demonstrations, "Joe's Story" and rationality

The pages of "Joe's Story: The Book of a Lifetime" are filled with rewards and penalties resulting from the decisions I and other people made in our lives. I am personally not fond of penalties but they are as much a part of living as anything else aren't they? Over time I've witnessed my share of demonstrations by those who feel they are being penalized in one way or another and it's not fair. History tells us that sometimes the demonstrators are right, but it also tells us that sometimes they are wrong. Have you ever participated in a public demonstration? Personally, I believe the right to demonstrate is an incredibly efficient way of expressing dissatisfaction with the status quo or those in positions of responsibility. Today we have no difficulty in finding a demonstration of some kind on the local, national or world news do we? Egypt is changing hands due to demonstrating crowds of citizens. Several other countries in the general area including Libya are experiencing the same civil insurrection. All of this will no doubt change the way business is handled in a big way. My questions: Both here in the States and abroad, "Are the demonstrators necessarily right? Will all the results necessarily bring rewards? Or, will they possibly bring major penalties? I think these are important questions to answer before we go sticking our foot in our mouth supporting someone Else's position.

Right here in Michigan people are demonstrating against some of the positions taken by our new governor concerning taxation. Usually the ones demonstrating are going to see a little less take home pay than they do now. Accompanied by some citizens that are being almost completely supported by taxes and will have to take on more responsibility for supporting themselves. In Wisconsin the demonstrators are rallying against paying for some of their own benefits from a tax base provided by tax payers with ever decreasing incomes. In Egypt the demonstrators wanted a different government. In Libya they want a different government. Those are just some of the reasons for recent demonstrations.

Are some people exempt from participating in this recession because they draw their money from the public coffers? Are some people unfairly taxed? Is it our position to stand behind a new government even if we don't have the vaguest idea who will be in charge and what they will do? How quickly should we defend demonstration simply because demonstrating is what we believe to be a fundamental right? there is an annual "naked" demonstration supporting public nudity, anywhere, anytime. Do you support that? Another annual demonstration supports legalization of pedophilia. How about that? In the Middle East several demonstrations support strict religious laws suppressing the rights of almost anyone under the penalty of death or dismemberment. demonstrations in India and Pakistan support the caste system, in South Africa they support genocide.

I support the right of all of us to do proper research, gather information and make rational decisions. Then we will reap our rewards or penalties without blaming it on others. "Joe's Story" is filled with that sort of thing. I'm just asking.........Joe

Geo caching, Joe's Story and long walks

"Joe's Story: The Book of a Lifetime" is filled to overflowing with anecdotes, good or bad regarding my experiences in this life with those wonderfully interesting people around me. Today I had an experience with a friend that will no doubt become another anecdote. For the very first time ever I was involved in Geo caching, a wondrously adventure of finding hidden containers that sometimes hold within them curious artifacts. Up til today, I have worked on riddles, treasure hunts, automobile rallies, geological digs and hide and seek games of all sorts. None of which used any electronic media whatsoever. This Geo caching is done with the use of a small electronic GPS unit that has the location of thousands of hidden objects. It gives you all sorts of directional information including distance. Reminiscent of the old child's game standby of "Hot & Cold." If you are close you are hot, if you are moving away you are getting cold and so on. We were wandering through a nearby park, my friend and I looking for an historically significant willow tree that I have searched out for over 50 years just to pick the first pussy-willow buds heralding in the new Spring season. "Ah, Ha," He says. "Looky here. There is a cache located just 485 feet in front and to our left." I figured why not so off we went through the woods. Climbing over, under and around trees and shrubbery. At one moment we were almost completely surrounded by a herd of foraging deer. They weren't particularly concerned about our presence and one of them looked as though she was expecting us to feed her. Then they slowly trotted away as we came just a bit too far into their comfort zone. We went further into the woods as he lined up the arrows, sidestepping mounds of leaves, dirt, rocks and uneven terrain until once again he exclaims, "Ah, ha! Here it is! Reaching into a long jagged split tree trunk and pulling out a shiny black cylinder with a removable top. Inside were a note pad and pencil for recording our discovery and a myriad of little trinkets: A plastic glove, business card, bottle cap, a shiny pebble and a couple other things. He signed and dated our achievement, resealed it and placed it there for the next adventurer. How neat is that? I just gotta get me one of those little gadgets don't you?

Have a great and wonderful day. You could add to the enjoyment by sitting down and reading a few excerpts from Joe's Story and telling everyone you know about how great a book it really is.

Book signings and speaking tours

"Joe's Story: The Book of a Lifetime" is an excellent read, mistakes and all. I felt a book signing was in order. I contacted a nationally known Book store and made the arrangements. The P.R. person was very friendly and cooperative. She described how we would go about advertising the event. I would conduct a short question and answer program concerning CO Poisoning, followed by a Meet The Author book signing with coffee and donuts. I was excited! I prepared a riddle contest, bought several hundred dollars worth of prizes, created posters, book marks and information pamphlets.

Two days before the book signing and program were scheduled I recieved a note from the Book Store P.R. person. She had decided to go on a weekend with her girlfriends to a small resort in the South. Also in her excitement she had forgotten to advertise the event anywhere, even on the stores website. I still went to the store at the agreed time, put up a small table and spoke with people as they entered the store. about a hundred or so books were sold in the five hours I sat there from people simply picking it up and reading it. I did my best to conduct the riddle contest and hand out the pamphlets about CO poisoning. Considering the circumstances I figured that was pretty good.

Sometimes we do all the right planning and make all the right arrangements but do to something out of our control it all turns to mud. That's life isn't it. We pack our stuff and move on and learn from the experience. If we don't learn from it we are doomed to repeat it. That's what I've been told. I learned fro the book signing. Joe's Story, even without a lot of hype, stands on its own merits as a good read. It's raining, that warm steady soaking Spring rain we so sorely need. Flowers to follow shortly. I'm lovin' it..............Joe

P.S. Spell check is still ot working. I'm doing my best but please forgive mistakes.

Kindle and Google books announcement

Joe's Story: The Book of a Lifetime is now available on Amazon Kindle and Google Ebooks. Is that cool or what? I received an email last night from a new fan in Arizona telling me about how easily he could read it on his screen. He also rubbed it in that he was sitting on his back porch in 70* temperatures as opposed to the 30 some degrees here in Michigan. That was fun to hear. I knew it was coming but wasn't exactly sure when. Such is the life of a new author. Each day brings a new experience.

Question: What percentage of the United States coast line is in Alaska?

Another question: How many supervisors does it take to dig a hole?

Still another question: Can an adult actually lick their elbow?

Last question: What does a peach taste like when you rub your finger on an onion and then hold it under your nose.

One of the reasons I enjoy unusual questions and their answers is it reminds me that things are not always what they seem in the beginning. Also, some things remain the same no matter what.

I visited the grandfather of an old friend the other day, he is getting on in age rather well and lives by himself in a home not far from the city. Our conversation went well except for one peculiar thing of note. He kept mentioning how pleased he was with his choice of socks that day and showed them to me every time. At least I thought that was peculiar. Wouldn't you? Or, maybe it's just me.

Remember to send this website to everyone you know and like. OK, you can send it to those you don't like too. I'd appreciate it............. www.joesstory.com

Joe's Story really is the book of a lifetime.

Senior bloggers attention

Joe's Story: The Book of a Lifetime Written by me, Joe Cramer is an excellent book. I need your help. Over the past couple of years since Joe's Story was published a number of hurdles have prevented me from properly promoting it. Water over the dam and the fact remains that Joe's Story is still a wonderful, historical, often humerous, true story. I appeal to seniors because as a rule they are discretionary and prefer to not waste time or money on second rate stuff. I ask that you check out www.joesstory.com and mention it on your blog or any other social network you use.

Millions of people are using twitter and facebook as a means of social communication. I do not participate because of time restraints. I need the help of as many senior bloggers, twitterers and facebookers as possible to get the word out about Joe's Story. While it may not be a classic piece of literature, for those of us that experienced the 40's, 50's, 60's, and 70's, Joe's Story will tickle your memories and emotions and bring a smile to your face like few other books can.

Yes, this is a blatant attempt at promotion. At this time there is are no other means available to me so I ask those of you who have gone through much of what I have to assist me in my quest: Getting Joe's Story out there in the hands of those who will appreciate its relevance and life improving sentiments. I have not received any unflattering reviews of it. I have received hundreds of positive comments and most people that have read it say that their life is more meaningful now. I couldn't ask for a better outcome, could you?

In the past we all used to help each other. Today is the beginning of my on line promotion of Joe's Story: The Book of a Lifetime. Give me a hand if you can. I'd really appreciate it. Thank you in advance................Joe