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Saturday Vision and Value


 

Lesson learned: more folks than usual will read a Friday post if it has a reference to bad language. I suspect that’s because it’s a rare occurrence. I won’t wear it out, never fear.

I would like to extend my full congratulations to the Baltimore Sun for spelling the word doughnut correctly.

Today is a good day for planning ahead if you want a summer job with HoCo Rec & Parks or a role in Fiddler on the Roof with Howard County Summer Theater.

When I am low on inspiration and ideas I continue to find my way to the blog of HoCo local Mike Hartley. 

Mission, Threw Mikes Eyez, Mike Hartley, January 9, 2026

Many of us are simultaneously despairing of current events while also trying to envision our personal paths for 2026. Hartley’s post brought me a sense of peace and a reminder of how much good there is around us.

My mission is to smile. To make other people smile. To be a good father and grandfather, to love. To be a good friend, to be truthful and ethical. To have a good time this weekend and maybe watch some sports. To get the fireplace going and trim my beard.

It reminded me of an exchange I saw on Bluesky last night:

It's incredibly demoralizing to constantly see the highest institutions of government and academia and the most important and widely seen news outlets knuckle under one after another, but then to see the gulf between that and the bravery of communities and neighbors and teachers - that's something.

And this response:

I have been as impressed by the normal people of this country as I have been disgusted by elite institutions and every bit of optimism I have that we are going to make it comes from that.


Food for thought for your Saturday - - this five minute video posted yesterday by Hank Green. 



“There is only one source of value”,  Vlog Brothers, Hank Green


Have a great Saturday. 




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  1. Julia A. McCreadyJanuary 10, 2026 at 4:43 AM

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