Tuesday, February 1, 2022

China Expected to Overcome the U.S. by 2030----Unless?

Reading the economic news I came across another article with great graphics that discusses the risks that China may overcome the United States by 2030 unless our leaders start working together to solve central problems (There is some indication in MI they are starting to do that but how long and how widespread is an open question.). In an article by Nicolas Rapp and Brian O'Keefe in Fortune Magazine (You might need to subscribe to get more. The graphics you can see are telling and a little chilling.) 'This chart shows how China will soar past the U.S. to become the world’s largest economy by 2030'

The American Spirit History
Marines Working Together
Semper Fidelis

We know we need to update our data infrastructure (functionality and security), adjust our infrastructure to manufacture, increase technology for competitiveness, innovate our military, improve our education, maximize our human capital, and improve the "investibility" of our nation. We also know that doing nothing no longer works....we became accustomed to being on top but now must get back our American spirit and develop our competitive conditioning. (Not out of WoodsPatents, Doctors & DiscoveriesReagan National DefenseStats Connect China China Beats U.S. 2033)

Without unity of vision and purpose we run the risk of default be ineptitude. Meaning, we have difficulty making complex decisions as a nation because the political-socio structure is not centered around essential national purposes. Instead of using the power of politics and influence to achieve shared goals in different ways  the disease of division was allowed ample breathing room. (We can learn from difficulty and draw back towards universal truths. There are risks we can splinter further along the lines of multiple opposing truths. Remember that the vast majority of life is subjective and the vast majority of what we take as "fact" is socially constructed.)  

The Naked Truth
Botticelli: The Calumny of Apelles
1494
Of course unity of purpose would mean leadership would need a vision and the political-moral capital to ensure the needs of the country are not supplanted by their own, party, or social groups (Its hard when the arguments are more towards who is right and who is wrong as mirror images of each other while ignoring the 90% other possibilities unseen based on cognitive rigidity. For example, the very act of unification of long term economic goals is worth more than the implementation of a specific program as people throughout the social structure envision their place within the bigger vision-work. As the saying says "Many hands make light work. See Cognitive Flexibility in Decision Making). As we move into parity in influence with China we will also increasingly see with crystal clarity how our choices impact our outcomes. The hindsight criticisms of historians will be committed to electronic media (Was once stone, papyrus, paper, etc... Believe it or not this is history in the making as digital transformation marks a point in history like other major societal changes. i.e. the Renaissance. ๐Ÿค“. "So it be written, so it be done." ✒️๐Ÿ“ jk  Leadership & Moral Reasoning, Hegel History Reason, "Common Sense" and Exploration & Exploitation). 

Side Note:

I have been working on this theory. Its untested, founded in supporting research, and focused around creating innovation clusters. It may be a good theory in line with other cluster theories or it may be a complete waste of effort (I don't think it is an actual waste of effort and I suspect it will someday be fruitful. The platform is "shadowed" in the macro data.) However, it helps me formulate an understanding of our economic environment and one way to move from one working platform to a higher functioning platform. If a nation could bump upwards using its current infrastructure dollars to create large scale national innovation we may be able to change the name of the game. See Level K Game Theory. That requires coordination and politicians who put the country before their careers. Just saying! ๐Ÿ˜ฎ๐Ÿ™ƒ Unfinished, unedited, unorganized but paper in process....Theory of Innovative Transactional Clusters

“Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today.” Ben Franklin


Monday, January 31, 2022

The Sacrifices of Society: Ensuring We Keep Our Nation Moving Forward (Memorial Pictures)

The sacrifices of society to keep our nation moving forward are many. Throughout its history the U.S. has pushed for a freer, more fair, and just world. Our values of maximizing human freedom to ensure that government (and its politicians) are aligned to the needs of its people are what has maintained the social contract from generation to generation. We honor the tens of thousands who sacrificed for our principles over the years because we understand that the society that we live in now would not be possible without them. 

Each of us has a duty to make our country stronger, more functional, and more inclusive. Those who lead others rally around their universal principles while those who follow rally around their politics. Our nation has a large emerging batch of young adults who will be tasked to care for that torch. It is our responsibility to clear as many obstacles, hurdles, and trip hazards we can to ensure our principles continue to illuminate the world around us. See Greatest National Risks

I pledge allegiance to my Flag 

and to the Republic for which it stands: 

one Nation indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all

The Pledge of Allegiance 




Walked through Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery
Its a beautiful place. Visitors become aware of the
magnitude of loss and sacrifice.


Sunday, January 30, 2022

Escanaba Town Hall (Thursday January 20th, 2022) Art, Engineering, Roles, Recruitment and Skating!

Another zipping meeting at Escanaba City Hall. Things are getting done, grants are coming together, and new equipment is in the works! You can also get a feel for how towns this size run and function. Whether your a bigger city or a smaller city there will be similarities. Smaller budget and smaller scale but its still the same general process. However, smaller rural high potential towns like this have their own unique challenges as they are somewhat isolated and stand alone. That can be an asset for the right kind of tourism, industry and digital worker. The city is open for investment. Its interesting watching a town in the process of becoming.......

Arts and Culture: Bonifas Art Center does a lot of great things and helps kids and adults. In a small town/city like this its important to provide cultural outlets and exposure so kids can grow in a healthy way.  Fun creative activities are going to be more important in develop creative adults that can work in the Digital Economy/Information Age. This is one organization that should continue to be supported as it is enlightens and develops the mind and the positive social networks. Watch out the mayor was the Grinch so make sure you don't litter and do your homework kids (Eat your veggies as well)!

Engineering, City and Infrastructure Services: Some discussion on engineering of water plant. Total amount not to exceed $97K.  There may be $3 million grand and loan forgiveness back on the program. Its not a bad idea to break projects up when needed to ensure that each stage and financial outlay is completed in an orderly way where options can be found. There has been a lot of work on the water plant project so far. I would say if it is time sensitive and has been in the works for some time I would rely a little heavier on those who were aware of the project but certainly would want to have a full packet and/or understanding of the project soon after. It takes time to work through complex issues so one just has to make a judgement call based on the information they have at that time. (Tactical and Strategic Management)If there are any problems it isn't going to be resolved in one sitting (not saying there are any problems at all.) $131K approved lead service line (There is a big push nationally to replace lead lines.). There is $50 million loan possibilities so they are seeking loan forgiveness for a SRF loan. Good points on just out there searching for money. Its important to obtain resources for a rural town like this. We are sort of stand alone out there with many of our own services. Thus anytime we can get money that aligns with our needs we should give it consideration. New water utility meters are needed. Purchase of a John Deere for local work.

Roles: Patrick Conner will be on the planning commission. New local police officers. That is great! I support our local police and the good work they do (Covid Masks). Nice to see they are able to recruit in a difficult recruitment environment. There is a national shortage in law enforcement recruitment and retention right now (Its a shame. Its a great profession and is transforming and changing and needs bright young cadets. All professions go through change and this one is as well. The need for public servants rises.). See National Police Recruitment. It would be interesting if they considered engaging in short officer exchanges/swaps with other departments for training and recruitment practices. Sometimes allowing for short term 6-month swaps brings in new knowledge (i.e. new tactics/strategies from other departments), partnerships to help expose officers to different styles and environments, encourages those officers that want to get out of the city to come and stay in a small town for a little while (maybe longer if they like it. It helps those officers when they can work in a less stressed environment. Also consider visa versa young officers that want to try a city for a short time but don't want to move long term.), improves diversity in the area and can open the doors to lots of other things (equipment, training, new people, exposure, non-lethal styles, etc...). It would be interesting to see. If your a department from a bigger city you might want to give them call and see what they say. It might be a win-win solution and benefit (I think it could be worked out if its only for a short term stay for tax and other purposes. An attorney can probably write out a fairly quick mutual agreement to be used with other departments. As soon as we get a new city attorney. Esky City Attorney Job Opening. ๐Ÿค”). 

Ice Skating Rink: Seriously, go down and get your skates and grab some hot Cocoa. Its fun and I remember doing that since I was a little kid. That is one of the beautiful things about this city is that its size allows you to build history of people, families, and institutions into the area. If done well there can also be happy tourist locations with people who can enjoy the flavor of a town embedded on the Great Lakes. There is more of a draw when visitors can easily find the information on local events and there are fun activities going on (When I looked around there was lots of stuff on Facebook but that isn't what visitors are going to find. A list of activities and events that is easy to find might be helpful. Visit Escanaba

Saturday, January 29, 2022

Torrey Pines Hiking (Pictures)

Torrey Pines is a very nice hiking area in La Jolla CA. Lots of visitors from all of the world have hiked this area. Avoid the weekends as it gets busy. Descent surfing on the beach.  Initially I was thinking of going out into the mountains but alas time constraints got me!




Good Year Blimp

Want to climb these but I think
state park rules apply. 
I doubt they give permits for them. :(




Friday, January 28, 2022

Overview of the economy January 2022: Nice Graphics!

 Browsing the news and I came across an article entitled, "Infographic: The US economy during Biden’s first year in office" that has a solid description of some factors in the economy that include inflation, unemployment rate, people quitting jobs, job openings (pressured by lack of employee), inflation, consumer confidence, and economy (Very nice graphics. I wish they were shareable for my readers.). I like the graphics because they are telling (I didn't see the writers name. I like to remember them when they are good ๐Ÿค“.). One thing I kind of saw while looking at the statistics is the relationship between unemployment, inflation, job openings and "I Quit!" rates. If employment is slowing down the economy then it would seem that technology is likely to be a major strategic solution. I do believe we run some risks of employers having a lack of qualified workers and in turn impacting the pace of growth (While technology isn't yet developed to meet the gap.). Under these labor supply pressures this is where wages should rise (hopefully above inflation) and technology should become more common to expand worker productivity (innovation, productivity, and rising wages can go hand in hand.). 

Challenging Hate (Maybe) For Public Unity in Higher Education (An Institutional Challenge)

We are struggling as a nation to silence the voice of hate that have risen over the past few years in a frenzied increase in extremism. In many ways these voices of ethnic and political dissention have been there for some time, just under the surface, but have increasingly bubble up as of late highlighting existing schisms in society. There are times to challenge, there are times to wait before acting and there are times to forgive. Decisions must still be made by leadership of both of our political parties to decide what type of nation we will be going forward (I believe we have made some progress toward unity as of late after the public display of extremist type behaviors at our capital could have caused a much larger issue that would have likely lead to irreparable damage for a long time and snuffed out the opportunities of the next generation. We could have easily bounced from #1 position on the world market to something like #6 as well as impacted all of our international partners in a worst case conflict scenario. You may want to review metrics that try and explain how conflict destroys prosperity in host countries in a World Bank study by Murdock and Sandler 'Civil wars and economic growth: a regional comparison'.). Despite this positive momentum to reclaim our national purpose there are lingering pockets of people and institutions that still may be following values inappropriate/antithetical to our American ideals. It becomes a public service to challenge them to be better versions of themselves for the furthering or our American philosophies and fulfillment of the social contract embodied in our Constitution.. Our national future depends on singularity of vision and purpose! (Something our political leadership should incorporate into their decision making.)

If you have been reading my blog for a while you may be aware that my children and I were targets of a coordinated hate group and at least one associated officer (likely more) for violence, ostracization, incognito stalking, rumor spreading, and corruption. While there appears to be many public complaints against that officer (and seemingly others within the group) they nevertheless were given a free pass to engage in what appears to be highly inappropriate behaviors that risked the safety and well being of others (Its actually a shame that manipulation exposed a bigger group-institution issue but fate lands where it should. ๐Ÿคท. I guess better me than someone else as these behaviors were dangerous outside the scope of most people.)

Truth can sometimes be subjective so I spot checked my assumptions by enquiring why this group was targeting my children (and me). I received the flat response, "Because you are Muslim" almost as though I should have known better and the question was an annoyance. While I suspected that bigotry was one of the factors to justify aggressive behavior it masked a more pressing issue of group hate that couldn't be ignored for the benefit of the community and other people that don't "fit in" their distorted world. (At least it couldn't be ignored in good moral conscious. Remember, this is a still a free country and people have the right to be treated as valuable members not based in race, religion, ethnicity or other superficial differences.). So the options were little and based in my history, background and personality I decided to challenge (You never really know people until you put them into a tough spot. where values are deeper then the false shadows we show to each other.)

While some of those challenges have been matched and met there are still left over sentiments and passive aggressive behaviors by those who blindly support these inappropriate beliefs (Prior it was officially now its more closet unofficial support. Its a little like rooting for the wrong team but being too embarrassed to admit it to yourself. ๐Ÿ˜ฌ See Cost of Embedded Groups). They persist in their perception of control over "their town" as they use their social networks to determine who is allowed to engage (in public and private) and should not be allowed to engage (There is often called by a distorted sense of entitlement. My family's history in the area actually predates many of the other families pressuring for a homogeneous town but it was the "name" and children's race that makes the difference in the evaluation of "local" that includes subjective value over me and my children. By extension, based on the inappropriate usage of slang terms by group members and history of local bullying, they also devalue most of the other minorities in the country as a "mental category" of understanding others in the fish bowl in which they were raised. You can notice from this group the absence of nearly all minorities and that includes those that are locally in abundance such as Native Americans {They don't have a very higher perception of them either.๐Ÿ˜ข. Most of my Native American friends would likely sort of agree with the unmentioned divide.}. Unchallenged these distorted beliefs grow to infect others without the self-development to have their own opinions. Like a disease.). 

One of the tools this group used was public smearing to gain as many supporters of their agenda as they could through their sports and other social networks (No different then the propaganda of other extremist groups that seek to solidify a base of supporters against someone seen as a "threat". What they don't realize if my presence is only a "threat" to someone's ego and they need to work on that to build the self image needed to determine what is their problem and what is someone else's problem. False projections. In more factual terms those that have met me and my kids would say were rather nice. ๐Ÿคท). That creates a problem when applying for positions within the community where reputational damage has occurred and continues to impact the targets in one way or another (See Transferring Risk). It leaves difficult choices as to how best to ensure that the propaganda of ethnic cleansing campaigns do not continued unchallenged and the institutions are doing what is in the best interest of society (i.e. versus their groups, ideologies, self interest, etc...). 

Let me give you a scenario of applying for an adjunct job within the area and being told by the HR representative I was "more than qualified" and wanted me to start teaching the ASAP ( next semester in a couple of weeks I believe) and abruptly without incident being ghosted (Indicating a lack of professionalism and soiling of institutional purpose). All of the interactions were polite so this behavior is unlikely to be from our interactions alone meaning. Trying to understand the catalyst I contacted the HR hiring representative that reached out to me a few times (followed up on email and when I didn't get a response I called and left a message) but no response. I then followed a natural authority chain upwards by emailing the HR manager (whom appears to be well known in the community and may have some connection back to the propaganda group) and cold shoulder no response. Figuring it may be just an inappropriate HR problem I contacted the president of the school indicating I had a concern. No response! (See how it starts looking like minorities applying are the problem and are quickly stonewalled when they have a question. It makes you wonder how common this problem is and what are the avenues for fixing it if it impacts our institutions of learning? ๐Ÿค”๐Ÿ’. What are the motivators and why would normal professional expectation of behaviors be abandoned? Then, if done for the wrong reasons how are such people entrusted to make decisions over important functions such as the development of the next generation of workers and leaders?. Lack of transparency, misaligned selection criteria, inappropriate/unprofessionalism, and the importance of higher education all leads to a number of open questions.).

So I'm at a cross roads. What is the right path forward morally?

I can't undo the damage that was done from this hate group and while I'm not that concerned about the adjunct job I still feel that unprofessional behavior should be discouraged and if discriminatory (as an extension of this group and/or as a personal philosophy) there should be a necessary correction to ensure such behaviors don't limit the quality of education for their students or misuse tax payer dollars for private and/or group agendas based in racial, religious, or cultural bias.  

Breaking Down the Percentages:

Thinking through all the actions and interactions and their possible behavioral justifications I came to some temporary explanations. Knowing which is occurring is a challenge with significant grey area in data and information (Some of it requires extrapolating backwards.). Unprofessionalism mixed with context and lack of logical explanation based on experience and performance leaves me (and should leave others) with open questions. I broke down the possibilities based on the information I have at this time (meaning new information changes those percentages and categories. While the specific observations are documentable and appear factual the explanation of those facts is subjective to knowledge and interpretation. It would take an investigation/analysis to pull facts and create the most logical explanation.):

Nothing Wrong: 40% (actually 43%) there is nothing legally wrong or the selection criterial appear to be acceptable. That doesn't mean there was or wasn't inappropriateness but its doesn't constitution a violation as how the law is currently defined. A thumb or two thumbs up. ๐Ÿ‘ or๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘

Mixed Wrong:40% (Actually 39%) my suspicions are partially correct and the selection criteria are inappropriate to the actual position and some of the issue are "managers discretion" not based in actual factual or appropriate measures. Issues reside in the legal grey area (i.e. things like spelling errors that are not applied universally across candidates. Could be bad policy design, personnel issues, or unconscious projected bias. A process review might be helpful in improving the functioning of the school.). A thumbs down. ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘Ž

Danger Zone: 20% (Actually 18%) that the things I indicate are possible might be happening actually are happening (I actually don't know and am open to whatever is the reasonable truth.) In this category there would be discriminatory policies and/or choices(based in their social networks, values systems, or political-personal beliefs) that can be supported through documentable evidence (review of hiring practices, demographics, recruitment processes/advertisements, etc...)  That might constitute an intentionally manipulation of posted values (i.e. mission) versus realized values (What might actually be going on.). In a worst case scenario it could mean information is being manipulated to various stakeholders (i.e. EEOC, public, accreditors, students/mission statement, others, etc...) as to what the actual administration's value systems are and how institutional resources are being used "real life" scenarios. It isn't likely to be this bad but in a grotesque situation where such behaviors are found to impact systemically faculty/staff recruitment, student diversity, disciplinary processes, etc... it could be a  little more serious (I don't believe widespread systemic discrimination is occurring but I can't rule it out completely without more information. Its interesting because a memo released by Princeton University in systemic racism/bigotry indicates many of the same things I'm advocating for transparency, diversity & inclusion, access to different scholars, appropriate faculty selection, etc... See Institutional Equity and Diversity) Two thumbs down. ๐Ÿ‘Ž๐Ÿ‘Ž

Where its Currently At?

Thus at present I'm thinking there is a 43% chance not much is going on and 57% a "look see" might find concerning outcomes that in turn warrant some changes (Remember, this isn't a private institution. This is a public institution, accredited, and using tax payer monies for a publicly posted mission. If it was private, uncredited and/or privately financed it would likely have a lot more choices to select candidates as they wish; I will bet much smaller. At present they are expected to do what is in the best interest of society within our norms and values.)

If it was me and I knew that there is significant room for multiple interpretations of institutional (or individual) behaviors (meaning I wasn't 100% sure significant errors wouldn't be found) I would review my processes, discuss them with someone knowledgeable, and make the appropriate adjustments (That would be what I would do if I was in a leadership role and had only limited training on labor laws. ๐Ÿคท ) If I was very very sure everything is being done according to our posted policies and value systems then I would feel confident in my decision and stand by them. At a minimum the concerns, or at least perceptions of inappropriate behaviors, should lead to an understanding of increased transparency and professionalism (Assuming the best interest of the public is at the forefront of their concerns.). As with all things in life choice determines intent and time answers all questions (It should be remembered that observations can be supported by documented incidences but interpretation of those incidences are subject to more data and the interpretation of that data. See Immanuel Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason.) Some challenges are actually hidden opportunities...but only for a limited time....where adaptation can occur in a more organic fashion. See GDP Human Capital Stock and College Hiring and Global Competitiveness

Tuesday, January 25, 2022

Current State of National Infrastructure R&D (Innovation With New Voices Tempered by Old Wisdom)

 

Infrastructure
Louisville KY
Keeping up with the infrastructure news. One of the reasons why I have been following this for some time is that hard infrastructure mixed with digital/data infrastructure can create new levels of manufacturing performance through heightened innovation and capability development. That of course is not a given so the infrastructure elements must work together in a way that they build value by enhancing each other's capabilities (i.e. elemental infrastructure). One of the ways in which we can more closely see this would be in a growing local cluster; also known as a broad based macro innovation system that moves beyond specific tech development. (i.e. hence a theory of interactive innovative clusters). They are also places where higher volume and value interactions can occur around various national innovative needs (i.e. aerospace, battery production, EV, robotics, military, etc...). 

In the process of understanding that it is beneficial to watch what is changing in infrastructure. I'm also watching what is going on in Michigan and specifically a development Delta County investment clusters model. They are just ideas that may or may not have merit but is supported in part through a wide range of scientific literature (i.e. meaning each of the pieces seems to be supported in part by the other pieces to create a clustered model of interactive performance.)

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: This is the big bi-partisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passage in 2021 that both Democrats and Republicans supported. It took a minute (slang for a timeframe.) but eventually I think most people got on board. Hard infrastructure when built with the cross benefits of other infrastructure can lead to something called synergy. Its the same thing you might find within a very well managed cluster (i.e. hypothetically) where structures and resources can build with each other to expand their influence through partial cointegration of function. For example harder infrastructure like rails, airports and ports work in conjunction with broadband/data infrastructure and technology to create advanced manufacturing (There are of different cointegrations that can occur but in general its physical with digital/virtual that creates advanced manufacturing. It can also create under the right circumstances lots of start-ups and small businesses.)

If managed well infrastructure (i.e. similar to clusters) can lead to net positives in tax revenue (employment, revenue, lifestyle, education, etc...) as business develop and find greater competitiveness by expanding operations and investing more where they are likely to find higher rates of innovation and manufacturing ROI. Its not possible to really describe some of its complexity in a single post. It might even be possible to determine the general quantitative investment return rate of investments into a solidly designed business environment. (Maybe I should look around and see if someone got anything close in the literature on ROI on synergist infrastructure investments. You can sort of find straight forward advantage of 15% to 45%. See Infrastructure ROI.)

( You may be interested in some related articles. Just read through and let it percolate a little ๐Ÿคท Cross Structure Synergy, Economic Hub Synergy, Interactive Economic Hubs, Probability Firm LinkMultiCluster New IndustryPure MichiganDelta County Shipping, Supply Chain ValueRegional Lightning Strike,  Data Infrastructure,  Maintain National Economic Superiority, Out Perform China 2033, Economy Needs FulfillmentEconomic-Social PlatformsStreets of Gold ๐Ÿค“)

January 14th, 2022 White House Fact Sheet: Objectives include 1.) increasing high paying jobs, support manufacturing and adjust supply chains to improve upon the U.S. position in the 21st Century; and, 2.) improve equity and racial justice.  You can obtain a pretty solid run down of where the money is going from the release. The vast majority is going to hard infrastructure where when/if national growth is experienced it will have bigger impact because it applies across the economic structure. The Internet is also getting big push which moves us closer to the digital economy. 

Infrastructure Implementation Task Force: There isn't a great way to say it better than to quote, "To coordinate effective implementation across the government and advance the Administration’s priorities, the Executive Order also establishes a Task Force." We are dealing with a lot of money here and having a way to manage that money makes sense (I'm starting to notice some familiar names.๐Ÿ’จ). Its important to have seasoned members mixed with newer members in government and leadership. Ideas flow best when the enthusiasm of the new is made practical by the experience of the old.

(What one could consider doing in admin it to take a look at engagement levels of Millennials in government and try and find a blend of different ages, demographics, etc. to help build toward a point in the future. Older people have knowledge but often get stuck in their way of thinking while the young have the enthusiasm but don't have the experience to turn good ideas into practical outcomes. Infrastructure is being built in part to bring back manufacturing in physical goods but also should be thinking about future digital goods. We are entering a new era where the physical goods and digital goods will be blended. It may seem philosophical but that is a natural course of development to enhance physical products with value options).

$824 Million Michigan Incentives to Lure $7 Billion in GM Investments (Other Types of Strategies)

 If your interested in Michigan's economic landscape you should consider reading the article 'GM wins $824 million in incentives from Michigan to lure $7 billion in EV investments' by Chad Livengood (Livengood, 2022) as it provides a nice overview of the event. In this case The Michigan Strategic Fund is using an incentive to partner with the business (There are longer term benefits at play of keeping emerging tech and other associated industries attracted to MI.). It works as a strategy but is a little controversial because some might feel we should not pay companies (In this case I agree for the most part with what they are doing.). An alternative strategy to use in the future is to invest that amount in some infrastructure (and others i.e. training grants, land acquisition, etc... packet.) that will help that company and other companies creating wider benefits. While they may have the same tax rate they also have higher returns from the improvements as they can obtain and ship resources cheaper then their competitors. Likewise, there are other benefits that impact both people and businesses that can use these "build out" adaptable infrastructures (We don't do well in calculating they non direct benefits but they are as or more important than many of the measurements I have seen. There are other value developments that can have an impact on business like active wide and focused marketing to international investors. Looking for other companies along the supply chain to create new technologies and trying to lure them. Directories for people looking for suppliers, etc... etc...etc..... Just a few ideas that we are not limited to a single tax incentive tool. It works...but we might be able to do other stuff as well to make a unique international appeal as a state.)

Livengood, C. (January 25th, 2022). GM wins $824 million in incentives from Michigan to lure $7 billion in EV investments. Auto News. Retrieved January 25th, 2022 from https://www.autonews.com/manufacturing/gm-wins-824-million-incentives-michigan-lure-7-billion-ev-investments

Sunday, January 23, 2022

The 139' Luxury Liner Ship called America (Pic and Video)

Out sailing and came across a beautiful ship called the America. You may not be a nautical type person and may not know much about ships but they are certainly are a wonder to watch. Our nation was built by such ships that carried people and supplies. I dive in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan sometimes and came across ships that sunk and are deteriorated beyond what they once looked like (You can read about that here). This is what a few of them may have looked like once in their full glory.

Its awesome to see a wooden liner of this caliber. America is a 139' Luxury liner was build Scarano Boat Building (Kind of interesting what they do.) in their Albany shipyard (Yacht Chart Fleet). You can learn a little about America and its charter HERE

Enjoy the pic and video

Friday, January 21, 2022

1 NY for Officer Killed and 1 Injured: Gun Controversies Continue!

Another officer was shot and with sadness we can say we haven't yet got a handle on gun violence. I think we are dealing with the availability of certain guns on one side and the right to own guns on the other side. From a domestic disturbance response issue (violence and mental health may be at cause) it is sad to see things turn out this way (Meaning we need change that creates accountability and opportunity for help.). Somewhere and someday we are going to have to find the right balance between protection from gun misuse and the right to bear arms. We are not there yet...but people are certainly discussing it from a wider societal perspective. Either way, until we find a solution  it will continue forward and some will misuse them; maybe always will. :(

Maybe we need to innovate the gun market to create more finger print protection. See an article by Daniel Trotta in Rueter's article 'Exclusive: Smart guns finally arriving in U.S., seeking to shake up firearms market'. However, guns are a controversial issue. I don't know all the arguments involved so I'm just sort of learning to formulate my own opinion (I haven't made up my mind on the idea yet. What I can say is useless death and violent crime damage our society.). What I can say is that I have talked to a lot of people who own guns and I think some of them don't respect its finite nature (The personality and gun are often the primary issues). There are others who are more serious about them and treat them with a level of respect (The type of gun owner I trust.)