Newsletter Issue #477

                                 

Entrepreneur & Author
JeffCorbett.com

              

A Nation Worth Celebrating

“Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety,
deserve neither liberty nor safety.”

– Benjamin Franklin (1755)

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As America approaches its 250th birthday, this week’s edition of Global Common Cents looks beyond fireworks and parades to explore the ideas, values, and people that helped shape the nation’s remarkable story. While this issue is centered on the United States, I also want to extend a warm welcome to our readers around the world. Every nation has its own unique history and traditions, and I hope you’ll enjoy this opportunity to explore the American experience through the lenses of psychology, entrepreneurship, investment, wellness, cuisine, travel, and history. From the optimism that inspired generations of pioneers and entrepreneurs to the inventors whose innovations changed the world, we examine the character traits that fueled America’s rise. We also revisit the founding principles of liberty and limited government, reflect on the active lifestyles of the Founding Fathers, savor the regional foods that define our national identity, and trace the milestones that transformed thirteen colonies into the United States of America.

Anniversaries offer more than an opportunity to celebrate—they invite us to reflect. Whether you’re packing the car for a Fourth of July road trip, gathering with family and friends, or simply enjoying a quiet summer weekend, I hope this issue reminds you that America’s greatest achievements have always been driven by ordinary people with extraordinary determination. As President Calvin Coolidge once observed, “The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.” Likewise, a nation that remembers its history, appreciates its freedoms, and continues striving to improve its future is one that remains worthy of celebration. To our readers across the United States and around the globe, thank you for allowing us to be part of your week. I hope you enjoy this special commemorative edition.

Jeff Corbett

Publisher | Global Common Cents

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 ShadowGPS, a company focused on helping individuals, families, and businesses better protect their vehicles and valuable assets through modern GPS tracking technology.

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The American Trait of Optimism

“Why practical wisdom may be today’s most undervalued competitive advantage.” 

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From its earliest days, America has been shaped by people who believed tomorrow could be better than today. That optimism carried settlers across mountains and prairies, inspired inventors to pursue ideas others considered impossible, encouraged entrepreneurs to risk failure in pursuit of opportunity, and gave generations of immigrants the confidence to begin new lives. I was reminded of that mindset throughout my childhood. Whenever I said I couldn’t do something, my father would quickly reply, “There is no such word as ‘can’t.” His point was not that success was guaranteed, but that obstacles should never become excuses for giving up. That simple lesson reflected the spirit that has long defined the American Dream—the belief that hard work, perseverance, and personal initiative can create a better future. Historian James Truslow Adams, who popularized the phrase “American Dream” in his 1931 book The Epic of America, described it as “a dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone.”

Modern psychology suggests there is real value in such optimism. According to psychologist Martin Seligman, a pioneer in the field of positive psychology, individuals with an optimistic outlook tend to demonstrate greater resilience when facing setbacks. Researchers have also linked optimism with improved physical health, lower cardiovascular risk, and longer life expectancy. For example, long-term studies published by researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the National Institutes of Health have found that people with higher levels of optimism generally experience better long-term health outcomes. Optimism alone does not guarantee success, but it often influences how people respond to challenges, adapt to adversity, and continue pursuing worthwhile goals.

Yet there are signs that America’s traditional optimism may be under increasing pressure. Political polarization, economic uncertainty, declining trust in institutions, and the constant stream of negative news amplified by social media can make it difficult to maintain confidence about the future. Even so, history offers perspective. Every generation has faced wars, recessions, social upheaval, and moments of doubt, yet Americans repeatedly responded with innovation, resilience, and determination. As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, perhaps one of the most important traditions worth preserving is not simply optimism itself, but the conviction that tomorrow can be better because free people are willing to build it.

20 American Inventors that Changed the World!

“Groundbreaking ideas that changed everyday life.”   

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America’s story has been one of imagination, ingenuity, and relentless problem-solving. From Benjamin Franklin’s experiments with electricity to the microchip and smartphone, American inventors have transformed not only the nation’s economy but everyday life around the world. While countless innovators have contributed to that legacy, the following twenty stand among the most influential for the lasting impact of their ideas and inventions.

Here is a widely accepted list of America’s most influential inventors, based on the significance and lasting impact of their inventions rather than simply the number of patents.

• Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790) – Lightning rod, bifocal glasses, Franklin stove.
• Eli Whitney (1765–1825) – Cotton gin; interchangeable parts manufacturing.
• Robert Fulton (1765–1815) – Commercial steamboat.
• Samuel Morse (1791–1872) – Telegraph and Morse Code.
• Charles Goodyear (1800–1860) – Vulcanized rubber.
• Elias Howe (1819–1867) – Practical sewing machine.
• Cyrus McCormick (1809–1884) – Mechanical reaper.
• Alexander Graham Bell (1847–1922) – Telephone. (Bell was born in Scotland but became a U.S. citizen and developed the telephone while living in America.)
• Thomas Edison (1847–1931) – Practical incandescent light bulb, phonograph, motion-picture camera; holder of 1,093 U.S. patents.
• Nikola Tesla (1856–1943) – Alternating current (AC) power system, induction motor. (Born in present-day Croatia; became a U.S. citizen.)
• George Washington Carver (c.1864–1943) – Agricultural innovations and hundreds of new uses for peanuts, sweet potatoes, and other crops.
• The Wright brothers (Wilbur Wright 1867–1912; Orville Wright 1871–1948) – First successful powered airplane.
• Lee De Forest (1873–1961) – Audion vacuum tube, enabling modern radio and electronics.
• Edwin Howard Armstrong (1890–1954) – FM radio.
• Philo Farnsworth (1906–1971) – Electronic television.
• Grace Hopper (1906–1992) – Computer compiler technology and pioneer of modern programming languages.
• Jack Kilby (1923–2005) – Integrated circuit (microchip); Nobel Prize in Physics.
• Robert Noyce (1927–1990) – Co-inventor of the silicon microchip; co-founder of Intel.
• Douglas Engelbart (1925–2013) – Computer mouse and pioneering work in interactive computing.
• Steve Jobs (1955–2011) – While not the sole inventor of the products, he revolutionized personal computing, smartphones, and digital music through the Macintosh, iPod, iPhone, and iPad.

Why Socialism is Anti-American

“What history teaches about freedom and government control.“

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The United States was founded on the principles of individual liberty, private property, limited government, and the belief that citizens—not the state—should direct their own lives. While modern political debates often use the term “socialism” in different ways, history provides numerous examples in which governments that abolished or severely restricted private property and centralized economic decision-making also curtailed political freedoms. Countries such as the former Soviet Union, Mao-era China, Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge, Cuba, North Korea, and Venezuela demonstrate how concentrated political and economic power has often coincided with censorship, weakened property rights, economic decline, and diminished civil liberties. As President Ronald Reagan warned, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.”

I did not learn this lesson solely from books. As a high school student traveling through Germany with my German class while East and West Germany were still divided, I saw the contrast firsthand. West Germany was vibrant, beautiful, prosperous, and full of life. East Germany, by comparison, felt gray, drab, dark, heavily controlled, and economically stagnant. Even as a teenager, I sensed that something essential was missing. After reunification in 1990, economic research documented the enormous gap in productivity, infrastructure, living standards, and personal freedoms that had developed between East Germany’s centrally planned socialist system and West Germany’s market-based economy. Economist Friedrich Hayek argued in The Road to Serfdom that centralized economic planning risks concentrating political power in ways that threaten individual liberty.

America’s 250-year experiment has never been perfect, but its greatest strength has been its commitment to expanding opportunity through freedom, entrepreneurship, and the rule of law rather than centralized government control. The historical record shows that many one-party socialist regimes relied on censorship, repression, imprisonment, forced labor, and violence to maintain power. That does not mean every government program is socialism, nor does it mean compassion has no place in public life. It means that when government becomes the dominant owner, planner, and controller of economic life, personal freedom is inevitably placed at risk. America was built on a different promise: that free people, acting with responsibility and opportunity, can build lives, businesses, communities, and a nation greater than anything the state could plan for them.

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.

July 4th Beach Etiquette

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.

“The unspoken rules that drive outcomes.” 

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With the summer solstice marking the official start of beach season, millions of people are preparing to enjoy sandy shores, refreshing waters, and warm sunshine. Whether you’re planning a family vacation at a beach resort or spending a day at your local coastline, understanding proper beach etiquette ensures everyone can enjoy their time by the water.  From respecting personal space to protecting our marine environment, following these essential guidelines will help create a pleasant experience for all beachgoers.

Respect Personal Space and Beach Territory

One of the most important aspects of beach etiquette involves respecting other people’s space. When choosing your spot on the sand, avoid setting up too close to other beachgoers unless the beach is particularly crowded.  A good rule of thumb is to maintain at least 10 feet of distance when possible.  This gives families and groups room to spread out, play games, and relax without feeling cramped.

Be mindful of where you place your umbrella, tent, or beach chair. Avoid blocking other people’s ocean views or creating obstacles in high-traffic walking areas.  If you need to walk through someone’s established beach area, politely ask for permission or walk around their space when feasible.

Mind Your Music and Noise Levels

Enjoy your music, but keep the volume low and be considerate of others. Use headphones or a directional speaker when possible, especially during early morning and evening hours when many people are seeking a quieter beach experience.
Keep conversations at a considerate volume, too. The beach is surprisingly good at carrying sound, so even personal conversations can travel farther than you think.

Practice Proper Beach Safety Etiquette

Safety should always be your top priority at the beach.  Follow all posted signs and lifeguard instructions without question.  If lifeguards are on duty, swim only in designated areas and pay attention to flag systems that indicate water conditions. Never ignore warning flags or swim in areas marked as dangerous.

Friendly reminder: If you’re playing volleyball, frisbee, football, or other beach games, choose an open area away from crowds and keep an eye out for people nearby. If your ball or frisbee lands near others, simply retrieve it with a smile and a quick apology if needed.

Children should be supervised at all times, ensuring they understand basic beach safety rules and respect for others.  Teach children not to run through other people’s beach setups or disturb sandcastles and beach structures built by other families.

Know the rules. Follow local regulations regarding smoking and alcohol. If alcohol is permitted, drink responsibly, dispose of containers properly, and never enter the water while impaired.

Environmental Responsibility and Conservation

Protecting our beaches and marine ecosystems is everyone’s responsibility. Always clean up after yourself by packing up everything you brought to the beach. This includes food wrappers, bottles and cans, and any other trash. Many beaches provide recycling bins, so use them appropriately to help reduce environmental impact.

Share the beach with its wildlife. Observe animals from a distance, avoid feeding them, and respect protected nesting areas.

I recently discovered that using reef-safe sunscreen makes a real difference—it helps protect coral reefs and marine life from harmful chemicals. When exploring tide pools or rocky areas, look but don’t take; leave shells and rocks in place so others can enjoy them and the ecosystem can stay balanced.

Creating Positive Beach Memories

The beach should be a place where everyone can create wonderful memories with family and friends.  By following these etiquette guidelines, you contribute to a positive environment that allows all visitors to enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities our coastlines provide.  Courtesy, respect, and environmental consciousness are the foundations of good beach behavior.

This summer could be the chance to finally take that long-dreamed-of beach vacation—and to enjoy it in a way that adds to the experience for everyone. Being mindful of others and the environment helps keep these coastal places beautiful, welcoming, and enjoyable for years to come.

The Mental Health Benefits of Nostalgia

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.

“Support your wellness.”     

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Lately, it seems like nostalgia is everywhere and a lot of us are yearning for a more analog lifestyle. We are rediscovering vinyl records, rewatching sitcoms from the 1990s, sharing childhood photos on social media, and talking about how much they miss life before smartphones became attached to our hands. Whether your favorite memories come from the 1970s, 80s, 90s, or even the early 2000s, there’s a good chance you’ve found yourself looking back a little more often these days.

There’s More To Nostalgia Than We Think.

It’s easy to assume nostalgia is simply a way of longing for the past and remembering the proverbial “good ol’ days”, but psychologists have found that it can actually be surprisingly beneficial for mental health. For a long time, nostalgia was viewed as something negative…a sign that a person was stuck looking backward instead of moving forward. However, more recently, researchers have begun to view and understand it differently, and in many cases, nostalgia serves as a healthy reminder of meaningful experiences, relationships, and moments that helped shape who we are.

Think about what happens when you hear a favorite song from high school or stumble across an old family photo album. For a few moments, you’re transported back in time, and you remember people, places, milestones, and everyday experiences that may have faded into the background of your memory. Those moments often bring more than memories…they can bring feelings of connection, comfort, belonging, and gratitude, all of which are key to maintaining optimal mental health.

The Power of Nostalgia.

Part of the reason nostalgia feels especially powerful right now may be because life has changed so quickly over the past two decades. Technology has transformed how we communicate, work, shop, date, travel, and spend our free time, and many of these changes have brought incredible conveniences, but they’ve also created a pace of life that can feel exhausting and almost mechanical at times. When people talk about missing the 1980s or 1990s, they’re often talking about more than the decade itself. They’re remembering a time when life felt simpler, slower, or more personal. They remember making plans without apps, browsing bookstores for hours, talking on the phone instead of texting, or watching a favorite television show when it aired because there was no streaming service waiting on demand.

Of course, every era had its challenges, and nostalgia has a way of softening rough edges…realistically few people actually want to give up modern medicine, GPS, or online banking, but that doesn’t mean the feelings behind nostalgia aren’t real. Maybe it’s a sense of community we all miss. Maybe it’s having fewer distractions. Maybe it’s remembering a stage of life when responsibilities felt lighter. Nostalgia helps us reconnect with those emotions, even if only briefly, and research has shown that nostalgic memories can improve mood and reduce feelings of loneliness. Looking back on positive experiences reminds us that we’ve built meaningful relationships and overcome challenges before. In that way, nostalgia can actually strengthen resilience and make us feel hopeful.

Embracing Nostalgia.

Nostalgia can also provide a sense of continuity since life changes constantly, and sometimes those changes happen so gradually that we don’t notice them until years later. Reflecting on the past reminds us that our current selves are connected to earlier versions of ourselves. The person you were at 16, 25, or 40 may seem very different from who you are today, but those experiences are still part of your story. Interestingly, nostalgia is often strongest during periods of uncertainty or transition. When the world feels stressful or unpredictable, people naturally look toward memories that feel familiar and comforting which is one way the brain helps create emotional stability.

There are plenty of healthy ways to embrace nostalgia and make it feel less like you’re “stuck” in melancholy about the past.  Listen to music from your younger years, pull out old photographs, reconnect with friends you’ve known for decades, revisit favorite books, movies, shows, or hobbies. Sometimes even sharing stories about “the good old days” with family members can spark conversations that leave everyone feeling more connected.

Maybe that’s why nostalgia feels so comforting…it reminds us that we’ve lived through so many different seasons of life, collecting countless memories along the way, and we still carry pieces of those moments with us today…and in a world that often feels like it’s moving at lightning speed, that can be a surprisingly reassuring thing!

How the Founders Stayed Fit

“Before fitness was fitness.” 

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America’s Founding Fathers never counted steps, tracked heart rates, or belonged to a gym, yet many lived remarkably active lives. Their daily routines demanded movement through necessity rather than recreation. George Washington spent years as a surveyor, rode horseback extensively, managed thousands of acres at Mount Vernon, and endured the physical rigors of military service during the Revolutionary War. Benjamin Franklin was an accomplished swimmer who even wrote about the benefits of swimming for health and safety. Thomas Jefferson was an enthusiastic walker, once advising his young nephew, “A strong body makes the mind strong,” and encouraging regular walking and outdoor exercise as part of a well-rounded life. According to historians at Mount Vernon and the National Constitution Center, physical activity was simply woven into the daily responsibilities of the nation’s founders.

Their example also aligns with what modern science tells us today. According to the World Health Organization, regular physical activity reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, several cancers, depression, and premature death while improving overall quality of life. The founders understood, through experience rather than scientific studies, that physical stamina supported clear thinking, sound judgment, and effective leadership. John Adams frequently took long walks, believing they refreshed both body and mind, while Washington’s lifelong commitment to riding, farming, and outdoor work reflected the physical resilience expected of leaders in the eighteenth century.

Perhaps there is a lesson here is the founders viewed health not as a hobby but as a responsibility that enabled them to serve their families, communities, and country. Their “fitness program” required no memberships or sophisticated equipment—only consistent movement, time outdoors, and purposeful work. In an age when many of us spend hours seated behind desks and screens, their example reminds us that some of the most effective habits for lifelong health are also the simplest. Nearly two and a half centuries later, that may be one piece of wisdom well worth preserving.

Foods that Tell America’s Story

“A nation united by regional flavors.” 

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Few things reveal the character of a nation better than its food. America’s culinary identity was not created in a single kitchen but around campfires, fishing villages, family farms, cattle ranches, and immigrant neighborhoods. Barbecue reflects generations of Southern pitmasters who refined slow-smoking techniques influenced by Indigenous peoples, European settlers, and African culinary traditions. New England’s lobster and oysters tell the story of coastal communities sustained by the Atlantic’s abundant harvest. Chili emerged from the rich cultural heritage of Texas and the Southwest, while apple pie—though rooted in European recipes—became an enduring symbol of American home and hospitality. According to the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian Institution, these regional foods reflect the diverse people, landscapes, and traditions that together shaped America’s culinary heritage.

Perhaps no phrase captures this affection better than “as American as apple pie,” even though apples and pie recipes arrived with European settlers. Over generations, Americans adapted those recipes using local ingredients, making the dessert uniquely their own. The same story can be told about countless American dishes: each represents the contributions of Native Americans, immigrants, farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and entrepreneurs who transformed regional ingredients into national favorites. Food historian James Beard wisely observed, “Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” As our nation marks 250 years of independence, America’s table remains one of its greatest achievements—not because everyone eats the same foods, but because every region proudly contributes its own distinctive flavor to the national story.

The Birth of America Independence

 “The key events that shaped a nation.” 

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As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, it is worth remembering that American independence was not achieved in a single day. It was the culmination of years of courageous decisions, military sacrifice, and visionary leadership. While July 4, 1776, is rightly celebrated as Independence Day, the journey to a free and sovereign nation unfolded over more than a decade. Here are the defining milestones that gave birth to the United States of America.

• April 19, 1775 – The Battles of Lexington and Concord marked the opening shots of the American Revolutionary War and the beginning of the colonies’ fight for independence.
• May 10, 1775 – The Second Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia to organize the colonial war effort and establish a unified government.
• June 14, 1775 – The Continental Army was officially created by Congress.
• June 15, 1775 – George Washington was unanimously appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army.
• January 10, 1776 – Thomas Paine published Common Sense, a pamphlet that persuaded thousands of colonists that complete independence—not reconciliation with Britain—was the proper course.
• June 7, 1776 – Richard Henry Lee introduced the resolution declaring that the colonies “are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States.”
• July 2, 1776 – The Continental Congress voted in favor of independence. John Adams believed this date would forever be celebrated as America’s national holiday.
• July 4, 1776 – Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, principally drafted by Thomas Jefferson. This became the date Americans commemorate each year as Independence Day.
• August 2, 1776 – Most delegates signed the engrossed copy of the Declaration of Independence.
• October 19, 1781 – The British surrender at Yorktown effectively ended major military operations in the Revolutionary War.
• September 3, 1783 – The Treaty of Paris officially ended the war, with Great Britain formally recognizing the United States as a free and independent nation.
• March 4, 1789 – The United States Constitution took effect, establishing the federal government that continues to serve the nation today.
• April 30, 1789 – George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the United States, marking the beginning of constitutional self-government.

Two hundred and fifty years later, these milestones remain more than dates in a history book. They represent the determination of ordinary citizens and extraordinary leaders who believed that liberty, self-government, and individual rights were worth defending.

The Roads that Built America

“Historic highways and scenic byways that continue to tell the nation’s story.” 

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Long before America was connected by interstates and jetliners, it was connected by roads—routes that carried settlers, merchants, soldiers, and dreamers westward. As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, there may be no better way to appreciate its story than by driving the highways that helped write it.

For much of our nation’s history, Americans traveled on local roads, wagon trails, and two-lane highways that linked communities and fueled westward expansion. That changed dramatically in 1956 when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act, creating the Interstate Highway System. Inspired in part by the military road networks he observed during World War II and the need for a modern national transportation system, Eisenhower’s vision ultimately produced more than 48,000 miles of interstate highways, transforming commerce, travel, and the American road trip.

Yet some of America’s most rewarding journeys are still found beyond the interstate. The Blue Ridge Parkway winds 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina, preserving both spectacular mountain scenery and Appalachian heritage. Historic Route 66, established in 1926, became a symbol of opportunity as millions traveled west in search of new beginnings. The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River through ten states, while the Overseas Highway links the Florida Keys across miles of turquoise water. According to the National Park Service and the Federal Highway Administration, these routes are recognized not only for their beauty but also for their historic, cultural, and recreational significance. As we commemorate 250 years of American independence, perhaps the finest tribute is to occasionally leave the interstate behind and rediscover the roads that helped build the United States—one mile, one story, and one unforgettable journey at a time.