Jobs, jobs, jobs

Jobs are on the top of a lot of peoples Christmas list right now. Perhaps I've reached the time of life when dispensing a little wisdom of the ages to those younger than me is allowable. If you are looking for a job maybe this will help in some way. I've walked the street of life over the years and came face to face with the possibility of long term unemployment and overcame it. I've paid my dues! We all approach this problem with our own set of circumstances and what works for one, may not work for the other but lets look at it from my perspective. This is how I attacked getting a job and continued to support my family.

When it came to a job I never let my pride get in the way: I've dug holes for outside toilets, sold Christmas trees, bagged groceries, peddled newspapers, washed cars, shoveled sidewalks, cut grass, picked apples, changed tires, poured cement, bailed hay, cleaned out barns and worked for less than minimum wage at several jobs at a time to earn enough to pay the bills.

I spent over 12 hours a day looking for work. Any time I wasn't sleeping or eating I was taking the bus, riding my bicycle or walking and knocking on doors asking for a job, any job. I felt that if I didn't have a job to support my family I couldn't afford to go hunting, fishing or sit down and watch sports on TV. Sunday was the exception but I even spent that looking over prospective opportunities and making plans to get there.

I always dressed well and clean, like I was looking for a job and appreciated and respected my prospective employer. I looked successful even without a job. I dressed to please the employer, not myself. My hair, when I had some, was clean and combed, I wore no jewelry except my wedding ring and a watch. Cell phones were not a problem then but if I was on an interview now I wouldn't have one in my pocket or turned on.

I used my best manners, the ones my folks taught me when I was being interviewed.

I always expressed my willingness to work any job, any hours, at any wage and accepted any job unconditionally. At least until I got a better one. It was always easier to get a good job when I was working and paying my bills no matter what my present job was.

During an interview I never complained about my previous jobs or bosses or disparaged any companies. I readily accepted responsibility for my own actions, bad or good.

No matter what type of job I had at the time I worked harder than anyone else. The only time I was taken aside by my bosses it was because I didn't take a break. I always asked for overtime.

I never let anything keep me from a job interview. I once walked over six miles in a driving snow storm for two and a half hours to get work. The employer didn't show up so I walked back home and returned the next day and got the part time job at a very low wage. there was lots of overtime and it paid the bills until I quit for a better job three weeks later. I found the better job through someone I met working there. There are hidden opportunities everywhere.

I wish you well in your job search. It's not an easy road, I know. Keep going, no matter what! We can all get discouraged from time to time but keep going anyway. Use your energy finding a job, not sitting and pouting about not having one and expecting someone else to step in and save you.

Those are some of the things I've learned. I hope they help. There are definitely jobs out there...................Joe

Just another day in Michigan.

I am the first to admit that I do not have a huge speech vocabulary. I do, however have a vast vocabulary of understanding. In my writing and every day speech I probably work around a high school level. I've found that is where I am most comfortable. That's perfectly OK with me. I'm not out to make my mark as a word smith, public speaker or great orator of any measure. I'm simply an every day, almost invisible type of guy. But there are times when I feel I'm doing better in some ways than those that are way more educated than I am. Namely, those folks on TV and radio that give us the news. For the most part they are excellent in keeping me up to date on current events and weather. I am grateful for that and will continue to use them as well as the newspaper. I do have to take issue with their more than occasional misuse of superlative descriptive terms. RE: "Shocking, surging, jumping, leaping, shattering, terrible, incredible," you know, stuff like that.

This morning I listened as the local meteorologist described how a snow fall of 5 inches, "Shattered" the old record. What was the old record? "4.75 inches" In my limited vocabulary 1/4 inch of snow doesn't shatter anything. The other day gas prices were described as "surging" and "leaping" up in price. Although gas prices are extremely volatile, this particular increase was 2 cents, or less than one percent. A financial wizard was reporting on the huge increase in the price of gold one day. Gold is presently at around $1375 an ounce, not an insignificant piece of change by any means. But she described the increase of $1.60 as an "incredible, almost shocking" rise in value. I think you may be getting my point.

All I'm saying is that when someone is coming into my living room with the news of the day, I ask that they please do not try to sensationalise the trivial. Save it for the truly amazing stuff. Otherwise I am reminded of the kid that cried wolf all the time and when the wolf did come nobody paid attention. Give me the news straight, give me the facts and I can see for myself what is worthy of a scary or surprising term.

"There roads are covered with snow and ice today and hundreds of people are slipping and sliding all over the place almost making travel impossible." Hey! This is Michigan, what do you expect as far as the weather in December? We'll handle it! Where's the skis?.................Joe

Treasure hunt search pointers

It's been an interesting past couple of days. Dozens of enthusiastic treasure hunters visited me early tuesday morning to get a jump start on the search for the treasure. The pile of flyers whittled down almost faster than I could keep up. Weather was great and everyone took off in their direction of choice. The medallion remains secure in it's hiding place today though.



Because of the Internet I don't receive the volume of mail requests as in the past. I sort of miss that but on the other hand I have less time to deal with them also so it's a trade off. The newspapers are covering it well too pointing out the purpose of the game: a fun and challenging way to be reminded of the danger of carbon monoxide. (If there is anything I've learned through my research concerning CO poisoning, it is that most of us don't want to hear or talk about it. Especially perhaps the media folks I run across from time to time. Unless, of course it results in a tragedy of some sort. And that is precisely what I wish to prevent with my annual reminders.)

A couple pointers here to help with your search. Pay close attention to the list of rules listed in the papers and on line at Greg's site www.wyomingriddler.com They will clarify literally every question you may have regarding the medallions location. It is not on private property, you do not have to dismantle anything to retrieve it are two important things to remember.

Good luck, carry on, toodle ooo and all that............................Joe

Riddle game starts now!

The free game starts now!

Here is the 30th annual Silver Treasure Hunt riddle for you to solve and find the elusive metal medallion.

"There I was, riding along on my bicycle when I saw it. I could not think of a better place. It looked ok and I was sure I would not worry over it any more. Bring me the medallion and win."

For more information and a set of the rules you will find them listed along with additional background on a site hosted by Greg Havens www.wyomingriddler.com I found a couple typo's in the riddle but I'm sure he'll clear them up soon. Meanwhile the riddle listed here is correct and The Grand Rapids Press and Advance newspapers will have articles relating to the treasure hunt. Good luck! A description of the treasure is in a previous posting. It's beautiful and valuable.

Stay safe. Watch out for carbon monoxide. remember: "Carbon Monoxide, Get Outside!"

Have fun..............Joe Cramer

P.S. Anonymous winners will not be acknowledged!

Annual Silver Treasure Hunt about to start

The die has been cast, last minute arrangements all made, the treasure secured, the medallion put in place with no detail left to chance. The Free, 30th Annual Silver Treasure Riddle Game is a go! Items in the treasure for the winner include: Silver Coffee Service, Silver Candlesticks, A really cool picnic basket and setting, Coins, Silver Serving Tray, the ever popular Silver Candle Snuffer and, of course the coveted engraved winners trophy mug. Find the metal medallion, bring it to me and retrieve your prize. All you need to play is a map and street guide of the Greater Grand Rapids Michigan area, a set of rules and the riddle to play. You must physically retrieve the medallion to win but that doesn't detract from the fun of competing in a match of wits with people from around the world. Over 40,000 at last count. A fellow named Greg has a web site you can go to for information, background and updates. www.wyomingriddler.com He actually does a pretty good job with it.

This game comes to you free each year as a service to help you remember how dangerous Carbon Monoxide Poisoning is. Don't be caught by surprise. "Carbon Monoxide, Get Outside!"

Copies of the riddle will be available on Tuesday, November 2nd 2010. Let the game begin! See you then...............Joe Cramer

Free game rule clarification

30th annual Silver Treasure Riddle begins November 2nd. It's free!
The mail is increasing and beginning to overflow my mailbox concerning the upcoming Silver Treasure Riddle game. Most items are a request for the riddle when it comes out and a self addressed stamped envelope which have been the norm over the years to make sure they don't miss out on opening day. Some are requests for copies of past riddles. I'm sorry but time restraints do not allow me to provide them. However, the internet has loads of information including past riddles and their solutions when you put Wyomig Riddler in the subject box. One spot is Mlive.com. Of course, there are always the familiar hopes for some sort of extra hint concerning the riddle. Including a suggestion that if I divulged the location she would split the treasure with me. Really? Why would I do that? I already have the treasure, if I wanted part of it, I'd keep it. I bought and paid cold hard cash for it just so someone could win. No hints! No extra clues! No unfair advantage for anyone! Period! That's in the rules. I will answer no question that results in advantage to anyone.

To be more specific: I can state a clue or the riddle as it is written. I cannot reword it or create another context for clarification. The idea of the treasure hunt in the first place (besides reminding us all of the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning) is to celebrate the wondrous cognitive and imaginative skills of our own special human brain. The winner needs no shortcuts. If a person thought it up; a person can figure it out.

To be continued...................Joe

Working on the treasure hunt

Yeah, I'm still around and kicking. I've been putting all of my time into the next treasure hunt starting on November 2nd 2010. I figure after 30 years I better be putting on my best effort to make it interesting for all who participate. The pressure is on and leaves precious little time for anything else. To my advantage the weather is cooperating and riding my bicycle has been downright pleasurable. The prize is stellar and quite memorable in my opinion, at least within my budgetary linitations. Of course most treasure hunters are only after the coveted, engraved, trophy mug and the sheer joy associated with using one's brain to it's full capacity.

Free time will be arriving soon and there will be regular postings as in the past. Please bear with me for a short while longer. The treasure awaits the winner..................Joe

Meanwhile you can click on Greg's website to find any breaking news concerning the free game: www.wyomingriddler.com He does a good job on it.