Monday Musings - June 20, 2016

1. Summer arrives today! Finally. It seems like my favorite season took an especially long holiday.

2. Cleveland has its first champion since 1964. That is a long time to wait. Congrats to the Cavaliers for coming back and winning the NBA championship. 

3. I hope all the fathers had a great father's day. I certainly did. Played golf, watched golf, watched baseball and was introduced to Oculus Rift. 

4. The end of year party for the staff at Chris' school was a smashing success.

5. Is it just me? Or did we just have a weekend without political sniping dominating the news? I did not see other one of the presumptive nominee's names on the front page of the New York Times this morning.

6. The lingering effects of plutonium exposure are detailed in New York Times article this morning about the 1966 accident in the skies over Palomares, Spain and the subsequent clean-up and cover-up by he Air Force. 

7. The Orioles remain atop the AL East after 10 consecutive games against key rivals in the division! 

8. The US Open was a couple of long days of golf. Congrats to Dustin Johnson for overcoming adversity and the officials to win the championship.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Happy Father's Day 2016

For all the Dads out there--this is your day. A day to be remembered for the long nights and the patient hours it takes to be a Dad.

For all the kids out there, I hope you had a loving Dad like I have.

As a Dad of my own, I recall some highlights of being a Dad(in no particular order, just stream of consciousness).

Midnight feedings and diaper changes.  

Making two trips every evening over tight German roads to got to and from basketball practice. 

Looking at the twinkle in my daughters eye as she worms some new dress or other object out of my heart and wallet. 

Being a band camp parent dragging two coolers of sodas, or during the cold season hot chocolate, to the home AND away football games so that the band was well taken care of.

Racing out on a Christmas Day to find a new power supply for a computer.

Walking my daughter down the aisle on her wedding day.

Officiating at Patrick's wedding.

Hearing Jeremy recount how the delivery room cracked up at the mention of the words, "Luke, I am your father."

Fixing whatever was broken. Finding whatever was lost. Trying to smile when I wanted to scream.

Teaching kids sports, instruments, and math.

Crying when Chris and I left them alone at college.

Rejoicing with my kids, crying with my kids, and being there for them whether by changing brakes for an afternoon on the car or going to a ball game.

Being a Dad is a calling and it is not for everyone. It is a tough job and it never ends. It just gets better when the relationship matures from parent to coach to friend.

And then to grandparent. But that's a story for another day.

So to all the Dads, and to all the kids, and to all the wives and mothers who put up with the Dads and the kids--here's to you.

Happy Father's Day and Thank you for being you.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

End of School Year Party

Ready for The Party
June 17, 2016

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) school year ended yesterday. 

School is out for the summer. 

Chris and I hosted the end of year party for the staff of Line Kiln Middle School. A chance for the teachers and staff and their families to gather around our pool and decompress after the trials and tribulations of the  school year past.

I enjoy hanging out with them and hearing the stories and getting a reality check about life and working conditions in a place other than where I work. 

The party was a great success. Hosting the party gave Chris and I a deadline to complete many projects. And we did! The pool was pristine, the lawn neatly mowed, and I even ensured that the hole in the wall where the new faucet had been installed was completely repaired.

I have to admit, when all they wished each other a good summer as they departed, I was a bit sad--I have to work! I don't get seven weeks off to reconnect with life outside of work. 

But, then, I don't have to put up with kids every work day. 

Happy summer vacation! Enjoy it. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Promotion Fly-up

State Senator James Rosapepe Addressing the
Waugh Chapel Elementary 5th Grade Class
June 16, 2016

I attended the 5th grade promotion fly-up ceremony for my grandson Ethan yesterday who is leaving the halls of Waugh Chapel Elementary School and transitioning to middle school after summer vacation. It is hard to believe that he is now a middle schooler and moving so quickly into the next realm of growing up and his education.

Ethan Receiving his Certificate of Promotion

It was a surprisingly touching and well planned ceremony to acknowledge the completion of the elementary curriculum.

I was very impressed that a State Senator gave the opening remarks and that the assembled family and friends. The teachers worked their way through a myriad of awards and I was happy that Ethan collected quite a few awards recognizing his attendance and contributions to the school. 

I took a quick video of Ethan's arrival for the ceremony. I found it interesting that he was the next-to-last student to be seated. But at least i could keep an eye on him during the proceedings. It was fun to watch the look on his face, almost in disbelief, as he was announced as a winner of the President's Award for Educational Excellence. It was priceless!

It was an exciting day and I was happy to be included. Everyone deserves to have days devoted just to themselves to recognize their accomplishments and yesterday was Ethan's. 

Congrats Ethan! I am looking forward to celebrating many more achievements with you!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Disney does China

It has been all over the news--Disneyland Shanghai opened today! Well, it has actually been open doing the pre-full opening work-ups for a few days.

My sense is that the park is huge both in terms of size and cost. Theres are confirmed by the Wall Street Journal article about the opening earlier today. 

I have read stories about how Disney made huge concessions to the Chinese government to get the project accomplished.

The happiest place on earth comes to one of the most unhappy countries on earth in a clash of cultures. I find it fascinating that Disney has worked hard to translate their products into a culture where they are virtually unknown. 

I will never, likely, visit Shanghai Disney but I am happy that maybe through the monolithic company, and despite the efforts of their government, we can begin to change Chinese culture one smile at a time.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

An Independent Press

It is in the 1st Amendment to the Constitution. It is pretty clear.

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

I guess the amendment refers to Congress and not the President. Oh, right, the President cannot pass laws! Don't forget that, but the President is sworn in as follows: 

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

One candidate certainly does not seem to have a grasp of the Constitution or the amendments added thereto. This candidate believes that is it OK to restrict the press because they disagree with his particular views. The press helps to ensure transparency in government.

I am have seen the abuses of the press as the harangue people to the point of insanity, but I am convinced that a free and independent press is essential to protecting our freedoms. And not just for the Federal government--but even more importantly at the State and Local levels as well. Too many representatives, it seems, once elected place their personal biases and views above those of the electorate. Without a press to allow these views to be discovered and discussed in open forum, who knows along what path our government would proceed.

We must watch carefully during the next few months. Decisions affecting our nation and the world as well as our personal freedoms and our lives will be made in the polling booths.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

My Take: Spewing Hatred

The reaction by Americans and the world to the massacre in Orlando has been widely reported.

Some prominent politicians, typically, have chosen to pursue their goals of achieving The White House in November by publishing and speaking about their views and reactions. I found it interesting the The Washington Post managed to be uninvited to one candidate's rallies after publishing a series of stories about his lack of empathy for the victims. He even continues to profess policies that are clearly unconstitutional.

I have a news app on my iPhone that searches and returns headlines for my review. The number and variety of articles about Orlando is truly amazing and more than one writer has pointed out the nexus of three volatile topics facing our society: terrorism, guns, and homosexuality. 

From the articles and commentaries that I have read about Orlando, it is clear that these topics surely have struck a chord.

One of the worst and most disturbing comments about Orlando have come, sadly no surprise, from a reportedly Baptist minister in Arizona. This "pastor" was spewing the most virulent of attacks and lack of empathy for the victims. He truly gives Christians a bad name for their narrow-mindedness and lack of grace and mercy. I would quote his statements, however, I am appalled that such insensitive words could come from the mouth of a person professing to be a Christ follower.

The victims are people. Our brothers and sisters. They need love, support, and empathy because their lives and relationships have been shattered. Whether we agree or disagree with lifestyle choices, spewing virulent hatred is not helpful. Nor is using the hurt and anguish of the victims to pursue political gain.

My Take: Why does there always need to be an angle other than to love one another?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - June 13, 2016

1. I am appalled at the massacre that happened in a nightclub in Orlando. My prayers and thoughts are with the victims and their families. 

2. Congratulations to the Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins. It was a long season and they were the last team standing. Congrats also to the Conn Smythe Trophy winner Sidney Crosby for being the MVP during the playoffs.

3. Hot sunny weekend days are awesome, especially when there is a pool in the backyard.

4. I played a round of golf on Saturday and was confused for the whole weekend because I usually play on Sunday. In my mind I enjoyed a weekend of two Sundays. 

Dog Tired Keeshonden

5. During the weekend we watched three extra dogs, just for fun. After the smaller and more excitable pair had departed, the keeshonden were exhausted and crashed in the family room. 

6. The Orioles did not play well over the weekend losing three in a row to Toronto. Maybe they can regroup after a day off today. They remain tied for the lead in the AL East, however.

7. It is funny how a weekend can turn in just a few minutes. All of the plans and projects can become afterthoughts and shelved. Oh well, there is next weekend, I guess.

8. It is the last week of school for many here in Maryland. Here is to the teachers, instructional assistants, and educational staff who have made it though another year of preparing the future leaders of our country and the world. As the week ends, take a moment to celebrate--I know that you have earned it.

9. Summer vacation is upon us! Well, not me, but many. Have fun and be safe.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Home Repair Follow-up

Home repairs can be problematic. 

The Aftermath of a Home Repair

The faucet repair from Friday took a nasty turn. Ultimately, both faucets will be replaced, but one received a interim (hopefully 5 years or more) fix while what was expected to be the easier repair turned into a protracted complete faucet repair including an nice new hole in the basement. 

The faucet looks great on the outside of the house--the follow-up, not so much. There was a preexisting cover for the water cut-off, but some brilliant person ran a 2X4 right across the spot where the faucet enters the house from outside. That meant a new cut, as shown in the image, to access and replace the faucet. 

The end result? More fun with home repair. Repairing one thing has a cascading effect and requires more repair.

It reminds me of the children's song about the old woman who swallowed a fly. 

A classic story about one thing leading to another. I wonder if children still sing that song?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

When Home Repairs Go Bad

Friday has arrived and I am home waiting for a plumber! I hate it when home repair projects go awry. I do not often have to call in professionals.

One of the Troubled Faucets

Both of out outdoor (hose) faucets leak. Badly. Seriously badly. 

I checked out the YouTube videos about how to repair them and successfully made the problem worse. One of them not only leaks, it is like taking a shower when it is turned on.

The cost for my inability is a plumber's visit.

I hope they can be repaired inexpensively. I had thought that the problem was with the seals and washers. But, I am afraid the problems may be more severe than that.

Both faucets are old enough that neither Home Depot nor Lowe's carry parts. Ugh!

Hopefully by the end of the day they will be repaired and fully functional.

Another day, another project.

It never seems to end.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD