My Musings for the Week!

August 21, 2026

“I am the leader of one country which has two alphabets, three languages, four religions, five nationalities, six republics, surrounded by seven neighbors; a country in which live eight ethnic minorities.” Josip Broz Tito, Yugoslav Communist Leader.

-Ford Motor Corp. announced plans to move the production of several Lincoln models back to the US from China. The Nautilus SUV, see picture below, is going to made in the US. Last year, Ford sold 43,000 of these SUVs. General Motors also announced similar plans. They are moving the production of the Buick Envision back to the US. This is incredible news for the US economy.

– SNAP benefits in 2026 reached a total of 42 million recipients. People receiving food assistance. About 20 years ago that number was 17 million. Huge increase. Yet, in the last 6-8 years the US economy has boomed. California has 5.5 million people on SNAP. Monthly amount is $990. US Virgin Islands and Guam have a higher monthly amount.

I have long been interested in procrastination. I have written about the significant negative effects of procrastination on people. So, I am not surprised to read about several new studies about procrastination. One recent study concluded that procrastination causes a $15,000 drop in annual earnings for every point on a 5-point scale. Another study reports procrastination is linked to lack of self-esteem, anxiety, loneliness. and depression. Procrastination is also directly linked to serious medical issues. Studies link “working from home” and cell phones” as a major factor. Physical exercise seems to be an effective “cure.” A study showed those that exercise regularly do not procrastinate.

Bangladesh is a Muslim country with 173 million people. Clothing is a major export making up 80% of the country’s export earnings. About 4 million people, mostly women, work in the clothing business. Another 30 million depend on the garment industry. Sadly, Bangladesh has closed 400+ clothing factories in the last 3 years. Government unrest (student led uprisings) led buyers to decrease orders. Rolling blackouts, and higher energy costs also caused much of the decline. Some activists that caused the civil unrest also own factories, but many are now in jail. What a sad story. Completely avoidable.

Lastly, the Charlotte area of NC is hosting a luncheon featuring the cuisine from 5 top BBQ chefs. The five pitmasters will be present to offer their best dishes. Sounds like fun. But the cost is $175/person. Really? My wife and I would like to attend but not at that price. $350 for a BBQ lunch is crazy.

Images provided by Google. Thank You!