Santa Monica Alive

Santa Monica Pier from the Bluffs

I am traveling again. 

Last evening I had dinner in Santa Monica, one of those places that I have seen so much about in the movies.

It exists and is every bit as diverse as I had been led to believe.

Entrance to Santa Monica Pier

I walked the bluffs above the Pacific Coast Highway and then down onto the iconic Santa Monica pier all while watching the sun set behind the mountains. 

It was a stunning sight as the mountains were silhouetted against the setting sun and I was not the only person with a camera trying to get the perfect shot of the activities. I was amazed at how wide the beach appeared. It was huge. Completely different from the narrow Florida beaches that I love. 

Looking out at the Mountains
 with the Pacific Coast Highway in View

The pier and the walking promenade in Santa Monica city center were alive with throngs of people--even on a Monday night. It was an exciting sight. 

Looking at Santa Monica from the Pier

The setting sun cast a hue across the area that reminded me of the Sundown Celebration in Key West. 

It was definitely a celebration. 

I enjoyed the constant reminders of life and excitement. 

All in all it was an exceptionally long travel day, but it ended is a way that I could not have imagined.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Los Angeles, CA

Monday Musings - July 11, 2016

1. Life is a balance. Sometimes it gets unbalanced and then bad things happen.

2. Blue skies are the best sky!

Summer Flowers in my Garden

3. Why is it hard to have deep meaningful discussions with some people?

4. I love summer flowers!

5. Every time I just look at the pool, I feel refreshed! If only I spent more time in it.

6. Did anyone  notice that the O's are leading the division at the half-way point of the season?

7. Any idiot can face a crisis, it is day to day living that wears you out.

8. Smile--it isn't going to get any better unless you do.

9. I love July! I recently read about a couple that spends the year chasing Summer. I wish that were me!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sports Day Saturday

My Saturdays are often devoted to sporting activities--usually for the grandsons.

Manny Machado Gnome at Home

Yesterday was a different Saturday.

I played golf in the morning and attended a long Orioles game in the afternoon.

I spent five hours golfing (including travel) and five hours at the orioles game (including travel). 

10 hours of sports related activities.

My Fitbit recorded over 20,000 steps--and I didn't even try!

Some Fans Dressed as Gnomes

The golf game was a bit ragged yesterday. I am a much better player in the afternoon it seems. It was a great day on the course, until the sun decided to come out with a vengeance and it just got incredibly hot! One of the highlights of the round was a goose honking vociferously at Jeremy after he hit a ball too close to it. The goose was indignant! We just laughed.

The Orioles late-afternoon game was fun! It was Manny Machado garden gnome day. Everyone attending the game got a gnome. Fortunately, our seats were in the shade given the 4:05 PM start. It was a hot, slow baseball game that officially took 3 hours and 14 minutes to play in the hear. Over 43,000 fans were in attendance to see the Orioles grind out a 3-2 win! And it was a grind.

I love Saturdays like this one! 

--Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

My Take: Police Shootings

I read a very difficult editorial in the New York Times this morning.  It was titled "What White America Fails to See," and I found it difficult to internalize and accept.

Yet, I know there are truths contained inside the words that Michael Eric Dyson wrote and I feel his hurt and frustration. 

I wish that we were a multi-cultural nation of equals. I wish the concept of America being a "salad bowl" was actually true or even close to being correct--but clearly, it is not. Multiculturalism is a difficult concept and it is clear from the virulent words of at least one candidate for president, not understood or fully appreciated. 

Maybe it was easier when America was "melting pot." Even if the concept was a facade, we believed that we could operate from a singular point of view across different ethnicities. I can see how America was built upon the backs of the newest groups of immigrants in history. The cities and the railroads and the critical infrastructure were built by those newest to America. Yes, that a gross generalization, but fundamentally accurate. As the newest immigrants assimilated, they became Americans and were, mostly, accepted. 

But some groups, cultures, were never accepted; hence, multiculturalism has always been with us but the majority were blind to the inequity.

The police shootings of the past two years highlight the cultural differences. The author of the editorial this morning suggests that we view other cultures through binoculars. That resonated with me. We watch from a safe distance and make judgements without experiencing the the reality of life happening where the binoculars are looking. 

Some of the hard words that he wrote cut deeply. 

You hold an entire population of Muslims accountable for the evil acts of a few. Yet you rarely muster the courage to put down your binoculars, and with them, your corrosive self-pity, and see what we see. You say religions and cultures breed violence stoked by the complicity of silence because peoples will not denounce the villains who act in their names.

Yet you do the same. You do not condemn these cops; to do so, you would have to condemn the culture that produced them — the same culture that produced you. Black people will continue to die at the hands of cops as long as we deny that whiteness can be more important in explaining those cops’ behavior than the dangerous circumstances they face.

"Black Lives Matter." I have heard many smug people, including some political candidates, insist that "All Lives Matter" and I too, for a while was blind to the deeper meaning of the cry. Yet, even though my binoculars are still firmly in my hand, I am appalled at the events of the past two days and I am fully aware that a white person in either of the situations in Louisiana or Minnesota would not have been executed by the police.  And that is the problem. 

I watched the video of the Minnesota shooting. There are a lot of things in that video that are just wrong.

My Take: It was wrong! It was murder. Even I am afraid.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Tractor Maintenance Blues

Tractor Tune-up Parts

My tractor reached a significant maintenance milestone. There was a lot of work that needed to be don't to maintain its enthusiasm for cutting the grass and helping with other mundane duties around the house . 

I took an image of all of the parts that were being replaced. I had already swapped out the blades when I took the shot, but there are many parts being replaced to ensure continued years of faithful service from one of the unsung heroes around the house.

Frankly, I was appalled at the cost of all of the parts. I believe that I could have purchased a push mower for the price of the parts in the image. 

Sears, where Purchased the parts, did not make the process easy. The parts good was difficult to read and then, in the end, one of the parts was wrong--the mower drive belt. The belt in the book was for a 42 inch mower deck and I have a 46 inch mower. So the inevitable return is at hand to actually complete the process.

Nothing is ever easy, it seems.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Fun with Pool Animals

Chris and I rescue some of the strangest creatures from our pool.

Usually it is a stray toad or hoards of frogs (almost akin to the Biblical plagues of Egypt) that are helped to safety.

Cicada on a Leaf in the Pool

Sometimes it is a really unique animal like the bunny we rescued a couple of years ago. We have, in the past, rescued a bat, a bird, and an assortment of snakes--usually small hatchlings who got confused. Mammals generally do not do well and drown before we can get to them. 

Yesterday, however, I saw something that really got my attention--a cicada on a leaf floating in the pool. I'm not sure how the bug got there and managed to float until rescued.

It looks to me like it had commandeered a ship and was sailing until dawn or something. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Airplane Cookies

Southwest Plane Cookies

On one of my recent Southwest Airlines flights I received a new treat for my flying enjoyment: Airplane Cookies!!

It was an early morning flight and the cookies were my breakfast--well partly.

How unique are they.

Not really--it dawned upon me that they were animal crackers in disguise!

But there were not just plain cookies, they were plane cookies and I thought they were cute. Just like animal crackers, except there was only one plane. Oh yes, Southwest only flies one type of plane--the Boeing 737!

The cookies were, however, both cute and tasty.

I also had a couple cups of coffee which helped shake off the drowsiness of getting up at 3:30 AM to catch a 6 AM flight!  Ugh! Why did I make the reservation for so early?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - July 4, 2016

1. Happy Independence Day! (and it's a holiday too!)

2. Mondays that fall on Tuesday are the toughest days of the week.

3. John Adams wrote that the Fourth of July "...ought to be celebrated by pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other..."

4. There is something great about starting the day on a golf course, even if I'm not playing very well.

5. We enjoyed fireworks yesterday in advance of the expected storms this afternoon. The whole neighborhood seemed alive with explosions and bright displays, almost as John Adams intended.

6. Some places are rescheduling the fireworks--it is possible to get three nights of fun and explosions.

7. Many dogs hate fireworks.

8. Enjoy your fourth and be safe.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Strike up the Band--or Not!

Military bands are under attack by the Congress.

The New York Times, in an article titled Military is Asked to March to a Less Expensive Tune, reports that the budgets for military bands are being reduced in and effort to help the military achieve its end strength goals. The article traces some of the history of US military bands and notes that in 1862 there were nearly 15,000 bandsmen in the Union forces.

I have often enjoyed the music of military bands. 

The patriotic sounds, not played anywhere else, represent a unique piece of American history that could easily be lost if the military were not preserving it for future generations. 

The article does point out that the DoD spends more on music than any other part of the government. But, does that make it wrong?

Without military bands, I worry that some our our uniquely American music would be lost. While the article points out that no one in Congress is advocating the dissolution of military bands, I found the following paragraph interesting:

Leaders in the Pentagon quietly grumble that by focusing on bands, Congress is going after small potatoes. The military has for years proposed base closings that it estimates would save more than $2 billion a year, but Congress has not acted on the politically troublesome proposals that could cut jobs in their districts.

Strike up the bands! 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

My Take: When Serving Brownies is Bad

Brownies

I love it when Chris makes up a batch of brownies. I usually means we are headed somewhere to meet with friends and that there will be an assortment of desserts.

I especially love brownies served with vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup covered by a mound of whipped cream.

And now I learn that a third grader in Collingwood, New Jersey, was subjected to police interrogation because of a simple statement made in reference to the delicious dessert being served at the end of the school-year party.

Collingwood, NY

According to The Inquirer in an article titled Why police were called to a South Jersey third-grade class party, a 9 year-old boy made a comment about brownies being served to the class, in reference to the end of the year party. Another child exclaimed that it was a racist remark and police were called.

Sadly it does not end there.

"The boy's father was contacted by Collingswood police later in the day. Police said the incident had been referred to the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency. The student stayed home for his last day of third grade."

All about brownies? 

It is clearly a policy that was poorly implemented. The article indicates that police have been called to investigate incidents was many as 5 times per day in a school district with a total enrollment of 1,875 students. Given that there are only 14,000 residents in the borough, I cannot imagine there are too many police officers remaining in the community to handle more serious matters.

One mother opined "Are we going to have to send kids to school with a lawyers name and number?"

As a society we are losing our perspective and the ability to resolve disputes at the lowest level. There is too often a rush to call police and a lawyer. 

My Take: The police and the courts need to begin to help people develop common sense by enforcing regulations against frivolous police reports and lawsuits. 

Brownies do not have any other name!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Welcome July

It is with great fanfare that I announce the start of the uniquely summer month of July!

July has arrived. Hail Caesar!

Cue the beach, waves, sand, surf, and fireworks!

After a Springtime that was so cold and rainy that I thought summer would never arrive, July has finally moved onto the scene as the year 2016 slides into the second half of its run.

The weather, lately, has been almost idyllic with limited rain and moderate temperatures.

The vacation season is upon us and my plans are pretty well set.

The month gets off to a great start with Independence Weekend--the holiday with a bang! It is great when Independence Day coincides with a weekend. That will not happen again until 2020 since the holiday will fall on mid-week days for the next three years.

Not to get too far ahead of the action, let's stick to the weekend at hand. 

Drive safely, if you handle fireworks do not over imbibe alcohol, and generally be responsible.

Enjoy the 4th, and better yet--enjoy July. Did I mention that July is my favorite month of the year? I wish that July would never end or that I could live in the land of perpetual summer.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

World's Oldest Twinkie

I remember Twinkies!

Apparently there was a science class in Maine, 40 years ago, that was studying the effects of  preservatives in food. They unwrapped a Twinkie and documented the changes as the popular snack item was exposed to air.

The Twinkie still lives. 

40 Year Old Twinkie

According to first hand reports, the Twinkie is mostly unchanged from the original out-of-the-package look, except for some dust.

The preservatives work.

I wonder if that is a good thing or not?

The Twinkie survives despite all of the publicity and the retirement of the teacher that began the science project. It is under glass for all to see. 

Note to self--Twinkies are definitely not health food.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

As the Sky Changes

The sky has shown some stark beauty and ferocity during the past few days. 

Denver, CO
June 28, 2016
Sunset

Last evening, for example, as I was leaving the restaurant where I had dinner, there was both a thunderstorm and a beautiful sunset in the sky. I tried to capture it, but it just doesn't look the same in an image. 

The lightening was actually very close, causing me to head for the car instead of trying for another, better, image.

I had thought about attending the Rockies game, but in a strange moment of mature thought, I looked at the weather and decided against going into Denver. The start of the game was delayed for almost three hours as it turned out. I made a good choice.

Baltimore International Airport
June 27, 2016
Dawn!

I was also amazed at the dawn sky in Baltimore the day that I was departing. The deep colors were amazing, however, the lights reflected by the terminal make the image less appealing. 

If you look deep into the image, you can see my reflection taking the picture.

It was much more beautiful in person.

The sky--I love the cyan of a clear day, but the morning and evenings also lend themselves to a fantastic show.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Denver, CO

Out the Hotel Window - Denver, June 2016

June 27, 2016 - Denver, CO

The picture out the window is fairly nondescript. The difference from last evening when I arrived until this morning is in the lighting and the angle that I shot the image. 

June 28, 2016
Denver, CO

It is good to be back in the Denver area again. I guess. I am not at my usual hotel and I had hoped the images out the window would have been better, but alas, it was not. 

The weather has been nice--it is supposed to creep into the high 90's today and that will be a true burst of summer. 

I made a trip to Colorado Springs yesterday and looked up to Pike's Peak. It is still magnificent.

Well, as I wrote, the view out my window is not spectacular, but the sun is up and it is another day.

I wonder what adventures are in store for me.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Denver, Colorado

Monday Musings - June 27, 2016

1. I saw a dead black bear along the highway yesterday in Northern Pennsylvania. I had never seen one along the road before.

2. The best afternoon is one where I wind up on a floatie in the pool with a glass of wine.

3. Every time I take an early morning flight, I ask myself, why?

4. I remember I used to like driving for the sake of driving, now I just drive to get somewhere.

5. Did you notice that the Orioles have opened up a 4 game lead in the division? Let's go O's!

6. The best part about traveling is getting back home.

7. On this date in 1967, the world's first ATM was installed--in England!

8. I noticed how green the mountains were yesterday on the drive through Pennsylvania. They were very pretty and I much prefer that color to the gray of winter! 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Graduation Party

Graduations are huge events. They are significant life events that foretell change. They mark endings and stand at the precipice of new beginnings.

I had the opportunity to celebrate Trevar's high school graduation over the past few days. I enjoyed golfing with him and watching him walk across the stage to the cheering of his adoring family and friends. Yesterday was the blow out party that saw four generations of family gather in celebration.

And now comes the hard question, what next?

It doesn't need to be answered right away, but the opening sentences in the next chapter are being written.

The morning after the party isn't the time to write too many words of the dawning chapter of life, but after the celebration is over life begins again.

It is the way of life. The ending of one chapter is the beginning of the next.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Route 15 near Mansfield, PA

Everything goes better with Coke

Ginger with Coke

After a long and stressful day full of visitors and unusual activity, Ginger, the chocolate lab needed some alone time to consider life and have a Coke.

Everything goes better with Coke! Well that's what the ads say.

It was actually humorous because she nabbed the partially full Coke bottle from Chris and took the top off before chewing it up. We are not sure what happened to the liquid, but as she has a history of doing this to water bottles and we expected her to have a reaction when she tasted Coke instead of water.

She liked the Coke. Note to self, don't leave my Coke bottles lying around.

I wonder if she likes Diet Coke, too?

-- Bob Doan, writing from Ithaca, NY

Friday Evenimg

Trevar Teeing Off
June 24, 2016
Newman Municipal Golf Course
Ithaca, NY

Sitting around after a busy day playing some lawn games. It is a idyllic day. I played golf in the morning with the recent (last evening) graduate Trevar and am spending the evening with family and games.

It is nice to be able to get away from the grind and enjoy some time off.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Ithaca, NY

Return of the Mudslinger(s)

After what seemed like a too short respite, the political mudslinging has returned.

Yesterday was particularly vile with multiple attacks form both sides on the other candidate.

There was also the side-show in the House of Representatives as some Congressmen staged a 60's era sit-in. I was a bit appalled, has our government been reduced to sit-ins and demonstrations when votes should be taken and tabulated?

The political section of the New York Times reads like a report from the front lines of Afghanistan with one candidate taking shots and the other returning fire.

It is artificial drama!

While some talk about the race to the White house, it seems more like a school yard brawl.

I wish the personal attacks would cease and some real plans be put on the table to discuss. 

Bottom line? It's business as usual in D.C.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

When the Weather Turns Ugly

The Baltimore region experienced some ferocious thunderstorms which included a tornado yesterday. 

The normally balmy weather turned ugly and the power of the storms was clearly evident.

House Damaged During Storms
June 21, 2016

An EF-0 tornado touched down in the western part of the county causing a lot of damage. Trees were felled, one into a house. The owner of the house, however, put it in perspective by relating that two of his children were in the house at the time, one of them in a rooms that the tree fell into and they both escaped without injury. That was what was really important. The damage was secondary, the safety of his family was primary. 

Keeping loved ones safe is critical.

For my part, I expected the pool to be a mess, but it really was not too bad. The area of the county in which I live seemed to escape the worst of the storm. Yes there were leaves everywhere, but not the kind of damage experienced elsewhere. 

The storms were a reminder of the raw power that they contain. They deserve respect.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

My Take: Who Will Speak Up?

I have been shocked by the apparent mood in America which would condone discrimination and the exclusion of particular identifiable classes of people from the protections of The Constitution.

There are some in the country who want to build a wall, exclude certain religious classes of people from entering the country, and limit other classes of people from access to public services.

This concerns me and as I was turning these proposals over in my mind, I was reminded of a statement that I learned many years ago. 




The words are from by Martin Niemoller, an outspoken protestant pastor.  

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out— 

Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— 

Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

My Take: There are parallels to America today.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - June 20, 2016

1. Summer arrives today! Finally. It seems like my favorite season took an especially long holiday.

2. Cleveland has its first champion since 1964. That is a long time to wait. Congrats to the Cavaliers for coming back and winning the NBA championship. 

3. I hope all the fathers had a great father's day. I certainly did. Played golf, watched golf, watched baseball and was introduced to Oculus Rift. 

4. The end of year party for the staff at Chris' school was a smashing success.

5. Is it just me? Or did we just have a weekend without political sniping dominating the news? I did not see other one of the presumptive nominee's names on the front page of the New York Times this morning.

6. The lingering effects of plutonium exposure are detailed in New York Times article this morning about the 1966 accident in the skies over Palomares, Spain and the subsequent clean-up and cover-up by he Air Force. 

7. The Orioles remain atop the AL East after 10 consecutive games against key rivals in the division! 

8. The US Open was a couple of long days of golf. Congrats to Dustin Johnson for overcoming adversity and the officials to win the championship.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Happy Father's Day 2016

For all the Dads out there--this is your day. A day to be remembered for the long nights and the patient hours it takes to be a Dad.

For all the kids out there, I hope you had a loving Dad like I have.

As a Dad of my own, I recall some highlights of being a Dad(in no particular order, just stream of consciousness).

Midnight feedings and diaper changes.  

Making two trips every evening over tight German roads to got to and from basketball practice. 

Looking at the twinkle in my daughters eye as she worms some new dress or other object out of my heart and wallet. 

Being a band camp parent dragging two coolers of sodas, or during the cold season hot chocolate, to the home AND away football games so that the band was well taken care of.

Racing out on a Christmas Day to find a new power supply for a computer.

Walking my daughter down the aisle on her wedding day.

Officiating at Patrick's wedding.

Hearing Jeremy recount how the delivery room cracked up at the mention of the words, "Luke, I am your father."

Fixing whatever was broken. Finding whatever was lost. Trying to smile when I wanted to scream.

Teaching kids sports, instruments, and math.

Crying when Chris and I left them alone at college.

Rejoicing with my kids, crying with my kids, and being there for them whether by changing brakes for an afternoon on the car or going to a ball game.

Being a Dad is a calling and it is not for everyone. It is a tough job and it never ends. It just gets better when the relationship matures from parent to coach to friend.

And then to grandparent. But that's a story for another day.

So to all the Dads, and to all the kids, and to all the wives and mothers who put up with the Dads and the kids--here's to you.

Happy Father's Day and Thank you for being you.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

End of School Year Party

Ready for The Party
June 17, 2016

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) school year ended yesterday. 

School is out for the summer. 

Chris and I hosted the end of year party for the staff of Line Kiln Middle School. A chance for the teachers and staff and their families to gather around our pool and decompress after the trials and tribulations of the  school year past.

I enjoy hanging out with them and hearing the stories and getting a reality check about life and working conditions in a place other than where I work. 

The party was a great success. Hosting the party gave Chris and I a deadline to complete many projects. And we did! The pool was pristine, the lawn neatly mowed, and I even ensured that the hole in the wall where the new faucet had been installed was completely repaired.

I have to admit, when all they wished each other a good summer as they departed, I was a bit sad--I have to work! I don't get seven weeks off to reconnect with life outside of work. 

But, then, I don't have to put up with kids every work day. 

Happy summer vacation! Enjoy it. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Promotion Fly-up

State Senator James Rosapepe Addressing the
Waugh Chapel Elementary 5th Grade Class
June 16, 2016

I attended the 5th grade promotion fly-up ceremony for my grandson Ethan yesterday who is leaving the halls of Waugh Chapel Elementary School and transitioning to middle school after summer vacation. It is hard to believe that he is now a middle schooler and moving so quickly into the next realm of growing up and his education.

Ethan Receiving his Certificate of Promotion

It was a surprisingly touching and well planned ceremony to acknowledge the completion of the elementary curriculum.

I was very impressed that a State Senator gave the opening remarks and that the assembled family and friends. The teachers worked their way through a myriad of awards and I was happy that Ethan collected quite a few awards recognizing his attendance and contributions to the school. 

I took a quick video of Ethan's arrival for the ceremony. I found it interesting that he was the next-to-last student to be seated. But at least i could keep an eye on him during the proceedings. It was fun to watch the look on his face, almost in disbelief, as he was announced as a winner of the President's Award for Educational Excellence. It was priceless!

It was an exciting day and I was happy to be included. Everyone deserves to have days devoted just to themselves to recognize their accomplishments and yesterday was Ethan's. 

Congrats Ethan! I am looking forward to celebrating many more achievements with you!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Disney does China

It has been all over the news--Disneyland Shanghai opened today! Well, it has actually been open doing the pre-full opening work-ups for a few days.

My sense is that the park is huge both in terms of size and cost. Theres are confirmed by the Wall Street Journal article about the opening earlier today. 

I have read stories about how Disney made huge concessions to the Chinese government to get the project accomplished.

The happiest place on earth comes to one of the most unhappy countries on earth in a clash of cultures. I find it fascinating that Disney has worked hard to translate their products into a culture where they are virtually unknown. 

I will never, likely, visit Shanghai Disney but I am happy that maybe through the monolithic company, and despite the efforts of their government, we can begin to change Chinese culture one smile at a time.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

An Independent Press

It is in the 1st Amendment to the Constitution. It is pretty clear.

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

I guess the amendment refers to Congress and not the President. Oh, right, the President cannot pass laws! Don't forget that, but the President is sworn in as follows: 

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

One candidate certainly does not seem to have a grasp of the Constitution or the amendments added thereto. This candidate believes that is it OK to restrict the press because they disagree with his particular views. The press helps to ensure transparency in government.

I am have seen the abuses of the press as the harangue people to the point of insanity, but I am convinced that a free and independent press is essential to protecting our freedoms. And not just for the Federal government--but even more importantly at the State and Local levels as well. Too many representatives, it seems, once elected place their personal biases and views above those of the electorate. Without a press to allow these views to be discovered and discussed in open forum, who knows along what path our government would proceed.

We must watch carefully during the next few months. Decisions affecting our nation and the world as well as our personal freedoms and our lives will be made in the polling booths.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

My Take: Spewing Hatred

The reaction by Americans and the world to the massacre in Orlando has been widely reported.

Some prominent politicians, typically, have chosen to pursue their goals of achieving The White House in November by publishing and speaking about their views and reactions. I found it interesting the The Washington Post managed to be uninvited to one candidate's rallies after publishing a series of stories about his lack of empathy for the victims. He even continues to profess policies that are clearly unconstitutional.

I have a news app on my iPhone that searches and returns headlines for my review. The number and variety of articles about Orlando is truly amazing and more than one writer has pointed out the nexus of three volatile topics facing our society: terrorism, guns, and homosexuality. 

From the articles and commentaries that I have read about Orlando, it is clear that these topics surely have struck a chord.

One of the worst and most disturbing comments about Orlando have come, sadly no surprise, from a reportedly Baptist minister in Arizona. This "pastor" was spewing the most virulent of attacks and lack of empathy for the victims. He truly gives Christians a bad name for their narrow-mindedness and lack of grace and mercy. I would quote his statements, however, I am appalled that such insensitive words could come from the mouth of a person professing to be a Christ follower.

The victims are people. Our brothers and sisters. They need love, support, and empathy because their lives and relationships have been shattered. Whether we agree or disagree with lifestyle choices, spewing virulent hatred is not helpful. Nor is using the hurt and anguish of the victims to pursue political gain.

My Take: Why does there always need to be an angle other than to love one another?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - June 13, 2016

1. I am appalled at the massacre that happened in a nightclub in Orlando. My prayers and thoughts are with the victims and their families. 

2. Congratulations to the Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins. It was a long season and they were the last team standing. Congrats also to the Conn Smythe Trophy winner Sidney Crosby for being the MVP during the playoffs.

3. Hot sunny weekend days are awesome, especially when there is a pool in the backyard.

4. I played a round of golf on Saturday and was confused for the whole weekend because I usually play on Sunday. In my mind I enjoyed a weekend of two Sundays. 

Dog Tired Keeshonden

5. During the weekend we watched three extra dogs, just for fun. After the smaller and more excitable pair had departed, the keeshonden were exhausted and crashed in the family room. 

6. The Orioles did not play well over the weekend losing three in a row to Toronto. Maybe they can regroup after a day off today. They remain tied for the lead in the AL East, however.

7. It is funny how a weekend can turn in just a few minutes. All of the plans and projects can become afterthoughts and shelved. Oh well, there is next weekend, I guess.

8. It is the last week of school for many here in Maryland. Here is to the teachers, instructional assistants, and educational staff who have made it though another year of preparing the future leaders of our country and the world. As the week ends, take a moment to celebrate--I know that you have earned it.

9. Summer vacation is upon us! Well, not me, but many. Have fun and be safe.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Home Repair Follow-up

Home repairs can be problematic. 

The Aftermath of a Home Repair

The faucet repair from Friday took a nasty turn. Ultimately, both faucets will be replaced, but one received a interim (hopefully 5 years or more) fix while what was expected to be the easier repair turned into a protracted complete faucet repair including an nice new hole in the basement. 

The faucet looks great on the outside of the house--the follow-up, not so much. There was a preexisting cover for the water cut-off, but some brilliant person ran a 2X4 right across the spot where the faucet enters the house from outside. That meant a new cut, as shown in the image, to access and replace the faucet. 

The end result? More fun with home repair. Repairing one thing has a cascading effect and requires more repair.

It reminds me of the children's song about the old woman who swallowed a fly. 

A classic story about one thing leading to another. I wonder if children still sing that song?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD