US Import and Export Prices Rise in August 2026: Possible Inflationary Breeze

(Illustrative Only)
Let us think
through this....
Let us say these two
grow produce from their
 local farm
and are exporting
it regionally.
They need
access to different
transportation
infrastructure to
move their
products as cheap 
as possible. Delta County
has connecting highways
to different areas of the 
UP, is near WI,
rail lines, airport,
deep sea port,
data infrastructure,
etc. 

How might a 
small city that
has these things 
also some opportunities?
Could that
attract export
oriented start-ups,
tourism ships, 
resource processeing,
manufacturing, etc
 

Import and export prices moved higher in August 2026, suggesting that price pressures remain present across international trade.

Import prices increased 0.7% in August after declining slightly in July. Export prices also increased, rising 0.6% after falling the previous month.

The increases are notable because they are not being driven solely by fuel prices. Broader price increases across imported and exported goods could indicate that inflationary pressures are coming from a wider range of products and inputs (or even a different source that has wide impact like fuel.).

For consumers and businesses, the takeaway is fairly simple: if these trends continue, some products could become more expensive in the months ahead. However, one month of increases does not establish a long-term trend, so the next several months will provide a better indication of where prices are headed.

U.S. Import and Export Prices Rise in August 2026

• U.S. import prices increased 0.7% in August 2026 after declining 0.3% in July. Over the past year, import prices rose 7.0%, the largest 12-month increase since August 2022. 
• Nonfuel import prices increased 0.8% in August and were up 5.5% from August 2025, reflecting higher prices for industrial materials, capital goods, and consumer goods. 
• Fuel import prices edged down 0.1% in August, although fuel prices remained 26.8% higher than a year earlier. Import natural gas prices increased 102.6% over the same period. 
• U.S. export prices increased 0.6% in August following a 1.4% decline in July. Export prices were 8.6% higher than a year earlier, with both agricultural and nonagricultural exports recording annual increases. 
• The data indicate continued price pressure in international trade, with higher import costs potentially affecting businesses that rely on foreign inputs while higher export prices can influence the revenues and competitiveness of U.S. exporters. 

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2026, September 16). U.S. import and export price indexes—August 2026. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/ximpim.nr0.htm 

August Monthly Retail Sales Results: U.S. Census Bureau: Retail Sales Show Signs of Economic Resilience

Consumer spending remains active as August sales rise 1.2% from July and 6% year-over-year.

ESCANABA (Sorry playing with this. 🙈) — August retail sales increased, offering a modestly positive signal for the U.S. economy as consumers continued to spend despite mixed economic conditions.

(Illustrative Only)
Jack bought a little 
more stuff last month.
It is harvest season
in the UP

The latest figures from the U.S. Census Bureau show retail and food service sales rising 1.2% from July 2026 and 6% compared with August 2025. The results suggest that consumer demand remains active, an important consideration in an economy where consumer spending accounts for a substantial share of economic activity.

Continued consumer spending can support business revenues and contribute to economic growth. However, the figures are not adjusted for inflation, meaning higher sales values do not necessarily translate into equivalent increases in the volume of goods and services purchased.

While other economic indicators provide a mixed picture, the retail sales report offers another data point suggesting modest economic resilience. Businesses, policymakers, and researchers will continue to monitor whether consumer demand remains sustainable in the months ahead.

Monthly Retail Sales Results: U.S. Census Bureau

• August 2026 retail and food service sales reached $773.9 billion, according to the Census Bureau's advance estimate. This represents a 1.2% increase from July 2026.

• Retail and food service sales increased 6.0% compared with August 2025, indicating higher reported sales activity over the year.

• Sales for the June–August 2026 period were 6.0% higher than during the same period in 2025, suggesting continued growth in retail and food service activity.

• The July 2026 monthly sales change was revised from a 0.6% decline to a 0.5% decline. Revisions demonstrate why economic data should be evaluated as updated estimates become available.

• The August sales figures are adjusted for seasonal variation and holiday and trading-day differences but are not adjusted for price changes. Therefore, the increase in sales reflects a combination of changes in sales volume and prices, rather than necessarily representing real growth in the quantity of goods and services purchased.

U.S. Census Bureau. (2026, September 16). Advance monthly sales for retail and food services: August 2026. https://www.census.gov/retail/sales.html 

Chocolate, Oatmeal, Protein Bread at the Cabin

There are cooks that follow recipes and there are cooks that are creative. Cooking comes from your personality. I tend to be somewhere in the second group. I like to cook and prepare as many of my meals as I can. I do not cook every meal—sometimes I get busy, and sometimes the couch wins—but I enjoy trying new things and learning along the way. One thing I have discovered is that once you understand the basics of cooking, you can start adapting recipes and creating your own variations.

(Illustrative Only)
Probably better
for you then just
plain cookies.

Cooking at home has many advantages. You know where your food comes from, what ingredients are being used, and you can tailor meals to your own tastes. In many cases, home cooking can also support better health and energy because you have greater control over what you are eating. It can be more cost-effective, too. Fresh fruits and vegetables are not always cheap, but overall, preparing meals at home can cost considerably less than eating out regularly. The first meal may seem expensive because you have to buy all the ingredients, but if you keep cooking, those ingredients get spread across multiple meals.

There is also something to be said for knowing what is actually in your food. Some highly processed foods can be inexpensive and convenient, but cooking at home gives you more control over the ingredients. And you do not have to become a full-time chef. You might cook most of your meal at home and still go out occasionally for appetizers, dessert, or just because somebody else is doing the dishes.

A picture of
chocolate, 
oatmeal, protein
bread.

The item shown below is a protein chocolate oatmeal-style protein bread that I created without following a recipe. In other words, I was basically conducting a highly scientific kitchen experiment—with no laboratory, no research grant, and questionable measurements. A recipe combining protein oats, flour, cinnamon, a little salt, a little protein powder, brown sugar, regular sugar, maple syrup, baking powder, oil, and water to make a batter. I poured it into a pan and baked it until the edges started turning brown.

It turned out surprisingly well. I also made my own glaze using powdered sugar and vanilla and put that over the top. The more you cook, the more you learn, and I learned something from this batch: I have a tendency to slightly overcook bread. It was perfectly edible, but I like a little more moisture in the center. The one I cooked was perfect or most but for me next time, I will probably take it out a few minutes earlier and let the residual heat finish the job.

That is really what I enjoy about cooking. It is part science, part art, and occasionally part “let's see what happens.” You learn the basic recipes and techniques, but eventually you start developing a feel for things—how long something needs to cook, when it looks right, and when you should probably stop messing with it.

This is also a form of camp cooking. I do this in a log cabin with most of the basic amenities, but cooking in a cabin, on a boat, or in other outdoor settings requires its own skills. You learn to improvise, work with what you have, and sometimes create a pretty good meal without having every kitchen gadget known to humanity. And that is part of the fun.

I'm a certfied fitness trainer and yoga instructor so if you need a little virtual help send me a message to the right. 

September 2026 Empire State Manufacturing Survey-Cautious Optimism

The September 2026 Empire State Manufacturing Survey points to modest growth in New York’s manufacturing sector, with new orders edging higher as businesses continue to navigate a challenging economic environment.

Employment also increased, providing a positive sign for the sector and raising an interesting question about how much of the broader employment gains are being driven by manufacturing. At the same time, supply-chain problems remain a concern, with manufacturers continuing to face disruptions and higher costs.

Inflationary pressure has also not disappeared. Businesses continue to report elevated input costs and higher prices, suggesting that inflation remains an issue for manufacturers and consumers alike.

Despite these challenges, manufacturers remain generally optimistic about future business conditions. That optimism may encourage companies to continue making investments and strategic decisions, even as they weigh uncertainty, changing costs and ongoing supply-chain risks.

For now, the picture is one of modest growth accompanied by continued economic variability—a market in which businesses have opportunities, but also plenty of risks to watch.

Empire State Manufacturing Survey

• The Empire State Manufacturing Survey is a monthly survey conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York to measure manufacturing activity and business conditions in New York State.
• The survey asks manufacturers about changes in indicators such as new orders, shipments, employment, inventories, delivery times, prices, and business conditions compared with the previous month.
• The survey also asks businesses about their expectations for these indicators approximately six months into the future, providing information about business sentiment and expected economic activity.
• The survey is sent to about 200 manufacturing executives, generally presidents or CEOs, with roughly 100 responses received each month. Respondents represent a broad range of manufacturing industries across New York State.
• The September 2026 survey showed modest manufacturing growth, with the general business conditions index at 7.6. Employment increased, the average workweek rose, and both input and selling-price increases accelerated, while firms remained generally optimistic about future activity.

Federal Reserve Bank of New York. (2026). Empire State Manufacturing Survey. https://www.newyorkfed.org/survey/empire/empiresurvey_overview

What is Linear Regression and Why You Should Understand it Basics in Business

Linear regression is a commonly used statistical model for examining relationships and making predictions in areas such as business, economics, and research. Essentially, it identifies a line that provides the best fit for a set of data by minimizing the squared differences between observed data points and the regression line.

The model helps researchers examine the relationship between an independent variable and a dependent variable. More complex regression models can include multiple independent variables, allowing researchers to examine several factors at the same time.

A basic understanding of statistics is important because many research studies and business analyses rely on statistical models. You do not necessarily need to be a statistics expert unless you are conducting research or working in a highly technical field. However, understanding the basics helps you evaluate what the numbers actually tell you—and what they do not.

People frequently cite research and try and apply the findings but may not have a solid relationship between not only what the variables are but how they relate. Statistics therefore provides a formal way to evaluate, compare, and understand relationships among different independent and dependent variables. It puts teeth to conjecture.

Linear Regression

• Linear regression is a statistical method for estimating the relationship between variables by fitting a straight line to observed data.
• The basic model is expressed as y = a + bx, where y is the dependent variable, x is the independent variable, b represents the slope, and a is the y-intercept.
• Simple linear regression examines one independent variable and one dependent variable, while multiple linear regression uses more than one independent variable.
• The least-squares method identifies the line that provides the best fit by minimizing the squared differences between observed data points and the regression line.
• Linear regression can be used for prediction and to examine relationships in areas such as economics, psychology, business, and the natural sciences. However, the model represents an estimate rather than a perfect description of reality.

Tantawi, R. (2021). Linear regression. EBSCO Research Starters. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/social-sciences-and-humanities/linear-regression

Escanaba's New Downtown: Local Assets by Fostering Community and the Economy

 Recently, I stopped by one of the little social clubs I visit and took a look at this beautiful downtown out the front door.

This downtown has parallel parking, bike lanes, clean sidewalks, and attractive lamp posts. Look at these buildings. There is room for investment.

The downtown is poised for growth.

Recently, this town has been coming back through the revitalization of the downtown and the area in general. It was a little sleepy but has become a hot spot. It wasn't bad before; it just needed more new businesses, and some new businesses are now moving in. There has also been signifiant investment in the area from Billerud and other companies.

There is a growing sense of community, with activities and events bringing people together. Tourists are coming from all over, and tourism is increasing. The marina has races and sailboats. There are art events, Players de Noc, ice races in the winter, fishing during the summer, and nice beaches with lifeguards.

(I like to think of different sectors working together to create an organic cluster. i.e. metal stamping, wood products, infrastructure-shipping, tourism, start-up, etc. and how they work together.)

There is a lot going on in this town. From anchor businesses, to infrastructure upgrades, to an emerging entrepreneurial smart city feel. 

Now we have a beautiful, revitalized downtown that is ready for investment. There are still a few vacant buildings, but if you have a really good idea, I suggest you call the city with some investment ideas. City of Escanaba (City of Gladstone  is next to Escanaba)

If you have the capacity to invest, you can become part of the continued growth of this wonderful community filled with wonderful people.

We can show the world that we can build something new.

Escanaba's New Downtown

How Small Towns and Cities Can Use Local Assets to Rebuild Their Economies: Lessons from Successful Places

• Small towns and cities can successfully diversify and rebuild their economies by identifying and leveraging local assets, such as historic downtowns, cultural institutions, and natural environments, rather than relying solely on traditional corporate recruitment.

• Sustainable economic development relies heavily on long-range, community-driven planning processes that actively engage residents, local business owners, and regional stakeholders.

• Accessing outside funding—including state or federal grants—and providing local incentives like tax rebates or streamlined development processes helps lower barriers for private investment and business growth.

• Cross-sector collaboration among municipalities, universities, local businesses, and regional organizations allows smaller communities to combine resources and build economic resilience.

• Prioritizing environmental health, smart growth principles, and outdoor recreational assets enhances local quality of life, which in turn helps attract entrepreneurs, talent, businesses, and tourists.

APA Reference: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2015). How small towns and cities can use local assets to rebuild their economies: Lessons from successful places (Publication No. EPA 231-R-15-002). https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth

Hunker Junker Chronicles: Reviving a 1985 Buick Riviera-Degrease and Tire Shimmy

 Why Fix Up an Old Car?

Hunker Junker Classics is documenting the revitalization of a 1985 Buick Riviera that I picked up inexpensively from a friend after my other car was hit by a deer. Yes, the deer hit the car—I watched it happen.

Older cars are increasingly being restored and updated with modern amenities. Nostalgia is part of the appeal, but economics also matter. With new cars commonly costing $40,000, $50,000 or more, there is a lot that can be done with the body of an older vehicle for far less.

Illustrative Only

The Riviera Gets Some Attention

The Riviera recently received some needed mechanical work. An old oil leak was repaired, and the engine bay was cleaned up after years of accumulated oil.

A persistent tire-related shimmy was also addressed. Rebalancing the tire made the problem much better, although a small vibration remains. Since the problem appeared after the winter-to-summer tire change, the tires remain the leading suspect. Next time rotate and after than we are back to thinking about the axle.

Knowing Your Car

One lesson from working on older cars is that the owner often knows the symptoms best. Basic mechanical knowledge can help identify problems and ask better questions.

Not every repair requires replacing parts. Sometimes the first step is simply making sure the actual problem has been properly identified. That is why I prefer to understand the vehicle and its symptoms before authorizing additional work.

More Than Just a Car

For me, the Riviera is also about memories. My grandfather was a car dealer, and cars from this era remind me of him and the work he did.

He returned from Germany after serving in the war to protect people of a different religion and slow the advance of Germany, built a life, started a farm, married a farmhand, and eventually established a car dealership. That story represents a different era—one in which hard work, opportunity and independence seemed more attainable. This seem different now with the overconcentration of decision making, courts that make consolidation easy without thinking of about consumers, and money being siphoned from communities, farms, and small business to people at the top (Build local, buy local, thrive local to retain the tax advantages and wealth.). 

The Bigger Picture

That connection between old cars and personal history helps explain why people restore them. They are not simply repairing transportation. They are preserving memories, exercising creativity and maintaining a connection to another time.

For now, I'm enjoying fixing up and driving the Riviera. Maybe someday I'll restore and resell a few more classics, but for now, the goal is simple: keep the Hunker Junker on the road and enjoy the ride.

Why Some People Still Love Vintage Gasoline Cars

• Preference for older gasoline-powered cars does not necessarily mean resistance to change or modern technology.
• Nostalgia can connect vehicles with meaningful memories, family traditions, independence, achievements, and important periods of life.
• Familiarity, mechanical control, and the ability to repair or understand a vehicle can provide comfort and satisfaction.
• Psychological concepts such as attachment, nostalgia, the mere exposure effect, and the endowment effect help explain why people value familiar possessions.
• The broader lesson is that consumer decisions are influenced by both logic and emotion; understanding personal experiences can provide greater insight into why people make different choices.

Walia, G. (2026, July 9). Psychology says people who are old school and still love vintage gasoline run cars aren't resistant to change but often value memories, control and familiarity: What the behaviour reveals? The Economic Times. 

Leadership: Motivation, Direction, and the Ability to Develop Innovation Solutions

Leadership is fundamental to organizations and communities because it motivates people and provides a sense of direction. How we motivate people to act on a good cause, mission, or organizational objective is part of the ability of maximizing group effort. Executives will need to learn to manage groups and how you do that is important in solving collective problems (organization or society). 

(Illustrative Only)

Leadership is based
in your personal experience, traits,
and skills. It must fit
within a certain cultural 
framework and able to motivate
teams of people. The right
challenge, leader, followers
and resources for innovative
adaptation.

Strong leaders solve
 societal-organizational problems, 
they don't seek to self enrich
or self-promote.
Ethics is still important
to ensure resources
are used wisely.

Leadership ability is drawn from the social side. It contains elements of group management, resource allocation, knowing how to use pressure, when to create a vision. Strong leadership doesn't happen overnight but is fostered over time. 

Leadership is therefore both a skill and a developmental process. This is one reason people pursue college and graduate education, participate in leadership programs, and study leadership through reading and practical experience.

Leadership can also look very different depending on the circumstances. In some historical situations, strong leadership and authoritarianism may appear similar, while in others, empathy, collaboration, and working effectively with others can produce greater achievement. Leadership is neither good or bad but the leader must choose what type they are going to be and what their followers are willing to follow.

We have seen leadership in history do great things and we have seen it do horrible things. The leader must be able to sell his vision to others. Therefore, leadership is in context. Thus this is why in some of my writings I use the concepts I, ME, WE to round out this context. I is personal leadership (many paths to being a leader), ME is the socialized evironment (values and culture), and WE the collective effort (coordinating resources). 

Ultimately, leadership involves bringing people and resources together and developing strategies to overcome challenges. Innovate for lasting change. When leadership is inclusive and encourages willing participation in shared goals, it can help organizations bring out the best in their people, compete more effectively, and innovate.

The question for leaders is not simply whether they can lead, but what kind of leadership they provide and whether their approach brings out the best in others.

 Ten Simple Rules for Good Leadership

• Good leadership is not simply the same as being a good manager or a successful professional; effective leaders help people and organizations perform at their best.
• Lead by example and demonstrate the standards, work ethic, and accountability expected from others.
• Be humble, recognize the abilities of others, share credit, and understand that strong organizations depend on people with different strengths.
• Build an inclusive and caring workplace by recognizing individuals, listening to employees, treating people fairly, and understanding their circumstances.
• Encourage shared governance, seek input, communicate decisions transparently, and develop a collective organizational vision.
• Be decisive when difficult choices must be made, accept responsibility for mistakes, and correct decisions when necessary.
• Hire the right people, give them opportunities to innovate, and delegate responsibilities to trusted team members.
• Enjoy leadership while recognizing when it is time to move on; strong leaders develop succession plans so the organization can continue successfully.

Bourne, P. E. (2022). Ten simple rules for good leadership. PLOS Computational Biology, 18(6), e1010133. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010133

California Recognizes Open Water Lifeguards as First Responders-MI Might Consider the Same

California recently recognized open-water lifeguards as first responders. That is great news, and perhaps it is something we can consider in Michigan.

Lifeguards complete extensive training, and as someone who does this type of work to help the local community and holds an open-water deep-water rescue certification, it is encouraging to see this recognition. I went through lifeguard training earlier this year and pick up a few evening shifts in Michigan and California. Some of that contribution may include beaches and inland lakes from time to time.

(Illustrative Only)
...and they say
we are not first responders.
You do it then,
we need more lifeguards.

As a volunteer part-time firefighter, I have also learned many of the same skills through my training. In some ways, lifeguards have higher physical requirements and more specialized initial lifesaving training, while firefighters focus more heavily on fire response as well as lifesaving techniques Lifeguarding can require CPR, AED, water rescue, swimming with victims, underwater rescue, oxygen administration, and other specialized certifications and skills. You learn much from this journey and I have great respect for the fields.

California Recognizes Open-Water Lifeguards as First Responders

• California lawmakers approved Senate Concurrent Resolution 192, formally recognizing open-water lifeguards as first responders and emergency response providers.
• The resolution passed the State Assembly on August 19, 2026, and will take effect after being signed by the Secretary of State.
• California lifeguards have performed more than 1.4 million rescues in the state’s oceans, lakes, and rivers.
• San Diego officials emphasized that lifeguards routinely respond to drownings, cardiac emergencies, floods, cliff rescues, boating accidents, and other life-threatening situations.
• The nonbinding resolution does not immediately change pay or benefits, but supporters see it as an important first step toward stronger recognition, resources, and protections for lifeguards.

Murphy, T. (2026, August 26). Lifeguards save lives. California is only now recognizing them as first responders. Times of San Diego. https://timesofsandiego.com/politics/2026/08/26/california-recognizing-them-as-first-responders/

Judicial Integrity and Public Trust: Strengthening the Rule of Law (The Allegory of The Clan)

Public trust in the courts is essential to a functioning society, yet trust can be weakened by polarization, extremism, partisanship, and misconduct by officials in positions of authority.

The Allegory of the Clan provides a philosophical thought experiment for examining how corruption and coordinated hate can target people who report wrongdoing rather than addressing the long stemming underlying problem. When officials abandon their oaths, disregard constitutional principles, or use their authority to protect or reward favored groups, the damage extends beyond individual victims and can undermine confidence in the entire system.

Illustrative Only
Some of these people
have lost their purpose
and faithfulness to
our oaths and social contracts.
We must protect the next
diverse generation from 
their crazed wrath.

The vast majority of judges, police officers, and public officials do their jobs honorably and serve their communities. We applaud their noble efforts and support them. Get as many young people to pick these fields to strengthen them. However, a small number of officials engaging in misconduct can create serious problems when effective checks and balances are lacking. Add the extremism of hate with corruption and unchecked misuse of power and we have not learned the lessons of history. So we can best support those doing good by fostering and promoting good actors and removing and holding to account poor actors. 

In the Allegory of the Clan a report of corruption and hate based misconduct led coordinated aggression, misuse of tax payer resources, false investigations, backroom deals, exploitive enrichment, religious suppression, blocking freedom of speech, threats of violence, stalking, hate narratives, putting kids at risk, undermining parents rights to keep their kids safe, and all types of behaviors the founding fathers and mothers of the nation launched a new society to stop. They did not care until they were at risk of being caught, categorized, witness names gathered, etc. The courts supported a particular religous belief, victim dumped and walked off as pattern. They think rights are only for them. Victims had no safe recourse and that was by design.

Now let us add a twist to our story. The people who felt entitled to target others did so because of their belief that they represent the religion and color that makes them first class citizens and provides justification to dehumanize others through second class citizenship. Their underlining assumptions were that they practiced the religion and were of the race of the earliest colonies. However, when you analyze the history one might find they didn't practice the religion of the early founders (Quackers, Protestants, Bapitists, Islamic Free and Slaves, Jews, Great Spirit/Native and other religions), don't have Sons/Daughters of Liberty historical footprint and don't represent anything but false narrative (not that narrow pedigree matters in a merit system). In contrast, the victims have histories in family back to a few years after the British colonies started and have supported freedom with generations of sacrifce. In that family there were Minute Men, indentured servants, people who choose America over Britain, military members in most major wars, possible Contributors to founding documents, etc. All wiped away through narrative and discounted distorted whitewashed history by a few bigots on the the bench. Retaliation being the tool of extremists in silencing others and suppressing rights. They were seeking to use narrative to rally the crowd to disperse responsibility for horrific crimes (i.e. parking one of the officers who had corruption reported against him outside the whistleblowers house that might have led to the whistleblower's death. There was a reason why they were there alone.)

Now you see why it is so important to stand against corruption and hate. They have no checks and do not always stop at the stop signs. When you stand for what is right you are protecting your community, past/future victims and encouraging the system to serve all citizens. Freedom and the Bill of Rights being more valuable than almost all other activities and outcomes. The victims being more patriotic than any of the perpetrators and willing again in family history to uphold our shared values against those undermining our institutions to benefit themselves and harm others. They do so peacefully in spirit of protecting the next diverse generation. They shield future victims in ways the clan court was not willing to do. They do so in positive and helpful ways.

Trust of the institution across various levels continue to decline and those who could fix don't know how to do that because they are in part socialized to look at others as less deserving, worthy, or paticipants in the history of society. The fundamentals of societal purpose and basic underlining assumptions of the value of human freedom may not be in alignment. The explicit values are manifested in the actions and the implicit bias in the decisions. The good news is the vast majority understand the importance of shared futures. Most are trying to do the right thing.

Judicial integrity requires more than technical compliance with the law. Anyone can misinterprete intent, take laws out of context or use technicalities to justify poor behaviors. We have seen this in history (i.e. slavery, targeting of religious minorities-founding principles, etc. ) Courts must also uphold the principles and purpose of the constitutional system. The goal should be to serve the public—not a political party, wealthy interests, clan networks, foreign interests or extremist groups.

Strengthening accountability, encouraging open discussion, and restoring confidence in the courts are important steps toward ensuring that the justice system fulfills its mission and earns greater public trust. or not. 

*The Allegory of the Clan is a theoretical, hypothetical, philsophical thought experiment so take with a grain of salt and feel free to bring forward new points, alternative ideas, and disagreements/agreements. There is no right or wrong answer as we are just exploring the positives and negatives.

This page is sort of interesting. 

Center for Judicial Ethics: Promoting Integrity and Public Trust in the Courts

• The Center for Judicial Ethics, part of the National Center for State Courts (NCSC), focuses on strengthening judicial integrity and public trust in the courts.
• The Center provides research, training, and resources to help state judicial conduct commissions oversee judicial behavior and address misconduct.
• Public confidence is viewed as essential to a strong judicial system because it affects whether people perceive courts as fair, impartial, and legitimate.
• Judicial ethics involves issues such as conflicts of interest, financial disclosures, gifts, recusals, social media, and professional conduct.
• The Center is also addressing emerging ethical issues involving artificial intelligence and its use in legal decision-making.
• State judicial systems use different approaches to discipline, with the NCSC providing resources to help understand how judicial conduct is governed across states.
• Overall, the Center emphasizes that ethical judicial behavior and accountability are important foundations for maintaining public confidence in the rule of law.

National Center for State Courts. (n.d.). Center for Judicial Ethics. https://www.ncsc.org/our-centers-projects/center-judicial-ethics

How Going Stoic Helps Achieve Your Goals and Find More Joy

Let’s talk about focus for a moment. There’s a concept in philosophy—and I like philosophy because it can be a little like practical psychology—that relates to how we spend our time. It is called Stoicism we can stay busy running from one thing to another, trying to get everything done, while spending hours on things that really aren’t important. That can clutter our days, create stress, and make it harder to achieve the goals that matter most.

If you’ve chosen your goals based on your skills, abilities, and what you truly want to accomplish, then you should spend your time working toward those goals. That means removing some of the clutter—things that don’t matter, don’t bring you happiness, or don’t contribute to your purpose.

(Illustrative Only)
Declutter the 
things that distract
you from focus and
peace. 

As you get older, you begin to reflect on your experiences and see things differently. You realize that some of the energy you spent running around and staying busy wasn’t really necessary. It wasn’t wasted because you were learning, but many of those activities simply didn’t matter in the long run. They were just busyness.

You also begin to realize that you should do more of the things that make you happy, rather than simply doing things to make other people happy. The same can be true of your activities and relationships. You naturally begin to gravitate toward the people and things that are more meaningful and productive for you.

I thought this study was interesting because it connects philosophy with empirical research and evidence. It’s an interesting look at how focus, self-reflection, and our choices can shape how we spend our lives.

Stoicism, Mindfulness, and the Brain: The Empirical Foundations of Second-Order Desires

• The article examines Stoic ideas about self-regulation alongside findings from psychology and cognitive neuroscience.
• It focuses on how people can regulate immediate desires by developing higher-order preferences about which desires they want to act upon.
• Stoic practices are compared with mindfulness approaches, particularly their potential role in attention, emotional regulation, and self-control.
• The authors connect philosophical ideas about voluntary action and self-regulation with contemporary research on brain processes and behavior.
• The article suggests that combining philosophical analysis with empirical research can provide a stronger understanding of how people develop greater control over their thoughts, emotions, and actions.

Wittmann, M., Montemayor, C., & Dorato, M. (2025). Stoicism, mindfulness, and the brain: The empirical foundations of second-order desires. Frontiers in Psychology, 16, 1569237. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1569237

City of Gladstone Commission Regular Meeting (07-13-2026)

The Gladstone City Council meeting is being posted here for people to view. If you're trying to attract interest from investors, startups, or others considering the area, it helps to have this information available online. One thing we've seen since COVID is that more communities are putting meetings and information online, making it easier for people to get a feel for what's happening within a city.

It's also helpful to see some of the city's work involving modern infrastructure, audits, and other areas of development. The city is updating and moving forward, so take a look at the video and review some of the information below. The more you follow along, the better feel you'll get for the area.

(Summary of transcripts. Any mistakes let me know.)

ATV / ORV Ordinance & School Safety (1:25 – 30:35)

• Public Comment: An elementary school principal requests a revision to local street ordinance restrictions (specifically regarding 29th Street and the 600 block area near the school). She highlights ongoing safety concerns with light/ORV traffic cutting across school grounds during recess and outdoor learning times.
• Commission Discussion: Commissioners debate ATV/ORV traffic compliance, speed enforcement, and the historical growth of the town over the last 40 years.
• Education & Enforcement: Members emphasize the need for youth education (potentially involving a school resource officer) and enforcing existing regulations rather than relying solely on signage.
• Procedural Motion: The commission forms a dedicated committee (including designated commissioners) to evaluate the ordinance amendment, redact specific restricted sections (e.g., 29th Street/600 block), and coordinate with city staff to start the required public hearing and posting process.

City Approvals & Financial Requests (31:00 – 38:56)

• The commission handles routine administrative approvals, special city requests (including event scheduling for August), and contract/equipment work authorizations.

Blight, Vacant Properties & Economic Tools (39:04 – 57:36)

• Vacant Building Registry: Discussion on establishing a registry to inventory abandoned or neglected properties while acknowledging administrative oversight and inspection challenges.
• Code Enforcement Constraints: Clarification that code enforcement is limited to visible public right-of-way issues (e.g., long grass, structural roof collapse, broken windows) unless properties are registered rentals.
• Funding & Incentives: Review of potential economic tools to assist property owners with structural issues—including Neighborhood Improvement Authorities (NIA), Tax Increment Financing (TIF) captures, Brownfield redevelopment options, and state matching programs (such as MATCH on Main).

City Financial Audits & Infrastructure Lawsuit Response (59:00 – 1:01:39)

• Audit Clarification: In response to a public letter and lawsuit requesting an independent forensic audit of city finances (2019–2025), it is noted that annual audits have been consistently approved by the State of Michigan Department of Treasury.
• Water Infrastructure Project: The official refutes claims in the lawsuit, emphasizing that state and federal funding for critical water projects depends on these approved audits. The city is actively moving forward with replacing a 100-year-old water intake pipe to secure the municipal water supply before system failure.

Monthly Treasury Statement Receipts and Outlays Ending August 31, 2026

The US Treasury Monthly Statement Released Today shows a deficit so far this year. The idea of sustainability and the need to adjust operations and processes to improve performance is needed. 

Monthly Treasury Statement of Receipts and Outlays of the United States Government for Fiscal Year 2026 Through August 31, 2026

• August historically operates at a deficit, recording a shortfall in 71 out of the last 72 fiscal years due to a lack of major tax due dates during the month.

• Calendar timing shifts led to the acceleration of active duty, military retirement, veterans benefits, Supplemental Security Income, and Medicare payments into July 2026, while additional veterans benefit payments shifted from September 1 into August 2026.

• Total receipts for August 2026 reached $360 billion, driven primarily by individual income taxes ($179 billion) and social insurance/retirement receipts ($141 billion).

• Total outlays for August 2026 reached $527 billion, with Social Security ($141 billion), net interest ($86 billion), and health ($81 billion) accounting for the largest share of spending.

• For fiscal year 2026 through August 31, the cumulative federal budget deficit reached $1,966 billion, resulting from $4,845 billion in total receipts against $6,811 billion in total outlays.

Bureau of the Fiscal Service. (2026). Monthly Treasury statement: Receipts and outlays of the United States Government for fiscal year 2026 through August 31, 2026, and other periods. U.S. Department of the Treasury. https://fiscaldata.treasury.gov/datasets/monthly-treasury-statement/summary-of-receipts-outlays-and-the-deficit-surplus-of-the-u-s-government

September 2026 University of Michigan Survey of Consumers Declines to 47.8

The latest University of Michigan Survey of Consumers points to some increasingly cautious consumers. September’s consumer sentiment reading fell to 47.8%, suggesting that households are becoming more pessimistic about economic conditions.

That matters because economic behavior and social behavior are closely connected. When consumers feel less confident about the economy, they may become more cautious about spending, making major purchases or visiting retailers. Over time, that could affect sales and other areas of the economy.

Recent economic data have produced some mixed signals, and the decline in sentiment adds another piece to the picture. The important question is whether this is a temporary change or the beginning of a broader shift in consumer behavior. 

Continued monitoring of consumer sentiment will help provide a clearer view of where the economy may be heading. It can impact business and sales among other things because much of the economy is tied to consumer spending (sentiment and spending habits)

University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers: Consumer Sentiment and Economic Expectations

• The University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers measure how households view current economic conditions and their expectations for the future.
• Key measures include consumer sentiment, current economic conditions, and consumer expectations, providing an important indicator of household confidence.

• 

  (Source)

  The surveys also track inflation expectations, personal finances, business conditions, unemployment, interest rates, housing, vehicles, and household purchasing conditions.
• Preliminary September 2026 data show consumer sentiment at 47.8, down from 51.7 in August and 55.1 a year earlier.
• The survey is useful for understanding consumer behavior because expectations about prices, income, employment, and economic conditions can influence spending and other household decisions.

University of Michigan, Institute for Social Research. (2026). Surveys of consumers. https://www.sca.isr.umich.edu/

A Case for Leadership Character and Ethics That Foster Organizational Growth (The Allegory of the Clan)

Leadership is not simply about making good decisions; it is about making decisions grounded in ethics, values, and sound judgment. Good leaders consider the economy, society, resources, risks, and consequences. Starting with strong values can also prevent greater problems later and improve strategic options.

(Illustrative Only)
Ethics and 
Values are what
keeps us
healthy and strong. 
He encourages
the next generation
of leaders to stay
on the right path
and not get distracted
by money, hate, corruption
or the other dark
forces. Even
if they are lucrative. 

The Allegory of the Clan illustrates what happens when those values break down. In the hypothetical example, people misuse institutions, favor their own networks, impose their ideology, and target other groups. With few checks and balances, unethical behavior becomes normalized and even rewarded.

But when people begin challenging those poor values, the community starts to change. Economic activity improves, crime declines, and civic engagement increases. Problems that persisted for decades begin to reverse within just a few years.

The lesson is straightforward: positions of authority should go to people who can serve the broader community, not simply the most connected or ideologically aligned individuals. Checks and balances help protect institutions from corruption and abuse while encouraging stronger leadership.

Ultimately, ethical leadership benefits more than the individual leader. It strengthens institutions, communities, the economy, and public trust. Elect and select the best and brightest and not the most connected (or loudest in the room).

As you can tell values, character is profitable and good for society (The Truth North Values)

The Case for Leadership Character

• Leadership character goes beyond ethics and includes integrity, empathy, courage, self-awareness, determination, optimism, and curiosity.
• Research cited by Harvard Business Impact found that organizations led by CEOs with high character scores had average returns on assets five times higher than organizations with lower character scores.
• Character influences everyday decision-making and is important at all levels of an organization, not just among senior executives.
• Leaders shape organizational culture through their behavior, the standards they establish, and the decision-making environment they create.
• Character can be strengthened through feedback, coaching, practice, and role modeling, suggesting that organizations should develop character alongside traditional management skills.

Belcher, D. (2024, February 13). The case for leadership character. Harvard Business Impact. https://www.harvardbusiness.org/insight/the-case-for-leadership-character/

Consumer Prices Rie .4% in August 2026-Energy is the Culprit

Source BLS

Consumer prices rose about 0.4% in August, with prices up 3.4% from a year ago. Gasoline prices climbed 3.9% during the month. That will have impact in a few other areas. Core CPI also increased, while food prices are up 2.7% over the past year. Not looking particularly positive in this report. 

The biggest concern is energy. Energy prices have risen 16.3% over the past year, creating a significant headwind for consumers and businesses. Because energy is an important input throughout the economy, higher costs can spread across transportation, production, and other areas. 

For now, we can continue to watch the data and see whether these pressures begin to weigh more heavily on economic growth. They may be short lived or they may be longer. 

(Illustrative Only)
Joan comes in from
the cottage to buy some
supplies. She hands
over some money for
some lamp oil and
a gallon of gas for her
chainsaw. 
The clerk lets her
know the prices are
changing rapidly so 
stock up before
winter. 😔

Consumer Prices Rise 0.4% in August 2026

• The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 0.4% in August, following a 0.1% increase in July.
• Consumer prices increased 3.4% over the 12 months ending in August, unchanged from July.
• Gasoline prices rose 3.9% in August, contributing more than one-third of the overall monthly increase. Energy prices increased 2.1%.
• Core CPI, excluding food and energy, increased 0.3% in August and 2.4% over the past year. Shelter prices rose 0.3% during the month and 3.0% over the year.
• Food prices increased 0.1% in August and 2.7% over the past year. Food-at-home prices were unchanged during the month, while food-away-from-home prices increased 0.3%.
• Energy remains a major inflation pressure, rising 16.3% over the past year, with gasoline prices up 27.4%.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2026, September 11). Consumer Price Index—August 2026. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm

Values of Volunteer Firefighters

The study below looks specifically at firefighters and volunteer firefighters. The vast majority of firefighters in this country are volunteers. We have more fires happening, and they are becoming larger and more common. At the same time, budgets are increasingly constrained, so people are volunteering their time and putting themselves at risk to help their communities.

(Illustrative Only)

Firefighters do a lot
of other important work
beyond fires. 
Ki Ki the kitty
is thankful. 

What makes volunteer and part-time firefighters different? They tend to carry strong pro-social values. They want to help their communities, make a commitment to one another within their fire departments, and build trust. These commitments often reflect a broader way of looking at the world and their responsibility to others.

Read the study below, and if you would like to donate to a local fire department or help in some way in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, I know a great one. Send me a message to the right. They have a lot of young people compared with many other fire departments, and those firefighters need training, resources, and equipment. If you would like to provide tax-deductible support, I can point you in the right direction.

Values in the Activities of Volunteer Fire Brigades: A Collective Case Study

• Volunteer fire brigades (VFBs) operate as self-organizing community entities that fulfill essential safety functions while simultaneously acting as key cultural and social hubs for local residents.

• Members view their commitment strictly as an unpaid public service, mission, or calling rather than work, which fosters personal virtues such as self-discipline, courage, generosity, and loyalty.

• The core organizational values driving these communities include trust, friendship, kindness, solidarity, respect, and collaborative ties with other local institutions and civic groups.

• Beyond emergency response, firefighters actively engage in community work, such as local infrastructure repairs, educational workshops, social events, and charitable projects.

• Long-term sustainability and local rootedness are maintained by passing down family traditions, preserving historical artifacts and chronicles, and integrating youth through Youth Fire Brigades.

Wrona, S. (2020). Values in the activities of volunteer fire brigades: A collective case study. International Journal of Contemporary Management, 19(4), 21 40.   https://doi.org/10.4467/24498939LJCM.20.012.13483