James Lileks
Columnist
Food & CultureLileks, a Minneapolis resident since 1976: "I've never repeated myself once. I don't like to say I write a 'humor' column, since that's subjective. What might be amusing to me might leave you poker-faced. Let's just say my columns are not intended to be taken seriously." He also writes "Streetscape" pieces, which detail the delights and errors, past and present, of the Twin Cities urban environment. He's the author of four novels, four pop-culture "humor" books on vintage subjects and two collections of columns. "People who like my stuff will probably like lileks.com, and those who don't are probably grateful for the heads-up, and will avoid it," Lileks says.
Latest from James Lileks
Culture
Strip malls abound in the Twin Cities area. Here’s why they’re useful, ugly and convenient.
Postwar developers made one big mistake in the efficient mall design, and it’s spoiled the suburbs for decades.
September 7, 2024
Food & Culture
7 things city planners could learn from the Minnesota State Fair
The once-a-year fantasy land in Falcon Heights has some real-world applications, if only we’d relax a little and let some Sham-Wow barkers into our curated commercial world.
August 23, 2024
Home & Garden
7 things you don’t know about the Minnesota governor’s residence but should
It’s not called a mansion, and not every occupant was thrilled to live there.
August 20, 2024
Food & Culture
Minnesotans can take a long time to say goodbye. Here’s one columnist proving the point.
It’s not my last column. It’s my penultimate column.
August 9, 2024
Food & Culture
Does the Minnesota accent confound AI?
Maybe if we exaggerate our accent, we’ll foil Big Brother.
August 4, 2024
Variety
Don’t call it August
There are better ways to think about this time of year in Minnesota.
August 2, 2024
Variety
How your dog feels about Social Security
It may surprise you to learn he probably doesn’t care when you start to draw it.
July 28, 2024
Food & Culture
Minnesotans can take a long time to say goodbye. Here’s one columnist proving the point.
It’s not my last column. It’s my penultimate column.
August 9, 2024
Food & Culture
Does the Minnesota accent confound AI?
Maybe if we exaggerate our accent, we’ll foil Big Brother.
August 4, 2024
Variety
Don’t call it August
There are better ways to think about this time of year in Minnesota.
August 2, 2024
Variety
How your dog feels about Social Security
It may surprise you to learn he probably doesn’t care when you start to draw it.
July 28, 2024