As America Slows

Day 2 of the coronavirus forced social distancing commences today. Maryland shuttered more businesses yesterday in an attempt to stem the advance of the virus. 

An aerial view shows an area of South Beach
that the city closed in an effort to prevent the spread
of the coronavirus on March 16, 2020 in
Miami Beach, Fla. Miami Beach city officials closed
the area of the beach that is popular with college
 

spring breakers and asked them to refrain from large
gatherings where COVID-19 could spread.An aerial view shows an area of South Beach that the city closed in an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus on March 16, 2020 in Miami Beach, Fla. Miami Beach city officials closed the area of the beach that is popular with college spring breakers and asked them to refrain from large gatherings where COVID-19 could spread.Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Life is devolving for many people. So far, it is not music worse than a bad snowstorm, but in a couple of days it is going to become very real as more and more services are lost and businesses shut down. I kind of wish that had a nice beach to walk on, which reminds me that even our renters in our Florida condo decided to head to their home early. But wait, some beaches are being closed--which makes no sense to me. But, I guess they don't want the college kids to congregate on the beaches. 

There are rumors of impending dire governmental actions out in the public as the fear of the unknown increases. 

The ABC News Report at the link recaps much of the day's events. 

One aspects of the closures really concerns me--that is the closing of the churches and worship opportunities. During times of crisis, some people turn to the churches for comfort and support, with the closing of worship opportunities, I worry that these people may become disconnected and disconsolate. I know that our church is reaching out aggressively to find and help those in need--and hopefully others are doing the same. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - March 16, 2020

1. Yesterday was the Ides of March. Today marks 30 days until it is time to reckon with the tax man. This is not my favorite countdown of the year. Oh well, render unto Caesar, I just wish Caesar was a bit more responsive and less oppressive about his tax bill. 

2. Welcome to Coronavirus forced social distancing. Will this become the new normal for American society. 

George Gipp

3. I was reminded of this famous quote as a source of inspiration for each of us during the coronavirus crisis: "I've got to go, Rock. It's all right. I'm not afraid. Some time, Rock, when the team is up against it, when things are wrong and the breaks are beating the boys, ask them to go in there with all they've got and win just one for the Gipper. I don't know where I'll be then, Rock. But I'll know about it, and I'll be happy." - George Gipp

4. I watched a movie about a WW2 situation over the weekend and I believe there are parallels between the mobilization of the American populace to fuel the Industrial Complex during the 1940's and the mobilization of the American populace to control coronavirus today. We can do this. There will be sacrifice--but if we believe, we will persevere.

5. The Mall in Columbia is closing in response to coronavirus. 

6. I attended a very nice wine event over the weekend during which I was able to sample a wine which is not going to be released until April 11th.

7. Words of advice. Do not allow yourself to become isolated and solitary. Continue and even increase your communication through phone and other means as you wrap yourself into the cocoon of social distancing.

8. Here is an interesting item--the Fed cut interest rates over the weekend and stock futures are down, again, this morning. Oh wait, I've seen this headline before.

9. Today in History, 1792. The United States Military Academy–the first military school in the United States–is founded by Congress for the purpose of educating and training young men in the theory and practice of military science. Located at West Point, New York, the U.S. Military Academy is often simply known as West Point. Located on the high west bank of New York’s Hudson River, West Point was the site of a Revolutionary-era fort built to protect the Hudson River Valley from British attack. In 1780, Patriot General Benedict Arnold, the commander of the fort, agreed to surrender West Point to the British in exchange for 6,000 pounds. However, the plot was uncovered before it fell into British hands, and Arnold fled to the British for protection.




Headlines

Does Coronavirus Mean the End of Sports as We Know Them? - The New York Times

Calm and compassion: Ministers preach stirring sermons about the coronavirus — in empty cathedrals. - The New York Times

American Airlines cutting international flights by 75% amid demand collapse - OANN

From Eiffel Tower to Moulin Rouge, Paris landmarks close in virus clampdown - OANN

Gasoline becomes more affordable, just when Americans don't need it - Reuters

UK government evokes wartime Blitz spirit for fight against coronavirus - Reuters

Dow futures plunge 1,000 points after Fed cuts interest rate to zero - CNN Business

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

This week, President Reagan on taxes:

“Government does not tax to get the money it needs; government always finds a need for the money it gets.” 

“You can’t be for big government, big taxes, and big bureaucracy and still be for the little guy.” 

“The American people are not undertaxed, the government in Washington is overfed.” 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Coronavirus Survival

Life is about to go onto hold for the next two weeks as we implement social distancing to thwart the spread of the virus. 


Businesses, schools, libraries, activity centers all will be closed--yet, life will and must continue!

A list of Baltimore and Maryland closures it at the link: Closures. 

Chris and I have been working on preparing for two weeks of near isolation, except that I expect to go to work. Baseball practices are, as might be expected, canceled.

Last week Chris was busy stocking supplies for the coming weeks. I was not much help, but I did make sure we have enough wine. Wine is, after all the perfect food! While we cannot live on bread alone, I'm pretty sure we can live on wine alone!

Be well and take care. Remember, even if you are practicing good social distancing--you are not alone!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

And the Dog will Lie with the Cat

Finnegan, Riordin, and my Foot
Watching a Movie
Elkridge, MD
March 13, 2020

Weird things happen sometimes. 

For instance last evening, Finnegan and Riordin were laying together on my legs as I watched a movie.

That does not happen often around here as Finnegan tends to be a bit territorial and usually chases Riordin away so that he can enjoy the lap or space all to himself. But not last evening. It was like the lion laying with the lamb. 

I did record Riordin and Finnegan sleeping together once before, on Easter Sunday last year as they enjoyed a sunbeam. But, it happens infrequently. 

Watching them provided a much needed break from the coronavirus news. I was supposed to have a baseball practice today--but that fell victim to the "out of an abundance of caution" cancellations that are sweeping the nation. Which is also the reason that I will not be traveling to NY this coming weekend to visit my parents--I would not want to unwittingly become a vector for the transfer of the virus.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

A Bright Moment Amid the Sea of Closures

When I walked outside with the dogs this morning, I was greeted by the sweet smell of Springtime on the breeze mixed with the moisture of the rain which had fallen overnight. It uplifted my spirits during a period when the news of coronavirus has become so prevalent that is seems to be the only thing we are hearing. 

We are at war! But it is not a war against a virus--it is a war against ourselves and our needs to be with people and at events. We are not designed as solitary people living lives without interaction with others. 

The list of closures is expansive. 

If you can think of it, it is likely closed.

In Maryland schools close as of Monday for two weeks along with all associated activities. Additionally, gatherings of 250 or more people are forbidden--and that includes churches. The Baltimore cruise terminal is closing as well.

It should be remembered, however, that life is not ending, we are only "sheltering-in-place" until the plague passes by.

In terms of my own personal vendetta against the coronavirus, I have thus far been unsuccessful in getting refunded for travel and most lodging expenses associated with my now canceled Italian vacation. I continue to work that, however, and am hopeful that at least some money will be refunded. 

I note, however, that the wineries remain open and so there is respite from the closures and dire news.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

I Just Gotta Say This

I was amazed last evening as I watched the President speak to the nation about the coronavirus. The President gave the most cogent, thoughtful, and meaningful address of his presidency. 

It was the first speech that he has given where he did not blame Obama or the democrats for the situation we are facing. He took responsibility for the actions he was taking. Yes, there were some exaggerations--for instance the President said he took early and intense action, but I felt as if the country was taking more of an ostrich approach to the coronavirus when it all began. He also called for unity and encouraged the country to come together.

I was especially impressed with the following paragraph which displayed an acute sense of history:

From the beginning of time, nations and people have faced unforeseen challenges, including large-scale and very dangerous health threats. This is the way it always was and always will be. It only matters how you respond, and we are responding with great speed and professionalism.

Note: Speech quotes are from The New York Times

I immediately thought of the Black Plague during the Middle Ages and the Spanish Flu of 1918-1920.

The economic impact of the coronavirus is being felt--the markets are crashing, people are getting sick, but hopefully last evening's speech will help stem panic and help people approach the situation from a more rational and informed point of view.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

When to Panic? Not Now!

When panic ensues nothing good happens. 

I am concerned that we are becoming so focused on COVID-19 (a/k/a Coronavirus) that panic is setting in. 

I am seeing panic in the stock markets, and on the news, and in our leaders as they attempt to deal with the impact of the virus. It is hard to miss--but, we need cooler heads and and a calm approach to what is happening around us. 

Let me put the coronavirus in perspective.

Johns Hopkins Coronavirus World Chart
March 11, 2020

As of this morning, according to the Johns Hopkins coronavirus tracking chart, there have been 1031 cases in the U.S. with 29 deaths. 

According to the CDC, there have been 18 million cases of the flu, 180,000 hospitalizations and 10,000 deaths in the U.S. this influenza season – including 68 children. 

Here is a headline from USA Today:

Coronavirus is scary, but the flu is deadlier, more widespread

I just had to cancel my April trip to Italy because of coronavirus and I am losing a bundle of money. But I have a better chance of becoming infected with the flu--and no one seems to care. 

Keep calm in the face of ensuing panic. 

Take precautions, be careful and live, live without fear!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Moon Rises

Moon Rise
Odenton, MD
March 9, 2020

The moon rose over Odenton last evening as our baseball team enjoyed perfect weather and conducted its first outdoors practice of the season. The lights of the field illuminated the players and the practice field while the moon rose in the distance. 

It was good to have practice outside and prepare the upcoming season. The team had been practicing at an indoors facility since January. Being outside again we had the room to accomplish drills and distance throwing that we could not at the indoor facility. The infield is under renovation, so we were confined to the outfield, but we still managed to have a very productive practice. Monday practices promise to be interesting as they do not begin until 7:30 PM. I have to admit that it was nice not to face rush hour traffic to arrive to practice. It was a much more enjoyable drive and took the normal amount of time to traverse the distance from Elkridge to Odenton.

The boys worked hard, but the rising moon was the highlight of the evening for me. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musing - March 9, 2020

Orion in the Night Sky
March 7, 2020

1. Well, hard to believe, but this is the 2nd Monday in March and we are sliding through the month. All too soon, or not soon enough, April will be here. 

2. The Democratic primaries have gotten a lot simpler with just Sanders and Biden remaining in contention. 

Fire Pit
Elkridge, MD
March 8, 2020

3. I took a picture of the constellation Orion the other night. It seems to be the one constellation that follows my year and when it finally disappears from the night sky, I can finally enjoy the summer. It, however, still graces the evening sky!

4. Fire pit! Yes. Yesterday evening was so beautiful that Chris and Spent about three hours around our fire pit enjoying the sunset and the end of the day. We listened to Sirius XM's Top 1000 Country Songs of all time!

Tete a Tete Daffodils
Odenton, MD
March 8, 2020

5. Spring is here. I saw this bunch of Tete a Tete Daffodils in a yard yesterday. A bright bunch of sunshine.

6. The bills for the apparently strong economy of the past few years are beginning to come due. It seems that the fox has been guarding the hen house!

7. Springtime yard work is therapeutic. Yesterday, raking leaves and setting up the pool area helped to shake-off the winter's doldrums.

8. I survived another "Spring forward" start of Daylight Saving Time! The shortest day of the year is behind me. The ground hog was correct with the prediction of an early Spring!

9. Today in History. On March 9, 1959, the first Barbie doll goes on display at the American Toy Fair in New York City. Eleven inches tall, with a waterfall of blond hair, Barbie was the first mass-produced toy doll in the United States with adult features. The woman behind Barbie was Ruth Handler, who co-founded Mattel, Inc. with her husband in 1945. After seeing her young daughter ignore her baby dolls to play make-believe with paper dolls of adult women, Handler realized there was an important niche in the market for a toy that allowed little girls to imagine the future.


Headlines

Coronavirus Updates: U.S. Cases Cross 500, and Deaths in Italy Surge - The New York Times

Oil Prices Dive as Saudi Arabia Takes Aim at Russian Production - The New York Times

Italy locks down millions as its coronavirus deaths jump - OANN

 Brace for quarantines, U.S. health official warns - Reuters

 North Korea fires three projectiles into sea, South Korea says - Reuters

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

The taxpayer - that's someone who works for the federal government but doesn't have to take the civil service examination.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Saturday's Business

Saturdays always seem busy, and yesterday was typical. Soon, Saturdays will be filled with baseball doubleheaders, but this Saturday allowed us to do some work around the house and enjoy the Home and Garden Show.

The day began cold, with temperatures in the 30's, but it made it to 40 by 1000. No matter the weather, the remaining ornamental grasses around the pool needed to be trimmed and Chris and I were done with the task at the landfill dropping them off by about 1030. Then it was a stop at the farm store for peanuts to continue feeding the bluejays. I think the peanuts remain in the bed of the truck this morning. Oops.

Tractor Part with Damage Highlighted
March 8, 2020

Then it was time to repair the tractor. Fortunately, I had a pretty good idea what had happened and I had the spare part already in hand. It was a fairly straight forward replacement and I was done in about an hour. The damaged part was, in my estimation, the result of a poor design. A spring attaches in the hole and over time had worn through the metal. This part activates the mower blades and so there is a great deal of pressure on the point. It seems to me they could have done a better job designing this part to minimize the potential stress so that it would last longer. I guess it is all part of planned obsolescence. 

Gobbler at the Home Show
March 7, 2020

After lunch we headed off to the annual Home and Garden Show in Baltimore. We enjoy walking around and seeing dreaming of remodeling, although for this year our budget is going to resurface the pool. It seems that always find something interesting and it turns out that we found bees wax and pine tar infused cloths to replace plastic wrap! They are reusable and cleanable. Very cool since we are trying, mostly unsuccessfully, to reduce our plastic footprint. 

We also managed to come home from the show with 8 bottles of wine. It is amazing how that happened. We go to a home show and find wineries! Imagine that! And there was this magnificent gobbler at the home show as well. I had to take an image of him. He was much better looking than the red kangaroo that was also on display. 

After returning home we enjoyed dinner and settled in for the evening and enjoying the last night of Standard Time until November, or maybe ever if Congress decides to make Daylight Saving Time permanent, which I wish they would. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

First Yard Work of Spring

Grasses in the Truck, Crushed Down
Elkridge, MD
March 5, 2020

It seems that good work begets more work!


Thursday afternoon the weather was fantastic and Chris and I made good use of the weather to cut most of the grasses around the pool. This is an annual task that must be done to prepare for the Spring. This year, unlike the recent few we allowed the grasses to remain and dry over the Winter and provide cover for the birds. 

The grasses always fill the truck to over flowing and by waiting until they were dry, they also took up more room and so we were able too only cut one side of the pool. The remainder will have to be done today to complete the job. 

After the grasses were in the truck, I started up the tractor to blow the remnants off the lawn! And guess what? The mower deck broke near the end of the job. It was not unexpected, I had identified a failing part last year when I performed routine maintenance and bought a replacement. But it is such a hassle to remove the mower deck that I decided to run the deck until the part failed. Well, now I get to replace the part while I am doing Springtime routine maintenance on the tractor!  

But the lawn looks good. 

There is always one more thing to do, it seems!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

12? You are 12 Now?

Jackson on his Birthday

Jackson celebrated his  12th birthday yesterday. 

The bundle of joy who had major open heart surgery at 6 days old is living proof of miracles. 

He is a basketball all-star, a solid baseball player, devious, funny, and a brilliant mathematician.

To think, it all started 12 years ago and except for a very diligent nurse it might have had a very different ending.  

But here he is now--ready to face the world and preparing for another exciting baseball season. 

Now if we could only teach him how to blow out birthday candles. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

And Then There Were Three?

I have not written much about politics since the impeachment trial, but I think I need to swing back and note a few developments that have occurred during the past week. 

It was a turbulent week for the Democratic presidential hopefuls. The field was dramatically reduced after the South Carolina primary and that led to Super Tuesday--primaries in 14 states, becoming a four candidate race which has since reduced to three. 


As I see it, "We the People" again have a wide spectrum of political views with which to affiliate themselves. On the far right, there is the President and the Republicans who have abrogated any centrist and moderate view of the future. On the far left, there is Bernie Sanders the self-proclaimed democratic socialist. Somewhat right of the far left is Elizabeth Warren and squarely in the middle is Biden. It is as diverse a field as we had for the 2016 election when we had the same candidates on the far left and right with Clinton trying to be the moderate-centrist candidate. 


The next big question is what will Elizabeth Warren do about her campaign. We may see something soon as the results from the first round of primaries and caucuses suggest that 2020 is not her year. The big question outstanding is if she chooses to terminate her campaign, will she support Sanders or Biden. I see her as holding down the piece of political continuum in between the two of them. 

Time will tell how this shakes out. I am encouraged by the high turnout of voters during the primaries! Americans hopefully are making their voices heard and are voting to shape the future of the country.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Who Are Those Guys?

After returning from Spring Training, it dawned upon me that I have not provided an assessment of the Orioles based upon my observations of the team.

I saw the Orioles play three games, in person, while I was in Florida and I have to admit that I was impressed with the team. They won all of the games and they displayed some real grit and played solid baseball. The hitting was impressive and the pitching was solid. 

Yes, I was impressed with Chris Davis--who has knocked in three homers, struck out only once, walked six times and is batting .556. Wow! But others on the team are equally as impressive at the plate. Ruiz (.611) and Santander (.412) are equally as impressive at the plate.

As a team, the Orioles are among the leaders in all of baseball at this juncture--I never saw this coming. Here are some of the team stats:

Batting Average - 2nd (.288)
Stolen Bases - 2nd (14)
Slugging - 3rd (.468)
Doubles - 2nd (26)
Homeruns - 6th (14)
Extra Base Hits - 1st (44)
Runs - 3rd (73)

There is some good hitting on display right now! It was fun to watch. 

From a pitching perspective, they are much more middle of the road--but still effective. They have given up a lot on tuns in two games, which have raised the Earned Run Average, but overall they are in the top half of the league and hear the top in most pitching statistics. 

Yes, it is only Spring Training, but I am excited about the upcoming season and I have tickets to Opening Day on March 26th when the Orioles will face the team from the North whose name shall remain unwritten!

Let's Go O's!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Starting the Day with the Sun

There is something special about starting the day and greeting the rising sun. 

BWI Airport Terminal B
February 27, 2020

During my short trip to Florida, I was able to greet the sun every morning and in two instances the sunrise was provided a scene to remember. One of the scenes, funny enough, was in the airport in Baltimore as the sun was rising across the runway, but the scene also included the reflections of the people in the airport waiting to board the silhouetted aircraft on the ramp. It is a complex and busy image that shows the beauty of the sunrise and the bustle of the airport terminal. 

River Run Golf Links
Bradenton, Florida
February 28, 2020

The following day, as I stepped onto the golf course for the first time during the trip, the palm trees were part of the scene. The sky was pink from the rising sun's rays and the day was very cool. The morning clouds which reflected the sunrise soon gave way to crystal blue sky and bright sunshine warmed me and then burned my face. It was the beginning of a great day.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - March 2, 2020

1. Welcome to March 2020. It happened over the weekend, March arrived. Next Sunday, Daylight Saving Time begins.

2. It was good to get home this morning and into bed about 1 AM, completing the baseball and golf trip to Florida.

Gator
The Preserve at Tara Golf Course
Bradenton, Florida
March 1, 2020

3. Florida golf courses are full of different critters than courses in the North. For instance, this gator we happened upon sunning himself yesterday. 

4. I had the best flight home on Southwest Airlines that I can remember having in a long time. Well, actually, I don't remember it. I was asleep before the jet left the terminal and only woke up when the wheels hit the runway in Baltimore. 

5. I wonder what the month of March will hold for us.

6. The coronavirus, COVID-19 continues to be one of the top news items worldwide. The link at the virus name is a great site to get the worldwide numbers. 

7. International travel is going to be interesting for the next few months.

8. The Orioles went 4-0 while we were in Florida watching games. We saw three of the games and enjoyed seeing a winning team.

9. Today in History. Theodor Geisel, better known to the world as Dr. Seuss, the author and illustrator of such beloved children’s books as “The Cat in the Hat” and “Green Eggs and Ham,” is born in Springfield, Massachusetts on March 2, 1904. Geisel, who used his middle name (which was also his mother’s maiden name) as his pen name, wrote 48 books–including some for adults–that have sold well over 200 million copies and been translated into multiple languages. Dr. Seuss books are known for their whimsical rhymes and quirky characters, which have names like the Lorax and the Sneetches and live in places like Whoville.


Headlines


Stocks in Asia rose as investors bet on governments and banks to step in. Catch up here. - The New York Times

As Buttigieg Exits Race, Biden Seeks Edge Against Sanders on Super Tuesday - The New York Times

American Airlines waives change fees as United braces for new flight cancellations - Reuters

Lufthansa calls off flights to China until April 24 and Tehran until April 30 - Reuters


Gatherings banned, travel restricted as coronavirus cases grow worldwide - OANN




Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

Surround yourself with the best people you can find, delegate authority, and don't interfere as long as the policy you've decided upon is being carried out.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, Md

Spring Training 2020, Day 3

Ed Smith Stadium
Sarasota, Florida
February 29, 2020

The Spring Training trip is drawing to a close. My golf game yesterday was miserable, but then we played a a Champion course and I am not a championship player.

It was not pretty.

It was fun. The day was bright and sunny. We are getting a lesson in sunburn. With the cool temperatures we didn’t notice the sun’s effect until too late. There is no sun in Maryland to worry about, but this is the Sunshine State for a reason. While my golf game was not sharp, my team won the day. Thankfully, my teammates picked up the slack.

After golf, we went to Ed Smith Stadium and watched the Orioles defeat the Marlins. Wow!  I have to stop speaking badly of Chris Davis, he hit his third homer of the Spring Training and is leading the team in batting average.  

The Orioles crushed the Marlins, 12-6.  With the exception of the first run, the Marlins runs were scored after the starters left the field. 

Btw, it was Leap Day. It only happens once every four years. Today is the last day of the Spring Training trip. It is sad how quickly it went by. But I have a lot of good memories and a sunburn. Today is golf, baseball and a flight home.  

— Bob Doan, writing from Sarasota, Florida

Baseball and Golf Day 2

River Run Golf Links
Bradenton, Florida
February 28, 2020

Another day in the Florida sunshine was experienced. It was cool and I needed to wear my jacket for much of the day, but the skies were clear and the sun was warm on my face. And I did get a touch of sunburn by the time the day was over.  

The day began on the River Run Golf Links in Bradenton, Florida.  We had an early tee time and watched the sunrise over the course. The sunrise in the palm trees was a stunning sight. The picture above is looking down one of the fairways from the tee box.

After golf we went directly to the Pirates Stadium in Bradenton to watch the afternoon game between the Pirates and the Orioles.  The stadium was very nice and we arrived about an hour and a half before game time. It was fun to watch the stadium come alive. I was surprised at how empty the stadium was when game time arrived. But it was a good afternoon for the Orioles. They defeated the still winless in Spring Training Pirates 11-4 to even their record at 4-4. 

Today is a wash-rinse-repeat of yesterday. Golf in the morning and baseball in the afternoon. We will be in Sarasota to see the Orioles host the Marlins.  

By way of note, happy Leap Day! To those of you with birthdays today, I hope your very special and rare day is enjoyable.

— Bob Doan, writing from Sarasota, Florida 

Baseball and Sun

New Atlanta Braves Stadium
Venice, Florida
February 27, 2020

And so it begins. The first day of the Spring Training trip was a success. Even the weather cleared to make the day spectacular. The morning clouds gave was to clear sunny skies. It was cool, but comfortable.

We visited the new Braves facility in Venice and saw a game between them and the Cardinals. You might think that that is not an Orioles game, and that is true, but two former Orioles played. Nick Markakis plays for the Braves and hit a double. Matt Wieters catches for the Cardinals and went hitless.

Today is a golf and baseball day. Golf tee time is 7:14.

Baseball is later in the day.

Day two is off and running.

— Bob Doan, writing from Sarasota, Florida