Welcome to the Friday mailbag where you will find some of the comments, questions and ideas sent recently by subscribers of this newsletter or our publications. They are edited for space and clarity.

“The downside is the amount of shrinkage (retailer speak for theft or loss) retailers are experiencing (Self-checkout kiosks, Oct. 23, 2023). I know for a fact there have been times I have accidentally not scanned an item in my hurry to be done and to keep the line moving. Out of frustration. I said, oh the heck with it, and walked out without paying for that individual item. These frustrations are turning into moral dilemmas for many of us and, quite frankly, I shouldn’t have to be put in that situation. I am to the point I am ready to buy EVERYTHING online because at least the check-out system on an online point of sale is smooth, transparent and easy to operate most of the time. I see more retailers, especially the small mom and pops, losing market share to online retail as customers just don’t want to be bothered with the hassle of self-check-out.” - Lori

I am with you, but I don’t think the commandment reads, “Thou shall not steal, unless thou are in a hurry to be done and keep the line moving.” - Shane

“My grampa had such a soft heart (Bats, Oct. 31, 2023). I remember my brother and my cousin standing in the backyard of Grampa’s house throwing rocks at the bats that circled his home. Of course, I wasn’t allowed to play with them, so I was thrilled when Grampa came out and threatened to take a switch to them if they didn’t stop. And I will never forget when Grampa found a dead bat in his yard (natural causes not boys). He actually had tears in his eyes as he dug a hole in the yard to bury it, as he did with all the little creatures he came across that he had to lay to rest. I’m sure, if asked, he could have recited all the good they do for the environment. I always knew he was a man born way ahead of his time, and, once again, his love of bats proves it.” - Lori

He didn’t have a sidekick named Robin, did he? - Shane

“I just started reading today's Daily Umbrella (Mood rings, Nov. 1, 2023). Yes, I have an old mood ring. I gave it to my mother in the 1970s and have inherited all her stuff. So I ran to the drawer where I have it all, and there, in all its glory, is the mood ring. Had a hard time getting it over my aged knuckles, but it worked. Yellow with a bit of purple on an outside edge. So what does that mean? At least not that I'm dead, I guess.” - Margaret

It means you are wonderful. Thanks for the note, Margaret. - Shane

“Shane, I did have a mood ring as a kid in the 1970s (Mood rings, Nov. 1, 2023). However, after the Vikings’ fourth Super Bowl loss, it turned bright red, then black, and cracked. Never wore it again.” - Kevin

You didn’t give that mood ring to Kirk Cousins, did you? - Shane

Have a fantastic Friday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman 

President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com

View Shane Goodman's archived columns from past issues here.

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The price of regular unleaded gasoline fell 8 cents, averaging $3.11 across Iowa according to AAA. Prices are down 43 cents from a year ago. The national average on Wednesday was $3.41, down 5 cents from last week’s price.

Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 14 cents this week with a statewide average of $4.37. One year ago, diesel prices averaged $5.13 in Iowa. The current Iowa diesel price is 2 cents lower than the national average of $4.39.

Wholesale ethanol held steady and is currently priced at $2.16.

Propane prices held steady with a statewide average of $1.54 per gallon.

Home heating oil prices fell 33 cents, with a statewide average of $3.58 per gallon.

Natural gas prices fell 46 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $3.09/MMbtu.

Tips for saving energy on the road or at home are available at energy.gov and fueleconomy.gov.