Too Much (Trivial) Information

Filed Under All Posts, Media, Pop Culture, Prudence Baird, Rants | 8 Comments

“Valerie has lost 43 lbs!” screams the 36-point magenta headline.

Raise your hand if you’re sick of knowing anything about some has-been rock star’s equally has-been ex-wife, who is baring her teeth at you from a magazine that assaults the senses of all who stand in line to buy their groceries at the local supermarket.

Raise your hand if you’re sick of Rachel Ray’s gummy smile. Raise your hand if you’re made nauseous by Dr. Phil’s pallid, paunchy face and bald pate. Raise your hand if you abhor Britney Spear’s pierced belly button, Mary-Kate and Ashley’s ghoulish eye make-up and any news of anyone’s rehab treatment, weight-loss or failed relationship, no matter how famous or infamous that person might be. Read more

Everything on a Stick

Filed Under All Posts, Christie Healey, Politics | 6 Comments

September in Minnesota usually means we have had our one last howl at summer—the Minnesota State Fair—and we are becoming a little morose at the promise of winter. This year though, we have the Republican National Convention to prolong our collective noisemaking, some howling and some cheering. I will be among the howlers.

For the uninitiated I should explain that the Minnesota State Fair is essentially an edible experience that hopefully does not lead to gastronomic bypass surgery. Eating at the fair is the most physically daring feat we can do: our version of polar bear hugging. Fair food is deep-fried, battered and deep-fried, or battered and deep-fried, then fixed on a stick. Read more