The Chaos Returns

 And it begins . . . 

Welcoming Sign to Springfield, Ohio
Fox News
September 14, 2024

I am outraged by those who lied and continue to lie about the situation in Springfield, Ohio. They have ruined lives and have thrust the entire community and especially the LEGAL Haitian immigrants living there into the forefront of a very ugly news cycle. 

The situation in Springfield foreshadows the chaos which will once again grip the country if Trump is elected. And he doesn't care about the lives of the people living there. He does not care about the hard working Haitian immigrants or any of the other citizens of Springfield who are suddenly in the center of yet another great lie.

Two hospitals in Springfield, Ohio, were sent into lockdown after bomb threats, police said Saturday, marking the fourth such case in as many days that appears linked to false claims circulating among the far right that Haitian immigrants there are eating domestic pets and wildlife.

Saturday’s threats came even after the woman who started the rumors acknowledged to NBC News that they were unfounded and publicly apologized.  (The Guardian)

Who does Trump care about? Himself. 

I remember the chaos and public unrest during Trump's presidency. He continually pitted groups of people against others. 

A bit more about the situation in Springfield:

Two elementary schools were evacuated, and a middle school was closed Friday morning in the Ohio city of Springfield − the target of false election-year rumorsabout Haitian migrants − "based on information received from the Springfield Police Division," school officials said.

Springfield, located north of Dayton, vaulted to national prominence after former President Donald Trump announced during Tuesday's presidential debate with Vice President Kamala Harris that, "In Springfield they are eating the dogs, the people that came in, they're eating the cats. They're eating the pets of the people that live there." (The Columbus Dispatch)

And what has happened since the reports about dogs and cats being eaten? The Republicans have doubled down rather than admitting to the lie. Trump and Vance cannot admit they are wrong in the face of facts, rather they try to bend the facts to fit their lie.

And to make it worse: 

The all-male, far-right Proud Boys have been spotted marching on the streets of Springfield, Ohio. There has been no confirmation on what they planned to do or where they were headed. (AS)

Remember Charlottesville?

I do not want to go back. We must continue to move forward. 

Happy Sunday.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Saturday Promise

Channel 5 Storm Tracker
September 14, 2024

 I woke this morning and checked the weather. I was hoping for a nice day to head off to an area just a bit north with Chris for a bike ride. The temperature was 79 degrees, the dew point was 79 degrees, and the feels like was 88 degrees. Ugh.

When I took Finn out for his morning relief, I could see the dew on the car. 

I think we will still head out for a ride. I would like some different scenery this morning. And while uncomfortable. at least there is no rain in the immediate area. 

I rode 18 miles yesterday, but did not take an image. I guess nothing piqued my interest. Maybe we will see a tortoise this morning. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

And There We Were

Tequesta Bridge over the Loxahatchee
Tequesta, FL
September 12, 2024

 It was another hot day in South Florida. The heat index topped 100 degrees and it was just unpleasant to be outside during the middle of the afternoon. 

Yet, we were--and both Chris and I enjoyed the day. 

We began the morning with a short 11-mile ride around Tequesta and we enjoyed the evening at our favorite outdoors (open air?) watering hole, Tiki52, with friends. 

From our table at Tiki52
Tequesta, FL
September 12, 2024

Actually, even though the temperature was high, there evening along the intracoastal was very enjoyable. We sat under the Tiki hut rather than at an umbrella table and enjoyed a very pleasant breeze coming off the water. Chris and I were surprised at how comfortable it was to sit at a table in the shade to enjoy the afternoon. The sun is still very hot, but the shade and breeze more than compensated.

As the week comes to an end, it was good to be home. We have completed many small projects and after almost three weeks of travel, we are just happy to wake up in our own bed in the morning. 

Programming Note: Beware Friday the 13th!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

More of the Facts - The Debate

 I did some fact checking after the debate Tuesday night. Wow! Amazing.

I was amazed that the Republicans are attacking the moderators. According to CNN: 

Trump talked more than Harris throughout the entire debate broadcast, and finished five minutes ahead after closing statements wrapped. At the end, Trump had spoken for approximately 42 minutes and 52 seconds, while Harris spoke for about 37 minutes and 36 seconds. (CNN)

Why would the side that got a nearly 5 minute time advantage, or a 6 percent advantage, complain about the moderators not being fair? From where I saw the debate the moderators were not being fair to Harris by letting Trump interrupt her and not shutting off his microphone as was agreed. 

I am concerned about the amount of misinformation and outright lies that Trump spoke. According to AP News Fact Checking, here are the most egregious lies of the evening:

- Trump shares inflated numbers around migrants and crime 

- Trump repeats false claims that noncitizens are being sought to vote

- Trump misrepresents crime statistics

- Trump endorses false rumor about immigrants eating pets

- National Guard soldiers on Jan. 6

- Trump falsely claims China is building ‘massive’ auto plants in Mexico

- Trump falsely claims evidence shows he won in 2020

- Trump claims Putin endorsed Harris

- Trump misrepresents key facts of the Central Park Five case

- Harris takes Trump’s ‘bloodbath’ comment out of context

Of the lies, the one that is very concerning is the one about immigrants eating pets. Joyce Vance writes about this lie as follows:

It's not just that the Haitian story is ridiculous. It's not just that it’s a lie. It is both of those things, but it is more than that; it is also dangerous. Dehumanizing people is what makes inhuman treatment of them possible. It’s how you justify the family separation policy that ripped children from their parents, some of them so young that reunification is still elusive more than five years later. In extreme cases, dehumanization is a path towards genocide, the way the Nazis called Jews in Germany vermin and claimed that they spread disease and used the blood of non-Jewish children in rituals as prelude to the Holocaust. Trump is using similar language as a prelude to the proposed mass deportations of migrants that both he and Project 2025 (which he claimed last night he’d never read) call for. Trump and Vance are setting up a society where atrocities against other human beings can be justified by dehumanizing them first.(Civil Discourse)

At times, and I watched the entire debate along with the post-debate commentary, it appeared that Trump forgot against whom he was running. He launched into more than one discourse about Biden and Harris reminded him that she was not Biden.

I remember all of the nasty and inappropriate things Trump said about President Biden in the past. Perhaps Trump should look into the mirror and upon realizing these same things are true about himself; that he is unfit to be president, he should quit the campaign and head out onto a golf course in a golf cart and do what he does best--sulk. That would be far better than continuing to tear the country apart through his lies and misrepresentations.  

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Birds in the Road

 I managed a 17-mile ride on Monday. 

The weather both yesterday and today has been/is not conducive to riding because rain showers pop up at a moments notice. Chris and I tried to golf yesterday, but were chased off the course by rain as we were playing the 11th hole. It was a valiant effort, but ended early. I felt bad for Chris as she was having a great round. I, on the other hand, not so much.

While riding on Monday, I came upon a small flock of ibis who had to move out of the road. I tried to capture them as they took flight. They were enjoyable to watch as they, in their ungainly manner, took flight and cleared my path. I do so enjoy watching the ibis. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Beach Evening

 

Surfers in the Waves
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
September 7, 2024

Chris and I made a return to our favorite beach the other evening. Although the day was hot, the evening at the beach was perfect. We watched storms move just to the north of us and enjoyed the surfers catching waves.

It had been a while since we had managed to visit the beach because of fairly regular afternoon thunderstorms. It was nice to have a break in the action to allow us to meet with friends and enjoy Happy Hour together on the beach. 

Osprey with Catch
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
September 7, 2024

Of course it was also nice to be on the beach and out of the truck. We drove a lot during the past couple weeks while we visited Maryland, New York, and Georgia. I wish that I had kept track of the mileage, but I am sure we topped 1500 miles. 

As I wrote previously, it is good to be home in Florida. The ocean remains warm and the temperatures continue in the low 90s and high 80s. It is perfect beach weather, except for the passing storms. 

I was happy to have my newly received smart glasses available to take images of the scene I was enjoying. I did, however, image the osprey with its catch on my iPhone. We were privileged to see two osprey dive within a short time of each other. Both were successful in their efforts. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - September 9, 2024

 

1. September is moving along. It is already the second Monday meaning that there are only 16 Mondays remaining in 2024!

Chris on the Tequesta
Loxahatchee River Bridge
Tequesta, FL
September 8, 2024

2. It is good to be home. There is something satisfying about walking into our own home after a trip and being able to unwind and relax.

3. Chris and I did an easy 10-mile ride yesterday to get back into prime biking shape. I had gone out on Saturday, but only got 1 mile in before a thorn punctured my back tire. I was not amused and neither was Chris as she had to come retrieve me in the truck.

4. Family NFL Report

Ravens (0-1) lost to Chiefs (1-0), 20-27 (Thursday)

Steelers (1-0) defeated Falcons (0-1), 18-10

Cowboys (1-0) blow-out Browns (0-1), 33-17

Commanders (0-1) defeated by Bucs (1-0), 37-20

Dolphins (1-0) comeback against Jaguars (0-1), 20-17

5. NFL football has returned. I guess that may help me get past the Orioles September slump. Thank goodness the Yankees are having similar problems. 

6. Today in History. The King of Rock and Roll teams up with TV’s reigning variety program, as Elvis Presley appears on “The Ed Sullivan Show” for the first time on September 9, 1956.

After Presley earned big ratings for “The Steve Allen Show,” the Dorsey Brothers “Stage Show” and “The Milton Berle Show,” Sullivan finally reneged on his Presley ban, signing the controversial singing star to an unprecedented $50,000 contract for three appearances. 

With 60 million viewers—or 82.6 percent of TV viewers at the time—tuning in, the appearance garnered the show’s best ratings in two years and became the most-watched TV broadcast of the 1950s.

Trump warms up for debate by threatening to jail election officials - CNN

Shooting suspect’s mom drove 200 miles to Winder, Georgia, after getting cryptic text the morning of the school attack - CNN

An alleged Chinese agent went undetected in New York state government for years. Why it may have taken so long for authorities to act - CNN

A mini Russia emerges in Serbia as thousands flee war - Reuters

Russia focusing on US social media stars to covertly influence voters - Reuters

Google's antitrust trial over online advertising set to begin - Reuters

Iran denies reports of missile transfer to Russia - Reuters

September Is Once Again a Tough Month for Stocks - The Wall Street Journal

Iraqi Banks Used U.S.-Created System to Funnel Funds to Iran - The Wall Street Journal

On social media, a bullied teen found fame among child predators worldwide - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Just the Facts

 In all of the political discussions one party seems to create false facts, twist facts, and exaggerate far more than the other. That is not to say that there is not exaggeration on both sides, because we all know there is. 

I ran across the following on Reddit, I have not fact checked it completely, but in my head it seems to be about what I remember, so here goes (with some editing to correct spelling and remove pithy comments) The quoted material is in italics:

Regarding COVID:

While Trump told us 38 times that COVID would go away, U.S. LIFE EXPECTANCY FELL FROM 79 YEARS TO 76 YEARS and 1,000,000 Americans died of COVID and 4,000,000 Americans became disabled. 

Regarding the Economy:

US unemployment rate on Donald Trump's last day in office: 6.3%.

US unemployment rate today: 3.7%, after having hit a 50-year low of 3.4% in February.

Jobs added to US economy during 4 years of the Trump administration: -3 million.

Jobs added to US economy during the 2.5 years of the Biden/Harris administration: 13+ million.

Average annual GDP growth under Donald Trump: 0.95%

Average annual GDP growth under Joe Biden/Harris: 3%+

Most oil produced in a year under Trump: 13.1 million barrels per day.

Most oil produced in a year under Biden/Harris: 15.8 million barrels per day.

Infrastructure bills promised by Trump administration: 1. Delivered: 0.

Infrastructure bills promised by Biden/Harris administration: 1. Delivered: 1.

Felony charges facing Donald Trump: 91

Felony charges facing Joe Biden/Harris: 0

* https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/07/19/trump-carroll-judge-rape/

*** https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-life-expectancy-in-the-us-is-falling-202210202835

** https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/4459861-trump-praises-collapse-of-bipartisan-border-deal/

Things were NOT better four years ago. We were trapped in our houses and I remember standing in line to vote and we had to stay 6 feet apart. The lines wrapped around the voting center.  We had to wear masks. Toilet paper could not be found in the stores. 

Wait, and who was president? Trump!

I do not need any more of that. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Another Successful Warranty Completed

Ray-Ban Meta Glasses
Tequesta, FL
September 7, 2024

 At the beginning of August my smart glasses stopped accepting a charge.

I was devastated. 

The glasses are a bit pricey, but I loved the features, especially being able to take videos and images while riding my bike. I also enjoyed being able to listen to music or talk on the phone through my glasses which allowed my ears to remain unencumbered. 

I went online and determined that the store through which I purchased the glasses was supposed to handle the warranty claim and so I contacted them. It took about a month, but I got a call last week, while we were in Maryland, that they had my replacement glasses. I picked them up yesterday and am very happy to have a functioning pair of glasses again. 

I guess sometimes the warranties actually work out!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Out the Hotel Window - Athens, GA

Hampton Inn
Athens, GA
September 5, 2024

 Chris and I made it home to Tequesta! Yay!

The drive was long, both days, but definitely worth the extra time to see Ethan in Athens. 

I was very pleased with the Hampton Inn in Athens. The staff was genuinely fun to work with and the location is great. The view out the hotel window was not too bad either. I took the image during sunrise on our departure day. It was a nice view, as compared to many places we stay. At least there was more than a parking lot or the building next door. 

The multiple entrances off the main lobby made unloading and reloading the truck much easier than most Hampton Inns. We have a lot of stuff to take inside, for instance the cooler and the wine along with suitcases and backpacks. The cooler weather was a nice added benefit.. 

I actually look forward to staying there the next time I visit Athens, unless I can find a nice hotel closer to the campus and near the center of activities. 

As for the day, the drive was long--9 hours. But, we made it OK. We got enough sleep that the drive never got too tedious and I am happy to report there were fewer road denizens intent on endangering everyone around them. 

Chris and I were able to get everything unloaded and the house returned to normal before the Ravens-Chiefs game. We went to bed at halftime and I awoke to find the expected score with the Ravens losing to the Chiefs, again! Ugh! At least it wasn't a blowout like the last time the Ravens opened the season on a Thursday.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL