Colorado Fires: 1000K Homes Destroyed: Need for Firefighters Rise

Firefighters do a lot and when natural disasters come into play they are often the first responders to the events. Just like in Colorado we rely on our firefighters to continuously deal with issues that relate to the health of our communities and protection from natural events. Firefighters are likely to become increasingly important as we wrestle with environmental shifts.  Instead of becoming a declining occupation it may very well become of increasing importance if the need arises. 

Consider donating to a few firefighting associations (I know little of these organizations so look at their sites and if you like to donate a little. If someone wants to donate a grass fire truck I know a great place to send it.)

Firefighters Charitable Foundation

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

Fire Family Foundation

The Firefighters Support Fund

US May Out Perform China in 2033 If "American's" Learn to Compromise and Coordinate a National Vision

 One of the biggest and most difficult tasks is to get people from different political spectrums to focus on a shared future and vision. Without a sense of direction China is poised to overcome the U.S. by 2033 according to a report by Japan Center for Economic Research (Tomiyama, 2021) by pointing all of their hypothetical ships to the same destination 20 years into the future (See China Stats). Technology is here to stay and hedging that technology into the first digital era large modern manufacturing nation that can produce next generation products and a state of the art economy (including advanced education/skill development, enlightened law enforcement/intelligent rule of law, inclusive capitalism, mental and physical health, pharmaceuticals, military supremacy, etc...) would be appealing to international investors. 

The amount of coordination between our law makers, stakeholders, and bureaucrats would be a serious commitment about a shared vision and sense of purpose. Each actor/agent would need to determine how their actions either ensure we are the first advanced large scale nation (and its benefits and risks) or allow natural forces to pressure change more slowly ( and the risks of coming in second to an emerging market. Yes...countries are actually a type of market for international investors.). 

(Yasoshimo, R., et. al, 2021)

To me the technological trends, infrastructure investments, and political capital to return manufacturing back to the U.S. are present. They are present now but they may not be present in a decade as we become accustomed to our new role (...or eat ourselves alive politically with fewer and few resources but with impossibly high expectations.). I'm an optimist so I say we can sort of see where we need to go in terms of infrastructure, education, international investments, and technology and might consider coordination of effort across political lines (...we have made some progress since the pandemic but are still sputtering along.)

(There is something called the Hierarchy of Values popularized by New York Law School Professor Myres McDougal in his 1966 work 'Jurisprudence for a Free Society' in the Georgia Law Review that models how decisions are made in terms of their importance to a person/group. Thus if we ordered Family, Country, Career, Political Party, etc... For politics to function properly on a high level overview perspective it must have an order the fulfills the needs of the widest distribution to the members of society. For example, if one has 1. Country [One could also insert God anywhere within this order based on one's beliefs], 2. Society 3. Career 4. Party 5. Family as their hierarchy of values they will make decisions differently than a person who orders 1. Self 2. Party 3. Career 4. Country 5. Wealth, 6.,etc... 

Universal Core Values
Brosche & Sander, 2013
Neuroeconomic Choices

Depending on the make up of our current generation, culture, and leadership we will collectively define those hierarchy of our values through social expectations. However, since governance is about inclusive benefit to maintain stability one might want to include the wingspan constructs such as Country and Society at the higher levels. Its a very personal choice so public professions and private confessions sometimes differ. Lots of people engage in politics for various reasons that have little to do with serving anyone else. Its called public service for a reason! 🙈🙉🙊 How we work together to achieve something greater than ourselves will determine the future of the next generation, generation after that, and likely the generation after.  See Biggest Post Afghan Risks: Decisions Making and Human Capital)

World GDP is expected to reach $100 Trillion in 2022 for the first time in history much sooner than the 2024 projection (CEBR, 2021). While the Pandemic was destructive it also opened an opportunity to reset a course and embrace new economic platforms and the benefits that come from building the best capitalistic environment where human rights and innovative entrepreneurship attract foreign direct investment on a mammoth scale (See Economy Change COVID, GDP Govt Mind,  Q1 2020 Short Stock Drop or Digital Recover, Michigan Invest, DC Start Up Invest, DC Multi Cluster Innovation Industry)

The quality of leadership is based in the ability to critically think about all the options, pick out the essentials, and create as many win-win situations as possible with the widest benefits to society. To create a change initiative (See Change in International Business SWOTCH) Nation and Society values should move to the forefront of our values while self and career should move to the rear of our values (at least for the next few years.) (See Innovation & Freedom, Backsliding Democracy).

Leadership can be defined many ways and while scientists look for the exact definition there are certain characteristics and abilities that seem to separate leadership abilities from others (Wheat from Chaff. See Ways of Seeing as how change of perspective helps highlight new ways of viewing the world around us.). Leadership rests in part on the ability to use their creative ability to solve new, unusual and unique problems (Connelly, et. al. 2000). One way of looking at leadership problem solving is from the following quote (Mumford, et. al. 2017 pg. 28) (See Evidence Based Decision Making, Not out of Woods, 

Death and Miser 1490
Esoteric Bosch
The stages of life and values.

Problem definition, the ability to define noteworthy issues or significant problems affecting the organization.

Cause/goal analysis, the ability to analyze the causes and goals relevant to addressing problems

Constraint analysis, the ability to identify the constraints, or limiting factors, influencing any problem solution

Planning, the ability to formulate plans, mental simulations, and actions arising from cause/goal and constraint analysis

Forecasting, the ability to anticipate the implications of executing the plans

Creative thinking, the ability to develop alternative approaches and new ideas for addressing potential pitfalls of a plan identified in forecasting

Idea evaluation, the ability to evaluate these alternative approaches’ viability in executing the plan

Wisdom, the ability to evaluate the appropriateness of these alternative approaches within the context, or setting, in which the leader acts

Sensemaking/Visioning, the ability to articulate a vision that will help followers understand, make sense of, and act on the problem"

Leadership secures victory by making a commitment to bigger principles and the willingness to see how solving problems for the widest amount of people leaves a legacy. Doing things others don't expect but are based in strategic validity can lead to game changing results (See Level K Decisions). If we practiced for two years  trying to see the other sides points and compromising where its prudent we would likely solve a big portion of our nation's problems (Sometime pitting sides and arguments against each other blocks the awareness of which perceptual gate leads to new solutions that can come from divergent type thinking. Changing our language and perspective opens up new possibilities we would not have been aware of otherwise. See Conflict and Higher Cognitive Models. The ability to see new solutions often means opening the mind to all of the information and possibilities that leads to key insight and higher order thinking that often vanishes among those stuck in one sided logic. See Data Triangulation). We could tame the tempest and ride it to a higher performance platform with lots of more options and possibilities. 

“Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives – choice, not chance, determines your destiny.” Aristotle

CEBR (2021). IMF World Economic Outlook October 2022. Recovered Dec 29th, 2021 from https://cebr.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/WELT-2022.pdf

Connelly, M. S., Gilbert, J. A., Zaccaro, S. J., Threlfall, K. V., Marks, M. A., & Mumford, M. D. (2000). Exploring the relationship of leadership skills and knowledge to leader performance. The Leadership Quarterly, 11(1), 65–86"

IMF (Oct. 2021). 'Recovery During a Pandemic'. Retrieved December 28th, 2021 from https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/Issues/2021/10/12/world-economic-outlook-october-2021

Mumford, M., Todd, H., and McIntosh, T. (2017). Cognitive Skills and Leadership Performance: The Nine Critical Skills, The Leadership Quarterly, 28(1), p. 28.

Tamiyama, A. (December 15th, 2021). China to become the world’s largest economy in 2033. Japan Center of Economic Research. Retrieved December 28th, 2021 from https://www.jcer.or.jp/english/china-to-become-the-worlds-largest-economy-in-2033

Yasoshimo, R., et. al (Dec. 15th, 2021). China's overtaking of U.S. economy delayed to 2033, report says. Nikkei Asia, Retrieved December 28th, 2021 to https://asia.nikkei.com/Economy/China-s-overtaking-of-U.S.-economy-delayed-to-2033-report-says

DC Firefighters Talk about Responding to Capitol Riot (Becoming Targets of the Mob)

January 6th was a pivotal moment in America's history forcing all those who were loyal to rethink their assumptions. I'm a supporter of police and firefighting (......not blind support and would have no issue holding "bad apples" accountable. Some people/places struggle with understanding the essential purpose of our institutions.) when semi-organized extremists attack firefighters and EMT officials (in some cases their own kind) trying help others we should be appalled; many of us unable to see the risks.

 Whether we are in the Capitol or in our hometowns we struggle with differentiating between those who support the Constitution and who those who are radicalized and want to circumvent it. The lines are blurry but radicalism has certain markers that can tip authorities off to its presence. Our police, firefighters and EMT are there to help others and people nationally/globally should respect medical support (...but that is the mentality of the people and their supporters we are dealing with. I'm a light right conservative and find such actions against everything I was raised to believe. There are places where right and wrong are often subjective to inappropriate symbolism).

You can also read the article DC Firefighters Remember Challenges of Responding to Capitol Riot

Community Colleges Hiring Practices Influences Student Global Competitiveness

Community colleges are an important part of building the local knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA) people need to succeed in a fast shifting environment. Local institutions share a vital purpose in the rebuilding of a next generation nation strides forward towards its central goals of freedom of the human spirit, governance by people, and "whole society" opportunities. Colleges are about providing working skills needed in the market and the developing of human capital that leans toward our national legacies. Without degrees or skilled trades people communities will fall behind in attracting and retaining high paying jobs.  

School of Athens
Philosophy as Diversity of Thought
Between 1509 and 1511
Raphael

That may be difficult if hiring practices restrict opportunities for competitive exposure and higher levels of national achievement. Let's think of diversity from a wider perspective. Diversity of thought, study, race, religion, and background create higher levels of exposure to new ideas. This is vitally important for small rural communities that are realigning to global competitiveness. Providing avenues for relevant up-to-date knowledge impacts people throughout their lives in profound ways (See a summary of a GSS study on the benefits of higher education. HERE.)

All societies need skilled workers that often come in the form of skilled labor (i.e. skilled trades, artisan, etc...) or intellectual capital (doctors, scientists, entrepreneurs, etc...) We have seen industries decline that resulted in lay offs for thousands of people as jobs move overseas or are replaced. Community colleges have a responsibility to prepare workers to take on new and emerging fields/jobs in a market competitive way. For hands on skilled trades, returning workers, and new students community colleges help prepare people for meaningful careers. 

Ok....well preparing students is supported if their hiring practices are well thought out and include a diverse set of educators/trainers that have a wider range of experiences. Sometimes hiring mangers take on perspectives (unintentionally or intentionally. The way in which I judge a 'red flag' is by transparency and professionalism. When practices are not transparent and there are levels of unprofessional behavior it would be more associated with the personality and perspective of the hiring manager(s).) that limit their hiring practices and in turn the opportunities of their students to be ready to deal with different cultures and ideas. 

While the goal of the HR department is to manage human capital it sometimes runs a foul of that mandate for personal, political, religious, or racial reasons. Training HR professionals on how to manage available human capital is beneficial but so is ensuring that those who willfully follow their own personal hiring practices do not continue with misaligned/malignant practices. Its not a liberal or conservative idea but an absolute MUST in any society that has a diverse population like the U.S.( Certain core values and trust in institutions is essential to stability and growth.)

When hiring managers limit student opportunities through inappropriate selection criteria that reduce exposure to diverse thought and people they also limit global and market readiness.

All who have meditated on the art of governing mankind have been convinced that the fate of empires [countries, societies, republics, etc...] depends on the education of youth. -Aristotle

Side note: In any economic system you will need a way of preparing people to take on new jobs and responsibilities. The local education system includes primary all the way through college is important in that preparation. Educational systems should understand their central purposes and in turn align skills, knowledge, and abilities to fill the most jobs while still developing the whole person is important. Anything that is counter to educations central purposes should be reviewed and adjusted and/or removed.

Settled In the UP and Wisconsin Since the Mid1800's

This weekend a few relatives came in to visit and of course brought the family album. Interestingly we have family in the area UP area since at least the mid 1800s. This was Pine River from Florence WI. (Bark River MI. and Iron Mountain MI were others.) They used to drag for logs in the logging industries.  Based on one of these pictures I would think it would likely be in the early 1900's. The house was built by hand and is currently in use. I keep thinkin of keeping an eye on it in case it goes up for sale someday. So far we have records to the mid 1800's that include backgrounds on one side from Prussia, Swedish, Belgium, English, and Blackfoot Indian. The other side is Belgium, German, and Caucus. My kids will likely be able to add Arab and African to that list. Hmmmmmm I would guess we have international genetics and yes we are still Americans (Diversity actually makes our species stronger through variability.). Being American may have something to do with where your born but it is a thought and belief; not a genetic code/sequence.  (Kind of interesting mix. Ok I guess just to me. LOL Its my blog so I'm posting it! 😤)

Michigan Winter Trip in Upper Peninsula 2021

Browsing on the highway for winter related content I came across this video of what the UP looks like in the winters. It can be harsh and also majestic. People use to live in that environment with little more then basic supplies and a hatchet. Delta County has a number of trails to visit and recreational activities to engage in. A little of an outdoor tourist destination. If your working online and thinking about an affordable place to stay for a few months while still having some outdoor fun check out Escanaba and Gladstone. I have snow shoed and cross country ski through National Forests and trails. 

Global GDP 2021 in Visual Form

You may be interested in looking at a quick sheet on GDP 2021 from Visual Capitalist that provides data driven visuals. As we know the year isn't yet finished and you may need to trace back some of the stats for more accuracy but you can get a solid visual picture. 

College Borrowers Get Another 90 Days Loan Forbearance (Hope I Win the Lottery in the Mean Time!)

President Biden announces that student loan payments for 41 million borrowers will be paused with 0% interest until May 2022. You can read the White House Press Release HERE. That is something students and borrowers will likely cheer.....now maybe they can win the lottery and pay off the rest when its due (Disclaimer: Its probably not a good strategy.😏 No seriously, the odds are against you. You don't need to be the Rain Man to figure it out. "Definitely yes definitely." ).

Escanaba City Council Meeting: (December 16, 2021) Recreation, Democracy and Change

Democracy is about the ability to draw in the most amount of people into governance as possible and in turn build a strong base of support for national development that improves citizens lives. While there are often subsections of society that are more politically active (demographic) than others, the concept of inclusiveness in politics is what helps democracies grow as it pushes an entire governmental system to adjust and change to new ideas and leadership influence (We elect new people to ensure we update and change....there is no negative reflection on prior leadership because it is a necessary process that goes back to the beginning. The old create stability while the new bring forward fresh ideas. The U.S. had its very first town hall in Dorchester, Massachusetts, in 1633. You can read about democracy HERE.). Escanaba is one of those examples of democracy at work in our home towns and you can see it in action by watching the city council meetings! You may want to read the agenda for more clarity beyond the video Escanaba Agenda December 16th, 2021. (I kind of looked through the data at the comments. You got to read all of them...some are very interesting! Yikes! 😬....and no I didn't put any comments in there. 🙊)

Roosevelt's Four Freedoms of Speech
Norman Rockwell’s 1942
Freedom of Speech, Worship, Want, Fear

Escanaba is a rural community that is located on the shore of Lake Michigan in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The area played a key role in regional natural resource extraction that helped build the preindustrial era with lumber and then the industrial era with ore and metals (You can read the history of Escanaba HERE. Notice how positive interaction in history, first settler, and native Americans started something new. Just take a mental note...and later on we will discuss this in greater detail. That same "under current" might have occurred in other places and is intimately part of our past and likely our futures as new and old ideas blend based on idea exposure.). Escanaba, like many rural communities, is still on a path to finding its global footing but may receive increased market investment interest and grant opportunities in a way that aligns local jobs with global opportunities (ok...it could happen! Maybe...maybe not!🤷 A few things going on in terms of investments, social change, and national trends are signaling pending adjustments based on environmental challenges and local resources. However, its only one path of possibilities and not yet fully substantiated or realized. 🙆) 

For now...lets just look at some of the things going on in the area. I know its exciting times but hold your horses as time and reflection often lead to insight! (See Advice on Change)

Bay College Lease: Continue the lease for 4 more years and then a $6K for early 10 year early termination and changes to agreement (Was originally a 25 year lease.). Carving out some of the south end of the field for the daycare and YMCA. One option would be to terminate immediately the agreements on the field but that might ruffle some feathers. Soccer program would be a good thing to offer as its an attractive sport important globally/nationally (Del Mar went from polo to soccer a few years ago but it is what it is. 🐎⚽🏒!)

DNR Recreation Plan: A very nice presentation and PowerPoint within the Agenda. The recreation department indicates that people want more events but participation is sometimes small. Variety, access, lake front, free and inclusive recreation opportunities. What they hoped to change was off road bike paths, soft service trails (hiking), updated play grounds, splash pad, clean bathrooms. Volunteers is what makes things happen in this town (along with full time employees.).  

Fishery Grant: DNR working with Escanaba that can help in fishing but also fishing docks. Such grants increase not only tourism but the long term viability of the area in terms of Great Lakes fresh fish, fishing industry, and recreation (I'm still dreaming of my part-time commercial fishing business 😢). Some money will be used to improve the bike path which is also something of interest to a lot of people. Not a bad idea. It was also included into the waterfront recreation approach. (Escanaba Harbor)

Housing Variety: I'm going to agree that there is a need for seasonal, condo, apartment, etc... housing. I would seek to maximize those places located downtown and above the existing businesses. One reason why there should be a push for this areas is that it helps redevelop the the downtown and draws a younger demographic while still serving tourism and seasonal buyers. Selling the buildings to entrepreneurs (in area or likely out of area.) that want to micro build (especially if outdoor tourism oriented) toward selling on the global market would balance the need for tourism and export oriented small business that have higher likelihood of future growth. (Rebuilding Escanaba Downtown, SME Attract, Start Up Delta, Full Bloom Delta)

As a side note: Some of these members and the mayor are new to the council. You can see a hint at the positive transition occurring from meeting to meeting in terms of coordination and ground rules. They seem to be in the Storming and Norming stages and with further adjustment might eventually be in the Performing stage where higher levels of team outcomes are actualized. (See  Psychologist/Professor/Researcher Bruce Tuckman's Stages. You may also be interested in reaching about Internal-External Strategy and Schumpeter.)

What Are the Motivations of Online Students? Survey Answers

A survey by Wiley Education Services polled 15,000 fully online learners to find out what were some of their motivations for taking online courses. You can read the actual survey HERE. While the study was conducted in 2020 it is important to remember that it was also the year the Pandemic was in full swing. It didn't seem like it matter much in the survey but there were shifts in the online-ground based educational system during this time. Online will becoming increasingly likely (See Colleges that Won't Make it 2020, Changing College Needs, COVID Changes, Higher Ed. Reform, Online Ed. Earns Place, and State Budgets.) 

Surveys like this help in understand how to improve on the educational system. This survey is focused on things that are important to learners such as reputation, price, speed, etc... What you also find is that the vast majority of people think online education is the same or better. Furthermore, the survey provides other insight such as where they learn about schools (employers, online searches, etc..) as well as what devices they use. 

For those in the higher education field knowing your customers is important and conducting research of executives, students, etc... can create a broad understanding of how to push online education to newer heights. Just as a quick example, if you know what executives seek, understand industry trends, the changing skills needed, technological development paths, cost-value position, etc....you might know a lot that can help you make a strategic decision.

A couple of key highlight points:

-70% of colleges and universities expect to start one to four new online undergraduate programs in the next few years.

-More than half of students cite affordability/cost as their most important factor in selecting a college

-Reputation of the university is very important.

-Transfer credits are important to students.

Reach the Report (CLICK HERE)