Letters to The Hobbledehoy

Letters to The Hobbledehoy, Thanksgiving 2025

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Cynthia writes:

I stumbled upon The Hobbledehoy while looking up Cliff Edwards on the internet to learn more about him. I’d spent several hours on YouTube listening to his recordings as I have done periodically over the last years, as I fell in love with Jiminey Cricket’s voice as a child. Then I found your website and saw your I Stand with Ukraine flag; Richard Thompson’s music; a repost of Heather Cox Richardson’s post; and knew I’d found a kindred spirit out in the ether. My heart is lifted. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Hi Cynthia!
I’m glad that you stumbled upon The Hobbledehoy, and thank you for your kind words about the website.
I, too, was introduced to the talents of Cliff “Ukelele Ike” Edwards through his iconic performance voicing “Jiminy Cricket” in Disney’s 1940 film Pinocchio. I grew to love Cliff’s distinctive voice and ukulele on tunes like “Singing In the Rain”(recorded for a film by Cliff in 1929, over twenty years before Gene Kelley’s version), “I’ll See You in My Dreams,” and of course, Cliff’s “Jada” – one of the first big hits of the jazz age

Glad to have lifted your heart!

For fellow hobbledehoy that missed it, here’s a link to my piece:
Give a little whistle: The life and sad death of Cliff Edwards, voice of Disney’s Jiminy Cricket

Monte writes:

Hi Mike, Forgive me if I’m barking up the wrong tree here, but I’m trying to contact Oliver Kornetzky (sic) to seek approval for the use of an article he wrote about his return to his hometown in Wisconsin. I have recently done a road trip through the red states of the US and am currently editing the resulting book, and would love to republish the work in full therein, since it is the most articulate explanation of America’s degradation at a human level as I have encountered. Please advise if this is acceptable, and if you wish to see the relevant chapter to view its inclusion. Warm regards, Monte

Hi Monte!
Thank you for your letter and best of luck with your upcoming book.
Unfortunately, I do not have any contact information for Oliver Kornetzke.
Kornetzke’s post remains one of The Hobbledehoy’s most viewed. There is growing suspicion online that Oliver Kornetzke is actually an AI creation. If true, that’s one AI that I would welcome to my Thanksgiving dinner table.

Felipe (again)writes:

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It’s specifically designed to help women achieve:
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A real boost in day-to-day vitality. Improve comfort and natural lubrication.

Hello again Felipe!

Your product sounds wonderful! Tell me – can I also use your product for the purpose of home insulation? I have several old windows that allow drafts into the house, and New England winters can be brutal! Please let us know asap, as Hobbeldehoy subscribers will surely also benefit from this information!

Letters to The Hobbledehoy, October 2025

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Kathy writes:

For Oliver Kornetzke ~ EVERYONE IS Equally Important, Beautiful And Sinful. We are Also ALL Equally And Uniquely LOVED BY GOD. THANK GOD for our President, Melania and Barron. Whoever thinks that they are better than someone else ~ Luke 18 NLT ~ Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector … We’re equal sinners, but in our own ways.

Hi Kathy!
Thanks for visiting The Hobbledehoy. The post by Oliver Kornetzke remains one of The Hobbledehoy’s most viewed. I do agree with you that we are all sinners. I’m not so sure about your “equal sinners” idea, however. Also, it’s curious that you thank God for Trump’s son, Barron, without mentioning Trump’s older sons, Beavis and Buthead. I’m informed by The Google that Trump also has two daughters, both blonde. So you probably should thank God for these siblings as well.

Howard writes:

Just read your comments about Rex Allen. [Cowboy singer Rex Allen and the Carousel of Progress]
First, I live in Tucson and did not know how Rex Allen died. Truly sad Wish I knew he was around. I would have reached out to him when he was alive. Second is “Carousel of Progress’” I remember it very well. First, as the General Electric. exhibit at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. “It’s a Great Big Wonderful Tomorrow” was magic as it played as the transition between the “ scenes” of GE’s technological progress. The show moved to Disneyland and, I think, Disney World. GE eventually dropped the sponsorship, but Disney continued to run it. They had to update the show as “tomorrow’s technology” became yesterday’s technology. If you didn’t know, the “carousel” in the show was the audience moving around the different scenes. In the 1970’s I had the opportunity to work with Marty Sklar, the first head of Disney Imagineering on EPCOT’s Land Pavilion. I realized then that so much of the honest, kind, warm culture expressed in so many of Disney’s “show” were a reflection of Marty’s world view. He was a gem.

Hi Howard!
Thank you for your letter. Like you, I love Rex Allen’s work, as you may have guessed from my article. Though I’ve traveled all around the world, I’m one of the few Americans who has never once been to Disney! I just turned 68 years old. Do you think it’s too late for me?

Steven writes:

I love your blog! Are you from Scotland or Wales, by chance? I’m from Pennsylvania originally, but have lived in Spain, Costa Rica, and Puerto Rico and am now in God-Forsaken Florida!

Hi Steven!

I live in Rhode Island – the smallest state in the USA. Yes, my people originated from Scotland, Ireland and Wales on my Dad’s side, Ireland and Germany on my mom’s side. My Welsh great-aunt Theresa once told me our ancestry goes back to the Pirate Morgan! I’m a huge fan of several Welsh folk performers currently making music: Katell Keineg, Gwenifer Raymond, and Cerys Hafana, especially.

As for “God-forsaken” Florida – I have no real desire to visit there. I do like their orange juice, however.

You are a well-traveled soul, Steven. Good for you! Check out this article written by travel authority Rick Steves, Britain’s Pub Hub. We’ve been in Rick’s company many times and enthusiastically recommend his tours. Here’s Rick’s advice for seniors traveling in Europe

Felipe writes:

I’m writing to you because many women between 25 and 40 are actively seeking solutions to improve their quality of life. If this is a topic that resonates with your audience, this information is for you
•••• is a unique, natural formula that delivers concrete results.

It’s specifically designed to help women achieve:
Increase desire and sexual response.
A real boost in day-to-day vitality. Improve comfort and natural lubrication.

Hi Felipe!

Your product sounds wonderful! Tell me – can I also use your product for the purpose of home insulation? I have several old windows that allow drafts into the house, and New England winters can be brutal! Please let us know asap, as Hobbeldehoy subscribers will surely also benefit from this information!

Letters to The Hobbledehoy, October 2022

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Aedan writes:

Hi there! Thanks so much for doing the research on “Long Time Sun” and posting your findings. I was told it was an old Celtic prayer, but the way I’ve heard it sung by the yoga people didn’t make much sense. I specialize in Celtic music on Celtic harp, and am glad to finally know it’s origin. Interestingly enough, like Mike Heron, I use it as a closer to performances. After listening to his rendition, like it much better than what I’ve heard. Thanks again!

Hi Aidan!
Thanks for visiting The Hobbledehoy. The post on “Long Time Sun” remains one of The Hobbledehoy’s most popular. Very big fans of Mr. Heron and the Incredible String Band.

Don writes:

Are you aware that Fellini made a movie titled, I Vitelloni. It was translated different ways across the world. In the UK it was translated variously as, The Spivs and The Hobbledehoys! Thought you might like to know. I recently acquired a copy of a theater handout synopsis with that title listed. If interested, I will send you a pic. I will soon upload it to my Fellini website. Cheers

Hi Don!
Thank you for your letter. I did not know that bit about Fellini and The Hobbledehoys – excellent! Good luck with the website on Fellini. I’m a big fan of Nino Rota who contributed music to Fellini’s La Dolce Vita, as well as Coppola’s Godfather trilogy, for which he won an academy award in 1974.

Stella writes:

Hi there. I’m a retired American who just stumbled onto your webpage, and though it hasn’t been updated much lately, it doesn’t look like your dead. That’s a good thing.

I’ve been thinking of trying to do a pub tour of at least some part of the UK, since I’ve expanded my taste in beer and have always wanted to travel more. Searching tours mostly only brings up very costly and busily planned packages, but if I come alone it’s a bit daunting, and not just because you all drive on the wrong side of the road. You seem like a person with a wide enough range of interests to suggest some kind of idea. Would it even be feasible for a blue-haired lady (of the modern kind) to set out alone on this adventurous and liver-challenging quest?

Hi Stella!

The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated! The Hobbledehoy is once again being updated regularly.

I was in Edinburgh a few years back and there are daily tours available featuring Scotch whiskey tastings. Not sure about pub tours, however I’d recommend a night of pint pounding at The Royal Oak (try a pint of “Heavy” a dark Scottish beer.) The Royal Oak is also a great venue to hear folk music. Among those to have performed in this 200 year-old Edinburgh pub have been legendary Scots Billy Connolly, Dick Gaughan, and Hobbledehoy recent favorite Karine Polwart. I would say most Edinburgh pubs would be safe travels for a blue haired lady, though Glasgow – not so much.

Check out this article written by travel authority Rick Steves, Britain’s Pub Hub. We’ve been in Rick’s company many times and enthusiastically recommend his tours. Here’s Rick’s advice for seniors traveling in Europe

Letters to The Hobbledehoy, May 2021

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Hall of Fame Letter from Terri:

Hi Mike ! I’ve just discovered your website and Yeh, I love it! Do you know what I DON’T love??? I really REALLY don’t love having that orange douche bag in my Direct peripheral vision while watching a video. There’s no such thing as a good Trump pic….. but that one! Omg! Seriously?? Please please please please….. AT LEAST move it down the page … Because THAT MOUTH. It’s like my cats assh@le. Worse!

 Thanks for your time & Happy Monday

Hi Terri!
Thanks for visiting the website. You are so right – it’s time to move that cat’s asshole from the homepage. The link for “Trump’s Covid Timeline” will no longer be accompanied by an image of Trump.

Lisa writes:

Hello, Just checking that you got my previous email regarding a broken link on your site, and just to confirm that this isn’t some weird spam message but an actual person trying to bring a broken link with a potential replacement to your attention 🙂 Here are link details: Your Page: https://thehobbledehoy.com/donald-trumps-coronavirus-timeline/ Dead link title: ’15 days’ Dead link: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/03.16.20_coronavirus-guidance_8.5x11_315PM.pdf Working link: https://templatearchive.com/coronavirus-guidance/
Stay safe, Lisa

Hi Lisa!
Thank you for your perseverance on this issue. Corrected – finally! You are an editor’s dream.
As for Covid and Trump’s responsibility for American deaths – “The first time we ha(d) an excuse,” said Dr. Deborah Birx. “There were about a hundred thousand deaths that came from that original surge. All of the rest of (the deaths), in my mind, could have been mitigated or decreased substantially.”

Rory writes:

Hi, I have come across the use of my name on your website in an article completely unrelated to me or the content you have quoted. Article can be found here: How did historic alehouses, taverns and inns evolve into the pubs we see today? Can I please ask you to remove this at the earliest convenience. Thank you.

Hi Rory!

So sorry about that odd mistake. Of course we will remove your name. I honestly do not know how it happened! With the curated content on The Hobbledehoy (which accounts for 99%) we don’t factcheck quotes or who the quotes are attributed to by the source. That piece (now removed from the Hobbledehoy) originally appeared in The Morning Advertiser. Cheers!

Richard writes:

Love your blog! It often creates a portal for me to go deeper, like Centralia today. I am so curious about where you live – in the UK or USA? I live where one of your links resides – Edmonds WA (Rick Steves). Great guy.
Cheers, Richard

Hi Richard!

I live in the smallest state in the union, Rhode Island, an hour south of Boston. I have had the pleasure of visiting Edmonds, Washington on several occasions. You are fortunate to live in such a warm, friendly, beautiful town with such a gorgeous view of the mountains and Puget Sound. Perhaps I will see you some evening at the Church Key Pub – which might be my favorite pub in the USA. Cheers!

Emma writes:

Hi there, I saw your page An abuse of power’: alarm grows over top Trump lieutenant’s military masquerade, and I wanted to thank you for supporting the Black community.
The events of last summer (BLM protests and COVID-19) saw many people rally to support Black-owned businesses. Sadly, since summer ended, people forgot to keep sharing and supporting these businesses.
I just found a new article with links to more than 150 Black-owned businesses. I was so happy to see that people still care about helping these companies thrive!

The link is here

I think sharing this link on your page would be a great way to help your readers keep supporting Black-owned sites and stores. I think it will be a great addition to your site and that your audience will love this new resource!


Thank you in advance for your support, Emma

Hi Emma,

The Hobbledehoy believes Black Lives Matter and we hope our readers do as well. I’m pleased to share the link of 150 Black Owned Businesses.

Chris writes:

Hello Michael,

The Hobbledehoy is a marvelous haven for folk music and is responsible for introducing me to so many artists I had not previously known, or whom I had forgotten with the passing of time. It was on The Hobbledehoy that I first heard Little Nora Brown and for that I am forever grateful. A short time ago I fired off a track from BARDE’s 1977 album ‘Barde’ called ‘Fanny Power’. You kindly posted it on the HH site, for which many thanks .
It occurred to me to send the first two albums au complet for you to kick around as you see fit [ . . . ]

Hi Chris:

Always appreciate your comments and feedback on The Hobbledehoy. With the past year of Covid, the death of a parent, and moving from my home of 20 years, I got a bit behind on our scheduled posts. Soon I’ll be adding clips from your ‘Barde’ 1977 and ‘Images’ 1978, as well as your track notes.
Thank you very much for introducing your music to me and followers of The Hobbledehoy. And happy to read you enjoy the banjo of Little Nora Brown.

Sister Marie writes (in caps):

DEAR SIR,
YOU MY “D E A R” SIR. YOU ARE SIMPLY THE BEST!! BETTER THAN ALL THE REST, BETTER THAN ANYONE, ANYONE I’VE EVER MET!!!! I LOVE YOU!!! YOUR ARTICLE WILL GO VIRAL! WE NEED TO PRAY THE DEMON OUT OF OFFICE”

Hello there, Sister Marie!

My guess is that you are not the same Sister Marie I had in my 3rd grade Catholic School, as she was more discerning with her use of capital letters, and certainly did not regard me as “better than anyone.”
Nonetheless, it appears you did “pray the demon out of office,” and for this The Hobbledehoy are eternally grateful