Old, I really mean, old friends

It's early yet, the sun is still hiding behind the east coast somewhere. The streets are still deserted except for the dedicated paper carriers, going from porch to porch, depositing huge packages of sale flyer's wrapped in the daily news. Geez! I about busted a button picking mine from the front stoop. Somewhere in Detroit and other big cities the floats and balloons are being prepared. Scurrying volunteers make last minute adjustments and streets are being cordoned off along the route so thousands of people can enjoy the traditional Thanksgiving day parade. Lights are coming on in kitchens everywhere, coffee is on, overnight travelers are arriving at their destinations just in time for a short nap before the festivities begin. Food is the center of most activity. So different than the first Thanksgiving hundreds of years ago when, what with all the hardships it was a blessing just to be alive. We sure do got it good these days don't we?

For over 30 years it has been my tradition on Thanksgiving mornings to visit old friends who live alone, bring a small gift, play some cards, tell a few jokes, listen to their woes and delights, share a donut or some other treat and then move on to the next. It was always interesting as I am sure you can understand. With old guys, we never quite know what they will say and sometimes what they will do. I've had cards thrown at me, wet marshmallows stuffed down the back of my neck, heard confessions of long held regrets, as well as hugs and tears of gratitude. It happened quite suddenly but all of a sudden those guys are gone in one way or another. Two moved to warmer climates, one moved way up north with his grandson and another passed away last week. This morning, after so many years of those cherished visits is definitely a learning experience. First on the agenda when I'm done here is a walk while saying my morning prayers. Maybe find someone to say Hi to.

On this Thanksgiving day I am reminded of what a treat it is to have the friends I do. Especially the old, crusty guys that so very much like to tell me what I've been doing wrong all my life. Truthfully, my life is good, yeah I do alright most of the time. However, those guys would inevitably find something to correct me on. If it wasn't my working too much, it was that I didn't work enough. If it wasn't my having a bit of a belly, it was that I should put on a bit more weight just in case I got sick. Honestly, a lot of times I felt there was just no pleasing them. At the end of the day though, I always felt good because they took time to share their perspective, wisdom and concern. When all was said and done, after whatever kind of lives they had, they brought me their consul. That consul helped make me a better person.

I am a man wearing many hats: Business owner, family man, friend, writer and, of course the annual silver treasure hunt. Sometimes it's difficult to get it all done. Those old guys validated my efforts and encouraged me along the way. There will be no  visiting them today but there will be time to remember them and be grateful. I began the visits because I felt it was doing a good thing for them because of their loneliness. It didn't take long to realize it was a great thing for me. There are a lot of things that end up like that aren't there? I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Maturity and what to do with it.

Now that I'm beginning to grow up the expectations of maturity become more muddled than clear for me. As a man fully growed I'm expected to make rational decisions, speak slowly and eloquently, be in control of my fortune, be wise beyond my years, understand women, (well maybe not that so much), in other words: successfully operate in a reality based upon common sense. To tell the truth, I'm not yet finding that an easy task. That's where the muddled part comes in, the reality stuff. The reality that is supposed to come with maturity gets messed up big time with the dreams, ambitions and aspirations I still possess in my still youthful soul. I ask you: What am I to do with those yet unfulfilled dreams that my mind still craves to accomplish?

Some things are simply fact:
*I will never run a four minute mile.
*I will not swim across Lake Michigan.
*No mountain climbing either.
*Driving in NASCAR is so completely over.
*Standing alongside Mr. Universe in muscle competition won't happen.
*Setting another record for push-ups, chin-ups or sit-ups is definitely a no-go.
*Although the desire still remains, driving a motorcycle at 145 miles per hour happened for the last time four years ago. (I made a promise.)
*And then there is always the not having much hair anymore thing.

I have no regrets mind you, I am happy with this stage of my life. This is not a lament sort of thing. This is rather a celebration of the future that still remains ahead of me and the planning, adjustment, acceptance and work that it takes to use all the wisdom, experience and common sense I have accumulated to pull off the dreams still remaining. What? You say! Why do I pursue doing ambitious stuff both personal and business while so many of my peers have resigned themselves to rest and retirement?

Because I am still able and having a great deal of fun and satisfaction from the responsibility and adventure. Kind of like politicians but without the money and other perks.

Internet, the knowledge of the world awaits you

This week has been filled with research surrounding business and personal decision making. As the intensity subsided a bit, it occurred to me just how quickly I could find information on any given subject due to the Internet and google. I mean, Holy Cow! Being raised in an era when the local library was the center of knowledge and research was done by collecting piles of books, correlating the findings into something reasonably understandable and putting together all that information in a conclusive way. Phew! Today, we boot up the old computer, type something into the subject line, click and there is the world's knowledge passing before us. Common place for those younger than I but totally amazing to me. My thinking is this: That information had to be inputted into the web sites by someone. At least in the beginning. You couldn't really lay a keyboard onto the pages of a book and have it absorbed could you? Thousands upon thousands of people collectively placed our sciences, knowledge and history into the hands of all of us. Hour after hour, after hour, day after day, etc. An incredible feat accomplished by people from all walks of life. The Pyramids were almost impossible to build until the collective efforts of hundreds and probably thousands of people worked together. With the computer we didn't have to enslave anyone, at least that I am aware of. Reading about the seven wonders of the world is made much easier by the eighth wonder of the world: the Internet.
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Some of my research involved other countries and cultures: Likes and dislikes, freedoms and restrictions, comparisons of lifestyles. Obvious as it is to many of us, I was struck by exactly why there is such a drive in backward, third world cultures to improve their lot in life. That drive wasn't so apparent only a few decades ago. The reasoning is that those backward cultures had little idea what existed beyond their extremely limited view of the world. No wonder those countries that have totalitarian governments limit or completely outlaw the use of cell phones, Ipads and computers. With so many people, inputting information 24/7 into our collective resources those regimes have much to fear. Actually it's only a matter of time. Sadly they will not go quietly into the night. Case in point Syria. Maybe even the United States in some ways. But, conquer tyranny it will. The dams of ignorance are being knocked down and knowledge is flooding the world. I find that incredible still.

If only the Internet came with standards of civility and morals and all things good. We're still sorting that out aren't we?

Letter To President Obama

President Obama, Congratulations on being re-elected for a second term! My wish is that this country receives a real benefit from your presidency. I do not know you other than the face and voice that I see and hear on the media. That is not a clear picture of who you are because of the bias of the reporting agency or your PR person. I understand that, it's the way of politics. If you have a zit on one side of your face, the camera shows you from the other side. What you say and do is filtered the same way. I do not favor or disfavor anyone because of what they look like or say. I am a reasonably intelligent person and my opinion is derived from what they do. Mr. President, I didn't vote for you in either election. However, I am one of those people who works, pays taxes and does his best not to receive anything from the government. A long time ago I really took to heart what one of my war time heroes said: " Ask not what your country can do for you, ask rather what you can do for your country!" It was John Kennedy. He's long gone but his words still ring true.

Mr. President, I am not one to worry and wring my hands and fear for our future. You are no doubt a well intentioned man. At least that is my hope. Whatever it is I am asked to do as a citizen and it is appropriate, I will do. With that being said, I would like to offer you some words from a lowly voter.
I ask that you carefully look at those things you champion and the reasons for which you champion them. For what you do could hold the country hostage or move it forward as a bastion of freedom.

 You are smart, that's good but knowledge without character is more a weapon than a tool. Are you a man of character?

We have seen how you operate in politics, sometimes the scene was blurred by spin and your principles were obscured. Are you a man of principle?

You enjoy having a good time. We've seen that. A good time is balanced by a good conscience. Are you a man of good conscience?

One area we do not see eye to eye on Mr. President is probably insurmountable. I challenge you anyway. I have heard you many times speak of the re-distribution of wealth in the name of fairness. Wealth without effort or work will destroy this nation and what it stands for. When you re-distribute wealth are you willing to destroy our freedom to do it?

Business is a necessary part of a thriving nation. Business provides us all with an avenue to improve ourselves and pursue happiness. Business without morals will in turn sap the energy of our citizens. Are you a moral person and able to honorably guide the business community of this country?

Science brings us hope and promise and inroads as the future unfolds. You are knowledgeable and can see the benefits of science I am sure. Science must be accountable to all of humanity and not separate from it.

And lastly Mr. President, I understand that on occasion you attend some type of religious services. From what I see you are not overly devout but that is your choice. We all have our preferences as to what we have faith in. That's the freedom America offers isn't it? I know and understand that my choice of worship is bound to bring sacrifice, it is virtually guaranteed. All I ask is the freedom to worship as I see fit not be restricted or forced to go against my beliefs.

Mr. President, you did not receive a "mandate" to carry on any particular idea or approach. You simply won the election by a very narrow margin. Listen to the voters that pay taxes. They are the ones paying the bills for your ideas. That doesn't necessarily mean they voted for you. When they run out of money or get tired of having it taken away and given to those that choose not to work, well Mr. President, that will be a day of reckoning I'm thinking.

Good Luck! God Bless! I will support the good stuff and resist the bad stuff. No matter what you do I am watching. We are all watching. As a voter I will remember how you apply your powers. That's what we do around here. It's not what you look like, it's not what you say. It is definitely what you do! Are you doing it for us?

I'm Joe and I approve this message!

Vote!

Please vote!


It's what we do instead of throwing rocks, shooting at each other and burning buildings.

It's also a way to celebrate the end of political commercials and phone calls until next time.

I read a comment that this is the best time of year to pick out a turkey. Hmmm!

Yeah, please vote. Serious as it is we have much reason to smile.

Thriller and odds and ends

The best song ever to listen to at Halloween is "Thriller"! I mean it's got all the elements of classic fright and a great melody too. I never tire of it.

My attempt to carve a huge pumpkin with the seeds and pulp coming out the mouth so it looked like a vomiting Jack-O-Lantern came to an end when the high winds rolled it off the porch and smashed it on the rocks below. Next year maybe.

Only one more week of suffering through all those political ads. Last night a TV show I have been waiting to see was inundated with so many it was ridiculous. Five minutes of the show followed by eight minutes of political ads. After the first half hour of a 2 hour show I went out and planted flower bulbs instead. Back when pay TV started, all the extra so called premium stations were ad free. After all, subscribers paid for them. That's not the case anymore is it? Interesting how stuff like that sneaks up on us.

In reading the small print of one of those mailings for a new credit card a thought occurred to me about all that interest money: If the government is lending financial institutions money at the rate of 1/2% and they are lending it to consumers at the rate of 8% up to 23%, wouldn't it be a whole lot better for us to borrow that money straight from the Fed? BTW, isn't all money the government has derived from our pocketbooks through taxes anyway? I do get confused sometimes. Best approach? Listen to the guy on the radio and stay debt free. (Yeah, right!)

Unless we have an incredible heat wave this winter my bicycle trip around Lake Michigan is done for the season. Except for the usual short rides around town to finalize the clues for this coming treasure hunt the weather is too constricting for the lakeshore rides.

Twenty one and a half foot waves out on Lake Michigan yesterday. There were a few guys surfing in that water. Am I missing something or does that seem a little extreme in such cold water?

Something has spurred a little burst in sales of Joe's Story this month. A couple requests came from England. That's just plain fun.

Negotiations are continuing for the eventual publishing of a Christmas story I wrote. It would have already been in print by now except for my slow progress in understanding all of the ramifications surrounding editing and art work. So much more complicated, in my mind than Joe's Story which involved a minimum of art work and the editing went smooth as silk. I'd be a whole lot more comfortable with an editor and an artist from this area. The long distance stuff doesn't allow for eye contact. As I've said before, it's just me.

Kids and candy tonight. Maybe play Thriller a lot. Don't eat too much.

Conversation style and another "special" word

That hurricane "Sandy" is really making a mess on the East coast. The damage and devastation is mind boggling. On the other hand, the resilience, determination and hard work of the people affected by Sandy is incredible. They survived the storms of last year and they'll survive this year. My thoughts and prayers go out to them.


"Oppositional Conversation Style"

Just read about that. It describes someone that will correct, nullify, embarrass and belittle you during the course of a conversation, even if they agree with what you say. They are simply combative, lack empathy or concern and are always more interested in making themselves the fountain of knowledge on whatever subject is being discussed. Do you know anyone like that? I do! It seems they become much more obvious as the political elections draw near. It would be a blessing to have caller ID right about now. Otherwise completely likable friends seem hell bent on saving me from my total lack of ability to make a rational decision when voting. If they had their way they would walk right into the voting booth and guide my hand to the proper dots to mark. I pulled that description right out of "Reader's Digest" Knowing what they are called probably will not prevent those folks from being so confrontational but at least I can get some satisfaction from knowing I'm not alone. "O.C.S." has a certain ring to it doesn't it? Sits right there next to "C.R.S."

With the progress of hurricane Sandy the local and national weather people are hauling out the big words again. It happens every time we experience a weather event of this magnitude. regular words don't work at a time like this. Nope! Something memorable other than the storm itself I guess. And, I'm sure you've seen the silly reporters standing on the edge of a beech somewhere along the Atlantic, wind blowing so hard they are almost standing perpendicular, the microphone is so muffled and distorted we can hardly understand what is being said, waves splashing high in the air and suddenly, actually predictably, one of those waves knocks the reporter and all that expensive TV equipment into the next county. Exactly how valuable was that news report?  Then, the picture fades to the meteorologist in the studio, face all wrinkled and distorted showing false concern and magnifying everything that is said so as to validate their own importance, after all, even the news is entertainment these days, background monitors showing devastation everywhere, bringing us to the edge of our seats, carnage and destruction similar to that shown on the silver screen years ago in the movie, "The Day The Earth Stood Still." We can't help but feel the winds, flooding, building collapses, electrical outages, overturned vehicles, uprooted trees and resulting homelessness will all fall onto us too. Any minute! Glued to our sets we await the next words from our meteorologist, she looks into the camera, eyes wide with worry, face contorted with concern, lips part and the word hits us like a falling comet: This storm is "EXPONENTIAL in magnitude!" Aaaaaarrrrrrggggghhhhh! I gotta go now. It's time to lock myself somewhere safe with water, batteries and toilet paper. Lots of toilet paper because of my own exponential nature when it comes to stuff like this.