Tag Archives: dailyprompt

Can’t Say for Sure

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Those of you who have followed me even a little know I have given up TV other than for news. I still have it on for my wife. Still, I am going through advertising anger. Some of these so called news programs nowadays are 60% advertising… advertising their own news programs. Worse, they are getting monotonous showing the same lame ads repeatedly. It’s their station. They can run their stations the way they want to. I just see no future in it, for either of us.

I have stumbled across some videos lately on the internet that have really surprised me. Such as, I have found full productions of “The Pirates of Penzance.” I have since watched two of them. I would guess there are many other such programs for us who like such things. It will just take a little searching. I enjoyed it far more than the programing the networks are trying to force on us these days.

I have also found other, shorter videos. There is one where a woman man used PVC pipes and plastic wrap to make a pretty good boat. Then she got an oar and rowed away. I saw a couple of men dig out a small house out of the ground in a couple of days. I saw a man build a small RC powered by air compressed in two 2 liter bottles.

Maybe most would not be entertained by such things, but I do find it fascinating to see what people can do with little more than a little imagination.

I have also found alternate sources for news. I know that it is not reliable. How-some-ever, neither is the news that comes from the newspapers, TV or radio. Moreover, most of what they put on the TV these days, isn’t news. Well, maybe it is for movie buffs. Maybe it is for those who don’t believe the sun will rise if they don’t find out what sports team won or lost. They must find out who hit home runs or scored TDs

I do have little more than a passing interest in such things. However, I do have a firm belief that none of it is truly as important as the real news. You know, who does what. Who says what. What laws might be passed and why. When I see the news on TV, it makes me realize just why so few people actually know what is happening in this world today. There was a time when people hungered for news. Maybe not so much anymore.

As near as I can tell, most of those programs that call themselves news, is, maybe 5 minutes news in a half hour program. As near as I can tell, the biggest favor I can do for them is to stop watching them. Maybe, when they discover folks aren’t watching, they just might change their ways. However, I have learned to hold out little hope. Their purpose is to make money for their corporation, not bring me the news.

Some time during the night, I will see or hear something that prompt me to write. I live under this really strange concept that if I keep plugging away, I can change a few minds. Then, in turn they too will will spread the word.

Occasionally, I will get an idea that I have a new way to present the plan of salvation. Perhaps it will be a way that will make it clearer. On the other hand, I just might get the interest of a man or woman. Then, by the power of God, one or two more people will go to heaven, instead of hell. I cannot pretend to be a big evangelist, but I do as I can and when I can. No decision is more permanent or more important. I mean, as the Word says, It is appointed for man once to die. Then comes the judgement.

Besides all that, I just like to write. That is odd, you know. I really don’t enjoy reading that much.

When I first got out of the Marines, things were really tuff for us for a while. We had no TV. I think I did more reading in that 6 months than I ever did or ever will. I did not sit and read. We had no furniture, none.

Daily writing prompt
What are you doing this evening?
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I Guess I Need to Put My Civil Engineer Hat on for This One

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Actually, I have thought about this one many times. First, I think all streets should be one way. I know. Most folks get real upset with one way streets. However, I don’t think anything would improve traffic flow much more. Left and right turns would be the same and it would decrease the waiting time at intersections waiting for people turning left. Moreover, the need would be for 2 maybe three lanes. There would be no need for the center lane used for turns.

Of course, there would be one block in between the alternating street directions. If there are any lights, it would be only for north/south and east/west. There would be no need for turn signals.

I would like the streets, or at least the interstates to have covers. It would keep the streets dryer and mostly snow free. Also, they would provide shade during the summer. Okay, I’m talking lots of money but it’s my city and my streets.

When the streets are originally paved, they should have about two inches thicker paving than required. Then, whenever ruts would become too deep, one of those scrappers could pass over and make it all level again. Those scrappers are really fast. They could take about an eighth of an inch off a street miles long in a couple of days. There is a side benefit. The wheels would pack the areas that have a tendency to form ruts making those parts of the street harder. Therefore, it would take longer for the next ruts to form.

Perhaps a wire or painted line should go down the middle of the lanes. Sensors in the car would keep the car in the center of the lane, or at least alert a dozing driver to a drift in steering, I have no intention of replacing the driver, just to enhance the safety.

I noticed one problem with traffic lights is that if I am behind a truck, I can’t see if the light is red. Also if the sun is behind me, I can’t see which lights are on or off. I don’t know how this can be solved, but I would work on it.

Point of interest, I heard Rev J. Vernon McGee describe a conversation with a real civil engineer who designed real highways. Rev. McGee said that he asked the engineer about how difficult it must be to get the right-of-ways with all the buildings and housing in the way. He said that the engineer said the buildings and such are no problem. It’s the cemeteries that give them fits. They can’t be moved so easy and they are all over the place. My idea: Maybe the ancient civilizations had the right idea in just building burial mounds. That way, they the mound grows mostly up and not out. Regardless, burying the dead is getting to be a bigger problem than keeping electric cars charged.

Daily writing prompt
How would you design the city of the future?
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The Daily Walk

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It had developed into a regular thing. At lunch, after eating, we used to take a short walk. It was an area of town that had many shops. Of course on each door was a something that identified it, though frequently there was no clue as to what the purpose of the shop was.

It had become something of a guessing game as to what this shop or that shop did. Many of them we never figured out. Then, one of the guys I worked with came up with an interesting idea. Maybe we could lease one one of the places and put a name on the door. Then, if someone came in and asked what we did there we could answer, “I don’t know. What is it you would like us to do?”When I saw the daily prompt, it brought back the memory and I had to have a short laugh. I know, it did not warrant a long or hard laugh. Really, it was a too many words for too short a laugh. Moreover, it didn’t answer the prompt.

When I was 14 or fifteen, I went to visit my brother during summer vacation. He owned a TV shop. Back then, people paid to have TVs repaired instead of just throwing them away. Even back them, I had a pretty good knowledge of electronics and I was a lot of help to him, especially when it came to putting up antennas. Strange as it might seem to people today, that was a large part of the business in the day. It was very common to put up 50 or 70 foot antenna so the customer would be able to pull in five, maybe six stations.

After working on computers for almost 12 years, I really did consider opening up a computer shop. I was good at fixing them and I knew a few others who might have thrown in with me. Then I thought back on my brother’s TV shop. He told me a couple of times, to run a TV shop, it is more important to know how to run a business than knowing how to fix TVs.

I have thought about what he said many times. When I thought about opening a computer shop, his words echoed in my mind. There are many who have started businesses to have them fail on them, not because of a knowledge of the craft but because of a lack of knowledge of how to run a business.

I think before I open any kind of business, I would want to make sure I had some kind of degree in business. Even so, the main reason I was so reluctant to go into the business of fixing computers is because of my fear of coincidence.

You see, electronic components work real good, sometimes for decades. However, they are full of smoke. If the smoke ever gets out, they never work right again. I know it for a fact. I have seen it first hand. So a customer brings in a computer with a problem but still working. He walks out the door and suddenly, the computer he leaves with me lets all the smoke out. Now what do I do? Not only do I have to replace the guy’s computer, but he is angry at me for losing all his data. He gets on the internet and tells the world not to come to me because I am a bad computer tech because I let the smoke out of them.

There are those who like taking risks. If I were single, I would have. However, I had three more to feed besides myself. It was just too much of a risk for me.

It is a real shame I did not open my little shop. I would have made a lot of money at it, until computers became throwaway as TVs.

I don’t know. Maybe I could start a shop making custom shoes. Could I make shoes that people would be willing to shell out $200 for. I’d likely not be able to give them away. It would still be interesting to try it. Who knows. I just might be good enough at business to run a business.

It would be better to take on a partner with a business degree, I think.

Daily writing prompt
If you were going to open up a shop, what would you sell?
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‘S Wonderful

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It’s the name of a song from the musical Funny Face by George Gershwin. It was recorded by many people. If you look it up on the web, you’ll see. It’s really a nice upbeat song I enjoy listening to. I hope no one will mind me borrowing the song title. After all, I am providing some free positive advertising. Maybe a few will buy it.

Now. To get back to the subject at hand, making the world just a little bit more wonderful. It is a good thing to do. It is more better than stealing. It is more betterer than murdering. It is definitely much more betterer than causing war as Old Joe did. Some folks don’t seem to understand that. During Old Joe’s term in office, thievery has gone out of control. Rapers and murderers are being imported.

If I could, I would stop that. Actually, by writing this blog, I am doing about all I can as an old man can. That may not make me a great, but I think it does do a little good. I like to think it might change something here and there for the good. It would really be ‘S Wonderful if I can change many lives, maybe by the dozens. Maybe by the hundreds. Not likely, but hopefully by the thousands.

To be sure, that would all be good. However, what would make me really feel great if I ever found out that my words are helping people, at least one person would learn the plan of salvation and accept Jesus as their savior and their friend. Now to me, that makes it all worth the effort and then some. It would be ‘S Wonderful.

Daily writing prompt
What change, big or small, would you like your blog to make in the world?
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My Wallet

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Perhaps, not as much as I get older. Many moons ago, I had orders to go to Japan. I started the trip by going about 50 miles to an Air Force base in Southern California. I left in plenty of time to make it. However, that changed in a micro-second when I noticed I had left my wallet at home.

It was very close to being the most panicked as I ever was. It was a time I really didn’t need my driver’s license that much as I would not need it for a long time. However, it had my military ID. That is no minor oops.

My orders had an emergency number on it to call should I not be able to arrive on time. I called it. I explained my situation to the understanding woman. She calmed my nerves and said, it was okay. There was actually some slack time built into the orders. She told me I had plenty of time to return home and get my wallet. I did it and actually still had to wait a short time for my plane after I arrived at the air base.

It is perhaps one of the biggest arguments against public transportation. Had I taken a bus, I would have had to leave the wallet behind. Returning to my house would not have been an option. My wallet would have stayed in the US while I went to Japan.

I seldom go anywhere without my wallet. It has become more attached to me than my cell phone and that is saying a lot. Even so, any time I forget it or misplace it, it generates an instant empty feeling in my belly.

Even so, I guess my nephew topped me. My nephew, after finishing Army boot camp was coming home when pick-pocketed. He told me about it. They didn’t get anything. He had some of his money in a shirt pocket, some in his socks, some here, some there. He laughed it off. There was no money, no credit cards. He did report the incident to the police, but all he had to replace were his military ID, his driver’s license and his social security card. Well, he did need to get another wallet. However, a couple of weeks later, the wallet was found and returned, with the social security card, license and military ID.

His method did make me think a little. Like maybe I should carry my wallet as a prop and carry my money and such hidden elsewhere, maybe in my sock. I decided against that. I guess old habits are hard to change. I don’t totally know why, but it gives me a little comfort when I pat that rear pocket and I feel the wallet there.

Daily writing prompt
What is the most important thing to carry with you all the time?
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I can’t Remember

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I will suggest the meal I enjoyed the most, or should I say, the two of them. I went into the Staff NCO club at MCAS Iwakuni in Japan. Later, when my wife joined me, I took her there too.

I had never had never had a filet mignon before. When I saw it on the menu, I decided to try it out. It was expensive but I decided, after the first bite it was well worth it. I decided to take my wife there and I must admit, I did not prepare her properly. It took her a while to cut through the toothpick holding the bacon on it. This was of course after I told her how tender the they are.

Once she realized the purpose of the little bit of wood, she agreed with me that they were very good. However, of course, at the price, it’s just not the sort of thing we can have every day. Maybe once a year. More likely, every other year. Still, the one I had at that staff NCO club was the best meal I ever had, twice

Daily writing prompt
What’s the most money you’ve ever spent on a meal? Was it worth it?
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No Story

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Just easier to say, “Ben”. Used to go by Benny, but I didn’t think it really suited me. There was one guy in junior high school who called me Benji. That was a long time before the movie of the little dog.

It really matters little to me. I had a cousin who went by Frankie. Didn’t know for a long time, he had the same name as me, “Benjamin Franklin Rhodes. I thought that one over for a while. Maybe I should have used “Frank Rhodes” for my pen name. Maybe then I would have sold a million or two. Lately, it would have another advantage. I would not get confused by that hopeless liberal who was in Obama’s cabinet.

You can tell me what you think about it. Should I change my pen name to Frank Rhodes?

Daily writing prompt
What’s the story behind your nickname?
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Food. Now That’s an Interesting Subject

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I must admit I had to wrestle mentally with this prompt. Then it all became clear when I substituted the word do for the word would. I hope that will be okay. You see, if I would like to make something, I usually do. About the only thing I haven’t tried is homemade pie. Something about that crust that scares me. If and when we do make a pie, we buy the crust as well as the filling. In my book, that does not qualify as making a pie.

Right now I’m considering making a beef stew. When we bought the slow cooker, it came with a recipe that is great. The hitch is that I keep putting off the trip to the store. I am always putting off trips to the store these days. When I finally go, I spend $250 just for my wife and me. Then, it seems I got so little.

Mostly, these days, we eat out. With just the two of us and my wife eating so little these days, a lot gets wasted. She just loves chili dogs so we open a can of chili now and then. To keep it healthy, I generally open a can of veggies or pull out some that are frozen. I don’t know. Seems to me corn and peas taste better when frozen. (heated of course) To me, carrots and cabbage have to be fresh.

I try to keep raw hamburger patties in the freezer for those days when we just just don’t don’t feel much like going anywhere. It really is sirloin but in a different form. A little gravy, a little mashed potatoes or baked potato and we have steak dinners.

A couple of interesting stories about the potatoes. My wife’s grandmother was one of those who did not like the modern stuff. You know, before she visited us, she insisted on baking the potatoes in the oven and boiling the potatoes first for mashed potatoes. Before she went home, she loved the 7 minute potatoes that come out of the microwave and she was amazed at how we got the potato flakes to taste so good. The secret, add a slice of Kraft American cheese before adding the hot water.

Every now and again, we like the red potatoes too, you know the little ones. Add a few spices while they boil and they can really spice up a meal. Hint: don’t peal them.

It just is, it’s not nearly as much fun cooking when it’s just the two of us. Moreover, it’s no fun cleaning up after.

Therefore, when we go to a restaurant, I always thank them, not just for cooking my food, but also for doing my dishes. It does sometimes confuse them, but one day, they will figure it out.

Daily writing prompt
What foods would you like to make?
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Strategies for Staying Healthy

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Eat healthy, but not too much (Pizza at least once a week)

Exercise, but as little as possible

Sleep, as much as I want.

Avoid poisons such as drugs and tobacco. (alcohol is a drug)

And, by the way, rely heavily on my doctor and pharmacists

Made it to 76. Maybe I am doing something right

Daily writing prompt
What strategies do you use to maintain your health and well-being?
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Afraid I’m Done Traveling

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That is unless we have a big inheritance, and soon. Not much time left.

Can’t complain. Well, I guess I could but it would be pointless. However, I have done my share of traveling.

Speaking of inheritance. If I had the money, I would really like to get a 25 foot travel trailer and and go from one end of this country to the other and from top to bottom. I’d love to visit every state, a few maybe twice. Well, I’m afraid that trailer would not go to Hawaii or Alaska. That’s alright. I’ve talked to people who have been to Hawaii and they said it was a lot like California. Besides, I have been in both states. We landed in Alaska for a while when I was on the way to Vietnam and Hawaii on the way back.

Of course part of it would be just so I will be able to say I’ve been everywhere. As an aside, I have already been in many states already. I have been from one end of Interstate 40 to the other. Hence, I have been in all all the states it goes through. Also, I have been in Nevada and Kansas. Even spent some time there. I’m in no hurry to return. They both have miles and miles of miles and miles and not much more. Also. Just happened to think; I was in Syracuse for 10 weeks; Illinois for a few weeks and Pennsylvania for quite a while. That is a state I would love to revisit, especially in the Quaker area. God really put some good landscaping in there. Makes me think it would have been good to have settled there instead of here.

Regardless, it would be nice to stop any time or place I want to stop or go when I get ready to go. It has been a dream most of my life.

Daily writing prompt
What are your future travel plans?
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