Action Inhibition and Fitness in Fencing (Fitness Training)

(Illustrative Only)

Fencing, especially saber fencing, takes a tremendous amount of skill, athleticism, and hand-eye coordination. There’s definitely a strong fitness component as well. You rely heavily on explosive leg power, quick reaction time, balance, and the ability to read body language and anticipate what your opponent is going to do next.

This morning I did some saber fencing at one of our local clubs, and I’ve noticed that I’m getting significantly better. These are competitive fencers who regularly compete in tournaments, and while I didn’t win every bout, I probably won most of them today. That definitely wasn’t the case in the past when I trained less consistently. The more regularly I practice, the more improvement I see.

One of the most interesting things I’ve noticed is the development of what researchers call “action inhibition.” In simple terms, it means you don’t immediately react to every movement your opponent makes. Years ago, I was much more reactive and jumpy. I moved too quickly, wasted energy, and experienced players could usually take advantage of that.

Now I find myself staying calmer, observing movements more carefully, and waiting for the right moment to respond. I can often sense where an opponent is trying to go before they fully commit to it. I’ve also started incorporating more strategic techniques such as feints, flicks, and attacks aimed at unexpected targets like the wrist, arm, or hand. Those adjustments have been surprisingly effective.

That calmness and restraint allow for more strategic thinking and more efficient movement. I suspect this same phenomenon exists in many sports, especially combat sports like boxing. Interestingly, I was boxing last week and one of the black belts I train with commented how I gave him a run for his money. While I believe he is a better boxer he got no freebees and resultingly more cautious than usual. A big part of that improvement comes from staying relaxed and choosing responses deliberately rather than reacting automatically.

As a licensed fitness trainer, I also offer virtual coaching sessions for people interested in improving their fitness, conditioning, or athletic performance. I mostly do it on the side because I enjoy helping people develop better habits and training strategies. Sessions are about $50 for an hour, which can be a great way to get started, build a solid plan, and then check back in every few months for adjustments and accountability.

I’ll leave my email below in case anyone is interested.

Fencing expertise and physical fitness enhance action inhibition

• The study investigated how fencing experience and physical fitness levels impact inhibitory control (the ability to withhold an action).

• Researchers used a 2x2 factorial design comparing fencers and non-fencers across different fitness levels (high-fit and averagely-fit).

• Participants performed two types of tasks: a Simple Reaction Time (SRT) task and a Go/No-Go reaction time task.

• Results showed no significant differences in basic reaction times (SRT) between groups based solely on expertise or fitness.

• A significant interaction was found: high-fit fencers made significantly fewer commission errors (failing to withhold a response) than high-fit non-fencers.

• The findings suggest that cognitive control is most effectively improved when physical training is combined with the mental demands of a specialized sport like fencing.

• The study concludes that both fencing expertise and aerobic fitness facilitate the capacity to withhold action when necessary.

Reference Chan, J. S. Y., Wong, A. C. N., Liu, Y., Yu, J., & Yan, J. H. (2011). Fencing expertise and physical fitness enhance action inhibition. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 12(5), 509–514. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2011.04.006

San Diego City Survey Preliminary Results Indicates Public Imput and Trade Offs 2026

 

(Illustrative Only)

Trying to figure out
how this is 
going to work and which
cup to put 
resources in and 
which one to take
out. 🤷 We
might collect the many
ideas out there
and start vetting them
no matter who brings
them forward. 
Sometimes just a thought
leads to positive
budget changes. 

Seeking public input on city budgets, development, and services is important, especially as San Diego faces a projected deficit of about $120 million. This kind of shortfall means the city will likely need to adjust services, reorganize priorities, and consider new revenue sources to stay financially stable.

Raising taxes is one possible option, but it can also have tradeoffs, including potential impacts on the cost of living and tourism. Because of that, there are no simple solutions. The city has to weigh what services are most effective, what can be reduced, and what should be preserved, ideally by looking at the system as a whole.

Many cities face similar financial pressures, and while some manage their budgets more effectively than others, solutions vary based on size, politics, legality and local conditions. For a large city like San Diego, decisions are more complex and often involve competing priorities and public disagreement (There is this little town in the Upper Peninsula that seems to be doing well with its budget. Maybe we can learn from it.).

The recent survey is a positive step because it gives residents a voice in identifying priorities and tradeoffs. However, surveys are not perfect and may not fully represent everyone’s views. Even so, they can help highlight general trends in what residents value most, which can support better decision-making over time.

Overall, the situation reflects a broader, long-term challenge rather than a short-term issue, and it requires ongoing input, analysis, and adjustment from both officials and the public. We will need to wait until the official report comes out as I have not seen it but this article is a good one. 

San Diego’s First Resident Budget Survey Faces Limitations as Officials Seek Public Input

• San Diego used its first-ever Resident Budget Survey to gather public input for the city’s budget process.
• More than 12,000 residents participated, offering feedback on priorities such as street repairs, public safety, homelessness, and housing affordability.
• City officials used survey results to help guide budget tradeoffs amid a projected deficit of roughly $120 million.
• The survey asked residents to rank priorities and consider tradeoffs, including whether to raise additional revenue or reduce services.
• While participation was high, the process had limitations, including concerns about how representative responses were and how much influence the survey ultimately had on final decisions.
• The survey was part of a broader public engagement effort that also included hearings and written comments during the budget cycle.

San Diego Union-Tribune. (2026, May 9). This budget season, San Diego asked the public to take a first-ever survey. It faced some limitations. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/05/09/this-budget-season-san-diego-asked-the-public-to-take-a-first-ever-survey-it-faced-some-limitations/

Just a Possible Pinch of Inflationary Pain: Inflation NowCast April and May 2026 Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland (Joe Thinks His Smoothie Costs More)

(Illustrative Only)
Joe the beachcomber

Yo peeps this
$5 smoothie costs 
$19 cents more next month.
I didn't make 19 cents more.🤷

It looks like inflation may begin to rise over the next month and potentially continue into the year according to the Federal Reserve NowCast Cleveland release. However, these increases do not appear to be sharp and generally suggest a level of stability alongside the broader economy. However, these rises also indicate some energy type issues and costs.

It is important to remember that inflation affects everyday expenses, from credit card balances to the prices we pay for goods and services. When inflation rises, the purchasing power of money declines, meaning each dollar buys less than before. As a result, consumers may feel additional financial pressure as costs gradually increase.

A summary is included below if you are interested.

Cleveland Fed Inflation Nowcasting: April and May Monthly Inflation Estimates (CPI & PCE)

April 2026 (Monthly Inflation Nowcast)

• CPI (month-over-month equivalent estimate: ~annualized signal embedded in model inputs):
  • Core CPI: 0.21% MoM
  • Headline CPI: ~3.56% YoY estimate for April
• PCE:
  • Core PCE: ~0.26% MoM
  • Headline PCE: ~3.58% YoY estimate
• Interpretation:
  • Inflation remained moderately elevated in April, with headline inflation driven more by energy shocks than core demand pressures.
• Key detail:
  • Core inflation stayed relatively stable (~2.5%–2.6% YoY range), showing underlying price pressures were not accelerating rapidly.

May 2026 (Monthly Inflation Nowcast)

• CPI (MoM estimate):
  • Not directly reported as a single CPI MoM figure in the summary data, but model-implied pace suggests ~0.2%–0.3% MoM range
• PCE:
  • Core PCE: 0.27% MoM (May estimate)
  • Headline PCE: roughly stable near April pace (~3.5%–3.6% YoY range implied)
• Interpretation:
  • May shows “maintenance inflation,” meaning inflation is not accelerating sharply but also not returning quickly to the Fed’s 2% target
• Key detail:
  • Core inflation is rising slowly and steadily (~0.26%–0.27% MoM), indicating persistent but controlled price pressure in services and housing.

Key Takeaways (April → May Trend)

• Inflation remains sticky but not accelerating sharply
• April shows energy-driven inflation pressure (headline > core)
• May shows slight continuation of steady core inflation (~0.26%–0.27% MoM)
• Overall pattern:
  • Headline inflation = volatile (energy-driven)
  • Core inflation = stable but elevated (~2.5%–3.0% YoY range)

Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. (n.d.). Inflation nowcasting. https://www.clevelandfed.org/indicators-and-data/inflation-nowcasting

Blog Content Marketing Has Value for Business, Poeple, and Society

(Illustrative Only)

Content marketing is important in today’s world because it creates opportunities to share meaningful ideas and connect with people who care about specific topics. This blog is focused on exploring ideas, concepts, and discussions that are often theoretical, philosophical, business-related, or connected to everyday life. Many of the posts are supported by research and scientific studies, and summaries are included in a simple format with APA references so readers can easily explore the original sources for themselves.

The goal of the blog is to share knowledge, encourage discussion, and make a positive impact whenever possible. Some topics are serious and business-focused, while others are more personal, creative, art oriented, lifestyle, fitness or hobby-oriented to keep things engaging and enjoyable.

Audience interest varies depending on the subject being discussed. On average, the site receives anywhere from a few hundred visitors a day to several thousand, depending on what readers find valuable and decide to share.

Good content writing is highly topic-driven. Strong articles focus on useful, relevant information that helps readers learn something meaningful. Content cannot simply be filler; it needs to provide genuine value or people quickly lose interest. Everything written here comes from a genuine interest in the subject matter and a desire to contribute something worthwhile.

From time to time, I also write blog posts for events, businesses, or community awareness projects for a small fee. This is more of a side hobby than a business venture, and a portion of what I make is often donated to charity whenever possible. That is part of the goal and will likely be more of a goal in the future.

If you would like additional exposure for an event, business, idea, or community project, feel free to send a message and discuss possibilities. More information is available on the advertising page below.

One of the interesting points raised in this article is how search engine optimization, artificial intelligence, and digital content continue to shape the way businesses and creators connect with audiences online. Ultimately, the larger question becomes: how do we effectively reach and engage people in a rapidly changing digital world?

Advertising Page

You can also contact me directly at muradabel@gmail.com

Content Marketing: The Lifeblood of Digital Marketing

• Content marketing focuses on creating valuable, relevant, and engaging content that attracts customers rather than interrupting them with traditional advertising.
• Effective content marketing builds trust, improves brand authority, and supports long-term customer relationships.
• High-quality content helps businesses increase website traffic, generate leads, reduce customer acquisition costs, and improve conversion rates.
• Consumers often research products and services through multiple pieces of content before making purchasing decisions.
• Successful content marketing strategies align with business goals and target audience needs across every stage of the sales funnel.
• Different content formats such as blogs, videos, podcasts, webinars, newsletters, and social media posts serve different marketing purposes.
• Search engine optimization (SEO) plays a major role in helping content become discoverable online.
• Companies like Spotify and Airbnb demonstrate how storytelling and audience engagement can strengthen brand loyalty.
• Artificial intelligence can improve content creation efficiency, personalization, analytics, and scalability while still requiring human creativity and strategic oversight.
• Consistency, relevance, audience research, and performance measurement are critical components of successful content marketing strategies.

Baldwin, C. (2024, December 3). Content marketing: The lifeblood of digital marketing. WSI World. https://www.wsiworld.com/blog/content-marketing-the-lifeblood-of-digital-marketing

Dream Makers Children’s Museum (Donations are Welcome)

 Some great news was recently announced: the old Carnegie building will soon become the Dream Makers Children's Museum. This project will bring tremendous benefits to our community and neighborhood as we continue revitalizing our town. Museums and community activities create an attractive environment for current and future residents. Perhaps one can extend that into the lives of those children this museum is going to touch.

(Let me say as a kid the Carnegie library had a special place. I used to sit in there for hours after school and flip the pages of books, browse and skateboard around. Sometimes the librarian would come over and look at what I was flipping through and say something to the effect of, "The kids books are downstairs". Now we have a whole new generation of kids that will gain new memories that will last them a lifetime.) 

Creating spaces for artistic expression and child development is essential to meaningful growth and long-term community change. Research has consistently shown that exposure to art and creative learning helps children develop strategic thinking skills, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving abilities that stay with them throughout their lives. Beyond the intellectual and psychological benefits, children’s museums also encourage socialization by bringing families and children together around shared experiences and activities.

A project like this can have a deeply positive impact on a community of our size. It also supports economic development by making the area more attractive to young families who want opportunities that keep their children active, engaged, healthy, and inspired. Investments in cultural and educational institutions help create vibrant communities where families want to live, work, and grow.

If you are a business owner or an individual looking for a meaningful way to contribute, this is a worthy investment in the future of our town. There is nothing more rewarding than helping children learn, grow, and thrive. They are our future, and we should never sacrifice the future for the convenience of the present. 

At a time when many communities are facing budget cuts and reductions in public resources, this museum represents something rare: an investment with returns that can last for decades, even generations. Our town is doing well compared to many other towns in terms of financial growth and household income. Give a little of that back to the next generation. 

Support Dream Maker Children's Museum Here

An interesting article on TV 6 Dream Maker Children

The Case for Children’s Museums

• Children’s museums provide hands-on learning experiences that support children’s cognitive, emotional, and social development through play-based education.
• These museums contribute more than $5.5 billion annually to the U.S. economy and support over 57,000 jobs across hundreds of industries.
• Children’s museums serve more than 30 million visitors each year and invest over $600 million annually in programs and services for children and families.
• Research highlighted in the report shows that play strengthens brain development, executive functioning, creativity, and social-emotional learning.
• Museums create inclusive environments that support mental health, resilience, empathy, and positive identity development for children and families.
• Programs such as Museums for All increase accessibility by offering free or reduced admission to millions of families receiving food assistance.
• Children’s museums function as educational laboratories, community resources, local destinations, and advocates for child-centered learning and development.
• The report emphasizes that learning outside traditional classrooms is critical because children spend the majority of their time outside of school settings.

Association of Children’s Museums. (n.d.). The case for children’s museums. Association of Children’s Museums. https://childrensmuseums.org/thecase/

Orange Lighthouse Painting: How to Pair Art and Wall Covers?

Orange Lighthouse Acrylic Painting
8X10" 

This painting, Orange Lighthouse, was created as an experiment with a new style. It is an 8x10 acrylic painting and can be shipped framed or unframed (It comes unframed). If you are interested, I’ve included the eBay link below. It is affordably priced and would make a great addition to a room that could use a little extra warmth and color.

The piece is largely about color and atmosphere. When decorating a room, it often helps to tie colors together throughout the space. For example, if your couch or curtains have hints of orange, this painting can help bring those elements together and create a more cohesive look. It could also work well in an office or cubicle as a reminder of the beauty and calm that exist beyond the pace of everyday work.

I was recently approved to join a local art association after submitting my photography portfolio. They welcomed me warmly and complimented the quality of my photographs. I did not submit any paintings at that time, but I plan to work on three new paintings to submit during the next jury review. Since it is a juried association, not every applicant is accepted, so I’m interested to see how my paintings are received.

Although some of my paintings have been displayed in galleries and fine art centers over the years, they did not sell at the time—and that is perfectly fine. It simply creates another opportunity for someone to enjoy the work now if it speaks to them.

I also try to donate a portion of what I earn from these creative projects to charity. Art, photography, and painting are natural forms of human expression, and if someone chooses to support that work, I’m grateful for it.

Orange Lighthouse Acrylic Painting

I also have an Art Page

You may be interested in this piece below on how to pair art, 

Matching Art Colors and Wall Colors to Create a Perfect Combination

• Coordinating wall art with existing room colors helps create a balanced and visually cohesive space. Designers often recommend the 60-30-10 rule, where artwork either reinforces secondary colors or introduces accent colors.

• Warm and cool color temperatures should generally stay consistent throughout a room. Warm-toned walls and décor tend to pair best with warm-toned artwork, while cool-toned spaces work better with blues, greens, and cooler neutrals.

• Contrast is important when choosing wall art. Artwork that perfectly matches wall colors may disappear visually, while thoughtful contrast helps create a focal point and adds depth to the room.

• Interior design discussions often emphasize pulling colors from furniture, curtains, rugs, or decorative accents into artwork selections to unify the overall aesthetic of a space.

• Community advice from decorating forums suggests limiting the number of dominant colors in a room and using artwork or patterned décor pieces to connect color schemes together in a more intentional way.

Franklin Arts. (n.d.). Matching art colors and wall colors to create a perfect combination. Retrieved May 9, 2026, from https://www.franklinarts.com/blog/entry/matching-art-colors-and-wall-colors-to-create-a-perfect-combination

Bullying to Accountability: Bigotry, Institutions, and the Struggle for Justice

(Illustrative Only)

A shield of justice.

Always protect 
what is right and just
and you will find
all of society growing
and developing. Let
not those who harm others
be our leaders or
guides. Just about
every religion, every
major philosopher, 
every major theorist
believed in a higher order.
Societies were built
off of those beliefs.

Bullying and bigotry are serious issues that affect workplaces, schools, communities, and institutions. Sometimes people discuss bullying as though it is only a childhood issue, but many of the same behaviors continue into adulthood. Individuals who engage in manipulation, intimidation, harassment, or discrimination often carry those patterns with them over time, creating harm in professional and social environments alike. The problems with not addressing these behaviors when they are young are that they become adult bullies that create wakes of harm. Multiple failures lead to later failures.

One way to think about this is through the Allegory of the Clan modeled as a modern applied version of the Allegory of the Cave described by Plato. That allegory is ultimately about enlightenment, truth, and the difficult process of confronting false perceptions. Modern democratic societies were heavily influenced by Enlightenment ideals such as reason, justice, equality under the law, and human dignity. However, not everyone embraces those values equally. Some individuals are drawn toward prejudice, rumors, corruption, scapegoating, or destructive behavior, especially when those actions are tolerated or rewarded by groups around them.

In the Allegory of the Clan there were basic human rights, civil rights, misuse of courts, secretive lists, targetings, bullying, putting vulnerable at risk and negligence to correct. A type of intentional default that eventually leads to higher functioning systems and greater growth. As people do the right thing they also begin to help others in their society/community and that opens up new opportunities. Where some officials were expected to do the right thing but neglected their oaths newer more enlightened people began to take their place. Natural systems can overcome corruption and the protection thereof for the benefit of everyone. The founding fathers/mothers knew a thing or two about why these values were codified and expected to be upheld from generation to generation. Those who can't uphold them sell us and the next generation out.

Bullying and bigotry can become especially dangerous when institutions fail to address clear wrongdoing. Public trust declines when people believe harmful behavior is ignored, minimized, or excused. At the same time, the overwhelming majority of people—including judges, police officers, educators, and public servants—genuinely want to do what is right and serve society honorably. These professions are essential to maintaining stability, fairness, and public confidence, and society benefits when ethical individuals step forward to serve in those roles.

The problem arises when systems lack accountability or when harmful behavior is normalized. Research on bullying often focuses on children and adolescents, but many adult bullies began developing those behaviors early in life. If those behaviors go unchecked, they can evolve into patterns of intimidation, exclusion, harassment, or abuse of authority later on. When society excuses mistreatment because it is directed at a particular group, it risks creating forms of second-class citizenship and undermining fundamental rights and protections. Such behaviors will go on because there are no appropriate red lights, weak respect over our social contracts, and a collective desire to harm some members of society to help others (the Second Class Citizen Theory).

In broader social thought experiments and historical examples, harmful behavior rarely stays isolated. The same mindset that tolerates injustice in one setting often allows similar harms to spread elsewhere. Conversely, when ethical officials, leaders, and citizens stand up against wrongdoing, it strengthens institutions, improves public trust, and contributes to a healthier society and economy.

Ultimately, accountability matters. Bullies and bigots may continue harmful behavior when they believe there are no consequences. Most are not necessarily bad people but the environment and the immaturity of the people they surround themselves with create a social context of desperate need to be liked and accepted. This is why in our learning thought experiment we use a cult like group that have defined themselves by childhood sports in which they were not necessarily very good nor did they go anywhere with it. Such people grow up to be adult bullies. Positive change depends on individuals within institutions choosing to act with integrity, enforce standards fairly, and protect the principles of justice and equal treatment for everyone.

Consider some of the similarities in the study below and how these things start, 

@The Allegory of the Clan is a thought experiment for learning purposes. Come to any conclusion you desire. There is no right or wrong answer only helpful and unhelpful. As long as you thought about it, you own it. 

Bullying May Be Fueled by the Desperate Need to Belong

• The article argues that bullying behavior is often connected to a strong human desire for social acceptance and belonging.
• Children and adolescents may bully others when they feel excluded, rejected, or insecure about their own social status.
• Bullying can take multiple forms, including physical aggression, social exclusion, rumor spreading, and cyberbullying.
• The authors explain that young people may attack others socially because harming someone’s sense of belonging is emotionally powerful.
• Traditional explanations for bullying include lack of empathy, emotional regulation problems, poor parenting, and a desire for dominance.
• The article suggests that developmental pressures and social needs may also strongly contribute to bullying behaviors.
• Research discussed in the article links social rejection with aggression, emotional distress, and even physical pain.
• Adolescents may be especially vulnerable because peer approval and social identity become increasingly important during this stage of life.
• The authors recommend that bullying prevention programs focus more on promoting inclusion, healthy relationships, and positive peer connections.
• Understanding bullying as a response to unmet belonging needs may improve intervention and prevention strategies in schools.

Underwood, M. K., & Ehrenreich, S. E. (2014). Bullying may be fueled by the desperate need to belong. Theory Into Practice, 53(4), 265–270. https://doi.org/10.1080/00405841.2014.947217