The Propeller - Propelling you into the new week! Tips, Newsbites, and Wisdom covering Life, Technology, Entrepreneurship, Finance, and the Internet

The Propeller – I’m Giving Someone a Goat for Christmas – 12-10-2023

A Boy Scout Rule

When you borrow a man’s car, always return it with a tank of gas
Charlie Munger

 

Imagine a world where every person strives to leave everything they encounter better than they found it. A world where kindness, compassion, and selflessness are the guiding principles of our actions. This isn’t just a utopian dream; it’s a reality we can create together, one small act of improvement at a time.

I learned this powerful message many years ago in Boy Scouts, and it resonates through the ages. It’s not about seeking perfection, but about continuously striving for progress in every aspect of our lives. When we approach the world with this intention, we unlock a powerful force for positive change.

Imagine the ripple effect:

  • A child picks up a piece of trash on the sidewalk, inspiring others to do the same.
  • A stranger offers a helping hand to someone in need, creating a chain reaction of generosity.
  • A community unites to tackle a local issue, leaving a lasting impact for generations to come.

No matter how small, every act of kindness and selflessness has the potential to create a positive ripple effect.

Here’s the good news: we all have something to offer. Whether it’s a word of encouragement, a helping hand, or simply a smile, we each possess the power to make a difference.

So, let’s go out into the world and be the change we want to see. Let’s leave everything we find, from the tangible to the intangible, better than we found it.

Remember, good begets good. By embracing this philosophy and acting upon it, we can create a world where kindness, compassion, and selflessness reign supreme. It all starts with each of us, with every individual choice we make.

Let’s light the way for a brighter future, together.

Give Someone in need a Goat or an Eye Exam this Holiday Season!

The Light the World Giving Machines is a charitable initiative that provides a unique way to serve and care for others. The campaign kicked off on November 27, 2023, in Times Square, New York City, and is one of 61 locations around the world for the popular red giving-focused vending machines.  The theme of the 2023 Light the World Christmas initiative is “Let Your Light Shine,” words the Savior of the world spoke to His followers.

The machines offer a variety of items requested by carefully screened and reputable local, national, and international nonprofit organizations. These include meals, groceries, shelter, clothing, healthcare, education, bedding, hygiene kits, job and career training, crops, and livestock (such as chickens, goats, pigs, ducks, sheep, and beehives).

The Light the World Giving Machines campaign is an important way to spread Christ’s light and love and has been successful in raising millions of dollars for charity over the years. It is a great way to give back to the community and help those in need during the holiday season.

To find a Giving Machine near you or donate online, visit this link: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/light-the-world/giving-machines

 

Find a Giving Machine near You | Light the World

Tech Tips for Smooth Holidays Travel

The holidays are a time for joy, family, and… travel headaches? Not if you’re prepared! With a little tech know-how, you can navigate the holiday travel rush like a pro. Here are some essential tips to keep you connected, entertained, and stress-free on your journey:

Before You Go:

  • Download essential apps: Pack your digital suitcase with apps like flight trackers, ride-sharing platforms, maps with offline functionality, language translators, and even currency converters.
  • Backup your data: Ensure your precious memories are safe from loss by backing up your photos, videos, and documents to the cloud.
  • Organize your documents: Scan and store copies of your passport, boarding passes, and other important documents in a secure app or cloud storage. This eliminates the need for physical copies and saves you from potential loss.
  • Charge up and pack smart: Invest in a portable power bank to keep your devices charged on the go. I love this powerbank = https://www.pilotmall.com/products/pilotmall-com-super-power-bank . Don’t forget to pack essential chargers and adaptors for your destination.

On the Go:

  • Stay connected with a portable hotspot: Share your phone’s internet connection with your devices for uninterrupted browsing, streaming, and communication.
  • Download movies and shows: Enjoy offline entertainment by downloading movies, shows, and music to your devices before your trip.
  • Utilize airport Wi-Fi wisely: Airport Wi-Fi can be unreliable, so be cautious when accessing sensitive information. Consider using a VPN for added security.
  • Silence the notifications: Avoid information overload by silencing notifications for non-essential apps during your travel time.
  • Capture memories with your smartphone: You don’t need a bulky camera to capture stunning holiday photos. Utilize your smartphone’s camera and editing apps to create lasting memories.

Bonus Tip: Consider using a travel router to create a secure Wi-Fi network in your hotel room and connect multiple devices simultaneously.

Enjoy a Tech-Fueled Holiday Journey:

By following these tech-savvy tips, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable holiday travel experience. Remember, technology can be your travel companion, keeping you informed, entertained, and connected throughout your journey. So, relax, enjoy the ride, and make the most of your holiday adventures!

Quote of the Week
Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can’t lose.
Bill Gates

 
Success can be misleading, but failure never lies.  Fail. Learn. Grow.
What I’m Reading/Listening To This Week
What I read last week:
 

 

Ever wondered what goes on inside the minds of those complex algorithms that run our world? Well, buckle up, because Janelle Shane, the hilarious author behind the popular blog AI Weirdness, takes us on a wild ride through the wonders and weirdness of artificial intelligence in her book, “You Look Like a Thing and I Love You.”

Don’t let the quirky title fool you, this book is packed with fascinating insights into the inner workings of AI, delivered in a way that’s both informative and entertaining. Shane’s witty writing style and knack for turning complex concepts into relatable anecdotes makes this book a must-read for anyone curious about the future of technology.

Here are my top 3 takeaways from this book:

1. AI is learning, and it’s learning weird things.

Shane’s experiments with AI are both hilarious and eye-opening. From AI that writes nonsensical pop songs to AI that generates nonsensical pickup lines (“You look like a thing and I love you” being one of them), Shane shows us just how bizarre the results of AI learning can be. These experiments not only entertain us but also force us to question the assumptions we make about AI and its capabilities.

2. AI is powerful, but it’s not magic.

While AI can achieve remarkable things, Shane reminds us that it’s still a tool that relies on the data it’s trained on. This means that AI can be biased and prone to errors, just like humans. By understanding the limitations of AI, we can use it responsibly and avoid the pitfalls of relying too heavily on it.

3. AI is changing the world, and we need to be ready.

From automating tasks to predicting our behavior, AI is rapidly changing the way we live and work. Shane encourages us to be proactive in shaping the future of AI and ensuring that it benefits humanity as a whole.

“You Look Like a Thing and I Love You” is more than just a book about AI; it’s a conversation starter. By demystifying AI and making it accessible to everyone, Shane helps us understand the impact this technology will have on our lives and equips us to navigate the exciting future that lies ahead.

So, if you’re looking for a fun and informative read that will leave you thinking about the future of AI, then “You Look Like a Thing and I Love You” is the book for you. Just don’t be surprised if you start seeing AI in a whole new light!

You can pick up your copy here:  https://amzn.to/46W2h4G


What I am reading this week:
 

 

Another interesting title for a book this week – from the Amazon description:  “The saying goes: if the first thing you do each morning is eat a live frog, then you’re done with the toughest thing for the day. Eating that frog means tackling your most challenging task-and it’s also the one that can have the greatest positive impact on your life.

Productivity and time management coach Brian Tracy shows you how to organize each day so you can zero in on these critical tasks and accomplish them efficiently and effectively.”

Read along by picking up your copy here: https://amzn.to/3Rexo5W  
 

These pretzels are making me thirsty…

 

This is re-published from the weekly email sent by Leonard Mack entitled The Propeller. To subscribe, visit https://www.LeonardMack.com/subscribe and read it every Sunday evening.

This intellectual nourishment is intended for informational purposes only. One should not construe anything herein as being legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

My rule is this – I have no advice to give, only experience to share. I have no interest in being a guru or telling people what they should do. Rather, I share my own experience because there is no right or wrong. Your mileage may vary.