The Personality of Coffee and Nature: Coffee Cups of Ocean Beach Pier and Blooms

People who enjoy nature, hike, bike and do other outdoor things seem to be a little more grounded with life. They appreciate the natural world around our beginnings. As a person who enjoys art and dabbles in it from time to time, I put together two mugs you may enjoy that show nature. One is of flowers and the other of Ocean Beach Pier (btw the pier I believe is to be torn down.). Below you also find a study on the personality of nature lovers and one on coffee drinkers. 

According to this study people who like nature are more likely to feel connected to humanity. It makes sense because if you spend enough time in nature you learn how dependent we all are to it and it to each other. Connectedness to Nature and to Humanity: their association and personality correlates

The smell of freshly ground coffee, sitting in Ocean Beach on on the boardwalk, watching the surfers get swallowed by the waves. The mornings are the best while the is still low. It is a time to contemplate and enjoy the ocean air.

Interestingly according to this study there doesn't appear to be a personality association with coffee drinking. However, impulsive extroverts may enjoy caffeine benefits of cognitive performance, reduced sadness, and higher mood. Chapter 30 - Personality Traits and Coffee Intake

If your a nature lover you might be interested in the Ocean Beach Estuary Enhancement Project. While I have nothing to do with this project I have been to that area many times. So if people are actively trying to improve the waterway then I support them. Sadly, people still keep throwing stuff in the water and lots of run off. 

Ocean Beach Coffee Mug @$18.10 (date of posting)

Euro Escape Mug  @$18.10 (date of posting)

The Causes and Effects of Corruption (Hypothetical Thought Experiment)

Corruption has a corrosive effect on nearly anything it touches because it is based on dishonesty and misuse of trust for self/group gain. From the economic and business side corruption slows down transactions and in turn warps normal business patterns so resources are misused and misallocated for an in-group. Trust can be impacted if normal human exchange patterns are disrupted. Having a strong ethical/moral code along with appropriate checks and balances can help protect the whole system from poor actors (One should distinguish between the majority who do what is right and the minority who warp the system for their in-group. We make the assumption that corruption and hate are not desirable.). 

I have been using a hypothetical thought experiment to philosophically explore hate and corruption at its worst where it warped the functioning of an institution. Falsely spread hate rumors, close connection of corrupted officials, coaching perpetrators how to exploit, and decision-making preferences led to a default. No checks and balances, whistleblowers retaliated against, perpetrators financially encouraged, cleansing type behaviors, and laws were tools without their purpose (i.e. not anchored in their root social artifacts and accepted value systems).

In our ethical learning example extortion, aggression, civil/human rights, resource misuse, in-group membership, etc. came into play in one form or another. It helps highlight that while the majority of people are good and honest there are a percentage of people within any society that will do anything to get what they want. Give them a group of uncritical followers and you have a problem. Our systems are built for those who have not internalized acceptable values. It struggles in closed systems where decisions makers give preference to their friend/in-group networks in a way that put others in harm’s way. and undermines trust.

The story is used to explore, and we will eventually write in a narrative of resilience and system adaptation where the people/community become again more important than the small but powerful in-group. Around the same time, the community (...and officials serving the public) challenged corruption, their economic prospects increased, and they created a 'sense of community' that brought a higher sense of collective purpose (Something the corrupted embedded network didn't understand nor did they expect.). Justice was intentionally suppressed as patterned behavior but The People strove for the next rung and reached it.

In our learning example the specific race, religion, social network, politic etc. doesn't matter as the presence of corruption should be enough to prompt actions to improve. In a highly diverse world clear misuse of authority to further one's ideologies and beliefs about others (i.e. the dehumanization process) should not be encouraged or tolerated by those who seek to uphold our root values, beliefs and oaths. It is these examples that help cut the wheat from the chaff on who should and who should not have authority. (This is a learning story to understand and encourage what strengthes the economic and social underpinnings of society so as to improve the whole.)

Causes and Effects of Corruption: What has Past Decade's Empirical Research Taught us? A Survey

-Inefficiency can cause corruption. (Misuse of resources)

-Freedom of press minimizes corruption. (Using intimidation to silence legitimate well thought out opinions)

-Corruption slows economic growth. (Low growth over a few decades that reversed when corruption was challenged)

-In-group preference that encourages corruption. (Open complaints and conversations on corruption and preference within the system)

-Level of democratic principles reduce corruption in governance size. (Lack of respect for oaths, values, pledges and social contracts related to a strong democracy.)

-Decentralization reduces corruption. (Closed network with coordinated unhelpful behaviors)

-Legal systems with common law reduce corruption. (Subjective application of law. Coaching on how to harm and immunization of poor behaviors)

-Diverse political engagement reduced corruption (Indications of extremism and violence present)

-Lower levels of property rights increase corruption. (Open financial exploitation of others. Putting youth and elderly at risks to financially reward oneself.)

-Better pay for officials will reduce corruption. (The vast majority are good officials who deserve higher pay. Notice in our example I have been saying this for a while. It is part of the process of developing high functioning systems. Encourage good officials to stay and corrupted ones to leave.)

-Corruption more common in less urban areas. (Close social connections 'good old boy' allowed corruption to go on for years due to close proximity.)

Dimant, Eugen & Tosato, Guglielmo. (2017). Causes and Effects of Corruption: What has Past Decade's Empirical Research Taught us? A Survey. Journal of Economic Surveys. 32. 10.1111/joes.12198. 

*This is a hypothetical philosophical thought experiment for learning purposes so take with a grain of salt. Since it is a discussion feel free to leave a comment. Stay tuned as it is a series and we have learned how such systems work, what checks are needed, and about the impact of hate and corruption on society.  

Human Capital and Predictive Analysis Podcast

Developing human capital is helpful as we implement new technologies and equipment in the business world. Whether one is projecting skilled trades or professional positions, understanding what your organization needs, how it will meet market changes, and its current resources are helpful in forecasting. 

 (An episode of a podcast I created to test out how to create one and use. Yes, I know I would give it a C- but I'm learning. 😬 I'm building an arts/actor’s CV. I used to do a lot of theater in the past and still do a few things here and there but am thinking about engaging in a little more acting, theater and other stuff for fun. I have been in and out of arts type stuff on the side so activities should be organized somewhere. I thought I would share this one that I found.)

Better Managing Interior Firefighting Risks (Volunteer Firefighting)

I'm writing on another site that raises awareness of firefighters and their needs. If you didn't know I'm a volunteer/PT firefighter when I'm in the Escanaba area. I try to find resources, grants, and other things when I'm not around and unable to take any calls. As I come across resources I put them on the site I built just for firgherfighters (btw it also helps me to keep learning so a double benefit. For example, after reading the study I now have a good idea how to systematically risk rank buildings. There really isn't much on the site and I have to link the domain so I will share at some other point.). Collecting newer research and then posting that for other firefighters.

If you like volunteering to help your community join one of these organizations because they are down nationally and resources are becoming more limited (Our does pretty well in terms of recruitment and we support multiple other departments). On the flip side, if your a business and want to donate to a great department let me know in the message to the right and I will point you to a great fire department. Tax deductible donation.

Better Managing Interior Firefighting Risks [Research Study]

Saving lives also means ensuring that firefighters are not taking undo risks when they are not necessary or at times not even helpful. Structure fires create specific risks when teams must do interior work. Proximity to fire, confined spaces, create dynamic environments where many things can go wrong. The study below helps bring forward a few ideas on how to better manage such risks. 

• Develop strong standard operating procedures (SOP and guidelines (SOGs) for risk management related to fire structures with abandoned, vacant and unoccupied structures. 
• Risk analysis prior to decision making on undertaking interior actions. 
• Interior attacks should be done when resources are available such as water, ventilation, lighting, rapid intervention teams, and accountability resources. 
• Use standard systems for identifying and marking vacant buildings based on risk factors.

Fire Service Fatalities in Interior Structure Firefighting

Campbell, R (2025). Fire Service Fatalities in Interior Structure Firefighting.NFPA Reseach. https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/fire-service-fatalities-in-interior-structure-firefighting

Network Density, Patents and Innovative Development (Cluster Theoretical Model)

Industry innovation helps push companies to adapt quickly as they seek to find global footing. In our theoretical model we are creating a rapid innovation system that can be designed to speed innovation in some arenas as well as and/or create hedged resilience for local communities in other arenas against market shifts. The general conceptions of both types are similar so at times the two can be focused into a single flexible system (a balance between impact and longevity). The manner of development of either focused or organic cluster development of particular interest.

(We are dealing with theoretical models so there are no guarantees but overall the principles of developing a cluster will give administrators an opportunity to better formalize the interconnected nature of local economies and how that understanding can lead to greater coordination for positive economic and social outcomes. In other words, the simple ability to see systematically the components of economic development offers more insights on how choices lead to greater outcomes. Theoretically anyway. 🤔)

This study helps highlight how relational and structural embeddings across inter-industry collaboration leads to higher levels of innovative performance (Shi & Xiao, 2024). The use of patents is one way in which we can measure advancements. It also indicates that network density impacts innovative capacity. For my own research purposes, one would think of the total network capacity on multiple levels. I would think the principles of knowledge sharing and collaboration could happen online, on ground, or socially. One might take a broader perception of network (At least that was the way it was in the initial model and still seems to make sense now.)

Research on the Impact of Inter-Industry Innovation Networks on Collaborative Innovation Performance: A Case Study of Strategic Emerging Industries.

Keep in mind that cluster development requires social and economic transactions that foster innovation cross-industry and potentially out of cluster to regional stakeholders (Vine concept in initial model 16 years ago). Thus, designing a cluster with proper network density, anchor business that can hedge cluster similarities, and working toward mutual goals may have an impact on speeding patents as representation of innovation (Patents being one common measurement of innovation. There are others.)

Shi, J., & Xiao, Z. (2024). Research on the Impact of Inter-Industry Innovation Networks on Collaborative Innovation Performance: A Case Study of Strategic Emerging Industries. Systems, 12(6), 211. https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12060211

How Our Backgrounds Influence Decision Making (Corruption and Hate Thought Experiment)

Our backgrounds can have an impact on the way in which we view the world and how we see, act, and react to others (stimuli). The very way we think of issues is rooted deeply into our upbringing, symbolic anchors, social networks and patterns. Most of the time very good things come from such perceptions of the world but there are times when social networks and misperceptions can have a major impact on the environment. Because it is a deeply embedded way of thinking, only awareness and checks-in-balances can help minimize impact of poor thinking and decision making. On the flip side we can use moral failures to raise the stature of higher order thinking to strengthen the health of the whole. In our long running philosophical hypothetical thought experiment example for learning purposes and pontification we use open hate and corruption to highlight the concepts and will eventually move onto a positive result and the natural adapatations that occured (No specific race, locality, religious, locality, or politic in principles.)

You may want to read this article to understand how background impacts decision making.  

How Our Background Influences Our Decisions

In our running example, the way in which one understands and interprets information is based in filters. An improper filter can bias decision making to a point where defaults in justice performance and clear protection of misbehaviors can occur. Such behaviors may have existed in the past and may continue with little respect for the needs of the community. Good people and officials stood for what was right to create a pause, but victims were still stuck with the bill and those who exploited others rewarded in a flip of moral and legal essential root values. 

In our philosophical example, there were known clan-based behaviors through the misuse of official positions, open actions of bullying/aggression, and the rewarding and protecting of behaviors that would be illegal when comparing the social contracts and history of such ideals.  Retaliation of whistleblowers common and people openly talked of corruption and preferences. The subjectivity of law became increasingly apparent. Official complaints and reports ignored, and new victims created from the power of dehumanization mixed with lack of normal protections.

Eventually the community overcame some of the misbehaviors through mass reporting in a way corrupted officials could no longer deny (Some confused, some lied to, and some doing the wrong thing.). What was obvious to most people was ignored by decision makers intentionally. Investigations into corruption blocked and false investigations opened to further political, ideological, racial and religious misperceptions. Other cases in other areas were dropped due to open allegations of bias and misuse of positional authority for ideological and social purposes (It happens when one doesn't reflect on the bigger purpose of positions.) 

(The whole point of the example is to show grotesque behaviors normalized through poor thought patterns and false anchors. The example is meant to be a little over the top and that is one of the points that will become apparent for deeper understanding. )

On an individual level we can understand how our culture and symbolic understandings can impact what we see and understand in our environment through selective perceptions and ignoring of glaring facts (Monkey Business Illusion or as I think of it glass half full through mirrors that showcase those hidden symbolism. These might be analyzable the same as using public information could be used to uncover patterns of corruption. We might be able to analyze these actions, reactions, and choices from two different lines to understand collaboration as well as intent to harm by some. Likewise, to also show who steadfastly upheld their values, oaths, and integrity of their positions for promotion purposes.). 

We may also consider intentionally understanding other misperceptions and lines of logic to find that in which they are similar and different. Further, we can continue to challenge corruption until a higher moral order emerges. This is where checks and balances would be helpful. Finally, we can be more thoughtful in how we administrate our social contracts and how certain behaviors undermine our institutions. It is important to act with the highest amount of integrity to ensure such systems run into the future at their highest state because people rely on them. Our futures may rely on them. 

What do we learn?

1. Our backgrounds, self-perceptions, and social networks impact how we see the world and how we act toward others. Once one learns the skills needed to universalize values within a specific historical and legal perspective they will see something very different. Winning and getting people in trouble in the short run is a narrow tactical perspective (technicalities of law and corruption) while upholding the shared principles of society through our laws is a leadership founding principle perspective (a philosophers and true north perspective of the purpose of law).

2. It is important to think about how to support institutions through supporting their essential purpose and avoid misusing them for lower order values. That may include making sure only people who are qualified professionally (skill based) and morally are in positions of high authority. 

*This is a hypothetical thought experiment for philosophical exploration purposes so take with a grain of salt and feel free to bring forward comments and different perspectives.

Escanaba City Council Regular Meeting Thursday (May 1, 2025): Log James and Pathways.

Much of the discussion was on whether or not the park and city would benefit from a grant on expanding a trail down to the waterfront versus improving current sidewalks. There were some budgeting issues and long term costs that come into play. On a positive side there is a summer log jam event comming that helps create some branding for the area. Maybe a few more tourists that stay in hotels and frequent businesses. Escanaba Log Jam June 28th (Notice the theme of a logger as well as the tree in Gladstones new brand. I thought it was interesting. Could be an early sign of area branding. Time will tell if it sticks.)