Where Have all the Flowers Gone?

The other day I had to go to Lowe's for some tools and guy stuff.

I love going to home improvement /maintenance stores because there is always something cool to look at that I didn't realize that I needed.

Lowe's Garden Department in Early January

I was looking, on this trip, for some simple fencing to help restrain Riordin, the cat who came back, from jumping off the deck and wandering off into the great unknown, again.

Yes, it seems that his curiosity has gotten the better of him and he has found a spot that is only six or so feet off the soft earthy ground to jump down to freedom.

Not wanting to go through the pain of losing him again, he is currently on lock-down until the restraint can be installed.

The fencing is kept near the garden center and so after heading out the doors, I was greeted by a very stark and empty sight--the garden center was empty. No plants, almost nothing. The area in the image is full to overflowing with plants and trees and flowers during most of the year--but on this dreary January day, it was a drab uninviting place.

I was stunned!

It made sense, but still, I had never experienced such emptiness in a store before. I can only imagine what it will look like by the end of February as the sturdy, cold-tolerant plants begin to arrive for the gardener in me to buy, and plant, and dig in the earth.

Given there is snow on the ground and more in today's forecast, I cannot wait for warmth and Springtime to arrive.

13 weeks until pool opening!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Snow Surprise

I guess I was totally out of touch yesterday about the weather. When I woke up this morning, snow had  graced the lawn and streets.

Imagine my surprise.

The world was white when I expected the brown and gray of a snowless winter. Alas, I think it also surprised the road crews and apparently the roads are also snow covered and slippery.

January 24, 2013 at 6 AM
Out the Front Door

It is another snowpocalypse? Not hardly, we have only received just over an inch or so--and the snow only reminds me of how cold that the past few days have been.

Ugh! Cold. Fourteen degrees cold--almost too cold to snow!

I guess that it is good that the weather is unpredictable--it provides a wildcard experience in life for a bit of creative problem solving. Who has not experienced a rainstorm when outside activities were planned? Or snow, when any activity was planned?

It is just the way that it is.

Well, at least Makayla loves the snow. She went out and frolicked--yes, I actually wrote that word, in the snow.

My feet just got cold.

Did anyone see where I misplaced the palm trees that are supposed to be growing in my yard?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Morning Has Broken, Again

I have noticed and been enjoying the dawn these past few days. With the skies being clearer, although the temperatures are cold, the dawns have had that "fire in the sky" look to them.  There is always one star shining at the dawn to remind me of the night--but the sun is spectacular as it casts those first rays on morning onto the light clouds.

I have always loved the dawn.

The beginning of the day when everything seems new and the promise of the day has not yet been tarnished by the reality of life and living.

When the skies are gray and cloudy as they have been many days, I miss seeing the dawn light breaking out of the darkness.

I remember going into a dark room with no windows once and lighting a match. It was amazing how light drives out darkness.  Darkness is not the opposite of light, it is the absence of light. I think that makes a difference. I guess that means that darkness cannot overwhelm light--but can only exist when there is no light.

And the morning drives away the dark of night with spectacular color and enthusiasm for the dawning day.

I should be so enthusiastic.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

National Aquarium - Baltimore

The question in the morning was what to do with the dual holiday/inauguration day-off and two grandchildren. Obviously, hanging around the house and shooting baskets was not going to be a good answer--it wasn't going to be warm enough.

Leaf Scorpion Fish

After digging around in the bag of tricks, a trip to the National Aquarium was the chosen destination diversion.

Getting there was easy, parking was expensive--but that is true of almost everywhere in Baltimore, and the day was cold and beautiful. A perfect destination.

It has been a couple of years since I visited the aquarium and some things have changed. Entry remains easy--we decided on becoming members again--so that took a bit more time, but was still quick. There is a major renovation underway which has removed one of my favorite exhibits--the big ray tank is gone and is being replaced by a new reef shark tank. It is all boarded up and cannot be viewed and that has affected the walking through entry area.

I guess the decision to visit the aquarium was shared with many other people because the place was packed with small children. It made keeping track of two rambunctious boys difficult and Chris and I frequently had to change plays on the fly to assure constant coverage given the darkness in many exhibits and the people.

The aquarium has grown and it takes a full day to fully appreciate the varied exhibits--from Australia to the Rain Forest to the Dolphin training area.

I am still awed by the reef tank with its varied fish and animals as well as the current shark tank. It seems as if the number of animals has been reduced--as I know there were less sharks and with the closing of the ray tank, there certainly are fewer of those magnificent animals that seem to be sweeping effortlessly through the water.

Well worth the day, but not without its inherent problems of crowding; I recommend the National Aquarium as a great way to keep busy children entertained while also learning more about our complex and varied world.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - January 21, 2010

1. Happy Inauguration Day. We can argue about the results of the election, but we cannot disagree about the importance of this day happening every four years to reaffirm the viability of the Republic.

2. Just gotta write this: The Ravens are going to the Super Bowl! I was reading the news and the sports people pointed out that the favored teams were 8-2 in the playoffs this year--the only underdog that won were the Ravens, twice. They are already 4 1/2 point underdogs for the Super Bowl--I'm feeling kinda good about that one.

3.  Note to self--never be a hostage in Algeria. The death toll there has topped 80.

4. It is not a good day to be going to London--they are having a snow storm which has canceled more than 10 percent of the flights.  I don't hear about snow in London very often.

5. I found an interesting web site: 10 Things to Know for Today.

6. I didn't realize that President Obama is the 17th President to win reelection.

7. I am sitting here writing and I hear the sound of two grandsons waking in their beds. It is strangely different to have these sounds back in the house again.

8. Who knew that Memphis was the fifth most dangerous city in the US? See the article about the five most dangerous cities in the US.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Club House Tour - Orioles

The highlight of my weekend was doing something that I have never done before--nor, had I even known that it was possible to do--tour the Orioles clubhouse.

Orioles Club House

While leaving Fan Fest, we saw signs for the Club House Tour and followed them--not knowing if there was an extra fee or not. Turns out, it was free and the Orioles open the club house for tours once per year--during Fan Fest.  Wow!

And what a tour it was. Behind the scenes, into the training facility, the club house, the indoor batting cages and onto the field in the dug out!

Adam Jones Locker

Fabulous.

Standing in fron of the Orioles Dug Out

How does one describe the excitement of going through the tunnel from the club house into the dug out where I have seen the team during so many Orioles games that I have lost count.

But to actually stand on the warning track and to sit in the dug out.

Orioles Park from in front of the Dug Out

It was a perspective changer.

Buck's Office

The day was beautiful. The sky was clear. Baseball was in the air.

Line-up Board

What a day!


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Earl Weaver and Orioles Baseball

I took this image during a tour of the clubhouse during Orioles Fan Fest today. Earl Weaver's passing hung over the event--but it was still a celebration of baseball, the season ahead, and the boys of summer.

The quote is:

"You can't sit on a lead and run a few plays into the line and just kill the clock. You've got to throw the ball over the damn plate and give the other man his chance. That's why baseball is the greatest game of them all." - Earl Weaver #4

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Orioles Bird perched for a run

Ready.

Set.

Baseball.

At FanFest ready to soak up some before Spring Training baseball excitement.

Championship, Fan Fest, Hockey--a True Sports Hangover

We've been down this path before--Ravens--Patriots in New England playing for a berth in the Super Bowl.

I love the drama.

It is some of the best I've enjoyed since the Orioles and the Yankees were playing in the play-offs during October.

It is easy to get lost in the hoopla and forget--it is just a game, albeit one I expect the Ravens to win against the seemingly overwhelming odds--again this week.

At least I live in a city where both the baseball and football teams made the playoffs this year.

On top of that--hockey begins again today to help chase the winter doldrums away: Penguins and Flyers.

And then there is Orioles Fan Fest that I'm heading off to in a few minutes! I need my fix of spring.

By the time Monday morning rolls around I should be thoroughly afflicted with a sports hangover.

And did I write that #6 Syracuse is playing NCAA Basketball against #1 Louisville today?

That will come right after Ethan heads out onto the court for his basketball game.

So many opportunities--so little time.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Dark and Dreary

The past week has been an example of dark and dreary, cold and rainy days.

The word yuck comes to mind.

The rain and the chill have affected many people in different ways. Driving around the area has slowed to a crawl. Traffic snarled as drivers navigate rain clogged roads and the resultant accidents.

In a word--awful.

The four letter word associated with winter perception was used today and I think people were almost excited that the skies might be blue at the end of a snow event.

Not me--any snow is too much.

I still have not put the cinder blocks into the back of my truck for added traction. I'm in denial about the snow.

But the darkness continues. Days fade from gray into the black of night
and then back into gray again.

Ugh. Someone called me from Florida yesterday just to tell me that the sun was shining and it was 81 degrees. Definitely not gloomy.

Maybe that weather will make its way here--before July.

I was encouraged this morning though as I noticed stars in the still night sky while walking Makayla. Better weather may be ahead? 99 days until pool opening day (It is under a hundred!!)!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Life We Live After

I read a thought provoking article in the Baltimore Sun the other day. It was about Ray Lewis--the retiring all-pro, all consensus Hall of Fame bound middle linebacker of the Baltimore Ravens.

The editorial was written by Dan Rodericks and recounted the trouble that followed Ray Lewis at the beginning of his career.

Lewis was troubled and associated with people who were not of the highest character; Ray calls his acquaintances thugs.. As a result, there was an incident after the 2000 Super Bowl where two men were killed and Lewis and his companions were implicated. Many people insist that Lewis got away with murder, but Dan Rodericks takes a different view--and e has some first hand information.

Rodericks admits that Lewis made mistakes--but don't we all. He should have cooperated with the police and not obstructed the investigation--a charge which he was convicted of and the only charge that the Fulton County Police were able to get from the entire investigation.

My view? A lot of people remember that situation, but have not taken the time to really examine the circumstances and hold onto to what they want to believe about Ray. I guess I am more willing to forgive. This is not like another NFL personality who was convicted of cruelty to animals--and came back to play. Or another NFL player convicted of carrying a weapon in a crowded night club and ultimately shooting himself. Or even one teams head coach who carried a loaded revolver through airport security without declaring it.

Two men died that night in Atlanta.  After the police investigation and the trial no one was convicted of murder. Ray Lewis made a mistake by obstructing justice--and was convicted on that charge alone. He has turned his life around in the subsequent 13 years to become an inspirational leader of his team and the Baltimore community. 

Perhaps there is wisdom in the line from the movie The Natural that Dan Rodericks quotes:

"I believe we have two lives," says Roy Hobbs' old girlfriend in "The Natural," played by Glenn Close. "A life we learn with and a life we live with after that."

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

A Society Missing the Boat

The gun debate swirls, taking the pressure off Congress and the President to fix the economy.

Lance Armstrong admits he lied. I'm crushed. I forgive him.

The penalty for allegedly stealing internet information exceeds that for manslaughter. Knowledge, therefore, is more important than people.

Wow, what a wild past few days it has been.

We have lost perspective and become a society run governed special interests.

Guns are not the problem--people are the problem. We are living in a time when people are not well equipped to handle the stresses of life. The media surround them with inappropriate responses to stress and their mental health is compromised enough not to be able to separate imagination from reality.

For right now, given the problems in our economy and society--guns are the problem. At least we are persecuting an inanimate object. Other societies have persecuted ethnic groups.

In the end, the real problems will continue to grow worse until they no longer can be masked.

I guess the next few months will be very telling.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Happy 3rd Birthday Lucas

Last evening I had the pleasure of celebrating Lucas' third birthday. We spent an evening at the local Dave & Busters just enjoying the person that he has become. It was special because I will not be able to attend his blow-out family, friends, and neighborhood birthday party due to a previous out of town engagement.

I am not a huge fan of Dave & Busters, but at least last evening we effectively had the place to ourselves as it was mostly deserted.

The lack of other patrons and screaming children made the evening almost perfect. A nice dinner and some time with the grandson playing games was a good change-up from what I normally do on Monday evenings.

The fun part, after dinner was trying watching Luke decide which toy he wanted from the ticket winnings playing the games. With four adults and one child playing multiple games around the arcade he amassed quite a number of tickets. In the end he decided upon a large snake/dragon. It was funny watching his parents try to talk him out of the selection (with no success) after he had made up his mine. Three-year olds can be very decisive and the stubborn.

I had the honor of riding the victorious hero out of the arcade with the giant snake/dragon in tow. Luke called it a snake, but I think it really is a dragon.

It really doesn't matter what it is, he likes it and it almost fit into the backseat of the car with him.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - January 14, 2013

1. The fortunes of football are fickle. I watched Seattle grab defeat from the jaws of victory, leaving 31 seconds on the clock for Atlanta and then losing; while, Baltimore left 31 seconds on the clock after tying Denver en route to an overtime win.

2. Doomsday asteroid during 2036? I guess we need something to worry about. Where in Bruce Willis when we need him?

3. There is something wrong when it takes longer to get the children's toy out of the packaging than the child will play with it.

4. Here is a thought: Be careful or you will end up in my novel.

5. Hockey is back. Now I have something to keep me interested until baseball season. Go Pens!

6. Why is the Super Bowl, super?

7. I watched a couple hours of the Golden Globe Awards last night. I wonder why? Perhaps because there was nothing else on.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

A Hush Fell Over my Living Room

The story line was classic. The 9 point underdog and the giant facing off on the field of battle. The visiting underdog was supposed to lose easily and quietly depart from the stadium hoping for better fortunes next year.

But the hush that fell over Sports Authority Field at Mile High as the Ravens rookie kicker, number 9, Justin Tucker trotted out into the frozen atmosphere was palpable. The contest was into the second overtime period, on its way to becoming the fourth longest game in NFL history. The night was cold--the wind chill as reported on the television to the fans watching from the warmth of our living rooms was -3 F. The game was a classic struggle, knotted at 35 and which has seen the teams trade score for score for 60 minutes and then play a scoreless, 15 minute sudden life overtime period.

A hush fell over my living room. The expected "ice the kicker" time out never came, perhaps the kicker was iced enough from being on the frozen sidelines for over four hours. The snap, the kick, and the trajectory was not straight as we have come to expect--but it was true and found its way between the uprights to snatch victory from the middle of the heavily favored home team. My living room erupted--I had just barely recovered from the miracle catch with about 41 seconds left in regulation to tie the game for the Ravens.

The game was a classic football game. It was the kind of game which reminded me of why I like football. As I watched about two hours of post-game coverage and interviews I was impressed with the professionalism and demeanor of the men speaking for each of the teams.

The reporting of the game contains additional ideas. This article's title says it all: Baltimore Ravens' NFL Playoffs Win Over Denver Broncos Is One For The Ages.

Ray Lewis, Ravens number 52 retiring middle linebacker, described the game as follows:

"We never wavered, we never wavered," Lewis said. "This will probably go down as one of the greatest wins in Ravens history."

And next week, we get to do it all over again!  Like someone said during the post-game interviews, the only way to top a game like this is to win next week.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

AIG: Biting the Hand that Saved Them

I am happy that insurance giant AIG has opted out of a lawsuit against the US Government for lost revenue for its shareholders.

I have noticed a great number of television commercials promoting how good AIG is and how it has fully repaid, with interest, the bailout monies.

The article I referenced writes about the lawsuit as follows:

The board of AIG decided on Wednesday not to join a lawsuit against the U.S. government over the terms of the company's bailout, following two days of fevered backlash from Congress and the public over the prospect. 

AIG had been weighing whether to join a lawsuit filed by its former chief executive, Hank Greenberg, and his company Starr International, which owned 12 percent of the insurer before its 2008 rescue.

It seems that some at AIG feel that the bailout was unfair to shareholders.

Reality check!

If there had not been a bailout, the shareholders holdings would have been worthless--or at best worth pennies. That the shareholders still have shares, still have investments, and still have a company which is making a return on their investment is due to the overly generous bailout provided by the people of the U.S.

And if that is how major corporations and businesses in America say thank you, we are really in trouble!

I am reminded of the Aesop fable about the scorpion and the frog.

They should have been left to go bankrupt for their unfair and ill advised investment strategy.

Just saying!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Orca Predicament Ends Happily

The whales made it to freedom--without the assistance of humans. I was extremely happy to hear the news.

Trapped Orcas - January 2013

Why I actually care about a pod of Orcas is beyond me, but I do. Nature can be cruel and it is only humans that realize this. We are the only species on the planet able to mobilize ourselves against nature and win--sometimes.

And other times, even we lose miserably, like tsunamis.

I guess I rejoice when good things happen in seemingly hopeless situations. Because this situation seemed hopeless.

The situation was reminiscent of 1988 and Operation Breakthrough near Barrow, Alaska to free trapped gray whales..

One writer, made the following observation after the gray whales had made it to freedom:

Most importantly, I think there was and is a human lesson to learn from what happened with this International effort. Don't take this the wrong way, I love whales. I do. But I can't help but think it is amazing how much money and energy was expended, in brutal conditions, to rescue these whales. While it provided a nice diversion from the ongoing political races at the time, it remains sad to realize what we are willing to do for whales, yet we won't take the time or money needed to help out each other. Poverty, elderly folks being prisoners in their own homes, hungry children... all right here in America. It's wrong.

I really can't disagree, but then, we do what we can when we can and how can it be bad when we rally together for good?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Force is Strong with this One

Lucas and I are enjoying a great start to the morning.

Star Wars Episode VI--with the Ewoks is currently on. We have already done the complete tour of the outside, thankfully, it is a beautiful day.

He is a pistol.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Grandparent--Other Duties as Assigned

Yesterday I had the opportunity to chat with a newly minted grandmother. Her grandson was one month old and she was still getting used to finally (her words) being a grandmother.

Lucas, Christmas Day 2012

It was fun to listen to her and it reminded me that I sometimes take for granted the enjoyment that I derive from having the "grands" around. They certainly brighten up a room, house, party, or whatever other event they are attending. Chris says that they keep us young.

Being a grandparent means that sometimes I have accept other duties as assigned, or requested.

Today, for instance, I get to spend a one-on-one day with the youngest grandson--Lucas. I took a day of leave from work and am expecting his arrival soon. We should have an interesting and exciting day. I am lucky enough to have time available and also have the level of activity at work low enough to allow me this opportunity.

Ready, set--let's rock through the day.

Then tomorrow, back to the grind.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

In the Heat of Battle

Sports, it seems, can be a reflection of the warrior spirit that hides inside of us. Like anything, each person is gifted with different portion of warrior spirit--some are blessed with an almost self-destructive portion of warrior spirit.

RGIII on Sunday January 6, 2012

I was moved on Sunday during the Washington Redskins game. As he was laying on the turf after his already damaged knee which had hobbled him for much of the game, I saw that warrior spirit in their quarterback--RGIII. And it may not be a good thing.

The warrior spirit, unchecked, can cause rational people to make irrational and ill-advised choices. The ability to decide to take a path to self-destruction, while sometimes viewed as heroic, can also extract a high toll upon self and those in the vicinity.

While he was clearly heroic on Sunday in trying to lead his team to victory in the face of every increasingly over whelming odds, the decision to remain in the game and face a potentially career ending injury probably was not the right decision. Unlike warfare where there may not be a tomorrow or a next year, in sports next season holds the promise of even greater achievements--if able to participate.

But, in the hear of battle those decisions are not so clear. The harsh morning light of the day after, though, provides the illumination to evaluate decisions.

Leaders need to be sensitive to heat of battle decision making and keep the strategic objective in sight. Needlessly throwing human or fiscal capital into a losing position may have greater a negative impact on the organization than just accepting the position at hand.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - Tuesday January 8, 2012

1. Off to a not so good start for the new year--totally missed writing Monday Musings yesterday. I guess I'm not musing too much this year, yet.

2. Walking outside yesterday at 5:30 PM, I was amazed that it was not totally dark. Yay, the dark times are beginning to pass. All of the celebrating did its job. Go druids, go!

3. Taxes--I have a feeling we haven't seen the last tax increase this year.

4. Who else, like me, realizes that the 2 percent increase in the Social Security withholding (OASDI) this year is a tax increase? They keep trying to sell it as the expiration of a tax decrease--but that still makes it a tax increase, right?

5. I noticed that the socialist government in France was trying to tax individuals who make a million Euro or more at a 75 percent tax rate. That is going to really spur economic recovery.

6. Are you worried about the trillion dollar coin concept? Read about it here. It is not a good idea.

7. How about the national championship game. I really thought Notre Dame was going to play a better game. But all we are left with is a rousing chorus of roll tide roll!

8. The NHL is back! I can't believe it took so long to get back onto the ice.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Snow Remains

As I was walking up the driveway to get the newspaper yesterday morning, I noticed a remnant of snow from the storms we had just after Christmas. A small, unassuming pile has lasted over a week to remind me that it is winter and with just a little bit of unluckiness--we could have had lot more of it.

Thankfully, it is just a small pile.

But it remains there.

Right off the drive next to the fence.

I hope it goes away soon before the weather can add to it. I think between yesterday's mild temperatures and today's--it will surely be gone by tonight.

Time will tell.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

On into the Rest of the Year

The final decorations of Christmas have been returned to their storage containers where they will remain until after Thanksgiving 2013.

My, how quickly the season came and went--but I've written that before.

Today, it is onto football, playoffs, and enormous amounts of foot to celebrate the start of the rest of the year!

It is really exciting for the region that both teams are hosting playoff games on the same day. I'm not sure anything else is getting done anywhere around here today.

Hopefully, the football playoffs will not end the same way the baseball playoffs did with both teams losing in the first round! That was a real bummer.

But--here is a thought, I don't think the both of the regions baseball and football teams have ever made the playoffs during the same year!

That, as they say, is really exciting for a region where cellar dwelling has been perfected.

Focus on the positives--we are there. The outcome matters but not as much as just getting there. There are 20 other teams in the NFL whose seasons ended last year--and we are at least playing on and at home!

Go Ravens and Go Redskins (Fight for ole DC even though you play in Maryland)

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

First Basketball Game

Ethan's first game. Rolling along for another season. Going to be fun.

First Saturday

Believe it or not, the first Saturday of 2013 has arrived and after the frenzy of the holiday season I would say it is a welcomed arrival except that this day and this weekend promise to be as busy and harried as the season just completed.

The phrase that comes to mind is kick the tires and light the fires!

The last remnants of the holidays will likely be purged from the house--two Christmas trees need to be deconstructed and stored until later this year when they can reappear to assist in celebrating the demise of 2013. And then all of the remaining decorations need to be packed away and the house returned to its eleven-months-of-the-year condition.

Putting the period on the end of the seasonal decorations is somewhat sad. It causes me to reflect on how long we anticipate the season and then it seems to rocket by and we are thrust back into the routine of life. Anticipation gives way to celebration and then into a New Year and reestablishing the routine again.

Is it possible to change the routine?

I think my feeble attempt to encourage growth and change from the season is in my resolutions. I set one for myself and that was to be more sensitive of the blessings in my life--every day. Specifically, I resolved to recount at least three blessings in my life before I went to sleep at the end of every day. People who know me realize that I tend to group things into threes--hence, three blessings to find and consider.

Now four days complete into the New Year, I can report that I am running at an about 50 percent success rate. I am too tired some nights to remember anything before I my head hits the pillow.

But I think about the blessings in the morning--so maybe I need to tweak my resolution.

As for today's agenda? De-Christmasifying the house, attending a grandson's first basketball game of the season, Church in the afternoon, and squeezing in two NFL playoff games.

The blessings in these endeavors--I am not alone, my parents are still visiting and I can enjoy these activities with them, God has given me the means and the health to enjoy life and my family.

Definitely a good way to start the first weekend of the year.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Walter's Art Museum: Part Deux

I played hooky from work yesterday afternoon and took my parents to visit the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore.

Syria: The Night Watch
Brighton Riviere 

It was my second visit in a few months and it was every bit as enjoyable as my first.

I am really happy that such a world class art collection is available right here in Baltimore--and that I don't have to sojourn to D.C. every time I need an art fix.

One painting caught my imagination, Syria: The Night Watch by Brighton Riviere. I could not help but consider the current unrest and atrocities happening in that country and look at the lions in the painting patrolling the streets looking for people to devour. There was something very eerie about the painting and the reports in the news this week that 60,000 people have died in the civil war happening in Syria.

The Ideal City

I did, finally, get to view The Ideal City, which was traveling the last time I was there. I find this painting fascinating and extremely out of style for the period of paintings in which it is displayed. This is one of those very special enigmatic paintings.

It was a great afternoon and I will be visiting again, soon!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Talking Down from the Cliff--Well Almost

Congress and the President managed to avert disaster, barely.

But they did it! And the markets responded yesterday with the DOW raising over 300 points!  Yay, somebody made money, I just wish it were me.

I was happy to see that a compromise for the good of the Republic was reached before deadline put everything that had been achieved during the past over 200 years at risk of collapsing.

Am I happy with the final deal? No. But, that is a good thing I think. Everyone seems equally unhappy and that means that some form of middle ground was reached. Is the spending being cut enough? Probably not. Are taxes going up enough? Thankfully, no.

Are we going to be printing a lot more money? Probably yes.

I have been doing research on the numbers of people who do not pay income taxes. Too many. Most for very good reasons. But, it seems to me that if everyone is not invested in the country, then those who are not invested have a skewed sense of reality.

I believe it is time for a major tax overhaul and first and foremost we need to get rid of the personal income tax,

Yes, I just wrote that.

I noted that I am taxed twice on my income. First when I earn it and second when I spend it. That makes no sense and is really double dipping. We need a single fair tax--that would be some form of consumption tax on goods and services which everyone pays the same percent, but those who can afford to buy more--will therefore rightly pay more in taxes.

I looked at my pay statement. I am taxed by a thousand cuts it seems.

There is the Federal withholding and the State withholding. Then there is separate FICA and Medicare. In some places, thankfully not where I live, yet, there is also a locality tax. And then sales tax--in Maryland it is 6% on some things and 9% on others. How insane is that?

The governments have made it hard to determine the true tax rate being paid. A single consumption tax--call it VAT (value added tax or sales tax on steroids) and having it in one place and paid at one time would be considerably fairer. Everyone buying goods and services would be paying the tax.

That seems fairer than what we are doing now.

Thank you Congress and the President for forestalling the fiscal cliff--now get together and let's see some true tax and spending reform!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Cardinal in the Snow

During the snow storm the other day, a solitary cardinal perched himself on the tree outside my window and became a subject for numerous pictures.

I like to believe that  deep inside me there is an Ansel Adams like vision of the world waiting to be unleashed.

Probably not.

It is just, after all, a bird in a tree. How many birds have been imaged in trees.

But the white snow blanketing the back ground really set him off as he sat there seemingly unconcerned with the snow. Of course, the bird feeder was only a few feet away from the tree in which he was perched.

For me? It was too cold and snowy. I would prefer living somewhere that people have to travel to see snow and not have it just fall on them at the worst possible time.

But, this image is a good way to start off the new year.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

2013 Arrives with a Whimper

Happy New Year!

As the morning dawned on the new year, I looked out of my window to see the world much as I left it last evening when I charged off to a New Year's Eve party.

I had a marvelous time welcoming in the new year with friends and watching, for the first time, the ball drop in New York City without Dick Clark.

In the news department, many of our elected representatives were busy at work into and through the dawning of the New Year. Just before midnight, it appeared that the country was spared the scourge of falling off the fiscal cliff. But, as I read the news this morning it is hard to tell where we are in relationship to the fiscal cliff. The Senate and the President are clapping themselves on the back and declaring success while the House of Representatives still has to weigh in. A definite wild card in the process.

Chaos could still reign.

So we drove off the cliff but there may be a trampoline at the bottom kind of like a Road Runner cartoon.

Resolutions for the New Year?

I resolve that I am going to appreciate the blessings in my life more. Instead of focusing on the I wants, I am going to appreciate the thank you because I have. Every day!

Vacation Plans?

I guess the page is kind of blank right now, I haven't thought about going anywhere yet. Well, except to Sarasota during March for Spring Training. Then maybe Florida in July. And a cruise would be nice . .

A New Year with so many opportunities--Bring it on!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - December 31, 2012

1. This is it--the year is too rapidly drawing to a close.

2. With the ending of the NFL regular season yesterday and without the NHL to keep me sane, I am about to enter sports purgatory: The time between football and Spring Training for baseball.

3. I'm still writing my New Years resolutions, but I did note how empty the fitness club was on Friday. I expect it to be very full on Wednesday morning as everyone attempts to improve their overall fitness which is a laudable goal.

4. I've decided to stop receiving emails from a company which began its recent email to me as follows: "According to recent reports we’re worse off now than we were 30 years ago." It may be true, but I know I'm better off now than I was 30 years ago.

5. Congress still has not been able to overcome petty partisanism to solve the fiscal crisis and keep the country moving. I know the elections were just last month, but can we recall our representatives and do it over again? Something needs to change.

6. I am concerned--the pursuit of special interests had apparently destroyed our ability as a people and a society to reach compromise.

7. Partiers tonight should remember that drinking and driving does not reflect a mature decision.

8. Happy New Year everyone. May the year ahead be full of promise and blessing.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Blog Favorites of 2012

I enjoy taking some time near the end of every year to review the posts I've made during the year. It reminds me where I've been and some of the things that I've been writing about.

This year has been a great year for my blog. The number of page views per month, one measure of readership, has continued to increase. The readers set a record in November by crossing the 2,000 pages viewed during the month for the first time. December is close and may beat out November, as there are still two days to go-but it was nice to cross over the 2,000 threshold for the first time.

Thank you to my readers for that.

The increase in pages comes as I have posted fewer articles this year. It appears that I will finish the with 390 posts, well off the over 400 posts for the past two years (2010: 434, 2011: 430).

In terms of popularity one post stands out this year, Famous Airplanes and their Names. I enjoyed my day at the Air and Space Museum seeing the airplanes and being inspired to research famous airplanes of history.

I was surprised at the popularity of my post about Follow the Instructions--There may be an Important Reason for Them which was a rant that I wrote in response to the girl being bitten by the dolphin at Sea World Orlando.

The third most popular post of 2012 was Orioles Magic--Pushed to the Brink. What an exciting season the Orioles had and I am looking forward to the 2013 version of the Orioles with great anticipation.

One of my favorites was Flags and Ships which recounted my day at the Sailabrathon in Baltimore during June. The images of the flags flying in the breeze against the blue sky reminds me of that fabulous day.

My favorite poem for 2012, I seem to write poems during September, was titled Two Roads and a Field.

My favorite image posted in the blog this year was taken by Chris while we were on vacation in Florida. It is of an osprey just after catching dinner. It was published in the post Unraveling Days--Nearing Vacation's End.

These are my favorites for the year. I am looking forward to the year ahead and where it will take me through my blog.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Movies of 2012

During 2012,  I saw a number of movies. I did not see every movie released-but I saw a fair number. Here is my list of the best and worst of the year, based solely on what I saw.

As nearly as I can tell, I saw 14 movies that were released during 2012. Yes, there are some significantly popular movies that are  missing from my list--but life is busy and since I am not a professional reviewer I cannot make it to every movie that is released.

Bob's Best Movie of 2012: Les Miserables - Not to be missed

2. Skyfall - Probably the best James Bond movie ever
3. Avengers - fun, action, and my favorite heroes.
4. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close - deep examination and thoughtful.
5. Argo - Great history lesson, although a bit flawed
6. The Life of Pi - I really liked this movie, it is deep
7. MIB 3 (Men in Black) - fun continuation of the MIB series
8. Red Tails - Good history
9. Battleship - just plain fun, I watched it again last evening
10. Trouble with the Curve - A surprisingly good movie
11. Hunger Games - I don't like the premise, the acting, or the story
12. Hope Springs - Good acting but a bit plodding

The Worst Movie of the Year is a tie between
13. (Tie) Red Dawn and
13. The Odd Life of Timothy Green.

I really can't explain why I saw either movie--but they are probably both in the ten worst movies of all time with no socially redeeming value to either.

Some movies that I still want to see:
Lincoln
The Hobbit (maybe today or tomorrow)


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Les Miserables - Review

Despite some of the early reviews which indicated that the movie was less than spectacular, I went to see it for myself. I admit, I have never seen the staged production and I read the book by Victor Hugo so long ago that I have forgotten the intimate details of the story.

I loved the movie. I loved the music. I enjoyed the cinematography and the acting and the character development.

The movie is real and gritty.  The characters are caked with the reality of life during the early 19th century. I could almost smell the streets of France as the movie progressed.

The movie spans 1815-1832 during periods of rebellion and revolution in France; beginning with the final defeat of Napoleon and ending with the June Rebellion. The story revolves around a man, Jean Valjean, played by Hugh Jackman. He was imprisoned for minor thievery for 19 years and is pursued through the rest of his life for breaking parole by the chief policeman, Javert, played by Russell Crowe. Along the way, Jean adopts the daughter of Fantine, played by Anne Hathaway, who had fallen on very hard times and was striving to provide for her daughter, Cosette, played by Amanda Seyfried.

The music is spectacular and real. The character development is well done and effective. Did I say the music is fabulous?

Isabelle Allen is stunning and effective as the young Cosette. It is her face that forms the poster for the movie.

Th movie is long, listed at 165 minutes, but it is a fast movie. There are few places where it drags and the depth of the acting, the story, and the richness of the sets and characters make it a very engrossing movie.

I found the make-up to age the characters through the years to be especially intriguing. I also know that many of the actors starved themselves to give the realistic appearance of being destitute during the period of the movie.

In my humble opinion, this movie ought to have a lot of Oscar nominations: Best picture, Best actor: Hugh Jackman, Best supporting actress: Anne Hathaway, make-up, costumes, set design, and a few others.

RECOMMENDATION: See this movie!  Bring tissues for the ending.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Off the Fiscal Cliff

Not to be a bearer of really bad New Years news, but has any one noticed that Congress is still unable to fix the fiscal cliff?

It is still there and it appears the Republicans have taken their ball and headed off the playing field.

Pronouncements of doom and gloom abound.

Here is the part I can't figure out. If the tax rates go up to incredible levels and the salaries used to pay the taxes actually effectively go down, where do our leaders thing the money is going to come from to fuel the economic recovery?

I have seen it myself. My prescription plan is planning to raise my per prescription costs by $19 per prescription this year. My expected pay raise is currently set to 0%. My taxes are going to rise an untold percentage both for Maryland and the Federal government. That money is going to come from somewhere, because we all know that the tax man get's his cut first.  It is going to come from the money I might spend fueling the economy.

Can someone in Washington figure out that this doesn't add up?

Hello--First grade math needs to be applied there.

What we have here are leaders who cannot seem to understand that compromise is required for the greater good of the good of the country. We have elected a representatives who think that playing the game Chicken is good for the country.

Some people are talking that federal workers may face 20-50 furlough days this year. An item from PBS describes it this way:

In the event that no deal is made and we do have the automatic cuts known as sequestration starting in January, federal employees face job loss and in some situations, certainly in the Department of Defense, but throughout the federal government, people will be furloughed, forced to take unpaid days off, anywhere from 20 to 50 days. We really don't know.

So you want government services? Try getting anything with these kinds of cuts. And this does not begin to address the drastic cuts expected to be taken by the contractor workforce.

We are living in a time of multiple single points of failure. With all of those people forced to take time off, something is surely going to break.

As the dram continues, all we can do is watch--Oh yes, I urge you to write to your elected representatives to tell them your concerns about the situation.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Is it Over?

How quickly it all seems to pass. The day arrives and begins early--before dawn and then continues into the evening. But, even so, it is over so quickly.

All of the preparations, the gifts, the planning for the meals and the wines. Once it begins, it happens so quickly.

The Family 2012

It was a day of family. A full day of family. Even the Christmas photo this year is more complete than it ever has been.

It is worth it, of course, all of the planning. And I doubt that many of us could survive if it lasted much longer. It was full bore for the entire day.

I am happy though. Christmas this year was more than gifts. It was relationships. It was being together. It was interacting.

That is what it is all about. Giving and receiving gifts can be done in the solitude of a room, without human contact. Gathering together for holidays reminds me that we are about relationships. Being together to appreciate everyone for who they are and where they are.

Thanks to everyone in the family for being there yesterday. And more than that, for being in the moment and being present and not already checked out for NYC, Vegas, Houston, Orlando, or wherever that next trip is going to be taking you. For a few hours, yesterday, we were all together just being a family.

Holiday Hall of Fame

Bravest Person of the Day: Ethan (he knows why 2X)

Best Gift of Christmas: Everyone has one, and they know what it is

Funniest Moment of the Day: Playing Cards Against Humanity with my Parents

Most Embarrassing Moment of the Day: Me losing to a four-year old (Jax) in Wii Bowling

Hero of the Day: Santa (all of them)


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Christmas 2012 Prayer

Father in heaven
I come to you with joy in my heart
rediscovering the gift of salvation
through your Son's birth
There is hope in His coming,
Hope for a broken world
where our children are senselessly killed
And wars continue in so many places.
A world where people live in oppression
under the rule of dictators, without hope
Your Son is hope
for a world that needs to hear songs of rejoicing
instead of mourning
A world that needs peace, instead of war
where there are rumors of terrible weapons being used
against innocent people
The world needs hope that only He can provide in His birth and life.
Ours is not so different from the world that your Son was born into
with oppression from foreign powers and atrocities
and murder and sacrifice, and hate, and unrest.
I look forward to the promise of deliverance
and salvation, and peace.
The promise of Christmas--hope
Hope for the people, the oppressed, the prisoners
The carols, the songs, the lights the preparation
The advent of His coming long ago, and again
instills hope in me by
reminding me that I am part of the plan
which began so long ago
in a town that no one cared about
on the outskirts of the empire.
Rekindle hope in me to make a difference
Father--I thank you for the blessings you have provided me
and my family
I ask that you be with the families who mourn this Christmas
the wounds are real and hard--give them peace
Be with our military and their families--let them know
that they are loved and appreciated.
Be with the leaders of our country--
help them to find compromise and compassion.
Thank you for the first gift of Christmas
that was told to the shepherds in their fields
and sung by angels.
To proclaim His coming.
Help me to remember your gift to em every day during the year ahead.
Thank you


--Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

First Snow

And the snow started falling as if on cue on Christmas Eve. I wonder who dialed that up?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - December 24, 2012

1. Happy Christmas Eve. May you experience the joy and promise of the season.

2. Hope is not a plan. But, sometimes, hope is all we need!

3. Saw this while shopping last week: Racks of swimming suits in between rows of winter coats. I call that, wishful thinking.

4. Remember when you said you were coming? How come you are not moving your feet?

5. The dog that is perfect is the one next to you.  John O'Hurley

6. The fortunes of football games hurt more when we the season ends and we were o so close.

7. Did anyone notice, the Mayans were wrong?

8. If someone intentionally drove a car into a group of people, would we call for more car control? We need to focus on people and better care and support for people with problems.

9. I just can't imagine a better way to be awakened on Christmas Eve than to the words of my wife standing over me and saying softly--don't get upset, but the toilet is clogged!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Stockings Were Hung!

Stockings! I knew that I had forgotten something. They are in one of those boxes of Christmas, somewhere, waiting. An interesting tradition.

I head an Australian talking on the radio yesterday about the Christmas traditions there, where summer has just begun when Christmas arrives. Instead of being dark, cold, and snowy, it is beach weather. Awesome! He also talked about hanging a large pillowcase on the end of the bed and waking to find it filled with presents in the morning.

Santa on a Boat in Australia

So who needs stockings?

I found a website devoted to Christmas in Australia.

Throw me on Bondi Beach for some rays in the afternoon.

The website reports:

The most important day of Australian Christmas traditions is the Christmas Day (25. December). Often it starts with packing the picnic bags and eskies in the morning, to celebrate Christmas on the beach. It is a picnic lunch that starts early and doesn't often finish before the sun sets so a fair bit of food and beer is consumed. 
Australians used to eat the traditional British Christmas meal, Christmas turkey, but in later years we’ve developed our own Australian Christmas food, much more suitable for the hot weather. It consists of all possible cold snacks whether it is seafood, meat, chicken or a combination of them, and potato salad, pasta salad, or just green salad, and bread. Not everyone goes to the beach, many families have Christmas lunches in their back yards too, but it's always a lunch, not a dinner.

What's an eskie? American Eskimo Dog, of course, I think.

The high temperature in Sydney is expected to be 75 degrees today.

I, unfortunately, got to enjoy the mall again yesterday for that one last gift from a store that is only in the mall. I would have much preferred the beach.

Some year, perhaps a Caribbean Christmas cruise vacation!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Hip Hip Hooray--An Extra Holiday

And as if by magic--we have an extra holiday--Christmas Eve 2012.  Of course it is a one time good deal because it falls on a Monday before the Christmas Tuesday holiday.

Grace Church Service Times

But I'll take it. Thank-you Mr. President.

Christmas Eve is a magical day for me. It is when Christmas becomes real. It is the next thing up--and I guess I am a next thing up kind of guy. Like today--Saturday, I have a ton of things to do, among which I am looking forward to my parents arriving, but even though the tree is lit and presents are beginning to adorn its base, I'm not in the Christmas "place" in my mind.

I remember when I was in high school and working in a clothing store after school that Christmas Eve was one of my favorite days. It was a day off from school so I was able to work at the store the entire of Christmas Eve. I had an extra benefit from working there--my Dad was the assistant manager and that meant I got to spend time with him as we drove the 10 or so miles to and from work and then during the day we'd see each other as we worked the store. Funny though, we never did lunch together.

On Christmas Eve, while working the clothing store, I observed the change in the shoppers from the morning through the afternoon. The morning was typically busy and bustling--but the shoppers had a sense of purpose and directness. There was so much crisp decision making due to the impending end of the shopping season. I think I learned a lot about decision making from watching and helping the shoppers on Christmas Eve.

By the early afternoon the crowds began to thin as people finished their shopping and were able to devote time to the next thing up--family and the holiday. It was fun to watch the traffic begin to thin on the street in front of the store. I could feel Christmas closing in. I could sense it in those few shoppers who were still trying to get that one last and best gift.

And then, they stopped coming. Our store was open until 5pm--but it was devoid of customers by about 4pm as the finality of the day set in. Christmas Eve was the only time I ever remember the owner closing the store early, except for weather related events. And even though he didn't celebrate the holiday, he succumbed to the Christmas Spirit and would walk over to the front door, sometime about 4:15 look at the street, put the key in and lock the front door while turning off the lights. Dad and I would gather up our belongings and head home.

In my mind, at that magical moment when the lights went off and the key turned--it became Christmas. Family, church, and everything good associated with the holiday started right then!

I will be out shopping on Christmas Eve--not because I need anything, but because I still love the different feeling that the shoppers have. I think there are lots of other crazies like me, who just love the be able to finally relax and enjoy the holiday as it makes its undeniable arrival.

The waiting is over. The holly is out. Christmas is near.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Driving off the Fiscal Cliff

I read in the news this morning that Congress is planning to give us all a unique Christmas gift--a total melt down.

The LA Times reports it this way:


WASHINGTON — House Speaker John A. Boehner abruptly canceled a vote on his Plan B tax proposal late Thursday after failing to find enough GOP support, a stunning political defeat that effectively turned resolution of the year-end budget crisis over to President Obama and the Democrats.

The speaker had spent the last few weeks negotiating one-on-one with the president, establishing himself as the second-most powerful figure in Washington. But with his strategy imploding, Boehner conceded that he would play a lesser role.

"Now it is up to the president," he said, to work with a fellow Democrat, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada, "to avert the fiscal cliff."

So much for unity and a calm reasoned approach (as if there ever was one).

Taxpayers--I think our wallets are going to get a lot thinner next year as the governments (plural intended) siphon off more of our earnings.

I hope they get it fixed.

Oh, wait--Hope is not a plan!

What is the plan then? Apparently it is to keep the right foot heavy on the gas and drive straight for the fiscal cliff in an apparent Thelma and Louise type ending. That way, those responsible won't be around to clean up the mess.

So from our President and Congress to We the People, the Christmas message is clearly: enjoy life now, because it is all going to change in just over a week!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Week Before Christmas 2012

It was the week before Christmas
And throughout Columbia Mall
Every shopper was scurrying
With lists and bags full

The sale signs were hung
by the doorways en masse
In the hope that my credit card
would soon disgorge there

The crowds they were stifling
the  kids not about
'twas noontime on a school day
and the parents were out

The shelves were stocked full
of the wares all for sale
and the sales clerks were worn out
from weeks without breaks

The parking garage was a free for all
the streets jammed with cars
more than one fender bender
was out and about

The lines at the counters
were twenty feet deep
as cashiers were tallying
up sale after sale

I walked through the mall
from  one end to the other
just to walk to the other end
and do it again

I lept to my truck
when I finished my shopping
and drove out of sight
feeling most very lucky

And as I drove off
from the mall parking lot
above the engines I heard
a faint carol of sorts

The song was an old one
I knew it by heart
the words made me pause
amid all of the screams

The notes stopped me short
a tear crossed my eye
for the song that I heard was
O Holy Night

The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Saviors birth

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD