Elon Musk Reveals New Optimus Robot Video! (2023 Tesla Shareholder Meeting)

This is very interesting. Think of the Digital Era and how these technologies will become cheaper, more common, and used in industry and other applications. It can be a good thing if managed and it does pose some risks when misapplied. In addition to infrastructure, batteries, and new technologies we should consider being at the top of this market (i.e. think of space flight exploration, dangerous work, deep diving, and military). 

Janet Yellen Holds Press Briefing In China, Stresses Opposition To Economic Decoupling

There is a discussion on decoupling and recoupling. While this has been going on for some time because of conflicts in Russia and some aggressive trade policies one must say that two larger countries will need to find market homeostasis where they enhance the size of the total market. Greater communication is needed to ensure that there is general alignment to the need of the wider of the market. Market relationships based on basic international rules where that creates market stabilization. 

I do like that she says we do need to ensure the U.S. Supply chain is robust, adaptable, and maintains product/service movement. One issue she brings up is the business and investment environment. China will also need to ensure their practices are fair for American businesses (i.e. dumping and intellectual theft). 

The Pinta Ship Photo

 I was in Louisville last week and went and visited the Pinta. History of the Pinta. Its not the greatest picture but i'm going to include it anyway. 

Purchase the Pinta in Gallery

Delta County Sheriff unveils new plans to rehabilitate inmates

 This is a good plan I think from what I can tell on the surface. In general, we want to rehabilitate our young instead of just the "get tough" mentality so common. Sometimes get tough and sometimes get smart programs work. Knowing when to do each is important. Crime has many causes and just locking people up and throwing away the key of those who have potential doesn't always make sense. That is even more true when crimes are minor and/or non-violent by nature. 

Law enforcement is not a means to an end in and of itself but a pathway to safety and stability that should always seek the highest forms of contribution. I have no problem criticizing bad behaviors when they are apparent. In this case, it is the right thing to do. Hats off! (I support police 100% and civil rights 110%)

Delta County Sheriff unveils new plans to rehabilitate inmates

As a community we should support those efforts designed to improve long term outcomes and keep our youth engaged with the public. The minute we give up on them, is the minute they give up on us.

Here is an interesting study on referrals. A lot of crimes are committed because of drugs and alcohol. These programs may put a dent in the long term negative impact. 

Examining the implementation of police-assisted referral programs for substance use disorder services in Massachusetts

Results: Five key themes emerged regarding the implementation of police-assisted referral programs across the communities: 1) program development was an ongoing process; 2) partnerships between police departments and community stakeholders were essential for starting and sustaining a program; 3) high-level leadership influenced program priorities and facilitated implementation; 4) program success was defined in multiple ways; and 5) programs contributed to shifts in beliefs about substance use and addiction among police officers.

Other Reading:
Don't Get UPSET? Multiple Ways to Solve UP Drug Problems

Volunteer Fire Departments that Find Unique Ways to Contribute

 I came across this interesting article on fire departments bucking the trend of low volunteer participation. There are two interesting things with this article. First, the beard issue and sealed masks as a religious safety obligation and the second is the method by which they maintain participation. See NY Unique Volunteer Fire Department

Most of us contribute because we care. 

Delta County Board of Commissioners Meeting 6/20/2023: Annexation Averted

This definitely was an interesting meeting and the emotions were running high in the crowd. There were some upset about the way in which certain property issues were treated and that led to a series of adversarial actions. We then see these actions play out over a few years and finally come to a larger point where they could be addressed as a community. Hopefully, this will resolve the issue.

The public stepped up to the discussion with lots of great detailed, researched and well thought out information. Whether one was for or against the annexation, we find that people did their part to open a discussion on key issues that were bothering them. The more they learned, the more concerned they became.

Hopefully, these meetings sort of clear the air and allow people to resolve and move forward onto the next hurdles. We still have a community to build and I hope everyone keeps their eye on the ball. A problem arose, people tackled it, and then they should move on. The name of the game is solving problems and making decisions.

I'm thinking the solar issue will continue forward for the time being. That is technically a different issue that will still need to be decided. You don't need annexation to allow or not allow solar farms. Its a decision by the townships. We will see where that discussion will lead, but I doubt it would be as controversial as the annexation.

There is a better discussion in Delta County Board votes against Escanaba Township annexation

One side note is that people are very much engaged in local government and that is much more then you will find in many places. It is this participation and addressing concerns that is important (Freedom of Speech was upheld in this case and it reversed a course people didn't agree with. That is why we protect it and covet it like a precious stone.).

New Goals and New Things: As we get older and wiser things change.

If your a guy like me you will come to realize you have things you have to give back to society so that we can learn from them and grow. When I think of some of the goals I had in life they were important at the time when I thought of them. However, they don't make you a better person and they give you surface kudus. Buzz love is fleeting. None of that means much at the end of the day. Here were a few things I have sought to achieve and I guess they were important to me. I guess just to me...

1. Obtain degrees.

2. Raise kids

3. Financial stability.

4. Write some books. I learned stuff.

5. Start a small business.

6. etc.

We may obtain some, most or all of our goals, and those are important but are not the whole thing. For people like me, these are much harder struggles because lots of things and people work against you (Not necessarily because they hate you but because they hate the idea of you. We can get more into that later.). Where there are normal behaviors that would be unacceptable in one circumstances becomes increasing acceptable in another. Most are awesome but there are some who are more entitled than others and there are few to no backstops depending on which community you belong.

When I see that these different sort of rules exist for different people, I can accept that in some ways if I had to. I just think its unfair that the rest of us have to accept it so I politely encourage dysfunction to correct itself. So I will likely encourage higher functioning when I see it or I think it would be helpful (That is just my opinion.). Many are likely not interested in hearing a little wisdom from someone who has seen a lot (Its not about Will to Power as our obligations move beyond our own egos.)

The older goals were great and they did a lot of good. Then what?

A few I have...

1. My theory. I guess its something to do and it is a way to give back. (Might be something, might be nothing. Lots of good ideas were in the heap pile and many others never were finished.)

2. Kids and grandkids. Hope to help them out as much as possible. Freedom of religion and freedom of speech were once important. To many they still are. I think we should challenge when they are diminished intentionally. I did my part to preserve I think (I was polite and challenging. Others were something else. Not sure where the confusion is.)

3. Make a contribution. Life is unfair and sometimes systems contribute to that. Encouraging positive change is good. Give people opportunities is a benefit.

4. Realizing that those rewards which society craves may not be that important. 

5. Not really sure. I will let you know when I think of any other goals. .....turn the page.....I will be sharing some deeper insights even though they may not always be wanted. I think I have an obligation more to the next generation then the popular opinions of the day. 

Just remember that life will be what it is and we can influence it and enhance it but it will run its course. Each generation does their part. Even without knowing it, when I look back I see those silly goals, of which are not complete, are a contributing factor to a better society. We are just doing what we are designed to do and each generation builds upon the lessons learned and mastered through previous generations. 

I found something on the topic of writing goals. Writing about personal goals and plans regardless of goal type boosts academic performance

(Wait to judge my writings. I'm not completely incompetent. ...and just in case your wondering. I also try and turn lemonade from lemons. I think I have always been like that.)