Chocolate, Oatmeal, Protein Bread at the Cabin

There are cooks that follow recipes and there are cooks that are creative. Cooking comes from your personality. I tend to be somewhere in the second group. I like to cook and prepare as many of my meals as I can. I do not cook every meal—sometimes I get busy, and sometimes the couch wins—but I enjoy trying new things and learning along the way. One thing I have discovered is that once you understand the basics of cooking, you can start adapting recipes and creating your own variations.

(Illustrative Only)
Probably better
for you then just
plain cookies.

Cooking at home has many advantages. You know where your food comes from, what ingredients are being used, and you can tailor meals to your own tastes. In many cases, home cooking can also support better health and energy because you have greater control over what you are eating. It can be more cost-effective, too. Fresh fruits and vegetables are not always cheap, but overall, preparing meals at home can cost considerably less than eating out regularly. The first meal may seem expensive because you have to buy all the ingredients, but if you keep cooking, those ingredients get spread across multiple meals.

There is also something to be said for knowing what is actually in your food. Some highly processed foods can be inexpensive and convenient, but cooking at home gives you more control over the ingredients. And you do not have to become a full-time chef. You might cook most of your meal at home and still go out occasionally for appetizers, dessert, or just because somebody else is doing the dishes.

A picture of
chocolate, 
oatmeal, protein
bread.

The item shown below is a protein chocolate oatmeal-style protein bread that I created without following a recipe. In other words, I was basically conducting a highly scientific kitchen experiment—with no laboratory, no research grant, and questionable measurements. A recipe combining protein oats, flour, cinnamon, a little salt, a little protein powder, brown sugar, regular sugar, maple syrup, baking powder, oil, and water to make a batter. I poured it into a pan and baked it until the edges started turning brown.

It turned out surprisingly well. I also made my own glaze using powdered sugar and vanilla and put that over the top. The more you cook, the more you learn, and I learned something from this batch: I have a tendency to slightly overcook bread. It was perfectly edible, but I like a little more moisture in the center. The one I cooked was perfect or most but for me next time, I will probably take it out a few minutes earlier and let the residual heat finish the job.

That is really what I enjoy about cooking. It is part science, part art, and occasionally part “let's see what happens.” You learn the basic recipes and techniques, but eventually you start developing a feel for things—how long something needs to cook, when it looks right, and when you should probably stop messing with it.

This is also a form of camp cooking. I do this in a log cabin with most of the basic amenities, but cooking in a cabin, on a boat, or in other outdoor settings requires its own skills. You learn to improvise, work with what you have, and sometimes create a pretty good meal without having every kitchen gadget known to humanity. And that is part of the fun.

I'm a certfied fitness trainer and yoga instructor so if you need a little virtual help send me a message to the right. 

September 2026 Empire State Manufacturing Survey-Cautious Optimism

The September 2026 Empire State Manufacturing Survey points to modest growth in New York’s manufacturing sector, with new orders edging higher as businesses continue to navigate a challenging economic environment.

Employment also increased, providing a positive sign for the sector and raising an interesting question about how much of the broader employment gains are being driven by manufacturing. At the same time, supply-chain problems remain a concern, with manufacturers continuing to face disruptions and higher costs.

Inflationary pressure has also not disappeared. Businesses continue to report elevated input costs and higher prices, suggesting that inflation remains an issue for manufacturers and consumers alike.

Despite these challenges, manufacturers remain generally optimistic about future business conditions. That optimism may encourage companies to continue making investments and strategic decisions, even as they weigh uncertainty, changing costs and ongoing supply-chain risks.

For now, the picture is one of modest growth accompanied by continued economic variability—a market in which businesses have opportunities, but also plenty of risks to watch.

Empire State Manufacturing Survey

• The Empire State Manufacturing Survey is a monthly survey conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York to measure manufacturing activity and business conditions in New York State.
• The survey asks manufacturers about changes in indicators such as new orders, shipments, employment, inventories, delivery times, prices, and business conditions compared with the previous month.
• The survey also asks businesses about their expectations for these indicators approximately six months into the future, providing information about business sentiment and expected economic activity.
• The survey is sent to about 200 manufacturing executives, generally presidents or CEOs, with roughly 100 responses received each month. Respondents represent a broad range of manufacturing industries across New York State.
• The September 2026 survey showed modest manufacturing growth, with the general business conditions index at 7.6. Employment increased, the average workweek rose, and both input and selling-price increases accelerated, while firms remained generally optimistic about future activity.

Federal Reserve Bank of New York. (2026). Empire State Manufacturing Survey. https://www.newyorkfed.org/survey/empire/empiresurvey_overview

What is Linear Regression and Why You Should Understand it Basics in Business

Linear regression is a commonly used statistical model for examining relationships and making predictions in areas such as business, economics, and research. Essentially, it identifies a line that provides the best fit for a set of data by minimizing the squared differences between observed data points and the regression line.

The model helps researchers examine the relationship between an independent variable and a dependent variable. More complex regression models can include multiple independent variables, allowing researchers to examine several factors at the same time.

A basic understanding of statistics is important because many research studies and business analyses rely on statistical models. You do not necessarily need to be a statistics expert unless you are conducting research or working in a highly technical field. However, understanding the basics helps you evaluate what the numbers actually tell you—and what they do not.

People frequently cite research and try and apply the findings but may not have a solid relationship between not only what the variables are but how they relate. Statistics therefore provides a formal way to evaluate, compare, and understand relationships among different independent and dependent variables. It puts teeth to conjecture.

Linear Regression

• Linear regression is a statistical method for estimating the relationship between variables by fitting a straight line to observed data.
• The basic model is expressed as y = a + bx, where y is the dependent variable, x is the independent variable, b represents the slope, and a is the y-intercept.
• Simple linear regression examines one independent variable and one dependent variable, while multiple linear regression uses more than one independent variable.
• The least-squares method identifies the line that provides the best fit by minimizing the squared differences between observed data points and the regression line.
• Linear regression can be used for prediction and to examine relationships in areas such as economics, psychology, business, and the natural sciences. However, the model represents an estimate rather than a perfect description of reality.

Tantawi, R. (2021). Linear regression. EBSCO Research Starters. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/social-sciences-and-humanities/linear-regression

Escanaba's New Downtown: Local Assets by Fostering Community and the Economy

 Recently, I stopped by one of the little social clubs I visit and took a look at this beautiful downtown out the front door.

This downtown has parallel parking, bike lanes, clean sidewalks, and attractive lamp posts. Look at these buildings. There is room for investment.

The downtown is poised for growth.

Recently, this town has been coming back through the revitalization of the downtown and the area in general. It was a little sleepy but has become a hot spot. It wasn't bad before; it just needed more new businesses, and some new businesses are now moving in. There has also been signifiant investment in the area from Billerud and other companies.

There is a growing sense of community, with activities and events bringing people together. Tourists are coming from all over, and tourism is increasing. The marina has races and sailboats. There are art events, Players de Noc, ice races in the winter, fishing during the summer, and nice beaches with lifeguards.

(I like to think of different sectors working together to create an organic cluster. i.e. metal stamping, wood products, infrastructure-shipping, tourism, start-up, etc. and how they work together.)

There is a lot going on in this town. From anchor businesses, to infrastructure upgrades, to an emerging entrepreneurial smart city feel. 

Now we have a beautiful, revitalized downtown that is ready for investment. There are still a few vacant buildings, but if you have a really good idea, I suggest you call the city with some investment ideas. City of Escanaba (City of Gladstone  is next to Escanaba)

If you have the capacity to invest, you can become part of the continued growth of this wonderful community filled with wonderful people.

We can show the world that we can build something new.

Escanaba's New Downtown

How Small Towns and Cities Can Use Local Assets to Rebuild Their Economies: Lessons from Successful Places

• Small towns and cities can successfully diversify and rebuild their economies by identifying and leveraging local assets, such as historic downtowns, cultural institutions, and natural environments, rather than relying solely on traditional corporate recruitment.

• Sustainable economic development relies heavily on long-range, community-driven planning processes that actively engage residents, local business owners, and regional stakeholders.

• Accessing outside funding—including state or federal grants—and providing local incentives like tax rebates or streamlined development processes helps lower barriers for private investment and business growth.

• Cross-sector collaboration among municipalities, universities, local businesses, and regional organizations allows smaller communities to combine resources and build economic resilience.

• Prioritizing environmental health, smart growth principles, and outdoor recreational assets enhances local quality of life, which in turn helps attract entrepreneurs, talent, businesses, and tourists.

APA Reference: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2015). How small towns and cities can use local assets to rebuild their economies: Lessons from successful places (Publication No. EPA 231-R-15-002). https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth

Hunker Junker Chronicles: Reviving a 1985 Buick Riviera-Degrease and Tire Shimmy

 Why Fix Up an Old Car?

Hunker Junker Classics is documenting the revitalization of a 1985 Buick Riviera that I picked up inexpensively from a friend after my other car was hit by a deer. Yes, the deer hit the car—I watched it happen.

Older cars are increasingly being restored and updated with modern amenities. Nostalgia is part of the appeal, but economics also matter. With new cars commonly costing $40,000, $50,000 or more, there is a lot that can be done with the body of an older vehicle for far less.

Illustrative Only

The Riviera Gets Some Attention

The Riviera recently received some needed mechanical work. An old oil leak was repaired, and the engine bay was cleaned up after years of accumulated oil.

A persistent tire-related shimmy was also addressed. Rebalancing the tire made the problem much better, although a small vibration remains. Since the problem appeared after the winter-to-summer tire change, the tires remain the leading suspect. Next time rotate and after than we are back to thinking about the axle.

Knowing Your Car

One lesson from working on older cars is that the owner often knows the symptoms best. Basic mechanical knowledge can help identify problems and ask better questions.

Not every repair requires replacing parts. Sometimes the first step is simply making sure the actual problem has been properly identified. That is why I prefer to understand the vehicle and its symptoms before authorizing additional work.

More Than Just a Car

For me, the Riviera is also about memories. My grandfather was a car dealer, and cars from this era remind me of him and the work he did.

He returned from Germany after serving in the war to protect people of a different religion and slow the advance of Germany, built a life, started a farm, married a farmhand, and eventually established a car dealership. That story represents a different era—one in which hard work, opportunity and independence seemed more attainable. This seem different now with the overconcentration of decision making, courts that make consolidation easy without thinking of about consumers, and money being siphoned from communities, farms, and small business to people at the top (Build local, buy local, thrive local to retain the tax advantages and wealth.). 

The Bigger Picture

That connection between old cars and personal history helps explain why people restore them. They are not simply repairing transportation. They are preserving memories, exercising creativity and maintaining a connection to another time.

For now, I'm enjoying fixing up and driving the Riviera. Maybe someday I'll restore and resell a few more classics, but for now, the goal is simple: keep the Hunker Junker on the road and enjoy the ride.

Why Some People Still Love Vintage Gasoline Cars

• Preference for older gasoline-powered cars does not necessarily mean resistance to change or modern technology.
• Nostalgia can connect vehicles with meaningful memories, family traditions, independence, achievements, and important periods of life.
• Familiarity, mechanical control, and the ability to repair or understand a vehicle can provide comfort and satisfaction.
• Psychological concepts such as attachment, nostalgia, the mere exposure effect, and the endowment effect help explain why people value familiar possessions.
• The broader lesson is that consumer decisions are influenced by both logic and emotion; understanding personal experiences can provide greater insight into why people make different choices.

Walia, G. (2026, July 9). Psychology says people who are old school and still love vintage gasoline run cars aren't resistant to change but often value memories, control and familiarity: What the behaviour reveals? The Economic Times. 

Leadership: Motivation, Direction, and the Ability to Develop Innovation Solutions

Leadership is fundamental to organizations and communities because it motivates people and provides a sense of direction. How we motivate people to act on a good cause, mission, or organizational objective is part of the ability of maximizing group effort. Executives will need to learn to manage groups and how you do that is important in solving collective problems (organization or society). 

(Illustrative Only)

Leadership is based
in your personal experience, traits,
and skills. It must fit
within a certain cultural 
framework and able to motivate
teams of people. The right
challenge, leader, followers
and resources for innovative
adaptation.

Strong leaders solve
 societal-organizational problems, 
they don't seek to self enrich
or self-promote.
Ethics is still important
to ensure resources
are used wisely.

Leadership ability is drawn from the social side. It contains elements of group management, resource allocation, knowing how to use pressure, when to create a vision. Strong leadership doesn't happen overnight but is fostered over time. 

Leadership is therefore both a skill and a developmental process. This is one reason people pursue college and graduate education, participate in leadership programs, and study leadership through reading and practical experience.

Leadership can also look very different depending on the circumstances. In some historical situations, strong leadership and authoritarianism may appear similar, while in others, empathy, collaboration, and working effectively with others can produce greater achievement. Leadership is neither good or bad but the leader must choose what type they are going to be and what their followers are willing to follow.

We have seen leadership in history do great things and we have seen it do horrible things. The leader must be able to sell his vision to others. Therefore, leadership is in context. Thus this is why in some of my writings I use the concepts I, ME, WE to round out this context. I is personal leadership (many paths to being a leader), ME is the socialized evironment (values and culture), and WE the collective effort (coordinating resources). 

Ultimately, leadership involves bringing people and resources together and developing strategies to overcome challenges. Innovate for lasting change. When leadership is inclusive and encourages willing participation in shared goals, it can help organizations bring out the best in their people, compete more effectively, and innovate.

The question for leaders is not simply whether they can lead, but what kind of leadership they provide and whether their approach brings out the best in others.

 Ten Simple Rules for Good Leadership

• Good leadership is not simply the same as being a good manager or a successful professional; effective leaders help people and organizations perform at their best.
• Lead by example and demonstrate the standards, work ethic, and accountability expected from others.
• Be humble, recognize the abilities of others, share credit, and understand that strong organizations depend on people with different strengths.
• Build an inclusive and caring workplace by recognizing individuals, listening to employees, treating people fairly, and understanding their circumstances.
• Encourage shared governance, seek input, communicate decisions transparently, and develop a collective organizational vision.
• Be decisive when difficult choices must be made, accept responsibility for mistakes, and correct decisions when necessary.
• Hire the right people, give them opportunities to innovate, and delegate responsibilities to trusted team members.
• Enjoy leadership while recognizing when it is time to move on; strong leaders develop succession plans so the organization can continue successfully.

Bourne, P. E. (2022). Ten simple rules for good leadership. PLOS Computational Biology, 18(6), e1010133. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010133

California Recognizes Open Water Lifeguards as First Responders-MI Might Consider the Same

California recently recognized open-water lifeguards as first responders. That is great news, and perhaps it is something we can consider in Michigan.

Lifeguards complete extensive training, and as someone who does this type of work to help the local community and holds an open-water deep-water rescue certification, it is encouraging to see this recognition. I went through lifeguard training earlier this year and pick up a few evening shifts in Michigan and California. Some of that contribution may include beaches and inland lakes from time to time.

(Illustrative Only)
...and they say
we are not first responders.
You do it then,
we need more lifeguards.

As a volunteer part-time firefighter, I have also learned many of the same skills through my training. In some ways, lifeguards have higher physical requirements and more specialized initial lifesaving training, while firefighters focus more heavily on fire response as well as lifesaving techniques Lifeguarding can require CPR, AED, water rescue, swimming with victims, underwater rescue, oxygen administration, and other specialized certifications and skills. You learn much from this journey and I have great respect for the fields.

California Recognizes Open-Water Lifeguards as First Responders

• California lawmakers approved Senate Concurrent Resolution 192, formally recognizing open-water lifeguards as first responders and emergency response providers.
• The resolution passed the State Assembly on August 19, 2026, and will take effect after being signed by the Secretary of State.
• California lifeguards have performed more than 1.4 million rescues in the state’s oceans, lakes, and rivers.
• San Diego officials emphasized that lifeguards routinely respond to drownings, cardiac emergencies, floods, cliff rescues, boating accidents, and other life-threatening situations.
• The nonbinding resolution does not immediately change pay or benefits, but supporters see it as an important first step toward stronger recognition, resources, and protections for lifeguards.

Murphy, T. (2026, August 26). Lifeguards save lives. California is only now recognizing them as first responders. Times of San Diego. https://timesofsandiego.com/politics/2026/08/26/california-recognizing-them-as-first-responders/