Everyday Conversations About Politics

(Illustrative Only)

 We were sitting around at one of our local social clubs, talking politics — usually a bit of a no-no — but everyone knew each other well enough to have an open discussion. There were five people there, just average folks: people with jobs, families, careers, and everyday responsibilities. Nobody was wealthy or politically connected. They were simply talking about old times, current challenges, and what they believe could improve the system. Some discussed party line phones, when we had just two theaters, how no one knows how to cook, when there were just 3 tv channels, etc. 

But then it turned to politics....

Much of the conversation centered around the idea of getting more average people elected into office and encouraging more independent voices in politics. Some discussed ideas such as limiting campaign donations, banning stock trading for elected officials, and creating a more grassroots, bottom-up influence in democracy. Others suggested that once someone reaches a very high level of wealth, their involvement in politics may become more self-interested rather than focused on the broader public good. Those who make high income shouldn't be allowed in politics (Kind of a radical idea). 

There was also disagreement in the group. One person argued that if someone earns significant wealth and later enters politics, there is nothing inherently wrong with that. It means they are successful. A few others disagreed as though money warps the decision making process.  Another descents. The discussion remained respectful throughout. People acknowledged each other’s viewpoints, debated ideas thoughtfully, and accepted that disagreement was part of healthy civic conversation.

What stood out most was that there was no strong loyalty or hostility toward either political party. Instead, the general feeling was that many people are searching for a new way of looking at politics — one that gives ordinary citizens a greater voice and reduces extreme partisanship. Several people felt that the average person is often more balanced and practical than political discourse sometimes suggests, and that bipartisan or cooperative approaches may lead to better decision-making.

At one point, the group laughed and joked that they had solved all the world’s problems right there at the table. Of course, it was only a small conversation among a handful of people, but it raises an interesting question: What are other people discussing around kitchen tables, over coffee, or in everyday conversations? What do they believe is the best way to manage the system? What changes do ordinary people think would make things better? Or is it fine the way it currently is?

One theme that seemed widely shared in the conversation was the belief that greater independence of thought and vote in politics could be beneficial. Whether or not people agreed on every detail, there was a common feeling that citizens should think carefully about how they vote, support candidates they genuinely believe in, and encourage thoughtful, capable leadership whenever possible. That in some ways society relies on every day conversations just like this. It relies on everyday poeple like you. What do you think?

*Take with a grain of salt it is for discussion purposes. You may agree or disagree as one wishes.

Orange Lighthouse Sunset Painting

 You may be interested in this piece. It features an orange sunset with a lighthouse in the background. The idea came after seeing someone else’s painting and realizing I could create something with a similar feel. I would like to experiment more with orange backgrounds, especially using silhouettes such as tree lines and other landscape elements. It’s something I plan to continue exploring.

Recently, someone who purchased one of my paintings came up to me and said, “It’s the first thing I see when I wake up in the morning. It’s hanging on my bedroom wall.” That was a very meaningful compliment and something I truly appreciated hearing.

If you are interested in purchasing a painting, about 50% of the proceeds, after expenses, are donated to charity, while the remaining portion helps support my work. If you would like to learn more, you can purchase below or send me an email.

You may check out My Gallery
and Art Page
muradabel@gmail.com

$130

Orange Light House 8X10 Acrylic

You can also check out these easy to use frame pack to go with this Frame Pack

Improving Sports Performance Through Yoga

(Illustrative Only)

Yoga can help enhance performance in many different sports and physical activities. It is one of those practices that can be applied to almost anything you do physically because it improves balance, flexibility, core strength, coordination, and stabilizer muscles.

Yoga also offers psychological benefits by helping calm the body and mind, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve body awareness and focus. Because of these combined physical and mental benefits, yoga is often considered a holistic activity.

For example, in equestrian sports such as polo, riders need balance, flexibility, coordination, and strong core and leg muscles to stay centered on the horse, lean effectively, and communicate proper cues. Polo is considered one of the most demanding equestrian sports because of the level of body control required. Yoga can help riders improve flexibility, sit deeper in the saddle, increase stability, and gain more control over their movements and posture.

As a fitness trainer and licensed yoga instructor, I can help you create a personalized plan to improve your conditioning, mobility, strength, and overall health goals. Sometimes we only need to meet a couple of times to establish goals, create a simple nutrition and fitness approach, and set up a routine you can follow independently for a few months before checking back in.

Virtual sessions are $50, and I donate about half of the proceeds to charity as part of this hobby and community effort.

If you are interested, send me a message or contact me through the email below.

muradabel@gmail.com

Yoga Mat: I was looking at this mat and thought it was interesting. It has a knee pad and a 4.7 rating on Amazon. Seems like it was well liked by customers. Something to think about... High Density Exercise Yoga Mat

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The Relationship Between Yoga Practice and Sports Performance of High-Level Athletes

• This literature review examines whether regular yoga practice improves the sports performance of collegiate and professional athletes.
• Yoga combines breathing techniques, physical postures, and meditation, offering both physical and psychological benefits.
• Research reviewed in the thesis suggests yoga can improve flexibility, balance, muscular strength, and recovery, all of which are associated with athletic performance.
• The study highlights the growing concern surrounding mental health issues in athletes, including anxiety, stress, and burnout.
• Sports anxiety and performance anxiety can negatively affect athletic outcomes by reducing focus, confidence, and emotional regulation.
• Yoga and mindfulness practices were found to help athletes regulate emotions, remain present-focused, and reduce anxiety symptoms.
• Studies involving athletes, including baseball players, swimmers, soccer players, and cricket bowlers, showed improvements in flexibility, balance, confidence, and sport-specific performance after yoga interventions.
• The review concludes that yoga appears to be an effective holistic intervention for improving both the physical and mental aspects of athletic performance.
• Limitations include small sample sizes and a lack of long-term longitudinal research on yoga and athletic performance.

Freeman, M. (2025). The relationship between yoga practice and sports performance of high-level athletes (Honors thesis, Western Michigan University). ScholarWorks at WMU. https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/honors_theses/3954

Building the Ideal Republic: Trust, Accountability, and Shared Prosperity in Mini Renaissances (The Allegory of the Clan)

(Illustrative Only)
A philosopher

In this allegory
you cannot cheat or
buy your way through
the gates of enlightenment.
You can't get through
one unless you have
developed enough to
gain knowledge and wisdom. 
You can't buy, bribe, 
or force your way through.
It must be earned and
that has nothing to
do with your station
in life. Always uphold
certain societal principles. 

 We continue exploring the idea that economic systems depend not only on markets, technology, and production, but also on trust, ethics, and the social foundations that allow societies to function effectively. Economic systems are not purely mechanical. They are deeply connected to human behavior, institutional integrity, and the shared expectations that hold communities together. Economics is only a quantitative measure of human behavior and it can limit our understanding of what fosters strong societies.

When discussing periods of rapid innovation or mini “renaissances,” we are often referring to moments in history where technological change, human capital, institutional development, and social cooperation align to create major advances in society. Today, we are living through potentially another such transition if certain adjustments begin to occur (In Theory). Emerging technologies, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and the acceleration brought on by COVID-19 have created a significant technological shift. Match that with softer human to human factors and you might create the right mix for more rapid growth (Thinking more broadly then our current concentration of wealth.). (Economic-Sociological Platforms)

Technology alone is not enough to create a strong society. Human factors matter equally. Human capital, the ability of people to adapt and master their environment, the opportunities available to individuals, and the quality of relationships between institutions, businesses, and communities all play a role in economic development. These are economic discussions, but they are also social and ethical discussions. This is why movements come and change that adjust economic landscapes. They are not immune from the human factor. (Human Motivation and Economic Avenues)

At the core of this idea is the recognition that systems function best when they are built on trust, fairness, accountability, and stable social contracts. Corruption, hate, and systemic abuse undermine those foundations. In societies where corruption or division becomes normalized, the “rules of the game” begin to change. The unwritten rules become more important than the written rules. Opportunity becomes distorted by favoritism, access, power, or prejudice rather than merit, fairness, or contribution. Populations can engage more or they can engage less depending how they view their prospects.

This has significant economic consequences as they are related and connected. Corruption weakens trust in institutions, reduces efficiency, slows transactions, discourages civic participation, limits innovation, and weakens the rule of law. Hate and division similarly undermine social cohesion and reduce the ability of communities to cooperate around shared goals. Over time, these forces become self-reinforcing and can weaken both democratic institutions and economic systems. Without change the trend line will continue as people are focused on self, here, and now and not the greater need.

To explore these ideas, we use a philosophical thought experiment called the “Allegory of the Clan,” modeled in part after Plato’s Allegory of the Cave. In this allegory, individuals move through different levels of awareness and understanding, gradually recognizing how systems of corruption, fear, favoritism, and manipulation can shape and harm society. We can then make a conscious moral choice (i.e. moral conscious in the story) through that awareness. The moral conscious choice that can lead to prosperity is based deeply in how they constructed an understanding of self in society (We can use the term "Me" as an economic lens.) When the "Me" of self feels obligations to others and to shared principles (i.e. ethics) it contributes to societal wellfare (unity of purpose) and when that "Me" does not feel obligations to others then it will generally be a detractor (division of purpose and resources).

Within the allegory, wrongdoing becomes normalized. People are followed, rumors are spread, power is abused, and individuals enrich themselves without responsibility. Victims are blamed while harmful behaviors become embedded into the social structure. Courts see different value in different people that are not based in merit. A second class citizen forms. Over time, however, greater awareness begins to emerge. Truth becomes more visible, more honest discussions occur, and society begins moving toward a more enlightened understanding of justice, responsibility, and collective wellbeing. Growth and social developoment rise leading to higher benefit for society. 

The purpose of the thought experiment is not simply to criticize wrongdoing, but to explore how societies can reduce hate, strengthen social cohesion, and encourage ethical development. It asks important questions:

• What happens when corruption becomes normalized?

• What happens when fairness and accountability are restored?

• How do trust and social cohesion influence economic performance?

• How can societies encourage ethical leadership and long-term thinking?

The allegory suggests that when corruption is challenged and accountability improves, positive changes begin to occur throughout society. Crime may decline. Social trust may rise. Economic transactions may become more efficient. Communities may become more cooperative and forward-looking. People may begin to think less in terms of short-term self-interest and more in terms of shared responsibility and future generations. Reach and strive toward the ideals in which a society was founded. 

Importantly, this discussion connects economics with civil rights, human rights, and constitutional principles. These concepts are not separate from economic development; they are foundational to it. Freedom of speech fostering new ideas and thoughts and the freedom to worship without supression is helpful. Strong economies require functioning institutions, predictable rules, trust in systems, and confidence that opportunity is not controlled solely by corruption, favoritism, or fear.

Research across governance, institutional economics, and anti-corruption studies has repeatedly shown that high levels of corruption are associated with weaker institutional performance, lower trust, reduced investment confidence, and poorer long-term outcomes. Conversely, societies with stronger rule of law, transparency, and institutional trust often experience stronger and more sustainable development.

The Allegory of the Clan therefore becomes a philosophical exploration of what a society striving toward its highest potential might look like. Not a “perfect” society in an unrealistic sense, but a society committed to continuous improvement, ethical accountability, strategic thinking, and the elevation of its most capable and principled individuals rather than its most manipulative or connected.

Ultimately, the allegory argues that strengthening systems requires more than policies alone. It requires cultural maturity, ethical reflection, civic responsibility, and a willingness to confront corruption, division, and destructive behaviors wherever they emerge. In that sense, the discussion is not abstract or disconnected from economics at all. It is deeply connected to the long-term strength, resilience, and prosperity of society itself. Improving basic root assumptions also improves long-term performance through improved interactivity. If you trust you can interact for mutual benefit. A social exchange at root (pre-economic choice...neuroeconomics). Trust and performance rise (In theory).

*This is just a theoretical discussion so take with a grain of salt and feel free to disagree. There is no right or wrong answer but only helpful and unhelpful. 

The study below helps us learn about how corruption and human rights interact. Since science is an additive process it means that one has to read and understand beyond each study. The general body of knowledge indicates growing understanding of phenomenon. Reach broadly and read much if you like a topic. 

Corruption and Human Rights

• Examines the legal and practical relationship between corruption and human rights violations, arguing that corruption can undermine both civil-political and economic-social rights.

• Explains that corruption is commonly defined as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain and can occur through both “petty” and “grand” corruption.

• Discusses how corruption affects rights such as education, health care, fair trials, humane detention conditions, and equal access to public services.

• Argues that corruption weakens the rule of law and can directly or indirectly contribute to human rights violations by distorting public decision-making.

• Notes that international anti-corruption treaties, including the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), have had mixed success in enforcement and implementation.

• Explores the obligations of states to respect, protect, and fulfill human rights, including implementing effective anti-corruption policies and enforcement mechanisms.

• Highlights that weak anti-corruption measures and state inaction may themselves constitute violations of human rights obligations.

• Examines issues of causation and state responsibility, explaining how corrupt actions by public officials may legally be attributed to the state under international law.

• Concludes that corruption should sometimes be conceptualized as a human rights violation, particularly where vulnerable populations suffer direct harm from abuse of public power.

Peters, A. (2015). Corruption and human rights (Working Paper No. 20). Basel Institute on Governance. https://www.mpil.de/files/pdf4/Peters_Corruption_and_Human_Rights20154.pdf

Entrepreneurial Cognition and How It Helps Executives Function

People sometimes believe that thinking differently is a detriment. In some situations it can create challenges, but it is also one of the foundations of innovation. Many people who create new ideas, products, or businesses often approach problems differently than others.

For example, the study below on entrepreneurial cognition examines how CEOs, business owners, and managers make decisions. The research suggests that entrepreneurs often combine intuition, analytical thinking, teamwork, and market feedback when determining how to run and grow their businesses. It also highlights that cognitive flexibility and emotional intelligence can be valuable in adapting to change and responding to new environments.

One thing people can do is continue developing their entrepreneurial and decision-making skills. Education and experience can help improve how we evaluate opportunities, solve problems, and adjust to changing conditions.

Take some time to read the study below for additional insights, and do not be afraid to explore new ideas, perspectives, and concepts. We innovate by thinking in new ways and finding opportunities that were once hidden to us. 

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Qualitative Analysis of Entrepreneurial Cognition: Insights from NVivo-Based Thematic Exploration

• Examines how cognitive processes influence entrepreneurial decision-making among Indian founder-CEOs and owner-managers.

• Uses qualitative research methods, including semi-structured interviews with 30 entrepreneurs and NVivo software for thematic analysis.

• Identifies major themes such as risk perception, cognitive bias, emotional intelligence, collaboration, and data-driven reasoning in entrepreneurial behavior.

• Finds that entrepreneurs often combine intuition, analytical thinking, teamwork, and market feedback when making strategic decisions.

• Highlights the importance of cognitive flexibility and emotional intelligence in adapting to uncertain and rapidly changing business environments.

• Connects entrepreneurial cognition research with theories such as effectuation theory, dual-process theory, and social cognitive theory.

• Suggests entrepreneurship education programs should strengthen decision-making skills, adaptability, and cognitive resilience.

• Notes limitations due to reliance on self-reported qualitative data and recommends future interdisciplinary and neuroscience-based research.

Gochhait, S., & Jain, V. (2026). Qualitative analysis of entrepreneurial cognition: Insights from NVivo-based thematic exploration. Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research, 16, 44. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40497-026-00527-x

Photo of a Dam and What Dams Do Big or Little

You may be interested in this picture on a local Dam and some of the things dams do. I even found a little dam I can use in my garage in the spring. Subscribe to the Feed

I'm a photographer as
a hobby. 

I can print most pictures up to
poster size for $50
Frame or Unframed. I do
this as a hobby so 50% for charity
and 50% for me. 
Send me a message to the right
or my email. 
You may check out My Gallery
and Art Page
muradabel@gmail.com

The Future Role of Dams in the United States of America

• U.S. dams supported flood control, irrigation, hydropower, and economic growth.
• Many dams are aging and nearing the end of their design life.
• Climate change may increase flood and drought risks affecting dams.
• Older dams were built using outdated climate and environmental assumptions.
• Dam removal debates are increasing due to ecological and safety concerns.
• Dam failures can impact transportation, energy, and communities.
• Researchers call for stronger national water and infrastructure planning.
• Future policies should balance economy, safety, and environmental protection.
• The study highlights inconsistent dam regulation and oversight.
• Authors recommend modernization, resilience planning, and sustainable water management.

Ho, M., Lall, U., Allaire, M., Devineni, N., Kwon, H. H., Pal, I., Raff, D., & Wegner, D. (2017). The future role of dams in the United States of America. Water Resources Research, 53(2), 982–998. https://doi.org/10.1002/2016WR019905

Mini Water Dam

I have this garage that sits just a little lower than the driveway. Don’t ask why it was built that way, but it’s attached to a really old house from the days when people still floated logs down the Escanaba River.

When the snow melts in the spring, water can get inside. I’ve been thinking about possible solutions. I didn’t realize they make these water-absorbing “sock” barriers, but when you think about traditional sandbags, it actually makes a lot of sense.

I haven’t bought or used them myself yet, but they seem like they could be a practical option.

Water Dam Product

Clusters Studies and Economic Competitiveness

As a society with an economy, we need to keep thinking about ways to improve not only financial growth and economic development, but also social development. A strong economy should create opportunities that are broad-based and widely shared, making room for both large and small businesses to operate and thrive within the same physical or virtual environments. Businesses that operate in a broader network seem to be more resilient and capitalize on opportunities (i.e. sewing, forming, and interweaving a cluster.)

One way to better understand these dynamics is by examining the research and studies that have explored economic clusters and development patterns over the past several decades. Surprisingly, while this is an important field, relatively few researchers study it in depth. I have been reviewing some of these studies to better understand how researchers map economic activity and apply metrics to measure growth and interaction.

This connects closely to ideas I explored while working with cluster theory and rapid innovation cluster theory (We can look at these studies and in my case add to it and try and build out the theoretical support for a different aspect or dimension. Science is additive.). What interested me most was not just how clusters were mapped geographically or economically, but how interactions themselves were measured. That includes examining the types of interactions occurring among participating businesses, the speed of those interactions, and the overall level of collaboration within a network.

I also became interested in the social dimensions of economic development. In addition to traditional economic indicators, there are many social markers that may reveal the health and strength of an economic ecosystem. These can include community engagement, charitable giving, participation in local activities, frequency of visits to businesses, social media engagement, and other indicators showing how connected people are to the economy around them. Of course there is also human capital in general that in part is influenced by the social environment and economic opportunities.

Another factor that is often overlooked is the environmental dimension. Economic development does not occur in isolation from environmental conditions, infrastructure, and long-term sustainability. These environmental factors can shape both quality of life and economic resilience over time.

Ultimately, the larger question is how these combined economic, social, and environmental interactions influence broader outcomes such as GDP, innovation, workforce development, and overall community well-being. Understanding the secondary effects of a growing economy may be just as important as measuring the direct financial gains themselves.

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You may want to read this piece in depth,

Harvard Cluster Studies and Economic Competitiveness

• The Harvard Business School Institute for Strategy and Competitiveness defines clusters as geographic concentrations of interconnected companies, suppliers, institutions, and related industries that improve productivity and competitiveness.
• Cluster studies emphasize that strong regional business ecosystems can increase innovation, employment growth, wages, patenting, and new business formation.
• Research led by Michael E. Porter helped popularize the modern cluster concept and influenced economic development policy in the United States and internationally.
• The U.S. Cluster Mapping Project was developed to help policymakers, businesses, and regional planners identify industry strengths and economic opportunities across regions.
• Cluster mapping initiatives have expanded beyond the United States to the European Union, Canada, Mexico, India, and other countries as tools for economic development strategy.
• Harvard research suggests that clusters support commercialization, operational efficiency, and entrepreneurship by encouraging collaboration among businesses, universities, and institutions.
• Examples of notable clusters discussed in Harvard materials include Silicon Valley technology, California wine production, tourism in Cairns, Australia, and regional life science initiatives.
• The framework is often applied to regional development, rural competitiveness, inner-city revitalization, innovation policy, and workforce development strategies.

Ketels, C. H. M. (2017). Cluster mapping as a tool for development. Harvard Business School Institute for Strategy and Competitiveness. https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/item.aspx?num=53385