1. The fortunes of football are fickle. I watched Seattle grab defeat from the jaws of victory, leaving 31 seconds on the clock for Atlanta and then losing; while, Baltimore left 31 seconds on the clock after tying Denver en route to an overtime win.
2. Doomsday asteroid during 2036? I guess we need something to worry about. Where in Bruce Willis when we need him?
3. There is something wrong when it takes longer to get the children's toy out of the packaging than the child will play with it.
4. Here is a thought: Be careful or you will end up in my novel.
5. Hockey is back. Now I have something to keep me interested until baseball season. Go Pens!
6. Why is the Super Bowl, super?
7. I watched a couple hours of the Golden Globe Awards last night. I wonder why? Perhaps because there was nothing else on.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Monday, January 14, 2013
Sunday, January 13, 2013
A Hush Fell Over my Living Room
The story line was classic. The 9 point underdog and the giant facing off on the field of battle. The visiting underdog was supposed to lose easily and quietly depart from the stadium hoping for better fortunes next year.
But the hush that fell over Sports Authority Field at Mile High as the Ravens rookie kicker, number 9, Justin Tucker trotted out into the frozen atmosphere was palpable. The contest was into the second overtime period, on its way to becoming the fourth longest game in NFL history. The night was cold--the wind chill as reported on the television to the fans watching from the warmth of our living rooms was -3 F. The game was a classic struggle, knotted at 35 and which has seen the teams trade score for score for 60 minutes and then play a scoreless, 15 minute sudden life overtime period.
A hush fell over my living room. The expected "ice the kicker" time out never came, perhaps the kicker was iced enough from being on the frozen sidelines for over four hours. The snap, the kick, and the trajectory was not straight as we have come to expect--but it was true and found its way between the uprights to snatch victory from the middle of the heavily favored home team. My living room erupted--I had just barely recovered from the miracle catch with about 41 seconds left in regulation to tie the game for the Ravens.
The game was a classic football game. It was the kind of game which reminded me of why I like football. As I watched about two hours of post-game coverage and interviews I was impressed with the professionalism and demeanor of the men speaking for each of the teams.
The reporting of the game contains additional ideas. This article's title says it all: Baltimore Ravens' NFL Playoffs Win Over Denver Broncos Is One For The Ages.
Ray Lewis, Ravens number 52 retiring middle linebacker, described the game as follows:
"We never wavered, we never wavered," Lewis said. "This will probably go down as one of the greatest wins in Ravens history."
And next week, we get to do it all over again! Like someone said during the post-game interviews, the only way to top a game like this is to win next week.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
But the hush that fell over Sports Authority Field at Mile High as the Ravens rookie kicker, number 9, Justin Tucker trotted out into the frozen atmosphere was palpable. The contest was into the second overtime period, on its way to becoming the fourth longest game in NFL history. The night was cold--the wind chill as reported on the television to the fans watching from the warmth of our living rooms was -3 F. The game was a classic struggle, knotted at 35 and which has seen the teams trade score for score for 60 minutes and then play a scoreless, 15 minute sudden life overtime period.
A hush fell over my living room. The expected "ice the kicker" time out never came, perhaps the kicker was iced enough from being on the frozen sidelines for over four hours. The snap, the kick, and the trajectory was not straight as we have come to expect--but it was true and found its way between the uprights to snatch victory from the middle of the heavily favored home team. My living room erupted--I had just barely recovered from the miracle catch with about 41 seconds left in regulation to tie the game for the Ravens.
The game was a classic football game. It was the kind of game which reminded me of why I like football. As I watched about two hours of post-game coverage and interviews I was impressed with the professionalism and demeanor of the men speaking for each of the teams.
The reporting of the game contains additional ideas. This article's title says it all: Baltimore Ravens' NFL Playoffs Win Over Denver Broncos Is One For The Ages.
Ray Lewis, Ravens number 52 retiring middle linebacker, described the game as follows:
"We never wavered, we never wavered," Lewis said. "This will probably go down as one of the greatest wins in Ravens history."
And next week, we get to do it all over again! Like someone said during the post-game interviews, the only way to top a game like this is to win next week.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Saturday, January 12, 2013
AIG: Biting the Hand that Saved Them
I am happy that insurance giant AIG has opted out of a lawsuit against the US Government for lost revenue for its shareholders.
I have noticed a great number of television commercials promoting how good AIG is and how it has fully repaid, with interest, the bailout monies.
The article I referenced writes about the lawsuit as follows:
It seems that some at AIG feel that the bailout was unfair to shareholders.
Reality check!
If there had not been a bailout, the shareholders holdings would have been worthless--or at best worth pennies. That the shareholders still have shares, still have investments, and still have a company which is making a return on their investment is due to the overly generous bailout provided by the people of the U.S.
And if that is how major corporations and businesses in America say thank you, we are really in trouble!
I am reminded of the Aesop fable about the scorpion and the frog.
They should have been left to go bankrupt for their unfair and ill advised investment strategy.
Just saying!
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
I have noticed a great number of television commercials promoting how good AIG is and how it has fully repaid, with interest, the bailout monies.
The article I referenced writes about the lawsuit as follows:
The board of AIG decided on Wednesday not to join a lawsuit against the U.S. government over the terms of the company's bailout, following two days of fevered backlash from Congress and the public over the prospect.
AIG had been weighing whether to join a lawsuit filed by its former chief executive, Hank Greenberg, and his company Starr International, which owned 12 percent of the insurer before its 2008 rescue.
It seems that some at AIG feel that the bailout was unfair to shareholders.
Reality check!
If there had not been a bailout, the shareholders holdings would have been worthless--or at best worth pennies. That the shareholders still have shares, still have investments, and still have a company which is making a return on their investment is due to the overly generous bailout provided by the people of the U.S.
And if that is how major corporations and businesses in America say thank you, we are really in trouble!
I am reminded of the Aesop fable about the scorpion and the frog.
They should have been left to go bankrupt for their unfair and ill advised investment strategy.
Just saying!
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Friday, January 11, 2013
Orca Predicament Ends Happily
The whales made it to freedom--without the assistance of humans. I was extremely happy to hear the news.
Why I actually care about a pod of Orcas is beyond me, but I do. Nature can be cruel and it is only humans that realize this. We are the only species on the planet able to mobilize ourselves against nature and win--sometimes.
And other times, even we lose miserably, like tsunamis.
I guess I rejoice when good things happen in seemingly hopeless situations. Because this situation seemed hopeless.
The situation was reminiscent of 1988 and Operation Breakthrough near Barrow, Alaska to free trapped gray whales..
One writer, made the following observation after the gray whales had made it to freedom:
Most importantly, I think there was and is a human lesson to learn from what happened with this International effort. Don't take this the wrong way, I love whales. I do. But I can't help but think it is amazing how much money and energy was expended, in brutal conditions, to rescue these whales. While it provided a nice diversion from the ongoing political races at the time, it remains sad to realize what we are willing to do for whales, yet we won't take the time or money needed to help out each other. Poverty, elderly folks being prisoners in their own homes, hungry children... all right here in America. It's wrong.
I really can't disagree, but then, we do what we can when we can and how can it be bad when we rally together for good?
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
 |
| Trapped Orcas - January 2013 |
Why I actually care about a pod of Orcas is beyond me, but I do. Nature can be cruel and it is only humans that realize this. We are the only species on the planet able to mobilize ourselves against nature and win--sometimes.
And other times, even we lose miserably, like tsunamis.
I guess I rejoice when good things happen in seemingly hopeless situations. Because this situation seemed hopeless.
The situation was reminiscent of 1988 and Operation Breakthrough near Barrow, Alaska to free trapped gray whales..
One writer, made the following observation after the gray whales had made it to freedom:
Most importantly, I think there was and is a human lesson to learn from what happened with this International effort. Don't take this the wrong way, I love whales. I do. But I can't help but think it is amazing how much money and energy was expended, in brutal conditions, to rescue these whales. While it provided a nice diversion from the ongoing political races at the time, it remains sad to realize what we are willing to do for whales, yet we won't take the time or money needed to help out each other. Poverty, elderly folks being prisoners in their own homes, hungry children... all right here in America. It's wrong.
I really can't disagree, but then, we do what we can when we can and how can it be bad when we rally together for good?
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Thursday, January 10, 2013
The Force is Strong with this One
Lucas and I are enjoying a great start to the morning.
Star Wars Episode VI--with the Ewoks is currently on. We have already done the complete tour of the outside, thankfully, it is a beautiful day.
He is a pistol.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Star Wars Episode VI--with the Ewoks is currently on. We have already done the complete tour of the outside, thankfully, it is a beautiful day.
He is a pistol.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Grandparent--Other Duties as Assigned
Yesterday I had the opportunity to chat with a newly minted grandmother. Her grandson was one month old and she was still getting used to finally (her words) being a grandmother.
It was fun to listen to her and it reminded me that I sometimes take for granted the enjoyment that I derive from having the "grands" around. They certainly brighten up a room, house, party, or whatever other event they are attending. Chris says that they keep us young.
Being a grandparent means that sometimes I have accept other duties as assigned, or requested.
Today, for instance, I get to spend a one-on-one day with the youngest grandson--Lucas. I took a day of leave from work and am expecting his arrival soon. We should have an interesting and exciting day. I am lucky enough to have time available and also have the level of activity at work low enough to allow me this opportunity.
Ready, set--let's rock through the day.
Then tomorrow, back to the grind.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
 |
| Lucas, Christmas Day 2012 |
It was fun to listen to her and it reminded me that I sometimes take for granted the enjoyment that I derive from having the "grands" around. They certainly brighten up a room, house, party, or whatever other event they are attending. Chris says that they keep us young.
Being a grandparent means that sometimes I have accept other duties as assigned, or requested.
Today, for instance, I get to spend a one-on-one day with the youngest grandson--Lucas. I took a day of leave from work and am expecting his arrival soon. We should have an interesting and exciting day. I am lucky enough to have time available and also have the level of activity at work low enough to allow me this opportunity.
Ready, set--let's rock through the day.
Then tomorrow, back to the grind.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
In the Heat of Battle
Sports, it seems, can be a reflection of the warrior spirit that hides inside of us. Like anything, each person is gifted with different portion of warrior spirit--some are blessed with an almost self-destructive portion of warrior spirit.
I was moved on Sunday during the Washington Redskins game. As he was laying on the turf after his already damaged knee which had hobbled him for much of the game, I saw that warrior spirit in their quarterback--RGIII. And it may not be a good thing.
The warrior spirit, unchecked, can cause rational people to make irrational and ill-advised choices. The ability to decide to take a path to self-destruction, while sometimes viewed as heroic, can also extract a high toll upon self and those in the vicinity.
While he was clearly heroic on Sunday in trying to lead his team to victory in the face of every increasingly over whelming odds, the decision to remain in the game and face a potentially career ending injury probably was not the right decision. Unlike warfare where there may not be a tomorrow or a next year, in sports next season holds the promise of even greater achievements--if able to participate.
But, in the hear of battle those decisions are not so clear. The harsh morning light of the day after, though, provides the illumination to evaluate decisions.
Leaders need to be sensitive to heat of battle decision making and keep the strategic objective in sight. Needlessly throwing human or fiscal capital into a losing position may have greater a negative impact on the organization than just accepting the position at hand.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
 |
| RGIII on Sunday January 6, 2012 |
I was moved on Sunday during the Washington Redskins game. As he was laying on the turf after his already damaged knee which had hobbled him for much of the game, I saw that warrior spirit in their quarterback--RGIII. And it may not be a good thing.
The warrior spirit, unchecked, can cause rational people to make irrational and ill-advised choices. The ability to decide to take a path to self-destruction, while sometimes viewed as heroic, can also extract a high toll upon self and those in the vicinity.
While he was clearly heroic on Sunday in trying to lead his team to victory in the face of every increasingly over whelming odds, the decision to remain in the game and face a potentially career ending injury probably was not the right decision. Unlike warfare where there may not be a tomorrow or a next year, in sports next season holds the promise of even greater achievements--if able to participate.
But, in the hear of battle those decisions are not so clear. The harsh morning light of the day after, though, provides the illumination to evaluate decisions.
Leaders need to be sensitive to heat of battle decision making and keep the strategic objective in sight. Needlessly throwing human or fiscal capital into a losing position may have greater a negative impact on the organization than just accepting the position at hand.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Monday Musings - Tuesday January 8, 2012
1. Off to a not so good start for the new year--totally missed writing Monday Musings yesterday. I guess I'm not musing too much this year, yet.
2. Walking outside yesterday at 5:30 PM, I was amazed that it was not totally dark. Yay, the dark times are beginning to pass. All of the celebrating did its job. Go druids, go!
3. Taxes--I have a feeling we haven't seen the last tax increase this year.
4. Who else, like me, realizes that the 2 percent increase in the Social Security withholding (OASDI) this year is a tax increase? They keep trying to sell it as the expiration of a tax decrease--but that still makes it a tax increase, right?
5. I noticed that the socialist government in France was trying to tax individuals who make a million Euro or more at a 75 percent tax rate. That is going to really spur economic recovery.
6. Are you worried about the trillion dollar coin concept? Read about it here. It is not a good idea.
7. How about the national championship game. I really thought Notre Dame was going to play a better game. But all we are left with is a rousing chorus of roll tide roll!
8. The NHL is back! I can't believe it took so long to get back onto the ice.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
2. Walking outside yesterday at 5:30 PM, I was amazed that it was not totally dark. Yay, the dark times are beginning to pass. All of the celebrating did its job. Go druids, go!
3. Taxes--I have a feeling we haven't seen the last tax increase this year.
4. Who else, like me, realizes that the 2 percent increase in the Social Security withholding (OASDI) this year is a tax increase? They keep trying to sell it as the expiration of a tax decrease--but that still makes it a tax increase, right?
5. I noticed that the socialist government in France was trying to tax individuals who make a million Euro or more at a 75 percent tax rate. That is going to really spur economic recovery.
6. Are you worried about the trillion dollar coin concept? Read about it here. It is not a good idea.
7. How about the national championship game. I really thought Notre Dame was going to play a better game. But all we are left with is a rousing chorus of roll tide roll!
8. The NHL is back! I can't believe it took so long to get back onto the ice.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Monday, January 7, 2013
Snow Remains
As I was walking up the driveway to get the newspaper yesterday morning, I noticed a remnant of snow from the storms we had just after Christmas. A small, unassuming pile has lasted over a week to remind me that it is winter and with just a little bit of unluckiness--we could have had lot more of it.Thankfully, it is just a small pile.
But it remains there.
Right off the drive next to the fence.
I hope it goes away soon before the weather can add to it. I think between yesterday's mild temperatures and today's--it will surely be gone by tonight.
Time will tell.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Sunday, January 6, 2013
On into the Rest of the Year
The final decorations of Christmas have been returned to their storage containers where they will remain until after Thanksgiving 2013.
My, how quickly the season came and went--but I've written that before.
Today, it is onto football, playoffs, and enormous amounts of foot to celebrate the start of the rest of the year!
It is really exciting for the region that both teams are hosting playoff games on the same day. I'm not sure anything else is getting done anywhere around here today.
Hopefully, the football playoffs will not end the same way the baseball playoffs did with both teams losing in the first round! That was a real bummer.
But--here is a thought, I don't think the both of the regions baseball and football teams have ever made the playoffs during the same year!
That, as they say, is really exciting for a region where cellar dwelling has been perfected.
Focus on the positives--we are there. The outcome matters but not as much as just getting there. There are 20 other teams in the NFL whose seasons ended last year--and we are at least playing on and at home!
Go Ravens and Go Redskins (Fight for ole DC even though you play in Maryland)
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
My, how quickly the season came and went--but I've written that before.
Today, it is onto football, playoffs, and enormous amounts of foot to celebrate the start of the rest of the year!
It is really exciting for the region that both teams are hosting playoff games on the same day. I'm not sure anything else is getting done anywhere around here today.
Hopefully, the football playoffs will not end the same way the baseball playoffs did with both teams losing in the first round! That was a real bummer.
But--here is a thought, I don't think the both of the regions baseball and football teams have ever made the playoffs during the same year!
That, as they say, is really exciting for a region where cellar dwelling has been perfected.
Focus on the positives--we are there. The outcome matters but not as much as just getting there. There are 20 other teams in the NFL whose seasons ended last year--and we are at least playing on and at home!
Go Ravens and Go Redskins (Fight for ole DC even though you play in Maryland)
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
