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

The Propeller – Sky’s the Limit: Goodyear Blimp Rides – Because Walking Is Overrated! – 1-12-2025

Winning a Goodyear Blimp Ride: Finally, a Chance to Tell Your Friends, ‘I’m Literally on Cloud Nine!’
The iconic Goodyear Blimp is turning 100, and to celebrate a century of soaring skies, they’re giving lucky fans the chance of a lifetime – free rides on the legendary airship! Since its debut in 1925, the Goodyear Blimp has been a symbol of innovation and adventure, gracing the skies over sporting events, parades, and unforgettable moments in history. Now, as it marks this milestone anniversary, the blimp invites enthusiasts to take to the skies and experience its magic up close. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to be part of aviation history!

You can enter here:
  https://www.goodyear.com/en_US/blimp/buy-for-a-chance-to-fly-sweepstakes-no-purchase-necessary.html

If you win, I expect to be your plus one and ride with you!  I’ll be awaiting the invite!  

If you are a long time Propeller reader, you will remember I wrote about the Goodyear Blimp last July.  Check it out here:  https://www.leonardmack.com/the-propeller-the-day-the-screens-stood-still-surviving-the-crowdstrike-outage-of-24-7-21-2024/
Do this today:  Get your IRS Identity Protection Pin

Tax season can make anyone feel uneasy, but there’s a simple way to safeguard your identity: an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN). This six-digit code acts like a shield, ensuring no one can file a tax return in your name without it. Think of it as locking the front door to your financial life. Identity theft is a growing problem, and a compromised tax return can take months to sort out. By getting an IP PIN, you’re adding an extra layer of security to protect your refund and your peace of mind. Visit the IRS website to request yours today – it’s free, easy, and one of the smartest moves you can make this tax season!  You need to get a new pin every year, and you can get it after January 1st every year

Click here to get your IP PIN and protect yourself: 
 https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin

Finance: Under New Rule, Medical Bills Won’t Appear on Credit Reports

Medical debt will soon no longer appear on credit reports or impact loan decisions, thanks to a new rule finalized by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). This change is designed to ease the burden of medical debt and prevent it from blocking access to home mortgages, car loans, or small business financing.

The CFPB estimates that this rule will erase $49 billion in medical debt from credit reports for 15 million Americans, potentially increasing credit scores by an average of 20 points. This is particularly significant because medical bills often arise from unforeseen circumstances and don’t reliably indicate someone’s ability to repay a loan. Yet, such debt has been a factor in thousands of denied loan applications, making it harder for individuals to recover financially after medical challenges.

Medical debt is one of the leading causes of credit score damage, as unpaid bills can linger on reports for years, even if the debt stems from billing errors or insurance disputes. By eliminating this debt from credit evaluations, millions of Americans will have a better shot at rebuilding their financial stability and pursuing major life goals without being penalized for medical hardships.

Discover the Weirdest Products on Amazon You Never Knew You Needed!

Amazon is the ultimate treasure trove for quirky and unusual products you never knew you needed! From a pancake printer to a portable mini washing machine for your socks, you can find just about anything on there. Want a glow-in-the-dark toilet paper roll or a set of sushi-making cat molds? It’s all at your fingertips. Whether you’re looking to spice up your home, gift something outlandish, or simply get a good laugh, Amazon’s vast selection of weird products will never disappoint. It’s proof that in the world of e-commerce, there’s truly something for everyone – no matter how bizarre!

Check out this custom list of some of the weirdest products available on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3WeM7Rn

Why Purpose, Not Money, Keeps Us Truly Alive

There’s a viral post making the rounds about the CEO of Loom, who sold his company for around $1 billion and retired, but now feels lost. He describes life as a “haze,” feeling empty and uninspired, as though everything is just a side quest. His words reveal a deeper issue—he’s struggling with purpose.

This struck a chord with me because purpose is what drives me in tech work and entrepreneurship. It’s why, even with financial independence, I’ll likely never fully retire. Sure, money solves problems, but without purpose, it’s meaningless. You can have all the wealth in the world, but if you lack direction or something to pour your energy into, life can feel hollow.

Purpose keeps us alive, young, and motivated to endure. It’s why so many people, even after achieving financial success, dive into hobbies, focus on family, or take on projects that ignite their passion. For me, purpose comes from my relationship with my loved ones, building startups, mentoring employees, and providing value through my writing and projects. It’s also about challenging myself—whether that’s learning new skills, exploring entrepreneurship byt starting a new online business, or even something fun like improving my cooking skills with the smoker.

The grind isn’t a burden; it’s the journey. Purpose gives it meaning. Without it, the journey stops, and so do we. Purpose fuels progress, and progress leads to satisfaction. That’s why I’ll always seek purpose in my work, my hobbies, and my life—it’s what keeps me fulfilled, energized, and ready for the next challenge.

Tech: More AI Prompts

Below, are ten simple, yet effective prompts designed to help you in everyday life.  Remember to add any other details about your personal situation to the prompt to make it stronger and yield a better response.

I recommend using Microsoft Copilot with these prompts. You can access Microsoft Copilot for free here:
  
https://copilot.microsoft.com/

Room Revamp on a Budget
Suggest affordable ways to redecorate my [specific room] using only items under [specific amount] or things I already have at home.

Car Maintenance Made Easy
What’s a step-by-step guide to changing [specific part, e.g., oil, air filter] on my [Type of car or truck], including tools needed?

Personal Safety Phrases
Teach me essential phrases in [specific language] to use during emergencies, such as asking for help or giving directions.

Learning on the Go
I want to learn [specific topic, e.g., a new language, coding] but only have 15 minutes a day. Create a mini learning schedule.

Save on Bills
How can I lower my [specific bill, e.g., electricity, internet] without compromising on quality or comfort?

Lost Item Finder
I misplaced my [specific item]. Help me brainstorm where I might have left it based on common habits.

Event Icebreakers
I’m hosting [specific event]. Provide 3 fun and unique icebreaker games to make guests feel comfortable and engaged.

Digital Detox Plan
Create a step-by-step guide to reduce my screen time for [specific goal, e.g., better sleep, more focus], starting with small changes.

Pet Health Check
What are the key signs of [specific issue, e.g., dehydration, stress] in [specific pet] and how can I address it quickly?

First-Time Traveler Tips
I’m traveling to [specific destination] for the first time. Suggest 5 key tips to navigate the area, avoid scams, and blend in.

Quote of the Week

“Work without vision is drudgery. Vision without work is dreaming. Work coupled with vision is destiny.” — Gordon B. Hinckley

 

This quote highlights the importance of balancing effort and purpose in our pursuits. It teaches that work, when done aimlessly, can feel monotonous and unfulfilling, while vision alone – without action – is merely wishful thinking. However, when vision and work come together, they create a powerful force that propels us toward meaningful achievements and a fulfilling life. This message inspires us to dream big but also reminds us that dedication, discipline, and effort are essential to turning those dreams into reality. It’s a universal principle applicable to personal goals, careers, and relationships.

 

Stay warm, stay motivated, and remember – it’s only mid-January, so there’s still time to pretend you’re sticking to those New Year’s resolutions!

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.