Personality and Propaganda-When it Matters

 Personality is a determiner of a lot of things in our lives. We often think of it as a tucked away bottle that comes out every once in a while. However, personality is the operating system by which everything else is seen, understood and approached. Some personalities are really good at using propaganda to put themselves on the top of a social structure (A very shaky social structure.) while other are bent toward more pro social ends. When personality and the propaganda people use goes unchallenged we have the risk for the issue to rise again. 

The problem with the use of propaganda is that it relies on sensationalism that often isn't based in fact. When people heighten emotions and inflame tensions there is almost never going to be a positive outcome. Emotions reduce critical thinking and in turn create situations where alternative explanations either can't be seen or are completely ignored in an effort to appease the feelings. 

Some people draw power by inflaming the emotions of others and have become accustomed to the magic of social influence. They surround themselves by followers and emulators so that they can continue to feel secure, in control, and "wanted". Most of their friends won't question much. Where most people grow out of such self serving needs there are some who will suffer low overall functioning their whole lives. 

The problem is when such low functioning behaviors focused on people of different races, religions, values, looks, political parties and recreation. In this case, the behavior sought to exploit existing bigotry and extremism within their ranks to target those who are seen as "others" for personal gain. While these behaviors are grotesque and in normal situations would have been challenged by healthy group members it was accepted wholesale and acted upon. 

That creates a moral problem for those on the receiving end. They can't allow such behaviors to continue because people were injured, communities damages and the very basic Constitutional protections afforded to all Americans were discarded. The lessons such group members taught their children and those in their friend network as to #1 their ability to circumvent/pervert the law and #2 to illegally gain resources must be unrooted if the system is going to have integrity (Its a big word in today's world and we need a lot more of it!) 

I know as a people and as a nation we are better then this. These one off situations do not represent where we are heading as a nation. There is faith that as a nation we do not accept these behaviors as "appropriate" and as a system we will challenge such behaviors; especially when local systems fail. A free pass in this instant is a stamp of approval and without at a minimum mental health evaluation and follow up these distorted group behaviors are likely to continue. 

(While most have stopped their aggressive manners a few seem willing to continue forth. Worse, a lack of remorse among the originating party is apparent and when matched with a wink and nod acceptance the situation is likely to erupt again someday because the root problem hasn't been resolved. Contrary to popular opinion...having a difference race, religion, clothing style, recreation, etc... etc... is not the problem. Its those who engaged in wanton aggression to cover distorted feelings that pose the biggest risk. If we are having difficulty understanding this concept we may need to have a refresher on how and why this country started in the first place.)

Gross Domestic Product, Third Quarter 2021 (Advance Estimate) Auto Parts

 Keeping up with changes in the market is important for understanding the business climate we work within. Changes in growth, adjustments in labor market, government policy, etc... all contribute to making business decisions. You don't have to remember every detail but just enough to keep track of the bigger movements and trends. These will be what you bas your decisions on. 

A couple of highlights

-Real GDP increased 2% (This is lower than expected.)

-Of that increase it was from private inventory investment, personal consumption expenditures, state and local government spending, and non residential fixed investment. 

-Those gains were offset by decreases in residential fixed income, federal government spending, and exports. 

-Imports increased (We would like to reverse much of that the other way and increase exports. We are still importing lots of goods and services.)

When you look through the charts you gain a better understanding what is doing well and what is not doing well (i.e. If your in Michigan you might to look at auto part industries.) 

Modified from BEA

You may also notice that Exports and Imports are almost reverse of what is actually needed to be successful. Unless imports are raw materials we are using to create greater value then our strategy of "consume more and make less" isn't working well as a growth strategy. We might explore some other options.

Modified from BEA

Bea Gdp Oct. 28th, 2021 by Dr. Murad Abel on Scribd

Picture of Commercial Fishing Ship-Metric for Ecological Recovery

Commercial fishing is an industry that is coming back in demand. The problem is that the fish stocks have been declining and there are all types of international abuses of fishing rules. Because natural fish are so highly dependent on their environment they are a pretty solid metric of how our environmental recovery efforts are shaping up. If the fish come back they will do so based on the environment in which they live and how we manage the total natural stock (Still thinking about that small commercial fishing boat dream in Escanaba. Not even sure if I would be able to get a license or catch any fish. Would be a nice hobby. 😆)

Anyway...here is the picture (I like photography in case your wondering why its on the blog.)

Commercial Fishing San Diego

Detroit FBI Puts in Place Public Corruption Tip Line-Methods of Undermining "Cultures of Corruption"

Corruption is one of those things we don't think will damage our society but certain does and in big ways. Where shadow markets take hold we often find a decline in the general health and welfare of society. Where there is a culture of corruption at work, there can be even more "status que" expectations that could make its way into many transactions throughout social and business networks.

"Cultures of Corruption" (...the term actually sounds like a good book. 🖉) slow down opportunities for everyone and make it difficult for cities to thrive. People who live in such systems don't know that many of their opportunities are being taken by elected officials who do not feel that they have done anything wrong. 

As corruption spreads as a social expectation among certain groups of "elite" (could be local, national, and now international) members spreads the behavior becomes even more embedded. It can be hard to coax people to whistle blow or come forward with important information. Yet the system will always rely on the willingness of people to stand up for their communities.

Law enforcement only works when people turn in important information that leads to a cleaner and less corrupt socio-political system for everyone. Its not a perfect system and there are lots of hiccups but getting information into the hands of those who can help make a big difference in the outcomes for everyone (i.e. the society).

That right thing leads to more societal trust and in turn leads to more economic engagement through fair opportunities, investment through trust that laws will be enforced, spreading of wealth to the most amount of people, and a belief that there is a "system" of order when it comes to certain values and activities. Thus "the people" and law enforcement have a stake in the greater health of society.

While many of our corrupt officials can smooth talk like car salesman (no offence to car salesmen. I actually respect the field. Its just a saying. 😬) they must earn their support and influence through ethical behaviors (Walk the talk!) They are subject to the very same needs of power, validation, influence as everyone else on the planet. Law enforcement is a check and balance against corruption. The difference is they are in positions of authority and access to societies resources and often influence our sociably acceptable behaviors. When they break that trust it is a betrayal of all of society for the benefit of a few. Having a mechanism like a reporting line that can be used by the public and interested parties to report corruption helps create greater meta awareness (data points) in case action must be taken for the best interest of society.

MichiganCorruption@fbi.gov

Escanaba EMP Bought by Swedish Concentric- Going Electric, Going Auto and Going Michigan! (Läget? 🤷 )

Delta County Michigan
Homeland to Hot Spot
Concentric makes farm hydraulics

Concentric has a plan to improve its electrification strategy to meet global and market changes in electric vehicles. According to the statement release David Wooley, CEO of Concentric states, "This is a landmark transaction, and a step change in Concentric’s electrification strategy as we dramatically increase our capacity, technological know-how and product portfolio to accelerate our growth in electrical products. We are now on track to beat our ambitious target of having 20% of group sales stemming from electrical products by 2025."

The actual press release can be found at Concentric AB acquires EMP Inc for MSEK 1,260 (MUSD 147) 

EMP is an Escanaba US producer of electric and mechanical water and oil pumps, electric fans, thermal management systems and precision machined components and the purchase will push them more toward e-Fans, e-Water Pumps, etc... that are used in cars, trucks and other types of vehicles.

The Strategy for EMP Purchase?

What is likely happening here is that there is a growing interest in developing electric vehicles and thus investing in local technologies that can be exported for bigger markets both within the U.S. and other locations. Such a purchase could be a strategy to acquire new technologies, develop new products and/or break into markets. i.e. electric vehicles. (You can read more about Concentric HERE. Take note of the financials HERE and some of the trends you might see). 

Just as sort of stick your thumb in the air 👍 I would suspect Concentric wants to get more involved in U.S. vehicle market in a much bigger way (See a similar sized small manufacturer purchase of geographic significance in the Allied Enterprises Acquisition). The acquisition (of both EMP and Allied Enterprises) were in cash (I didn't look around to check out any other acquisitions), focused on specific auto application, and at a time of heightened national interest in electric vehicles could mean they have pre-existing product interest/market and they expect the return to be significant.

 (Remember cash is king and it also allows for maximum management flexibility. In addition, it could also mean that synergies are being created among a number of smaller businesses and the ROI is expected to be high when they are in alignment. One might also add in the value of being a wholly own subsidiary to create R&D advances. You will notice Technology + Innovation = Sustainability on their site. Don't really know because it depends on the company's mid term strategy...lets just see if anything else interesting happens in the future.🤔)

If your interested in the company's stock Concentric AB (publ) (COIC.ST) land/or click Yahoo Finance where you can read much more about the stock and its history. When you browse the company news you will find information on a new VP, contracts for electric pumps for heavy duty truck, pumps for hydrogen fuel cells, electrohydrolic steering for American vehicles, etc. etc. etc. that give hints to the company's direction.

We can also review the 2020 Concentric Annual Report and notice that North America is their biggest market 36% and their sales are in 59% trucks. While they may be seeking to grow other product avenues it becomes likely they are for right now focused on trucks/cars in the U.S. That may or may not include industrial equipment and perhaps even specialized work for other industries aerospace, military, etc...(We just have to see how things shape up.). There could be some indication they will be spending more heavily on R&D and want to keep that knowledge close to home. 

The Economy

Producing local e-technologies in Michigan is also important as it can help restore solid paying jobs, attract intellectual capital for future growth, and encourage other companies to invest in similar successful strategies that leads to longer tail economic benefits. Attracting investment can improve the fundamentals of local economies through find a pathway of connecting small towns like Escanaba and Gladstone to the global economy. 

Currently the global economy (specifically the American auto industry) are experiencing  persistent supply chain lags that must be addressed if the U.S. hopes to be self-sufficient in its technologies (See Supply Chain). This may or may not get better but we are still at the mercy of others for our essential supplies (Not a good place to be in.)That will including drawing in Foreign Direct Investment and creating interfirm linkages that raise total value for everyone (See Inter Firm Linkages). Companies such as Concentric may want to expand their operations in the US/Michigan as well as locate themselves closer to complementary economic activities. (To understand how and why companies make global decisions to invest take a look at World Investment Report 2021).

Delta County (Escanaba and Gladstone) can/is be an attractive place to invest for innovative and new technology companies focused on key industries. It has the right environment, basic infrastructures, and local skills to match engineering and small scale/custom manufacturing that can be shipped in multiple ways. It can also be even more helpful if there is a concerted effort to attract certain types of firms to the area to build local capacity.(I worked on an example of how this might work but from the framework of small scale regional investment in the tourism-micro manufacturing sector Attracting SME Investment Delta County. There is a lot more support for this in other articles but this is just one example.).

Businesses that invest in Delta County MI can become important suppliers for Great Lakes auto, truck, robotic, space, etc... manufacturers then that might be a game changer for towns like Escanaba/Gladstone. Especially if engineering, design, and small scale manufacturing can be matched with other strategies that relate to attracting small business, rebuilding the downtown, and widening appeal of tourism to retain/attract talent. (...as long as significant wealth and investment is retained in the area that leads to further wealth development. See Transactional Clusters Theory.).

There are a couple of great articles so I'm not going to rewrite all of the details.

Concentric AB acquires EMP Inc for MSEK 1,260 (MUSD 147) in a transformational deal to support the e-pump electrification strategy

Engineered Machined Products in Escanaba to be acquired by Swedish company

Side note: Let's wait and see what happens. If I had the time it would be possible to trace the supply chain and resources as they are being drawn into the area creating a type of stronger understanding of how these things work. I might try using a hashtag #DeltaCountyDestination so I can pull back up the article to look at them at a latter date. Assuming I stay on top of it.

China's Hypersonic Weapons Test ‘Concerning’: Gen. Milley

General Milley discusses the nature of a changing military system in response to the "significant" technological event posed by the supersonic missile test (There are now significant risks. We must not be Rome). We have the capability to build things better then our competitors with more features, and with rapid innovation but we must want it as a society (Look at rapid innovation development systems i.e. cluster development). We have been bickering and arguing over relatively small potatoes but not getting in on what is big and what is important (I'm not saying clusters are the best idea because mine isn't even a finished theory. I'm saying I'm not sure if I'm seeing another way other then to launch an American Renaissance through pushing R&D, STEM, international investment, diversity, educational improvements, etc... in a way that impacts all of society around our strategic direction and universal values.). 

We have multiple industries that need to be updated that include space, military, renewable energies, telecommunications, etc... One of the only ways I can think of to overcome this tech gap is to build economic clusters designed to increase innovation and then spread that innovation across American manufacturing (and other strategic partners) to move to the next digital platform (...or maybe we can go back and just throw stones and spears at each other again. I think I saw my childhood slingshot in some boxes. I don't recommend that approach.🤷). 

Watch the video for yourself.  We have everything we need to leap forward except a point/strategic direction to sail all ships/entities towards in 20 years, the will to compete as a unified nation that views itself with a mission (Its core national reason for existence), and maximum diversified human capital engagement to meet those challenges in a way that a society bent on "sameness" will have difficulty.

Diversity is messy but when you get everyone rowing in the same direction....they can solve problems that others can't even begin to think of because they don't have the collective neural bandwidth from different kinds of world views/experiences to see problems from so many different directions (collective conscious expansion.). It requires a level of universalization of values so everyone knows they are on the same team and solving the same problem. 

This is where we need to take a good look at ourselves (and our political choices. This isn't for or against anyone...just a general saying.) and say, "Are we really doing everything we can to make our country the strongest with the most options?" If your/we not feeling good about your/our answer you/we might need to self reflect more. Think about it.....what has changed in the last 5 years? Are we feeling secure as #1?

The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society Discovers Three 1800s Ships Near Grand Marais, Mich

 Very nice article for those who like shipwrecks in the U.P.......

October 21, 2021 Escanaba City Hall Meeting. "Who Done It?" and "Is Anyone Else Still Doing It?"

This is an interesting meeting to say the least. 😬 Seems like there are some great things going on in Esky the town is coming together on some important key directives that could impact their future. There is a little drama toward the end of the video. 🧐 A little tid bit on a contractor because this is often one of the common places such activities occur. It is also precisely why looking at the books from time to time encourages checks and balances on behaviors. Similarly, audit and reviews can be helpful in finding discrepancies. 

A publication by the Columbia Law School discusses the benefits of "spot checks" and whistle blowers as well as some other places to check for inappropriate behaviors from the Center for the Advancement of Public Integrity article, 'Taking a Byte out of Corruption'. Sometimes poking around at different activities leads to whole new discoveries. The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it. ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

 What I can say is that taking money from the city is the same as taking it out of the hands of its citizens; stealing from a community. Sometimes investigations are not publicized because they aren't finished, could have more to them, and incorrect information could falsely hurt people (lots of different reasons and I'm probably missing a few.). That is why its always best to bring forward issues when people are first aware of them to reduce damage and improve options (We can keep going back to this concept of "If I was a person who knew something I might want to report it right away?" ...but that is just me. I've seen people debate that or not say anything when they should have and in part they become morally responsible.🤷)

When potential foul play is involved.....it should be reviewed with care and discretion because one thing about human behavior that is likely true....its patterned often around subconscious emotional needs that lead to cyclical thinking and in turn to repeated behaviors at other places and times (At least without critical examination.). Thus a person who engaged in a willful act that takes significant cognitive engagement likely has done similar things in other places (...leading to a kind of data trail. Whether or not that data is available, where it can be found or how to draw are different kinds of questions. 'Physiological and behavioral patterns of corruption')

Looking for Fresh Fish Around the Great Lakes

The Great Lakes were once a popular commercial fishing location with a number of successful operations that have faded out in the last century. As with many things within our environment we overfished, over ate, and didn't consider alternative sources until things sort of dried up. Other locations such as San Diego have brought back parts of their commercial fishing industry and I suspect so can the Great Lakes with improvements in technology and coordinated environmental strategies. 

Diving with Fish

(Not to mention I still have a fantasy dream of buying a small commercial fishing/diving vessel and working a couple of days a week fishing for a local store or two. I know its sort of silly but I figure it would get me on the water and with updates in technology I can bring my lap top. Its a little like owning a small nostalgic hobby farm or hardware store. I know...not for everyone! 🎣).

(Ok sorry...I was dreaming of growing a long beard and putting on rubber overalls.  Let us get back to the essential purpose of the post. Where do You find locally sourced fish?)

In collaboration the Minnesota Sea Grant and the Sea Grant programs in Illinois-Indiana, Michigan (Sea Grant Michigan), Ohio, New York, Vermont/Lake Champlain and Wisconsin created a website for people looking for fresh and farm raised fish around the Great Lakes. 

Here it is! Fresh Fish Finder 

Kind of a Side Note. Delta County Michigan once had a thriving commercial fishing industry. There are a number of small fishing villages outside the city of Escanaba Michigan (Thinking Wells for example). You can learn more about the local industry at Delta County Historical Society (They also would take a donation I'm sure if your into investing in understanding our past so we can understand our future. Go ahead and get in contact with them. Also I do a little shipwreck diving so I support historical and archeological type institutions.)

You can learn about the long closed Hansen & Jensen Fish House in Escanaba and some of the fishing boat fleet they maintained. 

You may also want to reach about the Michigan Senate commercial fishing licenses Daily Press article '

Senate approves commercial fishing reform bill' and Michigan Senate Bill 0251 sponsored by Senator Ed McBroom (UP Senator)

Climate Change Coming? Government Agencies Adjust

Climate changes is a big discussion that could have real consequences. Some countries are trying to overcome environmental challenges and some countries are trying to circumnavigate factoring those costs into production/consumption. I've included a few pieces of literature from the news as well as the key points from a number of different government sources such as the White House, Department of Defense (DOD), The Lancet, and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 

Forest Fires
A severe weather pattern?

No matter what your perspective on climate change I think it would be reasonable to believe that protecting our environment is important and making those changes that are feasible and make sense would be in our best interest. 

I'm wondering how the discussion at COP 26 will turn out? COP 26

BBC brought forward some a discussion on trees emitting more CO2 than taking in....'Climate change: Greenhouse gas build-up reached new high in 2020'. CNN put a solid discussion together in 'Report warns of climate change's 'code red' impact on health'. Harvard Gazette also has some additional information 'Viewing climate change as a human health problem'. 

You may want to read the highlights from a number of different agencies and how they are going to deal with climate change. 

DOD Climate Risk Analysis

The DOD Combat Risk Analysis seeks to understand climate change on the American military and how the military can adjust and adapt to those changes. Large scale weather distortions are likely to impact effectiveness and readiness so new training and equipment will likely be needed. That is my guess anyway. 🤔 Read for yourself:

-DOD needs to consider the effects of climate change throughout its networks, systems and activities. 

-Climate change can impact strategic partners like Guam as well as change the artic creating geostrategic competition. 

-DOD mitigation efforts will be outlined in the DoD Climate Adaptation Plan (CAP) as well as the Sustainability Report and Implementation Plan (SRIP).

-Changes might include training for extreme weather but also may include such things as making equipment more weather resistant.

The Countdown The Lancet

Drought Increase
The Lancet

The Lancet provides depth on the topic from researchers in the publication Lancet Countdown . If you don't know anything about the Lancet they publish medical related discoveries of scientists throughout the world. 

You might need to join and login HERE to read the full report:

-Lancet Countdown represents the consensus of leading researchers from 43 academic institutions and UN agencies.

-44 indicators indicate health impacts of climate change and the current health consequences of the delayed/inconsistent responses of countries.

-Need to accelerate green technologies and industries. (This is where clusters may be helpful in accelerating certain developments).

-Infectious illness may increase that include heat vulnerability, food sources, etc...

-Move beyond prediction and into actual action.

White House Climate Change

According to a  October 21st 2021White House Report entitled, 'Report on the Impact of Climate Change on Migration' which is the first time the White House is creating the link between climate change and migration. 

1. 21.5 million people were forcibly displaced each year by sudden onset weather-related hazards between 2008 and 2016

2. Many of those displaced and migrating moving to urban areas.

3. Relationship between climate change, migration, and conflict (This is sort of normal in all species when the environment is disrupted.). 

Department of Homeland Security

1. Safeguard the homeland from current and projected climate change-driven disasters;

2. Inform Americans so that they can adapt to current and projected risks and increase national resilience;
3. Foster resilience, adaptation, and recovery efforts that reduce risk and harm from climate change, and that address associated disparities such as those based on race and income level, pursue environmental justice, and create opportunity for all Americans;
4. Enable a thriving economy that supports our national security and way of life; and,
5. Model sustainable resilience while remaining fully operational despite the impact of climate change on DHS personnel, assets, and facilities.

How do they plan on doing this?

Line of Effort 1: Empower Individuals and Communities to Build Climate Resilience
Line of Effort 2: Build Readiness to Respond to Increases in Climate Driven Emergencies
Line of Effort 3: Incorporate Foresight and Climate Science into Strategy, Policy, Programs, and Budgets
Line of Effort 4: Invest in a Sustainable and Resilient DHS
Line of Effort 5: Develop a Climate of Component resilience plans throughout DHS, which focus on four broad Change-Informed DHS Workforce  

Department of Defense, Office of the Undersecretary for Policy (Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities). 2021. Department of Defense Climate Risk Analysis. Report Submitted to National Security Council.