Monday Musings - April 13, 2015

Snow in Danby, NY
April 11, 2015

1. Some places within a five hour drive of Baltimore still have snow! I even took a picture of some of it.

2. The Orioles are unsettled as they are now six games into the regular season and carrying a 3-3 record.

3. I am continually amazed at how the trees begin to leaf by showing signs of green--and then the leaves arrive! Come-on Spring. Let's get busy.

4. I'm amazed at how many people are already running for President--and the election is not for another 19 months. 

5. 10 is a great age! Happy Birthday Ethan. It must be really cool to share a birthday with Thomas Jefferson. 

6. I was excited about the Masters Golf Tournament, probably because I have a new appreciation for golf. Congratulations Jordan Spieth!

7. It was good to get back to Maryland after a cold and quick weekend in upstate New York. It is at least warmer here.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Orioles Opening Day Let Down

Orioles home Opening Day
April 10, 2015

The crowds were gathered in anticipation of cheering their team onto victory on Home Opening Day. It was an awesome and orange sight. The faithful, numbering some 45,000, gathered and the teams were introduced. 

I was in the stands as part of the cheering throng. 

Despite the threat of thunderstorms, the game was played and the storms never materialized.

Everything was fantastic--right up until the game actually began, I got some great video of the opening day festivities and the singing of the national anthems. 

After that, it was apparent the the Orioles may not have fully arrived for the start of the game as they rapidly spotted the visiting Blue Jays to a four run lead in the top half of the first inning. 

The game quickly got out of control, and I have to admit some of the Orioles tried very hard to get back into the game--but the damage had been done early and the final score on a disappointing home opening day was 12-5. The Orioles did manage 13 hits and Adam Jones was 4-4, and three other Orioles were 2-4 on the day. The hits just did not come when they could produce runs in the same way that the Blue Jays hitters were able to generate 12 runs from their 16 hits. 

But it was fun to be back in Camden Yards and to enjoy the sights and sounds of baseball.

There are still 158 games to be played. IT is going to be a long and fun season.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Home Opening Day--Go O's

Orioles Opening Day 2014

It is finally here. 

Major League Baseball returns to Baltimore as the Orioles 2015 campaign begins!

With temperatures in the mid-70's and a forecast calling for thunderstorms to begin exactly at game time, the excitement returns as the Orioles take the field and continue the defense of their American League East Division crown. 

I love the excitement of the crowd and the anticipation. The Orioles already possess a winning record and expectations are already high--much higher than last year when they took the field.

The traditions of opening day as fun and as the fans stream into the park, you can sense the joy as baseball has returned. It is another way to cast off the chains of the long winter.

What do I like most about Opening Day? Being there to enjoy the national anthem, to sing Take Me Out to the Ballgame, and along John Denver's Country Boy.

Yes--the food is too expensive, but there are downsides to everything. 

I'm ready to: Play Ball!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD 

Orioles on the Move

The season is off to a great start. The Orioles have won their first series with some great pitching and timely batting. 

Someone joked after the first two wins that the Orioles were on track to win 162 games this season. 

That of course could not last as last evening's loss was a dose of reality. The season is very young and there is a long was to go--but the Orioles are fanning the flames of high hopes with the way they've begun.

The home opener is on Friday--and even with the foul weather forecast, I will be there with tens of thousands of other Orioles faithful. I'm really excited about the day and the game.

There is something fantastic about attending the first game of the season and participating in the festivities as the team is introduced to the surging home crowd for the first time. The greatest fans in baseball, they call the crowd--and we are!

I remember not too long ago when it was easy to get tickets and even extra tickets for opening day. This year, however, I know that there are season ticket holders who were not able to secure tickets for the game. My how the fortunes of the game have changed. 

Let's go O's.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

As the Evening Falls

The Weeping Cherry in Bud

With the arrival of April, the evenings are getting warmer and more pleasant.

The rebirth of the region after the unreasonably long and cold winter is evident everywhere. I saw the buds on the weeping cherry in my yard yesterday. Some Easter's this tree is in full bloom--but this year because of the snow, the blossoms are behind schedule.

It is going to be beautiful when it does finally bloom.

It is amazing how I look for the new signs of Spring every day. New buds and flowers appear every day  and the trees are beginning to leaf.

It is exciting.

Chris, Dad, and Mom with Lucas in the corner

What is also exciting is the opportunity to move outside for the evening to enjoy the weather, like we did around the fire pit last evening. 

Ending the day with a glass of wine and conversation, without the distraction of electronics, is a way to reconnect and defy the ever increasing pace of life.

Fire, wine, conversation, relaxing and reconnecting--what could be better?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Golf Victory Dance

They begin young learning how to do victory dances.

I was watching Lucas trying to hit a golf ball on Easter Sunday--he was concentrating and focused. He was attempting to hit a golf ball with a club too large for him and he was doing a good job.

Hitting the Cover off a Golf Ball

I have been hitting a few golf balls lately, and I now know how to tell when a golf ball has reached the end of its useful life. The cover comes off. 

I didn't know that until I began hitting golf balls repeatedly into my practice net. I've had two golf balls suffer complete failures like this. 

It is kind of fun to have a golf ball fail like this--it means that I got my money's worth out of the ball--and I bought these as range balls so I didn't pay much for them.

But, back to Lucas--I watched him until he finally got a good hit on a golf ball and almost missed the victory dance. 

Watch the video until the end to see the victory dance.

I need to learn those moves because I know how he feels when I make a good shot.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - April 6, 2015

1. It is officially Spring--Baseball is back! St Louis defeated Chicago last night 3-0 and the most of the rest of the teams have their first games today!

2. Why is it that I don't enjoy new songs during holiday worship services? Am I stuck with beliefs that are too old to enjoy new music? 

3. Chaos. That is what you get when three grandchildren and their families gather along with a couple friends thrown in to celebrate Easter.

4. What do you believe?

5. March Madness is almost over--the final game is tonight--Duke vs Wisconsin. Go Wisconsin!

6. We are an Easter people who live resurrected lives. 
Springtime has arrived. I notices the trees are casting shadows greater than just bare branches.

7. The hardest question I am dealing with right now is where to go for vacation this summer!

8. I can't believe that Spring Break is over and I have to go back to work today--ugh! I did play four rounds of golf.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Easter Morning

Happy Easter.

Good morning or good day on the most important day in all of Christendom. 

This Easter the murder of  Christians around the world at the hands of terrorists is in the news. They are martyrs in the truest sense of the word, killed only because of their belief in the risen Son of God. 

I know this a downer for the celebration of Easter. But is is happening with ever increasing frequency. I am appalled that the news media continues to refer to the murders as executions--there is a huge difference between an execution as the result of a legal process conducted by a government and the indiscriminate murder of people on a college campus. The use of the word execution almost gives the sense of the result of a legal process rather than the appalling murders that are the reality. 

I draw consolation, however, from knowing that as believers in the Risen Lord of Easter those martyrs are in the presence of God today praying for those of us left behind to deal with the forces of darkness that are rampant in the world. That is not comforting to the families and friends left behind--for their loved ones have been violently ripped away from them, but it is the promise of Easter and belief in the risen Jesus.

During the Good Friday services I attended, I made note of an interesting statement from Mark 15:39, "Now when the centurion, who stood in front of him, saw how he died, he said, 'Truly this man was God’s Son!'" (NET Bible) The centurion was present likely throughout the crucifixion of Jesus. But I noted the word, "was." He said "this man WAS God's Son." 

The hope of the world today, the hope that comes because of that first Easter morning two millennium ago, is that is is wrong to say  He WAS God's Son, because He IS God's Son. We know something that at that moment the centurion could not know.

Jesus IS the Son of God--yesterday, today, and tomorrow and because He is risen and alive, we have hope.

Be joyful as you repeat the ancient phrase of victory over death today,

He is Risen
He is Risen indeed!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Orioles Return

We are on the cusp of the return of major league baseball--coming to a ballpark near you.

I enjoy reading the pundits as they wade through the off season changes and believe that they can divine the outcome of a 162 game campaign followed by the playoffs before even one game is played.

Usually, the Orioles are projected to be a bottom finisher; however, in a strange twist, one New York Times writer provides a very different view of the American League and the Orioles. In a story titled, A.L. Preview: The Orioles Have Quietly Reloaded, Tyler Kepner makes some very interesting predictions for the upcoming season.

I have to agree with his predictions, because they follow my heart. He writes that the Orioles will win the American League East Division for the second straight year. He goes on to predict that the Orioles will win the ALDS over the White Sox, the ALCS over the Mariners, and then in a dramatic prediction, losing the World Series to the Nationals!

What a wild season it may be. Most other predictions have the Orioles finishing the season outside of the playoffs. And that is why they play the games.

Play Ball!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Temperature Rising--Baseball is Coming

First Crocus of 2015

I awoke this morning to temperatures in the 60's.

Phenomenal! Just a few short weeks ago, I woke up to 6 degrees on March 7th! A 50-plus degree difference in less than a month!

April is making good on its promise! Warmer temperatures and, of course, rain! Today is supposed to be a washout.

I'll take it. It is better than snow.

I am beginning to plan the pool opening for late in the month. I need to get the cover off the pool so that I can believe that warmer temperatures are coming--soon.

The Orioles home opener is just a week away now--and although temperatures are forecast for the 70's--April showers are also included in the plan for the day.

I am sure that even a bit of rain will not deter Orioles fans from flocking to the home opener to cheer on the AL East Champs as they seek to repeat as division champs and improve on their 2014 performance. Excitement abounds. It is too bad that three games will already be in the books before the birds make their initial appearance of the season in Baltimore. 

Spring is truly here and as the MLB teams break their Spring Training camps to head north--baseball is in the air and the sports of winter are beginning to wind down to make room for the Boys of Summer.  I have my tickets in hand and am ready!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

What a difference three-hours make

Crossing the Route 11 Bridge
Northumberland, PA
April 1, 2015

I drove north yesterday and was amazed at how different the weather was just a short three-hours away.

I found snow and cold--although the temperature was 43 degrees, there was snow on the ground, a lot of it.

It was amazing how the snow began appearing in the hidden places as I drove further north towards Williamsport, PA--home of the Little League World Series. By the time I arrived there, snow was on the ground and on the houses. It was melting--but there was an abundance of the white stuff everywhere.

I snapped a quick image of the snow on the hill about an hour south of Williamsport, while stuck in traffic on the Northumberland US 11 bridge crossing the Susquehanna River. I was happy to see that the tattered American flags had been removed from the bridge. I wrote about them last November when I drove north in my blog titled, Travel, sunset, flags, and pizza. 

It was demoralizing to see so much snow while I am plotting to mow my lawn for the first time probably within a week if the temperatures remain above freezing at night!

Spring is coming! The daffodils are blossoming and my bleeding hearts are gaining height every day. Still, I am too far north. I long to be in a place where palm trees grow and the ocean waves crash against the shore.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

April Arrives, Finally

Flowers in My Garden

After a long stretch of too cold temperatures and below normal forecasts we have finally stumbled into April where the hope of warmth and more moderate weather is still strong.

Even so, the temperature danced with freezing this morning, for hopefully the last time this Spring.

The Springtime flowers are beginning to bloom, despite the continual onslaught of frigid weather. I noticed buds on the forsythia yesterday as I was doing maintenance on the house and getting it ready for the coming year.

I know in my head that it is Spring--it is just that the temperatures do not seem to bear out the fact. 

But, the new month has arrived and hopefully it is time for the weather to change.

Important Dates in April:

4 - Passover Begins
5 - Easter
6 - MLB Opening Day for Orioles in Tampa
10 - Orioles Home Opening Day
15 - The Tax Man (or woman) Cometh
16 - Holocaust Remembrance Day
22 - Earth Day
24 - Arbor Day
25 - Anzac Day 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

D.C. on a Spring Day

V-2 Rocket in National Air and Space Museum

A Spring-like Day during Spring Break was what greeted me yesterday. Who could ask for more? Really?

The day provided the perfect opportunity to sojourn into D.C. and show the sights to visiting family who were attempting to escape the frozen northlands.

Washington Monument

First up was the National Air and Space Museum, of course. I had been told that it was the most visited museum in the world, however, according to the best information that I could find, it is number three behind the Louvre in Paris and the National Museum of Natural History, which is across the National Mall from the Air and Space Museum. 

It turned out that many, many other people had the same idea about spending a bright and sunny day in our nation's capital. It was a busy day. I reconnected with many of the exhibits that I enjoy and I always learn something new. The visit even helped me answer a Jeopardy question by reminding me of events associated with the Battle of Midway. 

Walking around D.C. to see the famous structures was enjoyable. The blue skies and white puffy clouds made a perfect backdrop for the images. If only the leaves had been on the trees or the cherry blossoms had been in bloom. 

The White House

The White House was there as well as the Lincoln Memorial. I had forgotten that the Reflecting Pool is being reconstructed and it was mostly empty--marring the view to which I have become so accustomed. 

Lincoln Memorial with empty Reflecting Pool

Someone asked me where the fences around The White House were, as they are not evident in my image. I'm leaning on them to get the shot. But beware--there are a lot of fences and guarded areas around The White House that impeded foot traffic and automobiles as well--be ready to walk a lot to get to the spot where I took my image! 

There is always a lot of walking when I visit D.C.  It just seems that I like to walk to get from one place to another. 

But the day was pleasant. There is a lot of construction underway on the National Mall which does impede foot traffic--but on a beautiful Spring day, who really cares? It was fun to be outside enjoying the sights and the other people who were also enjoying the beauty of our nation's capital!

I truly enjoyed getting outside for the day and reconnecting with the sights which are essentially right in my own backyard.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - March 30, 2015

1. March is drawing to a close. It has been another in a series of too cold months, but at least the snow has melted here and it is melting in the frozen Northeast as well. Maybe April will be a more normal month.

2. I am getting tired of hearing the weather forecasters call for temperatures 10 degrees below normal. Can we just get some normal?

3. March Madness has been reduced to the final four--three of whom were number one seeds: Duke, Wisconsin, and Kentucky. The only outlier is Michigan State. When will the madness end?

4. I played golf yesterday, just because. It was really cold.

5. The family gathered for an afternoon together--it was good to have everyone around and it was fun to watch the kids finally be able to run around outside. 

6. Here's a sport we don't hear a lot about: Australia won the cricket world cup. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our own sporting events that we miss what is going on elsewhere in the world.

7. Writing of sports, the MLB season begins in one short week! the first game is next Sunday with the rest of the league opening on Monday. The Orioles do not open at home until Friday the 10th.

8. It is Spring Break! 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Clocks and Trains and Children

A visit to the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore reminded me that my love for clocks and trains are entwined. 

The massive locomotives which played the rails and moved America from coast to coast depended upon reliable time keeping to make their runs safely. In the days before computers and sensors, it was the pocket watch of the conductor which controlled the progress of the trains across the nation. 

Seeing the behemoths of the past first hand reminded me of what a marvel these engines truly were. They were constructed in an era without computers to precise mechanical standards. It was a marvel to think about the machining associated with building these complex engines. I was reminded about how big an 80 inch drive wheel is--and it is all steel!

Riding the rails. I enjoyed reviewing the evolution of rail travel from the small boilers on a carriage to the super fast steam locomotives and then to the diesel electric engines of the modern rail era. 

Standard time--the time zones that we live with: Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific were established during 1883 to support rail traffic. Although not enacted into law until 1918, the standardization of time increased safety on the rails. 

I took a video of the roundhouse and some of the engines and rolling stock on display. Of course, Jax needed a diversion, so he got to enjoy the carousel. What a great way to spend a too cold day in Baltimore? I also become very childlike when I visit this great museum, but the carousel was too small for me.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD 

50 Shades of Green

Florida Green
March 23, 2015

The weather has been playing with my affections. During the past week I have experienced the 80's of Florida and the 20's to 70's of the Baltimore area.

I wish it would settle into a solid range--like the 70's to 80's. 

Along with the whipsawing temperatures, I have enjoyed what I will call, 50 shades of Green. 

13th Hole at Timbers at Troy
March 27, 2015

While in Florida--the green trees and grass exhibited deep and mature hues of green. Against the cyan sky--the colors were stunning and rich.

Yesterday, I experienced the faded hues of green attempting to transform from the faded tones of Winter while golfing during the afternoon.

The two just do not compare. 

I long for the deep mature greens--but waking to temperatures in the 20's is not going to make the transformation happen anytime soon. I am hopeful, however, because tomorrow morning is the last one with below freezing temperatures forecast for the next ten days!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Spring Break 2015 Arrives

One of the best parts of the school year has arrived--Spring Break. Families are traveling to warmer destinations to escape the winter and get a jumpstart on Springtime.

It is exciting. I get to enjoy Spring Break because Chris is a teacher and has this week of freedom provided to her every year.

The whipsaw temperatures of the past few days are frustrating. Wednesday morning it was 24 degrees with a high in the 40's and yesterday it was over 70 degrees. Today's high will only be near 50 degrees.

It was fun to conduct baseball practice in just shirts and not be encumbered by heavy coats--what a difference a day makes.

This year for Spring Break I will be taking a stay-cation and doing projects around the house to get things tidy and ready for the summer season. The Winter has been so long and rough that I have not been able to do many projects that need to be accomplished in advance of the Summer play season.

And there may be some racquetball and golf, too!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Youth Baseball Spring Training

Although only about 50 degrees this evening, it was dry and Jax's GORC (Gambrills-Odenton Recreation Council) baseball team had its first practice. 

The field was in perfect shape, the evening air was cool and the boys were ready to play baseball.

It was good to be back on the field and moving up with the team from T-Ball to coach pitch.

I was in the batting cage pitching most of the evening--what a good way to get my arm into shape. But since the idea is to pitch the ball so they can hit it, it is a lot easier on the arm. 

The team this year is the Pirates--which is better than last year's Tigers because the Pirates do not directly compete with the Orioles. 

I was amazed how quickly the practice passed while I was in the batting cage throwing up home run balls for the boys. Some of them can really tag the ball. 

It is going to be a long season and I'm happy that it is finally underway!

I'm back from Spring Training in Florida and now it is time for baseball to really begin!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Reflections on the 2015 Spring Training Trip

A sunny Florida March 2015 afternoon
 at McKetchnie Field in Bradenton

It is over. 

I wandered through the front door of the house about 9:30 PM last evening completing my four day 2015 Spring Training trip to Bradenton and Sarasota, Florida.

It was awesome to escape the cold of the north. The temperature this morning when I woke up at home showed 25 degrees on my thermometer. That is one third the average temperature that I experienced in Florida and it is about 61 degrees below the maximum temperature I enjoyed while not getting sunburned.

New Banner at Ed Smith Stadium

On the Orioles:

They look good. Solid. There was a lot of hustle and the pitching looks very strong. The hitting is coming around, but I am concerned about the fielding. I saw our starting third baseman commit two errors in one game--he seemed too casual making the plays.

I saw one starter really look in control yesterday! I was disappointed by our closer who had an off day and allowed two runs to score--but, overall he looked good.

Sharing the course with a Sand Crane

On Florida:

Great weather, good food, awesome golf courses and of course palm trees. Add that together with baseball and it is a recipe for fantastic! I do have to admit the traffic around Tampa at 5pm on a Tuesday evening was awful! I almost did not make it to the airport for my flight. The backup exceeded 10 miles--and it crawled.

Did I mention the critters? There were animals everywhere. It was refreshing to see so much wildlife--including more than one alligator and a snapping turtle that was taking a leisurely stroll across one golf course. The sand cranes were everywhere almost like the deer that populate on course I play near home.

Jeremy at the Tee

On Golf:

Golfing in Florida was a great experience. I'm glad that the northern courses do not have as much water. Seriously, I don't think I saw a water hazard that I couldn't put at least one ball into. Sometimes three or four. Yet, the courses were tough , but fair and fun! 

There is something awesome about having the first tee time of the day on a golf course and watching the sun wake the world for another day. Especially when it is warm and there is not a frost delay.

April is coming and I surely hope the temperatures begin to warm. I am anxious for baseball and warm summer afternoons--more so now that I have experienced a glimpse of what lies ahead from my short trip to the warm south.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Gathering of Orioles

With the Orioles Bird 2015

Sadly, the last day of my short Spring Training trip has arrived. One of the Orioles fans has already flown north and the rest of us must return to the cold today.

At least we get to enjoy another baseball game this afternoon as the Orioles travel to Bradenton to play the Pirates. From there it is on to the airport to begin winging my way home.

It has been fun and exhausting at the same time. Three rounds of golf and three baseball games by the time it is complete.

Yesterday we were drenched by a passing rainstorm on the golf course, but after a short delay we were able to finish the round.

Tomorrow it is back to the grind and my short time away will be a memory. But a good memory.

-- Bob Doan, Writing from Sarasota, Florida

Out the Hotel Window - Sarasota, FL

Green. I have been overcome with green after the long cold and monochromatic winter of my discontent in the north.

Outside my hotel window people are playing in the pool surrounded by lush green foliage. It is awesome. I don't really want to leave. The smells of life are everywhere.

Playing golf yesterday I enjoyed the wildlife everywhere.

I am more than ready to enjoy the warmth and green on my return to Baltimore

-- Bob Doan, writing from Sarasota, Florida

Guy Trip Food

Why is it that when on a guy trip, I eat the wrong foods? The wings are so good. They smell good. But where are the veggies? No where in sight. Well there were some fried pickles.

Good food and a four day road trip to Florida.

I have not seen one snow flake since I arrive here. The 86 degrees yesterday erased all of my bad memories of March in Baltimore.

The food, it's guy food.

Baseball, the O's won yesterday. Golf this morning and baseball this afternoon. What could be better?

The food. How long can someone survive in guy food?

-- Bob Doan, writing from Sarasota, Florida

It's just not Fair!

Daffodils in the Snow

Spring began yesterday and we suffered through yet one more blast from Winter.

Snow, cold, and messy roads.

I had hoped that the snow would have been melted before the end of the day, but alas, the weather forecasters steered me wrong. 

The daffodils in my gardens stoically stood their ground against the onslaught. Undeterred, they continued to repel the monochromatic snowfall with their determined green and reminded me that spring is not gone, it is just a slow starter!

Good-bye Winter, may this be your last gasp!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Start your Mowers--Spring is Arriving

Chris on the Tractor

Yesterday afternoon the lawn tractor took to the yard! It was the first sortie of the season and while it wasn't technically mowing, it was removing the accumulated winter's trash and leaves from the yard!

We worked in the yard even though there is snow in the forecast. The snow won't last long and we needed to clear the yard and get the reemergent fertilized down. 

Today marks the beginning of Spring, although we need to withstand one last punch from Winter before we can truly celebrate the passing of the season of cold and darkness.

The Yard after removal of the debris

It was really cold--my electric bill was $200 above normal as a result of our efforts to hold the cold at bay and maintain a warm, toasty home.

But Springtime is starting and the temperatures are moderating!

The yard is getting ready, as am I, for outdoors living.

Bring on the grill and the fire table!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Robins and Peepers and More, Oh My!

Robin in a Tree

During our walk last evening I took notice of the multitude of Robins which have returned and are looking everywhere for food.

I hadn't noticed them in great numbers before--but they are back and looking for critters in the thawing lawns.

And then, while on the walk, I heard the peepers for the first time this year. The arrival of their evening chorus is a sure sign of Spring's arrival although the official arrival is not until Friday.

The beginning of Spring is based upon the equinox, but the amount of sunlight available on the day is probably greater than 12 hours? It is really cool. The arrival of Spring is based upon the center of the sun crossing the equator--however, the amount of available sunlight (sunrise to sunset) is based upon the top of the sun either rising above or setting below the horizon. Hence, the first day of Spring for Elkridge is about 12 hours and 8 minutes from sunrise to sunset--Oh My! Who knew the sun was that big?

But the arrival of Spring is heralded by the peepers and the Robins. Do you have any idea how hard it is to get a good picture of a Robin when the background is brown and gray? They blend.

Spring starts at 6:45 PM EDT on Friday, March 20th. 

Don't miss it!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

I Took a Detour

Lifetime Racquetball Court

It seemed innocent enough. I played racquetball yesterday morning, but got done a early. I was excited about getting to work a few minutes early--about 15. 

I had talked to Chris, went over the plan for the day and had just hung up the phone as I approached the exit for my place of employment.

That is where it went bad.

There are three exits from the highway near where I work. I was a distracted as I was reviewing the day ahead of me and I turned early to exit the highway onto another four lane highway. Panic! There was no going back--suddenly, instead of exiting into the parking for my job, I was headed down a road to a destination I had not intended to visit.

No problem--I thought, the next exit is not too far, I'll turn around there and still be early to work. 

Then the car started telling me of a problem with the cruise control and lights. Ugh. I got distracted again and missed the exit! Darn. The next exit is a lot further--but I have no choice.

Traffic was beginning to build and I needed to keep my attention on the road, but the warning message on the console in my car was not only annoying, it was flashing as if it were important! Ugh, I was trapped. 

Time passed, traffic increased and finally the exit loomed. I made the exit and successfully reversed my direction and was not headed towards rather than away from work.

During the remainder of the journey I needed to stay extremely alert because traffic stopped completely on a number of occasions for no apparent reason. It can be somewhat scary to be in the middle of executing a lane change and suddenly everyone is stopped!

I finally, and uneventfully arrived at work. On time!

My detour had used up all of the extra time by driving around aimlessly on the highways. 

Moral of the story? Stay alert when driving. Bad things can happen!

As an aside, I looked up the earning message, and I need to replace the brake switch--but the lights actually do work!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Orioles Baseball Tuesday Update

Tuesday's are my days to write about the Orioles. 

Yesterday was a good day for the team. It has been a quiet Spring Training for the team, except that yesterday they belted 21 hits, 5 homers and won a blow out game 16-4 which finally saw the hitting, defense, and pitching all come together in one solid game!

Yes. Baseball season is coming and I am ready to see the team in person beginning this weekend in Sarasota.

So, do professionals enjoy games like this? Rock Kobatko reported about the Manager of the Orioles, Buck Showalter: "Did Showalter enjoy watching the offensive fireworks? You figure it out.
"You bet your sweet (butt)," he said. "Anybody who says, 'Oh, it's just spring training,' you like to see them have one of those days. They've been working hard. Get a return for it. You bet.""

The Orioles are now 4-11 in Spring Training. But the Spring Training record means nothing after April 5th. The Orioles are the defending American League East Champions!

Let's Go O's!!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - March 16, 2015

Et tu, Brute?

1. Yesterday was the Ides of March, I have attached the funniest image I saw during the day. An historical parody.

2. March Madness is officially underway. Go Maryland!

3. Fun times together with the family should not be missed. Especially when there are celebrations involved!

4. The weather is warmer--why is it that I want it even warmer?

5. Spring Training continues and the Orioles are still waiting to gel and have a disappointing 3-11 record. I hope they turn it around during the next couple of weeks. 

6. Spring begins on Friday! The Winter is nearly over!

7. The scary part about yesterday being the Ides of March is that there are now only 30 days left to get the taxes done for all of the procrastinators out there.

8. Is this really another 5-day week with no holidays in sight?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

NCAA - Tournament Time and Sanctions

The NCAA Mens Basketball Tournament has arrived. The conference championships are finishing with teams across the country vying for a spot in what is known as March Madness.

People are beginning complete their brackets to predict the road to the Final Four and the eventual NCAA Men's National Basketball Champion.

It is all very exciting.

What is at stake? According to one report I read, over $800 million. The tournament has become much larger than amateur athletics. 

Yesterday, the Maryland Men's Basketball Team lost its semifinal game and will not be playing for the Big 10 Conference Championship today; however, they are expected to be a 3 seed in the tournament. They posted an exceptional year and I wish them the best of luck as they start down the path that leads to an eventual champion of the nation.

One team that is not participating in the post-regular season conference and NCAA tournaments is Syracuse. The school is enduring a self-imposed post-season ban because of violations of NCAA and school standards. The NCAA, as I have written about two other times this past week, has levied a number of sanctions on the school which seem to be to be very harsh. I read an Op-Ed piece by Joe Nocera in the New York Times yesterday that expresses my feelings about the situation titled, Syracuse, Boeheim and the N.C.A.A. 

I have to agree with Joe--reading about the NCAA report in the news and then actually reading the report I was left wondering about the true intent of the NCAA in the situation. The sanctions levied on Syracuse are very severe--returning over $100 million in revenue sharing monies, vacating over 100 wins, and other equally as harsh penalties. And the difficult part is the Syracuse recognized the problems and corrected them before the investigation. 

Is it about the student athletes? Especially the ones currently in the program? No.  I did not see any mention that the program had self-corrected from 2012 onward. Is that not what the true desired end state is? Programs discover problems, correct them and move on? I guess not.

It all comes down to money. 

The tournament is about money and, sadly, college sports are about money. Everyone gets a piece except the student athletes.

The report and the capricious sanctions against Syracuse tarnish the image of the NCAA as a governing body and confirms that it is not about the students--but about making money!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD