August 16, 2026

By Arthur H. Gunther III

thecolumnrule.com

There are parallel universes for many, maybe most of us, unless perhaps your life never changes, your hometown remains the same, and it is as if time stands still. For the rest, increases in population, local construction, traffic, government and other things in a fast-paced world push us into memory banks where we recall another universe.

This is true if you live in Gotham and the corner drugstore with soda fountain has been replaced by a chain outfit that tickles you via the Internet with discount offers every other day. This is true if you are an old farmer whose red barn has not been repainted since your grandfather’s time but which now sits next to a data center.

And this is true if the suburban home your parents bought in 1953 for $11,500 now has two added stories and the Web lists it for $897,000.

In such scenarios, you may require a parallel universe, the door to which fits your key only. You go there to recharge; you head there for nostalgia; you jump in there to let out primordial scream. Any of that done, you calmly leave the room, door locked, and you smile again, however honest that might be.

Of course, such description is set to the individual. Not all need a parallel universe; not all want such. Growth, change is welcome, exciting.

Do your thing.

The writer is a retired newspaperman.

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