(GK: Garrison Keillor; TK: Tom Keith; SS: Sue Scott: TR: Tim Russell)

We're on the verge of winter here on the northern plains, the great frozen wastes of the tundra (BLIZZARD, TIRES SPINNING), a stressful time especially for you kids what with the wolves moving in (HOWLS, REVERB) and you older people who when provisions run low may be asked to take that long walk across the ice (TR GEEZER MUTTERING) ----

But now you can escape winter's clutches and earn darn good money with a career in beekeeping. (CAR PULLS AWAY) Beekeepers travel with the growing season, heading south to pollinate almond trees in California, (MARACAS, JOYFUL CRIES) sunflowers in Mexico, peaches and pears in South America. You get to spend winter in beautiful tropical places (BIRDS, SURF) while the bees do all the work. And in the spring, you return to Minnesota to pollinate the apple crop. (BEE APPROACHES) Are bees dangerous? No, not at all. Bees are easy to work with (SFX, WHIPPING THE AIR TO WARD OFF BEE), so long as you approach them with confidence. (BEE HOVERING) Bees respond to hand signals (WHIPPING SFX), and in a pinch, they can be subdued with the use of cigar smoke. (PUFFING SMOKE AT BEE, WHO CIRCLES). Or if that doesn't work (BEE DARTING) another means of defense is water. (RUNNING FOOTSTEPS INTO DISTANCE, DIVE, SPLASH.) Call now for our free brochure. To Bee or Not To Bee: Beekeeping As A Career. The toll-free number is----

TK (UNDERWATER) RECITES NUMERALS

GK: That toll-free number once again is----

TK (UNDERWATER) RECITES NUMERALS

(MUSIC BUTTON)

© Garrison Keillor 2001