Core CPI Rises: A Few Ideas and Keeping Things Local

Groceries

Core CPI rose 0.4%, driven primarily by higher energy and food costs. The table in the publication below highlights the factors pushing inflation upward, along with an explanation of the underlying logic. The BLS is a primary source for governmental data and analysis so it is a good source to look at.

In general, basic supplies and living expenses are rising. It may be wise to review your budget and carefully consider how you spend money. While reduced spending can create broader economic challenges, prioritizing financial stability is helpful for you as an individual.

Both debt and overspending pose risks. For now, one might consider focusing on covering essential needs and building a financial cushion. Since spending habits are often routine and unconscious, this may also be a good time to reevaluate and adjust them. 

Supporting local businesses and regional manufacturers can also help keep money circulating within the community. That means tax revenue, local jobs, and less sifting of money away from communities that will need revenue to maintain services (In Theory).

If you own a business and need to attract new customers, consider strategies such as increasing advertising, offering discounts to boost cash flow, bundling products, expanding hours, exploring alternative suppliers, or enhancing customer service to offset cost pressures. 

Consumer Price Index Summary Sept 11th 2025

Escanaba City Council Meeting (Sept. 4th, 2025): Housing and Development Opportunities

There is ongoing discussion about new housing developments. A developer is seeking to build houses on several properties, and there is also consideration of adding condominiums. The community has opportunities to provide input on these ideas. Once we hear from them one can make a decision and move forward whatever that may be. 

In general, I encourage new housing development, as it helps neighborhoods thrive and attracts more people to the city. As we move closer to downtown, I see an opportunity for additional condos and greater density to support local businesses and maintain a walkable urban core. Specifically on the 1st avenue where the houses are a little older and down toward the park. My childhood neighborhood that I wish I could find affordable housing in. I would love to walk to my favorite social clubs and the park. Add some stores and restraunts and it would be the best location in town. 

Of course, there is a gap between where we are today and where we want to be tomorrow. We are on that path in the past few years after decades of decline. Still, with new development, the arrival of families, and the growth of jobs, new pathways can emerge. Let us see what happens.

This also connects well to the broader goals of attraction, retention, and talent development.

Sept. 4th, 2025 Escanaba City Council Meeting

Market Research and Competitive Analysis: Tools for Small Business Success

Being a little funny here.
Escanaba and San Diego small business.
Surfboards and snow shoes.
Not a real shop. AI.

Researching the market before launching a new venture or investing in a new line can give companies a stronger chance to thrive. Small and medium-sized businesses play a vital role in driving economic growth, often serving as sources of innovation and future expansion. In fact, many large companies began as much smaller operations.

Market research is essential for ensuring that you deliver solutions customers actually need and that have room to grow. While no amount of data can perfectly predict the future, market insights provide valuable guidance on what is most likely to succeed based on past patterns and current trends.

The methods of market research vary widely depending on your goals. A small business might gather customer feedback directly or review online reviews, while larger companies may focus on analyzing global trends and industry shifts. In both cases, it is critical to understand how customers fit into these broader changes.

Learning more about market research and competitive analysis can open the door to powerful tools and resources. Business owners and executives who know where to find and how to apply these resources can make more informed strategic decisions that set their companies apart.

Market research and competitive analysis-US Small Business Admin

The Story of the Clan: Is Standing Up for Beliefs Worth the Challenge? (A Philosophical Thought Experiment on Hate and Corruption)

Beliefs are important—they act as the glue that holds people together through both written and unwritten values. Yet beliefs often differ. Two people may see the same issue in very different ways. For example, the law can be interpreted either through its philosophical purpose or as a practical tool. In reality, both perspectives come into play, but ideally the philosophical purpose should guide its application.

Different people choose which approach to emphasize based on their values. Some may apply the law with society’s greater good in mind, while others may bend it toward personal, financial, social, or career gain. Self-interest, whether admitted or not, is often a factor in decision-making.

The Story of the Clan is a hypothetical, philosophical thought experiment about moral conscience and human choice. It asks us to think about how our decisions affect communities, economies, human capital, and society at large. A tool may be useful, but a purpose gives direction.

In this story, a few perpetrators, supported by a couple of corrupted officials, engaged in extreme hate and misconduct—spreading rumors, violating human and civil rights, suppressing free speech, and colluding to shield wrongdoing. Justice faltered under favoritism and intimidation. Victims, whistleblowers, and witnesses were even placed on secret target lists in an attempt to silence them. Those who challenged corruption and hate by these rogue elements faced retribution (They are rogue because they don't represent the many fine men and women who do their jobs honorably and in alignment with their oaths.)

Eventually, the truth broke through. More victims and witnesses came forward, revealing the extent of the corruption and showing it was driven by far more than selfishness or dark traits—it was indicative of a long pattern. From the perspective of those harmed, the bias and favoritism were obvious. They saw perpetrators protected, rewarded, and emboldened, while those who spoke out were punished.

Yet some individuals held fast to their oaths and values. They stood up for what was right, improving their communities and becoming quiet heroes. In contrast, those who went along with corruption chose short-term benefit over principle, and now must live with the knowledge that they lacked the courage to stand for something greater than themselves (Lots of talk and little realized heart).

One silver lining is that challenge often makes us stronger. Those who resisted wrongdoing can take pride in knowing they acted with integrity, even when it was difficult. Their courage weakened hate and corruption, exposing those who believed they could operate above the law. In this way, the divide between those who believe in higher values and those who do not becomes clear.

This is where you reflect on what type of person you want to be.

The Story of the Clan is a thought experiment—philosophical, theoretical, and imaginative. It is a way to reflect on moral conscience and human interaction. As with any story, the ending is unwritten. Perhaps it is one of adaptation and growth, leading to stronger communities and higher performance. But other endings are possible. What ending would you write?

Study shows standing up for beliefs in face of group opposition is worth the effort-

Bert Gambini

November 10th The Edmund Fitzgerald: Memorizing for a One-Night Live Performance at Players de Noc

The arts have long been both a passion and a side pursuit for me. I’ve stepped away at times, only to find myself drawn back in. As an outlet for expression, the arts offer something unique—and the people you meet in drama and arts circles make the experience even richer. Many of the most insightful and original people I know come from the arts community.

Representing reading a script
sunken anchor 

In theater, memorization is essential. Recently, I was cast in 10 November, a 50-year commemoration of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald off Whitefish Point. My role will be The Man Who Walks Through with monologue. I might be the only person moving around on stage during different parts. One cast member even worked at a lighthouse and saw the ship the day before it went down (See I met an interesting person). 

Productions like 10 November—whether performed live on stage—remind us of history, resilience, and the risks faced by those who navigated the Great Lakes. As someone who has also spent time diving, I find that connection to history especially meaningful for understanding the broader context of our commercial world.  Edmund Fitzgerald-The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum

Players de Noc, our local community theater, consistently exceeds expectations. Their shows rival full-scale productions I’ve seen elsewhere, and they draw both tourism and community support. If you value the arts, consider supporting them yourself. Donations always help (notice button on site) Players de Noc Performing Arts Season

How to Memorize a Script

Memorization takes practice, but certain techniques can help:

• Speak your lines out loud.

• Read them through three times.

• Repeat often, even while walking around.

Though it may look odd from the outside, these methods engage multiple senses, improving recall. For example, reading out loud not only helps with pronunciation and projection but also reinforces memory through sound and rhythm. Another powerful tool is visualization—imagine the story unfolding as you speak the lines, and the words will feel more natural.

How to Memorize Lines-Backstage

This show will likely sell out and it is only performed one night. Guess what day it is on?

Purchase 10 November Ticks Here!

911,000 Downward Job Revision (Sept. 9th, 2025): Is it Time to Update Your Resume?

A recent revision in the  BLS Job report September 9th, 2025 showed a decline of 911,000 non-farm payroll jobs, signaling a weaker-than-expected job market. This could add pressure to lower interest rates, but in the meantime, it may also mean tougher competition for available positions.

Is It Time to Update Your Resume?

Now may be a good time to refresh your resume, strengthen your skills, and think strategically about which jobs are likely to grow or decline in the coming years. One way to do this is by paying attention to economic data and job trend reports. CEO outlooks, investment plans, and hiring intentions can also provide clues about the types of skills that will be in demand.

If you identify gaps between your current abilities and market needs, you can take steps to close them—whether by gaining new experience, pursuing training, or continuing your education. Having a clear direction in your career will help you adapt to changes and stay competitive. What you want to avoid is waiting until it’s too late and realizing your skills are outdated. Today’s workforce requires continuous updating and lifelong learning to thrive.

How to Update Your Resume for the 2025 Job Hunt-Evelyn Waugh

Is Diet More Important Than Activity in Weight Loss? A Personal Look at a Modified Vegan Approach

As the saying goes, you can’t outrun a bad diet. Ultra-processed foods may be driving much of today’s disease burden. Many people have known this for years, but it often takes time before such ideas reach the mainstream.

I think I lost about 5+ lbs. 2 months.
Don't laugh at the hair....
I'm going to regrow it. 
Lesson learned.

I’ve been working on my own diet for some time, and I think it’s starting to pay off. I’m active and work out often—not so much with weights, but with a variety of activities ranging from yoga to kickboxing.

There were times when I spent hours in the gym every day. While I looked decent, I still couldn’t reach the level of performance I wanted. Things started to come together only after I adjusted my diet. At first, I went vegan to push myself to eat more fruits and vegetables, relying on plant-based proteins like beans and spinach.

Later, I added fish and small amounts of other meat back into my meals. What I didn’t do was run out and grab burgers or steaks. I don’t believe meat is inherently bad—clean, high-quality meat can be beneficial—but I was experimenting, and the shift felt right. A big factor was probably eating nutrient-rich but not calorie-dense fruits and vegetables.

I don’t own a scale (there may be one in the closet but I haven't seen it in a while), but I did have to buy a new belt recently because my pants kept sliding down—so I guess it’s working. The study below also shows that we tend to burn about the same number of calories now as in the past and across different activity levels (excluding extreme athletes), which reinforces the idea that diet plays the bigger role.

You can't outrun a bad diet. Food — not lack of exercise — fuels obesity, study finds

 *I have a fitness trainer license and yoga license in case you need some help. I can give you a pretty good rate.