I too love cold weather provided it is not too cold. I feel uneasy when it gets to the teens or below. That is what some people call "pipe bursting" weather and no one wants frozen water pipes.
But a week or so ago we had a good snow fall of about 3 inches and the woods and countryside were beautiful for several days. Those cold clear sunny days without much wind are my favorites. Those cold days when the warm sun feels good.
I also worry about people like the Uber driver, pizza delivery drivers, truck drivers and others who essential foot the bill for engaging in their jobs. I believe that the Uber driver has to provide his automobile, gas, and cell or smart phone at his expense. Plus, he/she has to be ready to respond to calls so he/she might not be free to do something else. Often the driver is considered to be an individual contractor and so is probably not getting social security, health insurance, or other benefits. I have not done any calculations but feel that these drivers are probably actually making three or four dollars an hour (if they kept accurate time records) plus they are using up their vehicle. It is another case of huge corporations profiting on the backs of meagerly paid people.
Yes, many people nowadays love to ridicule scientists and other people who read or have an interest in the intellectual life. It calls to mind the old saying that "in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king." The people who believe in knowledge and learning must have tremendous advantage over the people who do not believe in knowledge or learning.
I will testify for the legions of friends, artists, creative types, or those simply disengaged from being able to figure out a steady income, that tried being an Uber driver....and yes, you are correct in your perceptions. Most of them earn an actual $2-5 per hour, with several actually in the negative column.
I enjoyed your column today and agree with you that a nice shot of cold weather can be uplifting. Here in Virginia we are currently experiencing a healthy cold snap, which I am appreciating, at least for a while.
However, I was quite surprised to learn that you are an avid customer of Amazon. I suppose I had assumed that, as someone who made a living waxing nostalgic about small town values and charms, you would lean more toward small businesses rather than a corporate behemoth well known for squeezing out the little guy and treating its workers like disposable commodities. I have never bought from Uncle Jeff, and when I have mentioned that to others I have never gotten a response defending his business practices. Instead I get a sheepish look and a "well, yeah, I know....".
Anticipating your usual response of something along the lines of "I'm too old to change things" , let me say that I, too, am playing the back nine of life (although you're a few holes closer to the clubhouse). However, no matter our age we can always decide where our money goes, and, as Jesus pointed out, there our heart goes also. I try to use my treasure in ways, even small, that can be helpful to others as well as meeting my needs. If this means paying a little more and needing to leave the house, I'm happy to do so. You have quite a bit more coin than I, so you could make even more of a difference.
On another note, in my view your best show ever was the first Final Show. I bought the four cassette recording and listened to it so much I can still quote lines from the monologue and skits (Buster the Show Dog is my favorite), and occasionally hear some of the songs in my head. Thank you for so many years of listening pleasure.
We have winter for a reason, for without it we would become complacent. We'd end up spending our days doing things we love to do like riding bicycles, going to the beach and, for the more adventurous like me, ride their motorcycles for hours and days on end. The less ambitious would egg Mr. Bezos's bottom line ever so higher and irradiate themselves with the glow of their computer monitors, tablets and ever growing flat screen TV's. While stabbing their fat stubby fingers the next "Ooo, I need this" item Amazon flashes up on the "For you" header. Do I need a fur sink or a heated mailbox? No, but Amazon thinks I do.
My wife and I moved from New Jersey to the south coast of North Carolina in November (2021) to avoid the high taxes, high cost of living, capitalize on the housing market and to a lesser extent, run from New Jersey's relentless winters. We do however miss the occasional snow fall that quiets everything. I often think that what the world needs is to experience the majesty of a 20" snowfall that happens over 2-days. For in that two days, no one would move, nothing would happen and the world would be quiet for a change. And I think that's what I love about a snowfall, it gets quiet. There is peace. You can hear yourself breathe....
....Meanwhile back inside, the less ambitious are stabbing their portly fingers at the squishy red rubber stress ball that Amazon says they need.
People around here say they hope for a "hard winter" to kill insects. I don't know exactly which insects they have in mind. But I like Winter because I like cool weather instead of the heat and humidity that we get in the warm part of the year. Cool weather makes one feel like doing things. With kindest regards.
While I’m “typing” this on my iPhone with one clumsy index finger with a nail that needs trimming (and sans reading glasses) you probably typed your latest mental perambulations on a desktop computer, ensconced in the comfort of your office in a high-rise apartment in the bit city of New York. I hope you can appreciate how challenging it is to make a coherent Post to the Host without prematurely hitting the “Post” button, but I can’t resist kidding you about the glaring typo in your title. But then, I’m accustomed to composing Comments to the NYT and the WAPO (which I always proof-read before posting) on my iPhone for years, since, as a poor but literate artist, I couldn’t buy a desktop computer until the pandemic forced me to teach online from the comfort of my own home office that looks out on a meadow and a woods with only birds, squirrels and deer to distract me from my mental ramblings.
Any guys who say, "Pearson’s Salted Nut Rolls" are among my faves. Those tasty bars are among the good things in life we can count on. As for the sad excuse for our politics and shameful shoutings at each other, even with our masks on, and the unfethered opinionaires from the bastion of "all the news that should be fit to print," forget them all and stick with the Salted Nut Roll. That we can count on.
Enjoyed all this as usual. Our great nephew Sam as a child used to memorize new words. One morning at breakfast he said out of the blue “ I had an epiphany last night!
Amazon will be supplanted by something else. When one considers that Walmart has been a mega powerhouse a measly 40 years, and Amazon is already more than half that age, there will be something new that comes along. Maybe everyone will have a personal 3D printer in their back yard that mfg's. whatever comes to mind.
If we know what the world looks like, the real trick is coming up with a good cast of characters, a coherent plot, and financing for the time it will take to write a dystopian novel depicting all of it.
If you look at the history of the retail business, there are many companies that had great success but then went into decline and fell by the wayside. When I was a youth, we had W. T. Grant, Woolworth, Woolco, K-Mart, Kresge, and many others which I forget.
Amazon is essentially a Walmart that conducts its business online.
I think that the explanation of the history of the retail business is that most retailers operate on a fairly lean margin and these big retailers have to have very good management. The retail business changes quickly based on consumer demand and management needs to run their stores efficiently. No matter how good management is, sooner or later they will slip up and costs will creep up, consumer tastes will change, and the retailer goes into decline. If a big retailer like Walmart does go into decline, it is very hard to turn around.
Witness what happened to Sears, K-Mart, Toys-are-Us, etc.
At least that is my theory.
So, I agree that at some point Amazon and Walmart will decline and be supplanted by others.
I believe you are correct. Retail is largely, or completely, a logistics business predicated on fashion trends (excluding food, of course). Amazon figured out how to get stuff where it needed to go cheaper, faster, and better than anyone else. My question is when will folks understand they don't need 7/10ths of the crap they accumulate?
That is a good question. What will happen if people stop buying all the crap that they buy? Have you ever watched the people that go into Costco? Most of them seem eager to get inside and find some "bargains."
I love Costco but the negative is that their stores are often very crowded, and the self-checkout is cumbersome. And often times we are buying stuff that we don't need.
What a phrase: "revolt by superstition against science.." Superstition the state of the fear and irrational reaction to the unknowing. We are moving backwards and, as such, are feeling more and more lonely. Hence, the rage on the streets of what once upon a time an open and welcoming nation.
I hear the kids on the elementary school playground, next door to me, each day they are allowed to roam the outdoors. They keep me, a long retired teacher, grounded and renewed. The sounds of the living, in sharp contrast to the memorial garden on the opposite side of the street. Quiet, except for a cal arcade of cars arriving to say “good byes” to loved ones. Thank you for reminding me of the blessing of snow, kids and local shopping. Have an amazing day crafting your always delightful essays on life in the city.
I appreciate your resistance to making your posts into op-ed columns. This one, though, was well worth the transgression. Thanks for your clarity and your heart.
Another really good column. Let's hear it for the little guy, who is all of us, save those who think they aren't on a par with the rest of us. I hope Baldy Bezos still knows how to enjoy a good slide in the snow 'cos one day he's a-gonna get it and the simple pleasures of life are all that will be left him and his ilk. You see, I'm a romantic too. Hooray for the cabdriver, who understands.
I love the word ‘epiphany”. It’s a state of mind and state of grace. To have a divine manifestation would inspire a personal conversion and a refocus of your life mission. This is how saints are cemented to their eternal purpose. A conversion of spirit and an awakening to their future. It’s the selflessness of becoming an instrument of the almighty in his divine plan.
Epiphany is also a moment of pristine clarity to your reality that can cause pause to your conscience. To be honest, these moments are few and come at surprising times. Just when you’re muddling through your day not expecting anything but the ordinary and like lighting it flashes the revelation, opening your eyes to the truth.
The epiphanies in my life included falling in love with my wife, seeing my children born and experiencing the death of a loved one. My epiphanies all involved the people that I love so that makes me think that love might be a divine purpose. To love someone has many emotions and life changing aspects. You become the person you are meant to be, generous, caring, selfless, thoughtful, and hopeful. It makes you into someone you always wished you could become.
Good column, Garrison.
I too love cold weather provided it is not too cold. I feel uneasy when it gets to the teens or below. That is what some people call "pipe bursting" weather and no one wants frozen water pipes.
But a week or so ago we had a good snow fall of about 3 inches and the woods and countryside were beautiful for several days. Those cold clear sunny days without much wind are my favorites. Those cold days when the warm sun feels good.
I also worry about people like the Uber driver, pizza delivery drivers, truck drivers and others who essential foot the bill for engaging in their jobs. I believe that the Uber driver has to provide his automobile, gas, and cell or smart phone at his expense. Plus, he/she has to be ready to respond to calls so he/she might not be free to do something else. Often the driver is considered to be an individual contractor and so is probably not getting social security, health insurance, or other benefits. I have not done any calculations but feel that these drivers are probably actually making three or four dollars an hour (if they kept accurate time records) plus they are using up their vehicle. It is another case of huge corporations profiting on the backs of meagerly paid people.
Yes, many people nowadays love to ridicule scientists and other people who read or have an interest in the intellectual life. It calls to mind the old saying that "in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king." The people who believe in knowledge and learning must have tremendous advantage over the people who do not believe in knowledge or learning.
Best wishes to everyone and have a nice life.
I will testify for the legions of friends, artists, creative types, or those simply disengaged from being able to figure out a steady income, that tried being an Uber driver....and yes, you are correct in your perceptions. Most of them earn an actual $2-5 per hour, with several actually in the negative column.
Oh, come on, I bet NYC is at least two bits.
wonderfully specific thanks!
Mr. Keillor,
I enjoyed your column today and agree with you that a nice shot of cold weather can be uplifting. Here in Virginia we are currently experiencing a healthy cold snap, which I am appreciating, at least for a while.
However, I was quite surprised to learn that you are an avid customer of Amazon. I suppose I had assumed that, as someone who made a living waxing nostalgic about small town values and charms, you would lean more toward small businesses rather than a corporate behemoth well known for squeezing out the little guy and treating its workers like disposable commodities. I have never bought from Uncle Jeff, and when I have mentioned that to others I have never gotten a response defending his business practices. Instead I get a sheepish look and a "well, yeah, I know....".
Anticipating your usual response of something along the lines of "I'm too old to change things" , let me say that I, too, am playing the back nine of life (although you're a few holes closer to the clubhouse). However, no matter our age we can always decide where our money goes, and, as Jesus pointed out, there our heart goes also. I try to use my treasure in ways, even small, that can be helpful to others as well as meeting my needs. If this means paying a little more and needing to leave the house, I'm happy to do so. You have quite a bit more coin than I, so you could make even more of a difference.
On another note, in my view your best show ever was the first Final Show. I bought the four cassette recording and listened to it so much I can still quote lines from the monologue and skits (Buster the Show Dog is my favorite), and occasionally hear some of the songs in my head. Thank you for so many years of listening pleasure.
Greg Stick
Roanoke, VA
We have winter for a reason, for without it we would become complacent. We'd end up spending our days doing things we love to do like riding bicycles, going to the beach and, for the more adventurous like me, ride their motorcycles for hours and days on end. The less ambitious would egg Mr. Bezos's bottom line ever so higher and irradiate themselves with the glow of their computer monitors, tablets and ever growing flat screen TV's. While stabbing their fat stubby fingers the next "Ooo, I need this" item Amazon flashes up on the "For you" header. Do I need a fur sink or a heated mailbox? No, but Amazon thinks I do.
My wife and I moved from New Jersey to the south coast of North Carolina in November (2021) to avoid the high taxes, high cost of living, capitalize on the housing market and to a lesser extent, run from New Jersey's relentless winters. We do however miss the occasional snow fall that quiets everything. I often think that what the world needs is to experience the majesty of a 20" snowfall that happens over 2-days. For in that two days, no one would move, nothing would happen and the world would be quiet for a change. And I think that's what I love about a snowfall, it gets quiet. There is peace. You can hear yourself breathe....
....Meanwhile back inside, the less ambitious are stabbing their portly fingers at the squishy red rubber stress ball that Amazon says they need.
People around here say they hope for a "hard winter" to kill insects. I don't know exactly which insects they have in mind. But I like Winter because I like cool weather instead of the heat and humidity that we get in the warm part of the year. Cool weather makes one feel like doing things. With kindest regards.
Ticks aren't insects, but a hard winter does a decent job at reducing their numbers.
Dear English Major Extraordinaire,
While I’m “typing” this on my iPhone with one clumsy index finger with a nail that needs trimming (and sans reading glasses) you probably typed your latest mental perambulations on a desktop computer, ensconced in the comfort of your office in a high-rise apartment in the bit city of New York. I hope you can appreciate how challenging it is to make a coherent Post to the Host without prematurely hitting the “Post” button, but I can’t resist kidding you about the glaring typo in your title. But then, I’m accustomed to composing Comments to the NYT and the WAPO (which I always proof-read before posting) on my iPhone for years, since, as a poor but literate artist, I couldn’t buy a desktop computer until the pandemic forced me to teach online from the comfort of my own home office that looks out on a meadow and a woods with only birds, squirrels and deer to distract me from my mental ramblings.
Any guys who say, "Pearson’s Salted Nut Rolls" are among my faves. Those tasty bars are among the good things in life we can count on. As for the sad excuse for our politics and shameful shoutings at each other, even with our masks on, and the unfethered opinionaires from the bastion of "all the news that should be fit to print," forget them all and stick with the Salted Nut Roll. That we can count on.
Enjoyed all this as usual. Our great nephew Sam as a child used to memorize new words. One morning at breakfast he said out of the blue “ I had an epiphany last night!
What an enjoyable read! You connected with this one.
Amazon will be supplanted by something else. When one considers that Walmart has been a mega powerhouse a measly 40 years, and Amazon is already more than half that age, there will be something new that comes along. Maybe everyone will have a personal 3D printer in their back yard that mfg's. whatever comes to mind.
If we know what the world looks like, the real trick is coming up with a good cast of characters, a coherent plot, and financing for the time it will take to write a dystopian novel depicting all of it.
If you look at the history of the retail business, there are many companies that had great success but then went into decline and fell by the wayside. When I was a youth, we had W. T. Grant, Woolworth, Woolco, K-Mart, Kresge, and many others which I forget.
Amazon is essentially a Walmart that conducts its business online.
I think that the explanation of the history of the retail business is that most retailers operate on a fairly lean margin and these big retailers have to have very good management. The retail business changes quickly based on consumer demand and management needs to run their stores efficiently. No matter how good management is, sooner or later they will slip up and costs will creep up, consumer tastes will change, and the retailer goes into decline. If a big retailer like Walmart does go into decline, it is very hard to turn around.
Witness what happened to Sears, K-Mart, Toys-are-Us, etc.
At least that is my theory.
So, I agree that at some point Amazon and Walmart will decline and be supplanted by others.
Best wishes and have a nice life.
I believe you are correct. Retail is largely, or completely, a logistics business predicated on fashion trends (excluding food, of course). Amazon figured out how to get stuff where it needed to go cheaper, faster, and better than anyone else. My question is when will folks understand they don't need 7/10ths of the crap they accumulate?
That is a good question. What will happen if people stop buying all the crap that they buy? Have you ever watched the people that go into Costco? Most of them seem eager to get inside and find some "bargains."
I love Costco but the negative is that their stores are often very crowded, and the self-checkout is cumbersome. And often times we are buying stuff that we don't need.
I enjoyed discussing the retail business, but we are leaving for Costco. So, I am through with discussions for today. Kindest regards.
What a phrase: "revolt by superstition against science.." Superstition the state of the fear and irrational reaction to the unknowing. We are moving backwards and, as such, are feeling more and more lonely. Hence, the rage on the streets of what once upon a time an open and welcoming nation.
Thanks for the memories, Keillor.
Selective memory in the "once upon a time" sentence. Open and welcoming, sort of, sometimes. It's a great idea, though.
I hear the kids on the elementary school playground, next door to me, each day they are allowed to roam the outdoors. They keep me, a long retired teacher, grounded and renewed. The sounds of the living, in sharp contrast to the memorial garden on the opposite side of the street. Quiet, except for a cal arcade of cars arriving to say “good byes” to loved ones. Thank you for reminding me of the blessing of snow, kids and local shopping. Have an amazing day crafting your always delightful essays on life in the city.
I appreciate your resistance to making your posts into op-ed columns. This one, though, was well worth the transgression. Thanks for your clarity and your heart.
Another really good column. Let's hear it for the little guy, who is all of us, save those who think they aren't on a par with the rest of us. I hope Baldy Bezos still knows how to enjoy a good slide in the snow 'cos one day he's a-gonna get it and the simple pleasures of life are all that will be left him and his ilk. You see, I'm a romantic too. Hooray for the cabdriver, who understands.
Editor’s note: You caught me! Late night work makes one’s eyes less clear and fingers a bit lazy.
I love the word ‘epiphany”. It’s a state of mind and state of grace. To have a divine manifestation would inspire a personal conversion and a refocus of your life mission. This is how saints are cemented to their eternal purpose. A conversion of spirit and an awakening to their future. It’s the selflessness of becoming an instrument of the almighty in his divine plan.
Epiphany is also a moment of pristine clarity to your reality that can cause pause to your conscience. To be honest, these moments are few and come at surprising times. Just when you’re muddling through your day not expecting anything but the ordinary and like lighting it flashes the revelation, opening your eyes to the truth.
The epiphanies in my life included falling in love with my wife, seeing my children born and experiencing the death of a loved one. My epiphanies all involved the people that I love so that makes me think that love might be a divine purpose. To love someone has many emotions and life changing aspects. You become the person you are meant to be, generous, caring, selfless, thoughtful, and hopeful. It makes you into someone you always wished you could become.