Tag Archives: dailyprompt

Baseball & Football

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From age six, I loved playing baseball. The problem is, now I am far too old. As for football, I use it for napping. Fifteen minutes, and I’m out like a light. I suppose I could record games for the summer, but so far, it just takes a bit longer for me to fall asleep.

My passion for ping pong remains strong, though opportunities to play have become increasingly rare. The sport demands a controlled environment, as even a slight wind can disrupt the delicate balance of the game. While I’m confident in my initial skills and believe I could hold my own against casual players, my age suggests that sustained, intense play might challenge my endurance. I’m eager to find a suitable venue and a worthy opponent to reignite my love for table tennis.

Too, Too Late

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I’ve always had an interest in trains. I haven’t a clue why. As I approached seventy, it came to me that I chose the wrong profession. I also like to travel. It is very possible I might have been happy as truck driver. However, thinking back over it, I think I would have been happy with most anything on a train.

But alas, I really don’t think any railroad is looking for anyone to do anything who is eighty.

Honesty & Courage

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As a Marine, I’ve seen leadership from both sides, though more as a follower. Nonetheless, one thing driven into our minds almost day one is that even a private can find himself as a leader. And so we are taught leadership from the beginning. Certainly when I started, I never figured I would be a leader.

They gave us a long list of things a leader needs, and it all seemed logical to me. However, from experience as well as plain logic, honesty and courage seem most important. As for all the rest, they all somewhat hang on these two.

For instance, knowledge is highly important, but it can be acquired. Honesty and courage are things you either have or do not. They can be improved upon, but there must first be a good foundation. While tact can be practiced, it is useless without honesty.

I found it interesting that we considered good leaders by examining which traits they possessed. Two things came to mind as we went through the examples. I simply couldn’t think of any really good leaders who didn’t have courage and honesty.

It brings to mind the statement I heard: if you look behind you and no one is following, then you’re likely not a leader. I guess it says, ultimately, if you can’t get people to follow you, you likely aren’t much of a leader.

Still, the leader who has a willing following is mostly a better leader than those who are followed just because of their stripes or brass. I have noticed this to be true in civilian life as well.

This brings up the question: Do you prefer an honest or a dishonest leader? Would you rather your leader be courageous or a wimp? Is he a person who owns his mistakes or blames others?

What I’m saying is, would you choose a leader who is honest and courageous or one that fibs and is a wimp? I know what my choice would be.

By the way, I did say there were two things I noticed when considering good leaders. The second thing I noticed was that Jesus had all these characteristics. He also has quite a voluntary following.

Daily writing prompt
What makes a good leader?
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Flat Packs

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Trash bag packaging has long been plagued by inefficient roll designs that consume unnecessary storage space and complicate replacement. A superior alternative lies in flat-packed bags strategically folded to nestle compactly at the bottom of waste receptacles. This innovative approach ensures that when a full bag is removed, a fresh replacement is instantly accessible, streamlining the disposal process and maximizing convenience for users.

Stacked bags offer superior convenience compared to rolled bags. Retrieving a bag from the top of a neatly arranged stack is significantly more straightforward than struggling to separate one from a tightly wound roll. Moreover, this storage method optimizes space efficiency and reduces overall packaging requirements, making it a more practical and environmentally conscious choice.

Oddly, it would also require less space for warehousing and shipping. It eliminates the space between rolls because rolls are round, whereas stacks are rectangular, resulting in less air between them.

This also holds true for the packaging of the proverbial ‘hand wipes’ and similar hygienic wipes. Moreover, when they do go to rectangular packaging, they interleaved them. I reach for one, I get two or even three. This means stuffing the access back into the container or waste the extra wipes. That’s not just wasteful but also not thrifty. In addition, sometimes frustrating when working one handed.

Innovative hygiene wipe containers should prioritize sustainability and user convenience. Reusable packaging with intuitive access mechanisms, such as fold-up or removable tops, can significantly reduce waste and improve functionality. These containers can be engineered with superior sealing technology, ensuring the wipes remain moist and effective. Additionally, the shift to reusable containers would not only minimize environmental impact but also provide cost savings in packaging materials, making the product more economical for consumers.

Innovative container designs can enhance the functionality and user experience of wipes packaging. By strategically increasing the container’s weight and stability, manufacturers can address current ergonomic challenges. A more robust construction would prevent the container from lifting or shifting when users extract wipes from nearly empty packages. Moreover, modular mounting options and varied design aesthetics could expand the versatility of these containers, enabling placement in diverse settings such as kitchens, workshops, or other specialized environments. These improvements would not only solve practical usability issues but also introduce potential new applications for wipe products across different spaces.

Maybe automakers would start building them into consoles.

The Methuselah Question

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In the annals of an extraordinary life, a man’s journey spanned an astonishing nine centuries. While many might gloss over such a remarkable narrative, I’ve found myself deeply contemplating its profound implications. This extraordinary longevity presents a complex tapestry of challenges and opportunities, inviting deeper reflection on the human experience.

Imagine encountering a narrative that stretches the boundaries of human existence, revealing the possibility of a lifespan spanning nearly a millennium. The prospect of experiencing ten complete lifetimes within a single journey is both exhilarating and mind-bending, offering a glimpse into a realm of existence far beyond our current comprehension.

While technology offers clear advantages, we often neglect its potential pitfalls. Let’s first explore the notable benefits before examining the broader implications.

Envision a life spanning centuries, where time becomes an ally in mastering intricate skills. With such an extended existence, even the most mundane tasks like driving a nail straight would become second nature. Skilled artisans could elevate craftsmanship to unprecedented levels, constructing architectural marvels with unparalleled precision and artistry. The vast expanse of time might allow for intellectual pursuits once deemed impossible, such as committing entire literary canons to memory. However, this prolonged existence would also introduce fierce competition, transforming career aspirations into generational marathons. Imagine the challenge of becoming a quarterback when competitors have centuries of practice and refinement, making the path to success an arduous and potentially insurmountable journey.

The specter of lifelong impairment looms larger when contemplating extended longevity. A mere eight decades of existence pales in comparison to centuries of potential mobility constraints. Imagine being tethered to a wheelchair for seven centuries, where temporary setbacks transform into profound, enduring challenges.

As I near the twilight of my years, I ponder the challenges faced by ancient figures like Methuselah, wondering about the physical trials and endurance that accompanied such a remarkably long life.

As I near the end of my eighth decade, a tapestry of memories unfurls before me—some cherished, others weighted with the quiet ache of roads not taken. Each passing day brings unexpected echoes of past choices, casting long shadows of reflection and regret.

Memories weigh heavily, like ancient stones carried through decades. What haunting fragments did Methuselah accumulate across his impossibly long life? I reflect on my own journey, the memories that slip away unnoticed, while the ones that torment persist with stubborn clarity. Time becomes a selective archivist, preserving my pain and obscuring my peace.

I’ve heard how hypnotists help people remember. I wonder if they can help me forget.

Daily writing prompt
What are your thoughts on the concept of living a very long life?
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Am I Good at Judging Character

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I would like to think so. However, truth be told, I do have a tendency to the best of people I just meet. Mostly, I am not too disappointed. However, when I am, my opinion will change quickly, soundly and rarely ever will change back. This is especially true when I realize someone has taken advantage of my trust.

Daily writing prompt
Are you a good judge of character?
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How have my political ideas changed over the time?

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They’ve become stronger and clearer. I mean, when the Democrats decide to open the borders to a invasion with weapons, When the Democrats decide to put men in women’s locker rooms, when Democrats decide to put law biding citizens in prison and criminals on the street, how can any logical person do otherwise?

Incidentally, the write assist they provide me did not like the above paragraph. It refused to proof read it. Obviously the artificial intelligence behind it, has a bias, and ain’t so intelligent.

I Suppose This Is Cheating

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I don’t think this is really a direct reply, and I hope you’ll forgive me. You see, it was actually a loaner while my engine was being rebuilt. If I remember correctly, it was a 1970 or 1971 Dodge Sportsman van with a V8.

Over the years, I unsuccessfully sought that specific vehicle. Today’s luxury vans and minivans differ greatly, and the rising prices have made such a model unattainable for me.

Visibility was excellent. Large windows provided clear views at stop signs, making traffic monitoring effortless.

Later, I had a VW van that had many advantages but really lacked power and air conditioning. I could have lived without the power, and while living in California, I could have lived without the AC. However, the small engine came with reliability problems. Also, it didn’t have sufficient heating on cold nights.

I will say this for the VW van: Put chains on it, and it would go through ten inches of snow. I know; I did it.

Now if they would just put a V8 in something like that VW and keep it basic. Somehow, I don’t think that is going to happen.