Corazon
de Vida is an interesting organization that helps children of Mexico by funding
and managing orphanages. Learn about Corazon de Vida Organization. Mexican
orphanages struggle with support so when you have groups to help that is
awesome! The vast majority of people I have met, and prefer to associate with,
are kind and want the best for children. It doesn't matter what language they
speak, where they are from, or what country they reside.
I also used to go down and help the orphans in the past and
would like to do more of that in the future. It is on my mind more these days
because I think when we get older, we want to do good things for people. I do
have a fund-raising page for a few years in case you want to contribute (That money goes
directly to the organization automatically). Little
Fundraiser Page Little Fundraiser Page
The other day I was discussing with a friend (not
specifically about this organization) how nice it would be if someone could
come up with a few hundred thousand dollars a year to fund an orphanage and
also raise educational money to provide a level of age-appropriate business
education curriculum. Maybe also offer short term internships at the orphanage
for nurses, professors, students, etc.. (I do think this organization does
have some of those internship opportunities).
The upcoming fundraising event in Orange County on July
19th, 2025. I may or may not be around to come so need to hold on before I get
a ticket. They may sell out by then. It would be nice to attend. If you’re
interested the information is below. Perhaps you are the type who likes to
volunteer and donate? I'm sure they would love the help.
We have been using a long run theoretical discussion on the influence of hate and corruption in decision making when checks and balances are not sufficient. In our example, misbehaviors in the wrong environment created a chain of events that highlighted some weaknesses associated with commitment to supportable moral values. The specific race, religion, or politic doesn't matter as much as there is an imbalance between those who are considered in-group "The Clan" and out-group members.
In our theory model, greed was a major incentive in the use of employment and social connections to exploit others for personal and collective gain. Victims were harmed by multiple poor actors as a result of the passive acceptance of hate and active acceptance of social/financial corruption in some social-work circles. Grotesque behaviors appeared normalized while more pro-social behaviors were frowned upon.
(In these thought experiment there is a general goal to look at things from unique perspectives. Different players and actors will have different perceptions based on anchored symbolism and in many ways how they see themselves and the world around them. There is a general belief that certain values should underline all of those perspectives as a way to frame good and bad choices.)
Keep in mind this is just an example for theoretical hypothetical thought experiment pontification purposes in an effort to explore the possibilities of defaults as well dip into where those defaults may start. The principles do not have a specific locality, race, religion or politic because they can be applied in general where similar factors are found. Where in-group members make choices to advantage themselves at the cost of the community, or who hold distorted beliefs that derail institutional functionality, then we should seek to understand.
The behaviors initiated by the perpetrators were based in greed, prior history of such greed, a pattern of bullying and preference in outcomes which normalized such behaviors through social learning/expectation setting. Why would such a thing happen with no backstops? The answer appears to be very complex but as we explore we also define the edges of the concept and better ways to minimize its impact on others and future generations (There are some human capital and economic issues intermingled so there are reasons to explore. There are some indications there are deeper implications for social and economic interaction patterns that influence total system health.)
According to this study,
Greed provides higher outcomes, mixed evolutionary, and lower psychological outcomes. Greed: What Is It Good for?
In our learning example there were financial and social incentives to engage in hate and corruption. There were less financial and social values for standing for one's oaths and pro-social values. Clear differences between profession of belief and actualized behaviors (moral conscious misalignment). It is an indication of environmental protections and normalization of corruption and hate in some circles. Later it was found that there were other victims that could have been shielded from harm if whistleblowers were not retaliated against aggressively (Short term need to appease in-group members with long term impacts on others.).
A question of how to avoid in the future has not been fully answered but we have learned about hate and corruption as influenced by greed. We have gained some insight into how such groups form and why they act with immunity and impunity. The simple process of looking at studies helps to understand the nature of such issues creates greater knowledge and awareness. It is meant to be a general perception so as to understand underlining principles and best ways to support institutional health (In our example we make the assumption that corruption and hate can undermine our institutions and shared values.)
*Theoretical philosophical example for learning so take with a grain of salt. We can write the ending anyway we want so we can always have a positive ending. Since it is meant for discussuin feel free to leave a comment.
Hoyer K, Zeelenberg M, Breugelmans SM. Greed: What Is It Good for? Pers Soc Psychol Bull. 2024 Apr;50(4):597-612. doi: 10.1177/01461672221140355. Epub 2022 Dec 28. PMID: 36575964; PMCID: PMC10903135.
OSF St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group received 4 out of 5 on the NRRS 5-Star Rating System NNRS Rating. That is commendable and wonderful to have such a great facility in the Escanaba area.
Overall health and access to strong medical care is helpful to a strong community. While there is a benefit to towns with medical facilities in terms of livibility there is also opportunities to draw new talent to the area through doctors and staff. There is of course the hospital and the clinics that also use skilled talent.
You can see from the report below that there are major changes going on in the industry and much of that is related to technology.
The job report came out higher than expected and stocks markets reacted positively. We have discussed short and long-term lenses in economics. Policy changes and global activities will impact investment and supply chains in the short run through adjustments/adaptation and will settle in the long run to more of a homeostasis. Watching and reviewing various economic metrics allows executives to understand better how markets are acting and reacting to better position their companies.
A few Key Points:
-177,000 jobs were added in April, 2025.
-Unemployment still at 4.2%
-Labor force participation rate 62.6%
-Average hourly rate $36.6
-Healthcare, transportation & warehouse, financial activities, social services rose.
Two
interesting changes which could have impact on growth prospects and the area's appeal to investors. First, the City of Escanaba opens it doors to entrepreneurs
and that is a sign that increased investment and downtown interest could help
improve the community significantly. Secondly, Gladstone rebrands, making their
brand simpler and easier to understand to help attract market interest.
Escanaba Opens Doors to Entrepreneurs:
The video explains their focus around skilled trades, industry/manufacturing, and entrepreneurship
For Michigan communities there are some suggestions that came from the study below, "1) utilize organizations, businesses, and institutions within and surrounding the community, (2) engage in long-term planning and visioning for better development outcomes, (3) support sustainability initiatives and smart growth principles, (4) invest in networking infrastructure to connect to the digital economy, and (5) take advantage of rural-specific loans, grants, and programs through the federal or state government (White, 2022, abstract).
Gladstone's new logo/brand is a little simpler to
understand. One might think of this as memory and recall. As people interact
with Gladstone and have experiences, they will neural code that information
with the brand (hopefully). One might also consider coordinating the brands in
the area to create a theme that represents Delta County (big picture story that can be remembered.).
There is an indication according to this study that city
branding can impact price of hotels as well as attract investors, tourism and
students (Herget, Putru & Abrham, 2015). (Thinking Bay College and other
training programs). I would think of this as the overall enhancement
of value for the area even though the study focused on more of an objective
metric such as hotel price (In research you have to pick an accessible data
points).
Herget, Jan & Petru, Zdenka & Abrhám, Josef. (2015). City branding and its economic impacts on tourism. ECONOMICS & SOCIOLOGY. 8. 119-126. 10.14254/2071-789X.2015/8-1/9.
White, K. (2022). Small Town and Rural Economic Development: A Case Study Analysis of Strategies for Success Analysis of Strategies for Success. SPNHA Review, 18 (1).
La traviata filled the halls with sounds and spirits of love
that would make even love masters like Cupid jealous. The sounds of life, the voice of travesty,
and a stage of awe brought joy and tears to the audience's face. If you’re in
San Diego, you simply must check out the arts scene like the Opera (There is
also the symphony and other cultural performance). A great night out might be dinner, a glass of wine and the opera!
(The other day I was talking to a friend about AI's impact on art and how
humans naturally develop art, music, theater, opera, etc. as lines of emotional-logical expression/understanding. The arts in live form are generated by human skill and have value in and of themselves.)
Academic-Capital Review: One could notice right
away the beautiful sets/stage with chandeliers and just the right lighting that
to accent furniture (shadows were very well thought out). The voices of the
opera singers resonated well throughout the theater. Movement was graceful and well-choreographed.
The costumes are extravagant and delightful!
You may want to review SD Operas to see the dates of the next shows and stay on top of the Opera news. San Diego Opera. Opera and creative arts rely on sponsors beyond ticket sales prices. Support SD Opera. A variety of funding sources are needed to keep such a beautiful venue thriving to provide world class talent as well as raise general awareness of the arts.
As an interesting concept let us discuss the tourism benefit of
cultural centers for cities. Opera offers a cultural outlet and enhances
tourism interests. The study below provides insight into the value of Operas in major cities, how far from city center, highways, restaurant,
hotel, etc.
(Theory Development: I'm thinking of how this idea might work to enhance tourism in a small town like Escanaba. What type of demographics, income, etc. and how that adds to the total experience. i.e. would a vistor that attends a local show have much better memory recall of the town and positive impression? Does it significantly add to the value of a trip and/or money spent? Is there an impact on hotel stay's, local productivty,education/human capital, etc?
Where our beloved Bonifas Fine Art Center is that hosts Players De Noc events, as
well as other cultural activities, is located near the city hall but also the park, a new
hotel/condo and one block off Ludington Street. There may be some opportunities to
enhance the value of tourism from these venues. BTW while Players it is a community theater the actors are top notch, shows
often sell out, directors skillful, and there is a solid local/visitor following.)
(Side Note: I sometimes do some dance and acting but it is not on this level. Been on stage a few times. I'm thinking more theater acting for fun. I'm jealous of these performers! My alternate life! 😊 )
Greenberg, M. and Schneider, D. (2024) Is Opera Part of Leisure-Oriented Redevelopment in the Largest U.S. Cities? An Empirical Assessment of a Historical Cultural Innovation. Current Urban Studies, 12, 598-616. doi: 10.4236/cus.2024.124030.
Advanced estimates of GDP appear to show a level of market and policy adjustment. We will need to wait to see how that works out in quarters going forward to fully understand aspects of how this may occur. Other sources are saying that investment is rising so this may need some time to understand. The report indicates changes are driven by imports (possible stock piling) and reduction of government spending. There are short and long-term perspectives when considering economics.
