La Noche Blanca July 18th, 2026 (Orphans Philanthropy)

 Corazon de Vida is a charity I support sometimes through philanthropy and sharing their information. I have gone down a few times to visit the kids and hope to do more. You can donate to my page Donation Page and/or attend one of their events. I need to check my calendar and see if I can attend. Excellent event. We have to make time for the kids both in this country and overseas. 💗

La Noche Blanca Fundraising Event

Recruiting and Retaining Firefighter Statistics in 2026 (Donate to an Upper Peninsula Department)

Firefighting is a critically important profession that serves communities in multiple ways. Firefighters protect lives and property, respond to medical emergencies, and play a growing role in addressing the impacts of environmental challenges such as increasingly frequent and intense wildfires. As these risks rise, the need for well-trained firefighters continues to grow. The supply of new recruits doesn't grow as fast.

At the same time, many departments operate under tight budgets, which makes volunteer firefighters essential to maintaining adequate coverage. However, volunteer recruitment has declined significantly over time, creating additional strain on already limited resources. This challenge is compounded by the physical and mental demands of the job. 

Firefighting requires a high level of physical fitness, as individuals must handle heavy equipment and operate in dangerous, high-stress environments. In addition, a notable percentage of firefighters experience PTSD symptoms at some point in their lives, highlighting the importance of mental health support within the profession.

The role also requires extensive training, which can make it less appealing compared to other careers that may offer higher pay or fewer risks. Despite this, some departments are actively working to reverse recruitment trends. For example, one department in the Upper Peninsula has successfully brought in a large number of younger recruits under the age of 25 and is investing in their training and development. You can be part of that mission.

Efforts are also underway to identify funding opportunities, including state and federal grants, to support these new firefighters. Community support can make a meaningful difference, as donations help cover the costs of training and essential equipment—needs that are especially pressing in rural volunteer departments. Contributions not only enhance public safety but also create opportunities for growth and development within these communities.

Because firefighters are out putting themselves at risk to help others give them support. You may be interested in the study below. If interested in donating tax free or know of a grant send a message to the right in the contact form>>>>>>>

Recruiting and Retaining Firefighters in 2026

• Fire departments continue to face critical staffing shortages, with 65% of agencies reporting they have reduced services or eliminated units due to lack of personnel
• The fire service depends heavily on volunteers, yet participation has declined by about 25% since 1984, dropping from roughly 898,000 volunteers to around 677,000, even as the U.S. population grew significantly
• Aging workforce trends and retirements are increasing demand for new recruits, while declining volunteer participation adds further strain on departments
• Recruitment strategies are expanding to attract more candidates and position firefighting as a long-term career opportunity
• Retention efforts focus on mentorship, career development, and continuous training to improve engagement and reduce turnover
• Mental health is a major factor in retention, with research showing approximately 20–30% of firefighters experience PTSD symptoms, far higher than the general population
• Public support remains strong, with about 62.8% of surveyed residents supporting increased firefighter staffing levels

CentralSquare Technologies. (2026). Recruiting and retaining firefighters in 2026. Retrieved from https://www.centralsquare.com/resources/articles/recruiting-retaining-firefighters-in-2026

State of Courts Public Opinion Through the Lens of the Story of the Clan

(Illustrative Only)

Our society is nothing 
more or less than
its continued belief
in a higher moral purpose
of freedom and liberty.
Lets pass those values
onto the next generation.
Even if they are unpopular
in some social circles.

You must only continue
to believe in democracy
and encourage our leaders
to do the same. 

Everyone is judged by their intent (Maybe in this life and maybe in the next but we can't escape it). When harmful behavior is openly accepted, ignored, or allowed to stand without correction, it signals a deeper problem. It suggests that some of those with authority may be acting with a biased or self-serving agenda, rather than upholding shared values and protecting the integrity of agreed upon systems. History shows that when hate, corruption, and aggression are tolerated, trust breaks down and accountability weakens. A long tail begins to form to rear its head later (i.e. slower moving natural systems).

Most people act with integrity and want to do the right thing (We are biologically and psychologically driven to collaborate. i.e. a society around core values). Society deserves a system that supports ethical behavior and protects those who are harmed. Justice should be applied fairly—regardless of race, religion, politics, power, or wealth. When people begin to feel that rules apply only to some, confidence in the system declines, even if it continues to function in many areas (Yet some are confused as to why).

Experiences of intimidation or misconduct like we find in the learning allegory Story of the Clan, especially when left unaddressed, can deepen that mistrust (i.e. knowing they were being rewarded before targeting people.). Poor actors went on for years and gained from misbehaviors despite widespread knowledge of coordination. When individuals report wrongdoing and are met with indifference or retaliation, it creates the perception that accountability is inconsistent. Even a few unchecked cases can have a broader impact, making it seem as though harmful behavior is tolerated or even encouraged.

As a society, there is a responsibility to challenge wrongdoing and uphold shared moral standards. Values like fairness, accountability, and respect for others are essential to maintaining a healthy system. Institutions should serve the common good, not narrow interests, and should reflect the principles they were built upon. There is greater good in encouraging what is just and right in the face of hate and corruption. The philosphical thought experiment the Story of the Clan highlights what happens when hate, corruption and social networks break down the moral order as a shared standard. 

While problems may persist, there is also reason for cautious optimism. Public awareness, civic engagement, and a commitment to ethical leadership can drive reform. We must only encourage the best and brightest to come forward. They have the power to improve systems and undo (Highly vetted, connected, partisan and PAC paid should not be the standard. Democracy is more important than that.) Over time, pressure for transparency and accountability can lead to meaningful change. A system grounded in justice depends on people continuing to speak out, support one another, and work toward fairness for all.

The philosopher of democracy John Locke stated, "In the races of mankind and families in the world, there remains not to one above another...." leading to "All men are created equal....". One of the reasons why we protect freedom of speech and religion. Make your own opinion.

State of the State Courts 2025: Public Opinion Poll Findings Summary

• Public trust in state courts remains stable, with about 62% of Americans expressing confidence, and state courts continuing to be the most trusted branch of government.
• Perceptions of equal justice are declining, with only 44% believing courts provide equal justice for all, down significantly from previous years.
• Many Americans increasingly view the justice system as “two-tiered,” influenced by factors such as wealth, politics, race, and complexity of legal processes.
• Younger individuals (especially ages 18–29) tend to have more positive views of courts, seeing them as fair, transparent, and innovative.
• Public skepticism toward artificial intelligence in courts is high, with many believing AI may do more harm than good.
• Concerns about judicial safety are rising, with about half of respondents believing threats against judges and public officials have increased.
• Cost and complexity of legal processes are major barriers to access to justice, contributing to dissatisfaction with the system.
• Strong support exists for legal education reform, including more practical training for lawyers and changes to the bar exam to better reflect real-world skills.
• The public calls for greater community engagement and transparency from courts to improve trust and accessibility.

National Center for State Courts. (2025). State of the state courts: 2025 public opinion poll findings. https://www.ncsc.org/resources-courts/state-state-courts-2025-public-opinion-poll-findings

Snappy Employee Engagement Survey 2026: Don't Forget to Recognize Your Employees (Human Capital Development)

(Illustrive Only)

Every employee
desk receives spring
flowers with a note.

The note,

"Dear XXXX,
We want to thank you
for making this
company a market
leader. Each one 
of you are vitally important
to us and to fulfilling
our mission and goals.
Please take this coffee
 card and have
a free latte on us.
No special event
other than to say
thank you. 😊"

The executive team
knows that people 
perform at their best
when they feel
they are appreciated.
 Productivity and strong
ideas seem to be 
more common when
people feel a sense
of engagement.
Greener improves the
environment and
reduces stress
leading to long
tail benefits. 

 Sometimes gifts
 are custom
for individuals
and sometimes they
are for everyone.

One might order 
flowers from 
Pam's Pedals on
Ludington Street 
in Escanaba. 
Escanaba is becoming
a hot spot for investment
and start-ups.

Human capital and employee engagement are essential not only for organizations but for the economy as a whole. When people are united around a shared vision—whether within a company or even a society—they are better able to work together, adapt, and succeed. The more individuals who actively contribute ideas and stay engaged in their work, the more likely it is that performance improves and true synergy is created.

Some may view employee engagement and recognition as unimportant, but the reality is different. Organizations are made up of people who choose to contribute their time and effort, and their level of engagement directly affects outcomes. Every organization depends on internal interactions, and those interactions are shaped by how motivated and valued employees feel.

Low recognition comes with real costs. It can lead to reduced performance, lower motivation, higher turnover, and declines in creativity and innovation. Employees may also become unclear about expectations, which further impacts results. On the other hand, strong recognition helps employees feel valued and encourages them to contribute their best work.

Effective leaders understand the importance of the human element. They create environments where employees feel encouraged to share ideas and perform at a high level. Recognition can be simple—such as positive feedback in everyday conversations—or more structured through formal programs. Often, a combination of both works best.

At the end of the day, employees play a central role in organizational success. Their engagement and effort can determine whether an organization grows and thrives or struggles to keep up.

The State of Employee Engagement in 2026

• Only about 31% of employees in the U.S. are engaged at work
• Recognition is a key driver of engagement:
  • Can increase engagement up to 20x
  • Improves performance and productivity by about 14%
• Recognition strongly impacts motivation:
  • Around 84% of employees say it motivates them
  • 37% say it is their top motivator
• Lack of recognition hurts performance:
  • 42% of employees feel less productive without it
  • 20% say they never receive recognition
• Recognition improves business outcomes:
  • Increases retention by about 31%
  • Can raise profitability by about 23%
• Recognition boosts behavior and performance:
  • Creativity increases by about 30%
  • Employees are more engaged with customers
  • Workers are 2.8x more likely to be engaged with regular feedback
• Small, frequent rewards matter:
  • Engagement can rise by 22–25 points with milestone recognition
  • 46% prefer small, unexpected rewards
• 2026 workplace trends:
  • More real-time feedback instead of yearly reviews
  • More personalized recognition
  • Stronger focus on manager effectiveness

Snappy. (2025). The state of employee engagement in 2026: Insights on recognition, motivation, and performance. Retrieved from https://www.snappy.com/blog/the-state-of-employee-engagement-in-2026-insights-on-recognition-motivation-and-performance

April 2026 Beige Book Indicates Uneven Mild Growth With Risks

(Illustrative Only)

Jack knows it is 
importat to support his
local economy and buys
local made products from
local stores so the economic
benefits stay in his community.

Reading and analyzing economic data and reports helps build a clearer understanding of how the economy functions and how it connects to broader social development. With that foundation, it becomes easier to make informed decisions that support a stronger and healthier society. Economics is one important piece of a larger system, and when understood well, it can help guide meaningful improvements across communities. People and communities should be the ultimate goal of economic policy in general.

Current data shows that economic activity is expanding, but not evenly across regions. Ongoing global and domestic uncertainties have led many individuals and businesses to take a cautious, wait-and-see approach. While consumer spending has increased, much of that growth is concentrated among higher-income households, highlighting potential market distortion of large upswings in wealth concentration. At the same time, employment remains relatively stable, though many workers may be hesitant to change jobs in an uncertain environment.

Inflation continues to rise gradually, and there are signs that manufacturing and business investment are slowing. This is a concern for long-term growth, especially for communities that benefit from new investment and job creation. Overall, sentiment remains cautious, with a mix of mild pessimism and uncertainty, as economic conditions can shift quickly and risks remain present.

Federal Reserve Beige Book Summary – April 2026: Modest Growth Amid Rising Uncertainty

• Economic activity expanded at a modest pace overall, with variation across regions and sectors
• Widespread uncertainty, particularly tied to global geopolitical tensions, led businesses to adopt a cautious, “wait-and-see” approach
• Consumer spending increased slightly, though growth was uneven and more resilient among higher-income households
• Employment rose modestly, with stable labor demand and limited wage pressures in most districts
• Input costs increased (especially energy, transportation, and materials), contributing to ongoing inflation pressures
• Businesses reported narrowing profit margins as costs rose faster than selling prices
• Housing activity weakened in many regions, largely due to higher interest rates and economic uncertainty
• Manufacturing and business investment showed signs of slowing as firms delayed expansion decisions
• Lower-income households experienced increased financial strain, including greater reliance on credit and assistance programs
• Overall outlook remained cautiously pessimistic to neutral, with expectations of continued modest growth but elevated risks

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. (2026, April 15). Beige book: Summary of commentary on current economic conditions. https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/beigebook202604-summary.htm

Don't Be Crabby!: Enjoy the Beach and Know What is Important in Work-Life Balance

(llustrative Only)

Ride the wave instead
of being crabby!

Escanaba and San
Diego has great beaches.

The beach life is a funny thing—you can turn it into a peaceful retreat… or somehow reinvent your normal chaos but with sand in your shoes. If you’re the busy type, you’ll still sprint around like a headless chicken, building imaginary to-do lists that won’t matter next week, next month, or honestly even by sunset. Meanwhile, the ocean is just sitting there like, “Relax. None of that was urgent.”

The beach has a way of gently roasting you into slowing down. It reminds you that life is short, your inbox will survive without you, and maybe—just maybe—you should do more of what you actually enjoy. Work hard, sure. Chase goals, absolutely. But also pause long enough to ask, “Do I even care about half this stuff?” If the answer is no, congratulations—you’ve just discovered emotional decluttering.

Enter the “beach bum”—not an actual bum, but a mythical, enlightened executive who traded nonstop meetings for a folding chair and a better perspective. This character has seen the corporate mountaintop and realized… it’s basically the same as sea level, just with less overpriced fine dining and more $3 lobster tacos. 

Interested in some of my
art send me a message
to the right and visit
 my Art Page 

Escanaba

The beach bum understands that people often act like they’ve got life completely figured out—without ever asking the right questions. The result? A lot of unnecessary chaos, very little happiness, and zero time for sunsets. If you don't enjoy the present your life is going to go by in a blur and then you dare to look back. 

The beach bum, however, sees through the noise. There’s a balance between getting things done and actually enjoying your life—what some people call work-life balance, and what the beach calls “obvious.” Turns out, science even backs this up: balance makes you more creative, more productive, and less likely to dramatically sigh every five minutes.

And beach life isn’t just about doing nothing—it’s about doing the right kind of something. Reading a book you actually like. Walking along the shore. Hanging out with friends. Sipping your favorite drink while pretending you know how tides work. Maybe spotting a starfish, maybe attempting to surf, maybe just sitting there doing absolutely nothing—and realizing that’s kind of the point.

Interested in some of my
art send me a message
to the right and visit
 my Art Page 

San Diego

And here’s the twist: it doesn’t have to be a beach. It could be the woods, a park, or your living room with the phone on silent. The “beach bum” mindset is really about clarity—figuring out what matters and letting go of what doesn’t.

Of course, you can’t force anyone to see it, take on new perspectives or ask the right questions. Most believe they know it all even when their logic is chronically broken and contradictory. People only slow down when they’re ready. Until then, time keeps moving, the waves keep rolling, and eventually… everyone figures it out—one way or another.

"Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is Enlightenment." — Lao Tzu

Emotions Experienced at the Coast and Their Influence on Well-Being

• The study explores how coastal environments (e.g., beaches and oceans) influence emotional experiences and overall well-being.
• It uses a qualitative approach, gathering participants’ descriptions of their feelings and experiences at the coast.

• 

  
  $3 lobster taco
  at World Famous
  San Diego. 
  or 
  explore
  La Cantina
  Escanaba

  Participants commonly reported positive emotions such as relaxation, happiness, awe, and a sense of freedom.
• The coastal setting helped reduce stress and negative thoughts, contributing to improved mental health.
  
• Sensory elements (sound of waves, fresh air, visual scenery) played a key role in emotional benefits.
• Feelings of connection—to nature, oneself, and others—were frequently mentioned as important outcomes.
• The study suggests that “blue spaces” like coastlines can support psychological restoration and well-being.

Severin, M. I., Raes, F., Notebaert, E., Lambrecht, L., Everaert, G., & Buysse, A. (2022). A qualitative study on emotions experienced at the coast and their influence on well-being. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 902122. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.902122

Small Business Credit Survey Results: Would Local Start-Up and Small Business Funding Increase Downtown Development?

(Illustrative Only)

Jackie is a local
banker and is 
pooling resources
for small businesses
started by young people
on Ludington St. Escanaba,
 allows for lower interest with 
profit agreements, takes different
 forms of collateral, and 
continues to encourage
investors to put 
money into a
community based local
entrepreneurial hedge 
fund. She tries
to hedge the type
of businesses through
clustering so 
they support each other, 
gets people together
for meetings to
share ideas,
and partners with
larger local and 
regional businesses
to sell products
and export internationally
under a local brand
that helps tourism, micro
manufacturing, and local
business development.

Hedge Start Ups,
Availability of Financial Info,
Venture Capitalism,
Interconnectivity of Firms,
Funding Start Ups

The report focuses on small employer firms and their access to business credit. Small businesses often rely on credit to start and grow operations. While some begin with personal savings, many eventually need financing as they expand. Using credit cards is common, but it is not always the most effective or sustainable way to support broader economic development in local communities.

Access to affordable financing—especially through local or community banks—can play an important role in helping small businesses succeed. Lower interest rates or pooled funding options could encourage more business formation and support local economic growth.

The survey suggests that small business conditions are slowing slightly, though not sharply. Growth may continue at a slower pace in the near future. At the same time, many firms are adapting by embracing new technologies, including artificial intelligence. Finance is still seen as a challenge.

About half of small businesses report that their financing needs are fully met, while others still face gaps. There is also a continued rise in the use of online lenders, though these options can sometimes come with higher costs.

Overall, strengthening local financing systems could help support small business development. Even though not all businesses succeed, a strong financing environment increases the chances that some will grow significantly and contribute meaningfully to local economies.

2026 Report on Employer Firms (Small Business Credit Survey)

• Based on the 2025 Small Business Credit Survey, which collected responses from over 6,500 small employer firms (1–499 employees) across the United States
• Revenue and employment growth remained relatively stable year over year, but overall performance is still below pre-pandemic levels
• For the second consecutive year, a higher share of firms reported revenue declines than increases
• Expectations for future revenue and employment growth declined to their lowest levels since 2020
• Approximately 38% of firms reported increased revenue, indicating slower growth compared to prior years
• Nearly half of firms source inputs internationally, and most reported higher input costs compared to 2024
• About 84% of firms relying on foreign inputs experienced cost increases, with many passing costs to customers
• Roughly half of firms had their financing needs fully met, while about one-third experienced a funding gap after applying for credit
• Use of online lenders increased for the fifth consecutive year, though 60% of borrowers reported higher-than-expected costs
• Just under half of firms (around 46%) reported using artificial intelligence, primarily for marketing, productivity, and planning
• A majority of firms using AI reported productivity gains, though most did not see major changes in labor costs

Federal Reserve Banks. (2026). 2026 report on employer firms: Findings from the 2025 Small Business Credit Survey. https://www.fedsmallbusiness.org/reports/survey/2026/2026-report-on-employer-firms