Good Riddance to 2020

When I first heard of the Coronavirus and the subsequent shutdowns in early 2020, I figured we'd be inconvenienced for a month or so and then things would go back to normal. Boy, was I ever wrong! So, here we are about to usher in the New Year and we're still dealing with the effects of COVID. And sadly, we likely won't come out of our new, restricted world until mid-way through 2021 at the earliest!

Putting it mildly, 2020 has been a unique year. We have all been affected by COVID in some way. We all know someone who has had it. And we all probably know someone who passed as a result of it. One of my good friends lost her mom shortly after she tested positive for COVID earlier this year. Due to COVID restrictions, only immediate family members were allowed into the funeral home. We had to pay our respects in the form of a drive-by viewing. From inside of our car, we did our best to express our condolences as our friend stood next to her mom's casket and waved to us from the inside. It's hard enough to lose your mom, but to be so isolated during the grieving process seemed to be especially cruel. 

Working in the healthcare industry, I have seen some of the folks who work on the front lines. The respect that I have for these people can not be measured. They have worked countless hours throughout this pandemic, putting their own health at risk to care for others. Seeing death and despair day after day has a way of mentally defeating even the strongest of us. But the healthcare workers still get up and do it, time and time again. Amazingly,  I have heard people say that "this is what they signed up for". What a heartless thing to say. Where would we be if people "didn't sign up" for jobs like this? These people are heroes in every sense of the word, in my book. 

When Time Magazine prepared to name their "Person of the Year" recently, I thought that the healthcare worker would have been a shoe-in. But Time thought Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were more deserving. I personally think they got it wrong. But that's just my opinion..

The COVID vaccines were manufactured and released at a record pace. The Pfizer and Moderna versions have already hit the streets with AstraZeneca's on the horizon (maybe it's already out?). While it's probably too early to tell how effective the vaccines will be, at least it gives us a little hope for the future. The drug companies take their share of criticism. But I think they deserve a lot of credit for expediting these vaccines.

The next round of stimulus checks are due to be received in the next week or so. This will be a bit of welcomed relief to those who are struggling to make ends meet. But why are checks being sent to people who have not been financially affected by the COVID shutdowns? Maybe Congress should have spent more time trying to get money into hands of struggling Americans instead countless other pet projects. Yeah, I know... that's the way Washington works. But it certainly doesn't make it right....

On a positive note, the stock market is somehow at a record high. When the market tanked earlier this year, I thought it would take years to get back to even. But amazingly, stocks came roaring back and most people's retirement funds are up considerably since the beginning of the year. I've been investing for a long time and this has been the craziest year I've ever seen. If things start opening back up by mid-2021, we could see another economic boom. But things don't always goes as planned, so be careful.

We will progress into 2021 with a degree of uncertainty. Will COVID run it's course and finally leave us alone? Will a second strain come along and set us back even further? Will the vaccine rollout be effective enough to transcend us back to the "old normal"? When, if ever, will we be able to wander around in public without that damn mask?

The last thing I'll say to 2020 is, "Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out!"

I wish all of you a very Happy New Year and hope that 2021 will be a much better year than it's predecessor. As we move forward, let's try to help each other out instead kicking each other when we're down. Never underestimate the impact of simply being nice. If we all work together, there's little that we can't accomplish. Wishing you and yours the best for the upcoming year!

kw

My List of Great Cover Songs

Through the years, there have been countless songs covered by a slew of artists. In a lot of cases, the covered version pales in comparison to the original. However, there are also plenty of examples of songs being elevated to another level when performed by a modern band. Of course music, like most other art forms, is subject to interpretation. With this being said, here are a few of my favorite cover songs that I believe were well worth the effort....

"All Along The Watchtower" by Jimi Hendrix 

While Bob Dylan is known as one of the most prolific songwriters of our time, I think most of you would agree that he doesn't exactly have a velvet voice. Sounding like he has a mouth full of marbles at times, the passion of his music seems to get lost in his performance. I know I'm walking on sacred ground here but like I mentioned, it's all in the interpretation. Anyway, Jimi Hendrix electrified the Dylan classic and made it his own. 

"The Sounds of Silence" by Disturbed

This is an odd one because the original Simon and Garfunkel version was awesome. Trying to cover this one would be like making a remake of "The Godfather". But I can remember making my way through traffic on the DC beltway a few years ago when I heard this familiar song. I instantly realized that it was not the original. My radio told me that it was being performed by a band called Disturbed. I really wasn't too familiar with this band nor it's powerful singer. But as the song picked up momentum, the vocals became thunderous! The hair on the back of my neck began to stand up and applaud. If I had to grade this one on a scale of 1 to 10, I'd give it a 12. Absolutely superb!

"Higher Ground" by The Red Hot Chile Peppers

This is another song that took a lot of balls to cover. Stevie Wonder is, as Eddie Murphy once said, a musical genius. So, how could anyone have the audacity to mess with one of his masterpieces? Well, the Chile Peppers did it. And they did it well. The infectious bass line draws you in right from the beginning and the energy explodes throughout the song. There's also an element of funk that takes this one to another level. I'll bet even Stevie himself would agree.

"Once Bitten, Twice Shy" by Great White

Most people probably think that this is a Great While original. But it was originally written and recorded by Ian Hunter in 1975 (the same guy who does "Cleveland Rocks"). While the Hunter version isn't bad, the Great White version has an updated punch. The piano in this one really compliments the traditional guitar riffs. I had never seen anyone play "air piano" until this song came out.

"Proud Mary" by Ike and Tina Turner

The original CCR version was solid and had that familiar bayou groove to it. However, the Ike and Tina version got all up in your face. I loved the bass vocals that Ike Turner added to the song, And Tina Turner was a human spark plug who could electrify any performance. And who can forget the "swim dance" from Tina and her back-up singers during their live performance? If we could only harness the energy here...

"Diamonds and Rust" by Judas Priest

As a big Judas Priest fan through the years, I had to add this one to the list. It's always interesting when a hard rock/heavy metal band covers a folk song. And that's exactly what we have here. The original version, performed by Joan Baez, was a decent enough song. However, her version lacked the energy that it deserved. The original studio cover of this song, found on Priest's "Sin After Sin" album, was a bit lackluster in my opinion. But when they "unleashed" it on their classic live album, the song came to life. Rob Halford's dynamic vocals give the lyrics a shot of adrenaline that they so disparately needed. The song has since become a permanent fixture on the band's set list.

"I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston

Although I might be jeopardizing my man card with this one, it deserves to be on this list. Whitney Houston had one of the best voices of our generation. Her rendition of the National Anthem during that Super Bowl years ago ranks up there with the best. But when she covered Dolly Parton's classic song, she blew it out of the water. One of the most powerful vocal performances in recent memory. While I'm not a sappy, love-song kind of guy, I always appreciated Whitney's performance on this one. It was recorded for the movie "The Bodyguard" which went on to become the best selling movie soundtrack ever.

"Me and Bobby McGee" by Janis Joplin

Originally written by Kris Kristofferson and performed by Roger Miller, this song needed to a kick in the ass. Along comes Janis Joplin and the rest is history. Her version builds the perfect momentum. By the time it gets to it's climax, you feel like jumping up and singing along. Janis was one of those special performers who had the ability to make you feel the lyrics. And that's exactly what she did with this one.

"I Love Rock and Roll" by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts

Yes, we've all heard this song countless times. But many people don't know that the original version was done by an English band called The Arrows. Their version seemed a bit flat and lacked excitement. So, along comes Joan Jett and adds a heavy dose of black leathered attitude. And just like that, a rock anthem was born. 

"With a Little Help From My Friends" by Joe Cocker

Is it really possible to do a Beatles song better than The Beatles? Well, Joe Cocker ventured down that uncertain path and came out victorious. With his signature gravelly voice, Joe gave this Beatles classic a unique twist. He turned the bubbly, pop-sounding original into a passionate work of art. The harmonious back-up singers are the perfect compliment to Cocker's raspy vocals. 

"You Really Got Me" by Van Halen

The song that introduced most of us to Van Halen was originally performed by The Kinks. The original version was a classic in it's own right. But when Van Halen got a hold of it, people stood up and took notice. It's fitting that Eddie Van Halen's legendary guitar solo ("Eruption") leads into this song. You could make the argument that this cover changed the direction of rock and roll forever.

"Black Magic Woman" by Santana

This is another song that many people don't realize is actually a cover version. Perhaps even more surprising, the original was done by Fleetwood Mac. Of course, this was during the pre-Stevie Nicks/Lindsey Buckingham days. Peter Greene was Fleetwood Mac's gifted guitarist back then and added his own bit of flair to Black Magic Woman. However, when Carols Santana laid his hands on it, the song instantly found a new home. You can hardly think of Santana without this song playing in the back of your head.

If I had more time, I could come up with countless other examples. However, these are the first few that popped into my head. I love to talk music with friends. So, next time we get together over a few beers, I'd like to hear your idea of a great cover tune. Cheers!

kw

1. 
   

Anne Arundel County - The Next Round of Shutdowns

 So, with the next round of Anne Arundel County restrictions due to take place on Wednesday at 5 pm, restaurant owners are trying to figure out how to weather yet another storm. As they were already severely compromised at a 25% capacity limit, this next round of shut-downs could be the nail in the coffin that so many had hoped to avoid.

This 4-week shutdown could not have come at a worse time for the restaurant industry. Business usually picks up during the holidays and customers tend to be a little more generous with their gratuities. This Christmas bonus is now off the table.

The profit margin for most restaurants is very thin. They rely on a large volume to make money. Since the COVID restrictions kicked in earlier this year, many local restaurants have been operating at a loss. Although it might seem like a bad business decision to continue to do this, these restaurants are desperately trying to retain their respective customer base during these trying times. Closing their doors for the next few months might save them some money in the short term. However, by doing this, they risk losing their regular customers when (or if) things ever get back to normal.

Another huge profit maker for restaurants is alcohol sales. Although these businesses were granted permission to sell take-out alcohol, most customers will choose to grab a 6-pack of beer or a bottle of wine at the local liquor store.

Most restaurant owners have played by the rules. And many have taken on additional expenses by purchasing outdoor tents and heating supplies. With outdoor dining now being banned, these purchases will translate into another loss for the owners.

Although they don't fit into the category of traditional restaurants, social clubs are allowed to remain open at 25% capacity.  However, they can not serve food or drinks. So basically, you can meet up with your Army buddies at the local VFW, but you are prohibited from knocking back a PBR and a bag of beer nuts. There's just something fundamentally wrong with telling a veteran that he can't have a beer at his local VFW post.

Also, bowling alleys are limited to 25% with not food or beverage service. I bowled in a league not so long ago. Speaking for myself (and quite a few others), bowling and beer go together much like baseball and hot dogs. I bowled some of my best games after indulging in a few adult beverages. But that's a conversation for another day.

But seriously, people have to eat. Why are food and drinks prohibited at these places? Are they afraid that people will drop their mask momentarily to devour a few nachos? It's the inconsistencies that really drive me nuts with these restrictions.

And casinos are allowed to remain open at 25% (with no food/beverage service). Now, if there's one thing that is absolutely essential during a pandemic, it's gambling. See what I mean about the inconsistency?

Gyms will also be allowed to operate at 25% capacity. However, you must wear a mask during you're workout. I have a hard enough time breathing while my fat ass labors on a treadmill without a mask. The mask mandate in the gym gives me the perfect excuse to camp out on my couch with a bowl of Cheez-Its.

On a positive note, there is supposed to be some extra money coming to restaurants as part of a $10 million Restaurant & Food Service Grant Program. Additionally, annual restaurant fees (due in February) are being waived.  Whether it will be enough is the big question.

With all of this being said, please do what you can to support the restaurants and other small businesses in your community. With Christmas right around the corner, restaurant gift cards will make the perfect gift and also help the local business owners. If you're having a small gathering, consider ordering food from these local businesses. These places are the fabric of our communities. And the folks that own and work at these places are our friends and neighbors. Let's continue to do what we can to help them out.

Remembering The Patapsco Theater

 As I was making my way to my mom's house earlier today for my regular Saturday visit, I found myself sitting at a red light across from the old Patapsco Movie Theater. The nostalgia gears began to turn and quickly transported me back to the days of my youth.

Growing up in the South Baltimore neighborhood of Brooklyn, this old movie house provided me with many days of cinematic bliss. It was common to meet up with my friends on any Saturday afternoon to catch the latest attraction. There was usually an opening movie (aka a "B" movie) prior to the the main attraction. Some of these warm-up flicks were as good or sometimes even better than the feature film.

As you approached the marquee of the theater, you would pay the entrance fee to the "ticket lady" who sat inside of a small booth just outside the main entrance. You would conduct your transaction through a louvered piece of metal that was attached to the middle of the thick plate glass window. The actual money/ticket exchange was made through a scalloped steel dish at the bottom of the window. 

If I recall correctly, the admission was something like 75 cents for anyone 12 or under and $1.50 for "adults". When I was 10 years old, I can remember getting into an argument with the ticket lady after she wanted me to pay the full adult price. But I wasn't having any of that. After all, I was only 10 years old! She was adamant that I pay the full price because I looked older than 12 years old. I tried to reason with her, even going as far as humiliating myself in front of my friends and explaining that I was "husky" (this was how my mom used to candy-coat the fact that I was over-weight). Admittedly, I was bigger than most kids my age. But I still shouldn't have to pay the 12+ price.

Nowadays, 75 cents versus a buck fifty might not seem like that big of a deal. But back then, it was the difference between a small box of Mike & Ike's and a jumbo tub of buttered popcorn. And there was no way that this husky guy was going to make it through a double feature with no popcorn. So, I held my ground and continued to plead my case with the ticket lady. She finally offered me a compromise. She would let me through for the under-12 price. However, I would have to bring my birth certificate with me the next time to prove my age. I took the deal. For the next two years, any time I wanted to see a movie, I stuffed my proof-of-age document into the back pocket of my husky-size Toughskins.

But once I was inside of the theater, all my problems went away. The lobby of the theater was spacious, offering plenty of room to mingle with your friends before the show. After a quick stop at the concession stand, you would make your way into the cinema to find the perfect seat. As a symmetrical guy, I always preferred a seat somewhere in the middle of the room.

I can remember seeing "Jaws" in this movie house in 1975. In fact, I went back and saw it several more times before it's run ended. And every time, it seemed just as exciting as the first. I also watched "The Outlaw Josey Wales" along with other classic westerns. I can remember the hype over a horror movie called "It's Alive". It was about a killer baby. It seemed so scary at the time but it was actually one of the worst movies ever made. Speaking of bad movies, there was also a movie called "Tentacles" that I saw here. It was about a giant killer octopus. The creators were obviously trying to piggyback on the success of "Jaws" but it didn't work. 

And even though you had to sit through an occasional dud, it really wasn't so bad. After all, for those of us who grew up without air conditioning, a comfortable seat in a climate-controlled movie theater was a treat within itself.

As the years progressed, the multiplex cinemas began to take off and the single-theater movie houses began to disappear. In 1977, the Patapsco Theater closed it's doors for good and was soon converted into a social services center. Today, it houses some type of church.

My trip down memory lane ended abruptly as the driver behind me tooted his horn. The traffic light at 6th and Patapsco had turned green and it was time to move on. The old movie theater quickly faded from my rear-view mirror but it's memories will always be there....

kw

Back in the 60/70's...

Modern day....

Thanksgiving 2020

As we prepare for our Thanksgiving celebration, I think it's safe to say that things won't be quite as "traditional" as in previous years. Large family gatherings are being discouraged. The mad rush to the retailers for the post-dinner shopping sprees are being put on ice. And even traditional Thanksgiving football games are being suspended. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is still on but it will be making it's way down a vacant New York street.

No doubt, there are plenty of things to be depressed about. But is that really appropriate for a day we call Thanksgiving? 

Instead of dwelling on the negativity, maybe we should try to focus on some of the good things. At least for one day....

Today, as always, I am thankful for being an American. Although we might be in the midst of the most trying time of our generation, there's no place I'd rather be. 

I'm also thankful for the family and great friends who make my life what it is. Like I've said before, material things can be nice. But they pale in comparison to the people in your life. With every interaction with someone, you take away a little part of that person. I'm not going to get all philosophical but there is a bit of intangible magic in that. 

Speaking of friends, I have to give a special shout-out to my buddy, Ray Bachman. Not only is he one of the funniest guys I've ever met, he is also one of the most generous. Last night, as our beloved trivia host, he invited anyone who might be alone on Thanksgiving over to his home for dinner. He's in the entertainment business so he's taken a big hit during these COVID times. But he's still the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off of his back. He's a class act and I'm proud to call him a good friend. (I'm not sure if his girlfriend knows about his open invitation for today's dinner, so keep it on the down-low...😅)

In the true spirit of Thanksgiving, I am thankful for the countless healthcare workers who have been working around the clock during the COVID pandemic. During the course of my job, I spend a lot of time in hospitals and research labs. I have seen the tremendous work these people do. It's awesome, humbling and inspiring. 

Along the same lines, I am thankful for all of the first responders who always step up to the plate in times of crisis. If you see a fireman, police officer or paramedic during your travels, be sure to give them a friendly nod to show your appreciation.

And as always, I am thankful for the service of all of our military personnel who continue to keep our country safe, even in these crazy times.

On a lighter note, I am happy that I got to lounge in front of the TV in my pajamas until almost 11 am on a Thursday. It's rare that I relax this late into the day. And quite honestly, it feels pretty good.

I am also thankful for the beautiful spring day that has greeted us here in Maryland on this normally chilly November holiday. This gives me a perfect excuse to wear shorts today. They will provide the room and flexibility that I will surely need after that second helping later.

Here's to wishing you a positive and stress-free holiday. May each of you have a very Happy Thanksgiving...

kw

Coronavirus - Rolling It Back

To say that 2020 has been a trying year would be a vast understatement. Through it all, the Coronavirus has continued to pepper us with repetitive jabs. Who would have ever thought that, after almost a full year, we would still be dealing with this dreadful virus? 

On Monday, there was positive news from drug-maker, Pfizer, regarding the success of their latest vaccine trials. People were rejoicing and you could feel a much needed sense of relief in the air. The stock market reacted immediately and the Dow Jones hit an all-time high. It seemed, at least for a moment, that we were finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel. But as Tony Montana might say, "Just when they thought we were out, it pulls us back in...."

By Tuesday, doom and gloom was back in the air. We were informed that COVID cases were spiking dramatically. State and local leaders immediately reacted by announcing they would be reverting back to the social distancing rules of months ago.

I was having dinner in a local restaurant on Tuesday evening. Maryland's Governor, Larry Hogan, was giving a press conference on a local news channel. As he announced that the State would be rolling back restaurant capacity to 50% (it is current at 75%), a nearby waitress shook her head in disbelief and whispered, "We can't survive this again...."

Another customer reminded us that "Lockdown Larry's" restrictions were only the State restrictions. The local leaders could tighten them up even more. And that's exactly what happened. On Thursday, our local (Anne Arundel) County Executive announced that, beginning on 11/20, restaurants and bars would be limited to 25% capacity. 

Sadly, this could the final blow for many bars, restaurants and small businesses. Many of them were just starting to dig themselves out the hole that they fell into after the initial COVID shutdowns. Rolling capacities back to 25%  just won't be sustainable for some of them. And to add to the misery, we are now in the midst of the holiday season where these small businesses anticipate an uptick in sales. 

A week or so ago, I was at my local shopping center. I was sad to see that several businesses had already shut down since the beginning of the year. I couldn't help but wonder about the future of the rest of them.

During the Christmas season, Tina and I always enjoy the festiveness of the local establishments. The restaurants and shopping center are decorated with all of the traditional Christmas swag. You can feel a sense of warmth as a waiter greets you by name as walk through the front door of the restaurant. After a nice dinner and a couple of adult beverages, Tina and I would normally stroll through the various stores, soaking up the atmosphere of our own personal "Mayberry" as Christmas songs played softly in the background. Sadly, our intimate tradition is in serious jeopardy this year.

One of the other restrictions that will be implemented is a 10-person limit on indoor gatherings. So, if you are used to having that traditional Thanksgiving dinner with the extended family, you might find yourself in violation of the law. Sounds more like 1984 than 2020, huh?

2020 has, no doubt, been the worst year in so many ways. I would hope that 2021 will be much better. But as we've seen, nothing is guaranteed anymore.

As we continue to trudge through this, keep all of these small businesses in mind. Order carry-out from the restaurants when you don't feel like cooking. Try to buy from the local retailers instead of instinctively heading to the big box stores. The survival of our small businesses is going to depend on all of us to support them during these unprecedented times.

Wishing all of you safety and sanity as we try to manage our way through this.....

kw

Alex Trebek - Farewell To The Classy Host

There are certain TV personalities that make you feel like you're spending time with a long-time friend. Whether you've just come home from a rough day at work or you're just killing time, you can hang out with that friend with a simple push of a remote control button....

For years, we would gather at my parents house on Tuesday nights for a family dinner. Part of that tradition included watching Jeopardy, My cousin Virginia and I would grab our spots in the living room just before 7 o'clock and prepare to test our trivia knowledge. Alex Trebek would introduce the categories and then we would instantly proceed to a rapid fire round of questioning. Virginia and I would usually throw our guesses out there before Alex was even finished reading the clue. My Dad, who would half-hardheartedly play, would take the conservative approach and only chime in when he was 99.9% sure of the answer. 

When Final Jeopardy came around, my Dad would usually start talking about something totally unrelated to the game. I would say, "Hold that thought, Dad! We need to concentrate!" He would then immediately resume talking... 

A lot of things have changed since we gathered in my parents living room. I often wish that I could turn back the hands of time. But I know that's not possible. However, I knew I could always tune into Jeopardy where Alex Trebek would instantly bring me that nostalgic comfort that I desired.

One of the unique things about Jeopardy was that you always ended up a little smarter than when you started. 

Sadly, Alex Trebek, Jeopardy's beloved host,  passed away earlier today at the age of 80 after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer. He fought courageously with class and dignity. He continued to record new episodes of Jeopardy while he dealt with his personal health struggles. Although it had to be excruciating at times, his goal was to bring joy to the devoted fans of his show as long as he possibly could. He was truly a class act...

It's only fitting that we throw out some trivia tidbits in his honor. Alex Trebek holds the Guinness World Record for most shows hosted with approximate 8000. He also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He was a big philanthropist, giving away millions of dollars to various charities. 

Alex Trebek once said, " I don't think life would be as rewarding if I weren't helping my fellow man out whenever I get the chance."

I remember watching an episode of Jeopardy's Tournament of Champions earlier this year. One of the contestants did not have an answer for the Final Jeopardy question. So, he simply wrote "We love you, Alex." It was so moving that even Alex himself got choked up.

Alex Trebek said that he wanted to be remembered as a nice guy. I don't think that he'll have to worry about that. He will be remembered as one of the classiest TV hosts ever. His wit and charm were second to none. And he will, no doubt, be missed by trivia fans all over the world....

kw

Election 2020 - The Path Forward?

So, a few days after Election Day, a winner has finally been declared. As it stands now, Joe Biden will become America's 46th President on January 20. Yesterday, Of course, there have been some initial claims of voter fraud by Republicans. The validity to these claims will be determined later. But for now, Joe Biden will be taking residence on Pennsylvania Avenue in a couple of months.

Yesterday, Biden supporters held a nationwide block party. They frolicked like their favorite team had just won the Super Bowl. Liberal bliss was on full display with little regard for social distancing. There was a small presence of Trump protests at some of these gatherings but everything was quite peaceful., And no buildings were burned or looted in the process. This is obviously a good thing. But would things have been so jubilant and non-violent if Trump would have won? 

American flags were flown proudly throughout the celebrations. This a welcomed contrast to the burning of the flag that we've seen in recent times.  I'm not quite sure why it's fashionable to break out the flag when things go your way but burn it when things don't. There are different paths taken by any given administration. But it should never be fashionable to hate America. Like I mentioned in last week's piece, we have a democratic process in this country. If you don't like the guy in charge, vote him out at the next opportunity.

So, assuming that Joe Biden does indeed move into the White House without any delays, let's look at how he will change the current direction of things...

First off, he will likely use executive orders to rejoin the Paris climate accords. He will also reinstate the program allowing "dreamers" to remain in the United States. He will likely repel the immigration ban on Muslim-majority countries. And perhaps most significantly (at least regarding the COVID situation), he will reverse President Trumps withdrawal from the World Health Organizations. 

There has been plenty of criticism regarding Trump's handling of the COVID pandemic. Since there doesn't seem to be light at the end of the tunnel yet, Joe Biden will inherit the responsibility of guiding us to it. He will likely take a much different approach than Trump did. But time will tell if his approach is better. No matter what happens you can bet that it will be politicized...

As we get closer to Inauguration Day, it will be interesting to see how things play out. The transition process will likely be like no other. There is certainly no love lost between Trump and Biden. So, I don't expect them to work together at all. I'm even wondering if Trump will attend the Inauguration. 

Speaking of lack of love, Trump and the media would fall into that category. The fireworks that we've seen over the past four years were something that couldn't be ignored. Will the media take the same hard line approach with Joe Biden? Trump's unfiltered handing of the press is something that we'll likely never see again. Although brutal at times, I think it was important for Trump to expose the bias of the media. Yes, I know my liberal friends will fight me on this. But we'll just have to agree to disagree.

With all of this being said, I watched Biden's address in Wilmington, DE last night. He spoke of uniting the country, promising to work as hard for the people who voted against him as the people who supported him. He also encouraged the crowd to view Trump supporters as, not enemies, but fellow Americans. As someone who admittedly did not vote for Biden, I liked the substance of his message. Will he deliver on it? Time will tell. 

While there is still deep division and turmoil in this country, we desperately need to find a united way forward. I'm not sure if Joe Biden is the answer. But it looks like he will get his opportunity. As with any President, I wish him success in doing what's best for America. We don't always have to agree with each other. But we should never forget that we're all Americans.

kw

A Tale of Clocks and Daylight Savings Time

Yesterday started for me with a visit with my mom. I visit her almost every Saturday morning. Aside from the normal chores (cutting the grass, cleaning the gutters, re-programming the TV remote, moving heavy objects from room to room, etc.), she will routinely throw me a curve ball. Since this weekend happened to be Daylight Savings Time, I was also tasked with setting back all of her clocks. 

It would normally be a simple chore. But, you see, there are at least 25 clocks in my mother's house. Some people collect coins, some people collect baseball cards. My Dad, for some unknown reason, collected clocks. No one really ever asked why. But my Dad would pick up these unique clocks during his travels around local flea markets and yard sales. If you live around the Baltimore area, there's a good chance that one of your old clocks is now hanging in my Mom's house. And my Dad didn't store his collection for a rainy day. Oh, no. He actually displayed these things all over the house for everyone's enjoyment (and bewilderment).

One of the more peculiar things with all of these clocks is that some of them have chimes. With the strike of each hour, you will be greeted with a melodic belch of punctual commotion. It's kind of like walking into a barn and hearing the cows, goats and roosters greeting you in off-key unison. The first time you hear it, you'll likely react like Joe Pesci in "My Cousin Vinny" when he is awakened by the screeching owl (I know I use the Joe Pesci reference a lot. But it fits so many different scenarios. Plus, its a great movie!).

Speaking of owls, this one clock has 12 different birds on it, one for each hour. So, if the clock strikes one, you might hear a robin If it strikes two, you might hear a cardinal. I never really researched it to see if these various bird chirps were accurate. But my Dad swore that they were, so I'll take his word for it. I remember one time when the clock struck six. My Dad got a surprised look on his face and said, "You hear that?" 

"Hear what?", I asked.

As the bird-du-heure chimed for the sixth and final time, my Dad said, "Right there. You didn't hear that?"

I informed him that it was just a chickadee in his elaborate timepiece reminding us that it's 6 o'clock. He got a big smile on his said, "Son of a bitch! That thing sounds like a real bird. I'd better go outside and check on those burgers." (Many people knew my Dad as the lawnmower guru of Brooklyn. But few knew of his clock obsession.)

A few years ago, my son gave my Mom this fancy clock for Christmas. When I saw her opening it, I pulled Ken Jr. to the side and said, "A clock? Really?" 

Now, this particular clock has three different song themes. You have the choice of Christmas songs, contemporary classics or Frank Sinatra tunes. My Mom usually opts for the latter of the three. You see, many years ago at my sister's wedding reception, I had a little too much of the bubbly and did a rendition of "New York, New York". Although I was probably viewed by most people as the drunk uncle of the party, my Mom was surprisingly impressed with my butchered version of the Sinatra classic. Hearing her clock chime out "New York, New York" takes her back to that special day. Hey, if making an ass out of myself puts a smile on my mother's face, I'm good with it.

So, I made my way around my Mom's house yesterday pulling each clock from the wall and setting back the time exactly one hour. I actually got a cramp in my arm from lifting it so many times. To complicate things even further, some of the clocks had these pendulums that you have to jump start. I basically had to flick the pendulum with my finger until it moved back and forth freely. I'm happy to report that the natural hue has finally returned to my middle right fingernail.

About the time when I was finishing with the last of the 25 clocks, my mom called me from her bedroom...

 "Ken, I need you to dust off each one of those clocks when you take them down.", she said.

I had neither the mental or physical energy to pull all of those clocks off of the wall again. So. I simply replied,  "Ok, Mom. I'll get right on it." 

And then I grabbed a cold bottle of water and proceeded to plop my exhausted ass into a recliner. What she doesn't know won't hurt her. Plus, in no time at all, it will be spring and I'll be setting all of the clocks forward again. I'll plan on getting the dust rag out then...

kw

Election Day 2020 - Calm Before The Storm?

 With only a few days left until the most contentious election of our lifetime, America is already preparing for the aftermath. The division in our country has fueled things to a near boiling point. There are a lot of unknowns. But there a couple of things that we can pretty much say with certainty. One is that either Donald Trump or Joe Biden will win this year's election. And no matter who wins, half of the country will not be happy about it.

Cities are taking precautions for the anticipated unrest (aka rioting) after the election. Walmart pulled guns and ammo from their shelves (although I hear now that they're re-stocking). Retailers have begun boarding up their windows. And the National Guard has moved into Philadelphia (this is in a response to a recent "civil unrest" after a police shooting. But Tuesday's election will likely spark off a fresh round of "unrest").

Regarding this civil unrest....What is so civil about torching a building or walking out of Walmart with a stolen TV? Random lawlessness has been candy-coated with the term "civil unrest" to make it sound more legitimate. If you refer to it as rioting, you are often viewed as insensitive by the mob sympathizers. They will tell you that physical property can be replaced. As one of Baltimore's infamous mayors said a few years ago, "We need to give them room to destroy".  This kind of "leadership" only serves to embolden the mob mentality to destroy even more. 

I was watching a news segment on NBC this morning and they briefly touched on the potential unrest following the election. They insinuated that militia groups would be the ones wreaking havoc on Election Day. Really? I'm not saying there are not some lunatics out there that fit into this category. However, over the past year of various "unrests", I haven't seen a whole lot of militia members torching police cars or looting liquor stores. 

The have been record turnouts in early voting across the country. So far, I believe things have been mostly peaceful. I myself voted on Monday at one of the local high schools. There were both Trump and Biden supporters working their way through the crowds. I never quite understood why anyone would waste time campaigning near a polling place. Like everyone else, I already know who I'm voting for when I head out to the polls. Do they really think they can change someone's mind at the last second by handing them a piece of campaign literature? But then again, it's 2020. So. I guess anything is possible...

To add to the never-ending drama, we will likely not confirm a winner on Tuesday. Depending on how close it is, we might not have a confirmed winner for days or even weeks after the election. And the more time that passes will inevitably bring new accusations of voter fraud (lost mail-in ballots, voter intimidation, hanging chads, etc.). And this will potentially light the fuse on another round of "unrest".

And piling on even more, Biden is ahead in most of the polls. If you believe everything you're hearing, there is no way Biden can lose this thing. Of course, Hillary Clinton was ahead in most of the 2016 polls but that didn't go as planned for her. So, if Trump should pull out this one in a similar fashion, it will likely ignite the emotions of Biden supporters. It's starting to sound like a best-selling political thriller, huh?

Trump and Biden are two contrasting candidates who have two different road maps for the direction of America. I get that. If you talk to supporters from either camp, they will likely give you a 'dooms day" explanation of why the other guy should not be leading our country. While I can certainly appreciate the passion that someone might feel for a political campaign, there is no excuse to act out violently if your side happens to lose. And if violence ensues, it should not be downplayed or celebrated. This only encourages more of it. If you don't like the winner, try voting him/her out in the next election cycle. That's the civil way to handle it.

kw

Eddie Van Halen - Remembering The Guitar Hero

I was about 12 or 13 years old the first time I heard a Van Halen song. My jaw dropped as I listened to the blistering guitar intro (aka "Eruption") that eventually transitioned into an amped-up version of the Kink's "You Really Got Me". Before long, the whole neighborhood was talking about this new guitar phenomenon who called himself Edward Van Halen.

An interesting thing that I remember from early on was that everyone referred to him as "Edward" instead of the more casual "Ed" or "Eddie". It was as if everyone had already recognized his greatness and anything less than Edward would be disrespectful. But before long, we became more familiar with the music and the band. So, by the time the next album came out, we felt like we had a close personal friend and it now seemed appropriate to call him Eddie.

As the years went by, Eddie continued to cement his place in rock history as one of the greatest guitar players ever. His sound, technique and innovation quickly elevated him to the status of Rock God. Aspiring axe-slingers everywhere were in total awe....

They say that the great ones, no matter what their talent happens to be, make the hard things look easy. And that certainly applies to Eddie. He would play these crazy chord progressions and insane solos while making quirky faces, jumping around and having fun with the audience. 

In sync with his unique sound, Eddie also had his trademark guitars. Early on, Eddie attempted to combine the classic sound of a Gibson with the physical characteristics of a Fender Stratocaster. The end result was the "Frankenstrat". It served Van Halen well through the years and arguably became his most notable guitar. It now rests comfortably in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC.

David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar were the two prominent singers during the Van Halen years. The musical direction was notably different with the two front men. So naturally, there's always been an ongoing debate on which version of Van Halen was better. But one thing that everyone could always agree on was that Eddie was always equally great.

A friend asked me earlier today about which Van Halen song was my all-time favorite. I really couldn't tell you. There were so many great songs, how do you pick just one? I don't know if I could even pick a favorite album. But I'll pick two from the top of my head....

I have always loved "Van Halen II." It brings back great memories for me from a time when I was just discovering what rock and roll was all about. On a somewhat related note, I had a boyhood crush on Linda Ronstadt. So, I thought is was pretty cool to hear Van Halen cover her popular song "You're No Good" on this album. And to tie it all together, "Beautiful Girls" is also on this one.

My second personal favorite is probably "For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge". It had a unique sound for the "Sammy Era" in my opinion. And how can you not love the jab at the censors in the album title? "Poundcake" and "Top of the World" are two of my favorites off of this album. 

And I have to mention "Ice Cream Man". When you can write a song about Push-Ups and Dixie Cups and make it sound cool, you're a special kind of special. That song was so bad ass that it turned Good Humor men into Clint Eastwood overnight! 

The tremendous catalog of Van Halen music is truly a gift that keeps on giving. As great songs tend to do, they take us back to those special places in our lives. They have the magical ability to awaken slumbering memories all the back to our childhood. 

I've never met Eddie Van Halen personally and sadly never will. But I would like to thank him for sharing his gift with all of us for so many years. Although it might sound cliche, Eddie Van Halen will never be forgotten. He left an eternal mark on the music world. And we are all lucky to have been around for the ride...

kw

Coronavirus - The POTUS Effect

To say that the plot has thickened would be a bit of an understatement when referring to the drama of 2020. While the COVID pandemic has been at the center of this year's events, the looming Presidential election has also been generating it's share of attention. 

More drama unfolded with the recent passing Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. And just when you thought things couldn't get any crazier, we found out on Friday that President Trump has tested positive for COVID. With roughly a month to go until the election, this latest development will likely have a huge impact on the approach to the finish line.

So, who, if anyone, has the upper hand at this point?

Let us look back to last Tuesday's debate between the two Presidential contenders. No matter who you might be voting for, I think we can all agree that this was a debate like no other. At times, it resembled an old Jerry Springer episode. It was hard to determine who "won" with all of the distractions. When it was over, I was left feeling like Dirty Harry when he said, "In all of the confusion, I kinda lost count." I think both guys could have done much better by simply addressing the issues and staying on point. But that's just my opinion...

Now, with the President likely having to be quarantined for the next two weeks, a major impact on his campaign strategy can't be ignored. Will the next debate, if there even is one, be a virtual contest? And if so, how will it be moderated? Chris Wallace had a hard enough time with the live debate last week. He must have felt like the ref in a WWF match. Can you imagine trying to control these two guys through a Zoom meeting?

Many feel like this latest COVID blow to Trump will give Joe Biden an easy path to the White House. If you used the polls as a gauge, I could see how you could arrive at that assumption. But you have to remember, most of these same polls had Hillary Clinton winning the 2016 election. And frankly, I don't trust the media to give us straight answers anymore.

I believe that the overwhelming majority of American voters already had their mind made up as to who they would be voting for on November 3rd. As a rule of thumb in most elections, approximately 40% of the voters will always vote Democrat and another 40% will always vote Republican. It's the remaining 20% that candidates desperately try to sway to their respective side. However, this time around, I believe that those "up for grab" votes are not quite as plentiful.

The mental impact on the President can't be ignored. Can you imagine being diagnosed with a potentially fatal virus a month before what is arguably the biggest election in our history? And let's not forget that the President is no spring chicken at 74 years old.

And no matter how you feel about the COVID restrictions, you have to admit that Trump has downplayed the seriousness of the virus at times. Even during the debate, he mocked Biden for "always wearing a mask". I am simply highlighting this because Trump's opponents can now use this as a "told you so" talking point. 

With this being said, I was amazed at the vitriol that was spewed in Trump's direction after his COVID confirmation. I understand the dislike for the man. But people were actually celebrating the fact that he and his wife caught the virus. And many were hoping for the worst! Come on, people! No matter where you stand on politics, this is the President of the United States! Objectively speaking, if you want to defeat the man, do it at the ballot box.

Another thought.... what if Trump's health takes, at least a temporarily, a turn for the worse? If Vice President Mike Pence should have to step in at the last minute, how will that affect things on Election Day? Perhaps we should put the debate between Pence and rival VP candidate Kamala Harris on the fast track.

The outcome of this election will certainly have a huge impact on the direction of our country. The two candidates are polar opposites and they certainly share no love for one another. And when you factor in the division in America right now, we have quite the volatile situation. Fasten your seat belts folks, I think we're in for a wild ride.....

kw

A Tale of Two 9/11's

 As I slowly pulled myself out of last night's slumber, I was overcome with a rush of emotion that transported me back to a morning nineteen years ago. The images of my American brothers and sisters who senselessly suffered on that day are forever ingrained in my mind. On the morning of 9/11/01, I stared at the TV screen in disbelief as all of  tragic events of unfolded....

I remember a seeing a stunned businessman, covered in soot and ash, walking unsteadily down a New York side street. Chaos ensued around him as a white cloud loomed in the not-so-far distance. The businessman showed up for work that morning not realizing that today would be the worst day of his life. As much as he tried, he could not shake the thought that this was just a bad dream. Sadly, he would slowly come to realize that he was fully awake.

I can recall seeing first responders unselfishly moving into harm's way as they desperately tried to direct people away from Ground Zero. Firefighters, carrying heavy gear, trudged up the smoky stairwells of the buildings. Tragically, they did not know what awaited them. But they moved forward anyway. They were determined to save as many lives as possible. Sadly, most of those brave heroes would never come out.

I was horrified to see people jumping from the upper windows of the building. 

"This can not be real", I thought. Can you imagine how torturous it must have been to make a decision like this? My mind went numb knowing that this was happening and there was nothing anyone could do about it.

New York City police officers tried their best to control the panic. As they attempted to provide a sense of calm, ominous debris showered them from above. They did their best to provide an image of control even as the city was literally falling apart around them.

I recently learned that a mother of one of the fallen officers met with President Bush in the aftermath of 9/11. She handled the President the badge of her deceased son and told him to never forget what happened on that day. George W. Bush carried that badge in his pocket for the rest of his Presidency.

I took a tour of Ground Zero of a few years later. I fought back the tears as two 9/11 survivors retold their stories. It was so raw and personal. It could feel their pain, anger and desperation. I can not imagine what it was like to be right in the middle of things that day. Knowing that your friends and co-workers were trapped in those buildings was way too much for any human to bear. 

In the immediate days following 9/11 no one cared about your skin color or political affiliation. American flags were selling as fast as the stores could put them on their shelves. We flew that flag proudly as a symbol of American unity and resolve. There were plenty of tears shed and we were all hurting pretty badly. But we were in it together. We found comfort in knowing that somehow, some way, we would prevail. Because that's what Americans do!

Things are a bit different nineteen years later on this September 11. Sadly, we are no longer united. Racial tensions and political differences have deeply divided our great county. Instead of comforting each other, we now see fellow American attacking one another. Our brave police officers, who were viewed as super heroes on 9/11, are now having bricks and bottles hurled at them. And our beloved American flag, that once-upon-a-time symbol of unity and freedom, has somehow become controversial. Sadly, some Americans would rather burn the flag today than fly it proudly. No matter where you stand on any of this, I think we could all agree that we need to get back on track and become the United States again..

While it's important to figure out how we got here, it's more important to figure out how we move forward. Nineteen years might seem like a long time, but I can remember the events of 9/11 like they were yesterday. In the days that followed, I was never so proud to be an American. And I really think most people felt the same way. 

My hope is that we can get back to a point where we all share a love for our great country. Things might seem a bit unstable right now. But don't ever give up on America. Just as we did after 9/11, we will also prevail through these uncertain times...

kw

Washington Redskins - What's In A Name?

So, it's finally official....The Washington Redskins are no more. Well, at least the Redskins name is no more. Of course, the unconventional name drop has been in the works for many years. And since we're in the middle of the biggest political correctness storm ever, that poor Indian mascot never had a chance. Ironically, according to a poll released by the Washington Post in 2016, 90% of Native Americans were not bothered by the Washington football team's name.* But the nail in the coffin was when big money sponsors like Fedex and Nike backed the Redskin's owner into a corner and essentially gave him little choice to move forward with the name change.

So, with the latest development in DC, you know it's only a matter of time before other sports franchises like the Kansas City Chiefs, Cleveland Indians and Chicago Blackhawks are forced into that same corner.

With this being said, I can't help but wonder why other mascots are not being considered for retirement. For example, has anyone ever asked a bear how he feels about the city of Chicago using him as their football mascot? By the way, I've been to Chicago several times, and other than maybe the zoo, I don't recall any bear sightings out there. We really need to take a poll among the bears to get their take on all of this.

And what about the Dallas Cowboys? There is a current push to rename the John Wayne airport in Orange County, California due to some controversial comments that were recently dug up from an old Playboy interview. So, if The Duke, America's most renown cowboy goes down, it doesn't seem like the Dallas guys will have much of a chance.

The New Orleans Saints....is anyone being sensationalized by this one yet? I mean there's already supposed to be a separation between Church and State. Will someone demand that the same separation be extended to the NFL? And let's not forget that Drew Brees is QB for the Saints. He's already been in hot water recently for saying that he's proud of his flag and would never kneel during the anthem. Think about that.....the guy had to apologize for loving his country!

And on that note, you also have the New England Patriots. In today's cancel culture, can a name associated with the American Revolution really still exist? For that matter, can anything pro-American still exist? Fast-forwarding a couple hundred years, modern day conservatives are often referred to as patriots. When word of this spreads, there will be surely be calls to change the name. Aside from all of this, how ironic is it for a patriot to take a knee during America's National Anthem? It's just too much contrast to handle...

Yeah, I know I'm being a bit facetious and these ideas might sound crazy. But with some of the recent suggestions that I've heard, nothing would surprise me anymore. For example, there has also been talk about changing the name of Washington DC. So, it's possible that the team formerly known as the Redskins might also be playing for a new city before it's all over...


kw


* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Redskins_name_controversy

Independence Day 2020

"Let freedom ring, let the white dove sing
Let the whole world know that today
Is a day of reckoning.
Let the weak be strong, let the right be wrong
Roll the stone away, let the guilty pay
It's Independence Day."
                                       - Martina McBride


As we prepare to celebrate America's 244th birthday, there's no doubt that this one will be a bit different. Along with with ongoing the COVID restrictions, we are also dealing with rebellious protests across the country.

Amazingly, on a day where we should all be coming together and celebrating the greatness of America, there will likely be crowds of people burning flags and trying to convince us that America's not so great. The first responders, who never get enough credit in my opinion, will be working hard to deal with the inevitable chaos that will ensue. These folks work hard and put their lives on the line every day for us. But still, there are calls to defund or even abolish the police departments around the country.

The division in our country today is heartbreaking. Yes, there is always room for improvement. But we should be working together instead of beating each other up. Maybe we should try to see what we have in common first. And then we can have a civil discussion on how to resolve our differences. One thing, hopefully, that we can all agree on is that we're all Americans. Let's start there and see where it goes....

Today, I will be relishing in the fact that I was born in the greatest country in the world. I will be thinking about all of the sacrifices that were made (and are continuing to be made) to make America what it is. If I happen to hear the Star Spangled Banner today, I will mentally transport myself back to 1814 where I will watch the fireworks with Francis Scott Key at Fort McHenry. I will also remember America's greatest generation for saving the world during the Second World War. I will remember our first responders who selflessly rushed into those Twin Towers on 9/11. And I will remember all of those great Americans who have ever worn the uniform of the US military. America is forever in your debt.

If you don't happen to agree with everything I've said, that's ok. After all, we're in America and it's our right to disagree. But as we move forward, don't ever give up on America. We've come too far to turn back now. Wishing all of my American brothers and sisters a very safe and happy July 4th!

kw

Coronavirus - The Resurgence

So, just when we thought we were coming out of the other side of the COVID woods, we now find out there there's a new surge of cases. Places that had previously started the re-opening process are now backtracking and shutting things down again.

Now, lets back up a few weeks. While we were still being told to practice social distancing and to wear masks when in crowds, thousands of protestors gathered in the streets all over America. While some of them did indeed don facemasks, it seemed to be a futile gesture considering that they were literally rubbing elbows with fellow protestors.

When this all started to transpire, the first thought that entered my mind was, "Watch, there's going to be a spike in COVID cases in a few weeks..."

Well, I don't consider myself Nostradamus. But yet here we are, a few weeks later with a spike in COVID cases! Imagine that!

The amazing thing about the recent spike is that the media will not even suggest that the protests had anything to do with it. And to add to the drama, the initial onset of COVID cases were largely affecting senior citizens and individuals who had compromised immune systems. But we are now seeing a spike in young healthy adults. Hmm, and what age group has been participating in the protesting and other miscellaneous mob-based activity?

While some states like Florida and Texas are rolling back their re-opening processes, nothing is being said to discourage the random gatherings in the name of protest. I would like someone to explain to me how the COVID infection rate differs between a gathering of people in bar or restaurant versus a gathering of people at a statue demolition. And don't give me any bullshit about the indoor versus outdoor scenario. When mobs of "peaceful protestors" were looting liquor stores and other fine shopping establishments, they were also indoors and not particularly abiding by the standard social-distancing rules.

In my home state of Maryland, at last check, restaurants are currently allowed to conduct indoor dining at 50% capacity with tables being at least 6 feet part. Just curious, what are the rules when attending a police-bashing rally? I have been told of some restaurants being reported and cited for violating the social-distancing protocol. Has there been any enforcement or even criticism of large protests? Just so I'm clear, this has nothing to do with the protests themselves. I am strictly talking abut the number of people in a given space at the same time. Why the double standard?

Here's another wild idea (assuming that it's not already being done)....Maybe newly diagnosed COVID patients should be asked if they've attended a recent protest. That would at least give us an indication on whether the protests have contributed to the spike. But, of course, we'd be relying on honest feedback. And I'm not sure that's even possible anymore.....

kw

The Father's Day Cook-Out

When my Dad was still with us, we used to gather at his house every Father's Day for a family cook out. As I would pull up in the driveway, I would see my father beginning to methodically place the burgers and hot dogs onto the backyard grill. Sometimes, I think he purposely waited until he saw my car to do this because, like clockwork, he was at this same stage of  the "cooking" process every time I arrived for a cookout. He would greet me in his southern drawl by saying, "Hey Ken, how ya doin'? You wanna finish cooking these? I'm gonna go in the house and check on Linda." (Linda is my mother)

My Dad was a very frugal man. He could squeeze a quarter tight enough to make George Washington cry. As I tended to the meat on the grill, my Dad would eventually come back outside and tell me about the great deal that he got on the burgers and hot dogs. Sometimes, to back up his claims, he would head back into the house and return with a receipt. He would point out the regular price and then emphasize the discount that he got with the aid of his trusty coupons.

My Dad wasn't one to waste time or money with traditional ground beef either. He would always opt for the more economical, pre-made boxed burgers. In his later years, "Bubba Burgers" became his go-to brand. He would bring out a half-frozen box of these thing to me as I re-positioned the first run of meat on the grill. I would tell him that we already had plenty of food. But he always wanted to grill more just in case anyone wanted a second helping. 

Every now and then, my Dad would splurge and buy Nathan's all-beef hot dogs. This was a big deal for the family because we knew the mental struggle that he must have went thorough spending an extra buck on that pack of hot dogs. Listening to him talk up the "filet mignon of hot dogs" was priceless.

Sometimes, Dad would throw me a curve ball and bring out a tray of chicken. Now, I don't mind grilling burgers, hot dogs or even steak. But chicken has always been my weak spot. I almost always overcook it. In the end, it usually has the texture of chicken jerky (is that such a thing?). Anyway, Dad knew my about my grilling Archilles heel. So, he would point out that chicken thighs were easier to grill because they were "juicier". Of course, I knew the real reason that he opted for the the thighs was because they were considerably cheaper than the more coveted chicken breasts.

When the grilling was finished, I would pile everything onto a plate and head into the kitchen. There, I would find a table full of salads, cakes and a variety of other food sufficient enough to give the entire neighborhood a "second helping". We would all prepare our plates and find a place to sit in the cramped house. Usually with the Orioles playing on the TV in the background, we would talk about the current events of the world. My Dad would act as the moderator, walking around asking things like, "You alright? You need anything? How about some ice cream? I got a good deal on Edy's Mint Chocolate Chip. It was buy one get one free and plus I had a coupon. Anyway, there's about 10 gallons of it in the freezer. Go get ya some."

We would wind the day down, enjoying each others' company. As we prepared to leave, Dad would do his best to send everyone home with a large plate of leftover burgers, potato salad, etc. As we said our goodbyes, Dad would eventual catch us and thank us for coming. It was a special moment then but looking back on it now makes it even more cherished.

We all thought these gatherings with Dad would last forever. But like most good things, they eventually come to an end. Unfortunately, I'll never get to cook another Bubba Burger for my father. But I will always remember the joy and good times that I had with him in his back yard on Father's Day.

kw

Tension In Atlanta

While emotions are still smoldering over the death of George Floyd, we now have another police-involved killing of a black man in Atlanta. While the details are still being sorted out, the media is already building their own cases against the cops who were in involved. And the Atlanta police chief has already resigned.

So, in a nutshell, here's what we know about the actual incident so far.....

On Friday night, 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks pulled into a Wendy's drive-thru. At some point, he fell asleep in his car. Because he was blocking the drive-thru, a call was made to the police (by someone inside the Wendy's, I assume). When the police arrived, Brooks appeared to be intoxicated and was given a field sobriety test, which he failed. At some point after this, a struggle ensued between Brooks and the two officers. During the struggle, Brooks grabbed one of the officer's tasers/stun guns. Brooks then broke free and started to run across the Wendy's parking lot. During the pursuit, Brooks turned around and pointed the taser in the direction of the officers. The video appears to show the the taser being activated but I have not heard of the confirmation yet. This is when one of the officers fired several rounds at Brooks from which he ultimately died a short time later.

Protests ensued around the area of Brooks' death last night, The Wendy's restaurant was set on fire while protesters blocked the fire department's access. Maybe I'm naive but I don't see how destroying private property is accomplishing anything in these cases. The supporters of this destruction will argue that property can be replaced. They'll also say that the property owner should have insurance that will pay to rebuild it. To those who support this nonsense, would you feel the same if it was your home or business being torched? Would you crack a beer with the arsonists and sing Kumbaya around the makeshift campfire?

So, while the facts are still being sorted out, the officer who fired the bullets in this case has been fired. So much for that due process thing, huh? 

Ok, I get that the race implications can't be ignored. But just for a moment, if possible, let's take race completely out of this situation and ask some questions...

A drunk guy passes out in his car in the drive-thru lane of a fast-food restaurant. What was the restaurant supposed to do? Should they have just told other customers to drive around him? Should a social worker have been dispatched for a round of field counseling?

Once the guy failed the field sobriety tests, he was suspicious of driving under the influence and subsequently arrested. Should the police have just told him to not do it again and ask him nicely to move his car out of the drive-thru lane? Should they have offered him a cup of coffee and told him to be careful on his drive home? Who would be to blame if he killed someone on his drive home?

When the guy punched the cop, should the cop have just shook it off? Or maybe he should have warned the guy of the increased likelihood of a hand injury when punching someone in the head?

When the guy pointed the taser at the cops, should they have just taken the jolt like a piece of sizzling bacon? Ironically, six Atlanta cops were recently fired and charged with aggravated assault for using a stun gun in another recent incident. 

Hey look, I'm not trying to make light of this situation. After all, a guy died. I obviously don't know him personally but from what I understand, Brooks had three young daughters. He had just spent Friday getting one the children's nails done for her birthday. He was supposed to take her skating on Saturday. Sadly, he would never arrive to pick her up. And he never will again....

Folks, this isn't a black/white thing. This is a human thing. Don't let the media continue to divide us!

The tragedy of this particular situation is that it never needed to happen. The first mistake falls on Brooks himself for getting drunk and driving out to get a burger. The second mistake also falls on Brooks when he made the decision to fight with the police. And Brooks' third and most tragic mistake was pointing the stun gun at the cops. So, aside from what blame will ultimately fall on the police, Brooks had three opportunities to avoid being killed.

While police reform continues to be a major topic of discussion, I think something needs to be said on the way people (of any color) react when confronted by the police. Fighting with the police is never a good option. Don't set yourself up for a bad ending.

The cops in this situation were put in a bad spot. Maybe they did overreact. The jury is still out on that one. But when the adrenaline is running high and you feel threatened, the volatility of the situation increases exponentially. If we're going to try to fix these issues, we can't ignore the perspective from the cop's end. I'm not a psychologist so I'm not claiming to know the answers. But I think you need to consider all elements.

With all of this being said, I am certainly not condoning the shooting of Rayshard Brooks. I truly wish it never happened. And I truly wish that he would have gotten to take his daughter skating yesterday.....

kw

Minneapolis Burning

When I first saw the video of the murder of George Floyd, I knew things were going to get bad. Already dealing with a strained relationship between the police and the black community, here we have a white cop slowly suffocating a handcuffed black man on a crowded city street. It didn't long for the video to make it's rounds through the media and it immediately got everyone's attention.

Unlike many of the police-involved deaths in the past, there was not much debate on this one. Everyone, black and white, was saying the same thing: this was a straight-up murder. When a cop has a hand-cuffed guy on the ground and basically kneels on his carotid artery for several minutes, what else can you call it? This guy isn't a cop, he's a thug with a badge....

A few days later, the cop was arrested on third-degree murder charges. Many think that this is too light of charge. And I believe they have a valid point. Maybe second-degree murder might have been more appropriate, I dunno? But when legal teams come up with charges, especially in these high-profile cases, they are looking for a charge to will most likely hold up in court.

Commence the rage.....

Over the past few of nights, Minneapolis (the city where the Floyd murder took place), has taken a brutal beating at the hands of rioters (By the way, there is a big difference between protesters and rioters). Businesses, that were already reeling from the COVID shutdown, were looted and burned. The police building where the arrested officer was stationed was overtaken and burned.

In Atlanta, police cars were set on fire and the CNN headquarters was vandalized.

In Washington DC, an angry crowd threw bricks and bottles at Secret Service agents as they attempted to gain access to the White House.

A Philadelphia bike officer was ran over by a car during a protest.

Countless police vehicles were torched in New Year city while officers took a barrage of bricks and bottles. This is New York, people! These were the heroes of 9/11! And now we're throwing bricks at them? It's heartbreaking to see this....

I can understand the outrage over Mr. Floyd's senseless murder. But what is accomplished by burning down your own neighborhood? Yes, you are certainly getting people's attention. However, it's for all of the wrong reasons. The death of George Floyd is now being overshadowed by the lawlessness and destruction. What kind of message are you sending to America? If you're burning down buildings and throwing bricks at police, you're not a protester anymore, you're a domestic terrorist!

The problems lie deeper than anyone wants to talk about. Instead, we are led to believe that police departments consist mostly of rogue cops who systematically hunt and prey on black men. While one can certainly make the argument that this situation exists to some degree, the overwhelming majority of cops are decent people who put their lives on the line for use everyday.

So what do we do to fix the problem?

First off, we need the good cops to call out the bad cops. Yeah, I've heard about the thin blue line and all of that stuff. But when one of your fellow officers is literally killing a guy in front of you, you don't just stand there and watch him. You take action and make him stop!

And we need real black leaders, and not race hustlers, to step up and speak out about the absurdity of the random lawlessness following these incidents. And we need these same leaders to work directly with high-ranking police and community officials to rebuild these strained relationships. If you have a discussion with a room full of people who you agree with, the status-quo will likely be the result. However, if you have a conversation with someone you disagree with, you'll have a better chance of achieving progress.

And here's something that media likes to avoid: While these controversial police incidents only seem to only be happening in black communities, the statistics would prove otherwise. There are plenty of white deaths at the hands of police as well. In fact, there is actually quite a few more*. The media seem to be very selective on the stories that they run in the situations. They pit us against each other because they know it will inevitably get a reaction and thus boost ratings. Just something to think about...

We should all be equally outraged when people of any color are senselessly killed at the hands of the police. This is the 21st century, the division and hate need to stop. Let's ramp up the conversations and stop trying to destroy each other. I'm betting that George Floyd would agree....

kw

* https://www.statista.com/statistics/585152/people-shot-to-death-by-us-police-by-race/

A Memorial Day Message

As several of his high school friends prepare for a virtual graduation ceremony, a young soldier prepares to get some much deserved rest. He has spent the better part of the day working in the 100 degree heat in a land half-way across the world. From a different perspective, he too, shares in the desire for better days.

Early the next morning, at an hour where most of us are deep in REM sleep, he awakes and gets ready for another day. Although the heat and humidity will be brutal, he doesn't complain. To revive himself, he splashes some cool water on his face and follows the smell of brewing coffee.

He gathers with his fellow troops for a quick breakfast. Afterward, they gather up their backpacks and head out for another day of fighting the good fight. The young soldier pulls a photo of his high school sweetheart from the side pocket of his BDU's. Imagining the day when she will meet him at the airport on his return trip home puts an instant smile on his face. Everyone needs a beacon of hope in these circumstances. And she will be his...

As the young soldier makes his way up the hilly terrain, he jokes with his brothers. It temporarily takes their minds off of the inevitable danger that awaits them. They march on, deeper into unknown volatility.

The soldiers stop around mid-day for a much needed lunch break. They hunker down in a patch of woods that should serve as a good cover from any potential enemy. Making the most out of their MRE's, they exchange light stories about their lives back home. It's during this time that there is a distant rustling in the woods. Although it could be nothing but a small animal, they can not take any thing for granted. They instinctively draw their weapons.....

They all take strategic positions as they survey they area. Whatever or whoever is out there appears to be motionless now. Tensions are high. They need to verify that the area is safe before they can march on.

A tree branch snaps about 50 yards behind the young soldier. He turns around to view the source of the sound. And then everything goes dark....

The trip home would not be as expected. Nor would the reunion with his high school sweetheart. Instead of joy, there would be heartbreak and sorrow. She should be looking forward to sharing a first dance with her new husband. But instead, the high school sweetheart will cry at his funeral while a somber version of Taps plays in the background.

The young man's life was over before it even had a chance to begin. He will always be remembered as an American hero. But even that will not take away the pain that his family and friends will feel. The sacrifice reaches deeper than most people will ever know...

.......................................................................................................................................

I know everyone has been going through a lot during the COVID shutdown. But today, it's not about us. Today belongs to those who gave all.

We are so lucky to be living in the United States of America. And it's because of our men and women in uniform that we are able to bask in it's freedom. To those who made the ultimate sacrifice, America can never repay you. But you will always be remembered as the heroes that you truly were.

kw

Coronavirus - The Longing

Today, I find myself thinking about how simpler things were in the pre-coronavirus world. I'm wondering how long, if ever, we can get back to any inkling of normalcy.  Although I have been able to venture out into society for work-related and personal reasons, it's still far from business as usual.

Under normal circumstances, yesterday would have been the 145th running of the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore. Although I'm not a huge horse racing enthusiast, I do look forward to the watching the Preakness each year. Tina & I started a tradition several years ago of heading to the nearby Two Rivers Steakhouse and watching the race over dinner and few drinks. But this year's dinner date will be delayed until at least October.

So many other things have been put on the shelf due to the COVID outbreak. And as depressing as it can be, for sanity's sake, you have to look forward to better times....

I long for a day when I grab a beer at a local bar/restaurant and engage in spontaneous conversations with random strangers.

I long for a day when I can venture into the Home Depot and not have people react to me as if I were a venomous snake.

I long for a day when I can enter a Safeway and stroll in either direction down a fully-stocked toilet paper aisle.

I long for a day when we can get together for a large family cookout and not have to worry about infecting one another by exchanging corn-hole bags.

I long for a day when I can sit in a crowded baseball stadium and buy an overpriced beer and hot dog. And I want to rub elbows with the person next to me and exchange Oriole stories.

I long for a day when I can take my grand-kids to the local Burger King for Kid's Meals and video games.

I long for a day when I can get back to sitting in 495 traffic on my ride home from Bethesda. OK, I'll take that one back. The free-flowing roads are something that I'm actually enjoying during all of this.

I long for a day when I can have a lengthy, animated conversation with my barber. I haven't went this long without a haircut since I was a teenager. If my hair gets any longer, I'm going to re-string my old guitar and try to join a band.

Speaking of which, I long for a day when I can go see a band. I want to stand on the crowded floor and feel the music with the masses.

I long for a day when my trivia team can sit in the same room and bust Ray's balls about asking bullshit questions.

I long for a day when I can toss my face mask and have good old-fashioned conversations with people.

And lastly, I long for a day when social distancing is a distant memory....

Our society is making slow strides to move beyond all of this. Hopefully, one day soon, this will all be behind us. Until then, take care of each other and be safe....

kw

The Murder Hornet - A Bee's Tale

As if we don't have enough to worry about with the Coronavirus, now we're being told that "murder hornets" have made their way to the States. Yeah, I know, this could be nothing more than a another sensationalized news story. But it's still a bit unsettling.

Let me preface this by saying that I'm not a big fan of bugs. And since I'm not particularly a big fan of pain either, I don't like bugs that are the size of hummingbirds and have the ability to plunge a large stinger into my tender flesh.

These so-called murder hornets (aka Asian giant hornets) are quite unique. First off, if you look one square in the eyes, you might be lured into a false sense of relief. With it's cartoonish face, you'll think you're staring at Spider-man. But the sheer size of the creature will make you back peddle and realize that this isn't your average bee. It's sting has been described as feeling like "a hot nail being driven into one's flesh". Comfortingly, huh?

Several years, against better judgement, I decided to throw hands with a large bumblebee. It wasn't quite as big as a murder hornet, but it was pretty damn big nonetheless. So, while I'm out in the yard cutting the grass, he starts buzzing around my head. I guess he was pollinating a dandelion or whatever large bumblebees do and I disrupted him by running him over with my lawn mower. Well, as I found out, bees don't like to be run over with lawnmowers...

Although I was in my suburban back yard, I saw this as a no-holds-barred urban street fight. So, I took my baseball cap in hand and began to swat at the raging bee. With every miss, the bee would fly closer to my head. He actually bounced off of my temple at one point but my cat-like reflexes allowed me to dodge away before he had a chance to drop his stinger. Feeling a bit cocky now, he came towards my head again. But on this attempt, I timed his arrival perfectly and caught him mid-air with my baseball cap. Even though he was a bee, he dropped like a fly. I could almost hear the shouts of  "Down goes Frazier! Down goes Frazier!"

The bee was laying on it's back in the nearby grass. He was clearly stunned. If he was human, as a show of respect, I would have walked over and helped him up, Maybe we would have even shared a beer and a few laughs. But since he was a bee, I left him there.....

Riding the wave of victory, I proudly put my baseball cap back on and strutted towards my lawnmower. As I threw my right leg up onto the mower deck, I heard a distant buzzing. Before I could even turn my head, I felt a searing pain in my right calf. I looked down and sure enough, there was the bumble bee. Donning a pair of cargo shorts, the bottom half of my leg was a prime target for my opponent. And he fully exploited my vulnerability. He had successfully landed his stinger into my exposed flesh. The damage was done....

Dazed but not yet completely confused, I instinctively brushed him away with the back of my right hand. He floated off into the distant air and left my throbbing calf behind. Now, I was the stunned one laying on my back in the grass. The sting had left a burning sensation that lasted for about two hours. He had set me up and ended the fight on his terms. Well played, Mr. Bumblebee. Well played...

Ok, so now you can probably understand why I am a little apprehensive about this murder hornet. From what I've read, the murder hornet's sting is exponentially more painful than that of a bumble bee. Can you imagine finding one of these things inside of your home? I wouldn't be able to sleep knowing that a Super-Sized hornet was lurking around in the darkness of my house somewhere. If that happens to me, I'm immediately putting a "For Sale - As Is" sign on the front lawn and rolling out.

As always, stay safe and be careful out there.....

kw