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