The Real Steal

 

There has been so much rant about stopping the steal, that I don't think most people really understand that there is a more tragic steal underway.

The pageantry and excitement of the Inauguration is being stolen from the president-elect and the American people by two forces. Those forces are the unchecked coronavirus combined with the force of chaos and anarchy.

The inauguration is a solemn and yet joyous occasion in which we celebrate something that makes us, as Americans, almost unique in the world--the peaceful transfer of power from one duly elected administration to another. It is the starting point for something reborn--the form of democracy that we practice in our republic.

This year, the outgoing administration has stolen the inauguration from the American people. They have stolen something that we cannot get back and it is incredibly selfish that, like a petulant child, the outgoing president continues to offend the will of the American people by attempting to take the ball and go home. The list of grievances does not matter anymore. Every president has them, remember the whole birther movement that President Obama faced, but true leaders rise above them and are effective. 

On Wednesday, Joe Biden will become the 46th President of these United States. And all of America should celebrate, not because they voted for or against him, but because it affirms the very principles upon which our country is based. I watched the inauguration of the current president and enjoyed the pageantry and celebration of American--the United We Stand America.

The steal needs to stop--too much has been lost already.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD 

Time to Get Started

 

Out with the old and in with the new. That was supposed to be the mantra of the New Year, but we are not quite there yet. The old seems to be hanging on and creating difficulties related to its departure. 

Next week at this time there will be a new President for our country and a new path. I have great hopes or the future as our country begins to actually address the issues that face us and stop creating problems to disguise those at hand. 

Let's not forget that nearly 4,000 Americans are dying every day from COVID-19 complications. Over 385,000 Americans have perished and vaccination efforts have been sorely underplayed. 

We must move forward into the future by drawing upon the past. We cannot correct or change what has happened, but we can work to ensure that it does not happen again. 

It is time to get started, there is a lot to do and many lives to save.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

At the Feeder

 

Cooper's Hawk
Image by Chris
Elkridge, MD
January 12, 2021

Chris likes to feed the birds. 

Cooper's Hawk Near the Feeder
Image by Chris
Elkridge, MD
January 12, 2021

We have two feeders which attract a wide variety of birds and other wildlife. Usually the additional wildlife includes squirrels and deer with an occasional rabbit passing by to check-out the area.

Yesterday was a special. A Cooper's Hawk decided to visit the feeders. Of course, that is the surest way to drive away the other birds and even the squirrels. The hawk has been residing in the area for a couple of years and this is the closest that it has shown itself to us. We have seen this hawk flying around and heard its screech, but never have we been graced by so close a visit.

Although I was at work, Chris certainly did get to enjoy seeing this magnificent bird, up close.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Avoiding Entanglements

Presidential Medal of Freedom

Given the press reporting surrounding the multiple means the New England Patriots have used to gain an advantage over other NFL teams and the indiscretion of the owner which was widely covered in the news during late-2019, I was therefore surprised when the coach, Bill Belichick decided not to accept the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Bill Belichick Says He Won’t Accept Medal of Freedom - The Wall Street Journal

It has been widely reported that the president and Bill Belichick are friends. Belichick was reported as saying:

“Recently, I was offered the opportunity to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which I was flattered by out of respect for what the honor represents and admiration for prior recipients,” Belichick said in a statement. “Subsequently, the tragic events of last week occurred and the decision has been made not to move forward with the award.” 

I admit, I am not a fan of the New England Patriots, in fact my second favorite team in the NFL is usually whomever is playing the Patriots. However, I admire the football genius of Belichick and now he has demonstrated the ability not to become entangled in a politically charged web of deception. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - January 11, 2021

 

1. Welcome to the second Monday of January and the second Monday of 2021. Have you gotten used to writing the year 2021 yet? Clearly I have not! I had to go back and edit the title after I published the item, but it does not change on Facebook. There are 50 Mondays remaining in the year.

2. Family NFL Playoff Results:

    Football Team loses to Buccaneers 23-31

    Ravens defeat Titans 20-13. The Ravens travel to face the Bills on Saturday, January 16th at 8:15 PM. 

    Steelers lost to Browns 37-48

Sidney Crosby
Pittsburgh Penguins Captain

3. NHL Hockey season starts this week! Yay, another sport starting and one concludes its season. Go Pens!

4. The football heavy weekend is over. I am happy that the Ravens survived. The six football games over two days did provide entertainment for a cold winter weekend. 

5. I expect it to be another turbulent week as the Congress grapples with the aftermath of the presidentially-inspired insurrection. The New York Times reviewed the president's remarks that led to the mob action in an article: The Times analyzed the speech President Trump gave before his supporters rushed the Capitol.

6. Today in History. United States Surgeon General Luther Terry knew his report was a bombshell. He intentionally chose to release it on January 11, 1964, a Saturday, so as to limit its immediate effects on the stock market. It was on this date that, on behalf of the U.S. Government, Terry announced a definitive link between smoking and cancer.

House Prepares for Trump Impeachment Vote This Week - The Wall Street Journal

Indonesia Plane Crash Search Finds Human Remains, Debris - The Wall Street Journal

‘Our President Wants Us Here’: The Mob That Stormed the Capitol - The New York Times

‘It Became Sort of Lawless’: Florida Vaccine Rollout Turns Into a Free-for-All - The New York Times

As Trump leaves office weakened, Republicans wonder if his political wounds are fatal - The Washington Post

Capitol siege was planned online. Trump supporters now planning the next one. - The Washington Post

'No one cares. At all.' Trump staff lurch toward the end - Reuters

Northern Ireland hospitals under pressure 'like never before': health minister - Reuters

China reports biggest daily COVID-19 case jump in over 5 months - Reuters

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

Well, we began to carry a message to every corner of the Nation, a simple message. The message is: Here in America, the people are in charge. And that's really why we're here tonight. This electoral victory belongs to you and the principles that you cling to -- principles struck by the brilliance and bravery of patriots more than 200 years ago. They set forth the course of liberty and hope that makes our country special in the world. To the extent that what has happened today reaffirms those principles, we are part of that prairie fire that we still think defines America -- a fire of hope that will keep alive the promise of opportunity as we head into the next century.

Remarks at an Reelection Celebration in Los Angeles, California - November 6, 1984

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Lies Cost Lives

 

I was confronted again yesterday by lies and fake truths. The Facebook post began This post is not open for debate,  as if Moses had come down from the mountain with the stone tablets.

It roils my blood when well-meaning people repeat and repost what they read without fact-checking and placing the information into proper context. 

Spreading untruths distorts reality bringing people into a false understanding of history.

So despite the statement that the post was not open for debate, let me tear apart some of what I was confronted with yesterday. And yes, despite the question to the contrary, I did read the post.

The Claim:

Trump is the first president that has not engaged us in a foreign war since Eisenhower.

The Truth:

Fact check: Trump joins Carter, Ford and Nixon among presidents without a new war

The Claim:

 Trump has had the greatest impact on the economy, bringing jobs, and lowering unemployment to the Black and Latino population of ANY other president. Ever.

The Truth:

No, Trump hasn’t been the best president for Black America since Lincoln

The Claim:

 Trump rebuilt our military which the Obama administration crippled and fired 214 key generals and admirals in his first year of office.

The Truth:

Trump’s False Military Equipment Claim

The Claim:

Trump turned our relationship with the Chinese around, brought hundreds of businesses back to the US, and revived the economy.

The Facts:

More pain than gain: How the US-China trade war hurt America

The Claim:

Biden has done nothing to improve anything in his 47-year political career. 

The Facts:

List of Joe Biden’s Accomplishments

So, one-by-one each of the touted accomplishments devolve into lies. And then, as we witnessed on Wednesday, the president incited an insurrection and an attack on the Capitol. Five people died! This was the culmination of months of lies about the free and fair election which, as Mitch McConnell noted, was not even close.

And although the president said he was going to walk with the crowd to the Capitol, he in fact retreated to the White House to view and enjoy the lawlessness he created. He used those people and sent them to do his dirty work and in doing so the president again demonstrated contempt for the Constitution, the Congress, the rule of law, and "We the People." Yet, some continue to defend the indefensible and spread lies and untruths about his supposed greatness.

81 million people agreed. It is time for the Trump presidency to end as the framers of the Constitution intended--through a free and fair election. That is the key of democracy. The people get to decide--not lawyers, not politicians, not those in power. 

So if I get emotional and excited when I continue to hear untruths spread by well-meaning, but uninformed people, forgive me. Yesterday I threatened to unfriend my Dad from Facebook--I own that statement and I made it. I will not, however, unfriend him. I need to stay on Facebook to educate the misled. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Good-bye Alex

 

Alex Trebek
Host of Jeopardy 1984-2020

Last evening, Chris and I said good-bye to a man we had never met in person, but had enjoyed probably hundreds of times in our living room providing us with the answers to the questions we needed to create.

Yes, we watched, with a great deal of sadness, Alex Trebek's last taped episode of Jeopardy. 

I have been watching Jeopardy since I was a boy and before it was a nighttime show. I remember watching it during the summer and when I was home sick from school. At that time it was hosted by Art Fleming. But, as an adult, I connected with Alex Trebek and 'the one true" host of the show. 

Although I knew that the last show was coming, since  Alex died in last November, irrationally I hoped that day would never arrive, but last evening it did. I am glad that the producers moved the show from its scheduled Christmas Day airing to last evening. It would have been a sad way to end Christmas Day watching his last show. 

And so it is over--but as he wished, the show will go on. As he said, closing the last show he taped: 

“Thank you ladies and gentlemen for spending the time with us,” he said. “We'll see you again next week.”

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Happy Friday

 

Friday has arrived. 

Usually on Friday's at work there is a bit of excitement at the prospect of the weekend and some exciting plan. But, COVID has robbed us of that. No longer do I dream of heading off to some new place or returning to visit a favorite place. Or even driving north to visit family. These weekends are stretching into a COVID bland string of days. 

At least this weekend the NFL will provide some entertainment. But after a while the games become the same--devolving into moments of action punctuated by minutes of commercials. 

Maybe the the wine group will have Happy Hour tonight--by Zoom. There is something unsatisfying about a Zoom Happy Hour because the discussion between seven people can only be about one thing at a time rather than having multiple discussions happening all at once. And then there is the wine--I like being able to enjoy multiple wines and talking about the structure, taste, and one of each of them. It is hard to share a bottle of wine across cyberspace. More importantly though--we are all happy to be able to be together and break the monotony of another COVID week.

The pandemic remains unchecked. The infection rates and the numbers of Americans dying from the virus continue to be at levels no one would ever believe and the toll on their families is unbearable. The government is totally ineffective and even the vaccine program has been so underplayed that it us an embarrassment. 

It has been quite a week, however, and reflecting on what has transpired and how it will affect our country. I won't recount it--suffice it to write that I never saw what happened coming. 

But regardless--Happy Friday. 

Our happiness what we make it.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Bookend for the Administration

 

The Republic stands!

Capitol Under Siege
Washington, D.C.
January 6, 2021

It was a turbulent 24 hours which saw the first black elected to the U.S. Senate from Georgia; two Democratic Senators elected from Georgia shifting the balance of power in the Senate; the storming of the U.S. Capitol, which has not happened since 1814 by the British during the War of 1812; and Congress completing the 2020 Election by certifying the Electoral College results for Joe Biden. Whew!

And the flag still flys over the Capitol, a testament to the American spirit and the strength of our leaders who, despite the threats and lawlessness did not abandon the country and stayed to complete their solemn business in the "citadel of liberty."

That the president was behind the storming of the Capitol is, in my mind, an abomination. I was grieved to the innermost parts of my soul by the lawlessness. I support the right of people to protest--but, I do not support the wanton lawlessness that was on display yesterday. Even during the height of the Civil Rights Rallies and the Anti-War protests of the 60's and 70's--storming the Capitol was considered off limits. There is a distinct difference between legal protests and wanton lawlessness. And guess who still has not condemned the storming of the Capitol by his supporters?

The Washington. Post reports this morning that the president incited the lawlessness:

Trump issued a call to arms. Then he urged his followers ‘to remember this day forever!’

I will remember this day as it provides an apt bookend for the Trump presidency. Thirteen days to go.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD 

Biking Away the Winter

 

Last month, to fight off the winter doldrums and to help maintain some physical fitness during the winter since I am not playing racquetball, I bought a NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle. 

Riding Along a North Carolina Lake
S22i Studio Cycle

I reported on the purchase, but I have not written about it in the intervening weeks. 

Last evening, after work, as I was riding around a lake in North Carolina following my trainer I took a couple of pictures to demonstrate how the cycle provides the ultimate escape. 

Full Screen with Workout Details
S22i Studio Cycle Ride

The afternoon in Maryland was dark, dreary, and rainy. Not to mention temperatures in the 30's. Not a good afternoon for a ride. But yesterday, despite the weather outside of my home, my cycle took me on a 7 mile foundation ride along a lake during autumn in North Carolina. It was a beautiful ride and it was an easy ride after a difficult and challenging mountain climb the other day.

I was amazed at how much better I felt after getting outside, in the warm sun for a nice afternoon ride. I changed my mood and I got in some good exercise as well.

Most people have heard of the Peloton cycle, but when I did my research I was impressed with the extra features provided by the S22i--and it was significantly less expensive once all of the extra requirements for the Peloton were considered. 

I have ridden my S22i every day since I have had it--and I have had it over three weeks now. I definitely feel improved fitness and I actually look forward to the rides each day. I have build some personal rides using Google Maps around my condo in Florida--and it is always good to get back there and dream of the heat, humidity, and sweat during the dark days of winter. 

I am hoping to bike away the Winter and be ready for the Springtime.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Election Day - again

 

The election season that will not end continues today and tomorrow. 

We may finally learn whether the Democrats or the Republicans will control the Senate. The run-off election for both Georgia Senate seats is being held today and with any luck we should know the results by sometime next week--given how the Presidential election went. 

And as for the allegations of voter fraud. Each and every claim by the Trump team was thoroughly debunked during a news conference yesterday. 

I urge you to read the NPR reporting of the news conference for the truth.

Georgia Election Official Debunks Trump's Voter Fraud Claims

And then there is tomorrow. 

Some have called the shenanigans in the in the Congress seditious. Something that should take 30 minutes will likely take many hours to complete and that is is the certification of the Electoral College vote and the declaration of Joe Biden as the President-elect.

There is an interesting editorial about the situation--from December Texas inspired lawsuit and the legalities associated with the activities of the Senators and Representatives who are foment the discontent:

The Constitution has an answer for seditious Members of Congress

Perhaps by the end of the week, Election Day will be finally complete. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD 

Monday Musings - January 4, 2021

 

1. Welcome to the first Monday of 2021. There are 51 Mondays left in the year. January is off to a rousing start. 

2. Family NFL Results.

    Ravens (11-5) defeat Bengals (4-11-1) 38-8. Ravens are in the Playoffs.

    Steelers (12-4) lose to Browns (11-5) 22-24. Steelers win AFC North, Browns are in the playoffs for the first time in 18 years.

    Cowboys (6-10) lose to Giants (6-10), 19-23. Cowboys and Giants are out of the playoffs because Football Team won.

    Football Team (7-9) defeat Eagles (4-11-1) 20-14. Football Team wins division with a losing record and will host a playoff game.

3. It is sad that Representatives and Senators who have taken an oath to defend the Constitution are currently engaged in efforts to subvert it and the peaceful transfer of power between the outgoing and incoming administrations. 

4. I am tired of hearing that 74 million people who voted for the loser need an explanation. Here is the explanation: 81 million voters cast ballots for the other guy! 

5. In another example of a poorly planned operation, with no one in control, the Coronavirus Vaccine Program is faltering. It is part of the continuing Trump legacy.

6. It will be a turbulent week in Washington as the Georgia elections are tomorrow and the certification of the Electoral College is on Wednesday. 

7. There are just 16 days until Inauguration Day. Maybe then the insanity will cease.

8. I was amazed at the traffic that I became stuck in on Saturday as I went shopping for essentials. People were definitely out--or perhaps returning from the holiday break.

9. Today in History. On January 4, 1965, in his State of the Union address, President Lyndon Baines Johnson lays out for Congress a laundry list of legislation needed to achieve his plan for a Great Society. On the heels of John F. Kennedy’s tragic death, Americans had elected Johnson, his vice president, to the presidency by the largest popular vote in the nation’s history. Johnson used this mandate to push for improvements he believed would better Americans’ quality of life.

Trump Pressured Georgia Secretary of State to Find Votes - The Wall Street Journal

U.S. Death Toll Tops 350,000 - The Wall Street Journal

Biden Plans Renewed Nuclear Talks With Russia While Punishing Kremlin - The New York Times

As Rollout Falters, Scientists Debate New Vaccination Tactics - The New York Times

As coronavirus death toll surpasses 350,000, Trump calls U.S. count ‘far exaggerated’ - The Washington Post

Your questions about the coronavirus vaccines, answered - The Washington Post

Iran says it resumes 20% uranium enrichment at Fordow site - Reuters

Japan PM says government will consider state of emergency for Tokyo area - Reuters

Australia's most populous state reports zero COVID cases, urges thousands to get tested - Reuters

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

In 1982 this country faces serious challenges. We're gripped by a recession brought on by decades of government mismanagement. But we're making a new beginning as a nation. The road to recovery is never easy. But America is no stranger to challenges. We need only live up to our convictions to set things right. We need only believe in ourselves, in our country, and in tomorrow.

Remarks on New Year's Day - January 1, 1982

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

And so it Begins, anew

I am a bit melancholy this morning. I shouldn't be, but the end of a long holiday season break/vacation and the beginning of a work week looming the COVID-19 planning, replanning, and pandemic associated changes grabbed me this morning.

I don't even feel like commenting on the political climate in the nation. 

Tomorrow it is off to work after almost two weeks away. The working portion of the new year begins. 

But at least I have today. With a bit of luck and playing some good football, the Ravens will hopefully make the playoffs! That would be nice. 

Unfortunately it is too cold and rainy to play golf. But I will ride my bike--my indoor bike, for some enjoyment and exercise.

Enjoy the day for tomorrow there grind begins anew.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Winds of Change

 

The new year is already one day old and already showing signs of improvement from the year behind us.

I was encouraged that the Congress, with the Senate voting yesterday, set a new tone for the year by overriding the President's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). 

Senate Overrides Trump’s Veto of Defense Bill - The Wall Street Journal

Yesterday's vote by the Senate marks the first time during the current administration that a veto had been overridden. The House voted to override the veto on Monday. 

According to the article cited above, Trump has vetoed eight other bills during his term--none of which were overridden.

There winds of change are beginning to blow through the halls of the Congress. The veto override was an example of bipartisanship working for the good of the country. I hope the effort on the NDAA represents a much needed change in the manner in which our leaders work. They must get beyond partisan politics and work for the good of the nation as a whole. 

It is a strong beginning to the new year.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

2021 Arrives

 

Happy New Year. 

2021 has arrived around the world and even right here at home. 

With 2020 behind us and a new year ahead, let's hope we can turn things around and do good things for our communities, our country, and the planet. The time to unify and cease divisive policies and practices has arrived.

I know that many people want to return to the "way things were before 2020." But I hope that we do not go back, but rather building upon what we have learned during the difficult year that is now behind us we commit ourselves to making things better. There were too many problems that we overlooked and now that we have brought them into the light, we can correct them and make our country and our society better and healthy. 

First though, let's defeat the coronavirus! Embrace safe practices and get vaccinated when it is offered.

We have a lot of work to do--take today and enjoy the celebration. Tomorrow we begin to reconstruct the future.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

New Year's Eve 2021

 

It is New Year's Eve!

We are about to put 2020 firmly into the rearview mirror and shake its dust from our feet. 

For some I know the new year cannot arrive fast enough. 2020 was a year of disasters, pandemic, death, and changed plans. We have experienced things that we never though we would experience. The United States has shown the world that as a society we are unable to unite to defeat a virus. 

To review the year in review, check out:

2020 in Review Fast Facts - CNN

It is amazing to review the year and to see how far we have come. 

The short review is that the year began with an impeachment and ended in a pandemic. In between over 341,000 Americans perished form COVID-19 and the ineffectiveness of the administration was laid bare resulting, partly, in the decision of the American electorate to not reelect the president.

What a year. We can hope that 2021 is better, calmer and more rational.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunrise Sky

Sunrise
Elkridge, MD
December 30, 2020

The sunrise this morning, the next to last day of 2020, was fantastic. It stretched from the East to the West filling my windows with beautiful color reminding me of the beauty of the world. It was a counterpoint to the news of the day about the continuing hospitalizations and deaths resulting from COVID-19.

Sometimes I need to get my head out of my computer or away from the TV to see the beauty around me, like I did this morning. It does not make the bad stuff go away, but it gives me perspective. The world is a big and complex place. There are problems and insane things happen all of the time, but there is beauty and it is worth seeing, enjoying, and protecting. 

The spectacular sunrise has faded much like the year 2020 will pass in less than 48 hours. I can remember the bad things that have happened this past year, the better activity is to find some good and remember the year that way. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

To the Pool!

 

Yesterday was a rare late-December day. The temperature crawled up past 50 and I was able to get outside and do some maintenance.

High Water in the Pool
Elkridge, MD
December 28, 2020

A pool owner's life is never without concern and maintenance. I have a mesh cover and that means that the rain adds water to the pool as the season continues. I had reduced the water volume significantly when I closed the pool, but it has been a very wet autumn and now winter.

I checked the pool yesterday and the water was within an inch of the top of the pool. If you look closely at the image to the right, you can see the line where the water was when I started pumping. At this point the water is still too high. I keep the water below the tiles to reduce damage when the deep freeze arrives. I was happy to find the water clear and I also added some mid-winter chlorine to keep the algae growth at bay.

I was amazed at the amount of rainwater we have received. I am also glad that I picked a warmer day to play in the water! It is really no fun pumping water in 30 degree weather. 

In the end I lowered the water to three inches below the tile line. Hopefully, will not have to perform the process again. 

Always something to do. Who knew that when I was thinking "to the pool" it meant that there was work to do, but no swimming?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - December 28, 2020

 

1. The last Monday of the year has arrived. There are just four days until the new year begins! Bring-on 2021 and good-bye 2020!

Finnegan's Christmas Photo
Elkridge, MD
December 20,  2020

2. Even though the Christmas Season is not completely over, I know many people are clamoring to get the decorations boxed and out of sight. Maybe it is because the Christmas decorations started appearing in stores during September.

3. Family NFL Report:

    Steelers (12-3) defeat Colts (10-5) 28-24. Steelers win division

    Ravens (10-5) defeat Giants (5-10) 27-13. Ravens win next week will secure a wildcard playoff spot.

    Cowboys (6-9) crush Eagles (4-10-1) 37-17. Cowboys are still alive to win the NFC East.

    Football Team (6-9) lose to Panthers (5-10). football Team can win the NFC East with a win next week. 

4. How has the return season been going? Fortunately, we do not have many returns and exchanges to make.

5. What are your New Year's resolutions? 

6. There are 23 days until Inauguration Day!

7. How were the crowds in the stores for Christmas shopping? I really did not visit the malls or stores to shop and I have to admit--Amazon, UPS, and FEDEX all did their jobs and delivered my packages on-time. 

8. Today in History. On December 28, 1895, the world’s first commercial movie screening takes place at the Grand Cafe in Paris. The film was made by Louis and Auguste Lumiere, two French brothers who developed a camera-projector called the Cinematographe. The Lumiere brothers unveiled their invention to the public in March 1895 with a brief film showing workers leaving the Lumiere factory. On December 28, the entrepreneurial siblings screened a series of short scenes from everyday French life and charged admission for the first time.

Trump Signs Pandemic-Aid Bill - The Wall Street Journal

France and Germany Retake Reins as Britain Leaves EU’s Economic Orbit - The Wall Street Journal

Refugees Come Under Fire as Old Foes Fight in Concert in Ethiopia - The New York Times

New York Investigates Whether Clinics Ignored Vaccine Rules - The New York Times

Authorities identify Nashville bomber, say his remains found in wreckage - The Washington Post

Your questions about the coronavirus vaccines, answered - The Washington Post

Sweden government to get wider shutdown powers under proposed pandemic law - Reuters

Russia reinforces Syrian area where Turkey-backed fighters have clashed with Kurdish forces - Reuters

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Gifts and Golf

 

Playing golf makes choosing some Christmas gifts a bit easier. Golfers are almost always in need of consumables, like tees and balls. 

Of course, if balls are gifted it is important to know which specific type of ball the golfer uses. It is amazing how particular we golfers are about the golf balls we use. I'm not sure whether that make that much of a difference with the handicap that I carry--one or two shots a round are not going to show up that much. But, even I am particular about the brand--unless I get a free one from the golf gods while searching for my lost ball. Even then, more and more I am leaving certain balls where they lie because I believe for some reason they are "beneath" me. 

This Christmas I gifted a few dozen golf balls--fodder for the water hazards and forests. 

I also received a tee shirt that completely defines my golf game. Chris often remarks that I never saw a tree on the golf course that I couldn't hit! And I also received a very blue pair of glasses to help find golf balls hidden in plain sight in the rough. I hope they work because I have a devil of a time finding balls that just missed the fairway. 

Maybe that is what I like racquetball as an alternative, at least the ball is confined to the court--well, mostly, unless playing at outdoor courts.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

After the Celebration

 

And it is over . . . 

Grogu, My Party Animal

While I have the feeling that the holiday is over and now the clean-up can begin, it really isn't over. This holiday carries on until after New Years.

We actually handled most of the clean-up from two days of extended celebration last evening and so there isn't much to do today. 

So I will spend time with my new party animal, Grogu, a/k/a/ Baby Yoda. 

I tried to read the newspapers this morning, but really wasn't into any of it. I just need a break from the bad news that makes the news.

Today is Saturday and a good day to catch my breath and exhale after the celebration. The family cycled through in shifts yesterday and we were all COVID conscious. Christmas 2020 was different, but memorable. I hope we can look back someday and say, "Do you remember Christmas during the pandemic?" and wear the statement as a badge of accomplishment.

I hope all of you are enjoying a safe and happy holiday. 2020 will be fine soon--let's try to make 2021 better.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Christmas 2020 Prayer

 

Father in Heaven 

Hope was born a long time ago, too long sometimes it seems

and we have forgotten the promise was made to us.

We are challenged by the darkness and chaos that confronts us on a daily basis and sometimes we forget that all we see is not all that that there is.

We have a promise and hope.

The promise and the hope that you sent to us on that first Christmas.

We have never needed hope more than right now. We are living in a world reeling from pandemic, fraught with discord, suspicion and hatred. Our world has become much like what your Son found at his birth in the lowly stable so long ago.

Yet, we have hope. We believe your promises. We sing Joy to the World and know that despite what we see, there is a joy that we can believe. 

Protect and guard our military men and women on station around the world and all those who stand watch to protect us from the forces of darkness.

Be with and inspire the first responders and the medical professionals who are on the front lines waging war against the ravages of the pandemic.

On this Christmas Day 2020, thank you for our many blessings and for the peace and hope you have given to us in the middle of a chaotic world.  

Amen 

Christmas Eve 2020

Christmas Decorations
Elkridge, MD
December 19, 2020

 Well, the decade of the roaring 20's is off to a difficult start. Who knew what 2020 would have in store as it began some 51 weeks ago. 

But today is Christmas Eve and even with the modified celebrations and travel restrictions, we must not lose the Sprit of Christmas. And from what I can see, amid the pain, suffering, and pandemic people are holding onto their traditions as best that they can. 

At our house, the decorations are in place and everything is ready for Christmas. We are having a modified brunch this morning and a smaller gathering for our traditional Christmas Day meal. We will zoom with other family members and they will all be in our thoughts and prayers. Some day soon we will get to enjoy seeing and conversing with them in person. But not this year. 

My Christmas wish is that next year we can be together and appreciate each other more because of 2020. 

May you find peace and hope amid the noise and dissonance. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD