Fiscal Cliff

I was pleased to hear that many of our elected officials returned to Washington, unselfishly interrupting their holiday vacations to join in friendly negotiations regarding the tax increases and budget cuts commonly referred to as the "fiscal cliff." Thus is renewed my confidence in our beloved political process.

I have poo pooed the nay sayers who so recently touted so many negative comments about how the politicians will allow the economy to dip back into a debilitating recession. I mean we, the voters elected those folks with confidence. History has proven itself that they know how to deal with this sort of thing hasn't it? Yeah, I rest easy with the knowledge that the process will fulfill the destiny of the ideals the founding fathers put down in the constitution. The spirit of the season will also play a hand I think.

Some ask why I have such a positive attitude. Some wonder why I fail to buy into all that fear. Some say I have a Pollyanna like juvenile lack of reality. Ha! I'm a real live adult type person who refuses to put on rose colored glasses at a time like this. Yeah, I know what's going on. I've seen it before about three years ago. This is the truth of the matter. You know how the one side says that the other side simply won't compromise? That's the majority right now. I personally think it's just a way of politics we, as outsiders just haven't grasped yet. But the proof of the pudding that all this will work out is seen in how smoothly the entire government came together in peace when the issues of health care came upon their desks when the speaker of the house made it look like it would get pushed through anyway despite the opposition fighting it so fiercely. That bill went through so fast it made our heads spin. In spite of the fact that no one knew how that bill would affect us and our economy because it was impossible to read such a huge piece of legislation. Talk about compromise eh?

That's what I mean. We, not being in the loop don't fully understand what goes on behind closed doors do we? This cliff thing will get handled just as smoothly because, other than  just a few new faces, its the same group of folks that got together and took care off us so well at that time.

I'm excited. Yeah, I really am. Nothing to worry about there. Enjoy the day and relax, plan something, dare to dream, everything will work out fine. Uh, hu, yeah it will.

Merry Christmas

Here it is, Christmas morning and, at least right here in river city, there is no snow. Global warming? A brighter sun? Simply the natural swing of climate due to the tides and volcano's and, of course the ever increasing gasses emitted from the rear ends of cattle. I wonder sometimes if it was the farts of dinosaurs that led to their eventual demise. But, perhaps I am drifting a bit off from the subject of the day: Christmas!

How are we celebrating this special Holy Day this year? Snow isn't really necessary is it? I mean, all those folks on the other side of the earth have sunny, hot and dry weather every year and they still have a good time. Not having to worry about driving through snow drifts or black ice or freezing water pipes or frost bit hands when shoveling, or worrying about the thickness of the ice under their fishing shanty. I think sometimes I must be some kind of a weirdo because I miss those sorts of things. I'm used to the challenges and adversity brought on by freezing temperatures and blowing snow. But, as I did last year, somehow I suffer through the mild weather. Yeah, I guess I'll make it alright.

Driving through the quiet early morning streets this morning was a shear delight, seeing so many homes lit by strings of colorful lights, nativity scenes and air filled figures and bags with candles running up the driveways lighting the way to welcoming hearts, a remarkable treat. Santa has long gone on to the next time zone, slipping down chimneys large and small to collect the edible treats of bribery and gratitude left for him by children and leave toys and other special things in exchange. All the while this chubby elf is spreading a message of charity, peace, happiness and comfort. Not overshadowing the true message but rather, in my opinion putting an exclamation point on it. Nothing wrong with the spirit of giving.

It's Christmas! Secret Santa's, wrapped surprises, twinkling lights, talking animals, family get togethers, egg nog, good food, Christmas carols, flying reindeer, a spirit of togetherness, Church services filled with joyful messages, children's eyes filled with wonder and amazement. What's not to like about that?

Not all of us have the same perspective about Christmas. But, I would like to join everyone in the celebration of goodness, peace, joy and hope that is connected with it. So, no matter who you are or what you believe, I wish you:

Merry Christmas!

Wearing shoes.

"The Devil made me do it!"

A comedian, who's name slips my mind at the moment used to say that whenever he got caught doing anything bad. It drew huge laughs. Why is it that when we say something similar in real life, nobody laughs. Blaming others is commonplace in certain circles but, unfortunately it's not a laughing matter. A news story recently highlighted the kindness of a New York police officer in giving an apparently shoeless vagrant an expensive pair of shoes. What a wonderfully caring gesture of generosity. The man was back, sitting on the sidewalk, in front of a shoe store, the same place he was given the shoes, barefoot again. When asked where his new shoes were, he said he hid them because they were worth a lot of money. Then he went on to say that he "wanted a piece of the pie" because his picture was in the media without his permission. Makes a person kind of wonder about the people in this world. Such an honest and sincere gift was answered with such obvious dishonesty and greed.

Who made the police officer so generous, kind and considerate?

Who made the vagrant so selfish and greedy?

Some would say the officer was simply being an enabler.
Some would say the vagrant was simply a victim of an oppressive society.
Some would say it is a clash between good and evil.
Maybe the Devil made them both do it.

The truth of the matter is that the responsibility for the actions of both men lies withing themselves.

The officer offered a gift because he's a special person and chose to share his world with someone who appeared to be in need. No one "made" him do it.
The vagrant took the gift and used it for a different purpose than what it was intended and chose to remain shoeless because it got him the attention he desired. Obviously wearing shoes defeated whatever his goal in life is. No one "made" him do it.

That, to me is a good lesson in life. It's not them or it that makes us do things in most life situations. It's us making choices. It's when we don't like the consequences of our own decisions that we stoop to pointing fingers and blaming others. And yeah, I find myself doing that sometimes. It's part of the human condition But even then, it's "The Devil" that makes me do it.

Let's choose to have a happy day and take comfort in wearing shoes.....................Joe

Fiscal Cliff?

I am so very comforted by the knowledge that we have such fiscally responsible people in charge of our national financial situation. Some people are concerned and fear that on January 1st 2013 the national budget for the United States will expire and trillions of dollars in tax brakes will disappear and still more trillions of dollars in government entitlements will go away too. To those doubting Thomas's I can only say that our worst enemy is fear itself. To find assurance that all will be OK we need only look at our elected officials in charge. With only a short period of rest, those dedicated souls actually came back from election campaigns and the Thanksgiving break to settle the problem. We all know that this bickering that's going on is all a charade don't we? When we simply look at the gravity of the situation in such a delicate economy, common sense dictates that every resource the politicians have available to them is being used to end the deadlock. It's just common sense isn't it? I am comfortable with that knowledge, aren't you?

This evening I will have the honor of speaking to a class of university students about my experience with carbon monoxide poisoning. What a fantastic opportunity this is in my opinion. When I was affected by chronic carbon monoxide poisoning and experienced amnesia for two years it took a terrible toll on my family and myself, the consequences of which still linger today. It has been my goal to share that experience with as many people as possible and hopefully save them the aggravation and pain we went through. Through dozens of speaking engagements, one on one conversations, writing "Joe's Story", the media and the Internet, I believe I have accomplished my goal as well as can be expected. Every time I speak with younger people I feel that a seed has been planted to further that goal. Who knows where this opportunity will carry my mission.

Where is the snow? Will it all be coming at once? We must be careful what we ask for mustn't we?

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?