Reflections of the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center -- A Review

Udvay-Hazy Center Main Floor

For an aerospace person, like myself, what could be better than spending a day at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center of the National Air and Space Museum. Well frankly, almost nothing except sampling some very fine wines. 

Trevar with the SR-71 and
Discovery in the Background

It is about an hour drive from the house to the center, but on this Saturday morning it was a fine drive with light traffic. And we had one of those moments along the way that we all hope for. A motorcyclist zoomed by at an incredible speed and we wondered why the police were never around to catch these flagrant speed limit violators. Aha, there was one around and we saw the lights come from behind us and zoom by to shortly race down the motorcycle and pull the offender over. Yay, one for the good guys. 

Shuttle Discovery

I was impressed and the lack of cars in the parking lot. I remember the lot is usually crammed with other aerospace lovers who want to view the artifacts of relating to the achievements of the past. I was amazed when I checked and found that it had been more than two years since I last visited the Center. My blog about the fastest plane details my last visit. 

Standing under the Shuttle Discovery Looking Forward

The biggest change in the museum is the arrival of a real, flew in space shuttle--the workhorse shuttle Discovery. It was my first up close and personal encounter with a real space shuttle. Although I had seen shuttles from the distance, and seen the Enterprise in the same spaces before, there is something really special about viewing an actual shuttle and knowing that it had flow in space on multiple occasions. The display is fantastic and the ability to actually stand underneath the shuttle, at the rear, drives home the size and beauty of there marvelous machines. 

Shuttle Discovery

I remember when the SR-71 was by far the premier exhibit in the museum--but now it has clearly been supplanted by the shuttle. I was able to take an image of the SR-71 with almost no one around it--something that I never remember being able to do before. 

In the Fighter Simulator

In addition to viewing the exhibits on display, I had two other fantastic experiences. I got to get into a simulator with my nephew Trevar and fly a naval fighter combat mission. I was the weapons officer and he was the pilot. After a short training introduction, we climbed into the simulator and took off from the carrier into combat. Although we only recorded one kill, Trevar demonstrated the ability to execute high G turns and fly inverted with the nose down on more than one occasion. Yes, it does go completely upside down! We had fun as Trevar stretched his legs trying to become a fighter pilot. 

Enola Gay

I also broke off from the group for over an hour to listen to a lecture about the Enola Gay and the atomic bomb drops on Japan which ended World War 2. The lecture covered many aspect of the training and development of the techniques to deliver the bombs and some of the men involved in the operation. What went well and what didn't. I also learned that the B-29s that delivered the bombs were not standard production aircraft, but modified aircraft for the missions due to the post release maneuver that needed to be accomplished. The scheduled 45 minute presentation went 1 hour and 15 minutes--maybe I asked a few questions. It is usually hard for me to stand still, but I stood there the entire time and the time literally flew by.

Business End of an F-14

It was another fantastic day in the museum. We also viewed an Imax movie--The Dream is Alive, narrated by Walter Cronkite. The tour of the tower was nice--a good diversion. The 360 degree view is fantastic. The second stop, the mock control center, needs a lot of work to make it a viable exhibit. They could do so much more with the exhibit. Making it more interactive would be one idea.

SR-71

RECOMMENDATION: This museum is a must visit. The history of aerospace on displace cannot be found anywhere else. There is something for everyone and the supporting exhibits on engines, armaments, coupled with the diversity of civil aircraft and combat aircraft on display cannot be matched.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Vacation Begins at the Ball Park

Although it is only Saturday morning, I am actually on vacation for the next two weeks! Yay.

Camden Yards, July 11, 2014

There is something really neat about waking up in the morning and realizing that I am enjoying a weekend that won't end for a long time. It takes the usual stress off the weekend mornings. 

My vacation started last evening with a second night in a row trip to Camden Yards to watch the Orioles defeat an opponent by one run in a nail biting, well-played game. Since we have visitors form the northlands in town who were here to cheer their team, I decided to upgrade to the Club Level for the evening. My experience was superior to the night before in every way. 

DirecTv Blimp over Baltimore
July 11, 2014

It must have been an important game against the team from up north who shall remain nameless, because there was a blimp in the air to monitor the activity. We do not see many blimps here in Baltimore and so it was special. Who knew that DirecTv has a blimp?

By the end of the evening, The Orioles had vanquished their foe for the evening and thereby assured themselves of being alone atop the American League East at the All Star Break.  Perhaps ESPN will begin to recognize the talent in this team. 

But vacation continues today with a trip to the Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum to do some research and reconnect with my aerospace roots. I wish they had a B-52, Oh wait, why would they have a B-52? The 50 year old aircraft is still in active service.

And then? Well, I hear the Willamette Valley calling. There is wine there that needs to be sampled.

Vacation--so many things to do and see and so little time. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

A Date for the Game

Ethan and Poppop Heading for the Game

I look forward to attending Orioles baseball games. I am a partial plan season ticket holder and that means that I sometimes get surprised about having tickets to particular baseball games, because I didn't pick the date or the team I will be viewing.

That just makes it more exciting. Especially when the Orioles are sitting atop the American League East with a 2.5 game lead to start last evening and by ending the night with a win--they increased their lead to 3 games.

Orioles Park, July 10, 2014
From My Seat

It gives me great satisfaction when I can say, "the American East Division leading Orioles" because that means that the team who shall remain nameless from the north, and the dreaded Red Sox are both behind the Orioles in the standings.

Due to a series of weird circumstances, I could not find anyone to attend the game with me last evening until the very last minute. Ethan was the lucky stuck to attend the game with Poppop. 

Selfie at the game

Ethan and I attended a game together about two years ago--it was a rainy night, similar to last evening, although there was over an hour delay for the start of that game. Last evening the game started on time--which is normally a good thing, however, the City of Baltimore has found a new and creative way to bring traffic to a total standstill which meant the usual 25 minute drive to the stadium took over an hour and a half! Ugh. We arrived at our seats for the bottom of the second inning!

It was an exciting game, however, the concession stands were not prepared for the crowds and I missed an additional inning and a half of baseball while standing in line for a crab cake. My grandson is not a cheap date, it seems. 

But despite the late arrival, long lines, and occasional rain during the game--it was an awesome evening. I admit we did leave when victory seemed assured with the Orioles coming to bat in the bottom of the 8th inning to beat the crowds and because my date was tired. All told, I think I was in my seat for 4.5 innings of the 8.5 inning game.

We had fun and Ethan told me that he had a great time and would like to do it again! He is also the Orioles Lucky Charm--they have won every game he has attended except one. He will definitely be attending playoff games if the Orioles make the post-season. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Making the Common Special

Blue Cheese Stuffed Burgers on the Grill

There is something satisfying about a biting into a burger fresh off the grill.

I confirmed that again last evening. Despite the downside of them being "just burgers," these were anything but common!

These were special burgers with blue cheese stuffed inside to add a bit of zing and spice. 

Some evenings it is hard to be creative in preparing the dinner meal. It just doesn't happen with ease. Last evening was just such a case. The meal was going to be boring--burgers on the grill. But, in a lucid moment of cooking genius the addition of the cheese inside the burgers changed everything. Suddenly, it is not just another burger evening, but a dinner complete with wine and all of the fixings enjoyed outside on the pool deck enjoying another beautiful, but storm filled evening.

Taking the common and making it special is worth the effort. It adds creativity and spice to an otherwise lackluster situation.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Crazy Tuna - Review

The Dock at Crazy Tuna

What to do on a beautiful Sunday afternoon? Gather friends together and sojourn to the Crazy Tuna for an afternoon of conversation and fun. 

The Crazy Tuna is located in Essex--it is literally on the other side of the river, or bay from us and so the journey does take a bit of planning. 

The restaurant does have a boat up dock, which is a lot of fun to watch even for those who drive in. There is a beautiful sandy area for a relaxing game of Corn Hole, or on the beautiful day as was Sunday, relaxing at a table under an umbrella watching all of the action. 

The drinks were not spectacular, but the food was good. The group samples many of the appetizers and a few of the entrees. The appetizer winner was definitely the Prince Edward Island mussels--2 pounds for $11.99 cooked to perfection. On the entree side, the fish and chips were soggy, so I would avoid those on a future visit. 

There is a Tiki Bar seemed to be a lot of fun. The day was an awesome one with perfect sun and temperatures. 

At the Crazy Tuna

What better war to enjoy a day with friends--except around my own pool? But, it was great to be on the river experiencing life. 

Summertime is great! And living outside is what it is all about.

RECOMMENDATION: Visit the Crazy Tuna and enjoy a sunny afternoon.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Evening Brought to You Compliments of God

Chris and I were sitting outside last afternoon and evening, in and then around the pool enjoying the weather, the clear azure sky, and then the fading light as sunset descended. 

I looked up and thought about how fantastic the day had been and how enjoyable the evening was and a thought came to me, "This evening brought to you compliments of God.

And it was.

Everything that happened in the entire history of the world to allow us to sit together last evening and watch the sunset from the peace of our idyllic backyard was a gift, like a holiday or birthday present to be opened and enjoyed. 

And we did enjoy it as the evening descended upon us.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - July 7, 2014

1. It is over. Independence Weekend is complete and now into the vacation season. Where are you going?

2. Did you ever notice how substantive news disappears during the summer?

3. Hot summer weather is approaching, bring it on!

4. Caution! Vacation ahead. You may not want to return to day-to-day life.

5. What is a Caliphate? From the New York Times on July 2, 2014 comes the following: The jihadist insurgent group ISIS, or as it now prefers to be called, the Islamic State, appears well on the road to achieving its stated goal: the restoration of the caliphate. The concept, which refers to an Islamic state presided over by a leader with both political and religious authority, dates from the various Muslim empires that followed the time of the Prophet Muhammad. From the seventh century onward, the caliph was, literally, his “successor.”

6. Good morning! BTW, the Orioles are in first place in the American Division East with a two game lead! Yes, there is a long way to go, but I like to celebrate the little victories in life, too!

7. Killing teenagers in Palestine and Israel is no way to settle disputes. Both sides are wrong and it needs to stop.

8. Here is a strange twist. Passengers bound for the US from some overseas airports will be required to turn their cell phones on!

9. Has anyone considered establishing a four day weekend?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Holiday Traffic - Jammed Highways

Thursday Traffic in advance of the
Independence Day Weekend

Two downsides of a holiday weekend are first that it ends, and second the traffic.

I had my own traffic experience on Thursday afternoon while making my way home. It was 45 minutes of thrills on the highway traveling at the speed of a rider on horseback.

Frustrating cannot begin to describe my feelings. 

There are good reasons not to travel during the holidays: overcrowded highways and jammed airports are but two.

But, there are great reasons to suffer through along with other travelers, for instance to visit with family and friends, to celebrate together, and to get away.

On the Beach during July 2013

This year is the first in many years that I will not be making a trek to my favorite Florida beaches. Usually, Chris and I depart for Florida around the Independence Day holiday. Some years we are even in Florida to celebrate the holiday. 

While my head understands that a new and different adventure is planned checking out the wineries of the Willamette Valley, my heart longs to be on the beach, in the sun, smelling the warm ocean breeze and taking hour-long snorkeling adventures along the shoreline.

It is July. I find it funny that the crush of holiday traffic makes me think of travel and vacations. 

Drive safely if you are driving today. Enjoy vacation time, if you are away. And dream of where you are going on vacation, if you're not there yet!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

And the Fourth was a Bang!

Ethan and Mike in the Pool

Independence weekend continues even though it is now the 5th of July.

Last night the family witnessed a close and personal fireworks display after a thoroughly enjoyable day. The weather was awesome. Sunny, low humidity, and a great pool day.

The water was warm, the breeze was cool, and the fun was endless.

Everything about the day was focused on getting to the evening, when, after dark, the fireworks display was set to begin in the yard. And a great display was planned. Nice aerial rockets and mortars, roman candles and fountains.  

Poppop with Ethan, Jax, and Lucas with Sparklers

The fun began with sparklers in the yard as dusk was falling along with a seemingly endless supply of bottle rockets left over from last year. The sparklers were the hit of the evening with the kids--and we definitely need more of them for next year. The sparklers and bottle rockets helped extend the fireworks display to over an hour.

We had intended to get some video of the fireworks--but, we all watched and enjoyed them rather than taking video or pictures. 

Cinderblock Remnants

We did have our first major firework malfunction. One of the mortars got stuck in the tube and blew up. We also had the one of the multiple launchers fall over and launch a firework toward the crowd. So the evening was very exciting. The aftermath of the mortar explosion was sobering and reminded me that our safety precautions probably prevented injuries--well except to the cinderblock which was destroyed by the blast. Those are my feet looking at the pieces. OK--it was an impressive blast, and the cinderblock prevented flaming balls from going everywhere.

But the show went on and a resourceful neighbor helped craft another mortar launch tube so we could launch the 10 remaining mortars.

I almost want to go buy more so we can do it again tonight!

Let's just agree it was a bang!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Independence Day Thoughts

Fireworks over the Magic Kingdom during July 2013

Happy Independence Day! 

Here are some random thoughts this morning as I sit here thinking about getting outside and cleaning up after last evenings storms.

1. Independence Day is one of my favorite holidays.  The summer heat and swimming and of course the fireworks make this a real bang. 

Louis Zamperini

2. I was saddened to learn of the passing of Louis Zamperini on Wednesday. He was a true hero and and example of the power of forgiveness. I read the biography written about him by Laura Hillenbrand titled Unbroken, and found his journey to be an example for all of us. My recommendation is for everyone to read the book about his life.

3. Why do we play patriotic music only on the 4th of July? Patriotic music needs to be played on other occasions as well because it helps me remember why this country is still the greatest on the planet.

4. Do the kids attending school today learn the words to patriotic songs like My Country Tis of Thee?

5. The erosion of personal privacy is one of the great issues that needs to be addressed. The recent ruling by the Supreme Court about searched of cellphones requiring a warrant  should not have been necessary. It should have been evident!

Enjoy the holiday.

Be safe!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Holiday Weekend Driving

I do not enjoy driving on holiday weekends. Let me just get that out right up front.

Traffic in my area is awful--meaning lots of traffic and slow progress. Too many drivers on the road and too many impatient people behind the wheel. Bad things happen. 

Add to that the threats from the police departments. Yea, they are threats.

Click it or ticket.

No cell phone use.

Speed Limits Photo Enforced.

Speed limit enforced by aircraft. (I've always loved this one as I can imagine some really cool scenarios) 

Big brother is truly watching us far closer than we truly imagine. Why is it that the true offenders that we all see screaming past us on the highway never seem to be stopped?

Now add to the mixture a potential east coast hurricane and this weekend should really be a pleasant drive.

Oh, did I mention the price gouging at the gas pump. Gas went up 4 cents a gallon last week and I expect them to go up another nickel today.

All of this makes the holiday driving experience one to be forgotten. Sadly. Because except for the mess on the highways, holidays are really fun times--usually.

For this holiday weekend, I am home! A small family get together around the pool dodging the rain from Hurricane Arthur, and some relaxation as the summer vacation season gets into full swing!

Enjoy the weekend! Enjoy the holiday.

Be safe and be smart! Drive defensively. 

Avoid the DC area because the traffic snarl should be in full swing by about 10 AM.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Pool, Heat, and Humidity

For those following--the pool project is complete just as the 90 degree days have arrived. Yay.

It was so hot and sticky yesterday that when I finally got to fall into it and enjoy the cool water, it was like going to my perfect place. My happy place.

The pool was completed while we were away last weekend and it is great to have it back and fully functional.

This week the 90 degree days have arrived to take possession of the summer. Winter's grip has finally been broken and we can get on with the summertime fun. 

Bring on the sunscreen and the mosquito repellent. Let the hot, dog days of summer arrive. I am prepared--life on the floatie is where it all begins.

With the Independence Day weekend at hand--having the pool up and running is critical. We are going to have so much fun, providing that the weather does not turn into a tropical storm mess. But no matter--the pool is done.

Let the splashing begin and the fun ensue. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Arrival of July

It has arrived. Perhaps my favorite month of the year. July.

Happy July.

Happy Canada Day. Today, July 1st is Canada Day. And by the end of the week, Happy Independence Day. In two weeks it will be Bastille Day, my second favorite foreign holiday. 


Three major national celebrations in the span of two weeks. What is not to like about July?

I can already hear the fireworks warming up around the country as people begin to celebrate.

Add to that, July is my traditional vacation month. At least for now. I hope that in the future September will become my favorite vacation month--but for now, I usually plan to take "seven weeks of vacation during July." Well that is how some people view it. 

So let's get this month moving. Actually, I wish it would slow down so i have a chance to enjoy it.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - June 30, 2014

1. It is the last day of June--how fast did that arrive. We are half-way through 2014.

2. As I was driving through upstate NY this weekend, I realized that you know you know you are in the middle of nowhere when even the satellite radio goes out.

3. There are two things we try to give our children: roots and wings.

4. A lion does not concern itself with the views of sheep. 

Fly Fishing on a Saturday Morning

5. World Cup fever has gripped the nation. The bog match of the week is when the USA plays Belgium at 4PM EDT tomorrow to see who continues on. 

6. The chant for the USA team is really a fascinating and complex chant. Check it out!

7. Driving through Central NY on Saturday afternoon, i saw a man fly fishing in the river. I snapped a quick picture because that is something you just don't see every day. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Day at the Lake

View from the Cottage

The drive from Schenectady to Ithaca yesterday was uneventful, but at the end of the trip was a fantastic day at a lake house on the shores of Cayuga Lake. 

Fortunately we got started early and were able to enjoy a full day on the lake. 

Chris and her first fish

The day included fishing, relaxing, some more fishing, a lot more relaxing, and even a brief swim in the sub-70 degree waters of Cayuga lake. I mean, how could I come visit the lake and not go swimming just to say I did. I actually wished I had brought my snorkeling gear so that I could have checked out the lake shore a bit better. The area where we were drops off to 130 feet in depth pretty quickly. It would have been fun to check out the drop off. Even better, if I had had my scuba gear--maybe next time, if there is one.

Looking North along the Shoreline

I guess I consider the day a mini-vacation surrounded in some of the beauty of Central New York. Truthfully, I love the summertime in the area, but winters are just too cold and snowy. And long. I am convinced that winter runs from October until May.

I have always been fascinated with the lake and actually have spent some time on and in the lake. I remember fondly going to Camp Barton on Frontenac Point for a week nearly every summer and then working at the camp for two fantastic summers. I have one staff picture showing with me holding my bugle hanging off the welcome sign. I was the bugler and the dining hall steward--what an interesting mix.

Looking south from the west shore of Cayuga Lake

Yesterday at and in the lake brought back a lot of fun memories and it was a relaxing day in preparation for returning to the complexities of everyday life.



-- Bob Doan, writing from Ithaca, NY

Street Names

Wandering around Schenectady yesterday, I became aware of street names which are often used but probably not well understood by our history deprived society.

For instance, we dined in an establishment on Jay Street. Walked by an alley named Bradley, and walked along a street named Clinton; while also traversing more well known names such as State Street, Franklin Street, Broadway, and even Liberty Street. 

Why do so many upstate NY cities have a State Street instead of or in addition to a Main Street?

Jay street was very interesting. John Jay was a great revolutionary leader, who, admittedly made a bad decision to retire from Congress rather than sign the Declaration of Independence, but he became governor of New York, worked with Hamilton on the Federalist Papers, and helped establish the government of the State of New York. 

I do not see many Jay Streets in my travels and it was this street which began to get my mind turning about how many people even have a small understanding of the people whose names are remembered on our streets. 

DeWitt Clinton

Some are easy--Franklin for instance. Although there is confusion by at least one candidate for Congress about his contributions to the United States.

Others can be confusing. Clinton would be an example. No, this street was not named for President William Jefferson Clinton, but rather another famous Clinton named DeWitt Clinton. He was instrumental in the development of the New York and the nation. He was a US Senator, a governor of NY, and was instrumental in the development of the Erie Canal.

Bradley Alley was interesting. Surely, it must have been named for the great General of the Army, Omar Bradley--but it seemed a bit out of place given the other names surrounding the area. I like the Omar Bradley thought though.

What is my take away? We need to look at the street names we cross every day and, unless living in Columbia, Maryland, where they don't make any sense anyway, try to remember the history and the people associated with the names on the signs. We need to remember more than just the Kennedy's and Martin Luther King Jr. names, but people like Charles Carroll, a signer of the Declaration of Independence from Maryland, and the industrialist of early Maryland, Richard Snowden. 

I will remember Richard now every day when I drive Snowden River Parkway. 

-- Bob Doan, writing from Schenectady, NY

Out the Hotel Window - Schenectady, NY

Schenectady, NY from my Hotel Window

Where? Yes, Schenectady, NY. A city in upstate New York in the vicinity of Albany. It is our first trip to Schenectady, although Chris and I have known of the city for a long time. 

We are here this to celebrate a wedding and completed the thankfully uneventful trip yesterday. Although it looked like rain for most of the day, it was thankfully dry with the exception of a small stretch running through the Catskill Mountains as we were passing an exit marked for something to do with Rip Van Winkle. Aside form that, the weather has been outstanding and beautiful--which is especially important since the wedding is an outdoor ceremony this evening. 

State Street, Schenectady, NY

Our hotel is located in the heart of the business district. Schenectady is an old looking city which is desperately trying to reinvent itself to compete with the Shopping Mall society. 

Overall I have found the city to be clean and efforts to maintain it are evident, but there are many vacant business locations. But, there is an abundance to restaurants and bistros which offer an amazing variety of foods. While we were out walking last evening, we happened upon a small ceremony for one business and the mayor was reading a proclamation of service to the business owner--that was something I have not run across before in my travels.

We are looking forward to exploring the region today and learning more about the history and sampling some of the shopping possibilities. We have already noted that the unique Upstate NY practice of celebrating the Fourth of July on any date other than the date itself is alive and strong here. The small town of Scotia, NY, is having their fireworks display this evening. Scotia, lies between our hotel and the wedding location meaning that an alternate route must be found. Fortunately, I have discovered one.

I love a good adventure.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Schenectady, NY 

Olive Safari Explained

In reference to my posting from last week about trying to find olives in a grocery store, the error of my shopping expectations was pointed out to me.

While shopping for olives, I found three widely separated places in the store where olives were displayed--and of course it was in the third place that the specific type of olive for which I was searching was available. 

It turns out, as was postulated to me, that 3 persons in 100 probably are searching for olives on any given day. And these 3 people have different expectations for where the olives will be found. By placing olives in each of the 3 probable locations, these 3 shoppers will be happy and continue to shop at that store. The other 97 don't care and will buy olives wherever they are.

My problem, it turns out, was that I am a novice shopper and did not have the proper expectation with respect to the marketing scheme. Also, I was searching for a specific olive without fully understanding the marketing behind olives. No one actually goes shopping for olives! I, therefore, had two strikes against me. My third strike, as everyone knows, is that I am a guy and grocery stores are definitely not organized for guys. By placing olives in three unique and separate locations, they are more likely to satisfy the impulse shopper who sees them and thinks--I need olives, but really can't remember for what. 

To summarize,  I needed olives, a specific olive, and well, I'm a guy which is why my results were less than satisfactory.

Note to self--stay out of grocery stores unless accompanied by a competent woman.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Flowers and Bees

It is fun to always have a camera in my phone.

 Sometimes I find the coolest things while walking around and I can image them for use later.

Like the bumblebee on the flower. Not such a strange sight, but I was walking through the outdoor department at Lowe's when I snapped this image. The bee was just there, enjoying the flower on a beautiful pre-summer day. It was a perfect image in my mind--of course it did delay the shopping trip a bit.

And then, there is the Calla Lily in my yard. We have had this plant for  a few years, but this year the weather seems to be good for it because it has grown into a majestic plant with beautiful flowers.

On a normal day, I might notice it and then walk away and tell Chris about it. But the other day, I have my cell phone on me with its camera and I have now captured it for later enjoyment.

Enjoy the day and capture memories. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Thrill of the Walk-off

Baseball is an awesome sport. There is no clock on the game. It is played until all of the outs are completed or until one team wins. 

That means that sometimes teams will use less than their allotted 27 outs (9 innings) to win a game and sometimes games will go into extra innings to allow a winner to emerge. Outs are allocated evenly, three per team per inning. In the classic Mensa question: How many outs are there in an inning of baseball--most people answer three, but truly there are six outs in an inning of baseball because each team gets three outs per inning.

The line from last night's game, which I had the pleasure of attending, reads fairly simply: "Davis' pinch-hit, three-run homer gives Orioles the 6-4 walk-off win over the White Sox." To say it was electric and exciting is an understatement.

It was one of those nights where although the Orioles only used 25 of their allotted 27 outs to win the game, they were behind going into the bottom of the 9th inning by one run and needed to play some good baseball to win. And with the team setting the table, so to speak, the acknowledged home run hitter came to the plate and delivered a win for the hometown team.

Early Weaver, one of the greatest baseball managers of all time has two colorful quotes about the situation last evening which sum the game up pretty well. 

Unlike some sports, there is no such thing as sitting on a lead. The other team gets its outs and the ball has to be thrown over the plate to give them a chance to hit it. Friday night, the Orioles lost a game exactly the same way that they won last night--a three-run, walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth! It hurts, but it is baseball. 

Being there in person as Chris Davis, the the power hitter for the team came to the plate to pinch hit after having the night off, with the game on the line, in the bottom of the 9th, and delivered a monster home run is why baseball is the greatest game. Game over, let's go home!

Let's go O's!

And they get to do it all over again tonight.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - June 23, 2014

1. I realized that the summer solstice marked the end of a six month journey--progressively longer days. And now that it had passed, the light is already beginning to wane.

2. I heard this: One difference between dogs and cats is that dogs consider us to be family, while cats consider us to be staff.

3. An open pool, a warm summer day, clear water and bright sun. Add to this a stunning win over the baseball team from up north that shall remain nameless by the Orioles and you have a perfect afternoon.

4. It should be a good day. Partly sunny and highs in the low 80's. 

5. World Cup Soccer can be frustrating. On Sunday the U.S. team snatched a draw from the jaws of victory. 

6. Next holiday up? Independence Day. And after that? Vacation. 

7. Summer is here! Enjoy it.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD