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tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71484986772786978242016-10-05T04:13:54.865-07:00Amnesia WriterJoe Cramerhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148498677278697824.post-47614175890110226842016-10-05T04:13:00.000-07:002016-10-05T04:13:54.948-07:00New book progressIt's coming down to the finish line with the publication and printing of this year's installment of my annual children's book series. "A Tale of Christmas" The final edit was completed on Monday and the illustrations by Jeff Parks submitted and accepted the same day. We were pleased by the response from the proof readers as to perhaps the appeal to a wider audience. Once it hits the shelves at Springrove Variety Store on 36th Street in Wyoming Michigan we will know. The proceeds, of course will as always be donated to a worthy cause. In the past, hundreds of dollars have gone to DeVos Children's Hospital. Mary Free Bed, Santa Claus Girls, Crash's Landing animal rescue, and The American Cancer Society Strides event.

personally I am looking forward to greeting and thanking those who participate and purchase "A Tale of Christmas" Donations would not be possible if not for their generosity and participation. Including everyone from around the U.S. who send in to my business and have it mailed to them. One good old "grampa" buys one each for his 16 grandchildren and always includes a story of them along with his request and check. Good parents and grandparents ROCK! And these books are dedicated to their love and efforts for our children.Joe Cramerhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148498677278697824.post-51366183881767106112016-08-15T06:15:00.001-07:002016-08-15T06:15:56.967-07:00Wyoming RiddlerI received a phone call from one of the winners of the Silver Treasure Hunt Riddle that I conducted for 33 years. It was enjoyable to talk to him. Brought back a flood of memories. I miss it dearly after ending it almost 3 years ago. The reason for his call is that somewhere on youtube there is a video with clues saying that the Wyoming Riddler is back. Just for the record I do not have any connection to those videos whatsoever. I personally have not had time to view them as yet but until further notice I am not conducting any riddles or treasure hnts of any consequence. Enjoy your day!Joe Cramerhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148498677278697824.post-88132752907341486422016-07-16T05:02:00.001-07:002016-07-16T05:02:37.313-07:00Who is telling me what I can do?Let me get this straight. You are telling me that I do not know what I am doing.

Not bragging or complaining, just stating facts. After being told I could not do these things along with many others too numerous to mention.

I have run a business since 1960 through thick and thin, sometimes working 72 hours straight without sleep with a paralyzed arm (1-1/2 years)and through chronic illness.
I supported myself and my family without benefit of public assistance sometimes working 3 jobs.
I put my kids through parochial school.
After only knowing her for four months I married a woman and we're still married 50 years later
I survived a two year battle with carbon monoxide poisoning induced amnesia
I spent $100,000 over 33 years conducting a treasure hunt to spotlight the danger of CO poisoning
I raised two fantastic children that chose to be wonderful parents and successful, productive members of society
I have remained loyal to my friends even when most everyone else gave up on them
I mentored over 150 at risk young men and helped teach them skills and work ethics that last a lifetime.
I visited and befriends aging veterans for 30 years and in many cases was with them as they died
I visited, wrote to and mentored men in prison and helped them back into being good members of society
I held the hands of many friends and relatives as they passed away so they would not be alone.
I have never smoked dope or taken an illegal drug.
I have developed a faith in God that is unshakable.
Did my best to be fair and have always paid my employees more than I paid myself.
After the return of my memory I wrote my life story as I remembered it in hopes of helping others. It sold over 2400 copies.
I am grateful for the opportunity in each and every day.
I state these things for this reason:
Until you have a list of similar accomplishments I ask that you refrain from criticizing me and telling me what I can and cannot do. Good counsel and sincere advice are always welcome. Good friends are in many cases how I was able to accomplish these things.

Joe Cramerhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148498677278697824.post-12238417408481720832016-06-14T07:37:00.000-07:002016-06-14T07:37:27.921-07:00Orlando Pulse massacreThe massacre in the Orlando Pulse is a horrible thing. Such a thing was almost unthinkable until now. The massacre at Wounded Knee was a long time ago but was even more horrible with the slaughter of men, women and children. The unknown tens of thousands of Jews and Christians and others murdered by the Nazis excruciating to behold, also men women and children. The Aztecs murdered scores of innocents and the be-headings in the name of God today are almost common.Massacres are not new but we will never get used to or grow callous to. All are senseless. We must continue to pray for the victims and their families.

However, we cannot put the blame for terrible acts of a few on the heads of others. The vast majority of us lead peaceful and productive lives with our fellow man. The media and alongside of them the politicians use this terrible act as some sort of platform to achieve their own personal agendas. Bad news is always good for gaining attention. Personally, I find those media and political folks despicable. I have to concentrate on the good in the world, not on the evil. Some countries are in a war with their own neighbors in attempts to sort out disagreements. Murder and torture are an every day occurrence. We need to find solutions instead of constantly believing we are helpless victims. Being safe begins with knowing how and being able to protect ourselves and those around us.

Perhaps we should be asking ourselves this question: The man that massacred all the people and wounded so many others in the Pulse, from what I understand, was unopposed by anyone else that was armed. If someone, anyone else fired back, perhaps would there have been a different outcome?Joe Cramerhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148498677278697824.post-3760000255903269962016-06-10T07:15:00.000-07:002016-06-10T07:17:21.125-07:00Donald Trump and free speechThe presidential election is a few months away yet and a lot of water/information has to pass under the bridge before that happens. I love America but some of the stuff I am hearing on the news is rather unsettling regarding the Donald Trump rallies and speeches. Violent "protesters" to be exact.

Being a maturing adult during the 60's and the 70's was an education in itself as far as protests is concerned. But right now the organized hateful violence of the opposing protesters at the Trump rallies is, in my opinion, totally wrong. It makes me wonder just what they are trying to accomplish with the hate and violence. I figure that Donald Trump should be able to speak freely so we can understand just what he is saying. If he backs down due to the violence and hate we will not get the information we need to vote our conscience.

When it comes to free speech the truth comes out eventually. good to remember the old adage: Give a man/woman enough rope and he'll/she'll hang himself/herself.

On the same vein, so far at least I have not seen all that violence and hate at The Hillary Clinton rallies except a few from the Bernie Sanders camp. Pics my curiosity as to just who is for free speech in the political arena. The media sure has their favorites and I'm thinking it just might come back to bite them over time if free speech becomes a thing of the past.Joe Cramerhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148498677278697824.post-42256628601452639962016-05-28T05:38:00.000-07:002016-05-28T05:38:15.032-07:00Every day is importantBeing a working person in the field of manual labor has been my lot in life since I began collecting newspapers in the neighborhood after school to sell to the recyclers. It was good for a few dollars to enjoy some recreation on a weekend. It was all I knew. Money, for our family did not come from the government or other agency. One of our family motto's was, "Work first, play second!" We observed that every day. Another motto, "Choose to be happy!" went hand in hand with all that hard work. No matter what we did, we put some play happiness into it. When you are poor, you have to make the best of what you've got.

As I grew older it turned out that I did not have the patience to sit through the education process and earn a degree. (At least until I was 55 ears old.) This pretty much led me into the manual labor category. And, I relished it and actually still do. Mostly in the lower wage scale it meant, to support my family it took at least 60 or more hours a week to pay the bills. I'm in my 70's now and still work those hours. Something I have learned along the way: Choosing to be happy was the way to go. Every day held important opportunities and if I was happy it was much easier to see those opportunities and take advantage of them. Every day is important because it will never come again. good to remember, I have no regrets and I do not know anyone happier in life than I am. Memorial Day is a good time to meditate on that.Joe Cramerhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148498677278697824.post-51547643551298480922016-05-20T05:29:00.000-07:002016-05-20T05:29:07.920-07:00Finding faultBeing as guilty sometimes as anyone else of placing blame on others, I looked at myself in the mirror this morning and made a personal commitment to myself:

"I will do my best to find my own part in a situation before I attempt to place the responsibility on the shoulders of another."

I'm really going to try to live up to that.Joe Cramerhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148498677278697824.post-29136422477947913352016-05-13T06:11:00.001-07:002016-05-13T06:11:21.771-07:00Advancement of the Human species?At least we still retain the right of free speech here in the United States. Mostly anyway. However, as far as I am concerned, adults who are supposed to serve and protect our constitution and keep us safe have gone so far off the scale it is ridiculous. And, on top of that, other adults are allowing them to make ridiculous laws without questioning their authority to do so. To the point of blurring the gender issue from natural law to nothing more than "feelings". It is just plain silly, but even more than that it is dangerous and verges upon pandering to perversion and predatory behavior toward impressionable children. Tell me the protection of our safety in that one.

Without passing judgement on good people of any religion or culture I ask this question: Do you wonder at all the blossoming popularity of the Muslim religion? Sharia Law is in the news a lot isn't it? It scares a lot of people but at the same time there are untold numbers of converts on a regular basis. Why is that? Would it be that all those converts are sick and tired of the "anything goes" culture developing so rapidly in Europe and the United States? Who is it that is standing up to the unceasing slaughter of our way of life? If you don't want to sit side by side with a person of the opposite sex in a bathroom, you are designated a "Hater" instead of a moral or modest person. You are not supposed to "feel" awkward or violated while at the same time, the person violating your space is allowed to "feel" whatever they consider at that time. The proof of burden is on your shoulders to protect yourself from any pervert that comes along under the guise of "feelings" because the government said they could.

It appears that the eventual acceptance of adult/child love relationships is on the horizon. Why? Because that is how some folks "feel" things should be. Watch your kids! Apparently the government doesn't give a crap about their well being.Joe Cramerhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148498677278697824.post-54609586409210799622016-05-10T05:50:00.002-07:002016-05-10T05:50:45.896-07:00Loss of a long time mentorI received a long distance phone call yesterday from the wife of a friend, he has passed away. The pancreatic cancer took him quickly. I felt her loss and sadness across the miles. They were quite the loving couple, a real pleasure to be around and inspiring in so many ways. When love between a man and woman is so pure and simple the pain runs deeper but the memories of the time they had together will be the salve towards healing.

My personal feelings are sadness and loss. However, his strength of conviction regarding moral integrity, loyalty, honesty, you know, the things we all wrestle with from time to time will never leave me. As a man I've looked to my mentors and heroes like my dad, uncles, brother and friends to be an anchor when the world seems to be turning upside down and against me. wise men like my friend Ralph, in their conviction allowed me to see myself through their eyes and if they believed in me, I trusted them enough to believe in myself in spite of ignorant criticism.

It is my habit to make sure that those friends whom I admire hear me say just how much I appreciate their wisdom and tutelage. By holding true, they help make the world a better place.Joe Cramerhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148498677278697824.post-32839237420921738932016-05-03T06:42:00.000-07:002016-05-03T06:42:00.274-07:00FriendshipFriendship is an exceptional part of most of us in some way or another. As a matter of fact, many people have much stronger, lifetime friendships than their marriages or relationships with their family members. In my case, I simply have a small, rather select, close knit group of friends going back as far as 62 years. I am so much a better person for our lasting friendships and I am grateful.

Friendships, I am told are based upon some sort of mutual need. For what I am not exactly sure but, according to that theory at least if there isn't some sort of give and take of benefit, there is no friendship. When I am interacting with a friend I cannot remember when I had a huge agenda of receiving benefit so it must be subliminal. After all these years I just figure: "Whatever!"

Last weekend I spent some time with a friend watching some of the race, grilling and eating steaks, shooting some bull, checking out some of his remodeling projects and watching a movie. Nothing earth shattering by any means but exactly what the doctor ordered at the time. Renewing and revitalizing a long standing friendship. Friends can argue and disagree and get a bit huffy or offended, but in a friendship, after all that is over they are still standing there and ready to move forward. Honesty backed by loyalty is the stuff of true friendships I think.

And, one important, but the only important factor of a solid friendship is being there through thick and thin without question, through the best of their ability. It does not mean that everyone can do everything, no not at all. It simply means we do the best we can at the time with what time and resources we have and each of us understands one another's limitations.

I'm just saying that without my friends I would not be who I am today as a father, a brother, a husband and a grandfather. I wonder if there is a national friendship day?Joe Cramerhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148498677278697824.post-52162402363928579702016-04-22T06:47:00.001-07:002016-04-22T06:47:22.507-07:00History and meI hear so many people speak angrily to me about what terrible things "people like me" or "people like them" did in the past to make a point about how guilty I am and they can blame the people of today for the sins of their ancestors. It saddens me when I listen to that type of destructive rhetoric. Am I to be blamed for those sins by simply being born?

Crimes against humanity regarding race, religion, color or opposing beliefs, property boundaries, water rights, you name it, have been going on since the beginning of time. Family against family, color against color, one person against another for the hand of a woman. I have studied history as most of us has. In my humble opinion, there is no race, religion, color or cultural belief that is Innocent of those crimes at one time or another. No country or civilization is completely innocent.

Today is the only day we can change and it is best that we look at history without hate for each other and unify our efforts. Free speech without fear of retaliation is a good first step. Creating boundaries of behavior in which we can conduct our lives safely and rules we can accept will carry that spirit of unity even further.

Get over the hate of me for the actions of whom you may believe are my ancestors and the world will become a better place. That is an admiral goal for all of us don't you think? It will never be perfect, but it certainly can be better.Joe Cramerhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148498677278697824.post-3350301709833544902016-04-14T09:32:00.000-07:002016-04-14T09:32:07.695-07:00Fasting my way to better healthOften many of us find ourselves slipping a little in the healthy life style category. At least in my case that is true. Not huge slips all at once but several little slips, one at a time adding up. Slow but gradual weight gain over several months and then one day I see the scale and I have become 8 or 9 pounds above my goal. Skipping my daily exercise routine first one day a week and eventually for a week and even longer until it becomes only once in a while as I grow less flexible. With less flexibility comes more strain with weight lifting so I skip that because it takes more effort than I like. And, then I sit more and walk less etc. etc. etc. Snowballing into more of a sedentary life style.

All that sedentary stuff needs to halt! My modus apparendi is to fast for up to three days and get myself back on track. Fasting sharpens my mind and body to look and listen for what I need to do. A little sacrifice for my soul to awaken and point me in the right direction. I often fast 5 or 6 times a year.

Today is the second day of my 3 day fast objective. The first day is always easy and I don't crave much at all. The second day brings a desire to eat at every turn. I am so hungry at the moment I can almost visualize and smell a comfort meal. That's when I begin to think good things. I'm really not all that hungry. I am more like wanting food rather than actually needing it. I drink a glass of water and the craving disappears for an hour or so. As the day goes on I get back to business and the fast goes to the back of my mind and I busy myself with getting the exercise. The third day is almost silly in that I become no longer hungry and I am pretty much on my program to better health. Probably because I know that on the fourth day I will enjoy three normal meals and exercise will once again be part of my everyday life. Yeah, that's how I do it.Joe Cramerhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148498677278697824.post-15668766520507044932016-04-12T04:27:00.000-07:002016-04-12T04:27:41.229-07:00Jesus and his friendshipsDuring this time of the six weeks of Easter I find all sorts of writing and essays and quotations from the bible and other historical books. Most of them are accurate and without agenda. Excellent for gaining knowledge and meditation. Much needed after such a cold month. But, then again, there are those with an agenda other than spiritual growth.

If given the time and with effort I suppose anyone can find a biblical quotation to back their own, often time inaccurate opinion. All one has to do is take the subject matter out of context or change the punctuation. However, doing that does not alter the original meaning, it merely changes it into a false statement. In effect, concealing the teaching lesson of faith.

The statement that Jesus sat and dined with thieves, tax collectors and prostitutes is commonly used for a variety of reasons to prove one point or another. Maybe we are all guilty of that at one time or another. The thing that bothers me is that when someone used that statement to somehow legitimize a behavior which is illegal, immoral or goes against nature the statement is made to be inaccurate. Jesus, in no way condoned those particular behaviors or life styles by sitting or dining with those people. What the teaching was and is becomes very clear when we look at Jesus' teaching in those cases. He said: "Now go and sin no more." He did not say: " Gee guys, I don't care about you enough to tell you when you are doing wrong." You see Jesus did and does care enough to be with people that practise those things, He loves them, but that is not to say he loves any sin.

If quoting a sacred text I feel it is best to allow the true meaning to be seen. Especially if we are attempting to justify a particular behavior. "Now go and sin no more."Joe Cramerhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148498677278697824.post-34718000156559231342016-04-08T04:03:00.002-07:002016-04-08T04:03:39.537-07:00TailgatingJust a rant regarding a personal pet peave here: Tailgating.

I drive a Suburban which, as it is weighs in somewhere around 4500 pounds. It also has a multi purpose, heavy duty, reinforced magna trailer hitch attached to the rear frame. Not a simple bumper hitch, No siree Bob. That Suburban and its accompanying hitch combine into a formidable obstacle, not to be moved easily.

All that being said to give you, the reader, something to picture in your mind while you read my rant. Why do some folks, driving behind my Suburban, find that they can somehow intimidate me into either going faster or moving off to the side of the road so they can pass by tailgating within two or three feet (or sometimes even closer) and making angry faces at me. And, most often in some sort of small car. There is, of course the occasional van or SUV but most often it is a small,car. What are they thinking? It is my practice to not allow their tailgating to alter my manner of driving or even to respond to the faces or gestures which they may wish to offer which appear to have the purpose of scaring me the heck out of their way. Not responding apparently makes them drive even closer to that rear hitch.

My pet peave stance is based upon the danger to them and the oppupants in my vehicle in the instance that I have to stand on my brake pedal in an unforseen emergency situation. In my opinion being so close leaves little, if any time for them to react. From time to time, just to give them the opportunity to realize just how unseafe a situation they are creating, I will tap my brake so the lights go on. I have found that there are finger gestures that follow accompanied by angry faces and mouthed phrases. Yet another pet peave. But I remain unintimidated sitting in the 4500 pound Suburban. I guess I'm just a jerk that way.Joe Cramerhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148498677278697824.post-40254520211575030462016-04-07T04:03:00.000-07:002016-04-07T04:03:33.044-07:00Happy life exerciseThe airwaves are filled with stories regarding all sorts of people, particularly politicians, at least right now anyway, blathering about lacing the blame for some debacle and getting revenge. In my humble opinion, certainly is not a happy sight. My question is this: What has all this blame and revenge ever solved? Huge resources both financial and mental are being wasted. Blaming someone today does not change what happened yesterday. Spending time in meetings or courtrooms filled with angry people does not change what happened yesterday and drains money and other resources that actually could alter the consequences of what happened yesterday.

I am not saying that consequences for poor decisions or behavior, particularly when it comes to the health and well being of fellow human beings should be overlooked. On the contrary, when one in authority makes a decision they are totally responsible for what happens. Just like the decisions of a parent over a child. But be that as it may, in time all of that becomes clear over the course of time and the price will be paid. That's what I believe in this country with the freedom of information the way it is. In that case, what is to be gained by fighting a battle that is technically already won. Use that time and energy and all resources available to resolve the problem as soon as possible. Solving a problem that is endangering fellow human beings, with all available resources is the immediate priority.

What has that got to do with a happy life? Anger, revenge, wasting resources, unnecessary delay, all add up to misery. Now, getting things done, proper solutions, release of anger, and making maximum use of all finances to help our fellow man leaves one to be free and happy. It's your choice.Joe Cramerhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148498677278697824.post-52336191712602457212016-04-05T04:15:00.000-07:002016-04-05T04:15:42.177-07:00Picking a winner. Not me, ever! Until yesyerdayWhen you look at the huge casino building and fancy trappings, you must keep in mind they were not built on the winnings of the players, it is the losses. I enjoy a casino from time to time but I am determined not to contribute much at all to them. You see, I am totally aware that I am unlucky at picking winners or gambling. It's just not in my make up to win. 50/50 charity benefit drawings? Never won. Church raffles? Never won. Limited ticket sale Cancer society drawings for a new car with a one out o a hundred odds of winning? Never won. State and territory lotteries. Never won. Football pools? Never won. Basketball brackets? Up until yesterday, never won. I really still have not competitively. I drew up a bracket and submitted it in friendly circles. That one went down the drain after the first week. I researched that one for months. So much for research when it comes to college players in this incredible annual tournament. Then I filled out a bracket for my own use picking as many Catholic schools as possible. It went great except in the championship game I had Notre Dame playing Villanova with Villanova taking the win. So, there it is, as close to winning something as I ever have and it was totally playing against myself and in truth I almost lost that too. Right now, it is sweet, sweet victory for a born loser. Congratulations Villanova!Joe Cramerhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148498677278697824.post-28310180816334162482016-04-04T04:33:00.001-07:002016-04-04T04:33:58.917-07:00Enjoy the rideFlying is not in my every day life. The last time I was in an airplane was in 1975. I don't intentionally avoid being in the air, it's just not a necessity for me as far as traveling is concerned. Mostly because when I go on a trip, the trip is part of the fun. This state of Michigan is beautiful and the rest of the United States is filled with amazing sights at every turn of the road and I don't want to miss a thing. The journey, in most cases, is just as important as the destination. Expressways offer a less intimate examination of the countryside but still has a lot to offer in my eyes at least. My folks worked hard all their lives and usually the work week was six or even seven days of manual labor. They made it all worth while with that Sunday afternoon drive to wherever the nose of the car took them. Being one of their kids was my utmost pleasure and introduction to daily adventure and enjoyment of literally anything in sight.

This morning, on the way in to work it was dark. What's to see in the dark? Lately it's those frisky rabbits for sure. Also, the lights playing off the rain soaked landscape, other vehicles and even te hood of my truck. A slim line of light indicating the approaching sunrise, albeit shrouded by rain clouds. A deer momentarily stopping as it is mesmerized by my headlights as I turn into the parking lot. And the skunk, lucky for me, scurrying off after visiting the neighbors trash bin.

It's the journey that takes the time. The arrival at the destination is ove in an instant. I may as well make the journey pleasant. Right? Besides, there is no Spring Break for me so I better make the best of what I've got. Its worked so far. Happy Spring Break to you!Joe Cramerhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148498677278697824.post-66046278292789661102016-04-02T04:51:00.001-07:002016-04-02T04:51:54.768-07:00Spring always comesEvery year in Michigan is guaranteed to have a few surprises. At least when it comes to the weather. That, my friends is a huge reason I remain in Michigan the entire year. Not much remains the same from one year to the next. Last year the pussy-willows in the park were growing through snow and I had to walk over ice covered paths to get to them. This year I had to take off my coat because I was perspiring so much and the only snow was in small, melting pies where the plow had pushed it. Not everyone's cup of tea but, to me anyway, well worth the wait.

Rabbits were everywhere this morning. One group was absolutely huge, 15 or 20 or even more. Frisky little things in Spring aren't they? Yet another annual Michigan surprise. Well, maybe not quite a surprise, maybe a simple Spring ritual of nature. And then, the increase of birds singing during my morning walks. I'm not as up on the different songs of species but that is not to say I don't appreciate the music. Especially as the sun is rising and the landscape begins to awaken in my sight. You know how they use music to set the stage for events in movies and TV shows? That's sort of what it's like during my walks. That is why I personally prefer mornings. That and the solitude makes it surreal sometimes. An excellent way to begin the day. although there are times when I have a friend with me and that is a treat what with discussion and laughter and all that, but then I don't hear the birds as much or pay that close attention to the increasing light.

This morning has become a surprise in itself because I had arrived early to speak with a car collector about his 1965 Mercury Comet Caliente and the options regarding polishing the factory original albeit very faded paint. One of my all time favorite cars. Unfortunately, he called and the car will not start this morning and he cancelled until another date. I have a block of unscheduled time to myself. What to do? What to do? .................A stack of procrastinated paperwork on my desk will be tackled. That will open up some free time during the day to search for morel mushrooms. That is a gift. Always a surprise, just like Michigan weather.Joe Cramerhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148498677278697824.post-69495562089819565022016-04-01T06:50:00.002-07:002016-04-01T06:50:51.542-07:00The pursuit of happinessMy childhood lessons on how to pursue happiness:

Growing up with the parents I had was a pure blessing. I'm not saying it was easy or all roses. As a matter of fact, it was most likely the difficulties that brought sight to the blessings.

From as long as I can remember I was told that I could have anything I wanted in life. "As long as I was willing to pay the price."

My happiness was not in the hands of any other person. My happiness was my own choice.

It was not the responsibility of anyone else to provide me with anything I wanted.

Rest and recreation were the rewards of hard work, not an entitlement.

If I wanted to further my education I should remember just that: It is "My" education and I should pay for it.

If I allowed anyone else to do my work for me, by natural law I would expect to grow weaker.

Nurturing compassion for others was as natural as breathing but pity for them was selfish.

Loving someone is a forever thing. That does not mean you can be together forever.

Life brings pain, sorrow, heartbreak and other negative events, Do not allow them to defeat you, learn to deal with them. Put them behind you and keep moving forward.

Every day is a gift and not to be enjoyed at the expense of another.

Hard manual labor is equal in every way to any less menial pursuit.

I have done my best to pass that on to others.

Joe Cramerhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148498677278697824.post-11806522070773487072016-03-30T10:59:00.000-07:002016-03-30T10:59:11.838-07:00Writing lettersSome might say that I am old fashioned. I guess they would be correct. As I am very much the fashioned result of an old era gone by.

I write letters. I write letters often. I write long and short letters. I write letters of praise, letters of criticism, letters for all sorts of reasons to all sorts of people. Family, friends, politicians, government agencies, restaurants and auto repair shops. If I like the service I received, I want them to know it so they will continue that good service. If I did not receive good service, I want them to know it so they can correct the problem in the future. Letters of love and wisdom and praise and inquiry to friends and family to keep them ad myself in the loop and not overlooked or forgotten.

Why so many letters instead of a simple phone call or email or text? Because I find those things not to my liking most f the time. They are not bad things, I just don't want them to replace my standard of communication. A letter, to me is more personal and brings me closer to the recipient. Besides, these days of rushed and forced activity always seem to be in the way of a phone call. "Hi, I'm sorry but I'm doing something else and will call you back when it is convenient." A letter can be read at any one's convenience, over and over again if they so choose. Also, should I by chance offend someone they can crumble the letter and throw it as far as they wish without breaking the phone, right?

How many times does someone place a text or email into their "Box of memories"? To pull out a couple decades later to re-read and laugh or cry at the thoughts written there.

So there you have it in a nutshell. I write letters. They require time and thought and reasoning. But when all is said and done. I find it worth the effort. I have received personal return letters from Friends, family, mayors, governors, congressmen, and even two presidents. when was the last time I received a text or tweet or phone call from them? Well, actually a few times but I can save the letters a lot longer and maybe pass them to the grand kids some day.

Joe Cramerhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148498677278697824.post-853190113990494002016-03-17T04:21:00.000-07:002016-03-17T04:23:41.551-07:00Our new English language A matter of (dis)respect.One of the nice things about blogging is that I get to go on about stuff and if you or anyone else doesn't like it, simply click and my ruminations are gone, kaput, off the screen. It is, of course, the same with any other part of social networking too. However, on such places as Face book and the like, the postings are sudden and take me by surprise. Occasionally it becomes unsettling, like the ridiculous bantering back and forth regarding political positions or candidates. I will not participate in that stuff. But then it comes to certain ways of verbal expression that has changed more and more of late, especially much to my surprise, among people of age. Apparently, class is no longer something to be desired. throughout my life there were certain words that belonged amongst a select group of acquaintances or on bathroom walls. More specifically, vulgarity. Yeah, I'm as guilty as many in telling of crude jokes or making a vulgar statement now and then but I've never been good at speaking vulgarity in groups, in front of women or children or generally in public at all.

)Wow! Sometimes I even surprise myself at how many words I use to make a point.)

Anyway, it appears certain rules of good taste, class or integrity no longer apply and those lines are blurred when posting on social sites. vulgarity is becoming more common by the day and seems to be accepted by parents and grandparents of their younger generations. I always believed that as a person of age it was my obligation to say when certain behaviour or speech was disturbing or inappropriate. Recently I have been told to mind my own business and to quit acting "holier than thou!" By the parent! The law against swearing in front of women and children was overturned in favor of free speech. Lately, I'm thinking certain free speech is disgusting.

Now I can understand why so many teachers complain about how disrespectful they are treated by parents.Joe Cramerhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148498677278697824.post-69466871506091304022016-03-16T07:39:00.000-07:002016-03-16T07:39:38.745-07:00Respect for senior wisdomOh my goodness! From what I read here, the last posting was on August 15th 2015 or there a bouts. It sure doesn't feel like that. However, what with all the happenngs I can certainly see where I lost track.

The second book in my annual series of children's stories "The Story of Klause And Gretchen" was edited, illustrated, completed, printed and put on sale between September and November. They are sold at Springrove Variety in Wyoming Michigan on 36th Street. Hundreds of copies were sold and the proceeds went to help Mary Free Bed Foundation., Santa Claus Girls, St. John Vianney Foundation and The American Cancer Society. Thanks to everyone who purchased a copy and helped so many deserving programs. Many more people also purchased copies of last years book: "All About Don." and those proceeds went to them too.

In October I received a complete knee replacement and aside for some inconvenience and discomfort it went very well indeed. Within 3 days of coming home I was off regular pain medication except for an occasion or three following physical therapy. I have taken not even an aspirin since 45 days following surgery. It is hard to imagine the pain of the previous 12 years is gone that quickly. Wonderful! I must say, my surgeon: Dr. Alosh of Spectrum Health and my physical therapist: Russ also of Spectrum were incredible in their skills and knowledge.

Which brings me to my subject of today. I just spent two hours interviewing a pair of applicants for a certain position of responsibility. The position requires insight and a sense of understanding of others on their level. Unfortunately, neither of them fits that criteria. In each interview I was bombarded with huge volumes of their knowledge and abilities of "making things happen!" for my business. They were not experienced in the services we offer but both assumed that there really was not much to know and they could master it in short order. I am a man of age, obviously and have been performig these services since the mid 1950's. It was explained to me that it was time that my (very successful) business should be brought to the next level with the emphasis on sales and up selling rather than the customer interviews we perform now. No where in either interview was I actually asked what my specific goals were. One of them put it this way: "You've spent a lifetime in the past. I'll bring this business into the future." Stated without ever asking me a question other than how much the position paid.

I may be thin skinned but I got the opinion that they figured I was too old and senile to know how to run my own business. Right or wrong with that assumption, I felt that I was seeing a major problem that I face more often than I like. Many young professionals do not have any respect for the wisdom that comes with age. But, maybe that's just me being who I am and remembering that I'd probably have been a lot less successful in business and in personal life if it had not been for those older folks sharing their wisdom with me. I fully intend on returning to blogging a great deal more if you find my old guy words of interest.Joe Cramerhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148498677278697824.post-50363309098210853012015-08-10T03:44:00.000-07:002015-08-10T03:47:08.272-07:00Income equalityOver and over again I continue to read about politicians pandering to those folks who live on tax dollars from the public coffers. "Millionaires live off the backs of the working person and this has got to stop!" Sounds a lot like what I've read in the Communist manifesto. Whatever anyone else may believe, my folks professed a method of how those in my family could overcome "Income inequality" Albeit not so easy as accepting a life of dependency on the tax dollars of our neighbors, it is our way.

For the men:
Don't become a sperm donor and saddle yourself with a boat load of child support.
For the women:
Don't become a baby machine with an apartment full of children from several sperm donors.
For everyone:
Get a job,
get two jobs,
whatever it takes to earn enough money to survive.
Live frugally
Get whatever education you can afford without being overwhelmed by student loan debt
Save whatever money you can and let it build and earn interest.
Strive every day to improve your lot in life without placing the blame on anyone else.
Remember that life is not fair, learn to deal with it with a sense of humor.
Support your own family the best you can.
Learn to accept those things that you and only you can provide for your family.
It is a choice to be happy or to be angry, Choose happy as often as you can.
Thank God every day for the opportunity of another day.

That's about it. Other folks have other ideas and that is their privilege. But Its worked for me so far.I had good folks.Joe Cramerhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148498677278697824.post-61593206673094152592015-07-16T12:12:00.000-07:002015-07-16T12:12:00.299-07:00Dealing with drama in lifeI have the honor and privilege of having a tremendous variety of friends and acquaintances. Most are mature and reasonably adjusted to the benefits and consequences of being an adult with life skills to contend with them and move on. However, one or two of them are helpless as newborn babes when they come to anything that even resembles a challenge or hurdle, and they make sure everyone within ear shot hears just how horrible the particular days challenge is. A pain in the foot almost means a trip to emergency. An argument with the significant other provides an excuse to get drunk, a child's bad report card is, of course a phone call to the school superintendent to ostracize the incompetent teacher. Taking absolutely no responsibility for their own actions and blaming everyone else seems to, in some way remove them from having to cope, take action and remedy the situation like the rest of us. As much as I enjoy other people and their perspectives, well, that particular perspective I do not wish to be a part of. Suck it up buttercup!........... Leave the drama to the theatre!............Please!!!!!Joe Cramerhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148498677278697824.post-30178224902781937342015-07-08T03:32:00.000-07:002015-07-08T03:32:58.499-07:00Free speach HypocritesDonald Trump is being trashed because he spoke his mind by the media and also political opponents. What a bunch of hypocrites they are. And we call this a free country. If one would believe those jerks the free part is only for them and what they have to say. Personally I feel what is good for the goose is good for the gander as an old saying goes. I would prefer that speech is actually free and we can speak our mind. In my opinion that would help us know who our friends are and, more importantly, our enemies. I really, really want to know where someone honestly stands on any given subject. Don't you?

The other side of this is a real sneaky part of subversive control of speech by those who wish to be the speech control police. It is becoming more and more difficult to express anything even closely related to being religious in a public forum, "if" you are Christian. Almost any other religion is fine. They are the pets of the control freaks and from shawls or scarves to Burkas its all just fine to wear. However, should you happen to wear a cross or crucifix you are criticized to no end for "offending" someone.

I'm not saying that all things claiming to be Christian are appropriate or even really Christian but its really getting silly out there. Actual Christian values are in line with life as it should be as well as natural law. When those that wish to control my speech and actions can use my God's name in vane freely, anywhere, any time and throw around the "F" bomb at will even around kids, because that stuff is protected by law and then try to tell me I can't speak my mind regarding it, well then in my humble opinion, something stinks and I thinks its coming from them.

That's my opinion for the day. My blog, my opinion. At least I've still got that..........for now anyway.Joe Cramerhttp://email@example.com


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Put it on the list...
Monday, May 23, 2016
Sometimes you just gotta do the best you can...
So, we have to do the best we can, and continue getting back up each time life knocks us down or sends us on a detour.
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
What a difference a day can make...
Being in A-Fib is nothing more than the top two sections of my heart being out of sync, they 'flutter'. The bottom two still pump blood & keep me alive, but when the top two flutter, the heart isn't very efficient, I feel tired, and blood can pool in there, potentially causing blood clots that can travel to the brain.
Not good.
So, I take a blood thinner to mitigate the risk of clots (yay! Pills everyday!), and I monitor my heart rate so I can tell if I pop back into A-Fib.
Like I was on Monday. Got zapped (re-booted) Tuesday, and back to normal Wednesday.
...with a stern lecture from my Cardiologist about my caffeine intake, poor sleep habits, and the need to continue loosing weight.
So, I have a caffeine withdrawal headache today (drinking lots of water), and with my heart in good rhythm AND spring weather - I'm planning to get out on the bike trails again.
...and, of course, everyday I recommit & choose to eat for health instead of desire. Some days I'm more successful than others, but I keep making the choice!
Friday, April 15, 2016
Win some / Lose some
Monday, March 07, 2016
This is sacrifice?
Tuesday, March 01, 2016
I get too wrapped up in numbers. Pounds lost, inches lost, macronutrients consumed, pace per mile...
...and I've come SO FAR! My journey has covered SO much territory that I lost track of my destination. I get SO wrapped up in where I've been, I'm not looking where I'm going. It's hard to navigate to your destination while looking in the rearview mirror.
I lost nearly 130lbs, and when I hit the plateau I was SO wrapped up in what got me there that I couldn't figure out where to go.
I'd climbed down off the mountain, and while looking for the shore, I got lost in the flatlands.
Time to reset. I'm hitting the trip odometer & resetting my focus.
After all, who cares how far I came, if I go no further?
It's time to start fresh, from THIS point. The lessons I learned a year ago were GREAT, but they can't help me get past this point.
A roadmap of the mountains won't help when you hit the coast & have to start swimming.
Time to reset the trip odometer.
Time to start fresh.
Time to start a new journey...
Tuesday, January 05, 2016
Aches, pains, and gains...
...but then October happened. Nothing "bad", per se, but I had the fresh mental outlook of having rode 200 miles, and inadvertently did ZERO miles in October! I didn't realize it at the time, but I was also beginning to experience "carb creep". In fact, I think that may go all the way back to March, when the Disney trip happened. That was when I started to add "just a bit" of white potato here & there. Small order of hash-browns at breakfast, or a few stolen fries at lunch. In the beginning, it was no big deal, but by October it'd become a daily expectation, rather than a weekly exception.
I love potatoes. White potatoes, sweet potatoes, even red-skin & fingerling potatoes. Damn those starchy carbs! ...and let's not even talk about the refined vegetable oils they are cooked in...
Anyway, I plateaued in October, and then the Holidays happened. I really didn't think I was "that" bad during the holidays, but the bottom line doesn't lie.
I bounced from 316 up to 330. 14 damn pounds of back tracking! This puts me back where I was in June!!! Dammit!!!
Even at my old loss-rate of 2lbs per week, it'd take me through the first week of March to get back to where I was in October.
October to March is half a year lost, and THAT is a real bite in the ass.
After a day or two of feeling sorry for myself, I decided to not lie down and die just yet...
So, I came up with a plan. I found some new apps, and I've learned some stuff I'd like to try. I want to continue losing weight & looking better, feeling great, exercising more, sleeping fantastic, and keep buying smaller, nicer clothes.
So - here is my new plan. I'm largely going back to basics, with a low-carb, nearly ketogenic outlook.
I'm staying with the whole "super clean paleo" way of eating, with a few tweaks. First, I'm going to stay totally clean with my good meat choices. I'll still eat a ton of veggies, just keeping them to the non-starchy types. LOTS of "good" fats. No grains. No dairy. No artificial sweeteners. No added sugars. No added preservatives. 10,000 steps per day. 3 hours of other exercise each week. 8 hours of quality sleep each night. Track EVERYTHING. 2,000 calories per day, with offsets for exercise. 10, 20, 70 split on Carbs, Protien, and Fat. Daily ketone measurement, with tweaks as needed.
...and, of course, I'll report progress here!
(For anyone interested in low carb ketosis, Google Jimmy Moore - he is quite inspirational)
Monday, January 04, 2016
Stupid? Maybe...
I'm not sure how it happened, other than a couple of epic-off-plan days. Thanksgiving. My Birthday, twice. But the real reason is more insidious, and much tougher to eradicate - but I cannot allow this shit to continue!
(More on this subject in a subsequent posting)
So, to kick off my recommitment to the New Year, I decided that a frigid January bike ride in the snow would be a nearly-epic expedition!
I started out just before dawn, with temps in the low 20's, with a light breeze bringing the windchill to the low teens.
I wore a good selection of winter gear - the trick being to dress warmly enough so as not to freeze to death, but not so warm that you sweat & then freeze to death.
My only issue was cold feet! I wore good wool socks inside my insulated Merrill Polarand Moc's, but I think my issue was caused by a thin pair of socks I wore over the wool one - the thin socks were talk, so I could tuck my sweat pants in - and I think that the sweat pant & socks were bunched up, making circulation tough. Maybe? I'm not sure, but damn, my feet started getting cold around mile 7, and by mile 10 felt very uncomfortable.
The fat tires on my bike really glided amazingly well on this hard-pack snow! I didn't know what to expect, but I was thrilled. Ice? No Bueno. I bounce better in the summer.
Question of the day: Puddle, or Pond? (Cracking ice under your feet all sounds the same)
At several points, I realized if I slid off the path, nobody would find me until Spring! I took a detour down an Equestrian path that was astoundingly scenic, but when I came down a hill to a large frozen area, I didn't know how deep things could be, and I didn't want my suburban bike ride to take a Jack London type detour! I worked my way past the ice, but not without falling. My helmet may have paid for itself that day.
Also treacherous were the street crossings, due to the large frozen berms of ice & snow. These were brutal, and at the intersection of Shoe Factory & Higgins, I went down. It was a slow, stupid fall, but it highlighted to me how quickly a fun ride could turn south.
All in all, it was a great ride. I've experimented with two bikes, two sets of lights, three sets of gear, and four different routes. All of that paid off! I was shocked at how quickly my conditioning had atrophied, but I prevailed! Now, a day later, I'm terribly sore, and a bit bruised, but happy that I did it.
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It all started with my crush on Erik Estrada when I was four years old, there was something about a man in uniform, albeit a tight uniform. Not to mention my fascination for tall, dark and handsome which somehow in even in my preschool moments I could detect that I would marry as such. Firefighters, our Military Hero's and the occasional UPS man all could make this future Mrs blush for days but while I did grow up, I traded in a new level of style and found a whole new love of a well-dressed man which is a groom in a perfectly tailored suit.
Handsome Groom in Gray Suit by Smitten Photography || Dark Gray Suit with Vest + Checkered Tie by Leo Patrone Photography || Groom in Gray Suit with Adorable Pooch by Jenny Jimenez Photography || Gray Suit with Black Tie and Orange Boutonnière by Carla Ten Eyck Photography || Blue Suit with Tonal Detail + Stitching by We Heart Photography || Gray Seer Sucker Suit with Pink Bow Tie by Stephen Pappas Photography || Shades of Blue/Green Suit by CLY Creation Photography || Unbuttoned Casual Gray Suit by Leigh Miller Photography || Gray Suit with Pocket Chain Detail by Tiny Water Photography|| Chic Groom with Umbrella by Pinterest|| White Tux Channeling James Bond by Raquel Reis Photography || Rock'n Chic Groom with Sunglasses by Anna Roussos Photography || Black Suit by the very talented Amanda Julca Photography || Beautiful Bride Kissing her Groom by Abby Jiu Photography


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Hometown Holiday Giveaway – Register to Win a $1,000 Shopping Spree!
posted: November 25, 2015
Thank you for registering for A $1000 HOMETOWN HOLIDAY SHOPPING SPREE!
Congratulations to Ellyn Ross of Sunbury. She's the winner of the $1000 Hometown Holiday Shopping Spree courtesy of these area businesses:
- Bader Furniture Co. – Shamokin
- Graci's Flowers & Gifts– Selinsgrove
- The Mercantile– Lewisburg
- Country Turf and Trail – 129 Schoolhouse Road, Sunbury
- Little Sportsman's Shop – 1153 Susquehanna Trail, Northumberland
- Moyer Electronics – 310 N. 2nd Street, Sunbury
- West Branch Rental – 441 N. 10th Street, Lewisburg
- One entry per person, please.
- Entries accepted beginning November 27th *Black Friday
- Drawing will be held December 21, 2014 and winner's name will be announced on 94KX, Eagle 107, The Valley, and WKOK
- No purchase necessary
- The Information on the entry blank will remain private, and will not be shared outside this contest
- Prize will be awarded in gift certificates usable at participating businesses.


text:
December 14, 2010By: Mary Winston Nicklin
News: Fairmont Turnberry Isle Opens State-of-the-Art Romana Pilates Studio
It looks like the South Florida resort famous for its golf courses, beachfront Ocean Club and Chef Michael Mina's BOURBON STEAK restaurant is morphing into a "one-stop" destination for fitness, rehabilitation and nutrition. The Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort-- nestled on 300 tropical acres outside Miami-- has hired a team of experts to give guests the kind of services that professional athletes receive. The resort's blend of health and wellness offerings includes two championship Raymond Floyd-redesigned golf courses, a top-notch Tennis Center, spa treatments, a 2.9 mile jogging trail that circles the resort, plus new lifestyle cuisine featuring well-balanced, nutritious dishes. Menus feature ingredients from an on-site chef's garden. Particularly noteworthy: The resort has just launched a new Pilates program, adding one of the country's only Romana Pilates studios, featuring top-of-the-line Gratz equipment. Teaming up with the top Pilates center in the southeast (Pure Pilates), the resort aims to provide guests, club members and locals with the best Pilates instruction that South Florida has to offer.
Posted in: Articles, Featured Luxury Hotels, Food and Wine, Luxury Spas, Beach and Island, North America, The Practical Traveler, Luxury Golf Resorts
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text:
Design a bag -- 2
I want to design a baby bag that can be used by the mom (shoulder style) and the dad (backpack), lightweight, have many useful compartments inside the bag to store nappy, wipes, clothes etc. The pattern should be simple and fashionable. Size should be medium, not too big and not too small
- 设置您的预算和时间范围
- 简述您的提案
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I do the life design
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Architecture - Interior design - Planning I am proffesional in: 3ds max - autocad - photoshop - lumion I had got 4 awards.
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A Mechanical Engineer & post graduate in CAD/CAM with industrial experience of 3 years in CAD & worked as an Assistant Professor in College of Engineering for Women, Nagpur for Engineering Drawing & CAD. I am having a highly educated & experienced team. I always give preference to quality work on time as I care about my reputation. Skills: 3d CAD models, Assemblies, Conceptual designs, Technical or Conceptual,3d rendering, Academic Projects for Engineering, CAD model provider for 3D printing & Gaming industries, Mechanism Animation, Product design, Structural Analysis, Thermal Analysis, CFD Analysis. Also Fabrication & Development services of product & projects. Having international publications & have filled an indian patent on Clamping System along with College of Engineering Nagpur as an inventor .(4037/MUM/2014). Support Solidworks, Pro E for modeling & Ansys for analysis work. I love my work & always ready to work on new challenges as an individual or a team.
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Major Race
Major Race is a concept used throughout Charted Space to classify different alien races, who are assumed to have independently developed the jump drive.
Please see the following articles for related information:
- Humaniti
- Major Race
- Minor race
- Variant Race
- 1 Description (Specifications)
- 2 History & Background (Dossier)
- 3 References & Contributors (Sources)
Description (Specifications)[edit]
There is some disagreement about what makes a Major Race and exactly which species are Major races. A Major Race is generally defined as one that independently developed jump drive technology, allowing efficient interstellar travel. While it is in general agreed there are six Major Races, how they are defined varies a little. All races that are not Major Races are Minor Races by default.
- Even within known space, this is understood to be a somewhat arbitrary distinction and something generally used for promoting the status of one's own race or diminishing another sophont species.
Major Race Data Table[edit]
These are the six major races recognized throughout Charted Space.
- Please note that Humaniti has three recognized major race branches.
Major Race Synoptic Descriptions # Demonym /
Physiology /
Homeworld Origin Jump Drive Polity Canon Note/s 1. Aslan Felidoid
- Humanoid
Kuzu NIL:
- 4,345 worlds
Canon The Aslan are race of felidoids with a human-like morphology (body plan). Their culture and society are highly dynamic and many believe their spirit to be indomitable. They are a species with a high level of sexual and cultural dimorphism. They are also intensely loyal, honorable, ordered, and full of a deep level of respect for nature and life that many admire. 2. Droyne Reptillianoid
- Semi-humanoid
- 50+ worlds
Canon The Droyne are a short, lithe, and agile race of reptillianoid flyers with a mysterious past and lineage. They are known to possess a certain psionic aptitude as well as advanced technology that is wildly different from all other races. Many conjecture that the Droyne are related to: 3. Hiver Echinodermoid
- Non-humanoid
Guaran NIL:
- 4,434 worlds
Canon Hivers are a race of echinodermoid non-humanoids with a modified six-fold radial symmetry known for their large, dynamic empire and advanced technology. They have an exotic psychology that is difficult for others to grasp, but their commercial aptitude is universally recognized. They have no aural (spoken) language and they take a maternal viewpoint to many other beings, preferring to raise as many of them to sophonce as possible. At the same time, their predilection for macrosocial manipulation intimidates many. 4. Humaniti Mammalianoid:
Hominid (Humaniti):
- Terragens
Terra Ancients Independently
Multiple polities
- 20,000+ worlds
Canon Please see Solomani, Vilani, Zhodani, and Imperial Man below. 5. K'kree Centauroid
- Non-humanoid
Kirur NIL:
- 2,000+ worlds
Canon The K'kree are a race of large, centauroid, and non-humanoid hexapods, who bear a superfical resemblance to terran horses. In human terms, one might characterize them as "violently militant vegetarians". They aggressively oppose carnivorous and omnivorous species and their communal, collective, and claustrophobic psychology is very alien in outlook. They have a black and white morality that places most others in a "need to exterminate" category known as G'naak. They are deeply spiritual and possess a will to survive that is matched by none. If one can get past their black and white philosophy, their gregarious, outgoing natures are beloved by many. 6. Vargr Canidoid
- Humanoid
- Terragens
Lair Ancients Independently
- 2,000+ worlds
Canon The Vargr are race of canidoids with a human-like morphology (body plan), who it is widely believed were geneered by the Ancients. Their culture and society are highly dynamic and many believe their spirit to be indomitable. They are a quarreling species that has great difficulty maintaining lasting polities, but still has an intense racial pride and unity of the moment. They possess a Terragenic genetic sequence and it believed that their genome originated at Terra.
Major Race Synopses[edit]
1. Aslan[edit]
The Aslan are a bipedal species of feline appearance, slightly larger than a human. Aslan society has a strict code of honour and very strict gender roles. While at the time of the Imperium there was little or no dispute as to their status as a Major Race, during the Rebellion period it was alleged that the Aslan had attained jump drive through reverse-engineering a crashed Solomani vessel (similar to how the Geonee achieved jump technology -- see below), and allegedly and technically are thus not a Major Race.
- The Aslan government is known as the Aslan Hierate and is a Confederation.
2. Droyne (Ancients)[edit]
The Droyne short-winged bipedal race of reptilian appearance. Though the oldest of the jump capable races, the Droyne were the last to be recognised as such probably because they do not have any empires or regions controlled by their race. The race is scattered across known space. Droyne control some worlds but also share some with other races. The Droyne homeworld is unknown though it is speculated it is probably in the Spinward Marches Sector of the Imperium, as this is where the greatest concentration of Droyne worlds are found.
- Scholarship late in the Third Imperium confirmed that Droyne were the same race as the Ancients. Also the Chirpers, originally thought to be a separate race, have been identified as a Droyne that have reverted back to a primitive form.
- There are many Droyne governments and they tend to be variations on a Hegemony.
3. Hivers[edit]
The Hivers are race based on six-fold symmetry. Of all the major races they both appear and think the most "alien" to most humans. Despite their name Hivers actually have a highly individualistic society. They avoid direct violence and war whenever possible , preferring instead to work behind the scenes via all forms of covert manipulation.
- The Hiver government is known as the Hive Federation and bears some properties of a Confederation, as well as being as close to a stateless society as can be found in the major states of Charted Space. Most Imperial political scientists classify the Hive Federation as a Confederation with strong properties of anarchy.
4. Humaniti[edit]
Humaniti is the spelling used for Humanity in the Traveller Universe. When humans first reached out to travel to the stars most were very surprised to find they were already there. Three sub-species of humans independently developed jump drive technology and are therefore classified as Major Races in their own right.
- The major races of Humnaiti are:
- The Third Imperium, which absorbed much Solomani and Vilani culture, is called an Imperium, or Empire, but is more of a feudal Confederation than a proper textbook Empire.
- Some within the Third Imperium consider Imperial Man to be a new and important branch of Humaniti.
5. K'kree[edit]
The K'kree are a race having 2 arms and 4 legs reminding humans somewhat of Centaurs. They are herd animals and rarely found alone. They are militant and often aggressive herbivores with a disdain for all meat eaters.
- The K'kree government is known as the Two Thousand Worlds and is a feudal Hegemony with strong autocratic properties.
6. Vargr[edit]
The Vargr are a bipedal canine slightly smaller than a human. This species resembles Terran wolves because they are. Wolves taken from Terra were genetically manipulated by the Ancients to a bipedal form in an attempt to create suitable servants.
- The Vargr Extents is the general term used for the area of Charted Space dominated by Vargr polities, which are inherently unstable and short-lived by the standards of Humaniti.
- There are an incredible number of Vargr states, almost all of which are highly unstable and variable in government types. Vargr government is highly balkanized although if there were commonalities, they would be that Vargr tend towards the extreme ends of the government structure spectrum, either towards highly un-centralized government in the form of Confederations, or highly-centralized governments in the form of Empires with supreme autocrats. Vargr governments don't often form a more balanced government such as Federation, Unitary State, or a Hegemony.
Human Major Races & Imperial Man Data Table[edit]
Human Major Races Synoptic Descriptions # Demonym /
Physiology /
Homeworld Origin Jump Drive Polity Canon Note/s 4a. Solomani Mammalianoid:
Hominid (Humaniti):
- Terragens
Terra Ancients Independently
- 1,894 worlds
Canon The Solomani are baseline humans, average in almost every aspect, but also possessing an incredible toughness, spirit, and genetic diversity. 4b. Vilani Mammalianoid:
Hominid (Humaniti):
- Terragens
Vland Ancients Independently
- Part of Imperium
- 10,000+ worlds
Canon The Vilani are shorter, stronger, and swarthier humans with tough digestions and the heirs to an incredible interstellar empire and culture. 4c. Zhodani Mammalianoid:
Hominid (Humaniti):
- Terragens
Zhodane Ancients Independently
- 6,500+ worlds
Canon The Zhodani are taller, tougher, and swarthier humans with a strong psionic aptitude, who have built one of the most harmonious interstellar empires and cultures ever known. 4d. Imperial Man Mammalianoid:
Hominid (Humaniti):
- Terragens
Capital Sylean
Various Multi-world:
- 12,000+ worlds
Canon Blending of Solomani and Vilani human subspecies.
- And that of other Minor Human Races
4a. Solomani[edit]
The Solomani names derives from "Men of the Sol system." It is generally acknowledged that Terra is the original homeworld of Humaniti and that they were spread amongst the stars thousands of years ago by the Ancients. This, and the ease of which the Solomani defeated the Vilani in the Interstellar Wars are cited as arguments for the supremacy of pureblood Solomani by the Solomani Supremacy Movement. In truth very few human gene pools have diverged much and with much intermingling of Solomani and Vilani peoples during the Rule of Man it is almost impossible to distinguish between Solomani and Vilani (and some of the minor human races).
- The Solomani government is known as the Solomani Confederation and is a Confederation with some autocratic properties.
4b. Vilani[edit]
The Vilani developed on Vland. They were the first race of Humaniti to invent the jump drive, and created the First Imperium.
- The Vilani were the rulers of the Ziru Sirka or First Imperium, and that government was a Hegemony. However, the Vilani currently are a part of the Third Imperium. Some argue that the Ziru Sirka was actually a Federation with hegemonic properties.
4c. Zhodani[edit]
The Zhodani are known for their high level of psionic ability and its formal integration into their society.
- The Zhodani government is known as the Zhodani Consulate and is a Psionic Democracy or a Democratic Republic.
4d. Imperial Man[edit]
Imperial Man is primarily a blend of Solomani and Vilani human subspecies, but it also includes genetic variation from many other Minor Human Races. It is widely believed that it has produced: increased genetic variation, physiological vigor, and psychological vigor. However, the term is more of a political designation than a scientific or biological one.
- The Third Imperium, which absorbed much Solomani and Vilani culture, is called an Imperium, or Empire, but is more of a feudal Confederation than a proper textbook Empire.
History & Background (Dossier)[edit]
Other Claimants: Various other races have claimed to be Major Races based on their interstellar travel ability. Some races were later proved to have not developed jump technology themselves but rather found and/or reverse engineered jump drives from Ancients sites or lost modern ships of other races. Other were discounted because their interstellar travel depended on non-jump technologies such as generation ships or sleeper ships using suspended animation.
Major Race Claimant Table[edit]
The following races are not recognized as major races throughout Charted Space.
Minor Race Claimant Synoptic Descriptions Demonym /
Physiology /
Homeworld Origin Jump Drive Polity Canon Notes Daryen AKA Mammalianoid:
Hominid (Humaniti): Minor Human Race
Darrian Ancients Ancients
Multi-world: Canon The Daryen are tall, thin, and willowy human technophiles, who were encountered by the Third Imperium. While many believe them to have been transplanted by the Ancients, it also clear that Solomani explorers have interbred with them in the recent past. The Daryen are independent in 1116. Geonee Mammalianoid:
Hominid (Humaniti): Minor Human Race
Shiwonee Ancients Ancients:
Reverse Engineering
Multi-world: Canon The Geonee are short, squat, and muscular humans with a born mechanical aptitude and a large, former empire that was conquered by the Ziru Sirka. The Geonee Confederation has long been advocating for more autonomy from the Third Imperium. The Geonee are part of the Third Imperium in 1116. Suerrat Mammalianoid:
Hominid (Humaniti): Minor Human Race
Ilelish Ancients NAFAL (STL): Multi-world: Canon The Suerrat are shorter, lithe, agile, and "ape-like" humans with a large, former empire that was conquered by the Ziru Sirka. They later acquired the jump drive from the Vilani. The Suerrat are part of the Third Imperium in 1116.
The Darrians at one point claimed to be a major race branch of Humaniti but were later re-classified as a minor race.
The Geonee claim to be a Major Race as they also developed the Jump Drive.
- Vilani research during the First Imperium showed the Genoee had reverse engineered the Jump Drive from an Ancient archological site on their home world.
The Suerrat claim to be a Major Race as they independently developed interstellar travel.
- However this was based on generation ships, not jump technology, so the claim is not accepted by other races who classify them as a Minor Race.
Major Race Relations: 1116[edit]
No information yet available.
Major Race Relations: 1116 Polity Race/s A. Aslan Hierate B. Droyne Oytrip Yatroy C. Hive Federation D. Solomani Confederation E. Third Imperium F. Two Thousand Worlds G. Vargr Extents H. Zhodani Consulate Notes Aslan Hierate Aslan X No Borders:
No Borders:
No Borders:
No Borders:
No Borders:
The Aslan Hierate is an expansionistic super power with a low level of unification expressed through the Tlaukhu. Droyne Oytrip Yatroy Droyne No Borders:
X No Borders:
No Borders:
No Borders:
No Borders:
No Borders:
No Borders:
They are a mysterious species and remain largely cordial to as many of their neighbors and hosts as possible.
- Droyne remain subordinate to most polities. Some Droyne participate in other societies, but, for the most part, the Droyne remain a society apart.
Hive Federation Hivers No Borders:
No Borders:
X Borders:
No Borders:
No Borders:
No Borders:
The Hive Federation has a goal to raise as many species as possible to sophonce. Solomani Confederation Solomani Borders:
No Borders:
X Borders:
No Borders:
No Borders:
No Borders:
The Solomani Confederation is an expansionistic super power with a noted chauvinism against non-humans.
- The Solomani have been exterminating nearby non-human societies and replacing them with humans and genetically engineered species of their own making known as Variant Races, mostly terragens species.
Third Imperium Humaniti Frontier:
No Borders:
No Borders:
X No Borders:
The Third Imperium is an expansionistic hyperpower.
- The Imperium has a societal goal to preserve order in the relative chaos of Charted Space.
- The relative federalism of the Imperium's "feudal confederation" sometimes leads local sub-polities (duchies, counties, etc.) to conduct interstellar relations contrary to the wishes of the Emperor. These differences don't tend to last for long.
Two Thousand Worlds K'kree No Borders:
No Borders:
No Borders:
No Borders:
X Frontier:
No Borders:
The K'kree have a societal goal to preserve the world for herbivores and eliminate carnivores.
- They have little to no hesitation against committing genocide against those in their way.
- The Two Thousand Worlds has many state secrets and many of their greater motivations remain in the shadows.
Vargr Extents Vargr No Borders:
No Borders:
No Borders:
No Borders:
X Borders:
Vargr atttitudes are always loosely held, with many divergent ideas, since the Vargr Extents are an extremely poorly unified super-polity.
- However, the Vargr have a fierce racial loyalty and pride that allows them to come together in times of need.
- Several societies with in the Vargr Extents, notably the Julian Protectorate, have been successfully experimenting with racially integrated societies of many different species of sophonts.
- Few other societies can match the friendliness and openness to new ideas that is a hallmark of many Vargr societies.
Zhodani Consulate Zhodani Frontier:
No Borders:
No Borders:
No Borders:
No Borders:
X The Zhodani major power is more likely to feel indifference than stronger negative relations.
- They have a societal goal to preserve the use of psionics and foster friendly psionic societies.
- They have a secretive civilization and it is very difficult to determine their true inclinations.
- Marriage (+++)
- Friendship (++)
- Affinity (+)
- Neutral (0) [cordial]
- Emnity (-)
- Hatred (--)
- Genocide (---)
Suspected Major Races: 1116[edit]
References & Contributors (Sources)[edit]
This article was copied or excerpted from the following copyrighted sources and used under license from Far Future Enterprises or by permission of the author.
- Classic Traveller Supplement 8 Library Data (A-M)
- Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master of Sophontology Maksim-Smelchak of the Ministry of Science


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This week's must list: 'Shame', Hot Chelle Rae, Grammy Nominations Concert
On this week's must list, we highlight the release of a certain lightweight pop band's second studio album as well as the reissues of two important LPs from the heyday of alternative music. On the TV front, pop artists including Lady Gaga and Rihanna take over the small screen, while in theaters two new doom-and-gloom releases will keep you chilly going into the final month of 2011.
Hot Chelle Rae, "Whatever" [RCA]
Must Factor: "We're dancing on the edge of the Hollywood sign," sings lead vocalist Ryan Follese on Hot Chelle Rae's double-platinum single "Tonight, Tonight" (one of our Top 25 songs of Summer 2011), which peaked at a lofty #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in July. And it's true - in a metaphorical sense anyway. After the pop band's 2009 debut album "Lovesick Electric" failed to catch fire with the public, their careers looked poised to join the heaps of wannabe superstars at the foot of the famed Los Angeles hillside landmark until "Tonight, Tonight" rescued them from the brink - at least temporarily - when it became a summer 2011 anthem (second single "I Like It Like That" has also proven somewhat successful).
Whether or not they can manage to maintain their balance on the knife's edge of mainstream success with their second LP "Whatever" will determine whether they're doomed for "one hit wonder" status - perhaps a fate even worse than relative obscurity.
The Smashing Pumpkins, "Gish"/"Siamese Dream" reissues [Virgin]
Must Factor: Speaking of "Tonight, Tonight", '90s rock superstars The Smashing Pumpkins used that song title long before Hot Chelle Rae ever did, namely on the fourth single from their 1995 double-album "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness". While that blockbuster LP won't see a lavish re-release until next year, this week fans of the alternative-music juggernauts can pick up deluxe reissues of the band's 1991 debut "Gish" and their 1993 commercial breakthrough "Siamese Dream".
While the contentious Butch Vig-led recording sessions for the two albums are nearly as legendary as the music itself, the excellent tunes from both still hold up excellently today. Each will be made available in both a remastered single-disc edition and three-disc deluxe edition, the latter of which includes rare and previously unreleased tracks and a DVD containing live performances at famed Chicago nightclub The Cabaret Metro, where the classic lineup of Billy Corgan, Jimmy Chamberlin, D'arcy Wretzky and James Iha played their first show together as a band. Forgive me if you're a fan of the band's present-day incarnation (which is frankly more prone to putting out bizarre music videos than regaining any semblance of the Pumpkins' former glory), but there's something bittersweet about listening to their early output and wondering what might have been if they only hadn't flamed out so quickly.
The Grammy Nominations Concert Live! [CBS, 10 PM]
Must Factor: If you didn't get enough of Mother Monster on last Thursday's "Very Gaga Thanksgiving", you can catch her this week on CBS' hour-long "Grammy Nominations Live!" concert special, where the pop superstar be performing live along with other big name artists including Rihanna, Jason Aldean, Usher, The Band Perry, Lupe Fiasco, Ludacris and Sugarland. Given that the announcement of a major rock band reunion which is now pretty certain to be Van Halen has also been teased, it'll be interesting to see how CBS manages to fit all of these A-list artists into a single hour.
You can check out Melinda Newman's 2012 Grammy Awards nominations predictions here, and sign up to receive our instant alerts on the music industry's biggest night on our Grammy Awards fan page.
"Shame" [Fox Searchlight]
Must Factor: Sort of the "Blue Valentine" of 2011 based solely on its NC-17 notoriety (though "Valentine" managed to successfully appeal the rating), director Steve McQueen's "Shame" is nevertheless winning critical raves and has become the subject of major Oscar talk for leads Michael Fassbender (one of our 25 breakout stars of 2011) and Carey Mulligan, not to mention for McQueen and for the film itself.
Telling the story of Brandon (Fassbender), a New York City man who suffers from an all-consuming sex addiction and who must also contend with the arrival of his erratic younger sister Sissy (Mulligan), this downer of a film certainly isn't for everyone, but those who enjoy art cinema with a darker bent will likely find much to admire here.
You can read Drew's review of the film here and In Contention contributor Roth Cornet's interview with Mulligan here.
"Coriolanus" [The Weinstein Co.]
Must Factor: Serving as actor Ralph Fiennes' directorial debut, "Coriolanus" updates the lesser-known Shakespeare tragedy of the same name into a modern-day Roman setting while staying true to the play's original iambic pentameter. Reviews on the festival circuit have been largely positive, and while the film isn't likely to break out with mainstream audiences, Fiennes (Coriolanus) and especially Vanessa Redgrave (as the title character's controlling mother Volumnia) have been pegged as contenders for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress at next year's Oscars.
The film also stars Gerard Butler and Jessica Chastain, the latter of whom is also one of our 25 breakout stars of 2011.