Today's meeting was all about playgrounds. Who doesn’t' love
play? There is some strong research that indicates playgrounds are not only
helpful for the development of youth but also have value for the affluent
nature of a town. Consider that Escanaba is fiscally in the green, growing, and
improving each year this would be a great place for younger families to move,
companies to invest, and startups to basically start. I don't know about you,
but I would rather live where the cost of living is affordable, lots of
beeches, ice fishing, and hosting some of the best people you will find
anywhere!
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Escanaba City Council Regular Meeting Thursday (February 6, 2025): The Benefits of Playgrounds to Healthy Kids and Affluent Communities (Civics and Governance)
The Pace of Innovation and Patents (Innovation and Economy)
I'm reviewing some information on the speed of
innovation for a journal article, blog article, and economic cluster research
book. What I have found is that we are high on innovation, but we are in some industries being
outstripped by competitor countries. We can improve the pace of innovation if we support
research, application of research, and improve innovative environments. This is
part of what I'm working on and I think it has had some fruitful projections
and outcomes.
This is from Feb. 2024 so as I proofread my relatively
smaller book (15+ years of research) I will need to update prior to publishing
when the newer numbers come out. This won't be the only publication on the topic,
but it will be one in several general works on economics that relate to this
rapid innovative cluster systems. Thoughts on development.
It seems that when there are opportunities to think of wide
system development, we should understand the elemental ways in which microtransactions
impact macro performance. Thinking about speed, movement, type, organic vs. structured,
cross infrastructure synergy, etc. 🥱 sort of boring stuff
zzz unless you’re a nerd. 🤓
Global Competitors Outpace U.S. in Patents
(While I like innovation I would rather heat my home by a woodstove and read hardcover books. Technology is great but sometimes the simple hings come with their advantages as well. Yep, another cup of coffee and another chapter......☕📚)
Protection and Rewards of Hate Crimes (Hypothetical Thought Experiment)
Hate is a dangerous thing for any society and can warp institutions quickly if there are no protections against hate mixed with corruption. I'm a big time supporter of the most functioning systems we can create, with good purpose, and excellent officials who work towards the greatest good. Nevertheless, there are times where inappropriate behaviors occur and it is important for systems to have mechanisms to correct. It makes sense from a support, effectiveness and good stewardship of tax dollar dollars.
In this hypothetical thought experiment out group (not exclusive to any race, religion or politic) was targeted for cleansing by a number of corrupted "clan" officials who sought to exploit small difference in order to financially reward their friends. It was found later the group was engaged in all types of other criminal activities but there were no checks and balances, some officials who knew did not act to protect the public (fearful of clan rejection), and the decisions makers of justice continued to reward the perpetrators due to their social affiliations and racial/religious perspectives; often leaning into the extreme realm. As an example negligence comes to mind.
We typically would find this behavior in underdeveloped justice systems in third worlds where hate, racism, bigotries, tribal, religious, clan affiliations, etc. take precedence over the purpose of justice and the professed values of the institution. In the learning hypothetical example targetings continued on for a number of years and were intentionally allowed to continue for ideological reasons. Some were very happy at how quickly and easily they could warp functioning of such systems to their advantage.
Hate crimes do have a serious impact on our environment and they break down trust. Where these things occur you will often find other comingled crimes because it is based in the mindset of those who can justify harming others through exclusionary thinking. Underreported hate crimes, others who complain about preferences in justice outcomes, unwritten target lists, higher crime rates, etc. There are a number of markers of corruption that when put together indicate a potential for inappropriate group behaviors.
All people have value and this is rooted in social contracts, most religions, and our deeper moral conscious (pay attention to this word in future discussions). It is something I was taught when I was young and as I got older I realize that not all people are seen as having value by all people. I lean a little conservative and do not believe God makes mistakes nor that injustice was ever His intent. We as humans can make mistakes and we can correct. All races and religions are appreciated for what they can do and teach humanity. The philosophers of God always taught a higher moral order. Hate crimes and the protection thereof for ideological reasons should be something foreign to our value systems; all value systems. It was written into our artifacts and social contracts. At least from a moral, contractual, spiritual and religious perspective.
Hate Crimes Hurt Some More Than Others: Implications for the Just Sentencing of Offenders
Monday, February 10, 2025
"There is a Tide" Caesar-Painting and Items (Painting and Products)
This painting was made abour a year ago and I was thinking about what to do with it. I converted the painting to a few products. You may learn more about his history at Julius Caesar History
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"There is a Tide" products or Original Painting for Purchase |
Manufacturing PMI Rises 1.7% In January 2025 (Economy)
Reviewing the Manufacturing PMI helps understand what
industries are rising, which are declining and how long the trend has been. There was a 1.7% increase from 49.2% to 50.9%. This release indicates that exports orders rose 2.4% a little more than imports
1.4%. Since imports and exports are both growing after experiencing contraction
one might reasonably believe there has been an increase in economic
activity.
One good news piece is that export growth is rising and we
would like to see that beome a growing trend. The types of imports might
indicate how well or not well we are using those resources to build wealth.
That might require a few additional numbers to understand well. You would have
to trace the supply lines and company financial reports as to see how functional the industry is
(theoretically).
I took the following summary quote,
Institutional Trust Index by Country (Global Economy and Civics)
Trust is an important thing. Nations should foster trust as
much as possible to reap the benefits of engagement. It is not something that
can be faked because people know the difference between what seems right and
what seems wrong in the same was as they know what is true and what is false.
Thinking from an organizational standpoint trust is built when stakeholders
match action and word (Walk the talk), engage people in meaningful work (i.e.
organizational mission, goals, oaths, professions, purpose), and integrity in
benefits (all members of society and not some).
If you study history you will come to understand the risks of not creating
institutional trust. It is a good idea to understand what people's sentiments about
certain institutions are and make meaningful effort to raise that trust in a
genuine way by doing the right thing each and every time if possible.
“No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one will. We ourselves must walk the path.” —Buddha
Developing Innovation Through an Entrepreneurial Mindset (Business Development)
Teaching business and doing so effectively is important for the development of society. We can learn from life, we can learn from experience and we can learn formal business skills through school. I came across this study on teaching the entrepreneurial mindset that seems a good one to discuss. Business can be an avenue of wealth for the individual, for employees and society. It can also be a source of improving our communities when people use those resources for the benefit of everyone. Much has come from the world of business and it starts with an entrepreneurial spark and mindset.
Helping students/others to understand management techniques mixed with entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship can help organizations and communities to develop. For example, college students should understand how to apply a basic entrepreneurial process to systems while future aspiring business owners with a good idea may need to know how to launch a new venture with practical outcomes.
Innovation is now necessary for the digital era and is going to differentiate growing from non growing societies. Do you know how to innovate?
A study to think about,
Shetty G, S., Baliga, V., & Thomas Gil, M. (2024). Impact of entrepreneurial mindset and motivation on business performance: deciphering the effects of entrepreneurship development program (EDPs) on trainees. Cogent Business & Management, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2024.2314733