“Shane, here is point for your thoughts on how TV reports don’t capture mistakes in copy (Pass me the Wite-out, Aug. 12, 2025). My wife is an avid ‘proof-reader’ more so than me and catches graphics mistakes in the newscasts of our local stations. After seeing several in one week, she wrote the station and pointed it out. The reply she received was, ‘Thanks and we should be better than that.’ ” – Mike Simpson
“I loved your column on the old chairs (Not ready for the woodpile yet, July 8, 2025). Too many times, people say just throw it out and get new ones, but there’s something special about the old things. Like you said, the memories that went along with them and just the satisfaction that you did it yourself. Good job! – Kris Laidley
One more paint job, and I may change my mind. – Shane
“Hi, Shane. Just a note to tell you I appreciated and enjoyed your editorial today (We Are Americans, July 4, 2025). I agree that we have more to gain by looking at what we have in common rather than focusing on our differences. You have an easy, conversational way of writing that appeals to readers. From one writer to another, keep up the good work!”- JoAnn Alumbaugh
Maybe if we can focus on how we are all alike for one day, we might be able to do it for two days. And then, before we know it, we just might create a habit. – Shane
“Shane, thank you so much for your latest editorial on the 4th of July (We Are Americans, July 4, 2025). It was so on point and timely. We have so much to celebrate with our country, and there is so much noise that so many people can’t appreciate all that this beautiful country has to offer.” – Bill Pierce
And smiling sure feels better than frowning. – Shane
“Shane, I have a couple closely related phrases (Turning, dialing, cranking and rolling, June 17, 2025). I am not as old with personal experience as these stories may make you think I am.
Ice box — I grew up in Dayton, Ohio. Dayton was a GM (General Motors) as well as a NCR (National Cash Register) town. My dad’s only job I remember was with Frigidaire back when GM owned them. He wasn’t a production worker but in management and worked at Morine City just on the edge of Dayton. That plant was enormous (maybe 3-4 miles long) making all kinds of Frigidaire appliances — stoves, refrigerators, air conditioning, etc. Our household was always GM-dominated with the discounts afforded employees for their products including cars. Needless to say, our wedding presents were Frigidaire. Back then, we always, and I still do today, call refrigerators “the ice box.”
Ring up — With the NCR connection, this phrase is still in my vocabulary. I can remember the hardware stores, Five & Dime stores and the butcher all having manual cash registers that the clerk would “ring up” your purchase with the cash register that would “ring’” when they pushed down on the keys and drawer would open.” – Mike Simpson
The real question is, what was in the ice box? – Shane
“I was born and raised in Guthrie Cener and graduated in 1980 and have lived in Des Moines since 1987. I have very much enjoyed what you have done with the GC Times since taking over. You have converted it back to a true hometown paper. Have you read the book ‘Wilhelm’s Way?’ It is about an Iowa-born scientist, Dr. Harley Wilhelm, who was able to revolutionize the way uranium was produced for the Manhattan Project while working at Iowa State University (go Cyclones). The reason I bring this up is, according to the book, Wilhelm spent a year in Guthrie Center coaching and teaching. Turned out his wife was not happy living in GC, so they left. Likely the best thing that ever came about someone not wanting to stay in GC as it allowed the U.S. to develop the atomic bomb before our enemies. Might make for an interesting ‘From the Publisher’ article regarding the GC connection.” – Doug
I think you penned it quite well. Thank you, Doug. – Shane