Coloring with Mom

Coloring With Mom
Hunt, New York
February, 14, 2020

Coloring Together
Mom, Dad, and Me
February 14, 2020

As I wrote, Valentine’s Day was special. I had the opportunity to spend some time with my mom and dad. We had an enjoyable time together. One of the really cool things that I did with my mom was coloring a picture. We spent some quality time together at the kitchen table selecting colors and filling in the blank areas on the picture. It was something I remember doing when I was a small boy.  She would help me stay between the lines and choose the colors. I always had some wild color combinations in my head, like why can't the sky be green? . 

It was a special time with Mom and Dad was right there watching over the production of the masterpiece. It was a creation and the markers we used worked better than Crayola crayons. I remember that when I was a kid and was coloring that the crayons would break, at least the tips if not the entire crayon, and when they got warm in my hand the wax begin to melt. The markers we used on Friday had none of those problems. 

We made a memory together. The picture we colored was totally secondary.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Valentine's Day to Remember

Hunt, NY
Temperature 3 Degrees
February 14, 2020

I hope Valentine’s Day was a good experience for you. I was able to have both lunch and dinner with my parents and Chris and that made the day perhaps the most special Valentine's Day ever.

The drive to New York was great. There was very little traffic and we made the trip in near record time. Driving is a lot of fun when the roads are open. Last evening, as we drove the last part of the trip and arrived in Ithaca the roads were so empty that they were eeriest devoid traffic. It was as if the Zombie Apocalypse had begun.  

Out the Window
Ithaca, NY minus 6 as dawn breaks
February 15, 2020

Just by way of update. It is minus 6 this morning when I woke in Ithaca. Cold only begins to describe the atmosphere. But it was clear and gorgeous. The sunrise stretched across the entire horizon over Cayuga Lake. 

Despite the cold, it was good to see the sun, finally. I needed sunshine, and I could feel its warmth on my face even in the cold. Next, I need a palm tree fix.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Ithaca, NY

It is cold

I just took this picture of the dashboard thermometer. We are a few miles south of the NY-PA border headed north. Ugh is got cold. It was 39 when we departed home at 5:20.

Welcome to the cold. We are also north of the snow line which began just south of Mansfield, PA.

— Bob Doan, somewhere in PA on route 15

The Flamingo

The Flamingo
February 13, 2020

Chris and I celebrated Valentine's Day early. We went to dinner last evening and exchanged cards.

In a great stroke of complete surprise Chris got me a flamingo that I had seen in Pier 1. I was very pleased as I love flamingos and we have a room in our Florida Home dedicated to the birds. Yes, they can be a bit overwhelming, but they are just the ultimate warm climate bird!

It was a great Valentine's Day celebration and now we are off on a journey to the cold northlands to bring some Valentine's cheer to a very special couple.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Body of Work

I have noticed a trend in reporting that focuses upon specific acts  or statements which are then used to arrive at a larger conclusion about that persons intentions. Often the acts or statements are out of context and when examined in the light of their "body of work" are clearly intended to portray an facade to a specific group of people, usually for the intention of getting reelected or encouraging support from their base of support. 

I have been amazed at how quickly people grasp at these singular acts to justify a candidate's position which, when examined further, are not supported by actions. 

Here is an example from the State of the Union Address. The New York Times reports: 

“We will always protect your Medicare and your Social Security always.”

This is misleading. 

Not only has President Trump failed to strengthen Medicare and Social Security, but the financial outlook for both trusts has not improved or worsened. That is at least partly the result of Mr. Trump’s tax law, which has left the Treasury Department to collect fewer taxes from Americans and, in turn, invest less money into each program. Last April, the government projected that Medicare funds would be depleted by 2026, three years earlier than estimated in 2017. The report noted that less money will flow into the fund because of low wages and lower taxes. 

And interesting observation--what was said is starkly different from reality. 


And another item from the New York Times analysis of the State of the Union address.

“The U.S.M.C.A. will create nearly 100,000 new high-paying American auto jobs.”

This is false.

The nonpartisan International Trade Commission has estimated that the agreement would create about 28,000 jobs in the auto sector. President Trump’s own United States trade representative has a higher estimate — 76,000 new jobs in the next five years — but still one that falls short of Mr. Trump’s claims today. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement raises barriers to imported cars and car parts in an effort to encourage auto manufacturing in the United States, which results in some job gains. But in so doing, it will also raise the price of American cars and other vehicles, and lower both vehicle consumption and production, economists say.

Everything needs context. Especially in an election year.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

With malice toward none, with charity for all

The gray rainy days are making me want escape to somewhere with blue skies and bright sunshine along with warm temperatures. 

Oh wait, I have a place like that in Florida, but I have to work. And this weekend I am heading north to spend Valentines Day with a very special couple--my parents. I hope it doesn't snow. 

Baltimore Weather Forecast February 12-17
WBALTV.com/weather

It is going to be a cold weekend in Maryland, but no rain. There is supposed to be sun, finally. And frigid temperatures. I guess it is good that I am headed north into snow and colder temperatures.

Today, however, is an important day--it is President Lincoln's birthday. He was born February 12, 1809. Of course he is famous as a president and for the Gettysburg Address, but one of his most notable quotes comes from his second inaugural address given March 4, 1865 on the eve of victory in the Civil War:  With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations. 

Lincoln's words are a stark contrast from those which we hear on a daily basis it seems coming from the highest halls of Washington, D.C.

Lincoln is generally considered one of the three best presidents along with Washington and Franklin Roosevelt. He died just 42 days into his second term and just about a week after the Civil War was won. I wonder how different our country would be today had he lived to govern over the reconstruction and heal the wounds that led the nation to war. 

Our leaders need to take note of his greatness and his vision for the war torn country. True greatness is embodied in the words: With malice toward none, with charity for all.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Fun Fact--Guess which other famous person was born on February 12, 1809. Answer tomorrow!

Vindictiveness and Crowd Mentality

As the days continue in the DC area since last week's acquittal, the intensity of the verbal abuse seems to increase exponentially. And with the abuse, it seems that rational people are being swept into the maelstrom.

I read an opinion piece yesterday by someone who is being victimized by the abuse. He wrote about the abuse from a different perspective, which sent me scurrying back into my memory for similarities that I remember from history. 

James Comey, former Director of the FBI was the author, but it was not so much about the abuse that he personally is experiencing, but rather the reaction of rational, Christian-professing people to the abusive vitriol. I know many will argue about Comey and what he did--that in not the point here. In, James Comey: As usual, Trump called me a sleaze. But the audience reaction to his rant was more upsetting, he writes:

The important thing was what happened in the audience, where there were plenty of intelligent people of deep commitment to religious principle. They laughed and smiled and clapped as a president of the United States lied, bullied, cursed and belittled the faith of other leaders. That was the deeply disturbing part of the East Room moment, and should challenge us all.

How it is possible that they didn’t get up and walk out — that they seemed to participate actively in something they should know was deeply wrong? How could they smile and laugh? Because they are people. And, like all people, they too easily surrender their individual moral authority to a group, where it can be hijacked by the loudest, harshest voice. I know because I’ve done it.

Niemoeller
from Wikipedia

I was reminded of a confession written by Lutheran Pastor Martin Niemoeller, which is quoted in part in the National Holocaust Museum:

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.

Where are we headed? 

Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote:

"Cheap grace is preaching forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession. … Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate."

Where are we headed as a people, a society, as a country? I think we need to take a self assessment and pledge ourselves to show civility towards others and resist the temptation to become one of the crowd.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - February 10, 2020

1. Mid-February is upon us. How quickly the days seem to be passing.

2. Baseball season is finally upon us. Orioles pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training tomorrow! And so it begins. My pre-season prediction, unfortunately, is for the Orioles to finish 57-105. It will be their third consecutive 100 loss season and their fourth consecutive losing season.

3. I am heading to Orioles Spring Training in just over two weeks to review the team's rebuilding progress in person. 

4. The weather was beautiful this past weekend. It was nice to enjoy pleasant February days while waiting for the big one. 

5. As the winter continues into the middle of February, I am thankful that it has been mild here.

6. Civility matters! We need to be understanding of each other. Disagree over facts, but do not attack the person.

7. Winners should be magnanimous, losers should be humble, and those on the sidelines should remember where they are.

8. Counting our blessings means that every day we recognize that we have more good things in our lives than we do negative things.

9. Today in History. On February 10, 1996, after three hours, world chess champion Garry Kasparov loses the first game of a six-game match against Deep Blue, an IBM computer capable of evaluating 200 million moves per second.  Man was ultimately victorious over machine, however, as Kasparov bested Deep Blue in the match with three wins and two ties and took home the $400,000 prize. An estimated 6 million people worldwide followed the action on the Internet.

Coronavirus deaths climb as China corrals sick in quarantine facilities - The Washington Post

Foreign interference in elections is unacceptable. Congress must make it illegal. - The Washington Post

Ransomware Attacks Grow, Crippling Cities and Businesses - The New York Times

3 Officers Wounded in Targeted Attacks on Police in the Bronx - The New York Times

China's coronavirus death toll surpasses SARS - Reuters

Iranian 'Victory' satellite fails to reach orbit - Reuters

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

The objective I propose is quite simple to state: to foster the infrastructure of democracy - the system of a free press, unions, political parties, universities - which allows a people to choose their own way to develop their own culture, to reconcile their own differences through peaceful means. - Ronald Reagan

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Vengeance vs Civility

The country is recovering from the events of the past weeks. We have arrived at the beginning of the new week and I have had the opportunity to process some of the recent events.

The biggest topic on my mind was how we ended the week. I am concerned about vengeance and revenge that has been and is being extracted from people. The playground mentality that we are living with right now at the highest levels of our government suggest that "to the victor belong the spoils" and that the winners get to set the rules. In my mind too many people are supporting this thuggish mentality. Too many self-professed Christian people, at that.

There is a higher authority who has delivered a very clear message about vengeance, retribution, and revenge. 

Romans 12:19-20

 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
    if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Leviticus 19:18:

You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.

Deuteronomy 32:35:

Vengeance is mine, and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and their doom comes swiftly.’

Consequences? Yes, there are consequences for actions, but consequences should not be equated with vengeance or revenge. There is no room for playground thuggishness in our government. We must break the cycle of "eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth." The language of our leaders sets the tone for the entire country. The consequences of inciting language and the liberal meting of vengeance will be suffered by us all.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Purse Bingo

Friday evening is normally an evening devoted to friends and Happy hour. Reconnecting after a long week and planning the weekend and our next vacation is usually the topic of the evening. 

Purse Bingo About to Begin
Elks Club
Severn, MD
February 7, 2020

Not so last evening. It is no secret that the youth baseball team that I help coach is playing in a tournament in Cooperstown, NY, during late June. Last evening was devoted to volunteering at a major fundraiser for the team--Purse Bingo!

My job was to sell tickets for beverages and to help out in however I was asked to help. That made me very happy because I am not much of a Bingo player. Actually, I am terrible at the game. I don't understand the skill aspect of it. Is there any skill in Bingo?

So what is Purse Bingo? It is Bingo where the prizes for winning the games are high-end hand bags--purses. There was one special game where the prize was a big screen TV. As can be seen from the picture, there were not a lot of men (there were a few who accompanied their wives or girlfriends) at the event. But they were all ready to win purses!

Raffle Prize
Purse Bingo
February 7, 2019

It was a fun evening, however. I enjoyed selling the tickets and helping the team make money towards it's goal. 

In addition to the Bingo games, there were raffles and we sold tickets for the raffle items--that is where the fun began. There were almost 30 baskets of goodies, donated by many people and businesses. And among them was one special "tail-gating" collection consisting of a collapsible wagon, cornhole boards in Raven's colors, a small charcoal grill complete with charcoal, an awesome carbon steel knife, beer, and a few other choice items. It, amazingly, came home with Chris and me! It was there only thing we won all night, but it was worth it. It was kind of fitting that we won because I had to assemble the wagon before the evening began. 

At the end of the evening, when the all of Bingo players had departed and the money was counted, I can report that the team did well towards meeting its goal. The week long Cooperstown tournament is expensive. We have been practicing at an indoor facility and are hoping to get outside onto the fields soon. 

Baseball is not just for springtime anymore. 

Thank you to all of the people who came out last night to play Bingo and support the team!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Friday in the News

Well the tumultuous week is drawing to a conclusion. And what a week it has been here in the U.S. Here is a sampling of what os on the minds of journalists as today begins here on the east coast.


Here is a quick review of the headlines from around the globe.

Behind the chaos: How a small-city mayor and a democratic socialist finished on top in Iowa - The Washington Post

With trial over, Trump returns to political maelstrom - The Washington Post

No 10 says Johnson's row with Trump was ‘overblown’ - The Guardian

British man on stricken cruise ship has coronavirus - The Times

CHINA CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK: Face masks made mandatory in Russia’s Khabarovsk to prevent coronavirus spread - Tass

Russia’s top brass uploads video of upgraded Tu-160M bomber’s debut flight - Tass

Prominent role for AI emerges in virus fight - China Daily

The aces in Trump's hand: a soaring economy and energised Republicans - The Sydney Morning Herald


And so we are off on another adventure in politics. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

And Now, The Encore

The third presidential impeachment trial in the history of the United States is complete and the President remains president. The final outcome was almost never in doubt due to the insightful requirements in the Constitution that two-thirds of the Senators must vote for conviction. 

It was a strictly partisan result, with only Republicans voting to acquit. Interestingly, democrats, independents, and one republican voted to convict on the first article of impeachment. 

I was extremely distressed by the playground mentality demonstrated by some republicans who immediately vilified the lone party dissenter. Here is a headline from The Guardian:

Donald Trump Jr calls for Mitt Romney to be expelled from Republican party

That is an example of playground mentality and is the antithesis of the American Way as defined the Constitution. 

That comment supports a headline I read in the New York Times:

In Private, Republicans Admit They Acquitted Trump Out of Fear 

We are not a country founded upon groupthink and fear. We are a country founded upon dissenters and leaders! In my humble opinion anyone espousing removing the lone dissenter from the party is un-American! There I wrote it! Vilifying him is an example of the "thuggishness" that is taking over our country.  When people are not allowed to vote their conscience we have lost one of the very basic premises upon which our Republic was founded. 

I listened to Romney's speech detailing the reasons for his vote. They were personal and compelling. He also fully recognized the personal toll his vote would cost. Yet, he voted for what he believed.

The electorate has the right to agree or disagree with his decision during election season.  That is the premise upon which our country is founded. But for now--he did what he was elected to do--vote his conscience in a reasoned and thoughtful manner. 

Now that the second act is complete and we thought that the curtain had fallen upon the impeachment play, the audience must hold its applause as because there is an encore. Today, we deal with the aftermath. Will we see leaders that attempt to repair that which was broken during the past few months, or will we see partisan politicians throwing gasoline upon the raging fires and inciting vengeance and retribution? 

The answer will soon be known.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Maybe an Early Spring?

I know that February will exert itself, but for now I am enjoying the moderate temperatures and dream of an early Spring. 

The region set a record high temperature on Monday and were only four degrees off the record high on Tuesday. Yes, all while the mid-section of the country was getting slammed by a nasty winter storm. 

The region has recorded 1.5 inches of snow so far this entire season. I am enjoying the mild weather. 

The mild weather makes up for the nonsense occurring in Washington. 

Looking into the 10-day forecast, there are only two days where the temperature is likely to dip below freezing!

I like winters like this. I know that our time is coming, I am sure a nor'easter will come up the coast before the winter ends,  but until then I will continue to enjoy the mild weather. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Is There One Among You . . .

After the excitement I created on Saturday writing about the Impeachment, I hesitate commenting on the proceedings associated with yesterday's closing arguments. 

Despite my hesitation, I believe that Congressman Adam Schiff's 25-minute closing argument is another masterpiece of oratory. Should you be interested, this is the link: Closing Argument Democrats. 

It will be good to get this chapter of American history closed on Wednesday. Except, it is not over. There is a book coming out with more information and there are papers to be released. This is, sadly or maybe fittingly, not the end but only a pause. 

One phrase from Schiff's speech is a haunting damnation of the entire partisan process: 

'Is there one among you who will say, Enough!'?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - February 3, 2020

1. Welcome to February 2020.  It is already the third day of the new month. Remember, this February is a Leap Year February, hence, it had 29 days!

2. Yesterday was an interesting weather day. It started partly overcast, then turned into a gray rainy day, and finally the clouds cleared about 2:30 PM and the sky was clear and beautiful. 

3. How about that Super Bowl? It definitely was SUPER! I did not post it on my blog, but someone at work asked me who I wanted to win and I said Kansas City and they will win by 10! I missed it by a point--they won by 11. Final score, in case you missed it: Chiefs 31 - 49ers 20. The Chiefs actually scored all of the points needed to win the game during the 4th Quarter (21)!

4. We are back to the Impeachment proceedings today. I wonder what surprises await us? 

5. Hopefully, the weather here in the Baltimore region will continue to be as moderate for February as January was! I love mild winters. I know the ret of the country is getting slammed--but it is relatively mild here.

6. Today in History. On February 3, 2005, Alberto Gonzales wins Senate confirmation as the nation’s first Hispanic attorney general despite protests over his record on torture.

The Senate approved his nomination on a largely party-line vote of 60-36, reflecting a split between Republicans and Democrats over whether the administration’s counterterrorism policies had led to the abuse of prisoners in Iraq and elsewhere. Shortly after the Senate vote, Vice President Dick Cheney swore in Gonzales as attorney general in a small ceremony in the Roosevelt Room at the White House. President Bush, who was traveling, called to congratulate him.

Headlines

Reid, Chiefs are comeback kings - CBS Sports

SARS Stung the Global Economy. The Coronavirus Is a Greater Menace. - The New York Times

Iowa Does Represent America: It’s Old - The New York Times

China counts economic cost of virus as markets plunge, death toll up - Reuters

Russia to expel foreigners with coronavirus, halts passenger trains to China - Reuters

Bushfire smoke blows into Australia's capital as fire threat eases - Reuters

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

Hatred, envy, and bigotry are as old as the human race itself, as too many tragic passages in the history of the world bear witness. What is new and daring and encouraging about the American experiment is that from the beginning, men and women strove mightily to undo these evils and to overcome the prejudice and injustice of the old world in the virgin soil of the new.
  -- Remarks in New York City on Receiving the Charles Evans Hughes Gold Medal of the National Conference of Christians and Jews - March 23, 1982

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

What Does the Groundhog Say?

Punxsutawney Phil

Groundhog Day 2020 has arrived! It kind of slipped right onto the scene amid the political circus occurring in Washington. 

The day is a palindrome-- 0202 2020.

It is Ground Hog Day, that uniquely American celebration to hopefully declare an early end to Winter and the beginning of rebirth and declare an early Spring. 

It is also Super Bowl Sunday! Maybe Phil from Punxsutawney can also predict the the outcome of the big game. 

I know it is a much needed diversion from the political upheaval of the day. 

So I am watching the forecasting event live. My favorite rodent in the world has arrived with his prediction. 

So what does the groundhog say? 

And the prediction is for an early Spring. Yay!!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

What Does Failure Look Like?

The Senate confirmed that the fix is in and that the Impeachment Trial is not a trial but a political exercise in futility.

No witnesses, no documents, no justice in the Senate - LA Times

Republicans Block Impeachment Witnesses, Clearing Path for Trump Acquittal - The New York Times

While the final outcome, as I wrote some days ago, has almost never been in doubt, taking the high road to get to that ending would have been the honorable thing to do. 

Despite the weak defense argument that no witnesses were required, the failure to investigate fully the charges during the trial is a threat against the Constitution. AND even if the allegations were proven, the second question about whether they constitute an impeachable offense could then have been addressed from a factual basis. 

It is clear that fearing for their jobs the Senate Republicans, save for two brave souls, hung together.   It is a perversion of the words of Franklin when he warned the Continental Congress that: We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately. 

Rather than having an official, sworn testimony upon which voters could base their decisions during the upcoming elections, now we are left with a book,  rumors and innuendo. Let the blustery comments begin.

The truth is out there--but will remain hidden from view. The coverup is complete. The Senate has most assuredly failed in executing its most solemn of tasks.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Truth of the New Normal

What is the new normal? 

We as a society have discovered the new normal through the political upheaval that we have been experiencing. And also in the social paradox that we are daily confronted with. 

The new normal is that there is no normal. Everything is in play right now. Civility is gone and brutal dishonesty is the has become the closest thing to truth that we can find. I need an interpreter to understand where we are on the continuum of truth to falsehood. 

 I was astounded at the loose handling of truth and fact on both sides during the Impeachment Trial. I was appalled at the blatant misrepresentations and falsehoods being professed as fact. But, in a society where absolute truth has been eradicated, it it to be expected. Society has become the product that has been taught in schools for decades. 

There are no absolutes. Truth is evaluated through the observer's lens and is the result of viewer experience. Therefore, there is no false news--or false truths, only truth of a different perspective.

It is not serving us well. We need some absolutes to help us navigate landmines out there.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

January--and it's not over yet!

It is the 30th of January!

It feels as if 2020 just began and it is about to be 8.3 percent complete with the end of January arriving tomorrow. 

It has been a tumultuous month.


- The U.S. killed an important Iranian general

- Iran attacked U.S. bases

- The Impeachment Trial began in the Senate

- The stock market rose to all time highs making us think that the economy is doing great

- The fires in Australia were out of control and then were contained, mostly

- The coronavirus burst onto the scene eclipsing our fears of the flu and probably beginning a pandemic

- Kobe Bryant and eight other people died in a tragic helicopter crash

- Two satellites had a close encounter over Pittsburgh last evening

And the month is not over yet!

I wonder what February will bring? I hope it is more sedate.

Did you ever notice that January is generally thought of as cold and snow while February is hearts and flowers? February is the colder of the two months!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD