I agree with you (publisher column, Sept. 9, 2025), but there are two dates that confuse consumers: the best buy date and the expiration date. There is a significant difference, and I still agree with you — looks and smell go a long way. Another expiration thought — all the stuff we store around our places and just need to throw out as we haven’t looked at or used it in years! – Mike Simpson
“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
