The daily digest of Twin Cities culture | Secrets of the City

The National Book Award winner was just announced, and Peter Matthiessen's Shadow Country came out on top. Good for him. I haven't read it. So I'm still saying Aleksandar Hemon's The Lazarus Project, which was on the shortlist, should have won.

Just when I was about to launch my ski team's website this "Hockey Mom" thing blows up. Well, well, the truth is, the buzz surrounding the sport (and the phrase) will only help us attract converts.

Still I have aborted further attempts at uncovering the culinary habits of Hockey Moms and Dads versus those of Skiing families till the buzz cools down. For a look at this superior winter sport and lifestyle click the link at the bottom of this page.

Elitist?

Hockey moms across the nation collectively ovulated in sheer rapture Wednesday night at the coming of their messiah. Palin's pointed attacks on Obama were justified and applauded by "political speech experts" for their use of humor. The awkwardly-executed humor was the type you're supposed to laugh at, like when the postman tries to make small talk.

A few days ago I had an allergic reaction to Obama's acceptance speech. I have not changed my mind about Obama, but I have also quickly learned the perils of speaking out of my butt too fast--which is essentially the origin of most political commentary offered without the baptism of time and experience.

I should have waited a day.

I was at a wedding this weekend, which reminded me that, at least in Minnesota, summer is the same as wedding season.