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The "Ten"

I want to start the habit of thinking originally. I don't know how committed to this I will be, but it seems like a way to promote mental agility, and even empathy. To do this, I'm going to create a list of ten ideas every day for at least three days. This is my first attempt at this (I wrote twelve today). It's not very original or brilliant, but keep in mind that it's a first try. If I keep this up, I predict that I will eventually be able to think of ideas that are more original.

1. Create a shuttle service for neighborhoods with little or no access to public transportation. Recruit others and create a schedule.

2. Name ice cream flavors after a theme, like geography or music. For example, name one flavor "Melodic Mint 'N Chip," and another "Beatles Bubble Gum." As another idea, create new flavors, like oatmeal or granola.

3. Start a writing club by advertising at a mall or downtown.

4. Invent a tracking device (like a GPS) for luggage to correct the problem of lost luggage.

5. Consolidate resources for the homeless in one list of phone numbers and post these in locations where the homeless tend to congregate.

6. Create a shuttle service for homeless who are too far from food, medical, and housing services to travel there by foot. Add a guidance component for those unaware of available resources to return to independence. Form a mobile unit to solicit the needs of the homeless, and to communicate available services, including job opportunities. Communicate these needs to churches, and solicit donations (clothing, grooming services, etc.).

7. Create a "confession club" for people who want others to understand their problems without judgment. This should exist online and as a physical booth. This would not be specific to one problem (like alcoholism), but would include anyone and any problem.

8. Create a service online that allows people to talk to strangers in person in neutral locations (non-dating). Solicit businesses to advertise this as part of specials. Make this both schedule-specific (like a happy hour) and not dependent on a business's schedule. List activities as options, like board games, so that people have something to do while talking.

9. Form a community social zone with options to entertain with cheap or free activities. This could include Slip 'N Slide, cards and board games, tables for those games and for conversation, drawing, classes, and movies.

10. Solicit local volunteer actors to perform in senior living facilities, the homes of the elderly, and group homes.

11. Solicit a willing business to allow for a "teacher wish list." This would allow teachers to request supplies or services. A volunteer would post these needs to give volunteers the opportunity to fill them.

12. Create a coffee shop with jukeboxes at each table so that customers can choose the music they hear. Customers should also be able to see a queue with upcoming songs so that they know what will play, and when they will hear their songs. Employees could add to the experience by learning a dance to one or more specific songs and, if a customer chooses a "Song of the Day," chosen by employees, the employees reward the customer with a free beverage.

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