Rowing and Running for Fitness

(Illustrative Only)

Rowing versus running is an interesting comparison because I have done both within my life. While I can still run, I do not enjoy it as much as I used to, and my body usually reminds me the next day if I have not been consistent. Rowing, on the other hand, offers a different kind of workout and is generally easier on the joints, which can help reduce the risk of injury. Whether using a sculling shell or a regular rowboat, rowing provides an excellent cardiovascular workout, though sculling and sweeping tend to be faster and more enjoyable.

One idea I continue to consider is finding a sculling shell to bring to Escanaba, Michigan, and using it on Little Bay de Noc. There are a few universities within a couple of hours that have rowing programs, but I may need to purchase one myself and bring it back. It is like glass some mornings. We will see. 

Rowing is an effective way to build cardiovascular endurance and improve overall fitness. It is a full-body workout, so beginners will likely experience some muscle fatigue and soreness at first, but over time it develops strength, muscle tone, and endurance. If you look at experienced rowers, they are typically in excellent physical condition, much like athletes in sports such as volleyball, swimming or sprinting.

Beyond the physical benefits, rowing offers a connection to the water and nature that many other workouts cannot provide. I usually go out in the mornings before the water gets busy, when everything is calm and quiet. The water is crystal clear, ducks are taking off, and there is very little outside noise. It creates a sense of peace and connection that can change your perspective and set a positive tone for the day. Much like surfing or snorkeling, being on the water has a way of helping you feel refreshed and mentally recharged.

Rowing is a great option for anyone looking to improve fitness while protecting their joints and enjoying the outdoors. As a certified fitness trainer, I also work with people as a hobby. If you are interested in getting started with rowing or developing a fitness plan, feel free to send me a message, and we can discuss virtual coaching or building a customized program together.

How Rowing Affects Heart Health Compared to Running

• Both rowing and running improve cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of heart disease, and help lower blood pressure.
• Rowing strengthens the heart by increasing stroke volume and engaging the full body, often resulting in larger heart adaptations compared to running.
• Running may improve VO₂ max and arterial flexibility more effectively during moderate exercise due to its weight-bearing and impact-related demands.
• Rowing provides a low-impact alternative that reduces stress on joints while still delivering strong cardiovascular and muscular benefits.
• The choice between rowing and running depends on individual fitness goals, physical limitations, and personal exercise preferences.

Gora, A. (2025, March 13). How does rowing affect your heart, and is it different to running? Live Science. https://www.livescience.com/health/exercise/how-does-rowing-affect-your-heart-and-is-it-different-to-running

San Diego 2026 Adopted Budget (Rafael Strategic Cost Optimization With Seashells)

(Illustrative Only)

Rafael thinks of
ways to use
strategic cost optimization
by looking at operations,
expenses, efficiencies,
, opportunities, patterns, etc. 
to improve performance
and reduce costs.

He uses a makeshift
seashell abacus on
his surfboard.

Strategic Cost Optimization
and
Perpetual Sustainable Economic
Systems

Budgets are complex, especially at a large scale, where decisions extend far beyond simple trade-offs between cost and performance. They involve multiple stakeholders, differing perspectives, union and non-union workforces, talent recruitment, capital investments, depreciation, and other layered considerations. Because of this complexity, individuals often propose different solutions based on their own priorities and assumptions.

Reflecting on discussions from District 2 candidates, there appear to be several thoughtful ideas worth considering. Rather than adopting any single proposal outright, an effective approach is to evaluate each idea on its merits—examining potential benefits, trade-offs, stakeholder impacts, and long-term implications. Taking a broad view of these perspectives allows for an informed and balanced assessment of what adjustments may be viable. Once you find a process you can apply it to most cities to foster synergy and parity. 

Another important dimension is shifting focus from simply cutting costs to optimizing them. While reductions may sometimes be necessary, optimization involves a deeper look at how systems operate. This can include analyzing information flows, procurement strategies, supplier relationships, service routes, and workforce utilization—such as overtime patterns. In some cases, small operational changes can yield meaningful efficiencies without reducing service quality.

Ultimately, addressing a large and complex budget requires both openness to diverse ideas and a willingness to examine the underlying mechanics of how resources are allocated and used. This kind of approach may also depend on improving data systems and analytics to better support decision-making. Understanding the system and its internal-external mechanics can lead to strategic alignment. 

City Of San Diego Fiscal Year 2026 Adopted Budget Overview

1. The total adopted budget is $6.10 billion, a $288.0 million (5.0%) increase from FY2025, driven mainly by growth in enterprise, special revenue, and internal service funds.
2. The structural budget deficit decreased significantly from $203.7 million in FY2025 to $38.0 million in FY2026—an 81% reduction.
3. Departmental restructuring and consolidation reduced 31 positions and generated over $6.6 million in annual savings while improving efficiency and accountability.
4. General Fund revenue totals $2.17 billion, increasing by $90.9 million (4.4%), with property tax gains offsetting declines in sales tax and franchise fee revenues.
5. Major revenue sources (property tax, sales tax, transient occupancy tax, franchise fees) account for 69% of General Fund revenues but collectively declined slightly by 0.2%.
6. New and expanded revenues include higher hotel taxes (Measure C), cannabis tax increases, parking fee expansions, and user fee adjustments.
7. Public safety remains a priority, with maintained or increased funding for Police and Fire-Rescue staffing and programs such as firefighter wellness and lifeguard training.
8. Homelessness initiatives are expanded through rental assistance, eviction prevention, outreach programs, and shelter services.
9. The Capital Improvement Program includes nearly $843 million in investments, such as $650.5 million for water/sewer infrastructure and 388.8 miles of street repairs.
10. Budget reductions include shorter library hours, scaled-back sustainability programs, reduced park maintenance, and cuts to lower-priority code enforcement activities.
11. Technology modernization receives over $17.7 million to improve city operations and digital services.
12. The budget reflects a balanced approach combining spending cuts, efficiency reforms, and new revenue sources while prioritizing essential services and long-term financial stability.

*Any inaccuracies let me know by sending me a message to the right and I will correct. 

City of San Diego. (2026). Mayor’s message: Fiscal Year 2026 adopted budget. https://www.sandiego.gov/finance/annual

Two Nautical Marina Pictures from Shelter Island

Here are a couple of my latest photos. This one was taken in San Diego—a beautiful view of the bay just as the sun began to set. The wind had calmed, and for a few hours everything felt still and peaceful.

If you’d be interested in this photo for your home, office, or even a restaurant space, feel free to reach out or leave a comment. Photography is a hobby of mine, so I’m happy to work with you on pricing. You can let me know your preferred size, printing style, and even make an offer—I have several options available.

I also try to give back by donating at least half of what I earn from these projects to charity. Over time, I’d love to grow this passion further—spending more time capturing moments, traveling, and sharing more of these images. 

Wishing you a wonderful day—and remember, there are always people out there capturing moments to share with others. You can view Murad Abel's Gallery

If your not interested in a picture but would like to donate to a charity consider Orphans in Mexico

The pictures are sent unframed but I can frame them for a price. 

Shelter Cove 04192026-1

Shelter Cove 04192026-2

District 2 San Diego City Council Candidate Forum (Coconut Water at the Beach)

(Illustrative Only)

Todd and Sally
each have their opinions.
So they want to
know more about the
candidates before
making a choice. 

Drinking delisious coconut
water while being
informed citizens. 

They think best when at the
beach. 🙃

 Understanding the issues that matter to communities—and how potential candidates approach them—helps create a more informed citizenry. When examining the challenges communities hope to address and the goals they aim to achieve, it is important to consider multiple perspectives and how those viewpoints are shaped. This includes analyzing the reasoning candidates use to propose solutions, where they place their priorities, and what outcomes they seek. Approaching these discussions without preconceived notions allows for a more balanced and thoughtful evaluation, encouraging a genuine effort to understand both the issues and the diverse ways people attempt to resolve them. Before soldifying your conclusions on who you would vote for just take a moment to reflect and gain more insight. Active and open listening is a positive approach.

This meeting and discussion were hosted by the following two organizations. Please review the summary below, and if you notice any inaccuracies, feel free to send a message—I would be happy to make corrections.

Point Loma Association: Caretakers of Point Loma

San Diego League of Women Voters: Empowering voters and defending democracy.

The Candidates: 

Richard Bailey: Former Mayor of Coronado and financial analyst.
Joshua Coyne: Former city employee and educator.
Nicole Crosby: Deputy City Attorney and PTA president.
Mandy Havlik: Planning board member and community volunteer.
Jacob Mitchell: Fourth-generation San Diegan and policy researcher.
Paul Supa: Focused on budget reform and public safety data.

Budget and Fiscal Management:

Richard Bailey argued that the city has a spending and management problem, not a revenue problem, noting record tax collections alongside a structural deficit. Paul Supa specifically targeted police spending, claiming it consumes over 32% of the general fund—double the national average—and suggested reducing overtime to close the budget gap. Nicole Crosby emphasized her experience managing government grants and budgets to deliver reliable services.

Measure A: The Vacancy Tax:

Support: Nicole Crosby and Joshua Coyne supported the tax to address the impact of short-term rentals and vacant homes on community stability. Jacob Mitchell gave a "yes," though he questioned the city’s ability to enforce it.

Oppose: Richard Bailey called the tax intellectually lazy and likely unconstitutional. Mandy Havlik argued the city should instead focus on fining corporate interests and billionaires rather than homeowners.

Housing and Density:

The candidates criticized the city’s implementation of density bonus programs. Mandy Havlik and Nicole Crosby argued that "one-size-fits-all" zoning ignores the unique needs of coastal communities and puts strain on infrastructure. Richard Bailey criticized "Complete Communities" for allowing high-rises without parking. Jacob Mitchell highlighted "loopholes" that allow developers to build ADU complexes that bypass the safety and habitability standards required of traditional multi-family housing.

Candidate Priorities:

Joshua Coyne stressed the need for a leader who can navigate City Hall to end the homelessness crisis. Mandy Havlik positioned herself as a grassroots neighbor rather than a career politician. Jacob Mitchell advocated for data-driven solutions and pre-approved multiplex designs to create "missing middle" housing. Nicole Crosby pledged to be a champion for neighborhood-led leadership against outside interests.

Candidate Closing Statements (Summary of Themes):

Bailey: Focuses on fiscal accountability and opposing new fees.
Supa: Focuses on re-prioritizing the budget away from excessive police overtime.
Havlik: Emphasizes her years of local service and "people-powered" campaign.
Mitchell: Advocates for pragmatic, data-driven solutions for housing and homelessness.
Crosby: Promises to be a "champion for neighborhoods" and protect quality of life.
Coyne: Highlights his experience inside City Hall to address the homelessness crisis and cost of living.

Couple of Other Sources:

San Diego Council candidates clash over Midway Rising, Liberty Station, empty homes tax

D2 candidates face-off on Liberty Station leasing, Midway Rising and mayor’s budget at forum

Who Will Represent the Peninsula? District 2 Candidates Take Questions at Liberty Station

The Allegory of the Clan: From Systemic Abuse to Institutional Renewal

(Illustrative Only)

"We can easily forgive

a child who is afraid of

the dark; the real tragedy

of life is when men

are afraid of the light."

Plato

Vote your conscous.

Economic and social systems depend on the ability to uphold shared values that benefit society as a whole. At times, however, individual cases can reveal deeper systemic issues such as corruption, which can have lasting negative effects on economic development and social cohesion. This can be illustrated through a hypothetical learning thought experiment called the"Allegory of the Clan” in which an in-group targets and exploits out-group members—damaging reputations, leveraging social and professional networks, misuse of public funds to harm others, and retaliating against those who report wrongdoing. Over time, patterns of abuse emerge, including intimidation of witnesses, normalization of mistreatment, and enrichment of those responsible, often fueled by bias, extremism, partisanship or discriminatory beliefs. Such environments tend to marginalize victims further, particularly when differences in race, religion, or political perspective are involved, despite existing legal and ethical standards meant to ensure fairness (Discardable for the right price and ism). Some fail to grasp the significance of it and that can be an issue.

These dynamics are not confined to any one place and can occur in various contexts worldwide. However, individuals and institutions that remain committed to ethical principles and accountability play a critical role in challenging misconduct. The vast majority of officials and decision makers know the importance of strong shared values and seek to uphold it. Those that don't have few checks and balances creating systemic problems that have reduced trust as issues take precedence. In the allegory, once corruption is confronted, positive changes follow: economic conditions improve, social cohesion strengthens, and overall quality of life increases. This underscores a broader truth—corruption and exploitation ultimately harm entire communities, even if perpetrators fail to recognize it. While such systems may initially resist change, accountability and sustained ethical action can lead to institutional reform, reduced crime, and stronger, more resilient societies built on trust. Or not? 🤷

The "Allegory of the Clan" is for learning so come to whatever conclusion you wish in so long as you thought about it. 

You may be interested in this piece below....

 Managing A Hostile Court Environment: Common Challenges And Recommendations

• Hostile court environments often arise in corruption cases where powerful defendants can influence proceedings, delay trials, and pressure legal actors.
• Three primary challenges are identified: bias, delays, and threats, each affecting fairness and efficiency in judicial processes.
• Bias may stem from judicial discretion, lack of accountability, limited expertise, resource constraints, and external pressures such as bribery or career concerns.
• Delays—whether justified or not—can weaken cases over time by reducing evidence quality, losing witnesses, and diminishing public interest.
• Threats against prosecutors, investigators, and judges can be overt or subtle, including intimidation, surveillance, reputational attacks, or career interference.
• Recommended strategies include building strong, evidence-based cases, planning early for hostile conditions, and documenting proceedings carefully.
• Institutional improvements such as specialized courts, better case management systems, and performance monitoring can reduce bias and inefficiencies.
• Addressing delays requires clearer procedural rules, better scheduling practices, and systematic tracking of case timelines.
• Mitigating threats involves collaboration, distributing responsibility across teams, engaging media strategically, and ensuring personal and organizational security measures.
• Broader support from international organizations and networks can strengthen resilience and provide protection for those handling sensitive cases.

U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre. (2018, August 7). Managing a hostile court environment: Common challenges and recommendations. https://www.u4.no/managing-a-hostile-court-environment-common-challenges-and-recommendations

'Enjoy Escanaba Facebook' at Community Branding Example

(Illustrative Only)

Waldo has a permit to sell
his flowers downtown
Ludington. He has a
small farm and greenery.
He obtained a permit to
have his flower cart on the
 sidewalk as long as he moves
it every few days to a
different location.
The goal is to attract people
to different downtown
areas raising awareness
and business for everyone. He posts
his flower arrangements
on social media.
He loves to do themes
for football, sailing, 
etc. to match local activities.
He even auctions flowers
to raise funds for local
good causes who buy
flower raffle tickets.
Residents have made
a game out of it
and play "Where is 
Waldo". Waldo
also gives away
a free flower
to tourists making
their day special 
and memorable
in a way that raises
positive experiences.
He will even sell the flowers
for other greeneries and
take a commission cut raising
awareness of their offerings 
as well. 
Local businesses love it
when he parks outside their
store because of
the beauty and eye catching.
People sometimes stop their cars, 
check out his flowers, 
and often frequent the 
businesses nearby. 
He also agreed
to check on the health
of the flowers downtown
and ensure they are
healthy in exchange for
the permit thereby
cutting back expenses.

If you are looking
for flowers
check out Cheniers Greenhouse

Social media plays a central role in how people discover products, services, places, and events, and it also shapes how communities build their identity and brand. While individual businesses use social media to promote themselves, entire locations—such as downtown areas or small cities like Escanaba, Michigan—can also develop a shared brand through collective online presence.

For example, community-driven pages like “Enjoy Escanaba” on Facebook showcase local businesses, new openings, and events. This type of content is less formal advertising and more organic, with residents and business owners sharing updates that create a sense of community. As more people become aware of what a place offers—whether in Escanaba or nearby areas like Gladstone—they are more likely to visit, explore local websites, and make purchases. Over time, this collective visibility contributes to a stronger regional brand, benefiting both individual businesses and the broader community.

A key strength of this approach is its authenticity. Because the content is driven by social interest rather than formal marketing campaigns, it tends to resonate more with people searching online for things to do, places to visit, or products to buy. Message credibility is higher. Simply sharing updates about new stores, services, or offerings increases awareness and can influence future consumer behavior. Many people discover businesses this way and make a mental note to visit later, demonstrating how even simple posts can have meaningful economic impact.

There is also a network effect at play. Local businesses benefit from promoting shared community platforms because attracting visitors to one business often leads them to explore others nearby. This clustering effect—where businesses support each other’s visibility—strengthens the overall commercial environment and attracts the right customer base for multiple establishments. Businesses supporting each other leads to a total net gain for all.

From a broader perspective, social media should be viewed as a system made up of different platforms serving different purposes. Some pages promote events and new developments, while others—such as community “rants and raves” groups—provide feedback and highlight areas for improvement even if one has to look at the theme versus the specifics. Additional platforms may target investors or tourists by showcasing attractions and opportunities in the area. Together, these channels contribute to a more complete and dynamic picture of the community’s brand. Those who are searching information benefit from multiple avenues. 

Ultimately, coordinated and organic use of social media can play a significant role in revitalizing small and medium-sized business environments and downtown areas. By increasing awareness, fostering community engagement, and promoting local offerings, these platforms help attract visitors, support entrepreneurs, and encourage new investment.

Enjoy Escanaba Facebook

Here is the study....

Influence Of Social Media On Business Performance Of Small And Medium Enterprises

• Examines how social media marketing affects the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly in the convenience store sector
• Uses the technology acceptance model to explain how perceived usefulness and ease of use influence adoption of social media strategies
• Employs a qualitative descriptive design with semistructured interviews of eight SME owners in the Midwestern United States
• Identifies key themes including cost-effective social media strategies, increased customer base and revenue, and improved brand awareness
• Finds that social media marketing enhances customer engagement, communication, and relationships between businesses and consumers
• Demonstrates that effective use of platforms like Facebook and Twitter can expand market reach and improve sales performance
• Highlights that many SMEs underutilize social media, leading to missed opportunities for growth and competitiveness
• Recommends that SME owners adopt structured social media strategies to increase brand visibility and overall business performance
• Suggests positive social change outcomes, including business growth, job creation, and stronger community engagement

Calvert-Antoye, A. J. (2024). Influence of social media on business performance of small and medium enterprises (Doctoral dissertation, Walden University). Walden University ScholarWorks. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=18756&context=dissertations

Economic Signals From Michigan: Growth, Uncertainty, And Opportunity In 2026

 

(Illustrative Only)

James builds custom
robots and Jane
wants to angel fund
a start up to increase
returns. 

Places like Escanaba
might provide the 
right balance between 
labor skills and 
start-up investments
opportunities. Local
community colleges
and universities can
help foster human
capital development.

Start Up and Incumbent
Firms

Hedge Funding Start-Ups

Predictive Analysis Human
Capital

The 2026 Michigan Economic Outlook, presented on January 13, offers a useful snapshot of the state’s economic conditions, even if some details may have evolved since then. The report highlights several underlying challenges, many of which center on human capital. While the mid- and long-term outlook appears to be improving, wage growth in Michigan has not kept pace with national averages, suggesting room for improvement in workforce development, productivity, innovation, and overall compensation.

Addressing these gaps is not solely about increasing pay. Non-financial factors—such as quality of life, community environment, and access to amenities—can also play a significant role in attracting and retaining talent. At the same time, major manufacturers in the state appear to be adopting a cautious, “wait-and-see” approach due to uncertainty around policy and market conditions. This is especially evident in the transition toward electric vehicle (EV) strategies, which has generated both momentum and opposition, likely leaving some firms unsure of their next steps.

Although the outlook reflects conditions from a few months ago, the broader trends remain relevant and generally optimistic. One potential strategy for businesses is to consider investment in smaller or mid-sized communities, encourage the sparking of start-ups to test new ideas/lines, and fostering specific human capital skills that can help support their and other businesses. For example, Escanaba has experienced growth in tourism while also developing a localized economic ecosystem where manufacturing, quality of life, and affordability reinforce one another. This kind of environment can create a sustainable and attractive setting for both businesses and workers.

For companies evaluating domestic or international expansion, these types of communities may offer compelling advantages. Locations with strong infrastructure, a skilled workforce, lower costs of living, and supportive local communities can provide a more balanced and strategic foundation for long-term investment and returns. There is much more than dollars and cents in raising ROI and employee satisfaction that can attract strong talent.

You may want to watch and review and highlights from the event. 

Summary of the 2026 Michigan Economic Outlook.......

2026 Economic Outlook Survey Results

• Confidence is returning to Michigan’s business community, with a three-year outlook score of 75 on a 100-point scale.

• Positive sentiment regarding the state's economy rose to 48%, up from 43% the previous year.

• Business friendliness remains a concern for leaders, with the metric edging down to a score of 62.

Wage and Income Statistics

• Michigan has experienced a long-term decline in wage competitiveness, moving from 10% above the national average in 1990 to 4% below it in 2026.

• Residents currently earn approximately 87 cents for every dollar earned by the average American.

• The state’s national ranking for per capita income has fallen from 16th in 1999 to 40th today.

Employment and Labor Market Trends

• Labor data shows a contradiction: resident employment dropped by 30,000, while payroll employment rose by 40,000.

• Economists predict a "soft patch" or growth pause in the labor market for the first half of 2026.

• A pickup in hiring and economic activity is expected in the latter half of 2026 and into 2027.

Automotive Industry and Policy Impact

• The average cost of a new vehicle has reached $48,000, with tariffs expected to add another $3,000 to that price.

• Recent changes to fuel economy standards (CAFE) have removed financial penalties, which may temporarily benefit the Detroit Three.

• Major manufacturers are managing significant capital risk, including $6 billion to $7 billion in redirected investments due to shifting EV strategies.

Current Business Sentiment

• Policy uncertainty is cited as the greatest hurdle to business growth and capital investment.

• Survey respondents are polarized regarding federal policies, with 55% viewing them negatively and 35% positively.

• Despite statistical challenges, industry leaders remain optimistic about Michigan's talent pool and its high-ranking research universities.

Detroit PBS. (2026, January 13). 2026 Michigan economic outlook [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-3VKXZmkso