Welcome to another edition of the mailbag where you will find some of the comments, questions and ideas sent recently by readers of this newsletter or our publications. They are edited for space and clarity.
“Hi Shane! I was taken back by your comments about federal employees (Hold your judgement, Feb. 19, 2025). I'm sure there are areas that need to be trimmed, however, the way it is happening is not beneficial to anyone. As a retired federal employee, it's very hard to see people losing their jobs so suddenly. Farm Service Agency, for example, is tasked with delivering programs to our farmers and ranchers. If the farmers and ranchers don't get their payments, what happens to the food supply? There is a lot more to think about with these cuts than blanket cuts. I don't have the answer on how to get rid of the ‘fat,’ but this isn't the right way.” - Carol
Regardless of how any of us feel, the disruption is taking place. Time will tell. - Shane
“Good morning, Shane. Starting with the Fisher-Price theme (Unforgettable sounds, Feb. 24, 2025), the neighing sound the ride on horse made when the reins were pulled. Next, the jingling bells of the Good Humor truck announcing its presences, followed by the clinking sound his change-making machine would make (duplicated on a Public Service bus). The buses had a buzzer string you pulled on telling the driver you wished off at the next stop. There are still some places that have a bright bell on the counter you ring to call a clerk. The siren calling the fire department volunteers to respond, also announcing noon. With so many cities right on top of each other, there were distinct sounds for each town's department where I grew up. At night, they'd echo eerily.” - John
I do still love hearing the noon whistle in the towns that still use it. - Shane
“Shane, I remember the noises you shared, but also have one that makes both my husband and I smile when we see the toy at the store (Unforgettable sounds, Feb. 24, 2025). It is the Fisher-Price See & Say. There was one animal, the coyote, that the voice said, ‘The coyote goes…’. Our son, Andrew, who was about 2 at the time, thought it said the coyote ghosts… then he would cover his mouth and gasp. We have no idea where he thought it said ghosts, but it always made us laugh.” - Lu Anne
Coyote ghosts would make me cover my mouth, too. And my eyes. - Shane
“Shane, so many sounds dealing with trains will never leave me (Unforgettable sounds, Feb. 24, 2025). The whistle of a locomotive, the coupling of cars, the bells at a crossing, a conductor announcing, ‘All aboard,’ the ‘put-put’ of track maintenance cars and many more. Really miss those days.” - James
Can't you hear the whistle blowing, Rise up so early in the morn; Can't you hear the captain shouting, "Dinah, blow your horn!" - Shane
“Hi, Shane. I owned the Mattel Electronics Football II version — and still have it (Unforgettable sounds, Feb. 24, 2025)! This one allowed you to pass the ball to a blinking receiver once the linemen crossed the line of scrimmage. Did you have this version as well?” - Daniel
Oh, you had the fancy one. - Shane
“Church bells. Town whistle. Stock car engines racing from the fairgrounds on a Friday night (Unforgettable sounds, Feb. 24, 2025). In baseball, the crack of the bat for a hit. The sound of an opened pop top from an ice-cold beer. The crack of pool balls on a pool table. The blast from rockets igniting for another space mission. Hockey goals horns plus the ice crackling from a skaters pivot, turn, leap or stop. The swish of a basketball through a nylon net. And, I am still waiting for the perfect strike of a golf ball off a driver from the tee. I can always hope.” - Rex
There is something about those soothing, small-town sounds. Thank you, Rex. - Shane
Have a thoughtful Thursday, and thank you for reading.
Shane Goodman
