Old Farms, New Purpose: The Case for Horses in the UP

 While many say a dog is man’s best friend, the horse could easily be added to that list. Horses have an extraordinarily long history with people, and horseback riding remains deeply woven into societies and economies around the world. It contributes significantly to recreation, tourism, and sport. According to the article referenced below, the equine industry in the United States contributes approximately $144 billion to the economy and supports about 1.7 million jobs.

Horse riding in
the UP. Good
for hunting. 
Abundance of trails.

Working with horses takes time, energy, and commitment. It often takes years to become proficient, and most people who enter equestrian sports begin with lessons—for safety reasons and to better understand horse behavior. While there are different techniques and disciplines—such as polo, barrel racing, pleasure riding, and others—they all share common fundamentals. Above all, riders must feel comfortable, balanced, and connected with the horse.

Rural economies and long-abandoned farms may offer strong opportunities for raising and training horses. While California has a well-established equine industry, I often think about the Upper Peninsula of Michigan—particularly Delta County—as a promising place for this kind of work. Land is relatively affordable, and many older farms are underutilized, making them suitable for investment, whether in horses, farming, or a hybrid of both.

Recently, I spent time practicing and training in the saddle. I’ve been riding for many years, and there’s always something new to learn. Sometimes I play polo; other times I ride purely for enjoyment. I’ve owned horses before, trained a few, and even sold one for more than I paid for it—though still likely less than the total cost of boarding, care, and medical expenses that come with responsible horse ownership. It’s something I’d consider doing again.

Horseback riding also offers meaningful physical and social benefits. Equestrian communities tend to be close-knit. People travel together, attend shows and clinics, exchange horses, gear, and tack, and share knowledge gained over years of experience. Physically, riding develops balance, coordination, and body awareness. Staying connected to the horse—at any speed, or even with a nervous or reactive animal—is essential. In more demanding sports like polo or barrel racing, that balance becomes even more critical. A rider’s posture and movement directly influence the horse’s behavior, making body mechanics a key part of communication.

The study linked below explores the scope and impact of the equine industry in the United States and provides useful insight into its economic and cultural significance.

The Economic Impact of the Equine Industry US

Camp Cooking: Smoked Herring with Eggs

If you’re spending time at the gym, it’s worth paying close attention to the quality of the food you eat. Over the years, I’ve learned that much of fitness progress comes down to food quality, overall intake, and understanding the macronutrients you’re consuming. There’s room for pizza or a drink now and then, but for the most part, your meals should support your goals.

While it is convenient
to buy smoked fish/meat
it is entirely possible to
do it yourself. 
One just needs a to hang fish/meat
on a rack or branch,
cover with tarp like a teepee
or hut to collect the
smoke and then just 
wait 5+ hours or more.

Smoking Meat Over Fire

You can also catch and cook/not smoke
 on the ice if you want. Ice fishing.

This morning, I made eggs with smoked salmon. I had some salmon in the refrigerator from a few days ago, along with eggs, and it seemed like a good way to use what I already had. Most home cooking isn’t particularly difficult unless you’re getting into bread-making or more complex dishes. Generally, cooking is simple and depends on the ingredients you have on hand—or, in some cases, what you can catch locally.

While I buy my eggs from the grocery store, I often find myself wondering whether I should get chickens again. I’ve owned them before, and they produce excellent eggs. We also have a long-standing tradition of smoking fish around here. While I used herring this time, it’s entirely possible to catch and smoke other types of fish as well (Mine was bought from the store. I'm lazy sometimes.).

Since smoked herring is already cured, it only needs to be added near the end of cooking to warm it through. If you have vegetables on hand, they’re easy to toss in too. I usually start with a simple base and then adjust based on taste, nutrition, and practicality.

This meal is packed with protein and quality nutrients. For example, three eggs paired with about three ounces of smoked herring comes in at roughly 450 calories and around 50 grams of protein. Adding vegetables increases its nutritional value, and a bit of cheese can work well too—depending on your taste and preferences.

If you’d like a more structured, step-by-step recipe to follow, there are plenty of good ones available online, and I’ve linked one as an example.

Smoked Herring with Eggs Recipe

I'm a licensed fitness trainer and yoga instructor and have engaged in sports and such most of my life so feel free to reach out if you need some help virtually. A basic dietary plan, tips, tricks, methods, etc. Send message to the right.

Empathy and Lies in the Conception of Societal Leadership (The Roots of Democracy)

People lie—it happens all the time, sometimes intentionally and sometimes unintentionally. There are small, socially acceptable lies meant to spare feelings or keep interactions running smoothly. For example, when someone asks, “Does this shirt make me look chubby?” a wise response balances honesty with kindness: “I think the blue one over there looks much better on you.” These small social fictions help everyday relationships function.

Then there are serious lies—those intended to harm. There are lies of belief as well, when people publicly profess values they neither uphold nor truly believe. These are the most dangerous, because they slowly dissolve trust. Such lies are often rooted in ideology, self-interest, entitlement, social exclusion, corruption or extremism. These are precisely the lies we have a moral obligation to challenge and correct.

Representing a person
in ancient societies that
formed the root
of democracy. They share
characteristics. There are many
places where democracy was
created. 
Ancient Democracies

"Man perfected by society is
the best of all animals; he is the
most terrible of all when
 he lives without law,
and without justice".  Aristotle

As a side point, what makes
philosophers valuable is their
exploration of the world and life
and how their insight sometimes
brings forward deep
fundamental truths. 
This is also why they
don't often historically last long. 😬

This brings us back to hypothetical, philosophical, theoretical, learning thought experiment entitled The Story of the Clan. In this thought experiment, society faced a near collapse of justice as a corrupt group of actors used a clan-supporting court to harm people they disagree with, can gain off, minorities, victims, political opponents, religious practice, children, and those they label as “outsiders.” These actors feel entitled to the system’s outcomes—even above those whose families have lived in these communities for generations, in some cases long before modern nations were formed.

Clan courts do not feel a moral obligation to correct wrongdoing or undo the harm they cause. They are shaped by insular social networks and misguided beliefs about who the system exists to serve. Over time, even those who are not directly mistreated begin to recognize the distortion—how wrongdoing is clearly identified, documented, and then ignored. This failure creates more victims and leaves many people with little to no protection. Trust declines.

Yet The Story of the Clan also contains a silver lining. It reveals that there are core values most people share and believe will be upheld by those who understand what is essential and important.  They stood for it, challenged wrongdoing and change the direction of developoment. Good people who know why they are in the roles they have been entrusted with (The sacred oaths of position and power.).  Any decision that violates these sacrosanct principles is unjust at its core and should not be accepted or normalized in a society that seeks to pass foundational values from one generation to the next. Clan courts disregard these ideals, prioritizing loyalty to one another over justice and accountability.

History shows us that, time and again, wrongdoing is sometimes known, concealed, and only revealed years later—often with horrific consequences. Had those involved paused to ask themselves, “How would I feel if the shoes were on the other foot?" Giving a temporary pause to hueristic thinking and robo reactions. However, with corruption, hate and narcissims empathy and deeper moral conscious are not often part of their decision making process and this is why it is so dangerous to be neglectful of the inner qualities of candidates and leaders.

Empathy is central to leadership. While leading others is possible without empathy the outcomes will always be warped in some way. So we can say that empathy is central to long-term outcomes and the capacity to bring out the best in society, self, and others. Without a belief in shared values and the responsibility to honor certain oaths, a person is not qualified to hold authority. We place individuals in positions of power so they can fulfill social contracts—not to serve friends, clans, ideologies, corrupt networks, parties, isms (foreign or domestic), or personal gain, but to act in the best interests of everyone.

The next time you cast a vote or support a candidate (these are the underpinnings of any healthy democracy)—whether for office, a committee, or the judiciary—think deeply about how that person strengthens or weakens the system and the society that built those systems. Elevating those with serious moral deficiencies simply because they are connected doesn't really make sense when considering full societal development. People should choose leaders based on merit, competence, and integrity, and remove those who engage in misconduct and lack the empathy to connect with the deeper needs of society (If you can't empathize with others then you cannot truly understand the deeper needs of society. There is some science to support that.). Accountability means repairing harm and ensuring strong checks and balances to protect those who are most vulnerable and most easily dehumanized (An early metric that could lead to a concerning trend under the wrong pressures.). To protect our and our children's futures. There is a greater empathy and standard that emerges. We must always grab the next rung in our climb as a people.

Lies and Neuroscience

Feel free to change around the elements and come see if that impacts what the expected outcomes might be or what would make the most sense. It is ok to disagree and find alternative solutions. This is what learning stories do. 

Choosing Winter: A Day on Marquette Mountain

Rest area on the slope

The wind is in your hair, the snow firm beneath your skis, and as you glide down Marquette Mountain—weaving back and forth—a peculiar thought enters your mind. They call Michigan’s Upper Peninsula a winter wonderland for a reason. Within an hour and forty minutes of Escanaba, there are five ski hills, countless miles of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails winding through the woods, and plenty of opportunities for winter rabbit hunting. 

Today happens to be a ski day, but if it weren’t, it would be something else—because winter up here invites you to participate rather than stay inside.

It is hard to ski with a latte
in your hand.

The lifts were spinning, and people flocked to the resort to get their time on the snow. Families, friends, and solo skiers filled the mountain, each carving their own lines down the slope. 

You can complain about winter, or you can embrace it—and that choice is entirely yours. Personally, I believe you should make the best of whatever season you’re in.

Along the hill, I noticed a few cozy spots tucked away for people to stop and take a break. Sometimes they have fire pits crackling, offering warmth and a natural place for conversation with complete strangers.

Opening weekend was half off, which gave everyone something to talk about. The money saved might even be enough for a well-earned latte (or other beverage) afterward—a small bonus that somehow makes the day feel even better.

Ski patrol perched at top of hill.

In moments like these, winter doesn’t feel harsh or isolating. It feels social, active, and alive—a season meant to be experienced, not endured. 14 degrees is like an extreme sport!

UP Downhill Ski Report

Marquette Mountain

Short Spurts of 10 Minutes Work Outs at The Office Can Help

Representing fitness at work.

Tod thought about
starting his dance keyboard
business on Ludington Street in
Escanaba. 

His invention is that you jump
on your keys while working 
and working out

Work-life balance in the
same space.

Next up trash can
curls........

When you have a job and a full list of responsibilities, it can be hard to make it to the gym consistently. I know this firsthand—I go through fitness cycles: I’ll get in great shape over a year, let it slide over a few months, then start all over again. One thing I’ve learned is that consistency matters more than perfection. Going to the gym can also be very time-consuming, and it’s not always realistic to expect people to fit in long workouts.

That’s why many people try to squeeze in exercise during lunch breaks or whenever they can find a few spare minutes. The good news is that short workouts—around 10 minutes—can still provide significant benefits. In some cases, they may even support better overall growth and development than infrequent longer sessions.

This is especially encouraging for those of us with regular jobs who work in offices or from home. Even without weights or equipment, stepping away from your chair for brief periods can be used for core work, yoga, self-defense drills, fencing, or any number of other activities—as long as you get your heart rate up.

Take a look at the report below and consider the benefits of workouts that last just 10 minutes. If you’d like help designing a simple routine or just need a little motivation, feel free to reach out with a message to the right. I have a fitness trainer, yoga trainer and have been involved in sports for much of my life, so I’m happy to share what I’ve learned.

10 Minute Workout Research

The American Job Market November 2025: Don't Quit Your Day Job!

Isaac understands the fluctuating 
nature of employment
so he is thinking of taking some 
classes, starting his side hustle,
and creating more opportunities
just in case. 

Isaac can make wood furniture, duck decoys,
farm, fishing, hunting guide, 
handy man, fishing poles,
so on and so forth. 

Growth in lower income and middle
income isn't keeping up with
the wealthy ranks. More
will need to be done.

The American job market appears relatively soft and continues to undergo adjustments and changes. This serves as a reminder that nothing is perfectly stable—conditions are often in flux. As a result, there will always be periods of transition, and as a society, we should prepare as best we can by continuously developing our skills and abilities. This is one of the reasons I’m an advocate for small businesses, side ventures, higher education/knowledge and personal development.

The report indicated that the United States shed 105,000 jobs in October and added 64,000. Job gains were seen in healthcare and social assistance, private education and health services, goods-producing industries, and construction. Declines occurred in leisure and hospitality, as well as transportation and warehousing (The undercurrrents).

The unemployment rate rose to 4.6% in November.

Staying up-to-date on your skills, exploring fields with positive growth trends, and finding ways to reduce expenses or increase income are all important strategies. While this may feel challenging—and while rapid technological adoption will likely bring further market changes—it’s difficult to know exactly where these shifts will ultimately land. However, by continuing to learn about emerging technologies and their impact on your industry, you can position yourself to be far better prepared for whatever comes next.

As always encourage the highest regard and decisions that lead to broader social and economic development.

December 16th, 2025 BEA Employment

Employment Situation Summary Table B. Establishment data, seasonally adjusted

It's a Wonderful Life Radio Casting (Free for the Community)

Recently, I was cast in It’s a Wonderful Life, a live radio show being performed for members of our community. The event is free to attend.

I’ll be playing the Head Angel, which should be especially fun.

This is a live reading with a fully cast ensemble, so it’s truly an honor to be part of the production. Fine arts play a meaningful role in how many of us live and connect in our community.

Come on down to enjoy the show—and if you’re able, please consider donating to support the theater.

Players de Noc December 19th, 2025 It's a Wonderful Life

Things You Didn't Know About It's a Wonderful Life