Bob's Almanack

The other end keeps changing hands. The help stays.

~ Robert

New from Outside In Print

An anonymous man in a dark teal work jacket, rust knit cap, charcoal trousers, and brown boots steadies a honey-colored six-drawer dresser strapped to a hand truck at the foot of a narrow brick apartment stair in warm morning light.

The Other End

A willing hand is waiting where the weight continues.

A double-leaf drawbridge rises above a bright river as cars wait safely behind gates on both road approaches and a white sailboat carrying an anonymous sailor and a brown dog enters the channel.

The Song We Make

My step joins the music moving through everything.

This Week's Virtue

Industry

Industry gives each minute a useful task. Take the end that is yours. Lift when another hand joins. Water the plant, then leave its roots alone. Listen for the rhythm around you. Steady work makes room for effort while time handles its own part.

One Number

1.5%

Real U.S. gross domestic product grew at a 1.5 percent annual rate in the second quarter of 2026. The second estimate matched the advance estimate. source

One Document

Navy Readiness: Actions Needed to Address Costly Attack Submarine Maintenance Challenges

U.S. Government Accountability Office, 2026-08-27

The Government Accountability Office found more than 15,000 operational days lost to attack-submarine maintenance delays and idle time during fiscal years 2016–2025, at an estimated cost of $3.4 billion. source

Results

Lando Norris won the Dutch Grand Prix on August 23, finishing 11.536 seconds ahead of Kimi Antonelli. George Russell placed third. source

Records

On August 25, Taj Bradley struck out three batters on nine pitches. Major League Baseball says it is believed to be the first immaculate inning in Minnesota Twins history. source

Final Bows

Kei Nishikori played his final Grand Slam match on August 28. He lost 6–4, 7–6(3) to Rei Sakamoto before a U.S. Open retirement ceremony. He plans to retire after the Japan Open. source

Obituaries

Dolly Parton died August 25 at 80. Dollywood remained open the next day at her request. source
Yayoi Kusama died in Tokyo on August 14 at 97. Her studio announced her death on August 27. source

Sloth makes all Things difficult, but Industry all easy.

~ Poor Richard

Worth Reprinting

The Favor

Help without strings attached is nice.

The work continues even when the surface looks still.