Supply chain issues abound. At least that’s what they say. It’s in the headlines (though I did not actually read those articles) Late night talk show hosts make jokes about it so it’s probably hard to get some stuff. Also, I happen to know that you procrastinated. You have not bothered to so much as even browse in person, let... READ MORE >
Erik Simula grew up in the small city of Duluth, Minnesota but he dreamed of being a wilderness guide. When he was seventeen, Erik moved to Ely, Minnesota and, working with Outward Bound, took a big step towards fulfilling that dream. One of his tasks was working with sled dogs. Erik immediately found a new passion. In 1986, Erik was... READ MORE >
The winter solstice is nearly upon us. There are many things associated with this day. It is the first day of winter. It is also the longest night of the year. There is a precise time of day, 9:58 a.m., where the sun is at its lowest height in the sky. But the most important thing about the Winter Solstice... READ MORE >
There is a long tradition of throwing this hearty holiday baked good known as “the fruitcake” under the bus. There are top ten lists – Things to do with a fruitcake! 7) Paperweight; 4) Doorstop; 2) Anchor your boat. One town in Colorado holds an annual fruitcake toss. And the first late night titan, Johnny Carson, cracked a good one... READ MORE >
Rob ventured North, far North, almost as far North as anyone on this planet can go, to the true North Pole (not to be confused with the magnetic North Pole) and sat down with Elmer the Elf. ROB: I appreciate you squeezing me in. I understand it’s your busy season. Elmer: Honestly, other than Christmas Eve, I’ve got time. R:... READ MORE >
Gratitude, which comes from the Latin gratia, means grace, graciousness, or grateful, is a wonderful thing. Studies show the more gratitude you have, the happier you are. Who do you think is happier, the guy in his new home, grateful for the roof over his head? Or the nitpicker going on and on about the fact that the house has... READ MORE >
Every year, a few days before Thanksgiving, the President of the United States of America pardons two turkeys. Most turkeys are denied clemency and suffer the same fate as 46 million others. They become a Thanksgiving entrée. And lunch on Friday. Sometimes Saturday, too. Though many letters are sent, only two are granted pardons. Here are this year’s winners. Dear... READ MORE >
I saw eggnog in the store. It was Halloween. I did not check the expiration date, but I assume it was not a holdover from last year. This means the eggnog is from this year. Which means someone, somewhere thinks the holiday season has begun. And I would like to plead: Wohhhhh there, Nellie. Hold the phone! I do not... READ MORE >
Gary the Ghost is long gone from this world but occasionally comes back for a visit. We sat down, (well, I sat, he hovered) somewhere between this world and the next. Rob: Thanks for taking the time. Gary: Time is something I have in abundance. R: Yes, what does eternity feel like? G: Have you ever spent a winter in... READ MORE >
How do you like them apples? They say “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” but I’ve never seen a plum fall farther. And it’s not like the pear even qualified for the long jump. And don’t get me started on citrus. So why do they pick on the apple? Is it because of one bad apple? Or is... READ MORE >
