Gladstone Sailing Boats Near the School (Photography)

While on the way to the beach I snapped a few pics.....

Before my lifeguard shift, I had a few extra minutes, so I drove by the Gladstone Sail School. I had planned to volunteer there last week, but the weather had other ideas—it was storming with lightening, so that didn't happen.

I took these two photos when the water was perfectly calm. Early mornings are one of the best times to be near the water. Sailing might not be great because of low wind that picks up around noon. However, if you're diving, swimming, or just enjoying the shoreline, the lake is usually smooth with very few waves, making it a peaceful time to relax and capture some beautiful scenery.

PS The area needs more lifeguards so consider contacting the YMCA Aquatics Center for training and course options. Around 25+ hours of training and water time. Pool certification and then deep open water rescue certification. You will receive a professional CPR and AED designation.

If you're interested in either of these photos, let me know.

The Gladstone Sail School is open for the season and offers affordable sailing lessons. You can find them on Facebook to learn more or sign up for classes. Volunteers from the Escanaba Yacht Club also help with sailing instruction, making it a great community effort to introduce people of all ages to the sport.

Gladstone Sail 1

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Gladstone Sail 2

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Understanding Hate: Psychology, Society, and the Possibility of Change

 Let us consider both the destructive and the constructive lessons that can be learned about hate.

(Illustrative Only)

This man is teaching the young
to work together to achieve
their generation's goals. 
Hedge each other skills,
learn from the mistakes
prior generations made,
learn from what they have done well,
and be the best generation
they can during a time of
rapid transition and transformation
of our way of life through 
faster technologies and innovation. 
The young generation may 
not see what we see
because their world-time-era
-perception 
is different than ours. As
a new generation comes forward
some of our views will change
and that is a necessary 
part of societal development and 
many founding philosophers
understood that. 

There should be some values
that are cross generational
and codified into every
other law. If there are places
where hate and corruption
are not addressed it is
a violation of those generational
values that supercede the
needs of self-interest of social
groups.

In the Allegory of the Clan—presented as a modern version of Plato's Allegory of the Cave—people become trapped by a false sense of superiority and misperceptions of self (There is a reason why nearly all philosophers-religious and secular-talked about insight into self as a door.). They mistreat others, justify dishonesty, and take advantage of those around them. Systems with weak checks and balances allow self-interest to replace integrity, pushing aside capable and ethical people in favor of those who are more self interested. This is why we should encourage true north perspectives.

The difficult reality is that most people are unlikely to change unless their environment gives them a reason to change. That is one reason societies establish laws against hate-based behavior and discrimination. While such laws are not always perfectly enforced, they establish boundaries for acceptable conduct. Social norms play likely the biggest role. Most people are not ideological extremists; they tend to follow the attitudes and behaviors that become socially accepted (Just like there are a percentage of people who hate there is a percentge of people who are ultruistic and prosocial. It is part of our natural systems.). Different groups with different norms.

History demonstrates how dangerous this can be. Entire societies have justified slavery, genocide, and other forms of oppression at various times in history by constructing narratives that portray hatred as moral or necessary. When they learn, they change, and move forward in societal development. Once hatred becomes woven into public discourse, institutions, or the media, it gradually becomes normalized. That normalization is one of hate's greatest dangers. Freedom of speech is often a strong deterrent because people at their root want collaboration and homeostatisis with their environment and therefore have an interest in managing by shared principles. We learn when we communicate (Keep this connectivity in mind when we discuss economics, exchange, growth, etc.)

There is, however, reason for optimism. Just as a pendulum can swing toward hatred, it can also swing toward understanding and compassion. We can learn to not hate from hate when we are insightful. As people develop new ways of thinking, challenge long-held assumptions, and engage in honest self-reflection, they strengthen new neural pathways while weakening old patterns of prejudice. Research suggests that our brains are capable of adapting, allowing learned biases to diminish over time. Over generations and cultural change indivisibility can overcome divisibility (Hate spreaders seek to slice society for self gain so they use narratives. They strengthen certain negative orientations of thinking.). 

Some hate might be obvious and openly expressed, but most of it seemes to operate below the level of conscious awareness (Feelings of weakness, mental health, etc. lead to mistreating others to protect/hide one's vulnerabilities-some might think of this as a type of mirror. The flavor and manner of the hate tells you about those using it.). People may sincerely believe they are acting fairly while making decisions influenced by unconscious bias, prejudice, fear, or self-interest. Laws, constitutions, professional ethics, and personal oaths are important because they establish standards of behavior. Yet many everyday decisions occur below the threshold of legal accountability, making personal character and self-examination just as important as formal rules.

The encouraging conclusion is that hate is not necessarily permanent. Just as people can learn to hate through repeated experiences and social influences, they can also learn to let go of hate. Through reflection, education, accountability, and meaningful interaction with others, individuals and societies can replace cycles of prejudice with greater understanding and respect.

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

Neural Correlates of Hate

• The study used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine brain activity in 17 participants while they viewed the face of someone they hated compared with faces of people toward whom they had neutral feelings.
• Viewing a hated person activated a distinct network of brain regions, including the medial frontal gyrus, putamen, premotor cortex, frontal pole, and medial insula, suggesting that hate has a unique neural signature.
• The intensity of participants' self-reported hatred was positively associated with increased activity in the right insula, right premotor cortex, and right fronto-medial gyrus.
• Unlike romantic love, which suppresses activity in areas involved in critical judgment, hate showed relatively limited deactivation, with only the right superior frontal gyrus exhibiting decreased activity.
• The researchers concluded that although hate and romantic love are emotionally opposite experiences, they share activation in the putamen and insula, suggesting overlapping neural mechanisms related to intense emotional attachment and preparation for action.

Zeki, S., & Romaya, J. P. (2008). Neural correlates of hate. PLOS ONE, 3(10), e3556. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0003556

Great Lakes Investing, Recreational Outdoor Lifestyle, and Luxury Liner American Patriot Visits Escanaba (Photography)

American Patriot
Luxury Liner
in Escanaba. 
July 4th 2026
Art is a hobby and not associated
with any company but its
a pretty ship and a lot of
people around town are 
saying it. Some of us
are getting into the history
of the tourist ships. 🙂

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 The Great Lakes—and communities like Delta County, Michigan—have far more to offer than many people realize. This region is full of opportunities that are often overlooked.

Escanaba is experiencing exciting growth. Downtown infrastructure is being upgraded with new water and utility improvements. Opportunity Zones are present encouraging investment, while our deep-water port, rail connections, major highways, and improving airport continue to strengthen the area's transportation network. Tourism is growing, the marina is thriving, and the community is reconnecting with the global economy.

If you love the outdoors, there's something here for everyone. You can go sailing, scuba diving, explore historic shipwrecks, hike scenic trails, fish, boat, or simply enjoy the beauty of Lake Michigan on one of its beaches. It's an incredible place that has long been an underappreciated oasis.

We're also seeing renewed investment in traditional industries, including wood products, while entrepreneurship continues to gain momentum. If you have a business idea, reach out to the City of Escanaba or the Chamber of Commerce. They can help connect you with resources and opportunities that can turn an idea into reality.

The vessel shown here visited Escanaba over the Fourth of July weekend. With its large sliding glass doors, passengers had spectacular views of the fireworks from nearly every angle. Visitors like these bring new energy to the community, supporting local restaurants, shops, attractions, and businesses.

If you're looking for a unique vacation destination, Escanaba deserves a spot on your list.

And if you're a ship enthusiast, the American Patriot  has an interesting story of its own. Built in 2025 with a capacity of approximately 130 passengers, it represents a new generation of small luxury expedition cruising. Escanaba was one of its featured stops, making the holiday visit especially memorable. You can learn about the American Patriot Ship

The ship offers elegant lounges, cafés, beautiful gathering spaces, and an intimate cruising experience that's very different from the giant ocean liners. If luxury small-ship cruising interests you, it's definitely worth learning more about. Check out the links below to explore the ship and its itinerary.

Great Lakes Investments Strengthen Michigan’s Economy, Environment, and Communities

• The fact sheet highlights how investments in the Great Lakes are improving Michigan's economy, protecting natural resources, and enhancing residents' quality of life through partnerships among federal, state, tribal, local, and private organizations.
• The Great Lakes support more than 800,000 Michigan jobs and contribute billions of dollars annually through manufacturing, fisheries, tourism, boating, ports, and maritime transportation.
• The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), established in 2009, addresses invasive species, contaminated sediments, polluted runoff, wetland restoration, and fish and wildlife conservation while leveraging additional funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
• Research indicates that every federal dollar invested in GLRI projects generates approximately $3.35 in additional regional economic activity, while full implementation of the restoration strategy could produce $80–100 billion in long-term economic benefits.
• As of 2024, Michigan had received funding for 2,377 Great Lakes-related projects, including major investments in clean drinking water, wastewater infrastructure, and environmental restoration projects throughout the state.

Great Lakes Commission. (2026). GLC investment fact sheet: Michigan. https://investments.glc.org

The Value of Scuba Diving Tourism and the Spear Fishing Idea

(Illustrative Only)

Got to keep the 
secret spots secret. 

I saw 7 large
bass. 

I could almost 
pet them. 

Escanaba Fishing

It's been a while since I've done any serious scuba diving. I've done a little shore diving here and there, but after my buddy's boat decided it wanted an early retirement, our shipwreck-diving adventures pretty much came to an end. We used to be out there all the time.

I still have all my dive gear, though, and I figured, "I'm not letting hundreds of dollars' worth of equipment become expensive garage decorations." So I've started exploring some local spots to see what's hiding under the water.

The other day I hauled all my gear down to the beach. The weather was perfect, but the water was murky enough that I couldn't see much. While I was there, I realized my tank wasn't fitting quite right, so I ordered new tank straps.

Problem solved...or so I thought.

I went back out, and the new straps worked perfectly. Then I realized, "You know what this adventure needs? An underwater camera." I couldn't find my old one, so I picked up a new one that was surprisingly affordable. I'll put a link below if anyone's interested.

While I'm waiting for the camera to arrive, I figured I'd get some exercise. Since I've been lifeguarding lately, I thought I'd throw on my wetsuit, fins, and snorkel and do some lap swimming in the lake.

I got everything on, took about three kicks...

...and SNAP!

The Great Lakes Fishery

One of my fin straps broke. Apparently, dive gear doesn't appreciate sitting in a garage for a year and a half. So now I'm ordering replacement fin straps too. I'll put an example below of the ones I'm looking at because dive shops around here are about as common as tropical reefs in Michigan.

At that point I gave up on the fins, tossed them onto the beach, and just went snorkeling.

And that's when things got interesting.

I found a new spot with some absolutely huge bass hanging out along the rocks. Nobody seems to be fishing there, and these fish were incredibly relaxed. I actually reached out and touched a couple of them before they casually drifted a foot or two away...then stopped and let me swim right back up beside them.

Either they thought I was another fish or they were judging my swimming technique.

That got me thinking...what if I took a simple bamboo pole, tied a line to it, put some bait on the hook, and lowered it right in front of their noses while filming everything with the underwater camera? That could make for some pretty cool footage.

Then I mentioned all this to a friend who's thinking about starting a commercial fishing business. He said, "You know, with a fishing license you can legally spearfish."

Well...that sent me down another rabbit hole.

I've already got some old hunting arrows and gear that I can probably adapt a pole and then I realized that frog-fish spears are pretty cheap in the $20 to $30 range.  No need to invent things. 

There's something a lot more exciting about actually seeing the fish before you catch it than sitting in a boat staring at a bobber while reading the news on my Kindle.

So now the plan is simple: wait for the camera, wait for the new fin straps, get back in the water, and see what large bass and trout are swimming around down there. (Side note: if you already have a fishing license in Michigan you can get a spear fishing license free.)

Until then.....

Every time I fix one piece of equipment, another one reminds me it's been on vacation in my garage.

Stay tuned. This could either become an underwater adventure series...or a very expensive lesson in replacing old dive gear one piece at a time. I'm a certified diver but dont get out enough.

A Few Products I Found I Might Need or Upgrade:

Theis is similar to the style I currently have so I could replace them. Fin Straps, Adjustable Rubber Fin Flippers Strap Swimming Diving Dive Accessories(L)

I was thinking of checking out these quick release ones. Scuba Choice Universal Diving Fin Straps with Quick Release Buckles – Adjustable Silicone & Neoprene, Durable Fit for Most Fins - Ideal for Freediving & Snorkeling (Pair - Black)

The camera I got is cheap but for the depth I normally dive and for the many times I lost the camera this will work fine for now. Action Camera 1080P Sports Camera 16GB Memory Card Action Cam 131ft Underwater Waterproof with 2 X Batteries with Accessories Kit Suitable for Helmet, Bicycle, etc.

Tried these out. They work pretty good and I have an extra. 2Pack Scuba Tank Holder, Universal Dive BCD Tank Cylinder Adjustable Band Webbing Belt Strap with ABS Cam Buckles and Anti-Slip Pad for Underwater Diving/Snorkeling/Freediving

Perhaps something like this might work Frog Gigging Pole,2 to 3Ft Fishing Gig Gaff with Barbed 5-Prong Harpoon Stainless Steels Flounder Gig Extension Pole Long Handle with Spong Handle Hunting Bullfrog Spears Fish Hook (44in)

Global Economic Impact of Scuba Dive Tourism

• The study provides the first global estimate of the economic impact of scuba dive tourism, finding that the industry generates between $8.5 billion and $20.4 billion annually while supporting approximately 9–14 million diving tourists and up to 124,000 jobs worldwide.
• Researchers identified more than 11,500 dive operators across 170 countries and found that about 80% of employees are local residents, demonstrating the industry's strong contribution to local economies and community livelihoods.
• Survey results showed that most dive operators actively support marine conservation initiatives and view healthy marine ecosystems as essential to their businesses, reinforcing the connection between ecotourism and sustainable ocean management.
• Although scuba diving generates substantial economic benefits, the authors acknowledge limitations in the estimates due to incomplete global data, differences among regions, and conservative assumptions regarding tourist spending and operator participation.
• The authors recommend greater integration of scuba diving into Blue Economy policies, improved monitoring of the industry, and stronger collaboration among governments, local communities, and dive organizations to promote sustainable tourism and marine conservation.

Schuhbauer, A., Favoretto, F., Wang, T., Aburto-Oropeza, O., Sala, E., Millage, K. D., Cabral, R. B., Sumaila, U. R., Hsu, A., Lucrezi, S., Tighsazzadeh, M. N., Plascencia de La Cruz, M., & Cisneros-Montemayor, A. M. (2025). Global economic impact of scuba dive tourism. Cell Reports Sustainability, 2, 100435. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crsus.2025.100435

2026 Talent Trends Report from SHRM

The job market remains challenging for certain high-demand, specialized skills. Like any market, employment is driven by supply and demand. When we invest in developing human capital here at home, businesses can fill positions locally, wages have greater potential to rise, and more money stays circulating within the local economy. The same principle applies to supporting small businesses.

According to SHRM's 2026 Talent Trends Report, nearly 70% of HR professionals continue to have difficulty recruiting full-time employees. While there are signs that the labor market has begun to slow in some areas, many organizations are still struggling to find qualified talent.

As a result, employers are shifting away from relying solely on traditional hiring practices. Many are placing greater emphasis on developing existing employees, promoting internal mobility, expanding job responsibilities, and investing in continuous learning. In addition to technical expertise, organizations are increasingly valuing critical thinking, problem-solving, adaptability, and other transferable skills.

Take a few minutes to read the summary below, and if you're interested, the full report. Understanding current labor market trends can help organizations optimize their recruitment, retention, and workforce development strategies.

SHRM 2026 Talent Trends Report: Data-Driven Insights for the Future of Work

• Nearly 70% of HR professionals reported continued difficulty recruiting full-time employees, with more than half saying hiring has become even more challenging than a year earlier.
• Organizations are shifting from traditional hiring approaches to skills-based talent strategies by emphasizing internal mobility, employee development, and workforce agility to address persistent talent shortages.
• Skills gaps remain a major concern, particularly in systems and resource management competencies such as decision-making, complex problem-solving, and time management.
• Learning and development initiatives—including job rotation, apprenticeships, internships, and mentorship programs—are identified as effective ways to prepare employees for hard-to-fill positions, although some remain underutilized.
• Based on responses from more than 2,000 HR professionals, the report concludes that organizations investing in continuous learning, technology, and inclusive talent practices will be better positioned to build resilient, future-ready workforces.

Society for Human Resource Management. (2026, April 27). SHRM unveils 2026 talent trends report: Data-driven insights for the future of work. https://www.shrm.org/about/press-room/shrm-unveils-2026-talent-trends-report--data-driven-insights-for

Quack, Laugh, Repeat: Duck Variations in Rehearsal for Next Week's Opening (Players de Noc)

Illustrative Only

You may want to read
about pollution and ducks.

We're almost at showtime! Next Friday, Duck Variations takes the stage, and you won't want to miss it.

The production features about 14 directors, each putting their own creative spin on a different section of the play. Think of it as one longer story told through 14 different imaginations. Some scenes have superheroes, some go in completely unexpected directions, and every director brings a unique artistic style.

My scene focuses on a conversation between an older person and a younger person. The younger character arrives with plenty of opinions... and enough words for both of them. Every time the older character tries to speak, they're politely—and not so politely—interrupted. If you've ever been in a family dinner conversation, you may find it strangely familiar.

A cross generational connection over important issues.

The scene also touches on environmental issues, exploring how pollution affects ducks and the natural world while highlighting the different perspectives that generations bring to the discussion. It's meant to be thoughtful, with a few laughs along the way.

Rehearsals are going well. We're about halfway to being performance-ready. Everyone knows their lines and blocking. Now comes the easy part: repeating everything about a thousand more times until it looks effortless. That's the magic of theater—the audience sees two minutes of perfection, but they don't see the many hours that made it happen.

And here's one more fun rumor floating around backstage: word is that it is possible that a TV station may cover the performance event. We'll believe it when the cameras show up—but it would certainly make for an exciting opening night. Until it happens its just a rumor....

July 17 – Performance!

Bonifis Art Center

6:30 PM and 8 PM shows. 

700 1st Ave S, Escanaba, MI 49829
(Side Door Parking Lot)

Free to the Community!

See you at the theater!

If you want to keep up on whats going on or support your local theater Players de Noc FB

Contributors to Duck Variation #10:

This is the section I'm directing. 

The Fraternal Order of the Eagles Aerie 1088-Practice room space. 

Amvets Post #123-Lamination of scripts and resources.

Escanaba Polo Mallet Co.-Donation of pizza and snacks.

Mastering the Art of Theater Directing: Essential Skills of Directing Theater

• Theater directing requires a combination of artistic vision, leadership, communication, and organizational skills to transform a script into a compelling stage production.
• Effective directors begin with a thorough analysis of the script, developing a clear interpretation of the story, themes, characters, and overall production concept.

• 

  Illustrative Only

  Successful productions depend on strong collaboration between the director, actors, designers, and technical crew, with the director coordinating all creative elements into a unified vision.
• Directors guide rehearsals by providing constructive feedback, refining performances, planning blocking, and helping actors develop authentic and emotionally engaging characters.
• Continuous learning, adaptability, and practical experience are essential for theater directors to refine their craft and effectively respond to the creative and logistical challenges of each production.

New International Performing Arts Institute. (n.d.). Mastering the art of theater directing: Essential skills of directing theater. https://www.nipai.org/post/mastering-the-art-of-theater-directing-essential-skills-of-directing-theater

From Stable to Main Street: How Horses Support Local Economies

(Illustrative Only)

Joe wonders what the value
of horse riding might
be in Delta County
with its supply of small,
hobby, and organic farms.

(Sidenote: Thinking
of how to calculate value 
from equestrian activities
ranging from ranches to 
feed. San Diego CA
has an equestrian industry
and Delta County MI
has an equestrian industry
but both don't appear
to have available numbers.
I did find this on 
CA Equestrian
and 
MI Horse Economics

Equestrian sports and horseback riding have long been a passion for people of all ages. Whether someone plays polo, enjoys trail riding, competes in show jumping, or participates in dressage, horse owners often spend several days each week riding, training, grooming, and caring for their horses. Even here in Delta County, many equestrians are active three or four days a week, creating not only skilled partnerships with their horses but also strong friendships and a close-knit community centered around equestrian activities.

The benefits extend well beyond recreation. Horseback riding is a physically demanding activity that improves balance, coordination, core strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness. The daily responsibilities of caring for horses also encourage an active lifestyle and a strong sense of discipline and commitment (I'm a licensed fitness and yoga trainer so send me a message to the right if you need some help. There are exercises that improve performance for horse riding and other sports. 30 minute virtual sessions $50.).

Equestrian activities also contribute to the local economy. Horse owners purchase feed, equipment, veterinary services, farrier services, trailers, fuel, and other supplies while supporting local businesses throughout the year. When communities host horse shows, trail rides, polo matches, horse jumping, clinics, or other equestrian events, they attract participants and visitors who spend money on lodging, restaurants, retail stores, and entertainment. These events help strengthen the local economy while increasing the area's visibility as a destination for tourism and future investment.

Horse riding, therefore, is about much more than spending time in the saddle. It strengthens communities, supports local businesses, promotes healthy lifestyles, and enhances quality of life. For communities like Delta County, encouraging equestrian activities can help create an attractive environment for both residents and visitors while contributing to long-term economic and community development.

Local News: 

An example of the type
of farms in the area.

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Other Items in Gallery

My photography hobby. 

10 Arabian Horses Loose in Rapid River

Equestrian Sport: The Hidden Economic Engine

• The article argues that equestrian sport is one of the world's most significant yet underrecognized economic contributors, generating substantial economic activity through tourism, participant spending, and long-term investment.
• The 2025 Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida, reportedly generated more than $536 million in GDP, supported nearly 5,000 jobs, and produced over 210,000 hotel nights during its 13-week season.
• Unlike short-duration sporting events, equestrian competitions create sustained economic benefits by attracting riders, support teams, spectators, and seasonal visitors over several months.
• Horse ownership requires significant annual investment, including boarding, veterinary care, feed, transportation, training, equipment, and competition expenses, creating demand across many industries.
• The article contends that equestrian participants generally spend substantially more over their lifetimes than participants in many other recreational sports.
• Economic benefits extend beyond competitions by supporting veterinarians, farriers, feed suppliers, hotels, restaurants, retailers, transportation providers, and agricultural businesses.
• Despite its economic importance, equestrian sport receives relatively limited mainstream media coverage compared with sports such as Formula 1, football, or tennis.
• The author suggests that expanding media rights, digital streaming, and storytelling could significantly increase sponsorship opportunities, audience growth, and commercial investment.
• The article highlights the global scale of the equine industry, noting its significant contributions to the economies of the United States, Europe, Ireland, and emerging equestrian markets in the Middle East and Asia.
• The overall conclusion is that equestrian sport should be recognized not as a niche activity but as a major global industry with lasting economic, tourism, and employment impacts.

Bjerkan, C. (2025, September 10). Equestrian sport: The hidden economic engine. EQuerry Co. https://www.equerryco.com/blog/equestrian-sport-the-hidden-economic-engine