Bought Cheap, Paid in Effort: Life with a Sailboat and a Salty Dog

(Illustrative Only)

Things you learn about
on a boat. 

If you’ve ever owned a sailboat, you already know the truth: you don’t own the boat—the boat owns your weekends.

I actually enjoy the tinkering part. I’ve spent years messing with old cars and boats, so while I’m not exactly a master mechanic, I’ve developed a pretty solid “YouTube-certified with confidence” skill set. As long as it doesn’t require a crane, a PhD, or divine intervention, I can usually figure it out. And if not, I at least know what to tell the real mechanic—so I feel involved.

The boat is a 30' sailboat that I picked up for cheap… which is a polite way of saying “it didn’t run at all.”.  The engine had overheated, the water pump was missing (minor detail), and it clearly had a rough past life with neglect. But after some persistence—and a few moments of questioning my life choices—I got it running again.

Since then, it’s been a steady stream of “small projects.” You know, the kind that start as a 10-minute fix and somehow turn into a full afternoon. I’ve tracked down a corroded connector that stopped it from starting, replaced a jumper cable between solenoids, swapped out hoses, cleaned out some impressively gummed-up fuel, and handled the usual oil changes, checking volts on connections, impeller replacement, and filter cleaning. Every time something works, it feels like a small personal victory.

Right now, the engine sounds great. I’m running it, watching the gauges like a proud parent, and making sure everything behaves the way it should. Next up: adding a couple of extra bow lights so other boaters can actually see me instead of guessing where I might be—which feels like a worthwhile upgrade (Just kidding it has its proper lights but adding another port and starboard light.).

Beyond the engine, I’ve repainted the boat, added teak, put in some cool blinds, and slowly turned it into a pretty great little floating hangout. It’s got a nice deck, a good vibe, and just enough personality to remind you it’s still a boat—and therefore never truly “done.”. At some point surround sound speakers are in the mix.

And yes, a running boat is absolutely worth more than a non-running boat. That’s not just wisdom—that’s survival.

The best part, though, is everything beyond the maintenance. Sailing pulls you into a community. They ask you questions on how to fix their boat and you make something up and you in turn ask them questions on how to fix something and they send you on a wild goose chase. You meet people, get invited onto other boats, and before you know it you’re racing, swapping stories at the marina, and pretending you totally meant to tie that knot that way. The spaghetti knot!

There’s also something genuinely peaceful about being out on the water. It clears your head in a way not much else does. And sailors, in general, tend to be a certain type—independent, a little adventurous, and just the right amount of “yeah, I’ll figure it out.”

At some point, I may even go for a captain’s license—just to make it official that I’ve spent this much time fixing a boat and occasionally sailing it in the right direction. I'm not sure when you will be a salty dog or "Old Salt".

The real Salty
Dog Chewy!

He likes to watch the ducks.

The science behind how sailing improves your mental and physical health

• Sailing promotes relaxation and reduces stress through exposure to water, often explained by Blue Mind Theory.
• It provides a full-body workout that improves cardiovascular health, strength, balance, and coordination.
• Time on the water enhances mental well-being by increasing focus, mindfulness, and emotional clarity
• Sailing develops cognitive and social skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, teamwork, and communication

U.S. Sailing. (2024). The science behind how sailing improves your mental and physical health. https://www.ussailing.org/news/the-science-behind-how-sailing-improves-your-mental-and-physical-health/

The Difficulties of Reducing Partisanship and the Advantages of a Third Party (hypothetical Feather Party)

(Illustrative Only)

Could an independent third
party reduce partisanship
and improve decision making
by creating cognitive
fluidity? Cognitive Fluidity
and Decision Making

How would this impact
retention of strong
employees, merit based 
selection, strategic information
evaluation, and stronger connection
to the average person? 
There is no right answer.

The hypothetical Feather Party
is a philosophical discussion
on ways to enhance democracy.
One can come to any conclusion
they desire. 

Partisanship is increasingly seen as a barrier to decision-making, limiting the ability to explore diverse perspectives and find common ground. Individuals often align with political narratives shaped by selective attention, personal values, media consumption, and social circles. While many people may identify as moderate, the structure of party politics does not always reflect that reality. Affiliation with a political party often requires adherence to a defined set of values, which are frequently shaped from the top down and influenced by funding sources such as political action committees (PACs). (As a trend as PACS rose over the 20 years metrics of trust declined.). 

This dynamic creates tension within a democratic system, where power is ideally expected to flow from the public upward. At the same time, freedom of speech is meant to protect the exchange of ideas so that the most effective solutions can emerge. However, individuals who are skilled at balancing competing perspectives and governing pragmatically sometimes struggle to gain traction in politics. Without clear alignment to a specific party identity, they may lack the financial backing and institutional support needed to advance, even if their approaches are strong and outcomes promising.

This raises the question of whether a third party could play a meaningful role. From a philosophical standpoint, such a party might emphasize independence-specifically independent of thought- allowing representatives to evaluate issues without strict party-line constraints. This could create more flexibility in how ideas are considered and implemented, potentially improving decision-making by incorporating insights from across the political spectrum, as well as from experts and researchers.

Research suggests that reducing political hostility is difficult and that its effects are deeply embedded in how society functions—from decision-making processes to institutional dynamics and group identity. Expanding the range of ideas under consideration, and then narrowing them down to the most viable options, may strengthen strategic outcomes. A third party or an increase in independent candidates could, in theory, serve as a conduit for this broader exchange of ideas.

Ultimately, this invites reflection on how to improve bipartisanship and decision-making. One possible approach is to focus less on party affiliation and campaign funding, and more on the quality, originality, and practicality of individual ideas.

Research Shows There Are No Easy Fixes to Political Hatred

• A large meta-analysis of 25 studies (77 interventions) found that common efforts to reduce partisan hostility—such as correcting misperceptions or encouraging dialogue—produce only small improvements (about 5.3%) in attitudes toward opposing parties.
• Any gains are short-lived: roughly 75% of reduced hostility disappears within one week, and effects nearly vanish within two weeks.
• More intensive strategies, like combining multiple interventions (“stacking”) or repeating them over time (“booster shots”), do not significantly improve or extend results.
• Lasting reductions in political hatred likely require systemic, top-down and bottom-up changes, including shifts in political/media incentives and stronger civic engagement skills among citizens.

Dartmouth College. (2025, September 23). Research shows there are no easy fixes to political hatred. https://home.dartmouth.edu/news/2025/09/research-shows-there-are-no-easy-fixes-political-hatred

April 2026 ISM Manufacturing PMI Report Indicates Continue Growth but Weakening Labor Market

(Illustrative Only)

Cindy is in manufacturing
and builds ships and 
ship products. This
relies on a supply chain. 
She thinks places
like Escanaba could
find their place on the
ship building supply 
chain. Hiring skilled
and qualified employees
in the right location,
with the right investment,
with the right market
makes a difference.

Strong economic health, development, and growth depend on fostering innovation, creating new products and services, and producing goods that can compete globally by delivering greater value than alternatives. The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) is a key indicator of manufacturing activity and, by extension, overall economic health, making it an important report to monitor as it is released.

Recent data shows the PMI at 52.7 percent, indicating that U.S. manufacturing has expanded for the fourth consecutive month. New orders are increasing, signaling continued demand; however, employment trends present a mixed picture, with hiring stagnating or even contracting in some areas. This reflects the broader pattern of uneven economic signals observed over the past year, likely driven by a combination of complex and overlapping factors.

Human capital development remains critical in this context. Advances in technology may partly explain slower employment growth, as automation can reduce labor demand in certain roles. At the same time, technology can also drive job creation when industries expand and innovate. Ultimately, sustaining long-term economic strength requires a skilled, educated, and adaptable workforce capable of supporting continued growth and competitiveness.

April 2026 ISM Manufacturing PMI Report Summary

• The Institute for Supply Management reported a Manufacturing PMI of 52.7, indicating continued expansion in U.S. manufacturing for the fourth consecutive month (values above 50 signal growth).
• The New Orders Index rose to approximately 54.1, reflecting stronger demand and signs of inventory stockpiling, while production remained in expansion at a moderate pace.
• The Prices Index surged to around 84.6, the highest level since April 2022, highlighting significant inflationary pressure driven by rising raw material costs and supply chain disruptions.
• Employment and backlog indicators weakened, with factory employment continuing to contract and unfilled orders declining, signaling mixed underlying conditions despite overall growth.

Institute for Supply Management. (2026, May). Manufacturing PMI® Report on Business® — April 2026. Retrieved from https://www.ismworld.org/supply-management-news-and-reports/reports/ism-pmi-reports/pmi/april/

Using the Purchasing Managers’ Index to Assess the Economy’s Strength and the Likely Direction of Monetary Policy

• The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) is a timely and reliable indicator of economic activity, particularly in manufacturing, with values above key thresholds signaling expansion in manufacturing and overall GDP growth.
• PMI provides predictive insight beyond traditional data (employment, retail sales, industrial production), helping forecast trends in output growth and capturing shifts in economic momentum earlier than many official statistics.
• The index is strongly correlated with Federal Reserve monetary policy decisions, with higher PMI readings often associated with rising interest rates and tighter policy as economic conditions strengthen.

Koenig, E. F. (2002). Using the purchasing managers’ index to assess the economy’s strength and the likely direction of monetary policy. Economic and Financial Policy Review, 1(6), Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. https://www.dallasfed.org/~/media/documents/research/efpr/v01n06a01.pdf

Poll Shows Most People Trust Military Veterans and Their Leadership Capacity in Candidate Selection

The military continues to offer a pathway for personal and professional development that many institutions no longer consistently provide. It instills teamwork, unity, leadership, resilience, and self-confidence—qualities that are widely recognized and valued. While military service is not the only route to developing these traits, for many individuals it creates opportunities they might not have otherwise had, particularly among those who didn't have all the doors open.

Veterans have a meaningful influence on society, and public trust in them tends to be high. This trust is rooted in the perception that they are shaped by a strong set of values—duty, integrity, and service to others. Although these values are not universally practiced or emphasized across society, military culture reinforces them through both formal codes of conduct and lived experience, including a commitment to protecting and supporting others.

In this context, leadership is often defined less by status or financial success and more by a willingness to serve, take responsibility, and stand firm during difficult times. That emphasis on accountability and sacrifice is part of what distinguishes many veterans as leaders.

For organizations looking to hire, veterans can be a strong talent pool. Connecting with veterans’ organizations or networks can help identify candidates who bring discipline, adaptability, and mission-focused thinking—benefiting both the organization and the individuals transitioning into civilian roles. 

You may want to look at this poll below, 

Military Experience Tops Candidate Credentials

• A majority of Americans (55%) say they are more likely to vote for a candidate with prior military experience, compared with only 7% who say it makes them less likely.
• Military service is viewed more favorably than other common credentials such as government or business experience, giving it the strongest net positive impact.
• Veterans are widely perceived as strong leaders, with about 83% of Americans agreeing they possess strong leadership qualities.
• Large majorities believe veterans put the country ahead of personal or partisan interests (78%), work well with diverse groups (77%), and understand global security challenges (75%).
• Americans express higher trust in veterans for roles such as disaster response, foreign policy advising, and community leadership.
• Overall, military experience signals integrity, leadership, and public service, giving veterans a measurable advantage in political candidacy and leadership roles.

Jones, J. M. (2025, October 2). Military experience tops candidate credentials. Gallup. https://news.gallup.com/poll/695648/military-experience-tops-candidate-credentials.aspx

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