What is Business Intelligence and Business Analytics

Business intelligence helps companies make decisions about their internal and external environment. Such knowledge comes from using business analytics to understand and manage data. The somewhat looser use of the scientific method is applied as the collection, processing, analyzing, and concluding of information. If validity and accuracy is not assured then then junk data and poor decisions could be made. 

Sometimes data "hints" at something. It means that while a causal relationship hasn't been investigated fully, the general data is strong enough to show there is something going on. For example, one can follow a chain of decisions over a number of years to determine goals, another might be able to look at various outputs of group behavior to determine form and structure. 

In the world of Big Data that comes along with the Digital Era/Info Age, business intelligence will be king on many things. While the market may have the data available, it is often the intelligent and creative class that has the ability to see new avenues to data that were not thought of prior. You must know where to focus your efforts and that is part science and part art. There are some more gifted at it then others. 

(I posted for the video content. I'm unaffiliated with the company)

Delta County Board of Commissioners Meeting (7/18/2023): Solar, Annexation, Growth, DEI

Benjamin Franklin Drawing

Electricity from the Sky.

Benjamin West, 1805

The town is discussing 

the place for solar panels within 

their community.

This was an interesting meeting to say the least. Good stuff going on in Delta County and that is likely to impact our future opportunities through diligence in clearing issues out and then moving to solve problems. Someday, I hope this will be a place that attracts consistent investments so as to reverse the trend of decline for many U.P. locations and show others how a community can come together to overcome market challenges.

 (In many ways it shows how democracy works on a grass roots level. Democracy is a conversation and shared decision making. It doesn't necessarily apply only here, but in all politics. We should always think critically about any information presented by politicians, leaders, etc. so as to make sure we understand them and their essential points. Many times we sort of just accept things on face value. Politics is the art of negotiation and building conversational that leads to shared understanding. The type of personality will determine how we use politics. If you are more of a good soul you will solve problems and bring people together. If you are sort of a darker soul, you might misuse politics to manipulate votes. The political party should not matter in that as it is a human condition. The environment will determine acceptance or rejection of truth or manipulation through rewarding or not rewarding certain behaviors. Politics should be secondary to good decision making. Politics should also be secondary to the needs of the community and good decision making. Parties should represent the people and be a voice for their needs. People should not be the voice for the parties. When conversation is drawn in reverse order from top to bottom we see greater distortion in decision making and behaviors. Conversation upward into party decision making keeps democracy focused on the people's needs so we grow as a society. Coming out and sharing your concerns is a conversation upward. The locals here have become very interested in the topics. Community Engagement: the innovations changing how its done). 

They have come so far attracting investment, interest, and opportunities. There were some issues that are still being worked out such as the annexation of Escanaba Township into Cornell Township. This was attempted in order to create one large solar farm in benefit of one of the commissioners. The issue of solar farms will continue to be debated for some time, but the issue of annexation is complete at the moment. Many are happy about that!

As a side note, if we do have solar farms in the area, I believe part of the deal should be feeding Escanaba first before the main grid and at a lower price parity point when compared to the open market. It would be one of the better ways of redistributing some of the benefits of local renewable energy and mitigate some of the cost to the community. That doesn't mean they would or could do that, but it would be something to consider if solar farms do go in somewhere (There may be the ability to use smaller farms instead of one/few large farms. i.e. the ability to remove relatively easily if they become obsolete. Concerns of pollution may be lessened using above ground metal structures to secure the panels and less deep anchoring.)

Like much of the country we are debating DEI and its benefit. Whether we call it DEI, or something else, we have a commitment to ensure everyone in the country is treated fairly, inclusively, and part of the same indivisible people. If the board decided they didn't want DEI, then I would have hoped they would have passed their measure with a statement on respect for the diversity of life. I didn't necessarily see a desire to maintain diversity even though they may disagree with DEI. 

(I don't want to get particularly religious as I'm more spiritual than anything. I do know a few things about different religions. I would say that most of the religious philosophers advocated peace and togetherness. They advocated trusting each other. Other then a few examples, the vast majority had some shade of color so I'm pretty sure the Big Guy/Gal/It/Being/One/Energy or however one wants to form it would not be happy if we are damaging his creatures and judging each other on shallow surface issues. Even when we disagree, we can have empathy. Don't listen to me, my beliefs are more in the middle and likely more accurate historically. Everyone is welcome!)

Let us see how these issues are resolved. Right now it would appear that a majority of the community have high political engagement in democratic society and want to ensure their town/area stays open to new comers and other people. 

A Day of Diving in the Quarry-Headed over to 4 Seasons

Originally I was supposed to go ship wreck diving more in a hunt for Queen City. However, that did not happen yet this summer. I did get to go diving the other day. Because I often need at least one other person and everyone seems busy I'm starting to opt for surface diving because I can take my wetsuit and go lap swimming as well. Its warm enough that you don't need it but its good practice because wet suits are buoyant. 

After diving we headed over to Four Seasons Resort which was said to be once owned/visited by a mob and is on its own island. I don't know if that is true. However, they do have good meals. Public Enemies Peach and Quit NY Times. 

Why I believe in Encouraging a Stronger and More Effective Local Justice System (The Hypothetical)

The Judgment of Solomon (1649)

Nicolas Poussin

As a representation of essential truth

and wise judgement.

Both claim facts, one cries out.

Who needs facts when you can have truth?

Thinking about the best way forward with this hypothetical situation where corruption and clannism may have impacted the decision making of local officials. Now, these are hypothetical for learning purposes only and should not be seen as fact (They are hypotheticals for discussion). They could never ever, ever, ever happen but just in case by the bizarre of all accounts they do happen, we should probably find a way of improving and developing so as to create the best systems we can. 

The goal should always be able to adapt and strive toward the greater good and reject the lower order values that often accompany poor decision making. To me, just learning, understanding, thinking about, and finding solutions has been somewhat of a normal process since I was young. If there is one thing I disdain and dislike is intentional cruelty and harm to others and the misuse of official positions for unofficial gains.

The hypothetical.....

Let us bring up the hypothetical but likely impossible example (....because we know it would never ever ever happen!). Someone wants something, has close officer friends, was coached by those officers how to harm a minority, spreads dangerous rumors to encourage violence and aggression, environment becomes dangerous, the target is rejected from a part-time job even though they and the taxpayer funded organization stated the candidate was more than qualified (failing to fulfill their mission), the sick are manipulated, kids are targeted in multiple situations, some officials join the cause to cleans their community from "undesirables", and all because someone told them "no" and drew a line to protect their children from hate (The parent had every right in a situation of disturbing and manipulative behaviors that were intentionally harmful. The kids were moved away and encouraged to cut all ties for safety. They had few other options and had to do what was in the best long term interest of the children). 

Let us take a look at these two studies. One is a poll on general decline of trust and the other is a poll on why acting with ethics is important. 

Poll:-National Center for States Courts indicate general decline in trust across the board and growing support for behavioral health. You can read the poll HERE. 

This is why I advocate for mandatory mental health for the perpetrators who started many of the problems. I also believe they shouldn't be rewarded for highly manipulative and dangerous behaviors but in today's world, based on what appears to be clan association, we could hope that we can at least minimize the future risks by getting them mental health if there is general protection from accountability. Keep in mind there have been multiple waves of hate that spanned over 4.5 years because of lack of accountability in the beginning, in the middle, and in the unknown end. Not all of that came from the initiating members but they launched the spark that ignited clan based bigotries and aggression.

Ethics:-This piece is by U.S. Courts and talks about ways to improve public trust and understanding. It also talks about how that trust is based in doing the right thing. You can read their piece HERE.

The key point of what we should draw from this scenario is that our judicial system should act with integrity at all times. Looking at higher order universal moral codes/"moral conscious" and the intent of law beyond its subjective application. I guess that is the same for all institutions within the country but at this moment we are dealing with general distrust in the law enforcement and the courts ability to deal effectively with corruption (btw...I actually like most cops and I like minorities. It was a problem in their head, and not mine. They created a dividing line.). That becomes more troublesome if there are other issues and reports of bad behaviors that have been given free passes based on more obvious local social issues that make their way into the decision making (I call clan based on more then just friends due to a willingness to coordinate in an effective way. i.e. patterned behavior of a clan.)

We are not talking about the necessary value of law enforcement  to society as I believe them to be necessary and 80% doing the right thing and 20% not so much. We have to protect the public, but we also must do so in a way that has respect for human life, follows our constitution, and takes corruption and/or other more seriously to fulfill the higher purpose. They serve the people, not themselves. This isn't about punishment. I hope no one gets in trouble and the system reforms to better protect the public and its integrity. Wishful thinking is wishful thinking.

Let us say that you were the person on the receiving end. You are well aware of the behaviors, but there appears to have been a general dereliction of duty across the board. You are not sure if you and your family are at risk but you were correct when you said they were buying time and then went into wholesale targeting a second and third time. The people who started this knew they were immune from their behaviors when it started. They appeared to have spread dangerous rumors to encourage violence/rejection against the target. The "clan", as they have been dubbed, double down on their support for the destructive behaviors, mocking, and taking pleasure when someone was going to act to the targets (We sometimes see this in third world nations but sociological pressure is making it more common based on extremist based influence of others within the clan network.).

A few ways I'm going to deal with it.

1.) We can accept that potential corruption and clan based systems will persist because most people were aware of these behaviors and did nothing. i.e. sell out their values. It would appear its a closed system with no way to correct itself internally. There is vested interest in protecting their own and in many cases that appears to supersede most other needs. The goal is not jail, it is to help them protect the public; even if it means from themselves. So I will politely encourage them to fall in line with our social contracts and oaths for the betterment of society. I recognize that we are not yet a universal democracy and that not all people are free everywhere. We try, but there are still social segregationists out there intentionally being destructive to the greater good. There are pockets of locality where second class citizenship is enforced and enforced potentially violently (i.e. lynching our fellow Americans was federally illegal in 2022, physical-social segregation ended 1964. There are legacies from that continue forward. I believe this is a good example of that.).

2.) We might also come to accept that we can only change what we can change. It is our duty to bring forward the issues along with constructive feedback. We can do so positively, politely, and with the greater needs of society in mind. Yet, if we keep electing the same type of people, putting the same type of thinkers in positions where they must decide things, we are unlikely going to improve our prospects. As a person I can take the philosophical approach that I have done my duty challenging obvious and apparent misbehaviors even at my own personal safety and risk that ranges from physical to social to reputation. It is up to the system to decide if it will step closer to liberty and our universal democracy or to take a step toward the pressure of a self interested few toward a backsliding democracy (It is not my place to make this judgement based on a single activity but is a general statement about our society being on the right path as long as we reach for the higher order continuously. Axis Mundi as a representation of a place of personal understanding where you learn something new. i.e. insight into a problem). 

I believe in a higher order and a higher calling for our values and people. I love philosophy because it taught me we must stive over the horizon or we become complacent and erode as a people. It seems a little silly but I like this video of various wise sayings on "Embrace Change".

My Take on the Value of Military Beyond Pay (Honor and Opportunity)

Let me say that I have respect for our military and believe them to be much more honorable, noble, and worthy as a path when compared to many other paths and people. There were/are five different paths I thought about in my life 1. business, 2. religious life, 3. higher education/art/music, 4. military, 5. wasting my life away to make a bigger point about human capital and opening opportunities. Each comes with their own benefits and detractors. When your young you don't know which way to go because the paths seem endless Consider interests and abilities as a guide. (If you still don't know, do that with the greatest benefit to society so you have no regrets.)

My belief on the military is simple. You won't find people who gave something up in the normal and civilian world. In this world, people sacrifice often and reap the reward of post right of passage men and women with a higher calling. In many other life arenas, money and image are everything (I have been caught up in it a few times like many. Some of my friends still laugh at my 30's as a baller.  I had to look up the term. At that time, when it seemed I had everything, I took a good look around and thought what is the end game of constant consumption with little substance? or friends that look great but seemed to talk about relatively trivial things? I kept the nerds and ditched the rest. Half my friends were nerds and I liked them for their depth and values. A few of the cool people are still around ad we hang out but mostly people went their own way. I think in my older years there is a balance to everything be cool and nerdy! I'm too old to be a baller now but I could be maybe just a smaller baller. 😏)

Anyway, joining the military is not for the faint of heart because you have to face bigger things (You will have support but they are bigger things). The true version of self can be found in the military and that includes what is in the center of ever man and woman (worm at core). The things they never knew about themselves. That is the beauty of challenge and the beauty of serving your country and people. You might give up pay, but you gain purpose and a greater facet of life you will never experience anywhere else. 

Two things I think can appeal to young people are....

1. Honor: A history of honor and duty to a purpose that makes one a cut above others (I'm sorry that is how I view our military men and women. It means your not a selfish human being all the time. While there is variability, it is noble to sacrifice. It was an older value before mine and my parent's generation. Also the military is an institution like a boarding school which I think was great. You can learn very similar concepts of collective self.)

2. Opportunity: The military offers an opportunity to enhance and develop one's skills. This could be an important selling point for the military. The military can develop people for success, give them skills, get them education, give them meaning, belongingness, and give them the structure they may never had before to achieve their goals (It could take a little more of a grooming approach for the non-rich who never went to an ivy league school or boarding school. Think about it before you knock it.). They can do that through challenge and through encouragement. When they walk out the other end 4-25 years later, they are full adults with advanced skills (relative to general population but sometimes the top of the market)

Notice, much of this isn't about money. Money is secondary. It is about purpose, belonging, and self-development. Our businesses should also do more in hiring our military and putting them to good use when they get out. The military may need to get more creative with support and with combat ready units. Sometimes a little more of one lessens the need for as many as the other. Technology will also impact that equation. However, grooming the best combat ready troops on and off the field is important.

(I used to write a lot about the military. I think I'm going to do more of that in the future as well. Just to encourage community support. If our politicians, civic leaders, and businesses did the same thing, we could probably solve much of that recruitment problem. I would support the military almost any other institution except the process of democracy itself. Upholding Democracy is sacrosanct to me because it empowers people and is a trust from generation to generation. That is a little different take then I suppose those who sometimes pervert it for personal or political gain. A couple of past articles I wrote. Military Honor through Ages)

My two afternoon thoughts....

WSJ Army Recruitment 15K Low

The Uncertain Future of the U.S. Military’s All-Volunteer Force

(p.s. we as a nation also need to develop innovation and supply chains)

Update on Hate 07/22/2023: Clans, Extremism and Lack of Accountability (I'm Proud of my Community)

The Education of Achilles by the Centaur Chiron
A.C. Chrétien 1861
Communities learn to support democracy
through positive, polite, and peaceful challenge.
In history stories are not facts,
they are socially constructed truths that
span from generation to generation.
We change as a species but our stories
carry the same themes.
No facts here, just truth.

Stories are sometimes needed to help get points across when there are difficulties understanding the bigger purpose of our nation and democracy. We do know that extremism is rising and can warp some of our local institutions and their missions. This is not unique to here and I believe there is an underbelly across our nation in different locations and places. Such extremism constitutes a long term threat to our communities and to our nation.

I think back in history to all of those people who fought for our freedoms, all the people that were once slaves, and how social segregation and hate still persist in some corners of our country. As a nation we are seeking to fulfill our mission as a free people and are in reach of greatness at a time where maximum engagement is needed by the broadest possible sector of society. 

The problem is that far right (or left) extremism persists and is allowed to persist in a way that backslides the momentum of our democracy's growth. Those who engaged in such behaviors are often protected, they are sometimes rewarded, and in turn create on going risks not only to the American people they harmed in the past but also to the American people they hope to harm in the future (i.e. patterned behaviors). 

We have to speak in hypotheticals because this is just a story. I have also learned that if your too truthful someone might just park a car outside your house or pull your kids over multiple times as a warning of who are actually in charge. Useless dribble to be thrown into the trash can with our Constitution along with the many souls that tried to maintain our freedoms. 

The hypothetical.....

Let us bring up the hypothetical but likely impossible example (....because we know it would never ever ever happen!). Someone wants something, has close officer friends, was coached by those officers how to harm a minority, spreads dangerous rumors to encourage violence and aggression, environment becomes dangerous, the target is rejected from a part-time job even though they and the taxpayer funded organization stated the candidate was more than qualified (failing to fulfill their mission), the sick are manipulated, kids are targeted, some officials join the cause to cleans their community from "undesirables", and all because someone told them "no" and drew a line to protect their children from hate (The single parent had every right in a situation of disturbing and manipulative behaviors that were harmful. The kids were moved away and encouraged to cut all ties for safety.).  

The local result with good and bad.......

The good news is that the local community is starting to see the extremism and how it is given a free pass at various levels and places. The bad news is that some of our politicians are more worried about politics then their country. Words like corruption, hate, mismanagement, and other such things are coming forward in various times and places with great detail (I know many Republicans, Democrats and Independents that are against extremism.). We are often too slow in responding but I'm very sure these complaints can't be ignored any longer (The good news).

The voicing of community concerns from various places is a testimony to their wonderful, accepting, and free loving people who take a positive step to support their democracy. I applaud their desire to keep the torch of freedom bright for the next generation. While many of them may have never served their country in the military or other public service, they are now serving their country by maintaining their freedoms and demanding good governance through positive and polite accountability. They are going after corruption and hate with everything they got. Hats off to them!

The bad is a little more ugly. It appears that no matter how bad things get, there are constant free passes on a local level. A type of protection which creates 2nd class citizens and distorts trust in some institutions. It is almost as though the clans influence on some of these local institutions is strong enough to warp their day-to-day functioning and decision making. There have been some serious complaints by various members of the community and little to no correction of such behaviors have been apparent. 

It appears the clan has created a type of immunity for their homogenous extremist leaning members. Intellectuals and people who disagree have complained publicly and in a documented form that they have been targeted (How much is true or fictitious remains to be seen). Many other issues and other concerns likely never made it to the surface because there has been an official places to gather, accept, and process those complaints in a safe and impartial manner (also why these bad behaviors continue). 

Because these are all hypothetical, and if they were even partially true, we would have corrected when they were first apparent, we have no worries. Of course everyone within the country, of every demographic, and political or religious persuasion agrees that everything is 100% perfect! (If that were not the case we would have already thought of ways to improve and begun the process of listening. Two ears and one mouth.). These things could never happen here and everyone always acts with integrity. We know this, so no need to question. If they did happen and there was no local correction, then I would say....

1.) Removing the protection of the clan, reforming what is broke, and mandatory mental health for those who caused the problem. 

2.) If these systems cannot self manage, as it has been 4.5 years in this hypothetical situation, but community complaints go back further, then they may need an official intervention on a state or federal level. 

*These stories are designed to help us learn about how extremism and hate can serious threaten the very soul of our nation and its future viability. Patriotism in todays world is to stand up to corruption, report it, and do so in a polite, constructive, and helpful manner so we can put them in the past to protect and pass off a healthy country ready to compete for our children and grand children's prosperity (as a single people, indivisible, liberty and just for all). or not? 🤷

Ranked: The Top Economies in the World (1980‒2075)

Take a look at the chart and article entitled Ranked: The Top Economies in the World (1980‒2075). If the U.S. is bested it is because our political structure doesn't allow us to work together to solve problems, human capital wasn't maximized, and our investors made a couple pennies at our expense. If we are going to be serious about maintaining our democracy from this generation to the next we probably should start to get moving toward shared goals (Its not as fun as constant arguing but hey its not about those who cause the problems, it is about the next generation and the one after that. If you see people arguing without solving problems, creating shared visions or furthering our collective benefit just do this.... 🤢🤮 US May Out Perform China in 2033 If "American's" Learn to Compromise and Coordinate a National Vision)

Source Visual Capitalist