Welcome to another Friday mailbag, where I share comments, questions and ideas that were sent recently by several of you.
“Your column about phone numbers and operators (Tuesday, Feb. 22) brought back lots of memories. During my first year of teaching … when we received a phone call and we didn't answer, the operator would automatically call the school secretary to see if we were at her home. As young teachers, we often hung out at her house, as she was like a second mom to us. The town phone operator knew everything about everybody. I still giggle about that. On another note, you were kind of an ornery, little fart.” – Gladys
I still am. – Shane
“Shane, I enjoyed your article about telephone operators and 1-800 numbers. (Tuesday, Feb. 22) I’m old enough to remember when you could call the operator free of charge just to ask what time it was. Most people today would have no idea what a party line was. … My grandparents shared a party line with three other families. When my grandmother was talking long-distance with her sister, she would occasionally hear the ‘click’ of someone picking up the phone to eavesdrop. At that point, my grandmother and her sister would start talking in German, and there would soon be another ‘click’ as the eavesdropper hung up the phone in frustration! Oh, how far we’ve come.” – Bob
Thanks for the note, Bob. That’s just another reason why we should all learn to speak German. - Shane
“I read each CITYVIEW as I walk the skywalk after lunch at Palmer’s. I don't remember if you have ever done this, but how about featuring the homeless or street people in Around Town whom we see daily on the skywalk? They all are characters and have their stories, especially the regulars in the early evening as they try to avoid security as they look for a sleeping space overnight. Some know specific guards who look the other way. These guys and gals are certainly regulars Around Town... real survivors.” – Lloyd
Great idea, Lloyd. Look for an upcoming piece in CITYVIEW. - Shane
“Shane, your bad boy manipulation of operators (Tuesday, Feb. 22) stained the memory of one of my favorite Jim Croce songs, but I have to salute your creativity and level of instigation at such a young age. ‘Once an instigator, always an instigator – and well-managed, it's called entrepreneurship.’ ” – Brad
I love the quote, Brad. - Shane
“I figured out where some of my Tupperware lids went (Friday, Feb. 18). Everyone in this house knew you do not put the lids on the bottom shelf of the dishwasher because they would warp beyond use. But it happened, and they would mysteriously come up missing.” – Diane
Now that you mention it, I am guilty of that one, too. – Shane
“Your article on Tupperware (Friday, Feb. 18) was so true and so funny. I suggest a Tupperware convention where all Tupperware owners bring their orphan lids and orphan bowls and throw them in a barrel and pull out whatever matches. And if attendees don’t want to participate in the Tupperware match up, they could bring their single socks that have no owner either and title it FIND A MATE. Thanks for a laugh for the day.” - Paula
Paula, that’s the best idea I have read today. Let me know when you get the event set up. - Shane
Have a fantastic Friday, and thanks for reading.
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305 | 
