I don't want to go out tonight

Sikeston, Missouri
January 20, 1938

Dear Mrs. Roosevelt,

I am writing this letter in hopes that you will answer in my favor.

My father H. C. has been in bed from a stroke for almost a year. We have no money and my brother works but makes $3.00 a week and there are eight in our family.

My step-mother is very good to me and I try to help her. She takes in washings and I have to walk for six or eight blocks and then carry the washings home. I have to go of a morning before school and it has been very cold here. If you could send me a bicycle to ride when I go after washings for her I shall appreciate it. I am in eighth grade at school and work very hard to make passing grades. The Principal of the school bought two of my sisters and me a pair of slippers so we would not have to stay at home. If you would do this for me I shall be able to help my step-mother more. If you send me one I would like a girls bicycle. I am about 4 feet 3 inches tall so if you send me one you can judge as to what size.

Loving and appreciating-
A. L. C.

Not as anachronistic any more, international consumers and lenders??

How recent it was that we flippantly stayed at home for recreational purposes. But in tight times, my couch has frankly become my best option. It is simply remarkable how many fascinating formations one can see in ceiling stucco, much like the transient frescoes in passing clouds. But in the apartment, the ceiling stays in one place, so you can share discoveries with friends at your own pace. And you can do it all day, no matter the weather.

Ah, for the teenage halcyon days of hanging with your buddies at your parent's house. If we were only as good as it now as we were then. I am certain that there is some serious indie cred to be found in just hanging out with peeps on your bed, talking about crushes, but so far my retro "duvet vs. bedspread" parties have not been the viral hit I thought they would be. People, it costs nothing to participate! Get with the (bailout) program!

The Thai kids totally get it. We first heard the fresh petulant jangle of Slur late on night drinking beer in Chiang Mai (aptly, we were hanging out on a guesthouse bed). Much as M83 is channeling the teen sexual dramas of the past, Slur is quickly solidifying their position as retrospective bedroom rockers. Witness the first smash video single off last year's Bum LP, "Magazine". Take note of the slow migration from the singer's room, out to the pool (don't be fooled, the house is forclosed! It's in the lyrics), and finally outdoors to the back forty and the beach (this is Thailand--the beach is just down the road). They need neither bicycles, nor sneakers--let alone motorbikes, ipods or mortgages--to have a really nice time. I think we could all take a page from their harmless lo-cost urban antics.