James Lileks
Columnist/Editor | buzz.mn
Phone: 612-673-7858
E-mail: jlileks@startribune.com
James Lileks is the editor of buzz.mn, and also write a metro column on Fridays.
Recent content from James Lileks
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Our civil servants prove they really are just that
So the mayor had his license yanked. You can make all the obvious jokes about having Al Franken's accountant paying your speeding tickets, but it's not really something about which much hay can be made.
May 10, 2008 -
Money can change everything -- even your toilet-handle covers
Money changes everything. Even if you're a supermodel glitter-applier.
May 9, 2008 -
Next year, let's find buildings that should not be saved
The annual Top 10 list of endangered Minnesota buildings was released last week, and it gives you an idea what the world would look like if architects ran People magazine.
May 4, 2008 -
Consumers, rise up! (Or should that be 'rice up'?)
Some readers don't like being told to go online to read more about a story. If you can't put it in the paper, some think, then don't bother telling me I need to know it. It's like those TV news promos: A popular breakfast item is causing homicidal psychosis across the Twin Cities. Is it Lucky Charms, Jimmy Dean Biscuits with Country-Style Meth or something else? The answer may surprise you! Tune in at 10.
May 2, 2008 -
Jetson, pass the salt - or you're fired!
Last week's most terrifying piece of news: "Court rules bosses are still authority figures outside of work." The case applied to sexual harassment, but it's a horrible precedent. Say you're in the grocery store, and you run into The Boss. Before the court's decision, there would have been that awkward transition as you shift up and your boss shifts down, each of you popping the clutch in the process. Not anymore! Now the boss barks the usual crisp commands:
Apr 27, 2008 -
Stores galore! But what of MOA parking ramp?
The Mall of America wants $204 million state-provided dollars to build a parking ramp. I say no.
Apr 25, 2008 -
Flu vaccines: A little style over science
It was the worst of flu seasons, it was the best of flu seasons
Apr 20, 2008 -
A computer glitch, a stuck bridge - a much better scenario
Our bridge problems never end.
Apr 18, 2008 -
A celebration of our albino glacier water
As reported in the Strib by John Ewoldt last week, fourteen bistros have promised to cut down on bottled water and serve plain, honest, decent Minneapolis tap water. In some cities this might be controversial -- when I lived on the East Coast the tap water tasted like a smoothie made of mud, rust and liquefied Silly Putty. But Minneapolis water is as crisp and delicious as the tears of joy from an albino glacier, and it doesn't require plastic bottles. Comes right out of the wall. Wonders never cease.
Apr 13, 2008 -
Line-item veto saves us from indulgences - and ourselves
This week Gov. Tim Pawlenty's veto-rama got headlines for the blow dealt to the University Avenue light rail, but it also revealed two other amusing items for which we were asked to pay.
Apr 11, 2008
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