The One Behind the Idea

JD Vance’s recent commentary sparked a profound reflection on a topic I had long been aware of, yet never fully explored. Like many, I had overlooked the deeper significance of this issue, allowing it to remain on the periphery of my understanding until now.

We are all talking about the woman driving the car and the agent who shot her. What about those behind the really dumb idea? For sure, it was a really dumb idea to use an automobile to attack an ICE agent.

Somehow I don’t think the woman came up on her own. Though I might be wrong, I suspect that there were a number of people behind the idea. It’s kind of akin to the suicide bomber. Someone straps the bomb on some poor soul and says, “Now, go make us proud of you and blow up some people.”

Someone, somewhere told this woman to make us proud of you. “Go find an ICE agent and kill him. Maybe you can kill two or three.” Am I wrong? Do you really think this woman thought this idea up all by her lonesome? I don’t.

Who bears more moral responsibility: the mastermind behind a harmful plan or the individual who ultimately executes it?

Wish I Thought of It

Occasionally, a profound statement strikes me with such clarity that I find myself wishing I had conceived it myself. Recently, Ben Ferguson shared one such insight that resonated deeply. While I cannot guarantee the precise wording due to my increasingly unreliable memory and lack of recording device, the essence of his wisdom remains etched in my mind.

In light of the recent controversy surrounding Minnesota’s governor and Medicaid system, Mr. Ferguson suggested that the political fallout might prompt some voters to reconsider their previous electoral choices, potentially favoring Republican candidates in future elections.

On the surface, it seems like a minor thing. However, this scandal does seem to have legs, as the news reporters like to say. The reverberations are not only long-lasting but also far-reaching. It has a definite chance of turning some purple states red and blue states blue. I’m sure that the Democrats are hoping the pattern will hold true. However, it is just a little probable that the president’s party might pick up a few senators and representatives. Who knows? The Republicans just might have sixty senators. That would rock the Democratic Party to its foundation.

Flat Packs

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 Impossible?

Forevermore, Old Joe will be known as the president who was good at proclaiming the impossible; for example, he said it was impossible to seal the border.

Forevermore, President Trump will be known for being the president who was good at doing the impossible; for example sealing the border.

Achieving the seemingly impossible begins with unwavering determination and a genuine willingness to attempt what others deem unattainable. Those who shrink from challenges rarely break through barriers, while those who courageously step forward, even with uncertain prospects, create pathways to extraordinary accomplishments. True progress emerges from the first sincere and committed attempt, transforming the improbable into reality through persistent effort and belief.

The problem with Old Joe’s efforts was that they were designed to fail. The problem with Old Joe’s efforts was that they weren’t nearly honest.

There’s a Big Hole in That Theory

A recent article highlighted U-Haul’s significant one-way rental volume, reporting approximately 2.5 million rentals. While the specifics were not explicitly detailed, these rentals likely represent a mix of individuals and families relocating. Assuming an average of 4-7 people per rental vehicle, this figure suggests substantial population movement. However, the article did not specify the time frame, leaving uncertainty about whether these rentals occurred over a week, month, or year.

The article speculated that people were relocating to states like Texas, Florida, and Tennessee for improved weather conditions. However, the climate in these destinations is not significantly more favorable compared to New York or New Jersey, making such a long-distance move seem less compelling based solely on meteorological factors.

The big hole in the theory is California, the state where most people are leaving. It is also the state with the best weather.

Nine of the top ten states experiencing significant growth predominantly supported the Republican candidate in the recent election, while simultaneously, nine out of ten moving trucks were departing from predominantly Democratic states, suggesting a potential correlation between political preferences.

That appears to me that it’s not so much about the weather, unless we’re considering whether the state is controlled by Republicans or Democrats.

Considered Aluminum?

In the current financial landscape, a persistent chorus of voices advocates for investing in precious metals, particularly gold and silver. This ubiquitous advice prompts a critical examination of the underlying motivations. When confronted with such recommendations, a natural skepticism emerges: What drives these persistent promoters? Their fervent marketing suggests an ulterior motive beyond altruistic financial guidance. The underlying suspicion is that these advocates are primarily interested in inflating the market value of their own gold holdings, strategically seeking to offload their assets at a premium price. Their aggressive marketing tactics raise questions about the true value and potential of these investments, inviting potential investors to look beyond the surface-level sales pitch and critically assess the genuine merit of precious metal investments.

Despite my initial uncertainty, rational thinking revealed the underlying mechanism. The true motivation isn’t simply selling gold, but profiting from the transaction itself. Each gold sale or purchase generates income for intermediaries, with earnings fluctuating based on transaction volume. Regardless of intent, every gold or silver exchange involves paying a commission to an agent, embedded within the process.

The prevalence of transaction fees is a common aspect of financial markets. When investing in stocks, investors typically pay brokerage commissions. Similarly, gold brokers have a vested interest in facilitating gold transactions, as their revenue depends on sales volume. Just as real estate agents earn a percentage from property sales, these intermediaries are motivated to encourage buying and selling activity within their respective markets.

Unlike real estate transactions, which occur frequently, purchasing gold as an investment is relatively uncommon. While many people eventually acquire gold jewelry, such as rings, they typically do so for personal adornment rather than financial strategy.

So, the other day, after drinking my Diet Pepsi, which I prefer over Diet Coke, I tossed the can in the trash. I stopped. I thought. “Just what was the value of that can?”

Realizing the cumulative cost of my soda habit, I quickly calculated that I’ve been casually discarding nearly two cents with each beverage. While the amount seems trivial, it represents a pattern of unnecessary waste. Over time, these small increments add up, revealing an inefficient approach to consuming a product I regularly enjoy.

In the 1970s, collecting aluminum cans became a popular trend among environmentally conscious individuals and those seeking to earn extra cash. However, as recycling became more mainstream and the economic incentive diminished, the practice gradually lost its appeal. Today, the once-enthusiastic can collectors have largely moved on, finding the time-consuming process of gathering, storing, and transporting cans less attractive, especially given the bulky nature of aluminum recyclables and the minimal financial return.

I am beginning to take another look at the idea. Every day, I drive right near a recycling place. If I can get close to what they said on the internet, it very well may be worth my while.

Recognizing the untapped potential of discarded aluminum cans, I’ve developed a strategic approach to resource conservation and potential financial gain. These lightweight metal containers, often overlooked, represent a promising investment opportunity. By carefully collecting and storing these cans, I’m transforming everyday waste into a speculative asset that could appreciate in value as global aluminum markets fluctuate.

I’ve already acquired these items directly, bypassing any broker fees. I’ve observed online that aluminum prices are rising significantly, potentially not as dramatically as gold, but since I’m purchasing it regardless….

Surprise; It Worked!

While Candidate Trump was campaigning, he promised to make all Epstein files public. As soon as he became president, it seems he put that on the back burner.

The Democrats couldn’t stop themselves. They had to take the bait. Then, in a matter of months, President Trump’s original promise is coming to pass. By almost unanimous vote in Congress, the files must be released by law.

Just shows to go, when our president says the sky is blue, the dems will say it’s purple or green, maybe. And whether intentional or not, the ploy did work. The promise is being fulfilled.

The irony: I wonder if the Democrats even know it.

I does make wonder if it would work if Pres Trump came out in favor of gun control. Do you think that the dems would come out in favor of the second amendment? Not likely. That psychology does have its limits.

Observation

I guess this means that the governor, former democrat VP candidate is no longer considering a run for president. And so many dems were so looking forward to supporting him and voting for him too. Guess they will have to find someone else.

How could all this happen to such an honest, nice guy?

Failure After Failure

I guess I’m only remotely an expert. When I see a TV show I don’t like, I don’t watch it. Nowadays, I don’t watch so many new shows. As near as I can tell, there aren’t so many successful new shows. Moreover, some of the former successful shows are losing their audience as they too, lower their standards.

The timeless adage, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink,” resonates far beyond the stables. Though I lack firsthand equestrian experience, the wisdom of this proverb rings true through countless conversations with those who understand horses intimately. My knowledge may be secondhand, but the insight remains profound—some truths cannot be forced, whether in horsemanship or in life.

Nonetheless, the country is full of TV show experts, millions of them. If they do not like the show, they will not watch it. You see the correlation? If the horse isn’t thirsty, it won’t drink. If they try to force-feed us garbage, all they will get is failure after failure.

As discerning viewers, we must raise our standards for entertainment. The latest series, promising an intriguing premise of a hemophobic physician, sparked initial curiosity with its unconventional narrative hook.

Unexpectedly, the narrative failed to disclose the sexual orientation of two characters, which could have provided valuable context and saved me time during the brief viewing.

The producers seemed aware that their content would likely be dismissed if viewers perceived it as another attempt to push the unwelcome material upon them. They certainly didn’t include it in their advertising.

Will the show succeed? I don’t know. As I said, I’m not an expert. I guess it depends on how well they can sell their product and how many people are willing to tolerate it.

Television has undergone remarkable technological advancements, with displays and audio systems reaching unprecedented levels of clarity and sophistication. However, the creative content and programming have seemingly deteriorated, offering increasingly shallow and uninspired entertainment. Until the industry prioritizes meaningful storytelling and quality production, I’ll continue to find satisfaction in classic shows that demonstrate genuine artistic merit.

The Methuselah Question

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?