When Systems Need to Improve, Speaking Up Matters (Allegory of the Clan)

 Every system in society can be improved, including the justice system. Openly discussing both what works and what needs attention is part of maintaining public trust. Some people may tell you if you are a certain race or religion you have no say and should have few rights- these are exactly the reason why these checks and balances exist. Let us continue a learning discussion.....

The Allegory of the Clan is a hypothetical philosophical learning story designed to explore how favoritism, closed networks, religious hate, and racial bias can mix with corruption to derail a system designed to serve the public. A type of justice default that in the end is reversed in the spirit of justice. The technicalities of law circumvented its very purpose known as the "legal game" (..too many lawyers and not enough philosophers in systems argument.). 

Yet justice is not a game and is serious business where generations of people sacrificed to build fairness. The very root of society is tied to this striving of togetherness. Disregarding justice can open the door to discarding of essential purpose.

(Illustrative Only)
The next generation 
seeks knowledge
and opportunities.
They are thirsty and
will some day become
next generation leaders.
Perhaps some in our generation 
think we have
invented the concept of
justice and freedom. 
It was born from the
natural systems and
from societal
shared values. Our 
brand was spawned
from those ancient
traditions. We 
were only the stewards
of those generational 
values and strivings
and will be judged in our
duties there.
Philosophical Symbolic Artifacts

In the allegory people are brought through a series of events that lead to a final moment of clarity on why we should support strong functional institutions. Even protecting themselves from themselves as trust declines (...just thinking devil's advocate). Encouraging people to think about their purpose and role in society (....Let us not put people we disagree with on lists just because they may or may not have a more logical or moral opinion than our own.)

The lesson is simple: strong institutions need checks and balances, transparency, and accountability. Supporting a country also means supporting the principles of fairness, freedom, and the rule of law—and recognizing when changes are needed. List or not and popular philosophy or not. 

Political, religious, racial, or other group identities should not come before the broader needs of society. When wrongdoing occurs, correcting the problem rather than ignoring it can help strengthen institutions and rebuild public trust (Espoused and Enacted Values )

If your not on board with the higher principles/moral conscious then one might ponder what is important. 

*The Allegory of the Clan is a philosphical, theoretical, learning thought experiment so take with a grain of salt.

Judicial Corruption and Economic Development

• Judicial corruption can reduce trust in the legal system and discourage investment.
• Weak courts can increase business costs and create uncertainty.
• Complex procedures and limited transparency can increase corruption risks.
• Fighting corruption requires both enforcement and institutional reform.
• Data and measurable standards can help identify problems and evaluate reforms.

Buscaglia, E. (1999, July 1). Judicial corruption in developing countries: Its causes and economic consequences. Hoover Institution. https://www.hoover.org/research/judicial-corruption-developing-countries-its-causes-and-economic-consequences

US Business Activity Expands in September 2026-Inflation and Supply Chains Still Pose Risk

September 23rd, 2026

ESCANABA, MI.-Business activity is showing encouraging signs for companies looking for a reason to remain optimistic. Recent indicators point to stronger demand, expanding business activity, and renewed momentum in U.S. manufacturing.

The outlook is not without challenges. Rising costs, inflation, and continuing supply-chain pressures could create difficulties for businesses as demand increases. However, a growing market also creates opportunities.

For business leaders, understanding where the economy is expanding can provide valuable information for planning. Stronger demand may influence decisions about staffing, production, investment, inventory, and the allocation of other business resources. In a changing market, knowing where opportunities and risks are developing can help businesses prepare for what comes next. Whatever that is. 🤷

U.S. Business Activity Accelerates in September, but Inflation Pressures Intensify

• The S&P Global Flash US Composite PMI rose from 56.0 in August to 58.4 in September, marking the fastest business expansion since July 2021.
• Services remained a major source of growth, while manufacturing also strengthened. The Manufacturing PMI increased from 53.9 to 57.0, its strongest reading since May 2022.
• Employment increased sharply, with job creation reaching its fastest pace since June 2022 as businesses worked to meet stronger demand and growing backlogs.
• Supply-chain constraints are becoming more significant. Backlogs increased rapidly, delivery times lengthened, and companies reported difficulty finding suitable workers, limiting operating capacity.
• Inflation pressures also intensified. Input costs rose at the fastest rate in four years, driven particularly by higher fuel and transportation costs, while raw-material shortages and supply delays added pressure on manufacturers.

S&P Global. (2026, September 23). S&P Global flash US PMI: Business growth surges to fastest for over five years and job gains accelerate, but price pressures also intensify amid spike in costs [News release]. S&P Global Market Intelligence.

Richmond Feds' Barkin Discusses Inflation

Federal Reserve officials continue to watch several forces shaping the U.S. economy, including inflation, tariffs, energy costs, supply-chain pressures, and rising investment in technology. Richmond Fed President Tom Barkin offers an important perspective because Federal Reserve leaders rely on extensive economic research and analysis when considering monetary policy.

For businesses and consumers, these economic pressures can influence prices, investment decisions, borrowing costs, and demand. Technology investment may improve productivity over time, but higher costs elsewhere in the economy can continue to put pressure on prices. Following the views of financial leaders such as Barkin provides a useful window into how policymakers are interpreting these competing forces and the challenges facing the economy.

Richmond Fed’s Barkin Explains Why the Fed Raised Interest Rates

• Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond President Tom Barkin explained that the recent 25-basis-point rate increase reflected concern that inflation remains above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, while the labor market continues to show relative strength.
• July headline PCE inflation was 3.7% and core PCE inflation was 3.3%, with more than 60% of the PCE index increasing at an annual rate above 3%.
• Barkin noted that consumer spending and business investment remain strong, with substantial investment in artificial intelligence, improving manufacturing activity, and healthy business pipelines.
• He argued that inflationary pressures may be becoming more persistent as tariffs, energy costs, Middle East disruptions, AI-related supply-chain pressures, and other costs encourage businesses to pass higher expenses to customers.
• Looking ahead, Barkin said the Fed remains committed to returning inflation sustainably to 2%, while leaving open the possibility of additional rate increases depending on how inflation, employment, consumer demand, and investment develop.

Barkin, T. I. (2026, September 22). Why hike? Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. Read the full speech

From Lifeguard to Swim Coach: Learning to Stay Ahead of the Splash

Recently, I made the transition from lifeguard to swim coach to help out. The assignment seemed simple enough: get in the pool, take a lane or two, and help some swimmers improve. Of course, swimming has a way of reminding one that knowing how to swim and knowing how to coach swimming are two different things.

One may be a good swimmer and lifeguard, but competitive swimming is about much more than simply moving through the water. Technique, timing, body position, efficiency, and individual skill levels all matter. So, naturally, one needs to sharpen those skills as well. The video below provides a useful refresher on the four primary competitive strokes.

(Illustrative Only)
Jack illustrates
why its important to
have a strong
launch off the
starting block
with your body
in proper alignment. 
To help swimmers
he invented
the belly flop, 
half committed
dive, that 
makes a big splash
and sound that echos
off the walls
and makes everyone
focus on the swimmer.🙃 It's
called the 
Red Belly Flop.

Swimming also remains one of the better all-around forms of exercise. It provides excellent cardio, develops muscle, and is relatively easy on the joints. In other words, one can get a serious workout without having to explain to the knees why they have been betrayed.

I also hold certifications as a fitness trainer and yoga instructor, so helping people stay active is becoming something of a recurring theme. Need a little help getting moving? Send a message, and one can work with you virtually. No swim cap required.

Swimming Coaches and Professional Development

• The study surveyed 123 swimming coaches from 41 countries about professional development and coaching practices.
• Most coaches regularly sought new knowledge through other coaches, online resources, seminars, and conferences.
• Coaching philosophy often developed through experience, reflection, and continued learning.
• Mentoring was common, with coaches also identifying swimming as a way to develop athletes’ self-discipline and confidence.
• Technology and performance analysis were increasingly used, highlighting the value of continued education and collaboration between coaches and sport scientists.

Dalamitros, A. A., et al. (2023). Swimming coaches’ professional development and training practices: An international survey. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 5, 1229066. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2023.1229066

Building an Entrepreneurial Community: Lifestyles and Environments That Can Appeal to Start-Ups?

Small and midsize communities may have more entrepreneurial potential than they realize. Economic clusters are often defined around specific industries, but the concept can also describe the many economic and social transactions that connect people within a community.

(Illustrative Only)
Start-up appeal
has a lot to do
with lifestyle...
and quality of life.

Everyday exchanges matter. Buying and selling, sharing information, attending club events, building friendships, making business connections, engaging with public services and investing in property all contribute to the local economic system. Together, these interactions create the environment in which businesses can grow.

Lifestyle is another important part of the equation. Entrepreneurs may be attracted not only by business opportunities but also by parks, waterfronts, recreation, arts, schools, sports, and a strong sense of community. These qualities can create the “buzz” that makes people want to move to an area, open a business, and put down roots.

Escanaba provides an interesting example. The waterfront, parks, financial institutions, schools, social organizations, businesses, and recreational opportunities represent assets that can work together as part of a larger entrepreneurial ecosystem. Anchor industries such as manufacturing, wood products, shipping, and boat repair can provide additional economic connections.

Think of it as a whole package sell. Lifestyle and 'Sense of Community' is important to entrepreneurs, the people who work here, and the people who visit (i.e. tourism which also support start-ups). 

The challenge is recognizing these assets and connecting them. A community that brings entrepreneurs, businesses, institutions, and community organizations together can create opportunities for new investment. Some businesses will succeed and others will fail, but entrepreneurship is often built on persistence and repeated attempts.

The larger opportunity is to show potential entrepreneurs why a community is worth investing in—not simply as a place to operate a business, but as a place to live, raise a family, participate, and build something that contributes to the next generation.

What Makes a City Entrepreneurial?

• Entrepreneurial cities develop ecosystems that fit their unique economic and community conditions.
• Universities, businesses, investors, mentors, and skilled workers help create a strong entrepreneurial environment.
• Successful businesses can encourage additional entrepreneurship by providing role models and resources.
• Midsize cities may have untapped human capital, businesses, and institutions that can support growth.
• Entrepreneurship includes both startups and existing businesses that expand, hire, invest, and enter new markets.

Sitarz, K. (2018, June 25). What makes a city entrepreneurial? Babson Thought & Action. https://entrepreneurship.babson.edu/what-makes-a-city-entrepreneurial/

Super El Nino and The Need for Protecting Our Environment

Climate change remains a growing concern as the planet continues to warm and communities face increasingly uncertain environmental conditions. Scientists widely attribute much of the recent warming to human activities, particularly greenhouse gas emissions and pollution.

The energy debate is closely connected to the issue. Renewable energy technologies continue to develop, while rising oil prices and geopolitical conflicts demonstrate the potential value of greater energy independence. A more diverse energy system could reduce exposure to oil shortages, embargoes, and international conflicts.

Climate change also creates regional uncertainty. Some areas may experience relatively favorable changes, while others could face greater flooding, extreme weather, water shortages, or infrastructure problems. For coastal communities such as San Diego, preparation may include emergency plans, evacuation routes, backup resources, and alternative transportation options.

Individual choices can help, but larger changes may require businesses, governments, and communities to make sustainable practices more affordable and convenient. The challenge is not simply changing personal behavior but creating systems in which environmentally responsible choices become normal.

Ultimately, the issue extends beyond climate and into economics and generational responsibility. Fossil fuels helped build the modern economy, but pollution and environmental damage have also created long-term costs. The question now is how to maintain economic development while protecting the environment we leave to future generations.

Interesting article,

Super El Niño Breaks Temperature Record

A strong El Niño event has already exceeded previous modern temperature records in the Pacific.

Climate models suggest the event could strengthen further later in 2026.

El Niño can alter weather patterns worldwide, contributing to droughts, floods, storms, and agricultural disruptions.

Scientists note that El Niño is occurring against an already warmer global climate.

The event highlights the importance of preparing communities and economies for changing weather conditions.

Carrington, D. (2026, September 21). ‘Jaw-dropping’ El Niño bursts through temperature record months before peak. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/sep/21/super-el-nino-temperature-record

Start-Ups and Entrepreneurs Have the Power to Rejuvenate-Pathway to Start-Up Success (Escanaba and Gladstone)

November 21s 2026

WELLS, MI.-Startups, entrepreneurship, and the revitalization of downtowns and small towns are recurring themes on this blog because understanding how entrepreneurial ecosystems develop can help communities create lasting economic and social value. Rather than simply discussing these ideas in the abstract, we can examine research and consider how its findings might apply to communities such as Escanaba.

(Illustrative)
Is it possible to do
something new?
In Theory.
Perpetual Sustainable Development.
Time answers all questions. 

A recent systematic review examined 48 studies and identified numerous factors associated with startup success, including vision, leadership, adaptability, resilience, and prior experience. These characteristics are particularly relevant to small-town entrepreneurship, where business development often requires persistence and a willingness to learn from setbacks. Entrepreneurs may experience failure, adapt their strategies, and continue pursuing new opportunities. Resilience and perseverance therefore become important components of the entrepreneurial process.

However, successful startups depend on more than individual characteristics. Organizational capabilities, access to resources, collaboration, and the surrounding economic environment can also influence whether new businesses develop and survive. This is where community development becomes particularly important. In Escanaba, for example, downtown development efforts, local stakeholders, entrepreneurs, and community organizations can contribute to an environment in which businesses interact, collaborate, and create additional opportunities for one another.

The researchers also identify the need for additional research across industries, geographic regions, and stages of business development. This connects closely with the concept of industry clusters that we have explored on this blog. The question becomes how communities can organically develop interconnected businesses that meet market needs, strengthen local economic resilience, and compete in broader markets.

Ultimately, entrepreneurship should not be viewed solely as a mechanism for increasing the wealth of individual businesses. It can also be a tool for community development. When entrepreneurs, local institutions, investors, organizations, and residents contribute to a supportive ecosystem, new businesses can generate employment, retain wealth locally, strengthen downtowns, and contribute to long-term community development and generational value.

The Pathway to Startup Success

• The study reviews 48 empirical studies identifying 24 factors associated with startup success in developed and emerging markets.

• Entrepreneurial characteristics such as vision, leadership, adaptability, resilience, experience, and opportunity recognition can influence startup performance.

• Organizational capabilities, including teamwork, innovation, financial management, strategic planning, and marketing, are important to startup development.

• External factors such as government support, incubators, accelerators, and economic conditions can also affect startup outcomes.

• The authors call for more research across industries, regions, and stages of business development, particularly in emerging markets.

Argaw, Y. M., & Liu, Y. (2024). The pathway to startup success: A comprehensive systematic review of critical factors and the future research agenda in developed and emerging markets. Systems, 12(12), 541. https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12120541