Surrealism Painting and Poem: Dragons of the Sea

I’m not going to pretend that I’m the world’s greatest artist. I’m not even going to pretend that I’m an average artist. But I will say that I enjoy art because it gives me a chance to break away from the day for short spurts of time and put something on canvas just to see what it turns into.

Let me say that I’m an amateur artist, just working on becoming a better one. I do have a few paintings that actually look okay, though this one I’m not so sure about—you’ll have to judge for yourself. It falls into what is called surrealism.

I also like poetry, so I included that as well. This piece of surrealism is meant to project the subconscious, and you can read more about that in an article below. I’m not 100% sure this work truly represents a projection of the subconscious, because originally the dragon was supposed to be a wave. Then the wave started to look more like a dragon’s head, so I changed it into one.

After that, I thought it would be interesting to add a little ocean. The red in the background—probably more of a pinkish red—suggests a glow, a sunset, or maybe even a hint of danger. The ship is out there sailing against elements that are much larger than itself, but it seems to be holding its own. The waters are relatively calm, except for that dragon, which appears to enjoy playing with ships like toys.

I suppose the ship’s future is unknown, but we will have to wait and see. Thinking forward, I would like the next piece to be something about the deeper meaning of patriotism but unsure of what that would look like. 

If your interested in this piece I can send it to you for $60 with free shipping. Might be worth millions someday...a current bottom basement price! 🤣 Here are a few other pieces. I have an online gallery for the photography but am going to start populating the page with different pieces. Photo and Art Page

What is Surrealism Art? Surrealism Art Defined

Dragons of the Sea
10X12" Acrylic
Free shipping!
$60

Poem: Dragons of the Sea

Dragons of the sea,

hidden in the wave they be. 

Sailing on their way,

ships of the bay they play.

Great distances they see,

The creatures of the ocean agree.

Q3 GDP at 4.4% and A Few Thoughts on Export Value (Omar Taps His Team's Creativity)

(Illustrative Only)
Omar develops his team 
by appreciating the unique
skills each person brings to the 
table. Over the years
he has learned to develop
human capital to maximize
productive development.
He appreciates people
by respecting their contributions.
He thinks his
product engineering and
design business could
do well in the UP. 
The idea is to use 
innovation and creativity
to develop and export products.

Reviewing the third-quarter 2025 GDP release shows that real GDP increased by about 4.4 percent. This growth was primarily driven by consumer spending, exports, government spending, and investment, while imports declined. Corporate profits also increased during this period. Overall, these developments represent positive news from an economic standpoint.

From a national perspective, strengthening exports remains critical, particularly by positioning the country at the center of global supply chains. Doing so allows the creation of maximum value at key points of innovation and creativity, rather than only at the extraction or assembly stages.

This is why I advocate for strong human capital development and for drawing in the best and brightest from across the country. By cultivating creative innovators, the nation can transform resources from around the world into products and services that others need and are willing to import.

Looking ahead, the central competition among nations will be about who can become the primary hub of creation. Artificial intelligence will change some of the underlying assumptions about how this process works, but ultimately it still comes down to human capacity. With that context in mind, the numbers below help illustrate in part where we currently stand.

• Real GDP increased at an annual rate of 4.4 percent in the third quarter of 2025, slightly revised upward and faster than growth in the previous quarter.

• Economic growth was driven by increases in consumer spending, exports, government spending, and investment, while imports declined.

• Real final sales to private domestic purchasers rose 2.9 percent, indicating steady underlying domestic demand.

• Output increased across most private industries, with services-producing industries leading growth, while government output declined slightly.

• Corporate profits from current production increased by $175.6 billion, reflecting continued strength in the business sector.

Gross Domestic Product, 3rd Quarter 2025 (Updated Estimate), GDP by Industry, and Corporate Profits (Revised)

Employment Act 1946 started the Joint Committee on the National Budget to study and advise Congress on the National Budget. Their current release is below,

US Congress Joint Economic Committee GDP Update

Building Golf Character at The Loma Golf Club ( Photography)

I got out and played 9 holes at our local Loma Club. It’s relatively easy to get on in the early mornings and they often have bands, events, and other fun things going on. There are also numerous other places to eat nearby in Liberty Station.

I do amateur photography, and you might be interested in one of the photos below. The first one I’ve listed is called “Loma in January ’26”, just in case you’re interested. I can print most sizes for $50—just send me a message on the right. For special prints I will need to quote.

Loma Club

This article talks about building character while golfing. Patience and practice are needed.

Why Golf Builds Character?

Loma in January ’26”

Income and Outlays Update for Oct. and Nov. 2025: Steady Numbers, Unequal Impact (Bob is Thinking About Escanomics)

You may be interested in the latest personal income and outlays data for October and November 2025. Overall, the numbers suggest that conditions are relatively positive. A few indicators of instability but have not shown up yet because they have a longer trajectory line and are under the threshold of causing issues at this point (Non-standard economic metrics). All in all on a top line level we are doing well even though people are feeling a pinch with average folk finances. 

(Illustrative only)
Bob is trying to make
sense out of the national numbers
and the K Shape economy. 
He is unsure if the average
folks are making it as
much as these numbers indicate.
He wonders if they are a little
skewed toward the wealthy
spending and savings.
He is happy he started
his shop in Escanaba
as it has more of an
Escanomics shaped economy
where its 
affordable to live, work,
and run a business. They
don't always feel the sting 
of economic bouncing. 
He thinks that maybe
economics cluster design
may smooth
the impact of economic
cycles in the future.

GDP has risen as well, so it is reasonable to expect some growth in disposable income and savings alongside that expansion.

At the same time, some analysts argue that the gains are being driven primarily by wealthier consumers, pointing to a K-shaped economy in which higher-income households continue to fare better than others.

A few highlights from Personal Income and Outlays, October and November 2025:

• Personal income rose slightly in both months, increasing 0.1 percent in October and 0.3 percent in November.

• After taxes, disposable personal income also rose 0.1 percent in October and 0.3 percent in November.

• Consumer spending, measured by personal consumption expenditures (PCE), increased 0.5 percent in both October and November.

• The PCE price index, which is a key measure of inflation, rose 0.2 percent month-to-month in both months.

• On a year-over-year basis, the PCE price index increased 2.7 percent in October and 2.8 percent in November.

• The personal saving rate declined from 3.7 percent in October to 3.5 percent in November.

• The report combined the two monthly releases because the recent government shutdown delay.

Trading Economics has some nice charts and graphs for many countries you can browse through.  The Wolf has some interesting comments.

The Story of the Clan: Why Morality Still Matters to the Development of Society? (Educating the Mind and Heart)

Let us discuss the importance of morality to society through a learning story. One such example is a hypothetical, theoretical, philosophical thought experiment entitled The Story of the Clan. The clan is a group of people associated through friendship and employment, but they also exert influence over local institutions that impact justice outcomes. The story is one of moral exploration for yourself and for society.

"Educating the mind without
educating the heart is
 no education at all."-Aristotle

In this example the vast majority are good faithful people serving their community but it takes a few bad apples with no checks and balances to throw off the balance of the system (a risk that could be avoided). Since it is a learning thought experiment we can sort of explore some of these dangers in a safe way so find your own conclusions and create your own judgements. There is no right or wrong answer as long as you thought about it.

Over time, the clan becomes skilled at creating narratives about others. They have a long history of bullying and targeting people, initially through subtle “wink and nod” behaviors that are quietly tolerated. Eventually, these actions escalate into full-blown corruption, and some members are later caught engaging in serious wrongdoing in other places. Given sweetheart deals to protect the clan and avoid positive adaptation of the system (Negligence of multiple duties and oaths).

What is important to note is that these behaviors were not unknown. Whistleblowers and victims came forward repeatedly with concerns and evidence. Instead of being protected or taken seriously, they were dismissed, marginalized, or, in some cases, placed on secretive lists for community removal. Even individuals who had served their community and society honorably were treated as expendable if they threatened the clan’s interests in defense of the health of the whole society.

The central objective of clan aligned officials was never to support society as a whole, but rather to protect the clan itself. Loyalty to the group outweighed truth, justice, and the well-being of the broader community. This dynamic illustrates how institutions can fail when they prioritize self-interest over public responsibility. The good news is that good, noble, honorable, and patriotic officials and people reversed the trend knowing it is in everyone's interest to support morality.

This story teaches an important lesson about the necessity of placing people in positions of authority who are committed to a societal mission rather than personal or group power. From the founding of the country to the present day, there has been an ongoing pursuit of freedom and a better future. People will sometimes derail that but research has shown in general society is improving. 

Morality plays a critical role in whether a society can successfully achieve those goals. A commitment to ethics, fairness, integrity, and community helps attract talent, build trust, and sustain social cohesion. Social and economic development can result from doing the right thing and creating a sense of direction. Without these moral foundations, even strong institutions can erode and lose sight of the purpose they were meant to serve.

You can read the information below in the following article on how morality impacts economics Why moral leadership matters now more than ever

• Moral leadership is in high demand but short supply, and it significantly enhances business performance and workplace relationships—managers who exhibit strong moral leadership build stronger connections with colleagues and help organizations orient toward long-term success rather than just formal authority or short-term metrics.

• Moral authority must be earned through behaviour, not title, and in a world shaped by crisis and uncertainty, moral leaders build trust, inspire others, and help people find meaning in their work, making it essential for organizations to invest in fostering a culture of moral leadership.

Botanical Pond Photography

 

You may be interested in this picture I took a few days ago. I gave it the name Botanical Ponds. I can create various print sizes so send me a message to the right. Somewhere around $60 with free shipping.  Could be a little less or more depending on the size you want.

I can also get on a few products if you want. 

Escanaba City Council Meetng (January 15th, 2026): Boilers, Solar Rays, and The Downtown

Paying attention to what is happening in local governance helps one understand how things are forming and coming out. A few things came forward that was interesting to watch. 

 Boilers, Whitetail Solar Farm, 26'-27' Fiscal Budget, marketing, etc.

January 15th, 2026 City Council Meeting