Welcome to the Friday 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.
“Good morning, Shane. We used to own a toaster oven (The four-slice toaster, March 20, 2025). I never found the toast it made as satisfactory as a pop-up toaster. Since we are empty nesters and more environmentally aware than your electricity-wasting four-slice-toaster sainted mother, we only have a two-slice model. I am willing to bet she left lights on when she left a room.” - John
Mom was quite cheap, actually. I don’t think she knew how much electricity a toaster used. And she really liked toast. - Shane
“Can I reclaim the hours upon days upon weeks I spent playing Risk (Bored games, March 24, 2025)?” - Brad
That’s the risk you took, Brad. - Shane
“I loved your column about showers (Showering types, March 25, 2025). I fall into the morning shower camp. But I also take a shower in the evening as well. Why? Because I also fall into the evening workout camp. I envy those who can get up early and work out. Never been able to do that. So, I take showers before work and another after I work out in the evening. Would be curious to know how many people work out before or after work.” - Kevin
Or not at all. - Shane
“So, once again, you've sensed my need to have a mystery solved by you or your readers (Showering types, March 25, 2025). We stayed in a hotel last night, and while taking a morning shower, I discovered the drain was closed. Why do hotel cleaning staff close the drains of the showers? My left hip is telling me it needs replacement, so it's hard for me to reach the stopping device. Thanks for your clairvoyance.” - John
That’s an easy one. It is to keep the spiders and snakes from getting through the drains. - Shane
Have a fantastic Friday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
