Why to only use ride-sharing vs. owning a car

May 23, 2024 by

Thanks, AI

sunflowers

Sunflowers

Here are 11 great reasons for seniors (or, anyone really) to stop driving and use ride-sharing apps.

1. Convenience: Uber and Lyft provide on-demand transportation services, eliminating the need to wait for a bus or rely on others for a ride.
2. Cost-effective: Seniors can save money on maintenance, insurance, and gas by using ride-sharing services only when needed.
3. Safety: Professional drivers undergo background checks, and rides can be easily tracked in real time.
4. Accessibility: Uber and Lyft offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles, making transportation more inclusive for seniors with mobility challenges.
5. Flexibility: With ride-sharing services, seniors can schedule rides at any time, adapting to their changing needs and preferences.
6. Reduced stress: Seniors can relax during their rides instead of dealing with the challenges of navigating traffic and finding parking.
7. Social opportunities: Interacting with different drivers can add a social aspect to the transportation experience.
8. Enhanced independence: Seniors can maintain their independence by accessing transportation services without relying on family or friends.
9. Environmental benefits: Choosing ride-sharing over individual car ownership contributes to reducing carbon emissions.
10. Avoiding driving risks: For seniors with declining vision, hearing, or reaction times, using Uber and Lyft may be a safer alternative to driving.
11. A variety of options: Uber and Lyft offer different vehicle types, such as standard cars, larger vehicles for groups, and luxury options, catering to diverse senior needs and preferences.

What are 11 great cost reasons for a senior citizen to stop driving and use Uber and Lyft instead?

1. **Reduced Insurance Costs**: Seniors may enjoy lower insurance premiums when they no longer drive.
2. **Avoid Vehicle Maintenance Expenses**: Without a car, seniors can save on maintenance costs.
3. **No Need for Gas Purchases**: By using services like Uber and Lyft, seniors can eliminate the need for fuel.
4. **Parking Fees**: Seniors can avoid parking fees, which can add up over time.
5. **No Emission Testing Costs**: Cars often need emissions testing, a cost that can be avoided.
6. **Avoid Depreciation Costs**: Vehicles depreciate over time; seniors can save on this expense by not owning a car.
7. **No Need for Vehicle Registration**: Saving money on vehicle registration fees is another benefit.
8. **Avoid Traffic Tickets and Fines**: Seniors can minimize costs associated with traffic violations by using ride-sharing services.
9. **Emergency Roadside Assistance**: With Uber and Lyft, seniors won’t have to worry about emergency roadside assistance costs.
10. **Avoid Costly Accidents**: Not driving can prevent costly accidents and associated expenses.
11. **Health and Safety Benefits**: Using ride-sharing services can potentially save on healthcare costs related to accidents or injuries.

These are some of the many cost reasons why a senior citizen may find it more economical to opt for Uber and Lyft instead of driving.

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AI

May 26, 2023 by

Create an outline for a soap opera series that teaches people about climate change

ChatGPT Sez:

Title: “Shifting Tides”

Outline:

I. Introduction A. Introduce the setting: A picturesque coastal town called Harmony Bay. B. Present the main characters and their relationships. C. Establish the central themes of the series: Love, betrayal, and the impact of climate change.

II. Love and Rivalries A. Introduce the protagonist, Emma, a passionate environmental activist. B. Emma’s complicated romantic relationships: her ex-boyfriend, Ethan, and her childhood friend, Mia. C. Ethan, torn between his love for Emma and his loyalty to his family’s oil business. D. Mia’s role as a marine biologist and her growing affection for Emma.

III. Environmental Challenges A. Develop a subplot involving rising sea levels and coastal erosion. B. Show the devastating effects on the town and its residents. C. Highlight the conflicts between Harmony Bay’s tourism industry and the need to protect the environment. D. Emma’s tireless efforts to rally the community to take action against climate change.

IV. Family Secrets A. Uncover a secret: Emma’s family has been hiding their involvement in harmful industrial practices. B. Emma’s internal struggle as she balances her love for her family and her commitment to the environment. C. Introduce Emma’s estranged cousin, David, who has been working to expose the family’s secrets.

V. Community Unity A. Emma’s journey to unite the townspeople and create a sustainable action plan. B. Explore the conflicts, resistance, and prejudices within the community. C. Highlight the importance of collaboration, education, and compromise in addressing climate change.

VI. Personal Sacrifices A. Ethan’s gradual realization of the consequences of his family’s actions and his decision to support Emma’s cause. B. Emma’s ultimate decision to break free from her family’s legacy, despite the personal sacrifices involved. C. The impact of their choices on their relationships with Mia, friends, and the Harmony Bay community.

VII. Global Perspective A. Introduce an international climate summit that Emma attends to represent Harmony Bay. B. Emma’s interactions with other activists, scientists, and policymakers from around the world. C. Highlight the urgency of the global climate crisis and the interconnectedness of communities worldwide.

VIII. Redemption and Hope A. Emma’s efforts leading to positive changes in Harmony Bay’s environmental policies. B. Show the town’s resilience and adaptability in the face of climate challenges. C. Explore the characters’ personal growth and newfound hope for a sustainable future.

IX. Conclusion A. Resolve the romantic tensions and conflicts between Emma, Ethan, and Mia. B. Demonstrate the ongoing commitment of the characters to environmental protection. C. End with a call to action, encouraging viewers to take steps to address climate change in their own lives.

Note: Throughout the series, intersperse educational segments, such as informative conversations, news updates, or brief documentaries, to provide viewers with scientific knowledge and practical solutions related to climate change.

Title: Breaking the Spell: A Journey from MAGA to Prosperity

Outline for a 10-part MAGA De-programming Television Series:

Episode 1: The Awakening

  • Introduce characters who were once deeply involved in the MAGA world.
  • Explore their personal journeys and how they became enamored with the movement.
  • Present the initial signs of doubts and cracks in their beliefs.

Episode 2: Understanding the MAGA Phenomenon

  • Dive into the history and rise of the MAGA movement, exploring its appeal to different demographics.
  • Analyze the psychological and emotional aspects that draw people into this world.

Episode 3: The Power of Media and Echo Chambers

  • Examine the role of media, social media, and echo chambers in reinforcing MAGA beliefs.
  • Discuss the importance of critical thinking and media literacy.

Episode 4: Empathy and Listening

  • Highlight the significance of empathy and listening in understanding those with opposing viewpoints.
  • Show how engaging in constructive conversations can break down barriers.

Episode 5: Healing from Polarization

  • Address the negative impact of political polarization on society and relationships.
  • Present tools and techniques for healing and bridging divides.

Episode 6: Fact-Checking and Critical Analysis

  • Teach viewers how to fact-check information and recognize misinformation.
  • Showcase the importance of critical analysis in forming balanced opinions.

Episode 7: Unraveling Conspiracy Theories

  • Explore common conspiracy theories associated with the MAGA movement.
  • Provide evidence-based debunking and encourage a rational approach to information.

Episode 8: Finding Common Ground

  • Follow characters as they engage in constructive dialogues with others of differing beliefs.
  • Show the power of finding common ground and shared values.

Episode 9: Embracing Positive Change

  • Highlight success stories of individuals who left the MAGA world and embraced positive change.
  • Showcase how they found purpose and fulfillment outside the movement.

Episode 10: A Prosperous Future

  • Depict characters’ journeys toward leading thriving lives full of love and prosperity.
  • Offer a hopeful vision for a united society where diverse perspectives are respected.

Throughout the series, experts in psychology, sociology, media studies, and political science can provide insights and strategies for de-programming from the MAGA world. Additionally, real-life testimonies from former MAGA supporters who successfully transitioned to a more open-minded worldview can be included to add authenticity and inspiration. The goal of the series is to encourage viewers to question their beliefs, foster empathy, and promote critical thinking, ultimately guiding them towards a more inclusive and prosperous future.

Filed Under: albertideation

Chess

October 22, 2022 by

My Chess History and Love of Chess

I first started playing chess when I was just a lad. My Dad taught me the moves and I quickly caught up to him. I’ve continued to play over the years and I think this is one of the passions that helped me make it through the pandemic over the last couple of years.  I wanted to share some of my thoughts about chess and why it’s such a fantastic game and some of my history with it. 

After playing chess as a child, I ended up playing many games with a mentor I had in my early teen years. Lee and I would play games while listening to the latest records he collected – Bruce Springsteen, The Grateful Dead, The Rolling Stones, and lots of our folk heroes of the day. These included David Bromberg, John Hartford, and Steve Goodman – three artists which were also touring a lot in the area during those times. This combination of sitting with a friend and playing chess and listening to great music continues in my life to this day.

I eventually moved to New York City and studied from 1980-1984 at NYU in Greenwich Village. The main park in the Village is Washington Square Park. This park is known for many things – it was a place for music and good times in the 60s and when I got there that vibe continued. Washington Square Park also hosts a wonderful corner with many built-in chess boards and seating for dozens of games. The area also boasted a number of chess stores where one could buy a board and pieces but also rent time at a table and easily find opponents (almost always men) to challenge to a game. This was especially useful during winter months and at night, though I also remember playing chess in the park at night in warmer weather times. Between the park and these shops (one was open 24 hours if I remember correctly), I spent a fair amount of my free time during my college days playing chess. I noticed I didn’t see too many other students on these boards.

The scene in Washington Square Park around the chess boards has always been fun. There’s a lot of kibitzing that goes on and some people play for money, though it’s usually just a dollar or two. I probably got my tuchas handed to me more than I won in those days, but it was a free and fun way to pass the time and keep my mind sharp. I love seeing how many of the videos of people playing trash-talking chess sharks in parks take place in New York City. It’s a great way for me to relive the scenes of my youth and every once in a while I think I see someone I’ve played with. But those guys were mostly older than me and are probably not the ones featured in the videos.

I’m also a musician, so I’m used to challenging my mind with that different language, too. Chess adds one more layer to my active mind. I wish I were better at other languages – I’ve tried learning many and I hardly know enough to order a cup of coffee in most. OK, that’s not completely true – I can do more with German, but in Spanish, my speaking is pretty limited unless I’m in a Spanish-speaking country for a while. Then it picks back up.

Back to chess and current times. About a year before the pandemic hit us I had been playing chess against a friend who beat me most of the time. He started telling me about how he was learning from better players online via videos they would do – playing while annotating their games. I got pretty into this and found myself watching more than I was playing. But I think it was important that I spent this time researching the game and learning some information about opening moves (also known as openings). At this point, I’m still watching these games, but luckily I’ve gone to playing more than watching.

During the pandemic, I signed up with chess.com and have been playing there almost exclusively since. I still play over-the-board games, too, but I have about 11 games going at one time on chess.com – feel free to reach out to me if you’d like to connect with me and play. I’m there under my own name so I’m not hard to find and challenge! Some of my favorite games right now online are with my 2 nephews who are on the East Coast. This has become a way I keep in touch with them and it’s also been interesting to see them develop as players.

When the Queen’s Gambit came out I rushed to watch it and I figured that would lead to a lot more chess playing in the world. That may have happened. It’s a strange universe, the chess world. I enjoy playing the most, but watching people who are advanced in the game is certainly interesting, too.

I encourage you to learn how to play chess. It’s fairly easy to learn and it will help you stay sharp as you age. And who knows, maybe one day we can hang out and play together!

Have a great one, Albert

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Money

October 13, 2022 by

Money!

Corvallis Oak Prairie, Oregon 10.13.22 

I don’t think I’ve ever written about money, but since I tend to have thoughts about just about everything, I figured I’d give it a try. I think from my earliest times as a child I knew a thing or two about money. Partly, I knew that it was something that could help you get things you wanted to get. My parents gave me an allowance from a young age and eventually, my allowance was tied to things like mowing the lawn. It’s kind of humorous that now I spend hours during my week trying to figure out how to get rid of lawns, but that’s another story that, if you’re a regular reader, you know all about!

Eventually, I started making money of my own. My Dad, Richard Kaufman, 86 now, and living in Jenkintown, PA with my Mom (81), had a small computer business in the 70s. One of the clients he had was a group of doctors (pediatricians that I went to see as a kid, actually) and they needed help with their computer billing. So, every month my Dad would come home with computer-generated bills which we’d have to rip apart (they were on computer-fed paper which was perforated), and then we’d take them and stuff them into envelopes. We’d get $3/box and also free pizza and soda. This effort needed to be done once a month and he brought my brother and sister into the mix, too. This went on for years. It was dull work, but we did it for the money and I’m sure it helped my Dad out, too. Now that I think back on it, I realize at the time I really was only doing it for the money. But I realize that it was a huge help to my Dad who would have had to pay someone real wages to do this work if we hadn’t done it!

This work led to me selling things I would make – candles – door to door. I also tried selling seeds for Burpee door-to-door, but that didn’t last long. Eventually, I had my first job as a newspaper delivery boy in Junior High. I remember my first morning of waking up at 4:30 am to find a stack of papers on our doorstep and then I went around our suburban Lawrence neighborhood by foot to deliver the papers. I remember throwing up that first morning. I’m not sure why. Then, there was going around from door to door to collect payment for the paper. I think I did that weekly – and that led to some fun tips over the years and also a chance to see into the houses that were around me in my neighborhood. I really could have used a better calculator during those times to make sense of what I was taking in, though doing it the way I did probably helped my math skills.

After that job, I went on to work at Arthur Treacher Fish & Chips. That experience could probably be written up in a small book. My main work was to drop frozen triangles of fish and rounder frozen chicken fillets into a large vat of boiling oil – without getting my hands burned. I also lived nearby and somehow ended up being the one to close up at night. That job led to a sweet gig at Sam Goody’s where I was the guitar/amp/instrument/effects pedals salesperson. This was probably one of the best jobs I’ve ever held. I spent my time tuning decent instruments and learning what the different effects pedals did. Had I played my cards right I’ve always thought I could have been a part of a band that went somewhere – or been a musician who would tour, but of course, life had other ideas for me in mind. I watch people like Jackson Brown or Bruce Springsteen play and I am just 10 years younger than them. I know if I’d focused I probably could at least be backing them up if not leading a band of my own 🙂  But instead…

I went on to have jobs like – working on a kibbutz in the Negev Desert in Israel with milking cows (feeding them, milking them, driving a tractor, etc.)

Working in NYC at a place called Lox, Stock, and Bagels during my freshman year at NYU. I’ve actually worked at 3 different bagel places, but this one was for the longest time. Another short book there – this place was across from Madison Square Garden where I ended up seeing many a Grateful Dead show and a few hockey games!

I’ve had a job for 6 months as a rodman in a surveying crew. Another 6 months after that – this was 1986 – as a data miner (a bit before computers came into fashion – so we were on the phones) at Peterson’s Guides for Graduate Schools. Then there have been years of temping in NYC for the investment banking and perfume worlds.  Now that I think of it, I did do a short piece about some of these positions and my thoughts on work. I wonder if other writers have that happen where they find themselves repeating their writing after a while.

Anyway, I love this topic and I’ll probably come back to it again as I’m trying to figure out money now at 61, too. I have enough at the moment, but I also feel limited to moving about the gameboard as I’d like to. I also know that having more money is an attractor to the opposite sex and I am in “wanting to date” mode. So, we’ll see if I take the dive into more money-making efforts. We’ll see!

Squash Blossom

Squash Blossom, Fall in Portland, Oregon 2022

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Reviews

April 30, 2022 by

Albert’s CTCT Reviews

CTCT Marketplace reviews:

Albert is an Email Expert!

by PeteL77 on 07/06/2014

If you’re looking for friendly, expert help with your Constant Contact and other marketing needs, look no further. Albert has taught me many email marketing tricks and shared the down-low on many of Constant Contact’s special features, including Surveys, Segmenting, and Template design. Albert is willing to sit down and literally walk you through everything, step by step, at your own pace, and on your own time requirements. Highly recommended Constant Contact Expert!

 

Constant Contact is great!

by Downtown Boise Association on 07/21/2020

We use Constant Contact for all public and membership newsletters, surveys, and contact databases. Never any issues!

 

Grateful for working with Albert!

by SteveH730 on 07/10/2020

Albert has been a wonderful coach, advisor, and all-around champion for our organization for several years. He brings energy and enthusiasm to all of his work and provides thoughtful and encouraging advice when we need it most. We have been lucky to work with Albert over the years and recommend him highly for his creativity, excellent skills in marketing, and commitment to the community. Thanks, Albert!

 

Conversation With Albert

by LarryJ345 on 06/28/2020

As an entrepreneur I get to work, study, and teach all types of people oftentimes our personalities don’t match but sometimes they do. That’s the case with Albert he has a sort of soft-spoken way he shares information with his clients that allows them to relax and absorb his message. I had the privilege of interviewing Albert on one of my Zoom Interviews and since that time we’ve been able to share content back and forth in emails and I continue to learn from his many years of experience and wisdom.

 

A true marketing professional and coach

by US_Archive on 08/21/2019

Albert is a master at keeping things simple and understandable. I’m just getting going again with Constant Contact and his advice has been well taken. He has also helped to make me feel more comfortable about including some of my personal feelings about climate change, Puget Sound, etc., into my business messages. Why not…

 

CC demystified: Albert knows Constant Contact like the back of his hand

by kymbo1 on 07/30/2019

I’ve worked with Albert for over 4 years attending workshops, one on one with CC, and in a few different PDX communities. He has a very calming presence that is critical in learning something new and techy. Albert has helped me see how easy it is to use CC and he is very patient and empathetic with me, as I struggle with dyslexia as well. Thanks, Albert. I look forward to another session with you soon. Kim Gordon Cumbo

 

Working with Albert Kaufman

by MarkB952 on 01/23/2019

I’ve worked with Albert for years and he’s a great resource, teacher, and go-to guy for not only Constant Contact emails but for social media strategies in general. From a workshop on email marketing I attended in his living room years ago to the larger workshops he leads now, Albert always has helpful tips and shortcuts to take you to the next level, wherever you are. I highly recommend Albert…

 

Wow, what a jewel!

by Parrish_Books on 11/14/2018

I sent an email asking if I could hire Albert to help me with the newsletter I always struggle to create. I was prepared to pay for his time but he immediately jumped in and got me headed in the right direction with a free consultation I was not expecting. (I was wrapping a book order when he responded so quickly so I dropped everything and listened to what he had to say. And I am glad I did.) I think I am going to finagle some of his time to make other improvements in our business approach to media. Whatever he charges will be more than worth it. Thanks, Albert.

 

Charles Baldwin

by charlesb680 on 09/04/2018

Albert is the reason we subscribe to Constant Contact. He is a knowledgeable professional in all facets of online communication. He listens well, is able to pinpoint problems and recommend solutions, is always available when a need arises, and he is creative. I cannot think of enough superlatives to describe this man. Find time to meet him and he will not disappoint.

 

Terrific coach and champion

by SteveH730 on 09/04/2018

We have been blessed to work with Albert Kaufman as our email marketing coach and promoter. He has coached me over the years to produce newsletters with a growing readership and reminded me of features and new products that we could use to strengthen our message. Plus, he’s a real champion for our mission and programs. Special thanks to Albert for all his support and encouragement!

 

Fantastic!

by JenniferG27 on 09/01/2018

Albert was super fast and helpful! He gave us some great ideas for getting more opens and clicks and they worked. When we need email help, we call Albert!

 

genuinely helpful

by PaulL488 on 08/30/2018

Albert has always generously offered his support and insight in a way that is truly helpful to someone like me, who is not overly fluent in computer matters. Albert has an expanded sense of vision, in that he is very interested in supporting people and projects that will benefit the greater good.

 

Love working with Albert Kaufman

by StephenH067 on 08/22/2016

Albert is an excellent advisor on email marketing, surveys, and broader communications strategies. He listens well, provides sound advice, and genuinely cares about our success. He also provides recommendations on how we can enhance our outreach and communications, and he is willing to provide hands-on support. It’s been a true privilege working with Albert! Thanks! Steve Higgs SAGE Executive Director

 

Excellent Marketing Coach

by NigelL83 on 08/05/2016

Albert listened to my story when I first contacted him with great interest and has helped me understand the basics of email marketing. We are about to launch our first campaign. I could not have a better guide to assist me. Thanks, Albert.

 

Countless Helpful Suggestions!

by SteveB9336 on 08/04/2016

“I first met Albert at the Oregon Country Fair in 2015, and he immediately had some useful suggestions as to how to make my newsletters more small-screen friendly, and more appealing in general. Since that time, he has offered countless helpful suggestions that have led to more compelling communications and a happier and more vital list. He also reinforced the benefits of my own humorous “Daily Laughsitive” feature by doing one of his own, Song A Day. Steve Bhaerman Author, comedian www.wakeuplaughing.com

 

So helpful

by KellyA060 on 04/02/2021

I’ve been a Constant Contact customer for nine years and have been very pleased with all the services. I needed to take my marketing to the next level and I’m a one-woman show and not super tech savvy so tend to hesitate when it comes to learning how to navigate new things. I scheduled a consult with Albert and it was so helpful! Very hands-on and I not only better understand the systems I wanted to start using but also got several great little nuggets that he showed me. Really appreciate this service!

 

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Finances and Debt

July 19, 2021 by

Finances and DebtDragon

I got turned onto The 4-hour Work Week years ago. It helped guide me in so many ways and I spent a year closely listening to Tim Ferris as he began an amazing podcast series which has since gone on to be the #1 business podcast many years running, I believe. Tim spent all this time interviewing many people who run the companies we all use every day. This podcast shares all sorts of ideas, but one that regularly comes up is reducing debt and ways to do that.

Really, the key thing I’ve learned is to try to avoid getting into debt in the first place. But if that’s not possible then reducing your debt takes precedence over other things. If you consider the interest one pays for keeping credit card debt you can see that that can quickly add up over time and can definitely weigh on you in many ways. A way I was able to pay off my college and grad school student loans was by taking a job in the high-tech sector for a couple of years. It was boring work, but it paid very well. Once I had my loans paid off I moved away from that sector mostly. I realize this is not possible for everyone, but if you do have debt figuring out ways to reduce and eliminate it will help you out greatly. I’ll never forget the day I paid off my loans and the smile that crept over my face when I realized I was done with the monthly payments.

I wonder if that’s partly why I’ve been unwilling to start down the road to home ownership. Or, home moanership as I hear it referred to, often. I do think I’ll own a home at some point, but up till now the goal as evaded me. I was actually close, once – during the time I was working for those high-tech companies. I qualified for a $400,000 loan, but I was pretty sure my time in Seattle was coming to a close. Had I bought a house then it probably would have doubled in value in the last 20 years, but what can you do?

Back to debt and finances. Another wonderful resource in this area is Mr. Money Mustache. His tagline is “Early Retirement through Badassery”, and he really walks his talk. I think I’ve learned more about life and how to live a good one from Mr. Money Mustache than any other source. I recommend signing up for his newsletter. It comes out very infrequently, but often has something interesting and different to say about living in our society. One of his main themes is about how to live a high-quality life through things like – killing your commute; what kind of car or truck to buy; the types of phones and phone plans that are out there and his encouragement for us all to learn to repair what we own vs. paying someone else to do it or buying new things.

So, what are your thoughts about debt and finances? If you’ve got anything to add please leave a comment below – especially if you have any great stories when it comes to this topic. I’ve learned a lot over the years from peoples’ comments on my writing and I hope that continues as long as I live.  Thanks for reading and enjoy the day!

Sincerely,

Albert Kaufman, 7.19.21

 

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