Understanding Operas New Audience and Challenges

At the Opera

Opera is a specialized art form that weaves together music, history, theater, and social issues. It isn’t an easy business to sustain; much of its support comes from donations and sponsorships. Companies must constantly balance raising ticket prices with keeping performances accessible to a broader audience. As a cultural heritage institution, opera offers countless opportunities to explore and teach modern issues. I suspect we’ll continue to see a blend of classic works alongside new creations designed to appeal to younger audiences, as well as an increasing use of technology to stay current.

Whether presented in a traditional style or enhanced with modern tech, opera offers real value to society. These performances represent the legacies and histories we pass from generation to generation, reminding us of the ideas and emotions of those who came before us. Theater, opera, and plays have been around for centuries—they’re part of who we are. Technology can extend their reach, but it can’t fully replicate the experience of being there in person.

I support the San Diego Opera and have attended several performances over the years. I enjoy it and plan to go more often. I’ve got an old suit aboard my ship, so I figure I’ll dust it off now and then and head to the opera. Pair that with a glass of wine and a good dinner, and you’ve got the makings of a great evening. You’ll find me up in the nosebleed seats.

Donate to San Diego Opera

Understanding Operas New Audience

10 November Reading Theater Production

 Just in case anyone is interested. Yep...need to go on a diet. 😐

After the First Snow: Reflections on Wildlife, Ethics, Hunting and Conservation (Art and the Creek)

Purchase at
First Snow UP on the Creek

The other day I went out hunting and hiking, looking for tracks and signs of animal activity. Sometimes I’m lucky enough to capture a nice photo and share it with others. If someone happens to buy a postcard or a full-length print, that’s great. If you ever want one cheaper than what’s listed on the link, just let me know—I can print and send up to a poster size for about $35. Most of the proceeds go to good causes, and occasionally I get to attend a charity dinner as part of that effort. There is a Hunter's Ball coming up.

The first snowfall is one of the best times to look for tracks because the animals leave them so clearly. I followed a creek for a while until I came across someone’s hunting blind, then looped around and followed a nearby ridge. Along the creek, I noticed a lot of tracks from different animals, which caught my attention. After following a few of them back, I discovered what appeared to be a fox den. I took a quick photo and moved on, but it gave me an idea that this could be a good area for trapping.

Keep the orange but
consider wearing a different
hat. No need for fashion statements
in the wilderness.
Deer Jokes
Eat your heart out Paris Fashion!

I’ve always supported animal welfare and believe that wildlife management is important—there’s a natural balance and order to things (I say a small prayer for the soul of the creature if I take it. Everything in this world has value.). The biggest threats to wildlife come from human encroachment: new buildings, expanding roads, and increasing development. We might want to consider expanding public woodland holdings, but that’s a broader discussion for another time. Wildlife tends to thrive best when given space away from heavy human impact. We can be wiser of our natural resources and how we develop. We have to protect what we have and grow it when possible.

Ethical hunting, in my view, isn’t a threat to animal populations (If you know the populations). Most hunters are deeply respectful of the environment (and I have friends on both sides of the issue so yes there are lots of good points). In my mind the real problem lies in pollution (..and sometimes selfish unethical hunters) and our constant need to expand outward instead of restoring and reusing what already exists (Let us learn from Mother Nature before she brings out the consequence paddle.).

Looks like a fox den.
You can track back
once you figure out direction
to and from water sources.

To make sure I’m doing everything properly, I called the DNR to confirm that my licenses and live traps were set up correctly. (For those unfamiliar, live traps allow you to release the animal if you catch the wrong one.) The representative suggested I use a sports card instead of my driver’s license for tagging traps—great idea. DNR Tags Online

In the U.P., the first snowfall is always something special. It marks the start of a new season for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and downhill skiing—a reminder of the rhythm and renewal that come with the changing seasons.

Some conservation activities such as US Fishing & Wildlife Service do a good job with the resources they have. (It would be nice to put more away for public trust. I think it is important and from what I have read nature impacts quality of life and even national happiness. Cities should likely also have more green space and natural areas. Research has shown it improves much from education, health and even income. )

I wonder what type of
berries these are and
whether they have impact
on wildlife.

What kind of tracks are these?
I had my track app confirm.

These are a little different.
Can you guess?

How Hate and Corruption Robs Society of Its Best and Brightest for Generations

The Story of the Clan is a hypothetical, philosophical, theoretical thought experiment of a complete failure of justice that was eventually corrected. Not through moral awakening but through practical necessity. It drove a spike into perceptions of human and civil rights, exposing the profound risks of tolerating hate, extremism, and long-term corruption. This account does not apply to the many good officials who upheld their oaths and ultimately overcame the influence of embedded extreme wrongdoing. Rather, it serves as a hypothetical, philosophical, and theoretical thought experiment—a means to explore worst-case scenarios and their generational impact on society. To learn how to build the best society means studying the best practices and where we have room for improvement to maximize opportunities.

A philosopher objecting
to harming others and
engaging in wrongdoing.
A moral tale.

Ultimately, justice does not belong to any single person, entity, or institution. It is a philosophical ideal—one that may never be fully realized in this world or within our lifetimes—but that does not mean we should cease striving for it. The intent to harm is the opposite force: a deliberate act that seeks to create injustice and destruction. When harmful individuals place children, women, the elderly, and others at risk for their own gain, they alter the lives of generations to come. They steal human capital from society, leaving it weaker. The intent to harm shows a lack of respect for human life, other's perspective or for the law itself. It was only through the ignorance or complicity of others that such misdeeds were allowed to persist for years, leaving countless victims in their wake.

The concern lies in the kind of thinking that justifies any crime against those who are “different”—whether by religion, race, politics, or any other measure (Research calls it the out-group) or those they can exploit like the female victims (Corruption and hate are often associated as a pattern of thinking.). Hatred and corruption allowed criminal patterns to thrive unchecked for years, producing victim after victim. Eventually, even the clan court knew the truth yet failed to fulfill its duty to protect the public (i.e. complaints of secret backroom agreements). Over time, it became clear that the witnesses, whistleblowers, and victims sidelined had been right all along. Despite the clan court’s repeated attempts to shield its own, it ultimately lost both the argument and its integrity (In theory).

Does discovery make much difference? Not really but it depends on what lessons people derive. Turning a blind eye robbed society of good people and their contributions, all because of distorted beliefs. Without correction or protection, these same behaviors will reemerge elsewhere, creating new victims. Another clan, another ideology, another "ism". Unwritten rules often carry more power than the law itself. The deeper question is: Who is considered part of society, and who is deemed unwanted—especially by those least qualified to judge others, let alone themselves?

Perhaps new leadership, grounded in moral integrity and committed to helpful checks and balances, could help. Maybe not. People will still cheat. Yet, such leadership demonstrates at least a commitment to upholding the social contract. This is why I advocate for the next generation of the best and brightest to come forward and take leading roles to strengthen institutions and further their missions. It has been the same process every generation and that is a necessary process to ensure things change. Our founding fathers/mothers discussed the need for fluidity of change.

If you’re asking my opinion, I believe people should be judged on merit—not on superficial traits such as race, religion, politics, etc.. The story, then, is a moral one meant to inspire reflection and discussion. Those who disagree with fairness—or even the methods of achieving it—are free to hold alternative opinions. Methods often cause more disagreement than the general idea of fairness itself. I work from the assumption that we should act in alignment with our professed values and aim to help the greatest number of people. Laws matter because they uphold those values, though their application often depends on personal judgment. In this learning example, having a refined moral palate is more helpful.

This moral story of legal and moral pesuasion is both interesting and instructive—it sheds light on how systems can fail and what that failure reveals about human nature. I’m not religious in the traditional sense, though I believe all religions teach us something about values. I can respect the moral lesson in this tale. Whether we draw from the ethics of religion, logic of science or the explorations of philosophy, all paths seem to lead to the same truth: a sense of order—one best seen when we learn to view the world from different perspectives and find inherent value in each other (In theory).

Consequences for Corruption for Generations

Delta County Board of Commissioners Meeting (11/4/2025): Parks and Staffing

Staying on top of the news.
If you understand an
area you can invest in it.

Watching local county and city meetings helps provide a better understanding of how the community is adapting to new opportunities and challenges. It’s always encouraging to hear about meaningful progress and success. For example, Patriot Cruise Lines will become the third cruise line to include Escanaba as a stop. The upswing in tourism and industry is a positive sign that things are relatively healthy. There’s also been discussion about enhancing the airport and investing in local infrastructure, so overall, it seems that things are moving in the right direction.

These meetings also cover topics such as playgrounds, budgets, legal matters, and staffing positions—there’s always something new to learn. You’ll have to watch for yourself. Below are two articles I found interesting, relating to team management and the benefits of open green spaces. Up here, we’re fortunate to have plenty of those.

Effective team management includes(1) shared goals, (2) transparency, and (3) trust enhance adaptability. Leading the Charge Qualitative

A general report discussing green spaces. Health Benefits of Parks-National Recreation and Park Association

2025 Happy Veterans Day: The Importance of Reflective Insight

Happy Veteran's Day 2025! Let us keep in mind that many people have sacraficed for our rights, freedoms and universal values that apply to all Americans and generally to all people. Some of these veterans come home from their service and face challenges that are counter to these noble values. For those of us who have not served let us think deeply about how to further the cause freedom and liberty not only through our words (professions and oaths) but also our actions (actualized belief). We make choices everyday that strengthen or undermine those values so let us have reflective insight. Thank you for those who have done their part.

I have included the last video because I was at that memorial. San Diego is one of the most patriotic places I have been. It is helpful to maintain involvement and continue the mission even if lives and roles have changed. 

10 November Edmund Fitzgerald Show Comes to A Close

The November 10 show told the story of the Edmund Fitzgerald’s tragic sinking—a beautiful and emotional narrative capturing what people thought, felt, and risked while out at sea. It even included a few sharp jabs at those who prioritized profits over lives (Profits are important but people are more important so think about that if you are in a leadership position.). You never really know when you’ve pushed the limits too far until disaster strikes. The performance carried moments of laughter, tears, and even pin-drop silence as the audience hung on every word. The three sailor wives sitting on stools were especially captivating.

My role was “The Man Who Walks Through,” and although I missed the early rehearsals due to travel, I managed to catch up by rehearsing on my own and memorizing my lines. I usually like to study intensively at the start and then focus on tone and pacing in the final practices. To me, I'm not sure if it is rocket science but like many things time in practicing seems to be the key ingredient. I included an interesting article below on preparing. If you know your lines well then you can focus on other aspects. I'm sure many different people have opinions.

I did receive a few complements and I like both positive and negative feedback that lets me guage what I did well and where I could improve (I'm a realist so I take it straight.). My part added a touch of humor amid the story’s heavier emotions, which made for an interesting contrast. I could hear laughter in the crowd and people said my part resonated with the crowd. Mostly I drowned it out because I was too worried about not making a mistake. Hearing afterward that the scene worked well from a few different people was very rewarding. Further, I had a small change in the front that included an introduction to the Cason J. Callaway at North Shore Marine (Very cool that they let some of the cast look at the ship. One of our local anchor industries that still has future growth opportunities). 

Thinking about how stories
teach us about economics,
commerce, life, society, culture
and community.
Some of our UP economy
is dependent on shipping, 
minerals, mining, etc.

Looking ahead, I plan to audition for a few upcoming shows, both in Escanaba and possibly in San Diego if the opportunity presents itself. At the moment, I’m preparing for another production—a dance performance on December 5th and 6th at the Kauffman Theater in Marquette. I do some dance on the side, which ties in nicely with my background in kickboxing, yoga, and fitness training. (By the way, if you ever need a trainer, I take on clients occasionally! Send a message to the right) My role in that upcoming show was recently expanded to include a few lifts, so ending one production now gives me the time to focus on practicing those. It’s a lot of work—but I’m looking forward to all the energy and movement of Russian dance.

While Players successfully completed this show they will have others. If you desire to donate to Players de Noc they have one of the best theaters in the region and increasingly having appeal among tourists and art patrons. Some of the shows are better then some I have seen in very large cities.

Donate Players De Noc

A few media pieces about the show. 

Players De Noc, 10 Nov.-TV6

Players 10 November

50 Years of the Edmund-UP Travel

Edmund Fitzgerald-The Daily Press

A little history, 

Edmund Fitzgerald Detroit Historical Society)

I thought this article was pretty good on how to prepare for shows.

The Art of Rehearsal Prep