Norbert Bagel
Norbert Bagel beside the ice machine at the Desert Vista Motor Lodge

Desert Vista Motor Lodge, outside Flagstaff. The ice was free if you had the bucket.

ADMIT ONE ONE MAN STEELY DAN SUN VALLEY LOUNGE · PHOENIX · JUL 18

Notes & selected photographs

I notice things.
Some of them
bear mentioning.

I’m Norbert. I worked thirty-seven years in municipal purchasing, which teaches a person the difference between inexpensive and cheap. I write about trips, appliances, sandwiches, and other matters that improve under scrutiny.

August 11, 2026 · Kitchen

The new can opener is worse in three measurable ways

First, it is described as “ergonomic,” which in this instance means it cannot lie flat in the drawer. Second, the turning piece is black rubber and therefore holds a grudge against flour. Third, and most seriously, it has no hole in the handle for hanging, though no one we know hangs a can opener.

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July 29, 2026 · Arizona

Ice machine, building C

The machine made a noise like a bowling ball being considered but not dropped. Every forty-five seconds, it reconsidered. I wrote the times down because otherwise this is merely complaining.

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July 3, 2026 · Personal

Regarding the expression “no worries”

I did not have worries until I was informed there were none. This is not the young cashier’s fault. She was efficient and did not overfill the bag. Still, language should not invent inventory.

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About this website

Norbert Bagel is a fictional person. His observations are presented with affection. His photographs are AI-generated and do not depict a real person or event.