Young People and Their Needs-Concerns of the Next Generation

 

The power of hope.

Young people today are living in a time of great uncertainty. New technologies are transforming what we once understood about work, communication, and society. The job market is changing, political polarization, and the cost of living continues to climb while wages grow seemingly slow and wealth becomes increasingly concentrated. A few things to think about.

These challenges are significant — but not insurmountable. This generation is among the most creative, motivated, and socially conscious in history. Where there are challenges, there are also opportunities for leadership. Empowering young leaders from within this generation can help guide us all through these changing times.

I empathize deeply with this younger generation. In many ways, the challenges they face will be harder than those faced by my generation or the one before us, which collectively accumulated much of today’s wealth. The generation before the Baby Boomers endured great hardship, yet they built the America we know today — earning them the title “The Greatest Generation.”

No one can truly claim to be an expert in understanding or connecting with younger generations. Everyone has an opinion, and some make more sense than others. To me, understanding this generation’s needs and aspirations is essential for shaping the policies and choices that will position them — and all of us — for a stronger future.

If each generation keeps the next in mind, we can find countless paths to progress. By focusing on our shared goals and the deeper purposes behind them, we preserve the values that sustain us across time. Many have sacrificed for those values in prior and current generations to give these kids a chance. Despite this they will face their own challenges for their time.

I found this reflection inspiring, and it made me think about how we might give this younger generation more voice and influence to set some of their own course. In some of my more philosophical moments, I’ve imagined ideas like a hypothetical “Feather Party” — a symbolic way of lightening and greasing the decision-making process. But perhaps they might have their own fresh ideas.

As you reflect on these thoughts, consider how the next generation might view them. Hearts and prayers to those who will lead us forward — soon to be another Grand Generation. We have high hopes for you.

The American dream feels impossible for many young voters, who see no political fix

Make Your Own Protein and Fiber Bars: Fitness is related to what you eat!

One missing!

If you like to work out, you probably know that about 70% of the battle comes down to what you eat versus how much you lift or how far you run. Health-conscious people who want to stay fit tend to focus on wholesome foods — grains, fiber, nuts, berries, vegetables, and clean sources of protein.

The problem with many store-bought protein bars is that they’re packed with ingredients you don’t recognize (or necessarily want). So, I decided to make my own.

They were actually pretty simple to put together. As much as I’d love to gather my own granola, berries, and oats, I don’t have that kind of time — so my local grocery store had to do.

I started with a fiber and granola cereal as the base, then added oats and a bit of protein flour. To bind it all together for baking, I used vegetable shortening and olive oil. I also included baking soda, a little butter, both white and brown sugar, and some peanut butter powder.

Once everything was mixed into a consistent blend, I spread it in a baking pan and baked it at about 350°F until the top turned lightly golden. After letting it cool, it firmed up nicely and was easy to cut into bars.

Each bar comes out to around 200 calories and contains about 12–15 grams of protein — and best of all, none of the extra junk you find in commercial bars.

If you’re curious, you can easily find specific recipes and variations online.

I also have a fitness trainer and yoga trainer license (two different), so if you’re looking for guidance on achieving the health and fitness level you want, feel free to reach out. Because I’m active in the outdoors, firefighting, sports, and the arts, maintaining good fitness is essential for me — and I’d be happy to help you reach your goals too.

Good luck!

Here is something you might want to read, 

Dietary Protein Quantity, Quality, and Exercise Are Key to Healthy Living: A Muscle-Centric Perspective Across the Lifespan

Hate and Corruption: Impacts on Society and Commerce

Communities that stand 
together for their generational
values.

Hate and corruption affect society by disrupting the normal patterns of commerce and free exchange. They distort how resources are used, often diverting them toward personal or group gain rather than collective benefit. However, not everything that appears to be hate or corruption necessarily is—and sometimes what seems harmless may, in fact, be deeply rooted in either. It is therefore important to maintain an objective eye when examining these issues to better understand their underlying mechanics.

(In other words, so many people are talking about it and have an opinion one may look into themselves and look into science and objective experience.)

To explore how hate and corruption can influence commerce, consider a theoretical story of a clan—a thought experiment that examines what a near collapse of justice might look like and how communities might respond by fostering a higher moral conscience grounded in shared universal values. They knew something wasn't right when victims started coming forward, stories swirled and victims had no recourse as behaviors persisted-insulated from accountability. The community worked together to make positive and meaningful change where society's needs were asserted as essential thereby superseding that of the clan. Twenty years of decline reversed within a few short years. New doors opened (Creak! It cracked open a little.).

A philosopher holding
an apple.

Every organization requires a sense of direction through things like missions, objectives, goals, policies, and systems of incentives and accountability which are created to encourage development and sustain growth. In our case some may say freedoms of speech, religion, Constitution, etc. are part of that overriding mission. Hate and corruption undermine these foundations by eroding trust in the rules of the road by creating divergence between written and unwritten rules. It is hard to work at your best when the rules and expectations are not consistent or basic assumptions not upheld.

We can also consider how communication patterns, social networks, resource availability, and unequal access to opportunity shape the functioning of both societies and organizations. Wise leaders understand that shared values, mutual respect, clear expectations, and a sense of collective purpose are essential for exceptional performance and sustainable success. If you want people to perform at their best they will need reasonable pathways to get there-human capital development.

Finally, the following piece explores the economic cost of hate, complementing discussions elsewhere on the economic cost of corruption. This reflection is not tied to any specific group—hate and corruption have appeared across races, religions, ideologies, economies, and classes throughout history. If hate divides and corruption redirects, both inevitably shape economic and social patterns in profound ways. Reconnecting, engaging, caring and free exchange lead to growth (There is a reason so many religious and secular philosophers talked about kindness, togetherness, love, enlightenment, learning/knowlege and other such noble ideas. They may have known something we don't...or perhaps have forgotten over the centuries.).

The debate is far from over....

Economic Costs of Hate Crimes

WIPO Economic Clusters 2025: A Few Ideas on Small and Large Clusters through Micro-Transactions

Hedging technology and human 
capital to create new things
in community clusters.

Continuing the process of thinking about economic clusters, it’s beneficial to look out into the market to identify leading clusters and understand how they are evaluated in terms of value. I came across a website published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) that discusses innovative clusters and provides a ranking of the top 100 clusters worldwide in 2025. That helps in further understanding what criteria they are using and what type of industries are typically seen as clusters (A community cluster for heding industries are a little different and would use different metrics.)

What caught my attention was the inclusion of a cluster in San Diego, where several universities contribute significantly through research articles and patents—much of which centers on digital communications. While Delta County, Michigan, is much smaller, its clusters—such as precision manufacturing, paper production, tourism, and emerging entrepreneurial retail—are still important and full of potential (In a community cluster you would to see how they enhance each other for community resilience as well as industry development). Delta County also hosts a local trades college, a regional university and T1 access to the Internet and online universities. T1 lines are good for industry as well.

Strengthening these clusters begins with understanding how they are evaluated and identifying ways to enhance their performance. Of course, large regions like San Diego and smaller ones like Delta County will focus on different markets, but each can cultivate its own unique opportunities. The two locations may have different focuses but certainly can learn from each other. Perhaps one want's to connect existing industries to deveop the whole local system while another might want to create greater penetration of specific industries. Micro transactions might help determine the internal resource capacity of the cluster and how it interacts with area assets. In a community cluster the metrics would be a little more micro and that is why it is helpful to explore smaller places where such relationships can be discovered for wider application.

Thinking of the possibilities.

As an example, Delta County’s regional infrastructure might support small-batch or custom production for specialized companies, ship modification projects, or other niche manufacturing advancements (You have to study to know if it is possible). We also have a budding wood products and paper/cardboard industry that could be further developed. Additionally, the area’s growing tourism and entrepreneurial sectors could inspire new startups centered on distinctive, locally made products—items that not only appeal to visitors but also have the potential for small-scale manufacturing and export. Also help create a brand for the area that connects with its unique attributes. (Delta County Chamber of Commerce and San Diego Chamber of Commerce. Sorry I could have used a surfer in the picture.)

The WIPO publication emphasizes metrics such as patent protection, venture capital investment, and scientific publications. While these are useful indicators for innovation-driven clusters, other metrics may be more relevant depending on the type of cluster being developed. For instance, if one is seeking to attract smaller start-ups that enhance existing industries, launch new industries, or even ensure sustainability through hedging they could consider the factors that make that possible. 

Understanding these underlying mechanics can help connect a community’s unique strengths with broader market needs, thereby fostering growth, resilience, and prosperity. If we can learn to interpret these micro-interactions effectively in one community, those insights could be applied to help other regions reconnect and thrive in their own distinctive ways. Maybe or maybe not. Just thinking through the possibilities of growth and how one might consider the assets of communities to put together a plan. It is possible to pull metrics but defining what measurements make sense while who would be willing to participate is another. Industries may want to participate if they can discover new areas where they can share focus that enhances them all (i.e. a new road, international/regional port, a couple of new start-ups that service multiple local industries, a new county policy, attract investment in a specific area, etc.)

Overall, these are my current thoughts and explorations on developing both structured and organic clusters—whether aimed at advancing industrial innovation or strengthening community assets for sustainable growth. Feel free to discard as you feel necessary. Just thinking through a couple of things as I move on during my day. 

These two pieces give some info on the economy in two different areas.
San Diego Cluster Rank 14-Digital Coms and Delta County EDA

The WIPO Report
Innovation Cluster Ranking 2025

You can learn more about some of those thoughts on Books & Scribbles

Eight Ball, Two Slices, and a Bruised Ego!

Free Pool Fridays!

I’m not the world’s greatest pool player — in fact, on most nights, I’m lucky if I can make the cue ball obey basic traffic laws — but earlier this evening I was at one of our local private clubs. Now, before you get too excited and start picturing tuxedos, cigars, and secret handshakes, let me clarify: around here, “private club” just means a place where normal folks pay $50 to $150 a year to hang out, have a drink, a bite to eat and good old fashion fun.

The crowd is great — salt-of-the-earth types. I’m a bit of a social butterfly, so I enjoy meeting people from all walks of life: welders, poets, cooks, business owners, teachers, truck drivers, doctors, investors, retired troublemakers… you name it. Everyone’s friendly, though the rare bit of drama usually comes from people who only drop by once every election cycle. I get along with most "normal" people.

Tonight, I went with a friend to play some pool and grab a $12 pizza — which, by the way, is surprisingly amazing. My other friend makes them. (If I ever disappear, check the pizza oven first. Not great for my waistline)

Illustration of pool playing

Now, I’ve played enough pool to know which end of the cue stick to hold, but that’s about it. My friend, on the other hand, plays about as often as a solar eclipse. Somehow, despite this, I barely won — and not by skill, but by divine intervention and my opponent’s questionable aim. I missed so many easy shots I started to wonder if the balls were dodging me on purpose.

Naturally, I went home and did what any self-respecting amateur would do: watched YouTube tutorials. I can put some backspin on the ball, and I can even make it twist and turn a bit, but I have no idea how or why it works — it’s basically pool mixed with witchcraft.

Apparently, this club has free pool on Fridays, so I guess that’s my new training schedule. Well, maybe not this Friday with Halloween.  If you have been ghosted on other fridays and don’t hear from me, it’s because I’m still there — practicing, missing shots, and pretending it’s all part of the plan.

Pools and Billards Overview

Firefighting and its Hazards: Training and Support

Illustration of a firefighter
in the UP

Firefighting remains an essential occupation—one that goes beyond budget concerns and available resources. As those resources become increasingly strained, many communities are relying more on volunteer and part-time firefighters. This shift presents challenges: training requirements must be balanced so that they are rigorous enough to ensure safety, yet not so demanding that they discourage participation. Firefighting is inherently risky, which is why it’s so important to support and encourage those who volunteer or serve part-time.

I often write about firefighting because it helps me stay connected to the challenges and issues firefighters face. Writing also provides an opportunity to raise awareness and prompt discussion about how we can strengthen our communities and improve preparedness. As a trained firefighter that tries to stay involved through seeking grants and responding as much as possible I think updating my own knowledge along with others can help (I found a couple of grants I need to apply).

Volunteer firefighters, in particular, embody community spirit. They respond in freezing winters, scorching summers, and during disasters—often without any compensation. These individuals take personal responsibility to a whole new level. They are there making positive change in the world by being involved.

If you want to donate to an excellent department in the UP of Michigan please send me a message and I will connect you with the right people. Otherwise, consider donating to your local fire department. While budgets are becoming constrained nationally, there is some need to provide additional support in a world of environmental change. 

Anyway, I came across the article below and found it interesting—it highlights some of the many risks firefighters face.

Occupational Hazards in Firefighting: Systematic Literature Review

Time Use and Cooking at Home Increasing: My Apple Pie Competition!

Don't judge the lattice!

 As a bit of a do-it-yourselfer, somewhat health-conscious, and with a touch of self-sufficiency, I enjoy the process of cooking meals from scratch. When I was young, I grew up in a house on land that used to be my grand parent's farm. Many of the people we knew in Bark River, Michigan, made a lot of things themselves. They were part of an older generation still connected to the days when you couldn’t just run down to a large department store. Hopefully, those skills won’t be lost on the next generation, who may only know a world full of technology (Yikes if we ever unplug!).

Sorry—I digress into philosophical pontification. Onto pies!

Cooking at home genuinely improves overall health. As a certified fitness trainer and part-time volunteer firefighter, I try to stay as healthy as possible. Since I also enjoy cooking, it makes sense to prepare many of my own meals. Increasing research suggests that overly processed foods—common in many households—may contribute to health issues like cancer and diabetes. Of course, that’s just a general statement; you should always consult an expert for personalized advice. From my perspective, cooking and eating at home helps you control what goes into your food and tailor it to your taste.

The other day, my friend and I got into a lighthearted debate about who’s the better cook. My neighbor had given me boxes of apples—many of them blemished—so I sorted through them, keeping the best for eating and setting the rest aside for cooking. Most were ideal for baking.

An illustration of a guy
making pie in a cabin.

I gave my friend some apple butter (canning project), which she really liked and said was very well made. Naturally, that sparked our debate. She claimed to be the better cook, and I, of course, said I was. Honestly, she’s probably right—but if I admit that too quickly, where’s the fun in a little friendly competition? She gave me a slice of her pie, which was phenomenal, so I had to make one of my own to stay in the game.

My strategy was to make everything completely from scratch and add my own twist. I followed a similar recipe to the one I’ve shared below (there are many others on the Internet), but I sliced the apples extra small to change the texture and added a bit of maple syrup for a richer, deeper flavor. Next time I will keep my apples sliced in normal size. My crust definately turned out better with a little maple syrup but overall her pie was better. Now I have a competitive leg up on crust!

Easy Apple Pie Recipe

Tip: Eating too many pies likely won't help you achieve your fitness goals! Need a trainer? Send me a message to the right. A hobby. 

Interestingly, I also came across a study showing that more people—especially men—are cooking at home these days. That’s a good trend to see and one worth celebrating.

Trends in Home Cooking among United States Adults from 2003 to 2023: Analysis of American Time Use Survey Food Preparation