A blog that explores life and society. Mostly pieces on business, economics, arts and other interests. A place to showcase activities and explore ideas.
Firefighting is growing increasingly critical. While debates surrounding climate change continue, the prevailing scientific consensus points to its reality. There has been more fires because of the environment and climate. They simply start easier as things become dryer or warmer. Certainly there could be other explanations but that one seems like the leading explanation at this time. Be open to possibilities.
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Recent data confirms that environmental and forest fires are becoming both more frequent and more severe. These incidents often stem from small, localized events. For example, learning to respond to a recent corn field fire triggered by sparks from a combine that was quickly contained due to a rapid response; a delay of just 10 to 15 minutes could have led to a more difficult outcome.
Analyzing fire behavior videos provides valuable insights into how wildland and field fires spread, how they behave under different conditions, and how to approach suppression effectively.
Two key concepts from the video stand out that were interesting:
Days-of-Fuel Model: Helps gauge how long organic material has been drying out and its potential to burn.
Fuel Moisture Thresholds: Explains why fires ignite and spread rapidly at specific moisture levels. High humidity and heavy air significantly reduce fire risk, whereas hot, dry, and windy conditions create high-risk environments.
*If you want to donate or contribute to a UP fire department that helps services a lot of land and supports two small towns consider sending me a message to the right. A lot of young people, the department is developing into a model, and people are taking notice. You can contribute to that process tax free!
Delta County is showing us how small communities can thrive by combining smart infrastructure, forward-thinking energy plans, and strong community roots. Here is a clear look at how these pieces fit together to drive real growth.
The region's location and transit network—spanning port access, rail, a regional airport, and highways—make it a natural hub for business. Bringing in an Amazon distribution center has already sped up local deliveries and proven the area's potential for larger logistics investments. We can see how to get local products more systemically into these distribution and markeplace platforms (i.e. a downtown free class on how to get your products listed. Amazon themselves might want to be part of that and provide the class. You don't know until you ask. Likewise, something like the DDA could consider organizing businesses to export under a local brand. Just random ideas to think about.)
As local leaders explore solar power, one goal might be encouraging of building energy independence while protecting the community's natural beauty: (There is a cost to creating energy so let us consider maximizing the local benefit first.)
Powering Local Needs First: Using locally generated solar energy keeps power consistent and costs manageable, with any extra energy sold back to the broader grid.
Responsible Planning: Sustainable development means planning ahead for panel replacement and recycling, as well as using natural tree buffers to keep solar farms visually appealing (It also can make the land more appealing for the next people when solar is replace. Further, it reduces heating, protects against erosion, etc.).
Delta County's strong military community is one of its greatest assets. Expanding local career development programs—and partnering with groups like (VFW, AMVETS, etc.)—helps current veterans build rewarding careers while drawing new skilled talent to the area.
A active downtown naturally complements industry investment, making the community a place people want to live and visit:
Building Diverse Opportunities: Welcoming new startups downtown creates fresh jobs, diversifies the local economy, and helps existing businesses thrive.
Boosting Quality of Life: Combining four-season tourism, upgraded downtown spaces, and community events makes it easier to retain great talent and keep the local vibe welcoming.
Finding Value Parity with Larger Businesses: Local larger companies may like start-ups, tourism, etc. by retaining and attracting talent. Young people often do leave the area but a robust small smart city changes that equation some. Likewise, attracting more start-up investment often leads to more larger investments. Further, larger companies could consider investing in start-ups that lead to innovation for their companies.)
By balancing solid financial management with intentional investment, Delta County is building a resilient, welcoming environment for families and future businesses alike.
*Above are some random ideas that sort of relate to the discussion on hand. If you want to watch the video and come up with some of your own ideas you can find a summary and video below.
** If you like these free articles consider advertising space, buy some artwork, etc. :)
A Quick Summary of the Meeting
Call to Order & Opening: The regular meeting was called to order at 5:15 p.m. in the Delta County Service Center conference room by the County Clerk, followed by a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a roll call of commissioners. Administrative Approvals: The board approved the minutes from the previous meeting (October 13, 2026) and approved the agenda with the addition of an item regarding the Eastman/Terrace Group LLC property. Written communications and committee reports were placed on file.
Public Comment on Agenda Items:
A resident from Cornell Township raised concerns regarding specific wording in the solar ordinance amendment (Section 708-1), questioning regulations on screening, stormwater runoff, wildlife impact monitoring, and security bonds, and noted actions taken by Escanaba Township regarding the Public Service Commission. Another member of the public spoke against the solar ordinance changes, arguing that they impose unnecessary regulations and delay development compared to successful projects already underway in the county.
Departmental & Committee Updates:
The administrator's report and finance committee minutes were placed on file, noting a condensed budget resolution. A representative from the Department of Veterans Affairs provided updates on staff, upcoming Veterans Day ceremonies (November 11), holiday assistance baskets, expanded collaboration with the American Legion, service committee vacancies, and record emergency relief funds distributed in the previous fiscal year. Unfinished Business (RFP Investor Award): Following discussion on whether to transition from MERS (Municipal Employees' Retirement System) or handle pensions in-house, the board accepted administrative recommendations to reject investor award RFPs, remain with MERS, and work with administration to improve current management status.
New Business & Contracts:
Approved payment of claims totaling $3,934,741.40 and commissioner expenses of $226.64. Approved requests to fill a corrections officer position and accepted the MIDC contract. Passed a resolution supporting Operation Green Light from November 4–11, 2026, lighting county buildings green to honor veterans. Approved park rules and regulations, a Teamsters letter of agreement regarding insurance dates for transfers, and out-of-county travel for a MAC meeting. Solar Ordinance Review: The board temporarily set aside Robert's Rules to discuss specific details and wildlife impact monitoring clauses within the proposed solar ordinance amendments.
In this next chapter of our clan allegory, we explore how justice breaks down when systemic corruption takes root. People knew about the ongoing abuse, forced suicides, and cover-ups for years, but conversations stayed private out of fear. Even when the courts learned the truth, they chose to protect the perpetrators, offer sweetheart deals, and target whistleblowers. The hate of different religions, races, and political perspectives louder then the bells of freedom. This gross misuse of authority prioritized self-interest, bias, and institutional liability over basic human rights and even our core purpose codified within the Constitution.
History shows us that when institutions protect themselves at the expense of justice, the social contract fractures. When people lose faith in fairness and accountability, public trust collapses, leading to inevitable social dissonance. Most public officials want to do the right thing, which is why upholding strict standards, removing corrupt actors, and electing ethical leaders is so essential to keeping the whole system from unraveling. If some of our judges and leaders have failed the good officers, officials, people, and victims then we as a broader society should not fail them. We can restore trust and performance around our core beliefs and around justice. We must stand for victims, stand for honorable officers, promote good officials and undo the harm of bad apples.
It is not just about how some groups and people may feel......
This breakdown also has a direct impact on economics. Because economics simply measures human behavior, altering fundamental assumptions of trust and fairness changes how people interact with the market on a macro level. Delaying necessary reforms weakens the entire structure. Failing to correct clear manipulation and misbehavior is a sign of a deeper process at play. While some data on these shifts must be viewed critically, the broader trend aligns across independent sources: when decision makers refuse to correct obvious wrongdoing, the broader long-term support is fundamentally compromised.
Are there ways to improve trust and are there things judges, officials, lawmakers and people can do to raise this trust? Are there things the general population can do to raise trust? (i.e. getting involved). If there is the will there is the way. As a people we should want the best system, take care of the people who support society within those systems and seek to remove those who misuse or undermine the system by failing to correct, adapt and improve.
*The Allegory of the Clan is a hypothetical philosophical thought experiment so take with a grain of salt and come to whatever conclusion you wish. Accept or reject various portions as long as you thought about it.
Is it fair or is it unfair? What do you think? No right or wrong answer.
79% of Americans Say the Justice System is Unfair, New Survey Reveals
Only 32% of survey respondents believe the legal system is fair to individuals who do not have legal representation.
Exactly 50% of participants feel confident that they would receive fair treatment from the justice system and courts.
62% of people believe that personal income dictates whether courts provide fair justice, and 49% believe that race influences court outcomes.
Widespread misconceptions exist regarding legal counsel, with many incorrectly assuming courts provide attorneys for civil matters like discrimination cases (41%), child custody matters (40%), and traffic court (35%).
The survey was conducted online from January 14 to January 22, 2026, sampling 1,613 respondents with a 2% margin of error.
The labor market remains reassuringly stable, providing a solid foundation for growth and encouraging higher workplace participation. However, beneath this steady surface, rapid advances in artificial intelligence are driving a wide-scale shift, signaling that significant workforce retooling is right around the corner.
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Navigating this transition will require continuous learning for leaders and employees alike. As technology reshapes everyday roles, updating core skill sets will be essential to ensure workers do not fall behind, helping turn industry disruption into shared progress.
Job Openings and Labor Turnover – September 2026
The number of job openings held little changed at 7.5 million, while hires and total separations remained relatively stable at 5.4 million and 5.3 million, respectively.
Total nonfarm quits increased to 3.4 million over the month, driven largely by notable increases in sectors like accommodation and food services.
Layoffs and discharges showed little change at 1.6 million, maintaining an overall rate of 1.0 percent across the labor market.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2026, November 3). Job openings and labor turnover – September 2026 [Economic news release]. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/jolts.nr0.htm
I've been thinking about a few things I can work on to help the athletes improve their swimming performance. Some of them have shown progress in their scores, and new results have recently come out. I haven't had a chance to review them yet, but hopefully I'll get to look at them today to see how everyone is doing.
(Illustrative Only) Learning to swim by necessity and fine tuning in the pool does bring a different skill set and knowledge of swimmin in nature.
Yoga and swimming are natural to each other. Be one with the catfish.
I'm not always there to provide coaching, but when I am, I work with specific athletes to help improve their overall performance through better mechanics, technique, and skill development. The head coach and other coaches do the heaviy day in- and day-out lifting. Lately, I've been focusing on fine-tuning some of their existing swimming skills to help make them more competitive.
Interestingly, someone recently asked me to help coach another team as well. I suppose once people recognize some level of coaching experience they may ask you to support their team as well (We will see.) I mainly do it because I enjoy helping out, working with promising athletes, and seeing them develop. Between coaching, lifeguarding, and my other activities, I do get a little protective of time because a healthy balance has downtime as well (A tip for sustainable performance.)
Going back to the swimming exercises, one drill that I find particularly beneficial involves keeping the hands positioned down along the sides of the body while swimming, using either a kick or flippers. I think this is an excellent exercise for developing body rotation awareness. Some swimmers tend to under-rotate, while others over-rotate, and both can negatively affect their efficiency and speed in the water.
This drill helps athletes recognize and develop the appropriate amount of rotation needed for a more efficient stroke. I also think it could be adapted for both dolphin kicks and flutter kicks. By taking the arms out of the equation, swimmers are encouraged to recognize and develop the power coming from their legs rather than relying too heavily on their arms.
Ultimately, efficient swimming comes down to balance. When athletes learn to coordinate their body position, rotation, leg drive, and arm movements, they can generate more speed while maintaining their energy and endurance (I learned through the lakes and diving and tweaked in a pool. My style might be a touch different. I swam for functionality in nature.). Timing is also a critical part of the equation. The better the timing and coordination between these movements, the more sustainable and effective their swimming becomes.
For now, we'll keep working on the fundamentals, refining technique, and helping the athletes build on their progress. It'll be interesting to see how they continue to develop.
While manufacturing output and input costs are both trending upward, the overall sector trajectory remains positive. One thing to think about is strengthening domestic raw material production—including reopening critical mining and extraction operations—while maintaining access to international supply chains to ensure industrial resilience (Redundancy from multiple supplies can help in some circumstances.).
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These two make their own products and then ship them throughout the Great Lakes on their supper gas efficient natural powered vehicle called the sail boat. It is an old invention but a good one.
Achieving this requires balancing three core priorities:
Environmental Stewardship: Re-establishing local supply chains with sustainable, compliant practices. (You need public support and you need to preserve and enhance the environment. Preserve is not enough.)
Global Competitiveness: Remaining cost-competitive against foreign imports to prevent supply bottlenecks. (Ensure there is a healthy balance of domestic production of important materials.)
Export Capability: Building a robust domestic foundation that not only feeds local industry but enables foreign exports under favorable market conditions. (One shouldn't build an industry for today's problems but also for solutions to future problems.)
October 2026 ISM Manufacturing Business Survey Report Summary
Manufacturing grew for the tenth month in a row with the index reaching 55.5 percent.
All key areas including new orders, production, employment, deliveries, and inventories expanded.
Production accelerated significantly to 59 percent, reaching its highest level since late 2021.
Raw material prices increased for the twenty-fifth straight month, reaching 75.2 percent.
Twelve of the eighteen surveyed manufacturing industries reported overall growth for the month.
Starting your morning with exercise sets a powerful trajectory for everything that follows, but the specific benefits depend heavily on how you choose to move. If you kick off the early hours with cardio—whether that means going for a jog, hopping on a exercise bike, or getting your heart rate up—you immediately elevate your core body temperature and stimulate your nervous system. That early surge of oxygen and endorphins leaves you feeling energized, clear-headed, and positive long before your actual workday begins.
(Illustrative Only) Morning workouts are great. Head down to Ocean Beach and do some walking, yoga and meditation or you can consider just working out in mini breaks at your desk. Either works as long as you are improving lung capacity, flexibility, range of motion and strength.
On the other hand, dedicating your morning to practices like yoga, Pilates, or targeted strength training delivers a distinct kind of value. These modalities focus on joint mobility, core stability, and lengthening muscles that naturally stiffen up overnight. Getting the blood flowing through dynamic stretching and light resistance work directly enhances cerebral circulation. That physiological response translates into sharp cognitive function, helping you process information faster, maintain steady focus, and approach demanding mental tasks with clarity.
However, logging a solid hour of sweat in the morning isn't a silver bullet if it's followed by eight hours of continuous immobility. Extended sitting is exceptionally harsh on the body, slowing down metabolic processes, increasing vascular stiffness, and undermining the hard work you put in during your morning session. That is why supplementing your main routine with short micro-workouts throughout the afternoon is so critical. Taking just five to ten minutes every hour—or even every 40 minutes—to stand up and move keeps your capillary blood flow steady and prevents your metabolism from slumping.
These mini-sessions don't need to be complex or exhaustive to be effective. Keeping a set of resistance bands near your desk, grabbing a light pair of weights, or simply knocking out a quick circuit of jumping jacks, bodyweight squats, and dynamic stretches is all it takes to reset your posture and clear brain fog. By constantly interrupting long stretches of sitting, you keep key muscle groups engaged and sustain consistent energy levels throughout the day without relying on caffeine.
While academic studies often note that total daily exercise volume matters more than the exact hour you work out, practical experience proves that timing and frequency shape how you actually feel. A strong morning anchor combined with regular movement snacks keeps your body resilient and your mind sharp from sunup to sundown. If you ever want personalized guidance on structuring these routines, feel free to reach out. Drawing from years of hands-on experience across fitness training, yoga instruction, athletic coaching, martial arts, and firefighting, we can build a virtual movement plan tailored specifically to your daily rhythm.
Cognitive Benefits of Exercise: Is There a Time-of-Day Effect?
Physical exercise timing (morning vs. afternoon) was evaluated for its effect on selective and sustained attention.
Fifty-six active adults completed an identical 12-week intermittent recovery exercise protocol in either morning or afternoon groups.
Cognitive performance was measured using the d2 Test of Attention pre- and post-intervention.
Significant improvements in attentional performance occurred following both acute exercise sessions and the full 12-week program.
No significant difference in cognitive benefits was found between morning and afternoon exercise schedules.
Maeneja, R., Ferreira, I. S., Silva, C. R., & Abreu, A. M. (2022). Cognitive benefits of exercise: Is there a time-of-day effect? Healthcare, 10(9), 1766. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10091766
