Mayday, Mayday. I am writing at a small table in a Kroger’s in Mansfield, Ohio. My last day in the state (following the Cleveland Recruiting Roadshow). It’s an odd experience, different from anything I’ve seen on the coasts.
Kroger’s, an old line grocery chain, is clearly updating itself. More Walmart like than you could imagine, it’s a cluster of lawn furniture and produce. The Starbucks is in the middle of the beer aisle. The Starbuck’s tables are occupied by giggling elderly women.
I struck up a conversation with one of them.
“You look young for Mansfield,” she said, “Are you lost.”









