Building a Downtown That Attracts People, Businesses, and Opportunity

There’s a pretty interesting article below about five approaches to attracting more people downtown. I like using Escanaba as an example because the community has changed quite a bit and has been doing some really positive things.

For example, the city has made improvements to its downtown streets and water infrastructure, which should also help improve fire protection. It has added a bike path, and I noticed more people riding bikes downtown just before winter. We're also beginning to see entrepreneurs and new business activity. Add in the parks, open spaces, and community events, and there are some good building blocks in place.

But the bigger question is: How do you take all these improvements and attract even more people downtown?

(Illustrative Only)
Envisioning the possibilities
for summer and winter
tourism along
with downtown retail 
that can be exported. 

I.e. wood products,
custom work, maple
syrup, smoked fish,
etc. 

The article highlights several factors that help make downtown areas attractive. I think Escanaba already has many of those pieces. Now, perhaps it's time to take things to the next level and think about how we can make the community a startup and entrepreneurial hub.

We already have a few important business anchors. Amazon has a distribution presence, along with Billerud, ship repair and several manufacturing and metal-stamping operations. Adding another significant anchor business would be a real plus, particularly one that complements the existing business community and creates additional opportunities.

At the same time, we need to continue building downtown as a destination. More visitors encourage more investment, which creates opportunities for restaurants, retail, arts, entertainment, tourism, and other businesses.

The important thing is to look at this as a connected system. Economic development, downtown improvements, tourism, entrepreneurship, and community activities all reinforce one another.

You don't just build a downtown by improving the sidewalks. You build it by creating a place where people want to live, work, visit, invest, and maybe even start a business.

Anyway, I thought this was a pretty interesting study to consider as we continue putting the pieces of that puzzle together.

Five Approaches to Attract More People to Downtown Areas

• Make downtowns more pedestrian-friendly by prioritizing sidewalks, safe crossings, lower traffic speeds, street trees, landscaping, and walkable public spaces rather than focusing primarily on automobile traffic.

• Increase public seating through benches and outdoor gathering areas. Providing places for people to sit, relax, and socialize encourages visitors to spend more time downtown.

• Improve the appearance and activity of ground-floor businesses with attractive storefronts, large windows, visible entrances, outdoor displays, and restaurant patios. Active storefronts create a more inviting atmosphere.

• Invest in central gathering spaces such as town squares, parks, plazas, and public markets. These locations encourage community interaction, support local businesses, and create destinations that attract visitors.

• Maintain public spaces through regular street cleaning, landscaping, trash removal, and infrastructure repairs. A clean, attractive, and well-maintained downtown creates a positive impression and encourages repeat visits.

Butler, S. (2026, May 13). Five approaches to attract more people to your downtown. MRSC. https://mrsc.org/stay-informed/mrsc-insight/may-2026/attractive-downtown-elements

A Cheap E-Bike Rigged for Health Conscious Commutes

A few years ago, I decided to put together an electric bike without spending a fortune. Here's how I did it.

I bought a relatively inexpensive e-bike for around $350. After that, I made a few improvements. I replaced the handlebars, added a better seat, installed a seat extension, and made a few other adjustments. That cost me about $90. I also added lights, bags, and a few accessories for another $50 or so.

So, for roughly $500, I ended up with a pretty decent e-bike. Not bad!

I've been using it ever since, and it's been a good commuter bike. It's not nearly as powerful as some of the newer models available today, but it gets the job done.

One thing I really like is the extended handlebars and seating position. It allows me to lean back a little and take some pressure off my arms (good for longer travel). There's a comfortable position where I can shift my weight and relax while riding. It's a simple setup, but it works.

I'm thinking about getting another e-bike sometime next year (I'm actually thinking of buying a cruzer and converting it.). The next one will probably have more power and a longer range. This current bike is more like a mountain bike, which makes it versatile and useful for different situations. However, if you encounter a really steep hill, you're going to have to help it along. 

The next one will probably be more of a cruiser. I'd like to sit back, relax, and enjoy longer rides. I'll probably add some saddlebags and other accessories to make it more comfortable and practical.

One reason I enjoy having an e-bike is that I don't always need a car when I'm in CA. Most of the places I go are within about 30 minutes, and I don't mind riding. The weather is usually nice, I avoid traffic, and I don't have to worry about finding parking. That's a pretty good deal.

(Illustrative Only)
Biking around
allows you to
see the world in 
a different way. 

Of course, there are times when having a car makes more sense. I have a friend coming to visit, for example, and we're not exactly going to ride around everywhere biking. I could Uber everywhere, but renting a car for the weekend made more sense.

Another benefit of e-biking is the exercise. Depending on how much effort you're putting in, you can burn roughly 250–300 calories an hour. If I ride 20 minutes to the beach and 20 minutes back, that's already 40 minutes of activity. Add a trip to the grocery store or a few other errands, and suddenly I've worked in a decent amount of exercise without making a special trip to the gym.

That's what I like about it. You're getting exercise while doing something you would normally do anyway. You also get outside, enjoy the scenery, and get a little fresh air.

The downside? Rainy, miserable weather. That's when the e-bike starts looking a lot less attractive!

Overall, I think e-bikes are a great option. They're generally better for the environment than driving a car, they encourage physical activity, and they can make getting around a lot more enjoyable.

They also force you to simplify your life a little. You start thinking about where you really need to go instead of jumping in the car for every little thing. And you get some exercise along the way. That's not a bad combination.

A Little Help Getting in Shape

On another note, I'm also a fitness trainer and coach, have a yoga instructor certification, and participate in a variety of sports, including kickboxing, self-defense, and other activities.

If you're interested in getting into better shape, I'd be happy to help. We can set something up virtually and work on getting you moving in the right direction.

Getting started with exercise involves more than just deciding to work out. You need to consider your goals, fitness level, limitations, and what activities will actually work for your lifestyle. I'd be happy to help you put together a practical plan.

Feel free to send me a message in the comment box to the right, and we can talk about it.

*If you like these free articles consider buying a product, advertising space or other. 

Picasso I'm Not, But My Art is For Sale

 I was looking at some of my artwork the other day and thinking, I wonder if there's a way I could actually sell more of this stuff.

Illustrative Only

Let's be honest, I'm an amateur artist. I know that. I'm not exactly the next Picasso, although I'm sure Picasso had his off days, too. But I enjoy the process, and it feels pretty good when I manage to sell a piece or two.

I figure I do all this writing for free because I'm curious about the world, and I enjoy making art, too. My artwork is a mixed bag. Every once in a while, I create something I'm really proud of. Other times, well, let's just say it isn't going to end up in a museum anytime soon. Some pieces are average, some are below average, and a few surprise even me.

I've actually been accepted into an art association. They juried my work and decided I was good enough to join, which was encouraging. I haven't made it to any meetings yet, though. I keep meaning to go, but life gets busy, and apparently, attending art meetings hasn't made it very high on my priority list.

You can 
check this out on my
Redbubble Account
It offers printing
and shipping. 

Still, I've been wondering whether an average artist like myself could sell enough artwork to buy a cup of coffee. Maybe even dinner if things go particularly well. Heck, if I could pay for some additional art supplies, that would be fantastic.

Part of me thinks it's possible. Maybe selling art is simply a matter of getting it out there in front of enough people. Of course, the work has to be decent, but marketing matters. Even the great artists needed somebody to promote their work before the world started throwing money at it.

So, here's my shameless little sales pitch: Buy my art!

I've put some of my pieces on Redbubble, where I make around 40% on sales. The thing I like about Redbubble is that it doesn't require much management on my part. Someone buys something, Redbubble handles the production and shipping, and eventually my share shows up in my bank account.

It's a pretty good arrangement for a lazy artist like me. I get to make the art, somebody else handles the business, and maybe I can afford a cup of coffee along the way. Who knows? Maybe someday I'll even work my way up to dinner!

*Liking my art is optional. :)

Judicial Oversight and the Value of True North Purpose

Let's continue exploring the Allegory of the Clan, which is based on Plato's Allegory of the Cave. The main idea is simple: the more we examine a problem, the better we understand it. We also become more open to different ideas. Thinking independently is not always easy, especially when people have personal interests, money, or political agendas. Ideally, there should be only one goal: finding the truth and doing what is right.

(Illustrative Only)
As a bizarre idea what
if judges were required
to affirm their oaths,
social contracts to all
citizens without making first
or second class, and 
commitment to the Constitution 
ever few years. 
A reminder who 
the ultimate stakeholders
are and partisanship
should not creep into their
decisions at least other
things creep in with it. 

On issues of morality
and law

For this hypothetical discussion, imagine a system where whistleblowers, minorities, and outsiders are sometimes treated with second class disdain. People who speak up may face retaliation, while others protect their friends, bend the rules, or hide mistakes. The damage can affect individuals, organizations, and society.

When people lose trust in a system and leaders fail to offer solutions, it may be a sign of a bigger problem. You have to watch the trends of the stats.

Time answers all questions.

Now imagine an oversight court that reviews serious constitutional violations by lower courts. Most decisions may be reasonable, but some may involve poor judgment, favoritism, or even corruption. The problem is that the oversight court cannot review every case. Some problems may never come to its attention. So the issue perpetuates without a solution and people learn to game the holes.

(One can argue if this is by intention or accident but it seems very much in the middle on purpose with a little of both.)

What happens when people are afraid to report wrongdoing? If they fear retaliation or believe nobody will help them, they may stay silent (...unless they understand the big picture, understand the sacrafice, and willing to fulfill their oaths to protect future victims.). As a result, problems continue, victims receive no help, and the system may never recognize how serious the situation has become.

Could independent reviewers help?

Perhaps retired judges, attorneys, and ordinary citizens could provide a fresh perspective. People outside an organization sometimes see problems that insiders overlook. Having different backgrounds and ways of thinking can help us ask better questions and find better solutions. We must always adapt upward.

This is also why playing Devil's Advocate is important. Sometimes we need someone willing to challenge our thinking and point out what we might be missing.

If wrongdoing is reported but nothing is done to correct it, that is a serious concern. If several people, or thousands or millions experience the same problem, there may be many others who are afraid to speak up (We want to derail collectivization as we have experienced in history.).

Let's assume most people involved are well-intentioned. Perhaps the problem is simply that senior leaders do not know what is happening at the ground level. Policies may be created with good intentions but applied differently by those responsible for carrying them out (The law, its outcome and purpose).

This brings us to an important question: Are we following the rules, or are we following the purpose behind them?

How can we improve the system? Maybe we need better communication, stronger oversight, independent reviews, and better protection for people who report problems. We should build checks and balances into the system rather than waiting for something to go wrong.

Here is the bigger question: How do we make sure justice matters more than simply following rules?

Laws are important, but they are not perfect. Rules can be misused, evidence can be ignored, and decisions can be influenced by personal, political, racial, or religious bias.

The law should serve justice, not replace it. We should always be willing to examine our laws and improve them when necessary.

What changes would help prevent wrongdoing, correct past mistakes, and protect people in the future?

Remember, this is a hypothetical exercise. We are not assuming that everything is broken or that there are no problems. Perhaps only a small percentage of cases involve serious failures. Even so, those failures deserve attention. Victims should have more rights than the perpetrators. You can agree, disagree, change or adust as long as you took the time to do that.

It looks like most systems have the following,

• Active or retired judges with experience in different courts.

• Practicing attorneys selected through professional organizations.

• Ordinary citizens who can represent the community.

The goal is to improve system so the proof in pudding outcomes are the ones the stats dont always capture. (We should never allow the most manipulative, dishonest, and corrupt to be rewarded at our expense. If it happens in one place it can happen in others.). It is to recognize what works, identify what does not, and make improvements.

Could this same approach work in other organizations, businesses, or government institutions? Where else could independent oversight help improve accountability and protect people who might otherwise have no voice?

This is a learning exercise about recognizing problems and finding solutions. Institutions should be able to learn, adapt, and improve over time.

At the end of the day, the goal is simple: protect what works, fix what does not, and keep truth, fairness, and justice at the center of our decisions. That is how we make progress. If things feel a little off to you then probably are your subconscious is telling you not all things are functioning at their optimum and there is room for improvement. Nothing wrong with making systems stronger. 

*As a hypothetical, philosophical thought experiment you can accept or reject any idea. Further you may want to switch around the elements or add some of your own. As long as you thought about it...then you are on the journey. 

The Sail Boat Sagas: A Stormy Night on the Bay

You’re sleeping peacefully on your boat after a good evening with friends. Then, somewhere around three o’clock in the morning, the entire boat starts shaking. Not a little shaking, either. We’re talking about a full-on maritime dance party! Richard Simons would be jealous. 

You quickly realize there’s a pretty good storm going on. The canvas covering the back of the boat, where I normally sit in the cockpit, is acting like a giant sail. The wind is pushing the boat against the dock, then pulling it away, and the whole thing is rocking and shaking.

So, naturally, I get up to investigate.

For the most part, everything looks okay. I start trying to adjust the canvas, debating whether I should just unhook it so it doesn't act like a sail. The problem? It's pouring so hard that taking it down would require accepting a free shower at three in the morning. Not exactly what I had planned.

While adjusting it, one section of canvas tears. Now, to be fair, it was already getting old, and I had been thinking about replacing it anyway. So, I ordered a new one online this morning. It'll be here in a day or two. No major disaster, just a little unexpected boat maintenance.

I've actually found a pretty good way to use these canvas tarps. They're water-resistant, match the color of the boat, and fit nicely over the existing canvas covering my sails. I use one over the door and another over the cockpit. They look surprisingly good, almost like they made for the boat.

I've been thinking about taking one of the new canvases and doing a little customization. I could cut and sew it so it fits around the mainstay better, then add a couple of snaps on the other side. That would give it a much cleaner, more professional look. Who knows? Maybe I'll accidentally become a canvas designer along the way.

(Illustrative Only)

If you ever step
out on the deck of a boat during
a downpour,
gail winds,
the boom of thunder
and large lightening 
strikes in the 
distance you can 
gain respect for 
nature. 

Meanwhile, the rain is coming down like crazy. I get soaked just opening the hatch. Water is sneaking underneath the door, so I'm putting towels down to keep everything dry. That's when I realize I need a piece of rubber weatherstripping underneath that door. You learn the hardway. Sometimes the best boat improvements come from discovering exactly where the water is getting in!

And then there's the lightning.

You start thinking about what happens when lightning strikes a sailboat. Generally, sailboats have some protection depending on their construction and grounding arrangements, but there are certainly risks. I found myself wondering whether my rigging and electrical protection were properly set up to provide a safe path for lightning energy.

Eventually, after checking everything, listening to the thunder, and watching the lightning show, I decided I had done my duty. Everything could survive until morning. I wasn't going to spend the rest of the night playing Captain Ahab in a thunderstorm.

So I went back to bed.

The next morning, I replaced the damaged canvas with an extra old set, assessed the situation, and went about my merry day.

But I did find an interesting video about lightning and sailboats, which got me thinking. I may need to inspect my rigging and lightning protection system to make sure everything is properly configured. It's one of those things you don't necessarily think about until you're sitting in the middle of a thunderstorm at three in the morning!

I've been working on this boat for quite a while, although my enthusiasm sometimes comes and goes. It's really more like a floating condo at this point. I keep everything running, occasionally jump aboard other people's boats, and then come back to my own little project.

But I've decided I really want to fix this thing up and make it beautiful. I've already done a lot of work, but now it's time to fine-tune things and take care of all those little details.

Right now, I'm working on the water pump, and I'll probably put together another post about that.

I'm thinking something along the lines of my Hunker Junker Chronicles, except this time it's about the boat. Maybe I'll call it The Sail Boat Sagas.

Because apparently, there's always something to fix when you own a boat. The good news is that at least this one floats!

Stay tuned!

Somewhere around 30 mph but the rain, thunder and lightening were crazy. People Who were sleeping in their house were talking about how scarred they were. 

Two interesting videos, 

Producer Prices Rise .3% in October-Wholesale Elevated

Prices are rising modestly, continuing a trend we've been seeing. You can find some of the specifics below. Ultimately, businesses pass many of these higher costs on to consumers, who end up paying more.

(Illustrative Only)

As a thought, 
If there were more small
local producers 
would prices be more
resilient? 

Not a lot of
information on a quick
look but one 
might wonder if
these local producers
are making products
from scratch they 
may not be able to 
compete on economies of
scale but might
have more resilience
because they 
get more direct
from their sources
and numerous small businesses
may lead to greater
market adaptability. 
Economy of scale
is one consideration
that may be negative
but multiple source
access could have
other benefits for
prices and innovation.
Maybe or maybe not?

Just something to ponder.

This also adds fuel to inflation. It's a cycle: higher prices put pressure on wages, higher wages increase business costs, and those costs can lead to even higher prices. In the process, the purchasing power of money gradually declines.

Most economists believe that a relatively low and stable level of inflation supports economic growth. However, too much inflation can slow growth, discourage investment, and create uncertainty for businesses.

Like most things in economics, it's all about finding the right balance.

*If you like these free articles consider buying a product or advertising space. 

Producer Prices Rise 0.3% in October as Wholesale Inflation Remains Elevated

• Wholesale prices increased 0.3% in October 2026, following a much larger 1.4% increase in September and a 0.4% increase in August. This suggests some moderation in monthly producer inflation.

• Over the past 12 months, producer prices increased 6.5%, the largest annual increase since November 2022, when prices rose 7.4%.

• Goods prices increased 0.5% in October, while service prices rose 0.2%. Food prices climbed 1.3%, while energy prices edged down 0.1%.

• Transportation costs remained a concern. Truck freight transportation prices increased 3.9%, contributing significantly to the increase in service prices. Transportation and warehousing services rose 2.0%.

• Core producer prices, excluding food, energy, and trade services, increased 0.5% in October and 4.9% over the past year. This suggests underlying cost pressures remain elevated for businesses.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2026, November 13). Producer price indexes—October 2026. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/ppi.nr0.htm

The Importance of Community: Good Friends, Ballet, and a Little Fraternity Spirit (Gen Z Confident in their Social Skills)

Today was an interesting day, with two very different social events—and a good reminder of why community matters.

I grew up around social clubs, including the Elks, Eagles, and various military clubs. One thing I've learned over the years is that you meet some genuinely good people through these organizations. Small towns are a little different. In a place like Escanaba, you can get to know people pretty quickly. In a place like San Diego, with so many people, it takes a little more time. But eventually, you start building those relationships.

I've been involved with a fraternity in both Michigan and California, and over time, I've developed some great friendships. Some of these people I've known for years, and it's always nice to get together.

I also attended an event at Point Loma Assembly. That's a pretty cool place. I enjoy the people there because they're genuinely interested in helping others and building a better community. They're intelligent, well-dressed, and carry themselves with a certain class. It's refreshing to be around people who care about their community and take an active role in it.

I think everyone should have multiple dimensions to their lives. I certainly do. I can work on a car like a grease monkey, hike through the woods, dress up for an evening out, enjoy a glass of wine, or have a cheap domestic beer. I'm pretty comfortable moving between different environments. And honestly, I think that's a good thing. It gives you a broader perspective and helps develop social awareness. Life is too short to limit yourself to one crowd or one way of doing things.

(Illustrative Only)

The event included several ballet performances, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I've danced myself, so I have a real appreciation for the discipline, practice, and athleticism involved. You can see when dancers reach that higher level of performance. They make something incredibly difficult look effortless, which is part of what makes ballet so impressive. The San Diego Ballet put on a great show. There were also some good snacks, which certainly didn't hurt! (Pretzle buns were delicious! Chewy!)

A little later, I met up with some of my fraternity friends in Point Loma. Unfortunately, we've recently lost a few members, so we took some time to write letters to their families. Someone even brought out an old-fashioned fraternity seal. You know, the kind that goes with those old letters where you weren't supposed to break the seal? It was a nice touch and brought back some memories.

It's a meaningful tradition. We wanted the families to know that the fraternity is thinking about them and that we're here to support them. Death is part of life, but that doesn't mean people should have to go through difficult times alone. That's one of the things a good organization and a good community should provide: friendship, support, and a sense of belonging. The letter to grand children is especially valuable and that is what makes a traditional fraternity like this one important. 

And that's really the bigger point.

If you've never been involved in a social club, fraternity/serority, service organization, or community group, I encourage you to give one a try. You might be surprised by the friendships you develop and the experiences you have. 

We live in a complicated world, and I think we could all use a little more community. We need places where people can come together, get to know one another, share experiences, and do something positive for society. Not everything has to be about work, politics, or whatever crisis happens to be dominating the news that day.

Sometimes it's just about enjoying good company, appreciating a little ballet, sharing a beer, and helping a friend when life gets difficult.

That's not a bad way to spend a day.

I've included this 2026 article below that you might find interesting,

Gen Z Is Just as Confident in Its Social Skills as Older Generations, Despite Criticism

• 47% of Gen Z respondents say they are very confident in their in-person social skills.

• 62% of Americans believe young people struggle with active listening.

• 54% identify difficulty maintaining focus during conversations as a weakness.

• More than half believe AI is negatively affecting face-to-face communication.

• 91% support colleges helping students develop social skills through clubs, discussions, and internships.

Franco, I. (2026, September 21). Gen Z is just as confident in their social skills as older generations: CNBC survey. CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/make-it/2026/09/21/gen-z-social-skills-confidence-cnbc-survey.html