Did you get a Kindle, Nook, Ipad or other e-reader for Christmas? This week I am offering free downloads of THE NEXT STEP and/or THE MILK MARKET to crabbyoldrunner visitors.

They are available in any format at http://www.smashwords.com. To get the downloads FREE you need a “code” at Checkout. Email me at dennis@themilkmarket.com and I will reply with the codes. PLEASE include the word “crabby” in your email title. Happy New Year!

THE NEXT STEP How to start over again…..when life gives you a second chance.
Ebook (all formats)
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/55230

THE MILK MARKET A thriller about a missing child, a victim of a toxic mix of pedophilia and greed.
Ebook (all formats)
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/4007

It’s a great way to keep the kids in line, at least for those who know about the direct connection to Santa Claus. They may not need the reminders: Do your homework, don’t fight, do your chores, be polite, share!

It works for kids. Sadly, too many of us are at the age where it doesn’t work. We choose to be nice to our friends but naughty to anyone who screws up or disagrees or gets in our way. It’s easy to be nice when we are feeling good, but naughty when we are hungry, tired or crabby. Nice when we have plenty of time. Naughty when traffic is congested and we are late.

In traffic, the real problem is anonymity. If no one knows you or knows your car, you can get by —you don’t need to be responsible or nice. We used to live in a small town where tailgating, speeding or dangerous passing would be noticed and would earn unpleasant comments. But big city, big traffic? No one knows who cut them off or who grabbed that parking space ahead of the other guy.

Naughty or nice? Well, it is the season to ask the question. Now that the kids are being good, maybe we need to work a little harder at our own nice. And its a good time to remember whose birthday we are celebrating, too.
Merry Christmas!

THE NEXT STEP How to start over again…..when life gives you a second chance.
Ebook (all formats)
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/55230

In Print and Kindle http://www.amazon.com/Next-Step-Dennis-Leger/dp/1460939999

In Print and Nook http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/the-next-step-dennis-leger?store=book

I don’t know what disappoints me more: the mismanagement of the Las Vegas Zappo’s Rock and Roll Marathon/Half Marathon, or the local LV media’s reports that everything went “smoothly.”

It was obvious that no local reporter had run the event or the coverage would not have been so rosy. And equally obvious was the fact that the event is managed for profit with little regard for the customers.

But why should reporters go to the trouble of asking runners what they thought? One phone call to the organizers told them everything they were supposed to know. And why should the organizers, Rock and Roll aka Competitor Group, bother to put on a great event when it’s so easy to just take the 7 million dollars less expenses, put in an appearance and go on to the next profit center in Miami.

They have certainly sent me back to my running roots. I learned again why I appreciate running by myself in open country. No one to trip me or run me over. No amateurs (who are sure they can walk 13 miles happily walking four abreast) wondering why runners are in such a hurry. I didn’t get a chance to tell any of them that they can walk the Las Vegas strip any time. They didn’t need to sign up and pay $155 for a rather ordinary t-shirt.

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to run in a Half Marathon with 38,000 participants you can stop wondering. That’s too many runners. Add 6,000 running the Full Marathon and you have a disaster. Here is a link to a well written letter from a runner who was calm enough afterwards to sum it up:
https://www.facebook.com/RnRLasVEgas/posts/10150420294957739

Here is the longish Half Marathon route by my son’s GPS (the extra distance might have been from dodging around walkers):
http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/60093252

THE NEXT STEP How to start over again…..when life gives you a second chance.
Ebook (all formats)
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/55230

In Print and Kindle http://www.amazon.com/Next-Step-Dennis-Leger/dp/1460939999

In Print and Nook http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/the-next-step-dennis-leger?store=book

—Park Rapids, Minnesota, 1951

It was my mistake—my fault—I should never have told Sam that his dashboard clock was wrong! He was resetting it with both hands when we went off the road at about 50 miles an hour. We bounced along in the ditch at a crazy angle.

Sam landed on my lap then on the next bounce he grabbed for the steering wheel, pulled himself over and gave it a big twist to get back on the highway. Sod and gravel sprayed over the hood as the front bumper tore into the steep side of the ditch. We careened back into the ditch before finally coming to a stop.

We were stuck. And we had destroyed a section of barbed wire fence. Now a herd of dairy cows was moving toward the gap in the fence, ready for a chance to escape. At least they were thinking about it.

I was 10 years old and my friend Sam was probably 75. In his little cabin on the west end of Lake Belletaine, Sam usually had soda pop and store-bought cookies to entertain anyone who came to visit. I can’t remember what we talked about on my visits, but I think he was always happy to have company, even a ten year old boy. We had become friends because of my sweet tooth and his loneliness.

I knew that Sam was not much bigger than an elf, but back then I hadn’t noticed how much he looked like Santa Claus. He had a red face and thick snow white hair. His thick glasses made his eyes look huge. Red suspenders held up his pants because a belt just wouldn’t work and when he laughed his round belly shook like—well, like a bowl full of jelly.

Although everybody in the neighborhood knew that he was legally blind, Sam was a travelling salesman. We understood that the Blue Jay corn brooms he sold to stores were made by the Society for the Blind. He drove his territory in a brand new 1951 Packard sedan.

One summer morning Sam asked me if I wanted to ride into Park Rapids, seven miles to the west. What kid isn’t always up for a trip to town? When I ran home to get permission, nobody was there. That was a yes! A definite yes! But now Sam and I were stuck in the ditch. And there was a whole herd of cows ready to venture out onto Highway 34.

I know I shouldn’t have reminded Sam that his clock was wrong, but my big lesson for the day was still ahead of me.

On a hill about a half mile away, we saw a farmer on a tractor. My mission? A cross-country run across a hilly pasture. But when I reached the field, the tractor was driving away faster than I could run. A farm boy might have waited for the tractor to turn and come back, but I was a lake boy, and I had to follow that farmer and get his attention. After all, his cows were going to escape!

But then a farm boy would have known about manure spreaders and would have known better than to try to chase one down on foot. But I was a lake boy, now involved in a messy business. Even if I avoided the airborne product, the footing was slippery and unpleasant. I finally got the farmer’s attention and I suppose he was surprised and quite amused by the sight of me.

After I breathlessly described the problem he said, “That’s not my pasture. Those ain’t my cows,” and he went on spreading manure. By the time I hiked back to highway, a passerby had notified the dairy herd’s actual owner and Sam was waiting for someone to pull his car back on the road.

My Mom drove up just then, a little shocked by the sight of me. She brought me home for a bath and a change of clothes, a smarter and cleaner boy for the experience.

I wonder if life was trying to teach me a more important lesson. Isn’t it true that we need to wade through a lot of manure in order to discover the truth and the meaning of life?

THE NEXT STEP— How to start over again…..when life gives you a second chance.
Ebook (all formats)
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/55230
In Print and Kindle http://www.amazon.com/Next-Step-Dennis-Leger/dp/1460939999
In Print and Nook http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/the-next-step-dennis-leger?store=book

What is your initial response to a new or different idea? To a new approach? To someone else’s idea?

Many of us respond automatically with argument. We are trained to think critically so we immediately look for the faults, dangers, or conflicts in a new concept. At times we even straddle that fine line between critical and cynical. If Intelligence is defined as the ability to make fine distinctions, we certainly make those distinctions here!

Of course, it would be a mistake to respond positively to every new and untested idea. Our doubts support an approach that is safe, conservative and cautious. It “wouldn’t be prudent” to leap before looking. But then, at times common sense may be defined as the ability to ignore fine distinctions. Sometimes we need to consider the possibilities and to give a new idea a chance.

Some people are naturally positive. Some negative. Those differences between us account for our reactions to change. Yet it seems sensible and logical, in spite of our make-up, to accept new ideas provisionally. Then with reasonable discussion, good judgment and some reality testing a case can be made “for “or “against.” If we give every idea reasonable consideration, most of our decisions can be wise.

The bonus is in social situations. Listening to and giving fair consideration to other opinions will sooth and smooth our relationships. Often, the ability to withhold judgment (even temporarily) is a virtue. With patience we can take advantage of the best ideas while sensibly rejecting the poor ones. On every level we can be more effective.

Automatic argument, on the other hand, shoots holes in good ideas before they can be refined or perfected.

My new novel: THE NEXT STEP How to start over again…..when life gives you a second chance.
Ebook (all formats) http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/55230
In Print and Kindle http://www.amazon.com/Next-Step-Dennis-Leger/dp/1460939999
In Print and Nook http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/the-next-step-dennis-leger?store=book

In case you missed it, this non-political piece by George Will appeared in the Sunday
newspaper. “Considering What it means to be 70 years old”

He cites Casey Stengel’s reaction, when told he was too old to manage the Yankees,
“I’ll never make that mistake again!”

Then he quotes Mark Twain on his health, “I am not ruggedly well, but not ill enough to
excite an undertaker.”

HERE’S THE QUICK LINK—IT’S A SHORT ARTICLE!
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20110509/COLUMNIST/110509632/0/APN

This was a really good non-partisan article. It has to be of interest to everyone, of any age.
I wish those younger than 70 would at least read the last paragraph.

PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT MY SECOND NOVEL available IN PRINT and EBOOK
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/55230
http://www.amazon.com/Next-Step-Dennis-Leger/dp/1460939999/

I AM excited to Announce the publication of my second novel THE NEXT STEP.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Dennis Leger
EMAIL: dennis@themilkmarket.com
All WRITERS AND REVIEWERS: See Special Invitation Below

Knowing what you know now, Would you be willing to start over? Begin life again?
The Crabby Old Runner’s second Novel, THE NEXT STEP, available now….. is about a second chance.
Could David salvage the life that he had squandered as a youth? The chaplain had rescued him and helped him plan for the future, but he was making new enemies to go with those he had brought with him from Illinois. Falling in love with Nora had raised the stakes. Suddenly there was so much more to lose! But he had been taught to take life’s challenges in steps, one at a time. And he knew he would need help, every step of the way.

THE NEXT STEP can be found on Amazon.com retailing for $ 12.95
http://www.amazon.com/Next-Step-Dennis-Leger/dp/1460939999/
THE NEXT STEP E-book is available in all formats at
http://www.smashwords.com/book/view/55230

Most users understand that Facebook is nothing more (or less) than a large gathering of friends and acquaintances. It is an opportunity to catch up, be social and even pull out the wallet to show pictures. It’s a large Reception like a graduation or wedding celebration.

But imagine walking into this party, getting up on the stage, grabbing a microphone and demanding everyone’s attention. Instead of proposing a toast, you start spouting your religious or political views or letting everyone know you are selling Life Insurance and vacuum cleaners.

You follow up with a rant against this or that. Against Republicans or Democrats. Against Christians or Muslims. Perhaps you want to join the Obama and Bush bashers in that special Purgatory for those who just know they are right and love to share their opinion.

Maybe, for you, part of being “social” is revealing your passions. In self-righteous angst you are certain that all of your friends must agree. You are certain that they see it your way! Well, guess again!

Sorry, for me it’s no longer social when people ask for my soul, my money or my vote. I give them almost as much attention as I give to the zealots in dark suits who bring salvation to my front door. Got an axe to grind? There are literally thousands of blogs, web sites, chats, where your opinion would be valued. Want to direct people to a site that reflects your opinion? I suggest that you post the Link. Then your FB friends can decide for themselves if they want to share.

Here’s mine: The Friendship Rule at http://www.scribd.com/doc/31089871/The-Friendship-Rule

Need a break? A short vacation? Read THE MILK MARKET a thriller about missing children.
Read reviews at http://www.themilkmarket.com
FREE download of the first 100 pages
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/4007

They needed food, so we sent them guns.

For as long as I can remember, the U.S. has sent Billions of Dollars to other countries—-to buy peace, influence, popularity and a clear conscience. Included in that foreign aid were billions in cash that enriched corrupt tyrants and billions that purchased military weapons to support their regimes. Since 2007, we have spent more (of our Foreign Aid dollars) for military assistance than we have spent for economic development.

At the same time, we were spending more billions of dollars to subsidize American farmers because overproduction of FOOD had caused its price to fall below the cost of producing it. There were years when dairy farmers were pouring milk down the drain in a desperate attempt to get a fair price for their product.

Elsewhere in the world, while people were starving or struggling to feed their children, we were making sure they were well armed. During the cold war, we competed with the Russians to see who could export more military influence by sending weapons to countries that couldn’t manufacture their own. Afghanistan is the perfect example. So now we live in a world full of military weapons, many of which are ready to be used to kill young Americans.

Even now, there is no shortage of ammunition. When Arabs celebrate a wedding (or a funeral) by raising their automatic weapons and shooting wildly into the air, it is clear there is plenty of ammo. I doubt that most of them have reloading equipment, supplies and expertise. Somebody is still providing rounds for their AK47s, M14s, or their weapons of choice. Someone, probably from our own defense industry, must still be providing ammunition.

I’m not against guns. I love them for sportsmen. I love them in the hands of the law and our military AND for personal security. But moral issues aside, or immorality aside, what happened to common sense? We let potential friends starve while we armed them with weapons that could eventually be used against us! And we still allow ammunition to be shipped from the United States and its allies? Do we have any leaders who can stop the madness?

Where are all the missing children? Read THE MILK MARKET a thriller about missing children.
Read reviews at http://www.themilkmarket.com
FREE download of the first 100 pages
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/4007

How could an uneducated, unqualified Idaho farm boy, still in high school, invent television? Be a world game-changer? At 14, Philo Farnsworth was inspired by his father’s plowed fields. He dreamed that electronic images could be created line by parallel line. His inventive ideas did go to the top, but that was in 1928 and the early 1930s. They were simpler times. Today, a genius needs a PHD and very good connections or his bright ideas will be ignored.

Clearly, Farnsworth was a genius. But was he the last genius? There are no more? Maybe there isn’t a solution out there for every problem, but how will we know if we usually suppress creative new ideas? We will never know if the attitude at the top is expressed like this:

1. You’re not important. We don’t have to pay attention to you.
2. It wasn’t my idea, so how good can it be?
3. Staff doesn’t have time to look at every letter or email.
4. What do you know about it? You’re not an expert.
5. That would never work!
6. That’s never been done before.
7. We’ve always done it this way.
8. When we want your opinion we’ll ask for it.
9. We’re busy here. Don’t bother us with ideas.
10. We’re smarter than you.

Technology firms like Microsoft and Apple frequently surprise us with new developments. Do their ideas all originate at top management? Probably not! If a janitor has a bright idea at Apple, do you think he’s ignored? Creativity has to be appreciated and encouraged in companies that want to be leaders in their industries.

Almost every institution faces problems that management can’t solve. The larger the organization, the less likely a good solution or idea will surface. Of course, some issues are too complex for easy solutions. So the struggle goes on year after year, from crisis to crisis, as mediocrity is accepted and creativity is denied.

Here’s an example: RECYCLE UNUSED MEDICINE
We probably throw away—flush down the drain—send to the landfill—billions of dollars worth of prescription drugs every year. At the same time, people who need them and can’t afford them, go without, in our country and in developing countries. And while toxic medicines are entering streams and groundwater, millions of patients are buying (or going without) drugs to replace them.

With appropriate care and safeguards, we can recycle unused medicine. Several states already permit this with proper care from licensed pharmacists. If a pharmaceutical is in original packaging, can pass a careful inspection and is not out of date, shouldn’t it be made available? If not here, somewhere in the world?

Given a choice between NO medicine—and a medicine that is too expensive—I would gladly take a recycled product that had been properly inspected and approved. Patients in third world countries should have that choice! Among statements 1 to 10 above, which ones will be used to kill this idea?

HAVE YOU SEEN THE MILK CARTONS? Where are all the missing children? Read THE MILK MARKET a thriller about missing children.
Read reviews at http://www.themilkmarket.com
FREE download of the first 100 pages
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/4007