: About Me

Good day! I'm Joe, just plain ol' Joe.

In 2004, after 20 years running in the rat race we call Corporate America, work, for me, had become just that - work. A means to an end - and not a really enjoyable one either. So I decided that I needed a creative outlet. I didn't know what that would be, until a friend told me she was starting a new venture, a local newspaper for our town. She asked me if I'd write a humor column for the paper and be her "Andy Rooney." Now Andy has about 30 years on me and a lot more chuckles behind him, but I liked the idea.

And thus was born my weekly humor column, Joe's Two Cents.

Surprisingly, the column caught on quickly. Suddenly people were stopping me in the supermarket, telling me how much they liked that last article It was a great feeling to know I could actually make people laugh. "Light wiseguy" had always been a trait of mine.

Joe's Two Cents earned me awards for Humor Columnist of the Year from the New Hampshire Press Association in both 2005 and 2006. In 2007, the column received 1st place for Best Personal Column from the Independent Free Papers Association. That same year, I compiled 40 of my most popular articles, took a bunch of related photos, and published my first book "it's Great to Be Alive!" That's on my web site www.joes2cents.com.

My humor notoriety led to other ventures. I began MC'ing charity events, holding political fundraisers, even hosting celebrity roasts. I ran for Town Council and won in 2005. As Chairman from 2007-2008 , I learned that humor even has its place in defusing tough political situations. My latest project is a local show entitled "Kid Talk" - for those who can remember, this project is loosely based on the old Art Linkletter (and later Bill Cosby) show called "Kids Say the Darndest Things."

And life goes on! I still work for a living, but my writing has invigorated my life. And hopefully put a smile or two on the faces of others!

My passion is ...

humor. There's something funny in every situation. But you need to know when to verbalize it.

I know too much about ...

nothing. And too little about everything.

My parents always told me ...

to listen to them. And I'd always answer, "What?"

My childhood ambition ...

to be John Wayne. It didn't work out.

My favorite memory ...

Riding in a speed boat with my grandfather when I was 6 years old.

Why I write ...

It's fun to create a story that someone enjoys and even more fun when they let you know.

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

I read a lot of history and historically-based novels. I listen to talk radio for entertainment value, and never miss a Red Sox game on TV.

My first job ...

Stockboy in a 5&10 Cents Store. What else would I do at the age of 14, eh?

My best moment ...

the birth of my kids. There's nothing more rewarding, nothing.

My inspiration ...

My family. We are mutually supporting. They have been the impetus for many of my stories - and haven't killed me yet...

Parenting & Pregnancy > Parenting Tips Packing fun and memories into your kid's 'snow day'

7 of 8

Snow Days "I just saw a few flakes! I think it's starting already," gushed the young boy. Giddy with excitement, he and his sister were staring out the window of their living room, into the darkness of an early winter night. "What's started?" called their father from his LazyBoy in the next room. "The snowstorm!" they chimed in unison. Do you think we'll have a snow day tomorrow?" "I don't think so, guys. The weatherman said we can expect one to two inches. That's not enough for a day off." But the kids knew better. This was, after all, the year 2005; not 1960 when their Dad was in grade s...

More..

Writing:

• Marketplace Approved Writer
• Helium Charter Member