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.
“I think history has shown that, as long as the public forks out cash in amounts that convince the gladiators it's profitable to keep fighting, they will keep fighting (No-brainers, Aug. 27, 2026).” - Brad
Unfortunately, for many of the athletes, it’s all they know. - Shane
“Hi Shane, I loved your comments in the Altoona Living magazine about why great photos still matter, especially your thoughts on the film days. I hate to admit that I still have my first roll of black-and-white film, along with the prints, from when I first became interested in photography. That was 54 years ago! I remember paying $9 to have the film processed and the prints made — and being heartbroken at how awful they were. I had a vision in my head of what I wanted to create, but the photographs certainly didn’t match that vision. It was time to study harder. I started looking at the work of top photographers and learning how they achieved what they did. I was out $9 and had a terrible set of photographs, but it became a valuable learning experience.” - Brent
Well, at least you didn’t drop your camera in the lake. - Shane
“Shane, ‘out of sorts’ and ‘out of touch’ are like buying 10 hot dog buns and eight weenies (Out of sorts, Aug. 31, 2026).” - James
You need to cut the weenies in half. Then, just buy five packages of hot dogs and eight packages of buns. It all evens out. Easy peasy. - Shane
“Spread some peanut butter on an Oreo (One Oreo at a time, Sept. 1, 2026). It'll change your life. I've spread peanut butter on Snickers bars, too. Glorious. I mean, it makes it healthy, too, right? I've not combined all three... yet.” - Mike
Just don’t put your peanut butter in my chocolate. - Shane
“Hi, Shane, just a quick note to let you know I enjoyed reading about your love of Oreos (One Oreo at a time, Sept. 1, 2026). I share that. I just refrain from buying them, except in moments of complete weakness. They definitely are the number one, next to my homemade chocolate chip recipe. I do enjoy your columns.” - Karen
Homemade chocolate chip recipe? This I have to see. - Shane
“What were the odds (One Oreo at a time, Sept. 1, 2026)? I turned on TV this morning, stopped to watch the story about school moms’ social media posts regarding whether or not Oreos should be packed in school lunches. Seems some kids feel left out if someone else's lunch has Oreos. Then I open your email and your subject for today — Oreos, albeit just informational Oreo stuff (pun intended). So, you know what, I just dug out my package of Oreos, and I am thoroughly enjoying them. The moms can keep debating this as I eat mine and think about what you wrote.” - Diane
I was Double Stuffing before Double Stuffs were invented. Maybe you, too? - Shane
Have a fantastic Friday, and thanks for reading. | 
