Yeoman's in the Fork Blog

As the months slip into years and the years to decades, I find that more and more I have an uncanny appreciation of the newspaper (an actual print edition thank you). The NY Times has become one of the greatest pleasures in my life as a matter of fact. The price tag once seemed to be some sort of status symbol I must admit. As if buying the Times was all about being "seen with the Times." I know it sounds foolish but for a guy from an area that most would call "the sticks" (in the South at least), the Times seemed to symbolize the life I dreamed of. During College, not a day passed by without me having given thought to where and when I would buy and enjoy the paper. You did not have to read it and understanding it was not a prerequisite to buying it - being seen with the Times was the most important thing. I can remember gazing at the paper with glassy eyes in my early 20's with only the thought of hurling myself into the world that those who read the Times must be leading.

A few short years ago, the paper came to represent something a little more. It was like a dependable friend in times of chaos. Through divorce, tragedy, loss and tears the Times provided the sense of stability that was so lacking in other arenas of my life. I could always look forward to my weekly date on Sunday morning. Today, the paper is as dear to me as one of my later children (just kidding, but you get the idea). The articles, the arts, the book review and the never ending stream of business ideas that are most assuredly making others wealthy beyond their wildest dreams. I'm convinced that the Times will bring me that same wealth, fame and fortune, but I will not be disappointed if this doesn't happen (as will most likely be the case). The NY Times has paid me back many times over for every dollar invested my friends. Some guys I knew bought a dog when they got their first apartment at college - I bought the paper.