Amvets Sunday Game Day

Just in case you are a local veteran and want to come down during game day. Good club and people. 

Donations are tax free. 

Start-up Driven Innovation and Growth (Escanaba)

Escanaba is quietly becoming one of the Upper Peninsula’s best-kept secrets for entrepreneurs and young families. With a revitalized downtown, strong local infrastructure, and an unmatched quality of life, the city is positioning itself as a prime destination for new businesses and residents seeking a change of pace.

The heart of the community centers around its vibrant downtown, which features newly upgraded streets and sidewalks, rising tourism, and family-friendly events ranging from block parties to annual holiday celebrations. Combined with dependable public safety, a thriving arts scene, and endless outdoor activities like sailing and hiking, Escanaba offers a lifestyle that major metropolitan areas simply cannot match.

(Illustrative Only)

Local leaders emphasize that the town strikes a rare balance, offering big-city amenities alongside a welcoming, close-knit environment where neighbors genuinely know and support one another.

On the economic front, momentum is building. The arrival of Amazon, paired with highway upgrades, an regional airport, and active deep-water ports, provides strong transportation links for growing enterprises. The region offers ideal conditions for retail, tourism services, and light manufacturing or export businesses operating out of local industrial parks.

To maintain this growth, one might consider outreach efforts on young professionals in their thirties looking to start a family and establish a business, as well as mid-sized employers seeking room to expand.

Start-up driven innovation and growth

• The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) focuses on how start-up companies drive innovation, productivity, and long-term economic growth across global markets.

• High-growth firms and young enterprises play a critical role in generating employment, fostering technological advancements, and introducing disruptive business models.

• Government policies play a vital role in supporting entrepreneurial ecosystems by improving framework conditions, easing regulatory burdens, and enhancing access to finance and venture capital.

• Start-up policies also address structural challenges such as encouraging green and sustainable transitions, fostering digital transformation, and ensuring inclusivity within the innovation economy.

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (n.d.). Start-up driven innovation and growth. Retrieved October 18, 2026, from https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/sub-issues/start-up-driven-innovation-and-growth.html

Solving Statistical Problems and Analytics in the Morning Over Coffee

Check your emails, solve a few math problems, tackle the statistics, balance your checkbook or engage in analytic strategic decision making over morning coffee. According to a recent study, morning is actually the peak time for deep, analytical thinking.

(Illustrative Only)
Brain Fog

Admittedly, that idea can sound counterintuitive when you first wake up. I usually start my day in a complete fog, relying on a warm cup of coffee to clear the haze. Jumping straight into complex problem-solving isn't always my first instinct.

However, upon reflection, the reasoning makes a lot of sense. A major factor is simply the lack of mental noise early in the day. Before the daily deluge of notifications and tasks takes over, your mind operates with a fresh level of clarity.

The research highlights how our natural brain rhythms dictate how we process information throughout the day. The early hours are uniquely primed for focused cognition before mental fatigue sets in.

Whether you're sitting down at your computer or mentally preparing for the day, mornings seem ideally suited for tackling tough problems—be it scientific analysis, personal accounting, or complex decision-making.

I can certainly echo that idea. Moving forward, I want to pay closer attention to whether my mornings are truly best for analytics, while leaving creative work for later in the day. (I actually don't think exactly like that. I won't get anlalytic about my schedule but it might influence in the background how I partition my day broadly. You can't put energy into everything including your schedule.)

I’m not looking to radically overhaul my daily routine, but simple awareness goes a long way. Recognizing these peak windows allows me to choose the right activity whenever the opportunity arises.

So grab that morning coffee, wake up, and start tackling those statistics, formulas, and critical decisions.

You can read this article. 

Finally, I Know Why I’m So Insanely Productive In The Morning

Economics, Ethics, and Institutional Integrity Leads to Growth (Allegory of the Clan)

Without checks and balances, systems quickly lose public trust and long-term support. Helping to restore that faith through justice and thoughtful integrity is essential. Those who seek the strengthen institutions are cut from a different cloth than those willing to dehumanize and undermine the rights of others (There is plenty of research on why people might misuse authority and those who do care little about society's needs.)

In our learning example, the Allegory of the Clan, bad actors misuse power to target minorities, exploite others, enrich themselves, and operate without consequences. If by chance they get caught they are given sweetheart deals. As a thought experiment, we can trace this dynamic to its natural line.

Imagine years of unchecked abuse where anyone who speaks up is targeted, and the system lacked meaningful mechanisms to stop it. Open bigotries to sexual exploitation normalized. When clear corruption was found they incentivized the perpetrators and victim dumped to please stakeholders. Credible voices were dismissed in favor of well-connected rumor-mongers with histories of manipulating others.

However, when those engaging in corruption are finally uncovered and held accountable, the turnaround is dramatic. Income rises, crime declines, recruitment into public service rises, community engagement rises, investment increases, because the foundation has been improved. These higher values are difficult for people with dark triad traits to understand (There is some indication their brains are hardwired differently and while they can understand conceptual terminology they don't often get it's deeper, implicit ☝, abstract or esoteric meanings. At least in theory.)

While you can't sell wisome and goodness to all judges, especially the more extreme and partisan ones, you do begin to grasp the deeper nature of the problem  The message becomes clear: We are free because we still believe in freedom and expect our leaders to do the same. Ethics isn't just for the average people but is just as relevant and expected by the most connected and vetted. 

Just like trust declines by doing the wrong thing it can be improved by doing the right thing. It is a choice that depends on your Northern Star.  What is your value system? Be thoughtful and reflective. 

*The Allegory of the Clan is a Hypothetical Thought Experiment so take with a grain of salt. You may accept, reject, change, or dismiss. All ok because there is no right or wrong answer. 

This study is sort of interesting as it relates economics to ethics.

Cultural Factors and Ethical Integrity

• The essay examines why ethical behavior and rule of law enforcement remain elusive in many developing countries, drawing on the author's extensive professional experience across more than eighty-five nations.

• It establishes a direct link between the rule of law, judicial integrity, and economic development, noting that strong legal institutions reduce investor risk and minimize opportunities for corruption.

• It defines corruption and identifies structural and systemic conditions—such as complex bureaucratic procedures, underpaid government workers, and inadequate oversight—that enable both petty and large-scale corruption.

• It explores specific cultural and socioeconomic factors in developing regions, including extreme poverty, the economic strain on middle-class professionals, and strong communal, familial, and ethnic obligations that can inadvertently conflict with formal ethical norms.

• It highlights practical solutions and reform measures implemented globally, such as streamlining business registration processes (e.g., creating one-stop shops) and reforming justice sectors to enhance transparency and governance.

Vapnek, J. (2016). Cultural factors and ethical integrity. Hastings International and Comparative Law Review, 39(1), 123-146. https://repository.uclawsf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1805&context=hastings_international_comparative_law_review

A Picture of a Few of My Paintings From a Customer-Other Art Galleries in Escanaba and Gladstone

Art is an expression of life that can bring rich cultural and economic benefits to a community. From fine painting to local theater, well-crafted art enhances the unique appeal and identity of an area. While my own work may not draw massive crowds, if you find value in any of my pieces, they are available for purchase. I create and share new work from time to time—thank you for taking a look!

The pictures below someone sent to me after they purchased some of my paintings. They liked them on the wall and I couldn't be more happy. My gallery is online. 

 Art Gallery (Painting and Photos)

$70 Purchase Painting Pay Pal

$60 for photos (Rights to Use or Printing)

Art Gallery eBay (Paintings)

In an area like Escanaba and Gladstone we have some art galleries you may want to check out. 

East Ludington Art Gallery

William Bonifas Art Center

Mara Manning Studio

Uncorked Art

Frame Farm

Arts and Cultural Industries Grew at Twice the Rate of the U.S. Economy, Adding $1.2 Trillion

• The arts sector grew twice as fast as the total U.S. economy from 2022 to 2023.

• Arts and culture added $1.2 trillion to the economy, making up 4.2 percent of the GDP.

• U.S. arts exports exceeded imports by nearly $37 billion, creating a strong trade surplus.

• Most arts industries surpassed pre-pandemic values, though some sectors like performing arts organizations remained behind.

• Employment in arts and culture reached nearly 5.4 million workers.

• Every state saw growth in economic value added from arts and culture between 2019 and 2023.

National Endowment for the Arts. (2025, April 2). Arts and cultural industries grew at twice the rate of U.S. economy, adding $1.2 trillion. https://www.arts.gov/news/press-releases/2025/arts-and-cultural-industries-grew-twice-rate-us-economy-adding-12-trillion

Chopping Firewood for Fitness

Lately, I’ve been out chopping firewood. People ask me, “Why chop wood when you have a perfectly good modern furnace?” Well, because my furnace doesn't give me an excuse to swing an axe like a crazed lumberjack in my own backyard.

(Illustrative Only)

My place started out as an ancient cabin back when the "main street" was just a dirt trail along the Escanaba River. The original builders heated the place exclusively with a fireplace, and while a few additions have been tacked on since, the old hearth still rules the roost. If I get a good blaze going in the morning, the house stays cozy and the furnace doesnt bother to kick on.

Every now and then, I’ll fire up a burn barrel for scrap wood. If it’s clean timber, I’ll even grill over it. Nothing says "fine dining" like food infused with raw, primal smoke and a hint of backyard adventure. (FYI it is actually good. My smoked catfish and chicken were delicious!)

I chop these up
2-3 more times.

Beyond saving on heating, it’s my ultimate anti-desk-job hack. For hobbies I’m a fitness trainer, yoga instructor, firefighter, lifeguard, and coach, so sitting still makes me twitch. Every hour or two, I step away from my chair, head outside, and chop wood for ten minutes. It clears my head, gets the blood pumping, and keeps me from turning into a human pretzel at my desk. If you’re looking to get in shape, skip the gym membership—just buy an axe and do something constructive.

The way gramps used to do it!

Since you can burn abou 400 calories an hour even if I only go out three times a day I might still get in half of that, do some exercise in the house and you get another few hundred, bike down to the store and you get even another few hundred. Watch what you eat and you have a healthy lifestyle. 

I generally keep about half of this finely cut kindling firewood. I only use the clean stuff because I use it in myhouse. However, once I'm done cutting up my pile I usually keep half and sell the other half to a neighbor or something so I can buy a little more. Eventually my heating bill goes down, fitness goes up, and I enjoy more of the outdoors. It is a digital nomads way. 

I have a fitness trainer license, a yoga instructor license, coach swimming, play lots of sports so if you need a little virtual coaching help send me a message to the right. 

Government Spending October 2026: A Few Ideas Worth Pondering

To better understand our current financial position, we must examine government spending in context. Despite the broader economy continuing to expand at a moderate pace, government spending keeps rising. This indicates that the fiscal benefits generated by economic growth are not being effectively utilized to pay down the principal debt.

To build a more resilient and high-performing system, there is substantial room to reorient public debt, streamline internal government operations, and drive better public outcomes.

(Illustrative Only)
Tom and Tina
are from the 
average people
members of society. 
They didn't get any great
breaks in life
and their hands are 
chapped from work. 
However, they
do like to try and solve
puzzles on their
freetime and come
up with theoretical
ideas to ponder. 
People like them 
are not highly 
vetted. 
Economic-Sociological Platforms
and
Perpetual Sustainable Systems

These are just ideas for pondering. The entire blog is about exploring ideas so feel free to accept or reject anything. They are not even fully formulated conceptions. Ask the same question tomorrow and you might get a different answer. You may also want to add or detract information as it makes sense. If you don't like it or it doesn't fit into your needs feel free to click off and read something else. 

Core Principles for Systemic Improvement

• Focus on Internal Capabilities & Domestic Growth: Prioritizing domestic priorities—such as strengthening manufacturing, maximizing human capital, enhancing through technology and modernizing institutional frameworks—ensures our foundational economy remains strong and efficient.

• Eliminate Waste & Non-Essential Distractions: Unnecessary expenditures, complex geopolitical entanglements, and non-core initiatives frequently divert critical capital and administrative focus away from core functions.

• Prioritize Merit-Based Leadership: Key leadership and administrative positions should be filled based on proven talent, technical expertise, and demonstrated merit rather than political or party affiliation.

Avenues for Exploration

1. Strategic Debt Reallocation: Align national debt strategies with high-return investments in infrastructure, technology, and economic capacity.

2. Operational Efficiency & Streamlining: Audit internal government processes to eliminate systemic redundancies and reduce unnecessary overhead.

3. Human Capital & Manufacturing Investment: Implement policies that upskill the workforce and scale up domestic production to drive long-term GDP growth.

4. Meritocratic Governance: Institutionalize non-partisan recruitment and appointment standards across public administrative bodies.

Summary of Receipts, Outlays, and the Deficit/Surplus

• Receipt Growth (+3%): Total collections rose to $5.4 trillion, driven primarily by higher individual income and payroll (social insurance) taxes reflecting steady wage and salary growth. Conversely, corporate income tax receipts and customs duties saw declines due to updated investment deductions and trade rules.

• Outlay Growth (+6%): Federal spending climbed to $7.4 trillion. Major spending categories—particularly net interest on the public debt (surpassing $1 trillion annually) and mandatory spending programs like Social Security, Medicare, and defense—continued to expand.

• Monthly Deficit Dynamics: Monthly deficits fluctuate based on payment and revenue receipt timing shifts. For instance, August 2026 recorded outlays of ~$527 billion against receipts of ~$360 billion, producing a monthly deficit of ~$167 billion.

FY 2026 Budget Totals at a Glance

(Amounts in billions of U.S. dollars)

Metric	FY 2025 (Actual)	FY 2026 (Preliminary)	Change ($)	Change (%)
Total Receipts	$5,235	$5,403	+$169	+3%
Total Outlays	$7,010	$7,396	+$386	+6%
Deficit (-)	-$1,775	-$1,993	-$218	+12%