Newsletter Issue #486

                                 

Entrepreneur & Author
JeffCorbett.com

              

A Little Bit of Everything

 “Variety’s the very spice of life, that gives it all its flavor.”
— William Cowper (1731-1800) influential English poet known for writing about everyday.
 
——- 

Some weeks our edition seems to follow a natural theme. This isn’t one of those weeks—and maybe that’s a good thing. We’re covering everything from the psychology of our increasingly connected devices and the importance of keeping your body strong while building a business, to retiring overseas, navigating email etiquette and finding better ways to stay hydrated.

With Labor Day just around the corner, we also have a little fun with the perfect holiday BBQ and the story behind the holiday itself. On the more serious side, we look at why strength training deserves special attention for those using GLP-1 medications and close with the recent disaster at the Grand Canyon—a place I’ve experienced firsthand and one that reminds us just how powerful, beautiful and fragile nature can be. It’s an eclectic mix this week, but hopefully there’s a little something in it for everyone.

Jeff Corbett

Publisher | Global Common Cents

• To review other editions of our newsletter please see our website: GlobalCommonCents.com
• For more about my personal wonderings please see my blog: JeffCorbett.com

Jeff’s Favorites:

One of the benefits of publishing Global Common Cents is the opportunity to discover companies developing practical solutions to everyday problems. This week I’d like to introduce Medjet.

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Are Our Devices Getting Inside Our Heads?

“When convenience feels like surveillance.” 

——- 

Have you ever had your wife show you a nice shirt on her phone that she thought you might want to buy—and the next thing you know, that same shirt, or something remarkably similar, pops up on your Facebook feed? Well, it happened to me today.

My first reaction was the one most of us probably have: Are these things listening to us? There is no evidence that we should assume Facebook heard that particular conversation, and targeted advertising can result from browsing activity, shared networks, previous searches and other data signals. But psychologically, that may not be the most interesting part. What struck me was how quickly I simply accepted it. Something that would have seemed almost Orwellian 20 years ago has become little more than another moment in an ordinary day.

Researchers have been studying this uneasy bargain between convenience and privacy for years. A 2021 study published in Computers in Human Behavior examining voice assistants such as Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant found that people weigh perceived privacy risks against the benefits these devices provide, with trust playing an important role in whether they accept the technology. Personalized advertising creates a similar psychological tug-of-war. Research published in the International Journal of Information Management found that privacy concerns can contribute to what psychologists call reactance—our tendency to resist when we feel that our freedom or control is being threatened. And research on Facebook advertising has found that perceived intrusiveness can increase that reactance and encourage people to mentally or behaviorally avoid advertising. In other words, even when technology is making our lives easier, part of our brain may still be asking, How much do they know about me?

For business, that creates an interesting dilemma. AI allows companies to understand customers and personalize their marketing with extraordinary precision, but there may be a point where relevance begins to feel like surveillance. Research by MIT professor Catherine Tucker found that personalized advertising became considerably more effective when users were given greater perceived control over their personal information—suggesting that trust and control matter almost as much as targeting itself. Perhaps the larger psychological question, however, is what happens when we stop noticing any of this. We may simply shrug, scroll past the shirt and move along with our day. That doesn’t necessarily mean our mental health is being harmed; current research doesn’t justify making that broad claim. But it does suggest something worth considering: when being watched—or at least feeling watched—becomes normal, our expectations of privacy, trust and even our relationship with businesses may quietly change along with it

The Takeaway: Technology knowing what we might want can be incredibly convenient. But when convenience starts to feel like surveillance, trust can quickly become part of the equation. For businesses, the lesson may be simple: just because technology allows us to know more about our customers doesn’t necessarily mean we should use everything we know. Sometimes a little distance—and a little privacy—is still good business.

Your Body is Part of the Business

“Clear thinking starts with taking care of yourself.”   

——-

Entrepreneurs spend a great deal of time thinking about strategy, capital, customers and competition, but one of the most important business assets is much closer to home: our own physical and mental condition. The connection between the two is stronger than we sometimes acknowledge. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, regular physical activity can improve sleep, reduce feelings of anxiety and support brain functions involved in thinking, learning and problem-solving. Research reviewed for the U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans has also found evidence that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity can benefit cognitive functions such as processing speed, memory and executive function. For an entrepreneur making decisions all day long, those aren’t simply health benefits—they can matter to how effectively we operate.

The same applies to what happens when we neglect ourselves. Long hours, constant connectivity and the feeling that there is always one more problem to solve can gradually chip away at recovery. A 2026 review published in Small Business Economics noted that entrepreneurs often face high demands, blurred work-life boundaries and chronic stress, while emphasizing the importance of sleep to cognitive functioning, emotional regulation and decision-making. The lesson isn’t that successful entrepreneurs need to become fitness fanatics. It’s that exercise, adequate sleep, decent nutrition and occasionally getting away from the desk should be viewed as part of the job. We wouldn’t knowingly run a company on failing equipment, yet too often we expect ourselves to do exactly that. Taking care of the body helps give the mind a better opportunity to do its best work.

The Takeaway: Success in business isn’t just about working harder or thinking smarter. The mind and body work together, and taking care of both can help us bring more energy, focus and resilience to the challenges we face. Sometimes one of the smartest things we can do for our business is simply take better care of ourselves.

Retirement Without Borders

“For a growing number of retirees, home may be somewhere entirely new.”

——-

Retirement used to mean downsizing, perhaps moving somewhere warmer, and staying reasonably close to family and friends. Today, the possibilities are much broader. With people more mobile than ever, retiring abroad has become a realistic option for Americans looking for a different lifestyle, better weather, lower living costs—or simply a new adventure.

And the choices are interesting. According to International Living’s 2026 Global Retirement Index, Greece ranks as the world’s top retirement destination, followed by Panama, Costa Rica, Portugal and Mexico. Italy, France and Spain also make the top ten. The rankings consider factors including housing, cost of living, healthcare, climate, visas and retiree benefits. Panama also ranked No. 1 in InterNations’ 2026 Expat Insider survey, with 87% of expatriates surveyed saying they were happy with their lives there.

But retiring overseas should never be based on a ranking alone. The best retirement country is the one that works for you. Healthcare, taxes, safety, residency requirements, language, climate and proximity to family can matter far more than whether a country finishes first or fifth on somebody’s list. Before making a permanent move, spend several weeks—or preferably longer—in the area you are considering. Go grocery shopping, visit neighborhoods, investigate medical care and experience ordinary daily life rather than simply enjoying it as a tourist.

Finances also require some homework. The IRS makes clear that U.S. citizens generally remain subject to U.S. tax on their worldwide income even when living abroad, although foreign tax credits and other provisions may reduce double taxation. Visa and residency rules vary considerably by country and can change, making professional tax and legal advice particularly important before relocating.

Healthcare deserves the same attention. Medicare generally provides very limited coverage outside the United States, so Americans retiring overseas typically need to investigate local healthcare systems, private insurance or international coverage. Keeping a residence in the United States while spending part of the year abroad is another option and can provide an attractive middle ground for those who want an international lifestyle without completely cutting ties to home.

Retirement no longer has to mean simply staying put. Greece, Panama, Costa Rica, Portugal, Mexico and several other countries are attracting retirees for very different reasons. The important point isn’t finding the country someone else says is best. It’s finding the place where your finances, healthcare needs and preferred lifestyle comfortably come together.

The Takeaway: Retiring abroad can offer adventure, value and an entirely different way of living—but don’t choose a country from a list. Visit first, understand the numbers and make sure everyday life feels as good as the vacation did.

Please keep in mind this information should not be considered as financial advice. Investment decisions should be based on individual research and consultation with a qualified financial professional. The value of investments can fluctuate, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Always consider your risk tolerance and financial goals before making investment decisions.

The Gentle Nudge

by Candace Smith
The Etiquette Blog
Candace Smith Etiquette

Biography:  Candace Smith, wife of Nobel Prize-Winner Professor Dr. Vernon Smith and owner of the extraordinary blog, “Etiquette for the Business of Life” as featured by BBC, Chicago Tribune and USA Today offers her insights.

“How to follow up without being a pest.” 

——-

Sometimes it’s necessary to nudge a response from someone, particularly when it comes to email. We’re all busy, with information coming at us at a constant pace. A message that isn’t handled immediately can quickly disappear beneath a growing inbox.

There is, however, a fine line between a friendly reminder and something that begins to feel like a push. Once we cross that line, courtesy can quickly turn into irritation.

The challenge is that we rarely know why someone hasn’t responded. Perhaps the email was opened and forgotten, the person has been traveling, or life simply got in the way. Rather than assuming the worst, give the other person the benefit of the doubt.

While You Wait 

Before following up, keep a few simple things in mind:

• Keep your emotions in check.
• Don’t accuse or imply that the other person has been rude.
• Consider whether you genuinely need an answer or are simply frustrated by the delay.
• Allow for the possibility that your message was overlooked.
• Give yourself a reasonable date to follow up rather than repeatedly checking for a response.

When the time comes, a gentle reminder is perfectly appropriate. Depending on the situation, you might forward your original email with a short note such as, “Hi John, just circling back on this when you have a moment,” or “Mary, I suspect this may have slipped through the cracks. Curious what you think and how we should proceed.”

If the matter is more time-sensitive, it’s also perfectly polite to be direct without being demanding: “Regarding the Johnson offer, should we consider setting a deadline? I’m happy to speak by phone if that would be easier.”

I also try to remember the other side of the equation. When I receive an email that deserves a response, my guideline is to acknowledge it within 24 hours whenever possible. I may not have the answer yet, but a simple, “John, I received your email and will get back to you later this week,” lets the sender know the message hasn’t been forgotten.

The Takeaway:  We’re all busy, and emails occasionally slip through the cracks. There’s nothing wrong with a gentle nudge. Just keep it brief, assume good intentions and lead with kindness. A reminder should feel like a tap on the shoulder—not a shove.

Natural Ways to Add Electrolytes to Your Day

by Morayma MaKay
Writer / Blogger & Content Creator
Adulthood Rewired

Biography:  Morayma Makay is a fashion model, mother, and writer.  She has
dedicated the last 20 years to working in the fashion and health fields as
both a researcher and content creator.

“Staying naturally hydrated.”     

——-

Summer may be winding down on the calendar, but in many parts of the country, the heat certainly hasn’t gotten the memo and a lot of us are still battling triple digit temps! These heatwaves can leave us feeling drained, headachy, sluggish and parched, and while reaching for a brightly colored sports drink may be the first thing that comes to mind, there are plenty of natural, and better, ways to replenish the electrolytes your body loses through sweat.

So, what exactly are electrolytes? They’re minerals that carry an electrical charge and help your body perform some pretty important jobs. Sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium are involved in everything from maintaining fluid balance and supporting muscle function to helping nerves communicate properly. When you sweat, you lose water along with sodium and these other minerals, and iif you’re sweating heavily for several hours, working or exercising outdoors, or dealing with significant heat, replacing some of those electrolytes becomes a lot more important.

Don’t Forget About Altitude

If you live at a higher elevation or are heading to the mountains this summer, hydration deserves even more attention. Higher elevations can increase water loss because we breathe more rapidly and the air is often dry. This is one reason a hike in Colorado, a trip to Flagstaff, or even a mountain vacation can leave you feeling more depleted than you expected…and here’s an interesting twist… altitude sickness and dehydration can share some symptoms, including headache, fatigue and nausea. So if you’re at a higher elevation and suddenly don’t feel well, it’s worth paying attention rather than assuming you simply need another glass of water.

Natural Ways to Get More Electrolytes

Now when it comes to adding electrolytes to your day, you don’t necessarily need a powdered mix or sports drink to get optimal amounts in. Plenty of everyday foods can help! Coconut water is naturally rich in potassium and contains some sodium, while watermelon provides both hydration and potassium. Oranges and other citrus fruits are another refreshing option, and a squeeze of fresh lemon or orange in cold water can make plain water a little more appealing. For something more substantial, reach for potassium-rich foods such as bananas and avocados. Plain yogurt provides potassium, calcium and fluid, while leafy greens such as spinach contribute magnesium, potassium and calcium. Nuts and seeds, particularly almonds and pumpkin seeds, are another convenient source of magnesium and other minerals…and don’t overlook sodium! If you’ve spent several hours sweating in the heat, something as simple as a lightly salted meal, a handful of nuts, olives, or a cup of soup can help replace some of the sodium you’ve lost. Pairing these foods with plenty of water can be a simple, approach to staying hydrated without relying entirely on commercial sports drinks that often contain food coloring and sweeteners.

A Simple Summer Hydration Strategy

Think of hydration as more than just filling up a water bottle once in the morning. Drink water regularly throughout the day, eat water rich fruits and vegetables, and include mineral rich foods in your meals. If you’re going to be outside sweating for several hours, that’s when an electrolyte drink,or a combination of water and salty foods,may make more sense. If you have heart or kidney disease, high blood pressure, or take medications that affect fluid or sodium balance, don’t automatically assume that more electrolytes are better. Your healthcare provider can help determine what’s appropriate for you.
The Takeaway:  So what’s the bottom line when it comes to electrolytes? You don’t need those neon-colored sports drinks with the fancy names and flavors to stay hydrated! More often than not, the most effective summer hydration strategy is wonderfully old-fashioned…remember how your mom or grandmother always told you to drink plenty of water, eat real food, have a little salt now and then…they were right!

GLP-1? Don’t Skip the Weights!

“Losing weight is just half the job.” 

——-

GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy, Ozempic and Zepbound have changed the weight-loss landscape, but there is an important part of the story that can get overlooked: not every pound lost is fat. A 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis of 20 randomized trials involving nearly 16,000 people found that lean mass accounted for roughly 25% to 39% of weight lost with incretin-based medications, depending on the drug. Importantly, the researchers found that programs combining weight loss with resistance training produced a more favorable preservation of lean mass. That is one reason anyone using these medications should think beyond the bathroom scale. A practical goal is progressive resistance training roughly three to five times per week—as fitness and medical circumstances allow—along with regular movement on the other days. The objective isn’t bodybuilding; it is making sure that as the body gets lighter, it also remains strong.

Protein is the other half of the equation. Because GLP-1 medications suppress appetite, it can become surprisingly easy to eat too little—not simply fewer calories, but less protein and fewer essential nutrients. A major 2025 joint advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, American Society for Nutrition, Obesity Medicine Association and The Obesity Society specifically emphasized preserving muscle and bone through resistance training and appropriate nutrition during GLP-1 treatment. More recent research continues to support adequate high-quality protein alongside progressive resistance exercise, although the appropriate protein target should be individualized, particularly for people with kidney disease or other medical conditions. Put simply, the goal should not be weight loss at any cost. We want to lose excess fat while preserving as much strength, muscle and function as possible.

And there is another encouraging part of the GLP-1 story. The benefits appear to extend beyond the scale. A 2025 meta-analysis of 85 randomized trials involving more than 90,000 adults found that GLP-1 receptor agonists lowered systolic blood pressure by an average of about 3.4 mmHg and diastolic pressure by about 0.9 mmHg, with greater weight loss associated with larger reductions. Another analysis of semaglutide trials found an approximately 5 mmHg placebo-adjusted reduction in systolic pressure, including among participants with hypertension. These are meaningful findings, but GLP-1 therapy should not be viewed as a substitute for blood-pressure medication, exercise or good nutrition. Instead, the emerging picture is much more interesting: GLP-1 medications may be powerful tools, but the best results are likely to come when the medication is paired with the habits that protect the body along the way.

The Takeaway: If you are going to use a GLP-1, don’t simply eat less and watch the scale. Lift weights, prioritize protein and make preserving muscle part of the program. The real victory isn’t just becoming lighter—it’s becoming healthier and staying strong.

A Perfect Labor Day BBQ

“One last taste of summer.” 

——- 

Labor Day weekend is made for slowing down, firing up the grill and enjoying one last taste of summer with family and friends. And there’s really no reason to overcomplicate it. Start with the classics: burgers with all the fixings, hot dogs or sausages, and perhaps some ribs or chicken for those willing to put in a little extra effort. Veggie skewers add color and are surprisingly good with a little char from the grill. One important reminder: according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F and poultry 165°F, measured with a food thermometer.

The sides are every bit as important. Potato salad, crisp coleslaw and grilled corn brushed with butter and a little seasoning are hard to beat. Add cold watermelon and you essentially have summer on a plate. The National Watermelon Promotion Board notes that watermelon is about 92% water, which helps explain why it tastes particularly refreshing on a hot afternoon. Keep the drinks equally uncomplicated—lemonade, iced tea, beer, seltzers and plenty of sparkling water. And on a warm day, remember the food itself: the USDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend refrigerating perishable foods within two hours, or within one hour when temperatures climb above 90°F.

Finally, save room for dessert. Peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream is tough to top, although brownies, cookies or an ice cream sundae bar will rarely draw complaints. More importantly, a good Labor Day barbecue isn’t really about creating the perfect menu. It’s about good food, a cold drink and spending a few unhurried hours with people you enjoy. Labor Day only comes once a year, so fire up the grill, fill your plate and let summer go out in style.

The Takeaway: The perfect Labor Day barbecue doesn’t have to be fancy. Keep the food classic, the drinks cold and the company good—and enjoy one last long summer afternoon.

The Story Behind Labor Day

“More than a long weekend.” 

——-

Next Monday is Labor Day in the United States and Canada, and for many of us, it marks the unofficial end of summer. One last long weekend, one more cookout, and perhaps a final chance to enjoy summer before fall begins to settle in.

But Labor Day has a story that goes well beyond the three-day weekend.

Interestingly, much of the world celebrates workers on a different day. In countries including France, Germany, Mexico and Brazil, May 1—often called May Day or International Workers’ Day—is the traditional holiday. Its roots stretch back to the 19th-century labor movement and the fight for better hours, safer workplaces and improved working conditions.

Here in the United States, Labor Day followed a somewhat different path.

A Holiday for the American Worker

The holiday was created to recognize the contributions American workers have made to the strength and prosperity of the country.

The first widely recognized Labor Day celebration took place in New York City on September 5, 1882, organized by the Central Labor Union. Thousands of workers participated in a parade followed by a picnic and other festivities.

There is still some debate over who first proposed the holiday. Labor leader Peter J. McGuire was long credited with the idea, while other historical evidence points to machinist Matthew Maguire of New York’s Central Labor Union.

Either way, the idea caught on.

Several states began recognizing Labor Day before Congress made it a federal holiday in 1894. More than 130 years later, we still celebrate it on the first Monday in September.

Why It Still Matters

Today, Labor Day probably means different things to different people. For many, it is simply a welcome day off and the unofficial closing chapter of summer.

There’s nothing wrong with that.

But behind the cookouts, baseball games and long weekend is something worth remembering. Many of the workplace protections we now take for granted were shaped by generations of people who pushed for better and safer working conditions.

Perhaps that is what makes Labor Day a little different from most holidays.

It celebrates something nearly all of us have in common—the value of work and the people who do it.

Happy Labor Day Weekend to our friends throughout the United States and Canada.

The Grand Canyon Disaster

“A reminder of nature’s power & fragility.” 

——-

My appreciation for the Grand Canyon began in 1991 when several of my college fraternity brothers and I decided to hike the famed Bright Angel Trail to the canyon floor.

What sounded like a great adventure quickly became one of the most physically demanding experiences of my life. The descent took us approximately nine to ten hours as we navigated the steep, narrow trail, frequently stepping aside for mule trains. In some places, one careless step could have resulted in a very dangerous fall.

Yet the scenery was unforgettable. With every switchback, another layer of the canyon appeared until we eventually reached Phantom Ranch at the bottom. After hours on the trail, it felt like an oasis.

Of course, we still had to climb back out.

That proved considerably harder. The Grand Canyon has a way of humbling you, regardless of your physical condition. The return seemed endless, with dehydration and exhaustion becoming very real concerns. More than three decades later, I still remember the feeling of finally reaching the top.

Those memories made the tragedy at the Grand Canyon this past week particularly difficult to see.

A powerful flash flood swept through Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area—the same area my friends and I traveled through years ago. Lives were lost, dozens of people had to be rescued or evacuated, and trails, bridges and portions of the canyon’s critical water infrastructure were badly damaged.

The loss of human life, of course, overshadows everything else. But the disaster also reminds us of something easy to forget about the Grand Canyon.

It looks indestructible. It isn’t.

The massive rock formations have survived for millions of years, yet the ecosystem within them can be remarkably fragile. Vegetation, wildlife habitat, streams, archaeological sites and trails exist in an environment where fire, drought, erosion and flash flooding can dramatically alter the landscape.

That is particularly significant because the canyon was already recovering from the massive Dragon Bravo Fire of 2025, which burned approximately 145,000 acres on and around the North Rim and destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge.

Now another recovery begins.

The Grand Canyon has always fascinated us not only because of its beauty, but also because of its mysteries. Restricted areas have inspired stories of hidden caves, lost civilizations and even secret discoveries. Most belong more to folklore than fact. In reality, many areas are restricted to protect archaeological sites, Native American cultural resources, fragile ecosystems—or visitors from extremely dangerous terrain.

Perhaps this week’s tragedy offers a more important lesson.

The Grand Canyon is rugged enough to make us believe it can withstand almost anything. Yet within that enormous landscape exists a delicate balance between geology, water, vegetation, wildlife and human activity.

We visit the Grand Canyon to experience its extraordinary strength and permanence. Events like this remind us of its vulnerability as well.

The Takeaway:  Nature has a way of reminding us that strength and fragility can exist side by side. The Grand Canyon has survived for millions of years, but that doesn’t mean it is immune to damage—or that we should ever take its power for granted. Respecting and protecting places like this helps ensure that future generations will have the same opportunity to stand at its edge, look down and simply be amazed.

The Grand Canyon National Park

Phantom Ranch Canteen