Ashtrays in Aircraft

I have taken two trips recently where I flew in an venerable Boeing 737 for too many hours. 

Ashtray in the 737 Facility Door

On both of the trips, that would be two roundtrips, I had occasion to use the restroom. 

I noticed something very strange during these trips. There is an ashtray in the door of the restroom. 

Smoking has not been allowed on US aircraft in 16 years. Yet, they still have an ashtray in the restroom door? 

That seems very strange to me. How difficult would it be to remove the ashtray? Why is it still there?

I guess it is one of those design items that they just can do away with. But certainly the restroom doors could be replaced.

I suppose the ashtray in the aircraft door is like an appendix, it does nothing except cause trouble.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Out the Hotel Window - Los Angeles, CA, November 2016

Out the Hotel Window
Los Angeles, CA
November 7, 2016

The last evening of our get away trip, Chris and I spent in Los Angeles at one of the hotels near the airport.

The view out the hotel window was a lot better than the view out the hotel in Lompoc. At least we could see something other than bushes.

Out the Hotel Window
Los Angeles, CA
November 8, 2016

I took two images, one at night as we arrived at the room and the other in the morning so that I could see what was actually out there. 

The liquor store was prominent! Maybe the lighted sign was a clue.

Beyond the warehouse, however the view was far more interesting. It was going to be a beautiful day on Tuesday--but, I was to be trapped on an airplane for the better part of the day.

That is how some days are--especially travel days. I had to return to Maryland and the short vacation had to end.

The views I see out the hotel windows as I travel continue to change and amaze!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

We the People have Spoken

President-elect Trump

I woke up to a different America today. I admit that I had a pretty good idea what I was going to find when I finally went to bed after 11 PM last night.

In accordance with the Founding Father's plan for America, the people have spoken. Whether I agree with them or not is immaterial, "We the People" have decreed that there is going to be a new direction for our President and likely our country for the next four years beginning in January.

I think there are parallels between the British vote to exit the European Union (BREXIT) and the election of our new President. People are fed up with the way things are going and want something different, even if they do not fully understand the magnitude of the change for which they voted.

It is important to note that none of the four candidates for president (yes, there were four) achieved a majority of the popular vote--yet, because of the genius of the Electoral College, we have a President-elect and not a run off! People who call for getting rid of the Electoral College miss the importance and stability in our election process that the college provides. 

I was watching CNN on TV and following the New York Times election coverage on my laptop last evening. It became clear to me that the pundits and polls were wrong again. The sense that the election was going to be over early, was clearly not to be. 

I think we need to "tighten our seat belts and ensure that our tray tables and seat backs are in their full upright position." It is going to be a wild ride for a bit.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunsets of California

Sunset on Ventura Beach
November 4, 2016

During our short trip to the Left Coast, Chris and I have experienced some spectacular sunsets. There is something inspiring about the sun setting across the ocean. Watching the bright orb in the sky descend into the sea and the finely tendrils bathing the world in gold and then red hues. Sometimes, I find it interesting to put my back to the sun and see how the world is resounding to the sunset. 

Sunset on Pismo Beach Pier
November 6, 2016

I also look around to see what other things are in the sky. I found the moon the other evening, hanging there also watching the sunset. 

Sunset on Santa Monica Pier
November 7, 2016

But we experienced three different beach sunsets and enjoyed them all. It is amazing how cold it gets after the sun sets. 

I was always amazed at how many other people also come out to watch the sunset. 

The clouds make each one different. Last evening the sun went behind a cloud bank before actually setting and it muted the event a bit. But the sunset was still spectacular. 

What a great way to end the day, enjoying the colors of the sunset.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Los Angeles, CA

Monday Musings - November 7, 2016

At the Edge of the Reagan Library and Museum

1. Tomorrow is Election Day. I hope the winner can unite this fractured country.

Sunset, Pismo Beach, CA
November 6, 2016

2. One of the strangest signs that I have seen in a while was at the Reagan Library. I stood there for a while looking for a rattlesnake, but alas, one did not want to come out and play.

3. We have been enjoying sunsets on our trip to California, usually, from a beach somewhere. Last evening we enjoyed the early sunset from the pier on Pismo Beach.

4. "The future doesn't belong to the fainthearted, it belongs to the brave." Ronald Reagan 1986.

5. While visiting wineries in the Paso Robles area, we happened upon a covered bridge. It was very quaint! The winery was enjoyable, too.

Covered Bridge at
Halter Ranch Vineyard

6. I wonder what news will be reported once the election is over? Is the world still out there somewhere?

7. I have noticed that the exit ramps from California roads, especially US 101, are not a well identified and marked as back in Maryland. 

8. Tomorrow is election day. If you haven't yet, get out an vote. Make your voice heard.

9. Veteran's Day is on Friday this week. Hug a Vet and thank them for their service.

10. One of the hardest things to find while on a trip is decent coffee.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Lompoc, CA

Out the Hotel Window - Lompoc, CA, November

Out My Hotel Window
Lompoc, CA
November, 2016

Sometimes, left to my own devices, I don't choose a hotel room for a view. Such is the case of our room in Lompoc on this trip. 

I wanted easy access and no stairs for dragging wine bottles into the room. After all, we are visiting wineries and planning to bring at least a case of wine back to Maryland with us in our trusty wine carrier. For that convenience,  little did I realize, I was be rewarded with a view of bushes outside my room. I almost feel as if I am underground. In addition, the window is extremely dirty and diffuses the light.

Sunset near Ventura, CA
November 4, 2016

I am disappointed, of course, because I would prefer to enjoy stunning vistas and spectacular sunsets, similar to what Chris and I experienced during our drive from Los Angeles to Lompoc on Friday.

Practicality overshadowed beauty on this trip. 

But we are having a great time and visited some great wineries while viewing some stunning scenery yesterday.

Today is another day and although the scene outside my hotel window won't change much, the scenery along my journey promises to be different.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Lompoc, CA

Dream Big for America

Set against the backdrop of 2016 and perhaps the most contentious election in recent history filled with vulgarities and dirt almost never before seen, I visited the Ronald Reagan Library and Museum in Simi Valley, California, yesterday.

Outside the Reagan Presidential Library and Museum

What a change. I think everyone needs to get in touch with how American politics used to be. When Reagan was elected, the Republicans did not control the House of Representatives--but the country still got things done. There was a dedication to America and the country and less to partisan politics.

Ronald Reagan had a vision for America--and it was a positive vision for the future. I saw a video of a Presidential Debate and the the words were firm but polite. Our current brand of politics have become thuggish. Where the 80's the good old days? Certainly not! Reagan took office facing out of control gas prices and double digit inflation. I remember the interest rate of the first house that Chris and I bought was 11.75 percent!!

Me Next to Reagan's Air Force 1
Tail Number 27000

The election of 1980 was not an election where the choice was the lesser of two evils, but rather it was a choice between two visions for America. The election was not filled with personal attacks, but rather it was defined by laying out a path for the future.

I cringe at the thought of the future right now. I wonder if either of our candidates has any vision for America's future other than becoming our next President.

Chris, Riding Next to President Reagan

Visiting the Reagan Library and Museum was almost a religious experience. I truly came into adulthood during the 80's and I grew up immersed in the issues facing America at that time. I remember how President Reagan took America by the reins and changed direction--not with words, but by actions.

In his State of the Union address during January 1984, President Reagan said, "America is too great for small dreams."

We are faced, during this election it seems, with  flawed and small dreams for America. We are faced with the vilest form of partisanism. Who is offering a choice and a vision for America and for everyone and not just select groups?

"I know our people will not fail America. They never have. Our task is to be sure our leaders do not fail the American people."
                                         Ronald Reagan, 1982

-- Bob Doan, writing from Lompoc, CA

Drone Games

Patrick's Karma drone

Patrick showed up on my doorstep the other evening with a great new toy: the GoPro Karma drone.

Nice.

We flew it around the neighborhood for a bit--and it is really nice. Much better than the inexpensive drone that I have. Mine is so light I don't even need to register it. 

The drone flies so easily--GPS and gyro stabilized. 

It was a lot of fun, but a bit scary because of the trees. 

I want one. 

I have no idea what on earth I would do with it, but I do want one to play with. 

I think the gyro stabilized images will be awesome. I'm looking forward to some daytime images of the house from the air!

Boys and toys. How true.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Cubs WIN!

Game 7 did not disappoint. It had everything that baseball has come to expect from a Game 7: drama, homers, rain delay, and scoring, but most importantly it showcased two teams playing some of the best baseball possible ending a season that began seven months ago.


Yes, I was up late last evening. No, I was not awake for the deciding 10th inning because I had to preserve something for work today. The rain delay at midnight east coast time caused me to evaluate my options and choose some sleep and to read about the winners in the morning.

What an inning it was. Two runs scored for the Cubs and one for the Indians. 

The Cubs won their first championship since 1908! That is historic! Even the New York Times documented the occasion with an image on the first page. The movie "Back to the Future" was off by only one year!

The Cleveland Indians now possess the longest championship drought in baseball, as they last won the World Series during 1948!

And so, the 2016 MLB campaign has ended. The boys of summer have struggled since April and finally, a champion has been crowned. 

Tonight, I can go to bed at a reasonable hour! Spring Training does not begin until February!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Game 7--Tonight

Although it did not look likely a few days ago, the Cubs hailing from Chicago will meet the Indians from and in Cleveland for the final and deciding game of the 2016 World Series tonight.

It is going to be a long evening for me as I anticipate watching the game to completion.

Just Sunday evening, it appeared that the Cubs would fall short in their quest to end the championship drought, but game 5 apparently was a turning point. Last evenings 9 runs, in their 9-3 win, propelled the Cubs into the deciding, and final, game 7.

Nine runs last evening in game 6 almost equalled their total run production for the first five games--which was 10. 

Game 7's are magical and heart-breaking. There is no tomorrow and one of the two teams that has been playing for the Championship of the World will go home a "loser." Although, really, by playing in a World Series how can a team ever be considered a loser? There are 28 other teams that did not make the World Series. 

I am not going to make a prediction for the game, because by their very nature, Game 7's are almost unpredictable. Here are some interesting facts:

 -  The Cubs last World Series appearance was Game 7 in 1945 against the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers won, in Wrigley Field, Chicago, 9-3; which was the score of last night's game (how strange is that?). 

 - Since 1991, the six World Series have gone to game 7 and the home teams have won 5 times. In 2014, the Giants defeated the Royals in Kansas City.

 -  The last time that Cleveland was in the World Series was 1997 and they lost game 7 to the Marlins in Florida. They lost 3-2 in 11 innings.

It seems that history is against the Cubs, but still, I want the Cubs to win tonight. 

Let's go Cubs! And then next season I want to be able to use one of those World Series tickets that I get from the Orioles for a home game!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Good-bye Halloween, Hello November

Another Halloween is over and October now is past.
The trees are getting bare and the cold is coming fast. 

The Kids Before Setting off to Trick or Treat

Happy November. It is the season of the turkey! The calendar continues to slip away, day by day, and the end of the year is approaching.

Sunday marks the end of daylight saving time and with it the darkness really begins to take over as the slide towards the winter solstice begins in earnest.

Candidates Trick or Treating

Last evening's festivities were enjoyable observed with the grandsons. They conquered the neighborhood in Odenton and retrieved a major haul of candy from the generous homeowners. There were a number of excellent costumes. And, I even spied the presumptive future President of the U.S. out trick or treating in the neighborhood. Both candidates were out together carrying a baby. I took a picture as proof. I was surprised that "The Donald" was not wearing a red tie, however.

But the fun and games of October has become the serious contemplation of the November national election. It is time, America, to choose our next President. I do not recall a race as tumultuous since the 60's. 

And November has arrived. It is decision time now that the fun times are behind us.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - October 31, 2016

1. Happy Halloween, it is the last day of October.

2. There is something really fantastic when temperatures hit 80 during the last couple of days of October.

3. Halloween decorations are everywhere in our neighborhood. We got a new projector and now have scary stuff on our garage door.

Saturday Evening at the Fire Pit

4. The best evenings are when we can sit by the fire pit and enjoy Happy Hour. Last evening it rained, but Saturday evening it was perfect. And we still have a few leaves on the trees.

5. Chris and I voted yesterday because we are going to be traveling on Election Day. It feels good to be done with the process. I'm glad that Maryland has early voting.

6. I saw the movie Inferno on Friday night. It is OK. The book was better.

7. Italy had another earthquake yesterday. The strongest to date. They have had three in the past week.

8. The Cubs won game 5 of the World Series. Back to Cleveland for game 6 and then game 7, if needed.

9. Thankfully, the Ravens had the weekend off to recover and I didn't have to suffer through another frustrating football loss.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

October's End

It was a spectacular October Saturday. It started cold, with a temperature of 37, but then it warmed to an enjoyable 70 degrees allowing for a multitude of autumnal activities.

The Grasses Around the Pool are Cut

Chris in Costume

First was the annual cutting of the grasses around the pool. 

Another sign of the approaching winter. The grasses are easier to cut when they are green and I can get them all into my truck for transport to the landfill for recycling into mulch. After the winter, once they have dried and are brown they do not pack together as well and it can take two or more trips. 

The grass cutting project took about three hours from start until I was back home after visiting the landfill. Not too bad. 

After cleaning up and some lunch, it was off to to the annual Halloween party. Chris and I decided to don costumes and enjoy the party. Sadly, we were the only adults who felt the pull of the festivities. 

I can hardly believe that tomorrow is Halloween, and then comes the season of the turkey. I am amazed that living life one-day-at-a-time makes the seasons pass so quickly. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

What Happened to the Time?

As the days grow shorter, I am beginning to have more stress about getting the outside activities accomplished in preparation for the winter.

The cold mornings, this morning it was 37 degrees, do not help either. It takes a while to get warm enough to work outside or to play golf.

Grasses Before Cutting
in the Cold Morning Light

As I was getting a bit stressed the other day about time, I realized something that I already knew:

Everyone gets the same amount of time, every day. It is not something you can increase or decrease. It is all a matter of how we choose to use our daily allocation.

Wow. 

So if I decide to allocate my available hours to playing golf, I have to be content with the things that I am not doing--like cutting the grasses around the pool which is actually this morning's project once the temperatures warm up a bit.

It is no fun to hit a golf ball in temperatures approaching freezing. Just saying. 

So I will allocate my time based upon the weather to get the best possible outcome. That is really the best anyone can hope for.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Election Grind

It is hard to believe, but in a week and a half the election season which began more than two years ago will be finally ended and a new President selected.

Then the process of repairing the brokenness of the country will begin. There is an ominous piece in the NY Times this morning warning of violence if Clinton wins. It just shows the level to which the hate mongering has taken the electorate. 

That is not how our country is supposed to react to the transition of power, but the two leading candidates have made the election too personal. It has become about ego and not about plans and programs for governing our nation.

The assertions that the election is rigged are preposterous. If the American people vote, the numbers will be counted. The election can only be rigged if people don't vote. 

I will likely vote early, so that on election day I don't have to stand in expected lengthy lines to cast my ballot. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Frost on the Pumpkin

Yesterday morning arrived and with it, the first frost of the season. It was a light frost on the windshield of my truck, but it was definitely frost.

Freshly Mowed Late-October Yard

The presence of the first frost of the season changes so many things. It is a visible sign that autumn is slipping into winter and the fast approach of the season of darkness. 

The leaves dropping from the trees surrounding my yard created a blanket on the ground. Another sign of the passing season. I attacked them with my tractor yesterday and for a short while the yard was free of leaves--but the bare branches of the trees are clearly visible in the image I took of the probable last mowing of the year. 

I will likely use the mower to blow the leaves back into the forest as they continue to fall from the trees, but I doubt that the grass will grow much more. 

In honor of the season, I researched the poem by James Whitcomb Riley titled, When the Frost is on the Punkin. I had forgotten that it is written in the colloquial dialect of late-19th century Indiana, which makes it a very interesting read. 

For your enjoyment, here are the last four lines of the first stanza:

O, it’s then’s the times a feller is a-feelin’ at his best, 

With the risin’ sun to greet him from a night of peaceful rest, 

As he leaves the house, bareheaded, and goes out to feed the stock, 

When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder’s in the shock. 

When I reread poems like this one, I realize that in some respects our language has become too homogenized and that we are losing our regional character.

But, the frost is on the pumpkin and the day is getting gone.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

World Series Game 1 Reflection

The end of the baseball campaign is near. Game 1 of the 2016 World Series is in the books and Cleveland definitely looked to be the better team winning the game 6-0.

The defining moment in the game was the 7th inning when the Cubs had the bases loaded with no outs and could not score a run. All evening, the Cleveland pitchers controlled the Chicago batters except for the 7th inning rally. 

I felt the Fox network coverage of the game was barely adequate. The lack of using the pitch tracker for most of the game to document the inconsistent strike and ball calls was frustrating. There were discussions about balls being strikes and the pitch tracker would have helped to show the trends. Fox sports is going to have to turn their game up.

Losing game 1 is not the end of the series. The team that goes up 1-0 in the World Series is the eventual champion about 64 percent of the time. So there is definitely hope that the Cubbies will win. Tonight's game really begins to be important as a team that goes up 2-0 wins the series 80 percent of the time. There is an interesting article titled, World Series Game Situation Winning Probabilities: How Often Do Teams Come Back From Behind? if you want to see the probabilities associated with all of the possibilities.

On a side note, I already have the Orioles Spring Training schedule and am beginning to think about my March trip to Sarasota!

Play Ball!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Las Vegas Images

New York, New York Resort at Night

I had my trusty iPhone with me to document my weekend celebration in Las Vegas and I managed to take some interesting images.

Everything in Vegas seems to be larger than life. The resorts apparently duel to be the most spectacular or outlandish. I stayed in the Excalibur, which is a castle, but New York, New York looks like a miniature version the Big Apple all crushed together. 

TPC Las Vegas

I was very impressed with the stunning scenery surrounding TPC Las Vegas where I played a very enjoyable round of golf. Getting out of the city and away form the casinos and the crowds was a highlight of the trip. Getting to smack the little white ball around the course was an added benefit. It was the first time I had played a desert course and I admit to hitting a couple of balls into the canyons guarding some of the holes.


As I was walking through my resort, I happened upon a gift shop that just screamed Las Vegas--and I had to take an image of the sign. It was just a classic! I actually did not even go into the shop, but I enjoyed the lights of the sign. There were, of course, many more signs in Vegas, but it is a city that never seems to sleep, although at 6AM I could tell that it was slumbering.

Out my Hotel Window
October 24, 2016

My final image is from yesterday morning after a rare rainstorm passed through and made the sunrise special. The sunlight reflecting off the airport runways was especially interesting and the illumination of the hotel down the way made for a visually stimulating shot--and yes, it was right outside my hotel window! I was amazed at how the scene outside my window changed with the rising of the sun and the passing of the day. 

In retrospect it was a great trip and I have to confess that I did gamble. I won $5 while betting $2, so I was ahead for the trip, I guess. I am not a gambler, but I had to play at least one slot machine and I actually played two.

I did find that many of the cliches are true. But there is wholesome fun to be enjoyed, even in Sin City.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - October 24, 2016

TPC Las Vegas
October 22, 2016

1. My long weekend trip is nearly over. All I really have remaining is to travel home. A long day of travel through three time zones.

 2. I played golf at TPC Las Vegas on Saturday, it has some of the most stunning views that I have seen from a golf course. 

3. Vegas really never sleeps.

4. The Presidential election is now only 2 weeks away and early voting has started. America, it is time to make a choice.

5. I am excited that one of the two longest championship droughts in the MLB is about to come to an end. Chicago and Cleveland will make history no matter which team wins. And who would ever have thought we'd see Chief Wahoo in the World Series? 

6. Patrick made a time-lapse video of the sunrise out the hotel window. It is very impressive. He did a great job documenting a great sunrise.

7. A dark spot in imagery of Mars is likely the wreckage of the European Schiaparelli lander. 

8. New York City is close to opening a subway line that has been planned for almost a century! Sometimes miracles happen.

9. It was a difficult day in the NFL yesterday with all of the family favorite teams, that played, losing. The losers include the Ravens, Steelers, and Redskins. The Cowboys were spared because they were on a bye week. The Ravens effort was especially frustrating because they had 12 rushing carries for a total of 6 yards. 

-- Bob Doan, writing from Las Vegas, NV

Bloody Mary Drink-off

Bloody Mary at BWI

I know it seems a bit strange to be writing about Bloody Mary's, but I have seen some interesting interpretations of this breakfast drink during my trip to Las Vegas. 

Let me state right up front, I have NOT personally consumed any of these concoctions, but I have witnessed other members of my group enjoying these drinks.

Hotel Bloody Mary

The first Bloody Mary of the trip was at the airport bar in Baltimore. It was made with everything and contained shrimp, an assortment of veggies, olives, and bacon. The salt around the top of the glass was a nice touch. Sadly, for the people who ordered this beverage, it was delivered only about 15 minutes before we boarded the flight to Las Vegas. 

The second Bloody Mary was even more over the top. It was created at the hotel for members of our group that we met up with in the check-in line. It was astounding and even more over the top than the ones a few hours earlier in Baltimore. It was definitely breakfast and while there was no shrimp, it appeared that a whole side of bacon was included in the glass. 

Bloody Mary at TPC Las Vegas

The final entry in the Bloody Mary competition was at TPC Las Vegas where we played a great round of golf. This was a more classic and, frankly, less appealing version that some of the others; but it was appropriate for drinking from a moving golf cart. 

The winner was the Bloody Mary at the hotel. I may never see one like that again!

-- Bob Doan, writing from Las Vegas, NV 

Out the Hotel Window - Las Vegas

Out the Hotel Window - Afternoon
October 21, 2016

I have experienced two cities that never sleep during the month of October, New York City and now Las Vegas. 

I have two images out my hotel window, one in the early afternoon and one as the shades of the sunset were painting the sky. 

Out the Hotel Window - Evening
October 21, 2016

I have a good view of the airport, similar to when I was in Los Angeles. It is hard to believe the life that happens behind me, in the other direction. 

I spent a lot of time wandering around being amazed at the sheer numbers of people who come to Vegas. It is astounding. And there is a lot of fun to be had--for a price. Everything is very pricey and not the way I remember it from 30 years ago. I had a burger and a beer for lunch yesterday and it cost $40. I'm going to have to be a bit more frugal if I am going to survive the trip with my wallet in tact.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Las Vegas, NV

Under the Sky

Not my Photo of Stars

Last evening was likely one of the finals evenings outside around the fire pit watching evening fall clad in shorts and a tee-shirt. The warm evening air enveloped Chris and I as we chatted about the upcoming weekend. The fire danced and cast its changing glow across our faces.

Colder weather is coming to greet the weekend and as October continues slipping away into November, it is likely these evenings will continue, but we will be wearing coats as we cast off the pervasive chill.

I saw the stars come out, as well as they do in this area of too much ground light. It was a fitting end to the busy day.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Debate or Brawl

Debate night in America happened again last evening. It was another ugly dogfight on stage for the world to wonder how these two people, out of 300 million Americans wound up as finalists in the Presidential olympics.

The debate was, perhaps, the best of the three with issues getting more time than personal attacks. But, the debate still lacked a clear winner. I was left with the realization that both candidates have gaping holes in policy plans and ideas to run the country.

Some of the issues discussed during the evening included:

Second amendment. Should we return to the wild, wild west or is it possible to legislate the safe, responsible use of guns? Should we have a national right to carry?

Strong borders--getting rid of violent people or build a wall. How open should our border be? should be deport illegal immigrants even though it will cost taxpayers a bundle of money?

Supreme court. How do we want the future court to work? Which candidate has the best concept of the Constitution and how the Supreme Court can protect it. Frankly, I was dismayed by both candidates' approaches. 

Abortion--right to choice? Pro-life? This issue has continued for years and the discussions were designed to appeal to the base supporters for each candidates. There wasn't nothing new here.

Russia? Encourage espionage against Americans or defend our networks? Nuclear balance? There was a lot of finger pointing and this is a dangerous issue that was not properly nor adequately addresses. 

Expanding the economy through jobs programs. Raise the minimum wage? Women equal pay. Increasing access to college.

Taxes and jobs. Raise taxes or lower taxes? Stimulate the economy? Shipping jobs overseas? Buying steel from overseas and not supporting American workers.

Fitness to be President of the U.S. The continuing abuse of women issue versus the email controversy. The problems associated with the Clinton Foundation. 

Is the election rigged? Corrupt media, outdated voter roles, candidates with potentially criminal charges.

Whining before the vote. I think the President's remarks were right on. Don't start whining before the vote.

Moving in Syria against ISIS. The constant claim that ISIS was created by one of the candidates scares me because it demonstrates a profound lack of foreign policy understanding.

All-in-all, this was a much better debate.

And the winner is? 

No one.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Debate night

It is debate night in America again.

Which of the candidates will win? Or will they both lose, again?

I have so many questions.

There are serious differences in reality between the two. And I'm not sure either reality is the correct one.

Anyway, here we go for the last time before the election.

I will definitely be watching and listening.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Clowns

Times have changed for clowns. 

I have been reading about the scary clowns in the papers and seeing reports about them on TV.

I remember, many decades ago when I was a kid, that clowns were fun and funny. I remember them in parades driving small cars and doing stunts to make people laugh. 

There was an interesting article in the New York Times the other day titled, What Do the Scary Clowns Want? The article discussed the current trend of scary clowns and traced their origins. I was surprised to learn that scary clowns go back into at least the 16th Century. 

Ronald McDonald

The current scary clown epidemic had caused one of the most beloved clowns to go into hiatus--Ronald McDonald has been placed in retirement. The Washington Post reports that Ronald McDonald is laying low until the current clown scare is over. 

I imagine that it is going to be a very interesting Halloween--I'm not sure whether scary clowns or creatures are going to be in the biggest numbers, although Target has halted the sale of clown costumes and masks. 

I guess the phrase "clowning around" may have a new and more sinister meaning.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - October 17, 2016

1. I'm in shock realizing that October is already half over. 

Autumn Kissed Trees
at Arundel Mills
October 16, 2016

2. The weather is going to be fantastic this week. Highs in the 80's and lows in the 60's until Friday when more seasonally cool weather returns!

Tina working on Jeremy's Gift

3. I noticed that the trees are becoming "autumn kissed" with color.

4. Sometimes birthday presents are more fun in the making that the recipient even realizes. This was Tina and Patrick working on a gift to Jeremy yesterday. 

5. The NFL is concerned because the numbers of people watching the games on TV are down 10 percent. Perhaps they will figure out they are offering a flawed product which has become too commercialized and the rules too complex. 

6. When did clowns become scary?

7. The battle for Mosul started, according to the New York Times. 

8. Will there be any relief after election day from hearing about Trump or Clinton every hour of every day? Sadly, probably not.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD