Sat AM

Yesterday AM was a really great view of the "planetary trio" of Venus, Jupiter, and Mars.  The sky was very clear and the moon had not yet risen (?).  Such trios, esp of the third and fourth brightest objects in the sky, occur only ever few years.  For a few weeks, the trio has given us a good light show.  And Sirius, the Dog Star, was so very bright just south of Orion, the Hunter.  With clouds and light drizzle right now (and for the past couple of hours--I get up early!) there's not much to see out there.  I think yesterday, though, made up for missing the Orionids on Thur AM.

I just finished reading an essay about the relationship between A. Lincoln and McClellan.  I was reminded of a few assessments about McC and learned a new one.  Of course, due to his dilatory tactics, if that's what they were, tactics, Lincoln said of McC that "he had a case of the slows" and asked at one time, "if you're not going to use it, might I borrow the army."  I know a book came out a few years ago, maybe a dozen or more (I have forgotten the title) which tried to defend McC, but it seems hard to do when he constantly found excuses not to engage the enemy.  For instance, when he saw Joe Johnston's army across the Potomac, he insisted there were about 150,000 Confederates ready; the reality was Johnston had maybe 40,000 and McC outnumbered him about 2:1.  I was reminded of these two in particular, that McC "is the only man who can strut while sitting down" and, from Lincoln, McC "is an admirable engineer, but with a special talent for a stationary engine."  But here's a new one, esp for me, McC was "a self-made man who worshipped his creator." That came from a Brit and is pretty funny, but true.

I just noticed that "worshipped" above is highlighted as being misspelled.  If I remove a "p," the highlight disappears.  Hmmm......  I'm pretty sure I spelled it correctly.

It seems to me that too many of our politicians, esp from the left, are more concerned with stoking envy among the citizens than with actual empathy for them.  How does an obsession with others' greater wealth help anyone?  It assumes that doing worse, that is, having less money, involves doing badly.  As I think I've noted more than once here, what do I care if Bill Gates is worth billions and billions?  Good for him as long as he's gained his money legally and ethically.  Him having all that money doesn't at all detract from my situation or, for that matter, those of almost all of the people I know.  "Greed" isn't the sole or even the major cause of the so-called "income inequality."  There are lots of factors and, if greed is one of them, it's far down the list.  I suppose this might be the time I bring up certain "envy-stokers" who make speeches for hundred of thousands and maybe even millions of dollars, but I won't--not this AM.

Last week, I listened to a local radio talk show host throw the usual softball questions at a political guest.  Now when the guest(s) is(are) not on, the host is very opinionated, talking tough, but doesn't take the same tack when he gets those same people on the show.  But, and perhaps this struck very close to home, I became agitated when he and a like-minded guest started hurling darts at education and teacher.  It's well-known that I have dim views of much that goes on in education, including many teachers.  But here were two guys, who obviously know all about education--teaching and learning--because, after all, they went to school, didn't they?  And what really galled me was that both, no doubt, earn salaries well into the six-figures, if not more.  No, I'm not envious, not in the least.  What do you think these guys would say about raising teacher pay to attempt to attract more of our "best and brightest?"  And I would also submit, neither guy is worth what he is getting paid--not in the least.  They both must know someone.

I received some good news late yesterday.  One of my editors informed me that I'll have another article published in Michigan History Magazine.  Hooray!  I wonder if this makes me a real historian.
Ha Ha.  This is my second one in MHM and I am putting together an idea for a third.  But I have time to think since an author is allowed only one article each year.  I was trying to put together numbers in my head the other day while running.  I'm guessing, including reviews, my online column (not this blog), and other articles, I'll bet I am approaching or maybe have passed 2,000 (yes, that many!) published pieces.  What that means is this--I'm old!  I think my first one came almost 40 years ago; that's a long time.  Adding to the total was the weekly running column I did for the Detroit-area daily newspaper for almost ten years.  Sometimes I almost dread deadlines, but the actual writing I really enjoy.  And, I rarely read my own stuff.  I think I know what's in it!

I am not running today.  Nope, it's a planned day off.  I'm (along with Michael) having pizza for dinner with my blind running buddy and the other guide runners, so I'm not running with him.  And I'm not running with Carrie this AM since she is out of town.  I was curious so I consulted my running log.  This will end 56 consecutive days of running.  Without doubt, it's my longest string.  I always have built in a rest day.  Usually it has been Saturdays, but with my and others' (namely Michael H. and Carrie) schedules, I've run on that day, often twice adding up to 11 or 12 Saturday miles.  It's now raining a bit, but that had no role in my rest day.  I may, if it dries up, get out on my bike later, after I grade some mid-term exams.  With winter quickly approaching, biking days are near their end.

I'm not a big fan of coffee.  I don't like the bitter taste; at least to me it's bitter.  This AM I had a cup of tea, with honey added.  It was very good and I think I'll have a second cup.