A little Friday amusement, at least for the Mainers and Bean's devotees out there, at a New Yorker's expense:

Travelers in Maine have long flocked to L.L. Bean's mother-ship store in Freeport and been delighted to discover that it really is open 24/7 and buzzes with shoppers even at 3 a.m. But none was so surprised perhaps as Alex Kuczynski on a recent visit. "I've long been a customer of Bean's fleece jackets and flannel pajamas," she reported in yesterday's New York Times, "and it never occurred to me that the company makes much of its profits from hunting gear.
Wandering among the camouflage hunting outfits and Gerber Ripstop knives is like finding out your new beau is a member of the N.R.A., hates his mother and splits the check at dinner." The secret is out.

Hmmmmmmmmm. You don't say. In all fairness, the full article is here, in which Ms. Kuczynski demonstrates she is not entirely unaware of the origins of L.L. Bean and not completely insensitive. But I still get to poke fun at New Yorkers! ...If only they knew what chuckles they provide for the poor-relation blue staters, who, nevertheless, do appreciate the tourist dollars (even not always so appreciative of the tourists themselves).

Although, just to be on the safe side, I do suggest never showing her the Cabela's catalog. (And no, I will never own that.)

FYI, the proper technical terms, at least in my household, are "Bean boots" and "Bean bags."