesterday, I was impressed with the explosion of Christmas decorations since my last trip around the village before Thanksgiving. The day was cool, almost too cool, when I started out, but I soon warmed and began to enjoy the ride. I was happy that I did not feel the effects of two weeks of not riding. 

Repurposed Halloween Decoration
Tequesta, FL
December 12, 2025

Of course, one of my favorite yard decorations was of two flamingos with Santa hats. I have a fondness for flamingo yard decorations.

And then there is the repurposed Halloween decoration that was modified for Thanksgiving and now sports a Christmas decor. They definitely get their use out of it as it has been in the yard since September. 

I think I prefer the less is best policy for Christmas decorations. I don't like the yards where it appears that Christmas puked. There are too many decorations to enjoy and they are placed without a theme in mind. One other observation, I am seeing fewer inflatable decorations here in South Florida than I did in Maryland. I'm not sure why.

The march towards Christmas continues unabated. 12 Days until the Big Day!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

All I want for Christmas . . .

Christmas Light Adorned Yacht
Tequesta, FL
December 10, 2025

 Christmas music is everywhere. Chris and I listened to a few hours of Christmas music during our drive south earlier this week. It provided something different than the usual assortment of songs and artists to whom we listen.

We tend to listen to two genres of Christmas music: Country and Christian. The pop Christmas songs and the updated renditions are not that interesting for us. 

My least favorite Christmas song continues to be "I'll be Home for Christmas," which elicits an almost immediate channel change. What a depressing song for such a joyous time of year. 

One song that I very much enjoy, because it is only two years old and not played constantly, is "All I Want for Christmas is a Real Good Tan," by Kenny Chesney. I like the sentiment and it makes me smile. 

One verse expresses my white Christmas sentiment:

Well everybody's praying for a Christmas so white,

come to think about it, that'd be alright,

as long as it's sand and not snow on the ground,

and everyday our skin gets a little more brown,

We'll string some lights in a coconut tree,

I'll rub some oil on you, and you can rub some on me..

Pelican on the Piling
Tiki52, Tequesta, FL
December 10, 2025

While we were enjoying dinner at Tiki52 the other evening, I saw Christmas lights adorning a yacht. I had to think, that would be a great Christmas gift, a Christmas light adorned yacht! It was good to be dining outside in shorts and a short-sleeve shirt. Back in the land of warm!

What I want for Christmas is one of the toughest questions I am forced to answer. Unlike a good politician, I cannot come up with a redirect or a long-winded way of saying nothing and making the questioner feel like they received a response with which they can work. I am happy and content with few needs or wants. 

I have, however, a very specific answer for the question this year, but I am not going to share it. Those who know me probably understand what that might be and it is not something that can be purchased, wrapped and delivered. But that, really, is my only want for Christmas 2025. 

“The Joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others’ burdens, easing each other’s loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of the holidays.” –W. C. Jones

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Affordability is not a Hoax

Ribeye Steak @ Publix
Tequesta, FL
December 10, 2025

 Affordability is not a hoax! 

Those of us who actually got to stores or online to shop know that prices have climbed and continue climbing. 

I was shocked yesterday when I went to buy some beef at Publix. I was looking at a Ribeye steak. I remember getting those last year for about $8.99/pound. Not today, it was $38.99/pound. Ugh! Did I move to Japan? I hope the meat rots in the case.

And then there is coffee! I used to get a 3 lb can at Costco for $13.00. Last time I bought one there it was $21.00. 

Even wine is bloating in price. I used to buy a Lohr Cab Sav for $11.99/750 ml bottle. Now I am seeing it for $18.99. And Whispering Angel has soared from $18.99/750 ml bottle to over $25/btl the last time I was in the store. 

And that is just food. I'm reading about higher energy costs, except for gas which I got at $2.39/gallon on Monday morning in Brunswick, Georgia. On the health front, Medicare rates for next year will increase more than inflation. 

The problem affordability problem goes right back to energy costs and tariffs. That applies for products grown or made in the US as well as imports. Consider, very little is grown or made in the US without some foreign influence on the raw materials, the machinery, or the technology.

Wait, and then I read about a $12 bn bailout for the farmers. Then, there is talk about a $2,000 payout to consumers to offset the tariff pain. That is way more than the tariffs will collect. Who is doing the math in the White House? Just drop the tariffs and prices will go down, it is fairly simple solution, but apparently someone wants to add even more to the national debt which has already grown by more than $2 trillion since December last year. (Joint Economic Committee)

Forbes in an article titled 20 SIGNS THERE'S AN AFFORDABILITY CRISIS IN AMERICA, listed areas where affordability is indeed the problem. I highly recommend clicking the link and reading their analysis.

In addition to tariffs and energy, the affordability problem is exacerbated by the oligarchs who are out of touch with prices and haven't shopped for their necessities in decades. We have too many uber-rich people running the country and thinking things are great because the stock market is climbing.

And don't forget the President who has made billions since starting his second term. There used to be laws to prevent conflicts of interest. Of course he is a happy camper--he is sucking the U.S. dry and completely oblivious to how his policies are affecting the electorate.

Affordability is not a hoax, it is not fake-news, and it cannot be wished away. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Mercer Museum, pt 2

View of the Main Hall
Mercer Museum, Doylestown PA
December 4, 2025

 I wrote about the Doan Gang exhibit at the Mercer Museum which is located in Doylestown, PA, last week. However, focusing on only the Doan Gang exhibit does a disservice to the larger museum. 

Firetruck
Mercer Museum, Doylestown PA
December 4, 2025

The museum is located in a purpose built facility, called the castle, and houses perhaps the most unique collection of authentic, used, and unrestored items from American life in the pre-industrial age. The museum website characterizes it as follows:

The museum complex features local and national traveling exhibits, as well as a core museum collection of over 17,000 pre-Industrial tools. This permanent collection offers visitors a unique window into pre-Industrial America through sixty different crafts and trades, and is one of the world’s most comprehensive portraits of pre-Industrial American material culture. The museum also features a research library that is a center for local history related to Bucks County and the surrounding region, with its roots dating back to the founding of the Bucks County Historical Society in 1880. (Mercer Museum Website)

The museum (castle) is seven stories tall and chock full of more items that can be fully appreciated in a day. In addition to large vehicles, like a horse-drawn firetruck, and whaling boat, each level has rooms dedicated to one aspect of life. These include, for instance, coopering, shoemaking, pottery, fishing, and almost anything that can be imagined. Each of the rooms contains most all of the unique tools necessary to complete the craft. 

We were given a great tip about viewing the collections; start at the top and work down. That worked very well for us. 

Horse-Drawn Log Sled
Mercer Museum, Doylestown PA
December 4, 2025

Which items impressed me most? The Conestoga Wagon, firetruck, whaling boat, gallows, and the incredible diversity and completeness of the collections. Be aware, the displays are in their natural state and have not been restored, but are maintained in the original condition. I was able to actually see the wear on the Conestoga wagon. I did not know that whaling boats were so large, although in retrospect they would have to be given they were harvesting whales. 

This museum is definitely worth the effort to visit and, as I previously wrote, Chris and I are planning a return trip next year. 

Note: Dress for conditions. The exhibit floors are not climate controlled and were cold during our December visit. Individual accessible display rooms may be climate controlled.  

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Cutest Grandson in the World

Beck at Play
Glen Burnie, MD
December 7, 2025

 Chris and I are totally enamored with our youngest grandson, Beck. 

He is so cute and on this, our most recent, trip to Maryland we were blessed by spending a lot of time with Beck. 

Beck is both our 4th grandson and 4th grandchild. It seems we are destined to have only grandsons, but no worry, he is the cutest boy on two feet. Yes, he is standing and taking small steps. 

In short, he makes me smile. 

His parents are fantastic and are eagerly exposing him to new experiences daily. That written, his smile is infectious and his eyes are piercing. 

We could not get enough of him on our most recent trip north and we are looking forward to enjoying more time with him over Christmas. 

Simply stated, he is a force of nature!

I guess the 15 year gap between grandchildren is working in his favor. 

-- Bob Doan, Brunswick, GA

The Road Home

Go DAWGS!
Brunswick, GA
December 8, 2025

 Chris, Finn, and I rolled out of Odenton, MD, at about 4:30 AM this morning and we arrived in Brunswick, GA, about 2:40 PM. It was, all-in-all, a great day of driving. We were not burdened by any accidents or traffic tie-ups. Yay. 

We arrived at our hotel and even though check-in was not until 3 PM, they graciously had a room available for us! Which was good because I was dog tired! 

And, speaking of dogs, we were greeted in the lobby by the Georgia Bulldog! Go DAWGS! Although we are not in Athens, we are in Georgia! I had to smile, especially since the Ravens were baked into a pie by the Steelers yesterday.

The view out or hotel window hotel window is so poor that I decided not to take a picture of it. The view consists of the roof of the hotel complex. Yuck!

-- Bob Doan, Brunswick, GA 

Sunsets and History

 Pearl Harbor Day

Sunset Filling the Sky
Ellicott City, MD
December 6, 2025

As the light faded from the western sky last evening, I was provided a glimpse of beauty in the sunset. Sunsets are transitory, ephemeral. They change from moment to moment until they fade into darkness. But, for the time they are visible they can be spectacular.

Last evening's sunset was such a sunset. The low clouds reflected the red hues of sunset all across the sky. It was nearly a 360 degree sunset. What made this sunset special was the beams of light emanating from the now below the horizon sun. I don't see those often and against the naked winter trees, it was a stark, and at the same time, cold image. 

It is fitting that such sunset precedes a day when we remember the price of complacency. It could not possibly happen. Our fleet and military was safe at rest in Hawaii on that fateful Sunday morning when the realities of the world came for the United States with torpedos, guns, bullets, bombs, and tragically death. 

On the sunny Sunday morning of December 7, 1941, Messman Doris Miller had served breakfast aboard the USS West Virginia, stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and was collecting laundry when the first of nine Japanese torpedoes hit the ship.

In the deadly confusion, Miller reported to an officer, who told him to help move the ship’s mortally wounded captain off the bridge. Unable to move him far, Miller pulled the captain to shelter. Then another officer ordered Miller to pass ammunition to him as he started up one of the two abandoned anti-aircraft guns in front of the conning tower.

Miller had not been trained to use the weapons because, as a Black man in the U.S. Navy, he was assigned to serve the white officers. But while the officer was distracted, Miller began to fire one of the guns. He fired it until he ran out of ammunition. Then he helped to move injured sailors to safety before he and the other survivors abandoned the West Virginia, which sank to the bottom of Pearl Harbor. (Letters from an American)

America fought World War II to defend democracy from fascism. And while fascism preserved hierarchies in society, democracy called on all men as equals. Of the more than 16 million Americans who served in the war, more than 1.2 million were Black American men and women, 500,000 were Latinos, and more than 550,000 Jews were part of the military. Among the many ethnic groups who fought, Indigenous Americans served at a higher percentage than any other ethnic group—more than a third of able-bodied Indigenous men between the ages of 18 and 50 joined the service—and among those 25,000 soldiers were the men who developed the famous “Code Talk,” based in tribal languages, that codebreakers never cracked.

The American president at the time, Democrat Franklin Delano Roosevelt, hammered home that the war was about the survival of democracy. Fascists insisted that they were moving their country forward fast and efficiently—claiming the trains ran on time, for example, although in reality they didn’t—but FDR constantly noted that the people in Italy and Germany were begging for food and shelter from the soldiers of democratic countries.

Ultimately, the struggle between fascism and democracy was the question of equality. Were all men really created equal as the Declaration of Independence said, or were some born to lead the rest, whom they held subservient to their will? (Letters from an American)

When America came under attack before, people like Doris Miller refused to let that happen. For all that American democracy still discriminated against him, it gave him room to stand up for the concept of human equality—and he laid down his life for it. Promoted to cook after the Navy sent him on a publicity tour, Miller was assigned to a new ship, the USS Liscome Bay, which was struck by a Japanese torpedo on November 24, 1943. It sank within minutes, taking two thirds of the crew, including Miller, with it. (Letters from an American)

 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Programming Note: Monday Musings will not be published tomorrow as it is a travel day and Chris, Finn, and I are headed south, back to the warmth.