Not a question, but the concept of home fascinates me. I practically escaped my home country as a teen, and have since lived all over the place. I guess though, I only felt at home when I met my wife. We've together moved a few places over the past 12 years, and they've all felt like home. Isn't that something.
Hi Nick, I’d like to get your take on the saying “midwestern values.” Do you think there is a such a thing as midwestern values? And if so, what qualities would those values possess?
This question was sparked upon reading the following line from your latest book: “When it comes to manners, it’s always Midwest for the win” (p. 298).
Having grown up in the midwest (places include South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin) I’ve heard the phrase “midwestern values” more times than I can count. However, I’m a bit leery of embracing this expression as it may infer that people outside of the midwest cannot possess such values -- whatever those may be. I’m also wary because used as a platitude, “midwestern values” can be politicized and effectively equated with the socially conservative slogan/ideology “family values.”
Nonetheless, I still feel that there is something behind the saying. I’d love to get your take on all this. Please and thank you.
I am a fan not only for your eloquent delivery on fascinating subjects every Thursday, but also for your woodworking prowess that makes me wish I had gone full metal feminist at 14 yrs. old and forced my high school administration to let me enroll in woodshop in 1964. This is a thank you for the last paragraph about home this week. The past week (and years) have been distressing and some satirical levity hit the spot. I truly appreciate your nod to Jonathan Swift (1729 "A Modest Proposal for Preventing the Children of Poor People in Ireland Being a Burden on Their Parents or Country, and for Making them Beneficial to the Publick.") Your modernized take on consuming babies made my day. :)
Nick, just finished (audible while doing major deck repair) your new book. Really loved it. Great Jeff and George hiking tales. That one recollection of Jeff’s about the Kavanaugh moron yelling at the concert- that actually happened at the SF Fillmore, unless it also happened in Portland? My wife and I were both about 10 ft away from that dufus. Jeff put him properly in his place! In fact I think the guy left with his tail between his legs…!
I feel like I have a Muleteer confession to make, which is that I've never watched a single episode of Parks and Rec in my life. I would, at this point, but it's not available on any of the streaming platforms to which I subscribe and so, sadly, no Ron Swanson for me. However! I am a huge fan of Making It, and would be happy to offer appropriate sacrifices to the NBC gods if I only knew what they like in a good sacrifice and where the right altar might be.
Have you ever made significant sacrifices in your life, Nick? Not necessarily of the live animal type, but more in the vein of emotional/psychological/material. What prompted you to make them and what was the outcome (internal or external)? -- Asha Sanaker, Ithaca, NY
Howdy there Nick, Tim here, writing in Orlando FL, truly from St. Louis MO. I neglected to leave my location on my last question regarding theatre and your particular opinions of it, so I figured I would swing by one more time and drop that info on you.
While I'm here, another question has emerged from the depths that I would like to foist on you. You have written before about your love of hiking and experiencing nature, and I deeply agree and love to get out in the wilds as much as I can. Unfortunately, as I grow further from my plucky free-time having college years, I find it increasingly difficult to find the time to get out and spend some quality time among the trees (especially in Florida). In the end, I think my question boils down to, how to you prioritize the increasingly fleeting time spent on this glorious rock we call Earth?
Another terrific read... and I love the canoe workmanship pictures. But you mention another season needs to be promoted to the Network Gods???? Good Lawd- should have been obvious to do it again...... Will figure out how to tell them they better renew it.... loved the episode where the son of a famous athlete was on... your face was amazing when you heard that. BTW- I was watching TV while dealing with my current recovery issues and my snooze ended when I heard someone say something like "Don't call me a moron. I have a BA in Fine Arts!" Handsome young man,,,, ayuh.......
Not a question, but the concept of home fascinates me. I practically escaped my home country as a teen, and have since lived all over the place. I guess though, I only felt at home when I met my wife. We've together moved a few places over the past 12 years, and they've all felt like home. Isn't that something.
Is it a sin to lust after another Man's Canoe?
I've just emailed NBC to request Season 4 of Making It with you and Amy!
Hi Nick, I’d like to get your take on the saying “midwestern values.” Do you think there is a such a thing as midwestern values? And if so, what qualities would those values possess?
This question was sparked upon reading the following line from your latest book: “When it comes to manners, it’s always Midwest for the win” (p. 298).
Having grown up in the midwest (places include South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin) I’ve heard the phrase “midwestern values” more times than I can count. However, I’m a bit leery of embracing this expression as it may infer that people outside of the midwest cannot possess such values -- whatever those may be. I’m also wary because used as a platitude, “midwestern values” can be politicized and effectively equated with the socially conservative slogan/ideology “family values.”
Nonetheless, I still feel that there is something behind the saying. I’d love to get your take on all this. Please and thank you.
James Pfeiffer in De Pere, WI
I am a fan not only for your eloquent delivery on fascinating subjects every Thursday, but also for your woodworking prowess that makes me wish I had gone full metal feminist at 14 yrs. old and forced my high school administration to let me enroll in woodshop in 1964. This is a thank you for the last paragraph about home this week. The past week (and years) have been distressing and some satirical levity hit the spot. I truly appreciate your nod to Jonathan Swift (1729 "A Modest Proposal for Preventing the Children of Poor People in Ireland Being a Burden on Their Parents or Country, and for Making them Beneficial to the Publick.") Your modernized take on consuming babies made my day. :)
Nick, just finished (audible while doing major deck repair) your new book. Really loved it. Great Jeff and George hiking tales. That one recollection of Jeff’s about the Kavanaugh moron yelling at the concert- that actually happened at the SF Fillmore, unless it also happened in Portland? My wife and I were both about 10 ft away from that dufus. Jeff put him properly in his place! In fact I think the guy left with his tail between his legs…!
Steve in Napa
I feel like I have a Muleteer confession to make, which is that I've never watched a single episode of Parks and Rec in my life. I would, at this point, but it's not available on any of the streaming platforms to which I subscribe and so, sadly, no Ron Swanson for me. However! I am a huge fan of Making It, and would be happy to offer appropriate sacrifices to the NBC gods if I only knew what they like in a good sacrifice and where the right altar might be.
Have you ever made significant sacrifices in your life, Nick? Not necessarily of the live animal type, but more in the vein of emotional/psychological/material. What prompted you to make them and what was the outcome (internal or external)? -- Asha Sanaker, Ithaca, NY
Thank you for your answer Nick. And I have to say perfect pronunciation of my name !
Howdy there Nick, Tim here, writing in Orlando FL, truly from St. Louis MO. I neglected to leave my location on my last question regarding theatre and your particular opinions of it, so I figured I would swing by one more time and drop that info on you.
While I'm here, another question has emerged from the depths that I would like to foist on you. You have written before about your love of hiking and experiencing nature, and I deeply agree and love to get out in the wilds as much as I can. Unfortunately, as I grow further from my plucky free-time having college years, I find it increasingly difficult to find the time to get out and spend some quality time among the trees (especially in Florida). In the end, I think my question boils down to, how to you prioritize the increasingly fleeting time spent on this glorious rock we call Earth?
Another terrific read... and I love the canoe workmanship pictures. But you mention another season needs to be promoted to the Network Gods???? Good Lawd- should have been obvious to do it again...... Will figure out how to tell them they better renew it.... loved the episode where the son of a famous athlete was on... your face was amazing when you heard that. BTW- I was watching TV while dealing with my current recovery issues and my snooze ended when I heard someone say something like "Don't call me a moron. I have a BA in Fine Arts!" Handsome young man,,,, ayuh.......