Selling Art: Ocean Beach Pier at Sunset

I recently sold this piece as prints, specifically greeting cards, which turned out to be a great fit for the image. I also noticed that when I shared it on X, it was one of my posts that received a lot of engagement. Every once in a while I get a piece that people buy and want. The art world is not an easy world and I am not the greatest artist. But......

While art is a hobby for me, it also brings other benefits: it sharpens awareness of the world, offers insight into sources of knowledge, and deepens understanding of the natural environment. The very act of viewing the world from a different perspective fosters creativity and innovation.

If you want me to print you one send me a message to the right. It will be cheaper to go through me then buy off of the site. A lower mark up as well. (Btw I am still waiting to see if I sold the painting or two pictures in the 'More than a Uniform' exhibit. I may submit to a few more exhibits once I have the time to look for them and figure out what kind of art they are looking for.)

This isn't a bad way to see the world....

Ocean Beach Pier at Sunset

Our World Data Corruption: The Story of the Clan

I came across a piece on corruption and its prevalence in some societies. Corruption creates a drag on the economy and limits human capital development. It affects quality of life, weakens competitiveness, and erodes trust. Even though it is widely recognized as a net detractor, corruption can sometimes become normalized, making it important to consider both its short- and long-term risks. The following is a method of understanding how corruption and hate may function and some of the benefits of good governance. 

The Story of the Clan is a philosophical tale about moral conscience, where corruption and hate shape decision-making and harm the wider community. It is a reflective piece meant for contemplation, best taken with a grain of salt. One can switch around the elements and come to a different understanding and conclusion. Historically at various times and places human rights, civil rights, and justice sometimes have been defined by in-group and out-group dynamics. Racial and religious prejudices influenced who was deemed worthy of justice and who was excluded through hate narratives (....almost always the victim's fault because it requires no accountability or change.). In such contexts, witnesses and whistleblowers were often sidelined or harmed to protect the in-group. Pointing out or reporting corruption can lead to open retaliation in life, career, and safety (Threw in a touch of extremism for good measure.).

Some philosophical considerations...

As a hypothetical thought experiment based on some of the worst aspects of human behavior, the story raises questions about what happens if the normalization of corruption spreads more widely. Would it affect economic performance, human capital development, or social progress? Could a society remain competitive in the long run if corruption takes too strong of a root? The evidence strongly suggests not. Research consistently shows that in societies where corruption is normalized, we see weaker economic performance, lower respect for human rights, greater social division, and more mistreatment between groups. Resources are misallocated for the benefit of insiders and leadership becomes defined by specific group gain and group loss versus win-win that benefits wider stakeholders. 

The accompanying publication shows levels of corruption around the world. Consider why some countries experience higher levels than others. Possible factors include the normalization of bribery, racial or tribal hostilities, or entrenched nepotism. There are other reasons as well. Greater awareness of the dangers of corruption and hate highlights their damaging impact on society and reinforces the importance of upholding shared values and ideals (In Theory). 

Our World Data-Corruption

*The Story of the Clan is a philosophical story as a learning thought experiment. 

Q2 2025 GDP Rises 3.8%: Good News and Thoughts About Long Term Ideals

 GDP rose more than expected, climbing 3.8%. This growth was partly driven by a decline in imports and an increase in consumer spending. Value from private goods production grew 10.2%, while private service-producing industries rose 3.5%. Overall, this is encouraging news.

On a separate metric, the labor market is showing signs of slowing, though it will take time to see how longer-term trends develop.

Long Term Ideals

It would be even more positive if exports increased and companies invested more in production and hiring for that production. Ideally, a healthy economy maintains steady, sustained export growth alongside the internal mechanisms that support it. The broader goal is for Americans to rise together through shared development, wage growth, and reduced costs. Achieving that, however, ties into larger issues such as international investment, education-workforce training, infastructure (transactions), etc.

Link

Gross Domestic Product, 2nd Quarter 2025 (Third Estimate), GDP by Industry, Corporate Profits (Revised), and Annual Update

Cooking at Home and Weight Loss: Air Fried Chips with Cheese (Tips from a Fitness Trainer)

Cooking at home is a joy for many, while for others it’s more about making healthier choices. In today’s world, where pollution, hormones, and chemicals often enter our food supply, cooking at home makes a lot of sense. Research also suggests that over-processed foods can contribute to a range of health problems and may even be linked to shorter lifespans. Getting in shape is also much more difficult if your eating the wrong kinds of foods.

Homemade potato chips
Made on a boat. Glamping!

About two months ago, I realized I couldn’t keep going to the gym for hours, eating the way I was, and still expect to stay in decent shape. So, I tried an experiment. For three to four weeks, I ate a completely vegan diet to increase my intake of fruits and vegetables, then I added fish. While I still occasionally eat meat when it comes with something else, I’ve been avoiding burgers and steaks—except for this Friday, when I’ll treat myself to a $15 steak dinner.

I’ve also shifted from going to the gym to working out at home. The type of workout is a discussion for another time, but what’s clear is that cooking at home has led to better health and weight loss. Without even trying, I’ve already lost over five pounds simply by focusing on quality calories and total intake.

One of my recent experiments was air-fried potato chips made with coconut oil, cheese, and a light dusting of sea salt. Honestly, they taste better than store-bought chips—and they’re much healthier. They’re unprocessed, made from real potatoes (vs mash), and definitely a keeper.

I think about 6 more
lbs would be good.

Research shows that if more people cooked and ate at home, it could significantly improve public health. It’s becoming clear that our reliance on processed foods wasn’t the best idea. Now may be the time to strengthen local and regional food supplies, support small farms and businesses, and pay closer attention to the science of healthy eating. COVID already taught us the importance of resilient local supply chains—we just need to apply that lesson to food.

On a personal note, I hold a fitness trainer’s license along with a few other qualifications, and I’d like to put them to use more often. If you’re interested, feel free to reach out—I’d be happy to do some virtual sessions. I do this on the side. 

Is cooking at home associated with better diet quality or weight-loss intention?

Orange Lighthouse Painting: Since Cave Art

Art helps ground us. In a world shaped by big data and AI, it can be refreshing to engage in a fully human experience like creating or appreciating art. Since the dawn of humanity, people have been blowing pigment, wiping, drawing, and painting on surfaces—an artistic tradition stretching back over 45,000 years. I suspect our early ancestors may have had more skill than I do. 🙂 But art is about the journey, not the destination. We create for the sake of creation itself. Smithsonian-Journey to Cave Art

You can buy this off of Etsy for like $40 and if you want it for like $35 send me a message to the right or via PayPal code below. Free shipping continental US. Make sure you send your address and it is up-to-date. I don't make much on the hobby and pretty much give it all away except expenses I can say that on occassion someone will buy something. Feels good one someone buys. :)

Orange Lighthouse Etsy Link
or
PayPal Link

St. Louis Federal Reserve: Economic Outlook Risk and Monetary Policy (Sept. 22nd, 2025)

Reading economic news provides insight into upcoming changes and adjustments. I’m often concerned about unemployment rates among young people and minorities, as well as the impact of inflation on spending for middle- and lower-income households. Broadly increasing growth-oriented and career-oriented jobs, while also finding ways to reduce costs in essential areas, could help (In Theory). Core expenses such as energy, food, and housing affect everyone, but those in the middle and lower brackets tend to feel the squeeze the most.

The more you read and watch the economic news the more you will understand. If you have a business or work within an industry it will help you gain a sense of the broader market changes and shifts. 

You can also read Remarks on the Economic Outlook, the Balance of Risks and Monetary Policy

 

Escanaba City Council Meeting (Sept 18th, 2025): Lots, Businesses, Development

Much of the discussion in the Sept. 18th, 2025 city council meeting and the related video focused on downtown development and vacant lots. Sept. 18, 2025 (Agenda) Buildings sometimes fall into disrepair leading to blight that discourages investment and drives down property values. This not only reduces current tax revenue but also limits future revenue, as vacant or underutilized buildings waste space that could otherwise support businesses and revitalized properties.

Escanaba is in relatively good shape compared to many cities, with on the surface fewer blight issues than many other places and an upwards swing in businesses moving downtown (I wonder if there is a place to get stats on that?). Property prices remain fairly affordable, which creates an opportunity for growth for locals and newcomers alike. 

One tool being considered is a partial tax exemption for obsolete buildings. If used effectively, it could incentivize redevelopment and possibly pair well with state/federal grants, financing options, and other incentives to spark further investment (In theory). A total package that can incentivize new investment into downtown buildings and housing by relating that to the infrastructure, quality of life, and coastal living (It is like living on the coast but in the Great Lakes. A small town quaint vibe).

A recent piece highlights how vibrant downtowns help attract younger talent. Young families can help the area grow. Thriving housing, businesses, nightlife, and aesthetic improvements have an impact on the attractiveness of the area to residents, entrepreneurs, and tourists. Consider, 

The Role of Downtown Development in Attracting Young Talent 2025 02 13