Sunday, December 11, 2022

Zero Carbon Limitless Fusion Energy: Oil Out in Digital Era?

The Information Age brings forward a digital era that comes with it increased exploration and science much like you would find during the Renaissance (We are making an assumption that we are moving into a new era much like we move into the Industrial Era. Except, this is more virtual and using different infrastructure than was used in the hard density manufacturing of the past.). The possibility of unlimited energy, modern infrastructure, global communications and distribution, as well as whole new ways of learning and developing. I would think of this like the Roaring 20's where new innovations bring new opportunities and solutions. If true, an energy source that creates more than it costs without much carbon pollution would be a game changer (It sort of mutes a few arguments because it would be an important developmental path for commercialization.).

What U.S. administrators should think about how to capitalize on the rapid future changes to the market by placing itself at the center of the supply chain? With new energy and technology can come very interesting new ways (doors) to explore  the technology of tomorrow, the infrastructure that will allow for high information environments, and foster the human capital to master future challenges (While we may have developed complexity in society we are still bound to innovation as a creation of a "tool" of one type of another. Using sticks to get ants out of a log or someday drilling holes on Mars for new minerals they are all tools.)

Is oil out? Not yet...its still can fit within a plug and play energy grid (Something the U.S. should think about as innovation improves and changes our environment we need a system that structurally is sound and well designed for local and regional development, two way energy to input and draw, multiple energy inputs to increase market cost calibration, and greater resilience not only from natural elements but also from human caused ones. )

US scientists make major breakthrough in ‘limitless, zero-carbon’ fusion energy: report



When you are finished changing, you are finished”. - Benjamin Franklin

Saturday, December 10, 2022

Fire Department Christmas Party: The Gifts of Community Support

Attended the the Escanaba Twp. Christmas Party. Loads of fun and lots of good things going on as people enjoyed their time. These men and women risk their lives to help the community. They respond from everything ranging from car accidents to house fires. They are walking in the snow searching for lost ones or breaking down doors to help those in desperate need. 

Presently the department is in need of a grass truck so if there are any companies that have a few corporate dollars you may want throw them this way. A new truck will cost around $100K from what I heard.  Esc. Township Page and Escanaba Twp. Fire Department Facebook. If you can't donate but want to be involved, go through training, and become part of a dedicated team of firefighters give the department a call. 

A few things I won on raffle. 



The Firefighters Prayer (History)

When I am called to duty, God, whenever flames may rage; Give me the strength to save some life, whatever be its age.

Help me embrace a little child before it's too late

Or save an older person from the horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout,

And quickly and efficiently to put the fire out.

I want to fill my calling to give the best in me,

To guard my every neighbor and protect their property.

And if, according to my fate, I am to lose my life;

Please bless with your protecting hand my children and my wife.


Why People Support Hate: Social, Self and "I Think Therefore I Am" Identity Challenges

As a society we struggle with hate to a point we are confused what it looks like. I guess in some ways it is unfair to say as a society "WE struggle" because I believe hate to exist across the globe in different forms for different reasons. It is something that people have struggled with as we move from the archaic nature of the past to something more stable and enlightened. Hate is an anchor for the past burdening our true potential through the suppression and harm of those we deem as "undesirables". 

Hate is based in how we see ourselves and our ability to find an appropriate place the grand order of society. As social creatures hate becomes a way of deflecting our weaknesses to hide them behind easy to exploit targets. Hate has nothing to do with truth, fairness, justice, equality, stability, or equity. Hate is a truly a social affair through how we perceive ourselves in relation to others. 

Most Don't Know Themselves or their Bias as Much as the Believe

Can you hate or do you see the value in each person on a deeper level? (Take note of what you just said because more than not we all want to feel like we take the higher moral road.)What we say about ourselves and what we are may be different things depending on who your asking and how much they know about you. We often find that people have three versions of themselves. They are in part 1. how they perceive themselves (Me), 2.) how society perceives them (WE) and 3.) how they really are (I). 

Aristotle School of Athens
Most people have no clue who they actually are! Not really. Beyond the pop psychology of self-help are the inner core where current "presence", matched with biological inheritance/past, matched with personality of experience come to define our trusted selves. Without challenge most will not grow or change. You will simply exist with the least amount of achievement and effort because that is the most comfortable place to be.

Sometimes self reflection comes through challenges and taking stock of personal resources and perceptions in order to master important challenges. If you never step outside your comfort zone you will not have an opportunity to understand the worm at the core that comes to define your true self. You won't know yourself fully because you don't know your most inner values, thoughts, and reactions to life threatening situations and/or complex unanswered questions of life. Go through a few of those and you start to see truer selves of people which is a good sign you see your self truer. Who are you, what do you believe, what do you stand for, what are your strengths, what are your weaknesses, etc... all become increasingly defined through lifetimes of challenge.

“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”-Aristotle

We See Ourselves Through Skewed Lens 

We are made up of perception (self, others, society) resting on top of a deeper level (biology and genetics). While the ability to detect differences and categorize "others" may have biological roots the interpretation of that information is socially constructed based on how we see self in relation to others (Perception of self within society and society's perception of that self. One must perceive themselves as part of the whole and the whole must perceive its parts to be two separate identities.)

The overwhelming urge to see ourselves as good and more worthy of reward when compared to others is based in that reference point of self and the need to fulfill those needs. For example, we all need to eat and if you have more money you can secure your survival by buying more land and food. So we will have interest in the benefits of money. Its natural that we would want more of what ensures our comfort and survival.

Some psychological self-orientation is reasonable but a problem arises when distortion creates "better than thou" in-group dynamics that rest in part through a false method of dehumanizing others as "lower than thou". A sense of entitlement takes hold and when distortion is supported by local institutions through shared social networks (i.e. those associated with the core network) that ensure different rules for different kinds of people (Different entities with different purposes, rules, and norms has always been an issue for any government.).

The individuals who engaged in such group enriching acts see themselves as not only more worthy (in needs obtainment) but that such benefits are justification to their inflated sense of self and the distorted reflection of a social group that shares commonality of thought (i.e. blind support for hate and flying monkey's). In other words, at their stage of development the perception of self hasn't fully differentiated from their social self leaving them confused as to what is theirs and what is the group's beliefs (i.e. making such level 1 thinkers easy to influence by political persuasion, hate propaganda, trends, etc... as their validation is external but is perceived internally without that knowledge.) 

Hate as a Group Distortion

Hate becomes a social disease where social group self behavior diminishes the perceived responsibility of the individual self. This lack of clear differentiation between social self and individual self is a sign of a lack of independence in thought and action. While they are individually responsible they acted within a social network that did not frown on such behaviors. In their minds, they were not responsible because they didn't actively seek to cause harm but only support it through social agreement and normalization (i.e. words of encouragement on social level and turning the blind eye on a systems level).

The true self within these situations did not ever manifest for most of the group members because the life experience, self development potential and opportunity did not present itself within the homogeneous environment in a way that allowed one to reflect and become aware of their true self. In other words, the lower order thinking has not been required to adapt to higher order thinking through necessity (That self that exists when you have only bad choices and pick the most beneficial of them despite the odds and despite the resistance and risk. I have an opportunity to teach about my experience of hate in writings just like this. )

Failure to develop as a person is not an excuse or invite to engage in behaviors and we must make sure that the system doesn't allow for or encourage such behaviors. What I have proposed about mandatory mental health for the perpetrators, reform of the dept. that engaged inappropriate conduct based in the need to protect others outside the "clan", ensuring the local college HR department doesn't continue to hire based on personal/institutional bias, audit of financial incentives, etc. are all reasonable under the circumstances, as the situation was unfolding and then again afterward. Free passes are splits between what we profess as a society and how we act on a granular level can create irreconcilable "truths" on what we should be (ideal we strive for as a nation and as stated in our historical artifacts) and what we are (where our system currently is as a developmental stage and why we are/will experiencing/experience fundamental changes in that system through multiple forms of pressures. i.e. distrust, poor leadership, protest, poor recruiting, rise in crime, political encampment, lack of solutions, etc. Look at it this way. Every system is on the way to becoming something. We adapt because we have to adapt. Old systems create pressure to change and we are in a place where its obvious we should start changing. We should take what works and build on that to make something better. We are all part of the same boat and have the right to define how this boat will be managed and powered. i.e. loss of human capital.).

Of course just because I think it doesn't mean that it is true as I am limited in knowledge and information. Like all other people I am also limited in capacity to understand and sometimes can misconstrue information (Although I often correct when I find information that is relevant. Generally I have been sort of right about most things but am often wrong enough to know not to suspect there are not alternatives out there.). What I can say for certain is that if I am thinking about it, it is important to me, my thinking is proof I exist, and my existence is proof I "am", and that my right to exist (i.e. without intimidation, threat or loss) supersedes the rights of the 'entitled' to transfer their issues onto others, and that society should support certain values for the best interest of ALL of societal stakeholders to ensure the agreed upon social contract fundamentals are enforced.

What now happens.....I'm not sure.....Its not up to me.....I only say what I think because in the end usually its in the ball park right spot and its a duty to improve society through thinking. We think so we exist as a societal construction. What we are going to think is up to those who can step outside their tightly bound social networks (See No Evil, Hear no Evil, Speak no Evil Monkeys 😏🙈🙉🙊)

cogito ergo sum! -Rene Descartes

 

Friday, December 9, 2022

Great Lakes Savage Shipwrecks From 'Witch of November' 1913: Water Levels Decline Temporarily

History is important because we often live, breath, and exist within the context of our past. The Great Lakes were and are a dangerous place for outdoor enthusiasts and sailors. I thought you might be interested in this Progressive Era discussion of a time when we were growing as a nation. That time may come again and our Great Lakes will become increasingly important (even places like Escanaba.)

Kind of an interesting article on how the Great Lakes lose water annually. Lake Michigan, Lake Huron lose over 3 trillion gallons of water in November

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

The Global Do It Yourself Market Projected to be $1,278 Billion by 2030: Cracks in my Chimney!

A crack from cold weather.
Working on your home can be a great pleasure and a great headache if your not willing to learn. The trend toward knowing how to fix our own homes is growing. According to Allied Market the global Do-It-Yourself Market comprised $848.20 in 2021and projected to balloon to $1,278 Billion by 2030 with an annual growth rate of $4.37. (Allied Market Research 2021)

Its not just the U.S. but also across the globe! I encourage people to learn as many skills as they can. Working on your home is a great activity and saves you lots of money in the long run. The old farmer classes of the 1930's have all long gone and a new generation of builders must come forward. 

Filled the cracks with chimney
Furnace Cement and Fireplace Mortar

Having construction and improvement skills means you can put to practical use many other skills you have learned from math to finger dexterity. That knowledge bank transfers to other areas and gives one a better understanding of the mechanics of construction.

For example, I have one of those old 100+ year old log cabins that was built along the Escanaba River prior to mass expansion of cars. Back then it was all farms and buggy tracks. 

My house is old. My chimney is in good shape but every other year I go up and check all the cracks. If you don't maintain your property it will have problems. It just a matter of time.

Similarly, If you don't fill these cracks water gets into them and they expand and create bigger cracks. The more they expand, the more old chimneys start to crack crumble. I already put back in place a few stones that the prior owner neglected to repair. 

Monday, December 5, 2022

China Manufacturing Slows: Will there be a trend in Global Supply Chain Carving?

As relationships between the U.S. and China go through changes we will find the global market adjusting based on the sphere of influences and business connections that come from each of these powerhouses. China has recently experienced a decline in manufacturing and there may be many reasons why this might be happening. Let us learn together.....

Read the article Manufacturing orders from China down 40% in unrelenting demand collapse and particularly the piece on increased trade between U.S. and Europe and decline of Chinese manufacturing in China loses grip on global manufacturing.

As tensions rise there will be increased risk of geopolitical supply chain carving and that could impact manufacturing and economic, social, and business relationships. Companies will consider that risk in their manufacturing selection and may want to opt for North American, Europe, and other pro-Democracy nations where relationships are stronger (An opportunity for the U.S. to rejuvenate advanced manufacturing. Doors close and doors open.). 

The big questions might be.....

1.) Will this trend continue?

2.) What will the relationships between U.S. and China be in 5 years (i.e. investment purposes)?

3.) What are the places I can manufacture in the U.S. (Do we have a web index listing all of our manufacturers and is this index functional in a way that can help companies find alternative manufacturing plans?)

4.) Will there be an internal dialogue in China that seeks to understand the benefits of being the supporter of a global free market? Will they seek to reduce tensions and improve relationships in order to maintain international investment and business prospects?

A few misc. things of interest I found will exploring the topic.................

BLS has some stats on US Manufacturing Jobs, Employment Industry.

Gov. Cook on economy and productivity in manufacturing HERE

You may also want to read U.S. manufacturing sector contracts in November - ISM

Kind of an interesting study just came out about mapping Chinese industries geographically. Looks like some of the researchers are playing with machine learning. I sort of just found it while browsing on Chinee manufacturing trends. Either way you can read about it and gain broader knowledge of how different manufacturing economies operate by perusing China’s Gridded Manufacturing Dataset

How Does Ostracization and Hate Become Popularized in our Hometowns?

Life is about our social connections and our place within those networks (This is why we compare ourselves to others to find our potential value, worth, and place in society. We are defined, socialized, and often subject to those networks. For example, if you hate then you likely have people around you who have such leanings; whether online or in person.). Much of what we think and feel are real and objective are just shared agreements and symbolism among people (i.e. a soda bottle to people who have never seen one has different symbolism and meaning and it will take some experimentation to find its best purpose within that culture. That could be different based on the needs of that society.). Just like in the beginning of time when differences between clans (i.e. outsiders) were seen with suspicion we so too today see differences, outsiders and others with suspicion. That can sometimes create different rules for different people based on a lack ability to see others as worthy as ourselves (A point to be made here is that on a national level if people can live and travel freely within the nation we have a unified nation but if the unwritten rules change based on locality you have different societies within a larger society. embedded networks.). As rooted in personality, and influenced by culture (general term), some will be engaging, some will be unsure, and some will rage on difference. 

Those who hate difference often do so out of deep seated fears that have not been addressed or managed within their lives. So difference constitutes in many cases change, and change constitutes a type of threat. Its not really a threat of other but the threat of the inability to deal with change. Those who are least able to deal with change are also the most likely to hate. (This is partly why often misinformation and quick outlets for internal and sometimes collective rage can be a dangerous tool if wielded by people with mental health issues.)

(Just to clarify. Change in social status, change in roles, change in social routines, change in thoughts, and/or just about any other uncomfortable change which could be a normal and acceptable thing by healthy people but a scary transition for unhealthy people. That scary transitions causes people with mental health issues to do all types of odd things to avoid dealing with how they feel on the inside. See where empathy toward those who hate sort of makes a little sense? This is partly why mental health and domestic hate management are part of the same issue. i.e. MI track and solve.)

The particular problem occurs when some of our leaders are also fearful of change and fearful of "others" (It makes you wonder why some of our leaders ever became leaders. That outward confidence isn't matched by inward confidence. It only shows lack of self awareness. How has lack of self-aware leaders worked out in history or in our society? If we are electing leaders without self awareness or who don't hold our collective values primary then it means we have other issues as it pertains to some members not understanding the essential purpose of democratic vs autocratic rule.). These people influence others and in turn that creates social distortions, ostracization and suspicions of anything that represents difference or change. (Group fear factor and ultimately group control is managed like a puppet through removal of dissent and well planted rumors designed to reduce credibility. The more toxic the leader, the more likely they will demonized people who represent change as manifested through perceptions of differences vs similar.) 

(It always was immoral to falsely demonize others (i.e. casting stones) and many religious, moralists, historians and philosopher members of society have come forward to warn us throughout history of the necessity of inclusive values and the need for higher order thinking. Sometimes societies listen and sometimes they don't and it is all part of the same process and cycle of nations. Notice that societies are generally moving toward a more humane approach throughout development.)

Somewhere along the line self hate turns to hate of other which is sold to social associates as a way to justify bad behavior. We can only sell that hate through false rumors to people who already hold bias and in turn are willing to adopt the narrative of hate as their own personal narrative (People only think they own certain beliefs but usually it is a direct value system of their network. They just don't have the insight to see that. Few chart their own courses in thought.). They have already been socialized to perceive themselves in a more entitled way without actually earning those positions through performance (Most professional athletes and performers I have met are kind and polite people. For those who hate it is only the perception of superiority that is important.).

When it comes to hate facts don't matter. For example, as far as I know my family and I have not done anything to anyone. There were other factors than our "worthiness" of hate that may have allowed a large group of hate supporters to ostracize, spread rumors, and engage in behaviors that if unchecked could eventually be fatal. (If you research history before we experience known atrocities we have seen in other places there are certain beliefs/bias that became acceptable to "set the stage" or prime for worse things. It happens when you intentionally demonize, delegitimize, and dehumanize others. While that could be unlikely here it has happened in other places. i.e. Tulsa Riots and all too often unknown and forgotten ways. While most people are warm, good, inviting people there are a few who are not and we don't want their beliefs spreading to create normalization. See monkeys.) 

(People will do astounding things when given a narrative they can excuse themselves from personal responsibility. See electric shock experiments in Milgram 1963'enocide study. It makes you wonder under what circumstances and why we have seen this blind followership grow in social and political circles? 🤔 We need more free thinkers as a general process of positive adaptation.). 

Finding ways to hometown hate is important because it is a fundamental risk to our democracy as the rights of people to live freely should overshadow the rights of those to continue to believe that only people like them are true Americans/"Americans" (Americans with all of the rights and opportunities.). Hate is thus a social disease among the most damaged members of our society who do not feel empowered to deal with their life challenges as they come (Hate makes someone else responsible for one's own failures. Collectively or individually it is the use of a scapegoat based on someone's ability to exploit difference to radicalize followership and power. See Nietzsche 'Will to Power'.).

(Someone might ask what I'm going to do going forward? My strategy since the beginning was to be polite, engaging, visible, and a contributor to society. I will be easy to find and easy to talk with. Yet I won't sugar coat the dangerous behaviors that arose because that mocks the sacrifices of all the prior victims of hate and gives disrespect to all those American souls who died for our freedom. Silence through complacency or fear is part of the problem and why such disease spreads.)

(Its doesn't really have much to do with me or those who have done wrong at the moment. Its the bigger picture of how to detect the growth of hate and radicalism and how to find strategies to deal with it. Some people have seen the atrocities of this world and understand how such behaviors must be first "sold" to all too often open ears scrambling for solutions to their life's problems. The more we understand it, the better we can avoid it, deradicalize it through truth, and help it in other places. Worth or not worth something? That is up to everyone else to decide....I'm just interested in understanding. 🤷🤓)