The Type of People Who Scuba Dive: Old Dock and Testing Equipment

Diving is a sport I’ve occasionally practiced, but I’m finding myself more and more drawn to it, especially in places like Delta County in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, as well as around San Diego. Both regions offer very different but equally interesting underwater environments—shipwrecks, accessible shore dives, and great beaches that make the experience rewarding in their own ways.

I’m not a deep diver yet; I just haven’t progressed that far in my diving journey. Have done some shipwrecks and even sort of discovered one (...not really but I was the first to report it. A cheap find because others were there long before me. ) For now, I’m focused on building comfort and consistency in different water conditions, and I can already tell that familiarity makes a big difference. I also stay attentive to my equipment. Recently, I noticed a strap starting to fail and my tank would slowly slide down. I replaced the straps, installed a new rubber fitting to secure everything, and tested it this morning. It worked perfectly—no slipping, everything held tight.

I went out to an old dock area in Gladstone near the beach, figuring it would be a simple and controlled place to test the gear. I swam along the pilings that are still submerged, mostly looking for fishing lures. The visibility was poor—about one to two feet at best—and as the waves picked up, it became clear conditions weren’t ideal for exploration. Since the main goal was just to test equipment, I decided to wrap it up and plan for a clearer day when I can properly explore the area.

Diving also makes me think about the kinds of personalities drawn to the sport. Research often points to traits like sensation seeking, emotional stability, resilience, and a lower tendency toward panic. That resonates with what I’ve seen and experienced. I’m not interested in pushing into deep dives like 80 or 90 feet right now—it still feels like too much depth for my comfort zone—but that may evolve over time as experience builds.

I am an open water certified diver, and my focus now is simply getting more time in the water. The more time you spend diving, the more natural it becomes, and confidence tends to grow with repetition. Life is short, and part of the appeal of diving is just being present in those environments—the quiet, the water, the shoreline, and the sense of exploration right in your own region.

Starting a Saturday morning like that—out on the water, checking gear, and getting a feel for the environment again—is about as good as it gets.

P.S. I'm also a certified fitness trainer and yoga instructor so if you need a little help send me a message to the right. 

Some History:

I'm not sure exactly what is there or if these are the same but one sort of needs to do a little research to find out. I just searched up a few things. 

Gladstone Dock and Warehouse

Dock: Gladstone, MI - Lehigh Coal and Iron Co. Docks - 1887

Personality and Behavioral Outcomes in Diving: Current Research and Future Directions

• The article reviews how research on scuba divers has shifted from describing personality traits to examining how personality influences diving performance, safety, and behavioral outcomes.
• Studies suggest that personality characteristics such as sensation seeking, resilience, and emotional stability may affect diver training success, panic proneness, susceptibility to inert gas narcosis, and overall diving behavior.
• Researchers have found evidence that certain personality profiles are associated with safer decision-making and better adaptation to the unique physical and psychological demands of diving, although findings are not always consistent.
• The author notes that much of the existing research is based on small samples and varied methodologies, making it difficult to draw broad conclusions about the relationship between personality and diving outcomes.
• Future research should use standardized psychological measures, larger and more diverse participant groups, and longitudinal study designs to better understand how personality contributes to diving performance, safety, and training effectiveness.

Van Wijk, C. H. (2017). Personality and behavioural outcomes in diving: Current status and recommendations for future research. Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, 47(4), 248–252. https://doi.org/10.28920/dhm47.4.248-252

The Social Roots of Corruption: Lessons from the Allegory of the Clan

We are continuing to explore the ideas of corruption, hate, and their impact on society and the economy through a hypothetical thought experiment called the Allegory of the Clan. Like the Allegory of the Cave, it is meant to encourage people to think more deeply about how values, culture, and institutions influence human behavior.

Our discussion suggests that corruption has real economic and social costs. When corruption is reduced, economies become more productive, people are treated more fairly, trust grows, and fewer resources are wasted on favoritism or unequal treatment.

This raises an important question: How can corruption continue for so long?

In our thought experiment, corruption is not just about one bad person making poor decisions. Instead, it develops within groups where people share values and influence one another. Members learn what behaviors are accepted and often reinforce those behaviors over time.

In the Allegory of the Clan, we describe this as a close-knit or "cultic" network. Members begin to see themselves as more important than others and slowly place less value on people outside the group. As a result, bullying, intimidation, and unfair treatment become more common. Over time, some members cross ethical and legal boundaries, causing harm to others.

Instead of correcting the wrongdoing, some people in positions of authority choose to reward poor behaviors which further embeds unhelpful values and normalize them. In the story, victims, witnesses, and whistleblowers are blamed instead of the people who committed the misconduct. They knew the end result before they started because of the years of patterned corruption and victim blaming. This allows corruption to continue and eventually become part of the group's culture. These patterns do not appear overnight—they develop slowly as unethical behavior goes unchallenged.

(As a side thought. Group culture isn't in isolation and the root assumptions of such culture come from underlining broader values. This is why it might be important to correct wrong doing to avoid normalization which can have a bigger impact. Professions such as oaths, Constitution(s), Bill of Rights, pledges, symbols, artifacts, patriotic festivals help keep decision makers and people oriented true north to the greatest collective benefit. However, there are times and individuals/groups who do not fully believe in - or understand - those values and could undermine them for self, group, or ideological gain. There may be times where they coordinate harm against those trying to uphold essential root values. Elect your best and brightest and not the most connected to sheild against destructive ideologies gaining influence.)

The thought experiment also shows how victim-blaming can keep corruption alive. When people are discouraged from speaking up, retaliated against, dehumanized, etc. the same problems can continue from one generation to the next.

One lesson from this discussion is the importance of strong institutions and ethical leadership. Communities benefit when they choose institutional leaders based on character, competence, and integrity rather than personal connections. Bringing in new people and new ideas helps strengthen institutions while supporting the many honest public servants who work to serve their communities with fairness and professionalism.

The overall message is simple: reducing corruption improves trust, strengthens institutions, protects people's rights, and creates a healthier economy and society. That is why it is beneficial to correct it so you don't protect it. 

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

Corruption and Culture: An Experimental Analysis

• The study examined whether cultural background influences individuals' willingness to engage in corrupt behavior using controlled laboratory experiments with participants from different countries.
• Results showed that participants from countries with higher perceived levels of corruption were generally more likely to engage in bribery, suggesting that social norms and cultural experiences can shape ethical decision-making.
• Individuals adapted their behavior based on the expectations and actions of others, indicating that corruption is reinforced by social environments rather than solely by personal morality.
• The findings suggest that anti-corruption efforts should focus not only on laws and enforcement but also on changing social norms, increasing transparency, and promoting ethical behavior.
• The research demonstrates that experimental methods provide valuable insights into how culture and institutions interact to influence corrupt practices, offering guidance for policymakers seeking long-term reforms.

Barr, A., & Serra, D. (2010). Corruption and culture: An experimental analysis. Journal of Public Economics, 94(11–12), 862–869. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpubeco.2010.07.006

Goldman Sachs Forecast Highlights Key Economic Trends for 2026

Industry projections are valuable tools for strategic decision-making. Organizations often rely on economic outlooks to evaluate potential opportunities, risks, and competitive advantages when developing their strategies. Reports from Goldman Sachs, along with those from other leading financial institutions, provide a broad perspective on where the global economy may be headed. Reading a variety of forecasts helps leaders develop a more comprehensive understanding of the economic landscape rather than relying on a single viewpoint.

The Goldman Sachs outlook projects steady GDP growth, approximately an 11% return for global equities, continued expansion of artificial intelligence, ongoing adaptation to evolving market conditions, increasing energy demand, and a persistent level of economic uncertainty. These themes are generally consistent with many other industry forecasts, suggesting broad agreement on the major trends likely to shape the business environment in the coming year.

 Goldman Sachs 2026 Outlook: Sturdy Global Growth with Opportunities and Risks

• Goldman Sachs projects global GDP growth of approximately 2.8% in 2026, led by stronger-than-consensus U.S. growth driven by tax cuts, easing financial conditions, and reduced tariff impacts, while inflation is expected to continue moderating.
• The firm expects global equity markets to remain positive, forecasting roughly an 11% return for global stocks and a 12% gain for the S&P 500, although elevated valuations could increase market volatility.
• Regional forecasts highlight continued resilience in the U.S., solid export-driven growth in China, modest economic improvement across Europe, and steady expansion in Japan, though structural and geopolitical challenges remain.
• Goldman Sachs identifies artificial intelligence, global power competition, commodity supply dynamics, and increasing demand for energy infrastructure as major investment themes influencing markets and economic performance throughout 2026.
• The outlook emphasizes that while economic fundamentals remain constructive, investors should expect greater uncertainty from geopolitical tensions, currency movements, and changing monetary policy, making diversified and active investment strategies increasingly important.

Goldman Sachs. (2025). 2026 outlooks. https://www.goldmansachs.com/insights/outlooks/2026-outlooks

Fire Truck Sparkle, A Overcompensated Piece of Pizza, and a Touch of Guilt For the Fourth (The Motivations of Firefighting)

(Illustrative Only)

There is almost always
just that one
person that
shows up when 
dinner is served.
On this day
it was me!😬

With the Fourth of July just around the corner, many fire departments will be bringing their trucks out for community events so kids—and maybe a few future firefighters—can point, clap, look in amazement and check out some seriously impressive equipment.

Last week, firefighters spent hours washing, scrubbing, and polishing the trucks until they practically sparkled. Impressive! They did an incredible job, and the rigs looked parade-ready (Some of firefighting is maintenance, maintaining, and cleaning.).

I had every intention of helping. Really, I did. 😳🙈 (I did....really!) Unfortunately, I was directing a small piece in a theater show and busy casting the crew. By the time I sprinted over to the station, the trucks were spotless, the hoses were put away, and everyone was... eating pizza. So I missed the work and I feel a touch guilt about that but I did try and make the best of the situation ( I really did!). 

Somehow, despite contributing absolutely nothing to the truck washing effort, I still managed to secure a slice of pizza. If there were an Olympic event for "arriving just in time for free food," I might have a medal by now. I briefly considered offering to dirty up a truck so I could wash it, but everyone seemed pretty satisfied with the finished product.

The experience also reminded me why so many people are drawn to firefighting. It's about much more than responding to emergencies. Firefighters spend countless hours training, maintaining equipment, working out, and serving their communities. A recent study below found that many younger firefighters enjoy the challenge, the physical activity, and yes, a little bit of the adrenaline that comes with emergency response.

But the biggest reward isn't the excitement—it's the people. Fire departments build friendships that often feel like kin. There's a real sense of pride in serving your community, learning new skills, and knowing your team has your back when it matters most. Whether you're a career firefighter, paid-on-call, or a volunteer, those relationships last far beyond the fire station.

If you'd like to support a great volunteer fire department in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, donations help purchase rescue equipment—such as hydraulic rescue tools (the "Jaws of Life")—and provide training for the many new firefighters joining the department. Just send me a message, and I'll point you in the right direction.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I should probably burn off those "volunteer appreciation" pizza calories that I definitely didn't earn. I'll call it cardio... with a side of guilt.

Volunteer Motivation in Firefighting Organisations: A Case of the Slovenian Firefighters Association

• The study examined the motivations of 244 volunteer firefighters from 22 Slovenian fire brigades to better understand the factors that influence recruitment and long-term retention.
• Firefighters were strongly motivated by challenging emergency work, controlled risk, and opportunities for physical activity, although interest in adrenaline-based tasks declined with age.
• Gender differences were observed, with men generally preferring action-oriented emergency tasks, while women placed slightly greater value on social relationships and camaraderie within the brigade.
• Volunteers who experienced participative leadership and felt included in organizational decision-making demonstrated stronger commitment and were more likely to remain active members.
• The findings suggest that volunteer fire organizations can improve recruitment and retention by tailoring strategies to different age groups, recognizing diverse motivational factors, and fostering supportive, inclusive leadership practices.

Kozjek, T., Zorec Klemenčič, U., & Umek, L. (2025). Volunteer motivation in firefighting organisations: A case of the Slovenian Firefighters Association. Fire, 8(6), 220. https://doi.org/10.3390/fire8060220

Wing on Wing Sailing: Escanaba Yacht Club Race July 1st 2026

Photography is a hobby
so if you are interested
in any of my pictures
send me a message to the right.
Some are gallery worthy
while others are up 
to the beholder. :)
This one is not in the gallery.
I can print most pictures up to
poster size for $50
Frame or Unframed. 50% for charity
and 50% for me.
Send me a message to the right
or my email.
You may check out My Gallery
and Art Page 

It was a hot day, but being out on the water made it feel much cooler and more refreshing. A light breeze created perfect conditions for sailing in nothing more than a T-shirt (Some like performance long sleeve shirts for the sun.). Wing on wing sailing is the topic as the boats rounded the # 8 bouy. 

The race went very well overall. At times, the wind became light and unpredictable, while at other points it settled into a steady breeze that kept the sails drawing nicely. One section of the course, between the 8 buoy and the lighthouse, required wing on wing—sailing directly downwind. In this point of sail, the mainsail is positioned on one side of the boat while the jib or spinnaker is set on the opposite side, creating a "T" shape. Even the slightest wind shift can cause the boom—the pole thing at the bottom of the mainsail—to swing unexpectedly, making it one of the more challenging maneuvers, even for experienced sailors.

The weather could not have been much better. Although rain had been forecast, it never materialized, and the afternoon turned out to be beautiful. After returning to the harbor, the crews secured their boats and put away their gear before gathering together to enjoy a simple meal and good conversation, providing a fitting end to a great time on the water.

(Illustrative Only)
Main sail goes on one side,
the jib or spinnaker goes
on the other side
because the wind
is directly behind
the vessel. 

Todd pushes
 against the boom
to maximize
wind capture. 

Sailing Poem on Boom

Wing-to-wing
the wind has died,

Pushing on the
boom to maintain
the ride.

We tack and I
move to the other side.
🫢😬
(I didn't say I
was a good 
poet. 🙃)

The lifestyle is
pretty good around 
here with 
lots of outdoor
recreation. 
 

Other Sailing Information:

I heard through the grapevine that the Gladstone Yacht Club did an outstanding job hosting members of the Escanaba Yacht Club during the Saturday 27th, 2026 Gladstone Race & Rendezvous (I had a charity golf outing and couldn't attend.). From everything I've heard, everyone was welcoming, excited, and made the event a success (It would be nice to have more boats from other areas so it may be helpful to put events on regional calendars.).

It would be wonderful to see even more collaboration between the two yacht clubs and the sailing school to raise awareness of local sailing. (Thinking broadly there may be an opportunity to highlight the value of the local nautical industry all together. 🤔We have ship repair, sailing, nautical equipment, a number of marinas, commercial shipping, commercial fishing, schools, etc..) . Working together could further strengthen local tourism, support economic development, and enhance the overall quality of life in our community. Sometimes promoting clubs leads to longer tail events for others. 

One of our greatest assets is the incredible natural environment we call home. The beauty of our waterfront and access to Lake Michigan (and nature) are experiences that many people never have the opportunity to enjoy. By continuing to build partnerships and promote sailing and waterfront activities, we can make our community even more attractive to visitors and residents alike.

Stoll Race brought sailboats from Esky, Gladstone, Marquette (They have a pretty good running article series so stay tuned and join the paper)

History:

Photography is a hobby
so if you are interested
in any of my pictures
send me a message to the right.
Some are gallery worthy
while others are up 
to the beholder. :)
This one is debatable whether
it should be in the gallery
but I kept it for
now just in case
it gets any interest.
I can print most pictures up to
poster size for $50
Frame or Unframed. 50% for charity
and 50% for me.
Send me a message to the right
or my email.
You may check out My Gallery
and Art Page 

UPTravel Maritime

The Upper Peninsula’s Great Lakes Shipwrecks: Heroic Stories, Boat Tours and Dive Sites

Wing-on-Wing Sailing: A Practical Guide to Efficient Downwind Sailing

• Wing-on-wing sailing positions the mainsail and headsail on opposite sides of the boat, allowing sailors to maximize sail area and improve efficiency when sailing directly downwind.
• Using a whisker pole helps hold the headsail in place, reduces sail collapse, and improves performance, particularly in light or variable wind conditions.
• Proper sail trim and careful steering are essential for maintaining boat speed and preventing the sails from collapsing as wind direction changes.
• Safety is a primary consideration, as accidental jibes can be dangerous; using a boom preventer and remaining attentive to wind shifts helps reduce the risk.

North Sails. (n.d.). Wing on wing (Part 2). https://www.northsails.com/en-us/blogs/north-sails-blog/wing-on-wing-2

2026 Global Talent Shortage-72% of Employers in 41 Countries Expected Talent Shortages

Human capital remains one of the most valuable assets in today's economy. While technology continues to evolve, markets shift, geopolitical events reshape industries, and new digital platforms emerge, organizations still rely on people to drive innovation, solve problems, and build meaningful relationships.

Increasingly, the workforce is moving away from routine, process-driven tasks and toward roles that emphasize creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and human-to-human interaction. These uniquely human capabilities are becoming more valuable as automation and artificial intelligence assume a greater share of repetitive work.

The findings from the study below reinforce this trend. According to ManpowerGroup's 2026 Global Talent Shortage Survey, 72% of employers across 41 countries report difficulty filling open positions. That statistic represents both a challenge for employers and a tremendous opportunity for education and workforce development to help close critical skill gaps.

It is also one reason I support the continued growth of mobile and flexible education. Learning that can occur anytime and anywhere aligns well with today's workforce, particularly younger generations who have grown up in a connected, data-rich, and increasingly virtual environment. Educational models that are adaptable, accessible, and responsive to changing market demands will play an important role in preparing tomorrow's workforce.

Take a few minutes to read the study below. It offers valuable insights into the evolving relationship between human capital, workforce development, and the future of work.

2026 Global Talent Shortage

• ManpowerGroup's 2026 Global Talent Shortage Survey found that 72% of employers across 41 countries reported difficulty filling open positions, reflecting a modest improvement from the previous year but continuing global hiring challenges.
• Artificial intelligence capabilities became the most difficult skills to recruit for, with AI model and application development and AI literacy surpassing traditional engineering and IT skills for the first time.
• Human-centered competencies remain highly valued. Employers continue to prioritize communication, collaboration, professionalism, work ethic, adaptability, and a willingness to learn alongside technical expertise.
• Talent shortages vary significantly by country. Germany, France, and the United Kingdom reported some of the highest levels of hiring difficulty, while the United States remained slightly below the global average and China reported comparatively fewer shortages.
• Organizations are increasingly responding by investing in employee upskilling, AI literacy, flexible workforce strategies, and hiring for long-term potential rather than focusing solely on existing technical qualifications.

ManpowerGroup. (2026). 2026 global talent shortage. https://www.manpowergroup.com/en/insights/2026-global-talent-shortage

Elevate Your Space with Nautical and Patriotic Decor (Escanaba Harbor Art Photography)

Escanaba Harbor

I can print most pictures up to
poster size for $50
Frame or Unframed. I do
this as a hobby so 50% for charity
and 50% for me.
Send me a message to the right
or my email.
You may check out My Gallery
and Art Page 

If you're looking for a unique piece of artwork, consider this photograph of the Escanaba Harbor at sunset. The rich colors of the evening sky created a beautiful scene, and I was fortunate to capture it at just the right moment.

With the Fourth of July approaching, this image also carries a subtle patriotic feel.

Feel free to browse the other photographs in my gallery. If you're interested in purchasing a print, simply send me a message using the contact form to the right.

Prints are available in a variety of sizes, with pricing that includes professional printing and delivery. Let me know the size you're looking for, and I'll be happy to provide a quote. Send a message to the right.

This photograph makes an attractive display piece for an office, reception area, or business, while showcasing the natural beauty of Escanaba Harbor.

While looking up how to improve your home decor with art I came across this piece which goes into specific depth. There are some tips and ideas in the article. 

Why Art-Inspired Home Décor Elevates Your Space

• Art-inspired home décor transforms living spaces into personalized environments that reflect an individual's identity, creativity, and personal story rather than simply following design trends.
• Incorporating artwork into the home can improve psychological well-being by reducing stress, enhancing mood, encouraging emotional expression, and creating a more inviting atmosphere.

• 

  (Illustrative Only)
  
  This picture helps to envision.
  
  This might look good in your
  yacht club, office, restaurant,
  or hotel. 

  Different artistic styles, such as Modernism, Art Deco, Abstract Expressionism, and Minimalism, provide homeowners with diverse options to create unique and meaningful interior spaces.
• Thoughtfully selected statement pieces can serve as conversation starters, express cultural heritage, and even become collectible investments with long-term aesthetic and financial value.
• Successful art-based decorating requires balance by avoiding common mistakes such as overcrowding spaces, mismatched colors, improper scaling of artwork, and overly themed designs.

Art-O-Rama Shop. (2026, February 1). Why art-inspired home décor elevates your space. https://artoramashop.com/blogs/news/why-art-inspired-home-decor