Blog Post

New Rules for Real Journalists

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Dan Froomkin of the Washington Post made my “Best of” list for his superb blogging on press performance and accountability issues. (No doubt he has the clipping framed over his computer.) Here’s a piece up today on the Nieman web-site. Its basically a refresher course for tough-mindedness, something in short supply when a politician’s popularity … Read more

Unsung Heroes of Beer

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Yesterday, I spent a few delicious hours as a judge for the Town Hall Brewery’s Chili Cook-Off. There were definitely interesting ingredients used in some of the dishes: zucchini, venison, curry, cocoa. Challenging the very definition of chili was one dish with a cream base and another that consisted solely of beef cubes and sauce, … Read more

Roe Family Singers

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I’ve been meaning to mention this: If ever you’re lookin’ for a pleasant Monday night outing, consider a trip to the 331 to catch the weekly concert put on by The Roe Family Singers. Quillan Roe is the frontman of this new-ish, husband and wife band. Some of you might remember him from his days … Read more

Morning Drive Radio Ratings

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A few people have asked about ratings for Twin Cities radio’s morning drive shows, usually the biggest revenue producer of the day for most stations. Here they are, with exclamations of bewilderment at the bottom. Share of Twin Cities adults 25-54 listening from 6 am to 10 am, Oct-Dec. ’06. 1. KQRS-FM 19.1 2. KTIS-FM … Read more

Russert V. Edwards

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When I’m in the market for Sunday morning Beltway bloviation, I generally prefer Stephanopoulos to Russert. A: I like ABC’s roundtable, especially when Fareed Zakaria and George Will lock up. B: Cokie Roberts perfectly personifies D.C. group-think. There is no better example of limp. Georgetown cocktail punditry this side of David Broder. And I like … Read more

Cachet for less cash (but hurry)

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Not everyone can collect cars like Jay Leno. In fact, car collecting usually turns out to be a dark comedy for most virgins. Not if you read this blog, however. A few months back I encouraged all of you to purchase a Mercedes Benz 280 SL. last made in 1971. I recently spotted prices going … Read more

Corporate Journalism Wins One, For Now…

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There’s a story on CNN/Fortune today that perfectly illustrates one of the main problems with American journalism. A little background: the New York Times Company has two classes of stock. One is owned by whoever wants to buy one; the other is owned by the Ochs-Sulzberger family. Only the Ochs-Sulzberger shares have an effective vote. … Read more

It's cold. Give me a discount.

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I stopped in at Sebastian Joe’s last night and was happy to find that they have a special tied to the temerature in January and February. Depending on what the low temperature is on a given day you can get anywhere from 5 to 25 percent off ice cream. This weekend we should be looking … Read more

Lay in down

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My real-life weekend agenda, as I fight the urge to hole-up with my slippers and a few dozen Irish Coffees: Tonight, I’m filling in for my friend Dominic Papatola and going over to the Jungle Theater to see The Swan. It features one of my favorite local actors, the sprightly Nathan Keepers. And then tomorrow, … Read more