October 2nd, 2025 Escanaba City Council Meeting: Condos, Tourism and Redevelopment on the Path to Investment and Growth

There are several important developments to pay attention to here, as they could create opportunities for community improvement. Housing investments and the refurbishment of older properties are of particular interest to me. Watching videos like this help encourage awareness of city activities for people who want to start-businesses or investors that seek to create new opportunities. This town has seen a lot of development in recent years and is connecting to the market as place to do business with a hometown appeal. They are bucking market trends creating something important. Running in the black. The process is wonderful to watch.

A few things, 

Encouraging the updating and redevelopment of existing properties can have a powerful effect on the community. As buildings age, they can be restored and given new life. Our city has many beautiful homes and historic structures, and several downtown buildings could be purchased and renovated for housing, retail spaces, or start-UPs (I thought the term "start-UPs" seems pretty cool. You can also read about Investing and Start-ups). The more we invest in updating homes and storefronts, the greater the overall appeal and vibrancy of the area.

There is also ongoing discussion about new homes and condominium developments in the area. A few properties are currently for sale, which could attract new residents and generate additional tax revenue for the city. Condominiums, in particular, tend to draw people who actively contribute to the local economy and community life—some year-round and others seasonally. If these properties are located within existing residential areas and enhance the neighborhood’s visual appeal and property values, they are well worth consideration.

A new tourism boat will be coming in. That makes three charter lines that like to visit the town, history, cultural, outdoors and other events. As more tourist ships come, you may find new tourism activities, and an effort to attract more ships and visitors. The airport being another way to attract additional tourists. The marina has been on the upswing and there is discussion on a resteraunt. 

Oct. 2nd Esky City Council Agenda

Are Humans Hardwired to Hate? Not If They Reflect

Hate is a destructive force in any society, leaving behind long-term consequences. Across the globe, we see countless examples of how hate harms not only its targets but also those who have used it. Throughout history, religious and philosophical traditions rarely endorse hate as a virtue. Yet people often rationalize it, selectively interpret facts to justify it, or act on it without fully understanding why.

Could we be hardwired to hate?

A philosopher thinkng about the nature of
hate. "No one is hated more than
he who speaks the truth"-Plato

Some argue that hate is innate to the human experience, a survival trait that once helped early humans distinguish between tribes or competing groups. But in modern societies—built on principles, laws, and shared values—this primitive instinct offers little benefit. Failing to recognize the destructive nature of hate, and its ability to distort the thinking of entire groups, risks allowing it to resurface whenever conditions such as corruption, bias, or group preference create fertile ground.

Whether hate is hardwired into us or it arises from a misapplication of perception mixed with darker traits is not the core issue. History shows that humans have repeatedly justified horrendous behaviors under its influence. They also have been known to do wonderful things. If individuals—and especially leaders no matter the land—committed to honest reflection, we would be less likely to let hate find a pathway for prehistoric urges.

Avoiding the pitfalls of hate requires self-examination. Taking even a few moments to ask whether hostile feelings stem from genuine faults in others, or from one’s own unresolved issues, can be revealing. Clarity comes only by seeking the full scope of information and aligning perception with reality. Reflection often shows that people have been socialized to see flaws in those they label as “the other,” while overlooking the flaws within themselves. Even if it just a speck. Recognizing our shared humanity helps dissolve these false divisions.

Are Humans Hardwired to Hate?

Defining Your Brand, Reaching Customers and 2025 Branding Stats

Branding your product helps it stand out in a crowded marketplace filled with competing products, advertisements, and distractions. A strong brand should embody core values and customer guarantees that make it memorable, both online and in stores. These values and promises might emphasize product quality, lifestyle, location, identity, or other concepts that resonate with consumers.

Equally important is defining your customer alongside and in relationship to your brand. Understanding who your current and potential customers are allows you to effectively reach them. A clear customer profile naturally leads to identifying the best places and methods for engagement. Ask yourself: Who is my target audience, and where do they go to consume information related to their interests?

For example, a sports-related brand will likely see higher advertising returns in places where enthusiasts already spend time—whether that’s reading articles, watching events, or following news about the sport. The same principle applies across industries: the closer your brand aligns with a customer’s lifestyle, interests and networks the stronger the connection.

Keeping up with marketing trends can also guide where to invest your efforts. Different generations prefer different channels, so knowing your audience’s habits helps maximize impact. As technology evolves—through AI, mobile devices, streaming platforms, and beyond—so too must your marketing approach.

Finally, reviewing industry reports and marketing statistics helps you adapt to changes in the field. If you’ve built a great brand, ensure that your most motivated customers are aware of its values and guarantees. That awareness is what turns interest into loyalty.

97 Latest Branding Statistics 2025 (New Trends)

Does Greed Have a Destructive Impact on Society? The Good, Bad and Ugly

Greed is one of those value systems often discouraged by moral leaders in society. Most religious, people, and leaders (real leaders) have preached against it. While many of us want to accumulate more—since “more” can be an outward expression of inner desires for value—the majority believe we should earn our resources fairly. When greed combines with other destructive traits such as hate and corruption, it can lead to real harm and encourage toxic behaviors within certain social networks.

For example, consider this for learning purposes only: someone driven by dark triad traits might spread harmful rumors to dehumanize others, didn't care if they put children at risk, isolated the sick for money, and relied on corrupt officials within their social and work networks to gain advantages over others (all things an extension of personal desire.). In such cases, greed is not just a personal flaw but could be a reflection of wider social decay, where oaths, professions, promises, and social contracts are words without deeper belief.

From a philosophical perspective would a society that seeks to encourage positive behaviors and motivational effort lead to higher overall performance or one in which systems are tools for self-enrichment? We only need to think about how corruption is tied to poor economic performance overall. I think most of us would agree that there must be some rules to the road and the first one would make more sense.

If we want to build the best society possible, we must clearly identify and reject harmful behaviors. We should not reward greed, hate, corruption, or other antisocial actions. Instead, societies should design incentives where intelligence, hard work, and motivation lead to meaningful rewards. Allowing destructive pathways means one person’s gain comes only through another’s loss—and that is fundamentally immoral. It also has an impact on societal performance overall. 

Interestingly the piece below discusses the good and bad of greed. It is insightful to read, 

The Good Bad and Ugly of Greed

Peninsula and Seagull Painting

Continuing with my art hobby, I thought it would make sense to post a picture here and there to see if anyone might be interested.

Lately, I’ve been sketching structures and objects in pencil before painting them. I’m currently working on a lighthouse piece using this approach.

Sketching in the Rough

If you’d like to purchase the 8x10" painting for $35, feel free to send me a message on the right. Shipping is free within the continental U.S. You can also use the scan below to purchase if you prefer. otherwise you can buy it at Peninsula and Seagull Painting Etsy

Peninsula and Seagull Painting Etsy

The Entrepreneur’s Mindset: Confidence, Grit, and Community Start-U.P.!

Entrepreneurs are a unique group of business men and women. They often have a level of confidence that others may not, and they feel compelled to create something of their own. This drive is powerful, as small businesses help revitalize downtowns, strengthen economic resilience, distribute wealth more fairly, and often foster stronger communities. While entrepreneurs are partly motivated by money, many are also driven by personal purpose or broader missions. A few ideas will help you gain a wider perspective on what it takes.

My AI version of a custom golf club store
with local sourced hardwood heads. 
Maybe someone could put somewhere on Ludington.
Something that can be exported 
and if it grew into a brand name one could 
move into the industrial park or 
larger facilities. I would suspect
many tourists would stop in if reasonably priced.
Steal the idea! Its free!

Starting a business doesn’t have to mean risking everything. Many people begin on weekends, in their free time, or even as a hobby. For example, if one runs a micro business they can do much of their work in their house or garage. The key being to find a unique product that fills a niche and the big companies can't compete in that market

 (Start-Up Idea: For example something like custom fishing poles, golf clubs, etc. might work well in dowtown Escanaba. Good for tourists, can be exported, could grow, etc. Escanaba is becoming an entrepreneurial digital nomad industry friendly location with 4 seasons, good people, affordable coastal living, beaches, marinas, environmentally clean area, nightlife and arts. Some industries have taken notice as well and investing in housing and tourism has also risen.)

Here are a few lessons I’ve learned during the startup process:

1. If you want to do something, just start—learn, do, practice, grow.

2. Unless you have capital to spare, make sure investments directly improve your bottom line.

3. Some days will go well, others won’t—grit is what keeps you moving forward.

4. Maintain balance between business and life so one doesn’t come at the expense of the other.

5. Focus on your customers—their needs, exceptional service, and individual care matter most.

6. Never stop learning; life is a journey where knowledge gained and shared creates growth.

7. Be generous and treat others well; money fades, but the legacy you leave behind lasts.

The article below provides some interesting statistics on who succeeds and who does not,

The Surprising Psychology of Successful Entrepreneurs and Why They Take the Risk

Taking the Time to Understand Shared Values-Preventing Hate and Corruption

It is important to understand the best ways to draw people into a shared vision of any organization or society. Hate and corruption are two forces that limit both personal and societal growth, while positive relationships and genuine understanding open new doors. By connecting with people from different backgrounds, we begin to recognize the universal aspects of human behavior through diverse cultural lenses.

I recently came across an interesting study—Leveraging Organizational Performance through Effective Mission Statement—which highlights the role of mission statements as a guiding framework for shared values.

One reason I stand firmly against hate and corruption is that they impose narrow beliefs, restricting individual and collective progress. Corruption diverts resources societies need for development, just as hate undermines human potential. At the most fundamental level, treating one another with fairness and respect fosters long-term growth and the greater good. A shared commitment to common values is both a sign of maturity and a pathway toward personal and societal advancement.

Another resource I found thought-provoking is the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR. It addresses the prevalence of hate crimes, legislative gaps, and the importance of strengthening protections.

In general, rushing to judge others is unwise. Taking time to understand different perspectives allows us to see the strengths within each culture. With cultural awareness, societies can draw from the best elements of diverse traditions to build shared values and commitments. Ultimately, every community—and every individual—seeks to create the best life possible, and a shared sense of togetherness remains the most direct path to that goal.