Words that Damage (Philosophical Thought Experiment)

People have discussed words such as hate speech for a long time and often wonder what impact it has on environments. In my hypothetical thought experiment, we find that in certain circles where hate speech is high there is belittling of others in general and more pointedly against certain races, religions, politics, etc... That leads to a desensitization of such hate and in turn likely increased aggressiveness toward those others. That will have an impact on total group performance.

According to the study below hate speech increases prejudice, dehumanization, and lack of empathy toward out-group members. I'm just working on a thought experiment where a member of society is hated so radically there are no backstops to poor behaviors. Its meant to be hypothetical but still very interesting in the many ways we can sort of think about hate.

Don't think in terms of specific anything as it applies not necessarily to any individual race or religion or politics but to the general concept of hate and its influence. There may be potentially untapped sources of human capital and trying to understand how speech improves or deteriorates group performance is helpful

I know there are lots of opinions on this topic. My focus is on moral conscious and human performance because they are tied deeply into the human psyche.  When do you think people perform the best or the worst? Notice that the research says either or making it more of concept that is subjectively dependent on who is and who isn't in the outgroup. It is a human issue designed to create social boundaries.

Exposure to hate speech deteriorates neurocognitive mechanisms of the ability to understand others’ pain

Pluta, A., Mazurek, J., Wojciechowski, J. et al. Exposure to hate speech deteriorates neurocognitive mechanisms of the ability to understand others’ pain. Sci Rep 13, 4127 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-31146-1

Reps to Gain Muscle vs. Reps to Gain Strength

If you frequent the gym you likely fall into a few categories as they relate to how you look, how you feel, and how you perform. Those who desire to look good want bigger muscles and those who into sports peformance want strength. If you read the fitness magazines you realized that most recommend pushing weight until fatigue but now some research says that depends. 

Those who seek to gain muscle should move into 0-5 reps of failure while those who want to gain strength should work toward heavier loads but 3-5 reps of default.

For Bigger Muscles Push Close to Failure, For Strength, Maybe Not

I'm a licensed fitness trainer so if you are interested in virtual or face to face training let me know. 

Art, Creativity, Business Innovation, and Leadership (Art and Applied Psychology)

Wooded Pathway Etsy
eBay Gallery
Orange Sunset Picture

Just in case you were curious studies like this help us understand that creativity is a mindset much like an entrepreneurial mindset or the ability to find differences in the environment. This paper supports the idea that creativity, business innovation, and leadership are in some way related. Other studies seem to provide some support for that. 

Creativity and Leadership: How the Arts Can Improve Business Strategies

Continuing with my little art hobby I have finally moved photos in one gallery and paint in another. However, I also thought I could take a few on eBay and just see if there is any interest there. I do not consider it professional art but a hobby. 

Cacciatore, Silvia. (2023). Creativity and Leadership: How the Arts Can Improve Business Strategies. Socio-Cultural Management Journal. 6. 55-84. 10.31866/2709-846X.1.2023.278653. 

Delta County Board of Commissioners Meeting (2/4/2025) The Art of Solving Problems

 The meeting was interesting and brought up some of the happenings and activities of the county. All governance focuses on solving problems. You can see their actively seeking to solve issues as they rise. I found this article on The Art of Problem Solving which I thought was very interesting. As with every problem there is a solution and such solutions help define, improve, and thrive. 

January 2025 Jobs and Unemployment Rate (Economy and Labor)

New jobs did not rise as much as initially projected but it isn't the whole story. Some of this may be normal as the market adjusts and a certain percentage of people shift jobs. Jobs are not the only marker or benchmark for economic health. It is only one measurement that provides a simple piece of information but doesn't tell the whole story. It should be kept in mind that there are also lots of policy changes that at some points are going to have an impact on the job market in one form or another (i.e. more workers in the market). Helping workers transition and update skills for other types of work is helpful for resettlement and market labor efficiency. Some of that is based on access and quality of education. Interestingly, there was likewise decline in some industries in which we are likely to see greater focus and effort to improve in the future. 

The Unemployment Situation January 2025

-143,000 jobs in January 

-Unemployment rate down to 4.0 percent

-Jobs added in health care, retail trade, and social assistance. 

-Employment declined in mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction.

-Income rose 17 cents, 0.5 percent, to $35.87. 

JP Morgan Economic Confidence Survey of Executives for 2025 (Business and Economics)

Surveying and understanding business and investment sentiment helps understand the environment. Hard numbers from economic research are helpful but so are the thoughts and opinions of business executives. They are the ones who use those numbers and ofen influence those numbers. If they are feeling optimistic and can find resources, work in a stable market, then there will be increased upward economic pressure. Labor challenges may still be a challenge. 

JP Morgan Economic confidence snaps into focus

-2/3 executives express optimisim.

-29% optimistic about global conditions

-59% optimism regional economy.

-60% optimism indusry performance

-75% optimism about their own companies.

-74% expect revenues to increase.

-65% more profits

-51% plan to expend employment.

-77% indicae rising costs

-53% plan to introduce new products/services.

-34% plan to expand into new domestic markets.

-71% do not see a recession. 

-46% workforce challenges expected.

US ISM Manufacturing PMI Rises in January After 26 Month Contraction (Economy and Manufacturing)

Manufacturing appears to be on the rise and that is a good thing. It is important to return advanced manufacturing back to the US to ensure jobs for the future and long-term prospects of economic health. While unemployment is low, it is possible that new technology and human capital development can lead to parallel growth if matched at the right relative time in their developmental trends (Think of where developmental lines interject to determine opportunities.). More manufacturing means better middle class jobs and more economic stability.

A few key highlights from January US ISM Manufacturing PMI

-Demand and production improved.

-Employment expanded

-Growth industries were Textile Mills; Primary Metals; Petroleum & Coal Products; Chemical Products; Machinery; Transportation Equipment; Plastics & Rubber Products; and Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components.

-Further growth may impact prices.