October ADP Jobs and Wage Report Reminds us to Fill Jars and Start Businesses

A person with a savings account
and a business plan to increase earnings.
Investing in his own business.

The latest job report, released on November 5, 2025, showed that the private sector added 42,000 jobs in October, with pay rising 4.5% year over year. This continues a generally positive trend of job growth over the past decade and a half. Employment gains were seen across companies of different sizes—those with 20–49 employees, 250–499, and 500 or more all experienced increases. The strongest growth came from trade, transportation, and utilities, followed by financial services and educational services. I was also pleased to see gains in natural resources, mining, and construction (Invest in the UP/Delta County).

From a broader perspective, rising wages are a positive sign, but inflation continues to erode much of that progress. That’s why many people still feel like their paychecks don’t stretch as far as they once did. Large companies continue to grow, which is good for international business, but I prefer to see more balanced growth across businesses of all sizes. Over consolidation should be thought about. When small businesses expand, they strengthen local economies, often laying the groundwork for midsize and, eventually, larger companies. Small business has a more direct relationship to family wealth. Larger companies are more stock oriented and therefore increase wealth of investors. A balanced growth portfolio across the economy would be ideal for feeding both as they both can provide benefits for economic development. Too much of one or the other creates consolidation problems and inequity of wealth.

It’s also encouraging that trade, transportation, and utilities are up, along with natural resources and construction. These sectors represent the movement of goods and the creation of inputs, suggesting possible future growth. I’d like to see more of this reflected in export numbers. The growth in education and health services is interesting too, though I couldn’t find a clear definition of what’s included in those categories—it might be buried in the report notes somewhere. If you’re into the technical side, there’s an intriguing formula in the report that calculates industry-level changes.

Source ADP Report

As for me, I can’t say I feel any richer yet—but that’s all right. Where I live, life is relatively affordable, and since I do most of my own work, I don’t spend nearly as much as I would in a big city. Lately, I’ve been thinking more about saving money, and I came across this “jar method.” Mine’s an actual glass jar, and I occasionally cash it in to move the money into an investment account. I think if we bought less but bought better, avoided overusing credit cards, fixed up what we already own, and stopped trying to keep up with the neighbors, our jars would fill up faster.

At the same time, wealth concentration continues to rise, so if you really want to grow your own income, starting a business might be one of the few ways left to do it—with all the joys and challenges that come along with that.

Oct. 2025 ADP Report

The Jar Method of Saving-Yahoo Finance

Human Capital in a High-Tech Military World (Open Positions in the Marines)

The military relies heavily on human capital, and as technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, high-tech skills are becoming increasingly essential. This is likely why we’re seeing strong incentives in fields such as electronics maintenance, cyber and crypto operations, and other high-demand technical specialties.

This trend highlights the importance of continuously updating the skills of those serving in the military—something that virtual education and training could greatly support. Many of these skills are also highly transferable, allowing service members to transition successfully into civilian occupations after completing their service.

For individuals, it’s worth considering how the skills the military needs align with major innovations in artificial intelligence and the broader digital age we’ve entered. We are living in a time when technology evolves quickly, and the knowledge we have today may become outdated within a year. Continuous learning is no longer optional—it’s essential.

If you’re interested in using your skills to serve your country, consider exploring some of the opportunities listed below. Many talented individuals—whether in college or looking for an alternative career path—may find the military to be a challenging, rewarding, and deeply meaningful option.

F26 Enlistment Incentive Program

Find a Recruiter

Tomato Bisque and Food Quality Difference in Fitness/Health

Cooking your own food can make a big difference in your overall health and fitness. I have a fitness trainer’s license, and one thing I’ve noticed—both in others and in myself—is that eating well tends to be the biggest challenge. By preparing my own meals, I’ve not only cut back on processed foods but also reduced my intake of the preservatives and hormones often found in them.

Did I notice a difference?

It’s hard to say definitively since there are many factors involved. I loosely count calories without obsessing over macros and maintain a decent level of fitness. Still, I believe cooking at home has had a substantial positive impact. It’s generally easier to lose weight when you prepare your own meals, likely because you eat a bit less and use healthier ingredients compared to ready-made convenience foods.

This is my tomato bisque—it’s made by boiling fresh tomatoes, cooling them to remove the skins, cooking them again, pureeing, and then adding heavy cream and a mix of spices. The great thing about this dish is that you can make a large batch and can it for later use. It’s a versatile base—add shrimp, chicken, or other proteins—and the extra canning jars store perfectly in the cupboard or cellar (Yep I been canning.).

You may use this one, Tomato Bisque Recipe

If you need a fitness trainer let me know to the right.

Hiking Pictures in the UP: Growth in Back Packing and Camping until 2030

Hiking is a great pastime for people who enjoy the outdoors. In larger cities, it can be difficult to get out and hike since you might need to travel 30 to 40 miles just to find an overcrowded trail. Around here, though, hiking feels much more natural — there are trails just minutes away. For those who live near a state or federal forest, it might be as easy as stepping out the back door to start exploring.

Backpacking and hiking are both expected to grow significantly through 2030, according to industry reports. I usually try to go hiking two or three times a week and mix it up with some fishing. By nature, humans came from the wilderness, which might explain why we feel so comfortable returning to it. Of course, that’s not to overlook the physical fitness benefits and peace of mind that comes with trekking through the woods.

For those who enjoy outdoor vacations, places like Escanaba offer a great mix of trails, nightlife, dining, and recreation. I took a few of these pictures the other day while hiking — I wandered off the beaten path to explore a bend in the river that looked like a small pond. I also kept an eye out for potential trapping and bow-hunting spots, which I plan to explore more now that things have settled down. Delta County Hunting

Forests and woodlands add tremendous value to our quality of life and, when managed wisely, can contribute meaningfully to local economic development. Considering the broader benefits of an outdoor lifestyle, rising investments in industries like paper industry, manufacturing, tourism, start-ups, deep-water ports, transportation infrastructure (road, air, and shipping), metalwork, and regional mining in creating a total mix of life and work.

A clean and healthy environment doesn’t just enhance tourism — it can strengthen every sector of the economy. More importantly, it improves quality of life, supports recruitment and retention, and promotes overall health and happiness. Something worth thinking about when creativity and new ideas are needed.

US Hiking and Camping Gear Market Until 2030. 

Swapping Out To Winter Tires on my Hunker Junker: Deep tread!

Looks like new
 deep treads.

I swapped out the tires on my trusty “Hunker Junker,” the project car I’ve been nursing along, from summer slicks to winter chompers. I’ve never really been one of those seasonal tire people, but these bad boys came with the car—brand new with deep 4x4-style treads that look ready to climb Mount Everest (wanted to do that once and might think about it again).

Back in the day, our grandparents would faithfully switch tires every season, like clockwork. Nowadays, we rely on “all-weather” tires, which are basically decent at everything and great at nothing. Still, when it’s blizzarding out, a good set of winter tires on a 3,500-pound hunk of metal is the difference between “steady traction” and “figure skating across the intersection.”

Up here, the blizzards and ice don’t mess around, and the salt on the roads can turn a nice car into a rust sculpture by spring. I originally bought this Hunker Junker as a no-worries winter beater—just a $1,000 ride I could bounce around in without losing sleep.

Representing working on old trucks/cars. 
I am keeping my eyes out for
something like this 
for my next project.

But now I kind of love the thing. After putting in some sweat and a few questionable repair decisions, it actually drives great. The engine hums like a boat motor that’s just happy to be here. Right now, I’m priming the body, scraping off rust, and swapping out some bumper fillers. If all goes well, I’ll finish it off with a new radio and sound system—because if I’m sliding into a snowbank, I at least want good tunes playing.

MI-Travel Information for Motorists

Whistleblowing and the Integrity in Society: Today Vote Your Conscious

Society, business and government are complex systems, and people must make decisions every day about a wide range of issues. As most of us have learned, not everyone is noble or willing to make choices that benefit society and the institution (Most maybe but not everyone). When wrongdoing is discovered, good people step forward to report it—protecting the institution or organization, the people it serves, and the long-term health of society. Unfortunately, whistleblowers are not always appreciated; too often, they are retaliated against, which allows wrongdoing and corruption to continue and even grow. Today is election day so consider voting for those who have integrity and serve the noble purpose of their positions. Be part of the solution by casting a ballot the reflects your values.

Wistleblowers can create a redflag of wrong doing so voters can ponder who they want in those roles. Let’s consider a hypothetical, philosophical example of how whistleblowing could have protected society if the moral compass had stayed true north. Imagine a clan—a “good old boy” network—that protected its own no matter how much harm they caused others. Elderly, kids, minorities, undermining parents, taking advantage of women, etc. and many were touched by poor decision making. When crimes were reported, the whistleblowers faced swift retaliation. Behind closed doors, there were secret deals, defamation, human/civil rights violations, and other Machiavellian efforts to keep corruption hidden. The wrong people in the wrong positions with the wrong value systems. They were voted in because they could tell a good story and convince others through selective attention (i.e. meaning not considering a wider range of factors that lead to critical thinking and generally more thoughtful choices.)

While this story is purely for learning purposes, it carries a reminder that is especially relevant on election day. We are a free people, but there will always be those who misuse systems of power to enrich themselves or to advance distorted beliefs (racial, religious, political, etc. it doesn't matter the "ism".). Wrongdoing can persist for years, even decades, if the wrong type of people are placed in positions of authority (Choose good quality people to manage our system. Think beyond party, group or affiliation.). The story of the clan eventually is a positive story where good people and officials stood for what is right (their oaths over other lower loyalties) and were rewarded with a flourishing society  (There are reasons why that happens and we will continue to explore). People began to vote with a higher moral conscious through knowledge and reflection of how their vote impacts societal/institutional outcomes.

Today, you have the opportunity to do something good for your community and society: elect leaders who will serve everyone. Whistleblowers remind us that truth and accountability matter. Heed their call. It is a feedback loop for society so people can vote in better people the next time. As you make your choice between parties and candidates, consider a new paradigm—one that values integrity, transparency, and the best and brightest minds to guide the systems we all rely on. In every box of apples there are going to be a few rotten ones so make sure we remove/block them. Vote your conscious. 

These articles help understand some of the difficulties people face when they stand up for society. The more people who come forward, the more likely there is an underlining issue. Voting is one of the best ways to remove poor actors without all the risk. Whistleblowers can teach us about areas of improvement. Voting for what YOU believe as a person is part of your duties in a free democratic society. Your vote impacts your community, your friends, your family, and that of the next generation. Vote wisely. 

National Whistleblower Center

Whistle Blower Protections-labor

What is Whistleblowing?

Whistleblowing in Theory and Evidence

The Creative Capital of Art and Other Nonexistent Assets.

The Wooded Pathway Gallery

 Art is considered a hobby for many, a side gig for some, and for a rare few, an actual job. Beyond the obvious lack of financial benefits (believe me, I know that part all too well), engaging in art has other perks—though not the kind you can deposit in a bank.

We usually think in terms of simple equations like “I do X, I get Y.” That’s fine for things like ordering delivery because your working late to prepare for a big project or paying business bills, but art operates on a more mysterious system—something like “I do X, I get...inspired, slightly happier, and possibly covered in paint.” It’s less about short-term returns and more about long-term brain upgrades. Research even suggests that making art can rewire your neural circuits, boost creativity, and help you think outside the boardroom box. (Take that, spreadsheets!)

It is easier if you buy it online.
Peddling art!
Interesting article
Artists that Died Poor

As for me, I’ll keep pedaling my art to anyone with a pulse and a passing interest. I’m thinking of running some “exclusive” specials on my already heavily discounted masterpieces—buy one, get your guilt soothed for free! And if online sales don’t pan out, you might find me on Ludington Street or Ocean Beach, confidently displaying my sidewalk gallery of almost-famous works. Apparently, I’m so funded in the arts—it’s practically nonprofit chic.

For any pieces that you want let me know by sending me a message to the right, or sending $35 to my Paypal with the piece you desire (free shipping for domestic US). I do them, put them in a pile, hope someone wants them someday or they go in my fireplace. Otherwise you can buy on Etsy and they will take commission. The art biz.... ha ha )

The Wooded Pathway Gallery

Interesting study, 

The art of innovation: How arts-based initiatives can nurture innovation dynamic capabilities