Perhaps eating Devil's Food cake does insidiously lead to mixed dancing. One cannot be too careful. I do know that Depaul University in Chicago had its own contretemps involving its Blue Demons. Ultimately, it was resolved, as follows from The Chicago Tribune (September 1998):
"The concern about having a demon as a mascot for a Catholic university apparently was assuaged by the fact that the nickname came from the days when DePaul's athletes wore letter sweaters and were called D-men."
Concerning the posting of the Ten Commandments in various government buildings around the country, it’s probably worth nothing many of these displays were originally erected as part an ad campaign for the 1956 movie “The Ten Commandments”.
Here’s a pointer to an article that describes the campaign:
“[…] in the 1950s, Cecil B. DeMille teamed with the Fraternal Order of Eagles to kick off donations of 4,000 6-foot granite tablets depicting the Ten Commandments to municipalities nationwide.”
Pretty sure the Ft Benning name change post credits the woman who was married to Lt Col Hal Moore. My late friend Joe Galloway told his and her story in “We Were Soldiers Once…And Young.” It’s a remarkable story about great courage and legitimate patriotism..
I’m sure, as an English major, Garrison is well aware of all this, but other folks who might not know the piece, may enjoy reading the following, which is likely the crown jewel of all cat poems, I.e. Christoper Smart’s “For I will consider my Cat Jeoffry”:
(Actually, this is a simply a relatively short selection from Smart’s much longer poem “Jubilate Agno”. According to legend Smart, being confined to prison (or a madhouse; accounts differ) wrote “Jubilate Agno” over a long period of time at the rate of one line per day.)
If you happen to see this, and you don’t mind answering this, I have a question about the newly-released “Cheerfulness”.
Are plans in the works for an audiobook version of the book?
(Hard copy is wonderful, of course (I own copies of all the books), but still, there’s nothing quite like listening to you read them.
This is especially true with your recent, more personal books, like “That Time of Year”, and --a particular favorite, perhaps because I’m smack in the middle of the books target audience-- “Serenity at 70, Gaiety at 80”. Each, a joy and a comfort to hear.)
Anyway, I hope this is being considered.
Thanks
[One small thing I will admit a small disappointment about, is that the audio version of “Wobegon Boy” is abridged (so far as I can determine this is only audiobook version of one of your novels to be abridged). This is my personal favorite of your books. Being from the Midwest there’s so much in this book that I recognize. In particular the depiction of John’s father’s funeral was just perfect. Oh well, another good reason to return--once more-- to the print version.]
I’ve been a fan since way back, here across the pond we seem to have forgotten the art of storytelling in our recent populist media, now like you in my eighties I simply sit and watch and remember when we had brits who could write beautiful things, and stir our emotions, as we know it all begins with words, thank you for being as you say, like myself, ‘happy to be here’
Didn't see the Ten Commandments posting. I am now reading some about Danish Bishop and great hymn writer N.F.S. Grundtvig (1783-1872) who advised against continuing with ancient Hebrew civic laws that now fail to relate to contemporary liberal Lutheran thought. Grundtvig is well worth looking at. His hymn "O Day Full of Grace" is one of the best. Warmest Regards, M. T. Lundholm
In case the Caesar Salad comments make you now crave for some, minus the Roman guilt, Cardini's Caesar dressing is available and has been for a long time in supermarkets. Perhaps because I live in California (where it hails from, sorry for the can't help it use of hail), it's easily found and not bad. Enjoy the day and whatever salad you choose to eat.
Joni Mitchell's "Clouds" is a stupid song? Whoa, hold on their bub. Would you put a stupid song on the air? Well, you have, a number of them. Stupid is such an unkind word. I'm five years your junior and know enough that gumpy is as grumpy speaks. You should have listened to Polonius and reserved the thought from ever becoming word. The entire body of a composer's work includes pieces of greater and lesser worth. Spittin' a watermelon seed at a song you don't like cheapens the conversation. Did you ever attend a summer sleep-away camp? Every campfire is loaded with stupid songs and kids who glory to singing them. As a writer who has touched my heart many times, please be gentle with songsters who have also deeply moved me.
You write: "...a purely materialistic view of reality does not come down in favor of honesty, only of self-preservation." You may have in mind by "pure" materialism something overly reductive we might agree in repudiating, but in general this sort of swipe at matter is misplaced. Materialists are not by definition amoralists or egoists. William James, a great friend of religion, had this to say on the subject:
"To anyone who has ever looked on the face of a dead child or parent the mere fact that matter COULD have taken for a time that precious form, ought to make matter sacred ever after. It makes no difference what the PRINCIPLE of life may be, material or immaterial, matter at any rate co-operates, lends itself to all life's purposes. That beloved incarnation was among matter's possibilities."
My husband and I have been listening to you, singing along with you, and laughing at your stories for many, many years. Have been fortunate to have attended several shows. Our children loved tapes of your monologues, and would remind their dad not to leave me at a rest stop, as Florian once left Myrtle…… We’re on the road from Iowa to St. Paul at the moment, and at our ages (seventies) rest stops are most important! I put in an order for a signed copy of Happiness some time ago, and was afraid my order had been misplaced. I enquired by email, and a lovely answer came back from a staff person that signings were delayed due to your bout with Covid. Hope you are recovering nicely, regain your full strength, and continue making so many people happy. You have an efficient, polite and conscientious staff! Best regards, Katrina
Wandering Sioux Jun 5, 23 Sometimes we make the mistake of thinking that if someone has a lot of money, there might be something “Wrong” about it. Jeff Bezos comes to my mind. I see those Amazon trucks tooting around, and think of poor workers in rural areas working for pittances, and drivers who are shackled with long, weary routes for minimal pay, and it seems as if Jeff’s idea of “making money” means “All in my Piggy Bank, nothing for anyone else.” I could be wrong – but it’s an image that floats in front of me every time I see an Amazon delivery truck.
On the other hand, I get the distinct impression that you care about people, and the world. Yes, you choose to live in New York City, but being married to a stellar-quality musician would practically limit your choice of residence – unless you chose Philadelphia, or perhaps Berlin, for their Philharmonics.
And – the question is, What Do You Do with the gelt you have? You tour the country, and preach the Gospel of “Love Your Neighbor, and the Poor, and the Stranger, and even those with mixed gender identities, such as myself! In other words - “Love One Another!” just as Jesus taught! If Jesus were around today, in order to reach the MASSES of folks on this globe, he’d probably need a bankroll ten times yours!
I guess what I’m saying is, it’s not how much one has in the bank, but what one does with it! And for all the “Brotherhood” you’ve fostered in the radio world over the years, and the readership you’ve developed in print and online – in my book, you’re Ten Times the benefit to society as anyone such as Jeff Bezos is!
You’re not Jack Benny with his gelt stored in his flooded basement with an alligator (or was it a crocodile?) guarding it! It’s Not What You Have, but What You Do With It! And when it comes to Our Precious Prairie Home Companion Host – all we can say is “Keep On Keeping ON!
Grundtvig helped write the Danish constitution too I think after the King stepped down from being autocratic. He also started the folk school system, was against exams as he felt they were a form of violence against the students (most interesting) and I think is the father of the "Happy Danish Lutheran Synod" as opposed to the somewhat sour piety of Kierkegaard. I'm much taken with his happier and grateful theology. Is that what you've come to now in your 80's?
WanderingSioux Jun 5 23 In reply to Fred Lauritsen, you spoke of “divesting yourself of treasure…” It seems to me that we, in our Capitalist world, can be too quick to equate money with “treasure.”
Yes. There are people among us who equate their “worth” with what “Their Bottom Line” is. Jeff Bezos immediately comes to mind. Every time I see an Amazon truck, I think of low-wage workers in isolated mountain towns, almost literally “Slaving Away” to fill Amazon orders. And when those trucks pass me, I wonder how pressured those drivers feel, to fulfill their quotas, whether they’re aching for rest or not. I’m not aware of the full situation, to be sure, but it seems to me that Mr. Bezos lifestyle might truly be putting itself between Jeff and the Lord.
On the other hand, because your spouse is a world-class musician, you’re practically obligated to reside in an expensive location – Philadelphia, New York or Berlin – some place with a fine orchestra and the life style that goes with it.
As far as “Your Treasure” goes, the treasure you’re truly giving the listening and reading world is the sense that “All the World’s People are Brothers” – as Beethoven wrote in his 9th Symphony. The “monetary treasure” that comes your way is what permits you to bring that message to audiences far and near!
To me, you’re “A Worker In The Fields Of The Lord” – and this compensation is what allows you to reach the people who really need to hear the message! And your message will probably live on for ages – long after Mr. Bezos greed has turned to dust!
I can’t quote the proper scripture right now – but I imagine that somewhere there’s something to say that the strict value of treasures of gold isn’t what can be counted, but what good comes from them.
And then, there’s the old standby: “Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You.”
Jeff Bezos seems to be into “Rob Peter to Pay Me!” On the other hand, your messages are of enlightened beings becoming aware of folks – as people, not as & and Cent signs! I think of a waitress, Doris, in a Café, and how she treated folks who sat at her counter equally, and brought joy to the town. I’m sure, if I asked, you could think of many, many Lake Woebegon folks who treated their neighbors with respect, regardless of their financial situation!
Frankly, I don’t think that any treasure you have accumulated stands between you and The Lord! In order to have an impact in this Capitalist society, you need a voice. The voice comes with $$$ if it’s going to be heard. I can’t really speak for The Lord, but it seems to me that with Him, all your finances are “Perfectly In Order!”
So! If the situation calls for it, go right on out and buy that new pair of red shoes! Don’t worry about potential critics who might think “He’s In The Money!” You need a certain presence to Do The Lord’s Work! And in my book, and in the book of millions of your fans out there, I’d bet, the last thing they’d worry about would be the health of your bank account!
Here is a poem about cats that you might enjoy:
I'm indifferent to cats.
I've never wanted one,
But I think I have one.
He lives under a porch.
Just outside the kitchen door
Where we go in and out of the house.
He's mostly gray and his fur and face.
Look like he's electrified.
We met when I dropped a sandwich
And before I could count to five
He appeared and jumped on it.
He hissed at me and I said "Shoo."
He shooed with the sandwich.
The next day I left him some
Roasted lemon chicken.
The next day was meatloaf,
(My mother's recipe.)
Then there was some thick sliced bacon,
And the next an extra burger from Wendy's.
He still hisses at me.
I'm worried about his cholesterol
So today he's getting oatmeal.
I don't care what he says..
Perhaps eating Devil's Food cake does insidiously lead to mixed dancing. One cannot be too careful. I do know that Depaul University in Chicago had its own contretemps involving its Blue Demons. Ultimately, it was resolved, as follows from The Chicago Tribune (September 1998):
"The concern about having a demon as a mascot for a Catholic university apparently was assuaged by the fact that the nickname came from the days when DePaul's athletes wore letter sweaters and were called D-men."
Concerning the posting of the Ten Commandments in various government buildings around the country, it’s probably worth nothing many of these displays were originally erected as part an ad campaign for the 1956 movie “The Ten Commandments”.
Here’s a pointer to an article that describes the campaign:
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-aug-26-oe-stange26-story.html
Quoting from the lede of the article:
“[…] in the 1950s, Cecil B. DeMille teamed with the Fraternal Order of Eagles to kick off donations of 4,000 6-foot granite tablets depicting the Ten Commandments to municipalities nationwide.”
Garrison,
Pretty sure the Ft Benning name change post credits the woman who was married to Lt Col Hal Moore. My late friend Joe Galloway told his and her story in “We Were Soldiers Once…And Young.” It’s a remarkable story about great courage and legitimate patriotism..
"...that stupid Joni Mitchell song..." Rather harsh, don't you think?
Concerning poems about cats:
I’m sure, as an English major, Garrison is well aware of all this, but other folks who might not know the piece, may enjoy reading the following, which is likely the crown jewel of all cat poems, I.e. Christoper Smart’s “For I will consider my Cat Jeoffry”:
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45173/jubilate-agno
(Actually, this is a simply a relatively short selection from Smart’s much longer poem “Jubilate Agno”. According to legend Smart, being confined to prison (or a madhouse; accounts differ) wrote “Jubilate Agno” over a long period of time at the rate of one line per day.)
Good morning Garrison.
If you happen to see this, and you don’t mind answering this, I have a question about the newly-released “Cheerfulness”.
Are plans in the works for an audiobook version of the book?
(Hard copy is wonderful, of course (I own copies of all the books), but still, there’s nothing quite like listening to you read them.
This is especially true with your recent, more personal books, like “That Time of Year”, and --a particular favorite, perhaps because I’m smack in the middle of the books target audience-- “Serenity at 70, Gaiety at 80”. Each, a joy and a comfort to hear.)
Anyway, I hope this is being considered.
Thanks
[One small thing I will admit a small disappointment about, is that the audio version of “Wobegon Boy” is abridged (so far as I can determine this is only audiobook version of one of your novels to be abridged). This is my personal favorite of your books. Being from the Midwest there’s so much in this book that I recognize. In particular the depiction of John’s father’s funeral was just perfect. Oh well, another good reason to return--once more-- to the print version.]

Richard Vaughan
I’ve been a fan since way back, here across the pond we seem to have forgotten the art of storytelling in our recent populist media, now like you in my eighties I simply sit and watch and remember when we had brits who could write beautiful things, and stir our emotions, as we know it all begins with words, thank you for being as you say, like myself, ‘happy to be here’
Didn't see the Ten Commandments posting. I am now reading some about Danish Bishop and great hymn writer N.F.S. Grundtvig (1783-1872) who advised against continuing with ancient Hebrew civic laws that now fail to relate to contemporary liberal Lutheran thought. Grundtvig is well worth looking at. His hymn "O Day Full of Grace" is one of the best. Warmest Regards, M. T. Lundholm
Dear Mr. Keillor:
In case the Caesar Salad comments make you now crave for some, minus the Roman guilt, Cardini's Caesar dressing is available and has been for a long time in supermarkets. Perhaps because I live in California (where it hails from, sorry for the can't help it use of hail), it's easily found and not bad. Enjoy the day and whatever salad you choose to eat.
Joni Mitchell's "Clouds" is a stupid song? Whoa, hold on their bub. Would you put a stupid song on the air? Well, you have, a number of them. Stupid is such an unkind word. I'm five years your junior and know enough that gumpy is as grumpy speaks. You should have listened to Polonius and reserved the thought from ever becoming word. The entire body of a composer's work includes pieces of greater and lesser worth. Spittin' a watermelon seed at a song you don't like cheapens the conversation. Did you ever attend a summer sleep-away camp? Every campfire is loaded with stupid songs and kids who glory to singing them. As a writer who has touched my heart many times, please be gentle with songsters who have also deeply moved me.
You write: "...a purely materialistic view of reality does not come down in favor of honesty, only of self-preservation." You may have in mind by "pure" materialism something overly reductive we might agree in repudiating, but in general this sort of swipe at matter is misplaced. Materialists are not by definition amoralists or egoists. William James, a great friend of religion, had this to say on the subject:
"To anyone who has ever looked on the face of a dead child or parent the mere fact that matter COULD have taken for a time that precious form, ought to make matter sacred ever after. It makes no difference what the PRINCIPLE of life may be, material or immaterial, matter at any rate co-operates, lends itself to all life's purposes. That beloved incarnation was among matter's possibilities."
Pragmatism, Lecture III
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/5116/5116-h/5116-h.htm#link2H_4_0005
Dear Garrison,
My husband and I have been listening to you, singing along with you, and laughing at your stories for many, many years. Have been fortunate to have attended several shows. Our children loved tapes of your monologues, and would remind their dad not to leave me at a rest stop, as Florian once left Myrtle…… We’re on the road from Iowa to St. Paul at the moment, and at our ages (seventies) rest stops are most important! I put in an order for a signed copy of Happiness some time ago, and was afraid my order had been misplaced. I enquired by email, and a lovely answer came back from a staff person that signings were delayed due to your bout with Covid. Hope you are recovering nicely, regain your full strength, and continue making so many people happy. You have an efficient, polite and conscientious staff! Best regards, Katrina
Wandering Sioux Jun 5, 23 Sometimes we make the mistake of thinking that if someone has a lot of money, there might be something “Wrong” about it. Jeff Bezos comes to my mind. I see those Amazon trucks tooting around, and think of poor workers in rural areas working for pittances, and drivers who are shackled with long, weary routes for minimal pay, and it seems as if Jeff’s idea of “making money” means “All in my Piggy Bank, nothing for anyone else.” I could be wrong – but it’s an image that floats in front of me every time I see an Amazon delivery truck.
On the other hand, I get the distinct impression that you care about people, and the world. Yes, you choose to live in New York City, but being married to a stellar-quality musician would practically limit your choice of residence – unless you chose Philadelphia, or perhaps Berlin, for their Philharmonics.
And – the question is, What Do You Do with the gelt you have? You tour the country, and preach the Gospel of “Love Your Neighbor, and the Poor, and the Stranger, and even those with mixed gender identities, such as myself! In other words - “Love One Another!” just as Jesus taught! If Jesus were around today, in order to reach the MASSES of folks on this globe, he’d probably need a bankroll ten times yours!
I guess what I’m saying is, it’s not how much one has in the bank, but what one does with it! And for all the “Brotherhood” you’ve fostered in the radio world over the years, and the readership you’ve developed in print and online – in my book, you’re Ten Times the benefit to society as anyone such as Jeff Bezos is!
You’re not Jack Benny with his gelt stored in his flooded basement with an alligator (or was it a crocodile?) guarding it! It’s Not What You Have, but What You Do With It! And when it comes to Our Precious Prairie Home Companion Host – all we can say is “Keep On Keeping ON!
Grundtvig helped write the Danish constitution too I think after the King stepped down from being autocratic. He also started the folk school system, was against exams as he felt they were a form of violence against the students (most interesting) and I think is the father of the "Happy Danish Lutheran Synod" as opposed to the somewhat sour piety of Kierkegaard. I'm much taken with his happier and grateful theology. Is that what you've come to now in your 80's?
WanderingSioux Jun 5 23 In reply to Fred Lauritsen, you spoke of “divesting yourself of treasure…” It seems to me that we, in our Capitalist world, can be too quick to equate money with “treasure.”
Yes. There are people among us who equate their “worth” with what “Their Bottom Line” is. Jeff Bezos immediately comes to mind. Every time I see an Amazon truck, I think of low-wage workers in isolated mountain towns, almost literally “Slaving Away” to fill Amazon orders. And when those trucks pass me, I wonder how pressured those drivers feel, to fulfill their quotas, whether they’re aching for rest or not. I’m not aware of the full situation, to be sure, but it seems to me that Mr. Bezos lifestyle might truly be putting itself between Jeff and the Lord.
On the other hand, because your spouse is a world-class musician, you’re practically obligated to reside in an expensive location – Philadelphia, New York or Berlin – some place with a fine orchestra and the life style that goes with it.
As far as “Your Treasure” goes, the treasure you’re truly giving the listening and reading world is the sense that “All the World’s People are Brothers” – as Beethoven wrote in his 9th Symphony. The “monetary treasure” that comes your way is what permits you to bring that message to audiences far and near!
To me, you’re “A Worker In The Fields Of The Lord” – and this compensation is what allows you to reach the people who really need to hear the message! And your message will probably live on for ages – long after Mr. Bezos greed has turned to dust!
I can’t quote the proper scripture right now – but I imagine that somewhere there’s something to say that the strict value of treasures of gold isn’t what can be counted, but what good comes from them.
And then, there’s the old standby: “Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You.”
Jeff Bezos seems to be into “Rob Peter to Pay Me!” On the other hand, your messages are of enlightened beings becoming aware of folks – as people, not as & and Cent signs! I think of a waitress, Doris, in a Café, and how she treated folks who sat at her counter equally, and brought joy to the town. I’m sure, if I asked, you could think of many, many Lake Woebegon folks who treated their neighbors with respect, regardless of their financial situation!
Frankly, I don’t think that any treasure you have accumulated stands between you and The Lord! In order to have an impact in this Capitalist society, you need a voice. The voice comes with $$$ if it’s going to be heard. I can’t really speak for The Lord, but it seems to me that with Him, all your finances are “Perfectly In Order!”
So! If the situation calls for it, go right on out and buy that new pair of red shoes! Don’t worry about potential critics who might think “He’s In The Money!” You need a certain presence to Do The Lord’s Work! And in my book, and in the book of millions of your fans out there, I’d bet, the last thing they’d worry about would be the health of your bank account!