David Zera commented
on "A Life in Black and White"
Aug 2, 2026
a thoughtful
window into a person's soul. Wonderful!
Unknown commented on "Malted Milk Memories"
Jul 5, 2026
Hope you had a
great 250th celebration with a big malted milk on the side.
In Response to a comment by
Ron Collin
David Zera commented
on "Malted Milk Memories"
Jul 4, 2026
Ron C expressed my
feelings exactly! WOW
In Response to a comment by
Ron Collin
Ron Collin commented on "Malted Milk Memories"
Jul 4, 2026
The Yarnspinner
has done it again.
A story can be so vivid and emotionally rich that you slip into its world and
feel yourself living alongside the characters, almost as if you’ve become part
of their cast.
I need a milkshake!!
The Yarn Spinner commented on "From Malted Milks to the Milky Way"
Jun 20, 2026
And comments like
yours not only add depth to the discussion but also provide insight into the
lives, experiences, and perspectives of others. One of the things I enjoy most
about writing is the opportunity to hear from readers whose stories and
memories help bring the subject to life in ways I never could not imagine even
in the Twilight Zone.
Ron C. commented on "From Malted Milks to the Milky Way"
Jun 20, 2026
Dear Yarn Spinner,
During our youth, we used to be able to order either a shake or a malted shake
(your choice, chocolate, strawberry or vanilla).. I prefer the added flavor
that malt adds to a shake. I usually carry some Horlichs Malted powder in the
glove compartment, and when I actually have access to the person in the
restaurant (not fast food) I ask if they would add some of the malt powder to
the shake when being made. Very distinct and enjoyable flavor is the result.
Your stories are nostalgic. Thank you!!!!!
David Zera commented
on "From Malted Milks to the Milky Way"
Jun 20, 2026
another great
story, Ron!
Unknown commented on "Memorial Day"
May 23, 2026
Thank you for
these stories
Ron C. commented on "Memorial Day"
May 23, 2026
Excellent, Ron.
Thank You!
Rick Larson commented on "When You Mess with Mother Nature"
May 12, 2026
Excellent story. I
knew a bit about the rabbit wars, but this was very interesting. Thanks for the
rest of the story...good day !
David Zera commented
on "The Good Old Days"
Apr 12, 2026
Another
interesting article! Thank you!
David Zera commented
on "Farfel"
Mar 16, 2026
I'm a bit to young
to have watched this but I was fascinated about the topic as always, a great
story!
LEN commented on "Farfel"
Mar 14, 2026
HI RON, AS ALWAYS,
ANOTHER GOOD MEMORY JOGGER FROM THE PAST. THANKS FOR SHARING AND KEEP THEM
COMING.
Ron C. commented on "Farfel"
Mar 14, 2026
The Yarnspinner
came up with another good one. I remember Jimmy Nelson and Danny O'Day from
early days on television, but I seem to remember a second dummy
"Humphrey", that Jimmy worked with. Farfel was such a loveable
character. Those Nestlé Quik commercials were never long enough. Thanks, Ron.
Unknown commented on "Ron the Yarn Spinner"
Mar 2, 2026
👍👏
The Yarn Spinner commented on "Fatal Attraction"
Feb 28, 2026
Though age may
sliver a man’s hair, even deny him his locks, his heart still stirs in the
presence of a lovely woman.
Groucho Marx:
“Age is not a particularly interesting subject. Anyone can get old. All you
have to do is live long enough.” LOL
Unknown commented on "Fatal Attraction"
Feb 28, 2026
After reading The
Yarn Spinner's story "Fatal Attraction", I certainly understand the
force that works on mosquitos. A beautiful, sophisticated woman, wearing a
delicate perfume, with an almost elusive fragrance, has the same affect on me!
Ron C.
David Zera commented
on "The Boogeyman"
Feb 15, 2026
I love your
stories!
Unknown commented on "The Boogeyman"
Feb 14, 2026
Say “Boogeyman”
three times while looking in a mirror in a dark room… the Boogeyman might
emerge!
David Zera commented
on "Bad Luck in Disguise"
Jan 31, 2026
Another great
missive
Unknown commented on "Ron the Yarn Spinner"
Jan 31, 2026
I enjoy your
stories!
David Zera commented
on "In Tune With Life"
Jan 19, 2026
Very nice! , Ron.
:)
David Zera commented
on "Rock-ola"
Jan 3, 2026
another nice
missive.
LEN ZEPKA commented on "Left to Our Own Devices: A Modern Christmas
Story"
Dec 22, 2025
HOW VERY TRUE. I
HAVE SEEN THIS WAY TOO OFTEN. IT SEEMS AS THOUGH THEY HAVE FORGOTTEN HOW TO
VERBALLY COMMUNICATE WITH OTHERS. LOL
David Zera commented
on "Left to Our Own Devices: A Modern Christmas
Story"
Dec 21, 2025
Another
interesting missive.
David Zera commented
on "ChapStick: From the Kitchen to Kosmonaut"
Dec 13, 2025
I just read this
after I gave mom her overnight meds. Great stories as always!
Unknown commented on "Thomas Midgley Jr. He Poisoned the Air and
Scarred the Sky"
Dec 1, 2025
I always enjoy
your missives. Dave Z
Unknown commented on "Miracle on the Mayflower"
Nov 23, 2025
Great story - as
usual!
David Zera commented
on "Miracle on the Mayflower"
Nov 23, 2025
Another great
story! Happy Thanksgiving!
CJM commented on "Sitting Ducks"
Nov 15, 2025
What a crazy
story. these brave men serve their country with great honor
David Zera commented
on "Sitting Ducks"
Nov 15, 2025
Another wonderful
tale. Thank you!
David Zera commented
on "Bitcoin and the Amber Miners of Sopot"
Nov 1, 2025
Excellent method
to understand CryptoCurrencies!
Unknown commented on "OVALTINE"
Oct 23, 2025
Ron: You have such
a GIFT as a communicator, historian, anthropologist and folklore specialist! So
INTERESTING; ALWAYS! I love your Blog and always look forward to the wonder you
convey. Thank you for adding insight, intellectual stimulation, and
insightfulness to items particularly Americana. It is so important to know
where idioms and anecdotes come from. Etiology is sadly neglected in this fast
paced world of snap chat photos of this morning's breakfast. I'm reminded of
Thornton Wilder's OUR TOWN. Emily Webb, main character, gets to go back in time
as she reviews her life. Choosing her birthday entrance into adolescence, she
witnesses scenarios with her then young parents. To her own consternation, the
day flies by!
She had wanted to savor every moment with each character from her past. Emily
finally cries out, "Oh world, you are to wonderful for anyone to realize
you!"
That line always causes a silent thrill in my heart. And a sadness too.
"Oh Ma, you looked at me like you really saw me." I think that one of
the points of Wilder's. Stop, look, listen...with loving appreciation.
AMEN!
Fr. Jim Gigliotti. TPR
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK DEAR FRIEND RON!
David Zera commented
on "Dragnet's Sherlock Holmes"
Oct 18, 2025
Another Gem of a
story! The Meme was very interesting.
David Zera commented
on "A Field of Schemes"
Sep 7, 2025
Another wonderful
story!
Unknown commented on "Survival in a Birthday Suit"
Sep 2, 2025
Love the proverb!
Community!
The Yarn Spinner commented on "Money,Muskets, Mischief and the Civil War"
Aug 25, 2025
My Good Friend is
substantially correct in regard to the $10 K bill but in practice, almost no
ordinary person ever used them. Banks didn’t keep them on hand, and they were
impractical for daily transactions.They were mostly used for large bank
transfers and settlements between Federal Reserve Banks — before electronic
wire transfers existed - and not common in circulation
Ron C. commented on "Money,Muskets, Mischief and the Civil War"
Aug 24, 2025
Once was not
enough. Chase's picture was added again to one of our currencies. In 1934
Chase's portrait was added to the $10,000.00 bill. The $10,000.00 certificates
were taken out of circulation in 1969. Up until that time, the $10,000.00 denomination
was the highest denominated currency that was available for use by the general
public.
Unknown commented on "Money,Muskets, Mischief and the Civil War"
Aug 24, 2025
another great
story!
Unknown commented on "Money,Muskets, Mischief and the Civil War"
Aug 23, 2025
I wish I had a
teacher as enthusiastic and knowledgeable as you when I was a student. Thanks
for making all of us realize that we learn things every day especially from
your efforts.
Unknown commented on "The Father of the Copy Machine"
Aug 19, 2025
The copy machine
information immediately brought me back to student and early teaching days when
mimeograph machines with the sweet smell of fresh ink pervaded the atmosphere.
The clackety clack of the machine was mesmerizing and somehow satisfying to see
one's work being realized before one's eyes. Copy machines don't have the same
ambiance unfortunately, though the do a job well for sure. They say aromas,
odors, smells trigger memories/emotions immediately. My reading your post here
has me declaring that little piece of information rightly so. Thank you! Fr.
Jim
Unknown commented on "What's Up Doc?"
Aug 19, 2025
Pure Americana!
You release great delights and awesome experiences with your teaching moments
here. Well done, good and faithful Servant! Fr. Jim
Unknown commented on "What's Up Doc?"
Aug 16, 2025
I had no idea all
of my favorite cartoon characters were voiced by the same talented person!
ngalia2 commented
on "What's Up Doc?"
Aug 16, 2025
Great article as
always Ron. You've got a gift.
Nick commented on "The Father of the Copy Machine"
Jul 26, 2025
Another great
article, Ron! You're one of a kind. No way to copy you!
Unknown commented on "The Father of the Copy Machine"
Jul 26, 2025
Thank you for all
you do in enlightening all of us. I appreciate all of your hard work and
enthusiasm.
Chris McGill commented on "The Trinity Site"
Jul 19, 2025
$100,000 is far
too little compensation. Government better step up and pay the medical bills.
Thanks for the story. I’ve always wondered about the downwind fallout that
nobody talks about.
David Zera commented
on "The Trinity Site"
Jul 19, 2025
As Always a great
story! Thank you!
Ron C. commented on "Not Your Average Joe"
Jun 15, 2025
My "alley
education" didn't start until I was 13, when my folks sold our small
suburban (Norridge) crop farm and moved to the "City". Alley
educations were exactly as you described. It is amazing how your words bring
back such wonderful memories. Thank you, again.
David Zera commented
on "Not Your Average Joe"
Jun 14, 2025
Another great
story!
Unknown commented on "It's the Thought That Counts"
Jun 7, 2025
Ron,
This is one of your best. Thanks for “enlightening “” us.
Barbara
Kathy U commented on "Ingenuity, Grit and Real-World Skills"
May 31, 2025
Amazing- just had
2 grandchildren graduate. One from high school the other from college. Now only
time will tell where they are headed.
David Zera commented
on "Ingenuity, Grit and Real-World Skills"
May 31, 2025
Very
Interesting....:)
Unknown commented on "Victory Mail"
May 30, 2025
Fascinating! THis
explains some mail my dad kept in a special box of his mementos, many from that
War. We never understood the format. He explained it to me once, when I was
entering my teens, but I had no idea then what he was talking about! You
brought back some loving memories of the discussions with him about some
stories of those military days that would not have happened had we not
commented on that "mail." He was always solemn and quiet about the
War. The few recollections he shared were of fellow soldiers and pranks they
played on each other which made him laugh, smile and sometimes cry. THANKS for
this explanation. I've never seen this anywhere. You're a marvel! Fr. Jim
Unknown commented on "Decoration Day"
May 24, 2025
Nicely said!
Ron C. commented on "Where Dummies Go to Retire"
Apr 26, 2025
Nice story. But
for accuracy, the dummies name was actually "Knucklehead Smiff" not
Smith.
David Zera commented
on "He Gave Back"
Apr 14, 2025
Very Interesting!
I do not remember him but another great story!
In Response to a comment by
Ron C.
Ron C. commented on "He Gave Back"
Apr 12, 2025
I remember his TV
commercials as if they were yesterday. Jim Moran and his ads referred to him as
"Jim Moran, The Courtesy Man". He was always a likeable guy in his
commercials.
I lost track of him once he moved to Florida.
Thanks for the story about him and his Family Enterprises.
Unknown commented on "War is Over"
Apr 7, 2025
There is clearly
an identity associated with the Confederate flag. It's usage reminds of me of
how folks in the USA of different nationalities display flags from their
family's country of origin (e.g. Mexico, Poland, Italy, Israel). This
phenomenon doesn't happen much outside of the US.
Ron C. commented on "War is Over"
Apr 5, 2025
Good story. It is
interesting to note that the Shenandoah did not retain the plunder from the
vessels it targeted. They weren't pirates! They merely wanted to disrupt the
Union's commerce. Loss of life and vessels seemed as a good way to accomplish
that end.
Ron Collin commented on "Smoke if You Got Them"
Mar 30, 2025
My brother was
stationed in Germany during the early 50's. He didn't smoke when he joined, but
smoked when he returned. I asked him why he started smoking, and he said the
cigarettes were so cheap, he couldn't afford not to. He applied for Social
Security retirement, and died before he received his first check.
Thanks for the picture and reference to Sgt Bilko.; a very popular tv show back
then.
David Zera commented
on "Smoke if You Got Them"
Mar 29, 2025
My Dad served in
the Korea police action and his smoking added to his passing at 66 years old...
Unknown commented on "Skycraft"
Mar 22, 2025
I loved this! Dave
Z
Unknown commented on "Skycraft"
Mar 22, 2025
All of my friends
and I looked forward to seeing the next “show “. We didn’t have too much to
look forward to, but this was special. Thanks for sharing a memory.
Unknown commented on "Ron the Yarn Spinner"
Mar 15, 2025
My mother always
said every woman should have a little black dress and a set of pearls.
LEN commented on "Gaslighting"
Feb 2, 2025
HOW VERY TRUE OF
WHAT THE DEMOCRATS DID TO US FOR FOUR YEARS. IT HAD ACTUALLY STARTED WITH THE
OBAMA ADMINISTRATION.
Unknown commented on "Blue-backs and Legal Pads"
Jan 19, 2025
Very interesting.
My attorney daughter likes it, too. Many thanks for sharing.
Unknown commented on "Blue-backs and Legal Pads"
Jan 19, 2025
very
interesting.....Dave Z
Unknown commented on "Colorado Brown Stain"
Dec 28, 2024
interesting......
Unknown commented on "OVALTINE"
Dec 22, 2024
Ron as always
another great fun story! from the Portable Check Printing friend Dave
Unknown commented on "An Old Radio Flyer"
Dec 15, 2024
Very Nice! Dave Z
Unknown commented on "The Christmas Tree Ship"
Dec 7, 2024
Heartbreaking and
still heartwarming that it continued.
Unknown commented on "Black Friday"
Nov 23, 2024
I like your last
paragraph. and don't forget to display your 'keep christ in christmas"
magnets on your autos during the season that the KoC sell at churches. Merry
Christmas.
Unknown commented on "Grand Crossing"
Nov 18, 2024
So interesting and
close to home. Great job Rons’
Unknown commented on "Grand Crossing"
Nov 18, 2024
The portable check
printer agrees with the above Ron from the group of the Three Rons. 😊
In Response to a comment by
Unknown
LEN commented on "Grand Crossing"
Nov 17, 2024
THANKS FOR THE
STORY RON. BEING BORN AND LIVING IN CHICAGO FOR 30 YEARS I HAD NEVER KNOWN
ABOUT THIS UNTIL NOW, 48 YEARS LATER.
Unknown commented on "Grand Crossing"
Nov 16, 2024
This was great as
usual
Unknown commented on "Grand Crossing"
Nov 16, 2024
Yarnspinner, you
did the story and yourself proud!!! RC
The Yarn Spinner commented on "It’s All About You"
Nov 9, 2024
I spent a few
years with the ARC as a disaster service volunteer as well. The $2 bill was
reintroduced in 1976 as part of the U.S. Bicentennial celebration, featuring a
redesigned portrait of Thomas Jefferson on the front and an engraving of the
signing of the Declaration of Independence on the back. While the reissue
sparked some curiosity and temporary interest, it never became popular. Many
folks just saved them - like me. I worked in banking and when they came in you
could take them to the post office, place a postage stamp on the bill, and the
PO would cancel it showing proof of the date of re-issue. I keep a $5 bill
ready but I am more scrutinizing. I look at the shoes and if he smokes - hard
habit to break for sure but at $12-$14 per pack, I am not going to support his
habit.
Unknown commented on "It’s All About You"
Nov 9, 2024
Call us crazy
because we are not wealthy but we always have a 2 dollar bill in both my wife's
sun visor and mine so when we can .. we will give one sometimes 2 of them to
the folks you see in the middle of the street at the stop lights. We get
different responses from "wow, a 2 dollar bill, I will keep it because it
means good luck" to thank you or thank you God bless. $2 does not go far
these days but just the same if they get enough of them perhaps a meal or...
their next drug hit. Being in the Red Cross disaster service as a volunteer for
over 50 years you learn not to judge people and be concerned how they will
spend the money. That is their choice and their responsibility but if it is
just a tiny little help, we are all for it. Some of the well known charities
have a 82% overhead with 18% going to the charity benefactor, ours has 0%
overhead...
Typically we do not tell people what we do and that is just fine.... Anonymous
:)
Chris McGill commented on "Train of Life"
Nov 4, 2024
Intriguing story.
Cannonball safes are still around…found a few on E-Bay.
Unknown commented on "Train of Life"
Nov 4, 2024
Never saw a
cannonball safe before. Very Interesting (The Naperville check printer)
Unknown commented on "Train of Life"
Nov 3, 2024
very interesting.
Thanks for sharing old memories.
Unknown commented on "Flowbee"
Oct 28, 2024
That poor Caleb.
I’ve had some questionable haircuts by friends in my younger days. Nowadays
I’ve to be careful of my Mother-In-Law with the clippers!! ☺️
Caleb commented on "Flowbee"
Oct 26, 2024
I had a crush on a
girl from summer camp in 4th grade and decided to write letters during the
summer. My brothers always read them before it was stamped and teased me. So I
decided to use invisible ink to write the letter so my brothers couldn't read
it. I can only imagine this girl opening a blank letter with the only
instructions to "Use revealer ink to read letter".
....
The following week I got a letter politely asking me to stop writing.
Unknown commented on "(Untitled)"
Oct 21, 2024
as always a great
story! Dave Z
Unknown commented on "Goodbye Mister Potato Head"
Oct 12, 2024
so spot
on!.....from the suit pocket check printing ole guy! :)
Unknown commented on "Bottles and his brother Al"
Sep 29, 2024
See, even the
"bad guys" can do good things; although mostly for an ulterior
motive. Ron C.
Unknown commented on "Bottles and his brother Al"
Sep 29, 2024
Very
Interesting.....Dave Z
Unknown commented on "Bottles and his brother Al"
Sep 28, 2024
Great as usual!
Unknown commented on "Whale of a Tale"
Sep 15, 2024
Ron, excellent
story! : the guy with the vault combinations on his wrist! :
Unknown commented on "Whale of a Tale"
Sep 14, 2024
Thanks for sharing
so many interesting articles. Just when I thought I had read the best one ever,
you come up with another winner. Keep up the good work.
Unknown commented on "Bluetooth and Gorm the Old"
Sep 8, 2024
As always very
interesting. :). Dave Z (the guy that used to use a Panasonic portable check
printing device)
Unknown commented on "Keyed-Up Emotions"
Sep 1, 2024
Ron, another Great
story! Dave - Z
David Zera commented on "Just Suck it Up"
Aug 18, 2024
As always a great
story! :)
Unknown commented on "August 6, 1945"
Aug 11, 2024
Great story,
thanks for sharing!
Unknown commented on "(Untitled)"
Jun 3, 2024
Very Interesting!
I love this blog!! Dave Z
Barbara Simeo commented on "(Untitled)"
Jun 2, 2024
Thanks for
refreshing my memory of this inspiring story that I read about decades ago.
When those “American cowboys” walked into the village in full cowboy regalia,
they were looked at in awe by villagers who never saw a real western American
cowboy except in the movies. The boys admired them; the girls fell in love with
them. Tall, handsome men wearing cowboy hats, boots with spurs, tight fitting
jeans, tools flung over their shoulders- the whole
nine yards.
Unknown commented on "Ron the Yarn Spinner"
Jun 2, 2024
Love your blog.
Please keep writing!
Unknown commented on "(Untitled)"
Jun 2, 2024
What a fascinating
story of history!!
Unknown commented on "And That's How We Write"
May 4, 2024
As usual, you are
right on point. Nicely crafted, Dad; #2 approves! 📝
Barbara Simeo commented on "Corinthian Leather"
Apr 21, 2024
Ron, the walking
encyclopedia, has done it again. Who didn’t love Ricardo? Thanks for the
history lesson.
Unknown commented on "Bacon Bits and Porky Pie"
Apr 6, 2024
These musings are
always interesting.
ngalia2 commented
on "Green River"
Mar 17, 2024
Great article as
always Ron. Was interesting that Green River used a marble. I was at a Japanese
sushi restaurant a couple weeks back and ordered a Japanese soda which still
uses a marble. Such an interesting concept. Would have never guessed.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramune
Unknown commented on "Lost Trains of Thought"
Mar 3, 2024
Great memories.
Now I wish I had kept my husbands parents old silver metal tree. Ah! What fond
memories.
ngalia2 commented
on "Dopp Kit"
Mar 3, 2024
Very interesting
article. I always mistakenly called them Dobb kits. Didn't realize I had the
last two letters inverted for years :)
Unknown commented on "The Streets of Laredo"
Feb 27, 2024
Well, glad the
trash sector has improved in its ways!
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