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
On July 4th, don’t just think about flags. Salute the pole.
Here are three notable flagpoles, from the most seen to the tallest, in Minnesota.
July 4, 2025
Loring Park’s Greenway Plaza gets an upgrade. But the walkway needs more love.
The Greenway’s fountains look parched and its style needs to change with the times.
June 21, 2025
What we lose when chain drugstores replace family-owned independents
When West Seventh Pharmacy closes, St. Paul will lose a piece of history and personal care.
June 7, 2025
Can a prison be beautiful? And should it?
Stillwater facility’s proposed closing prompts a look at the architectural significance of correctional centers in Minnesota.
May 31, 2025
These Minneapolis buildings resonate with baby boomers but baffle Gen Z
That’s OK. Each generation has its architectural touchstones.
May 24, 2025
7 surprising gems to seek in Doors Open Minneapolis
The free, weekend-long event offers historic and architectural insights into the city’s hotels, libraries, chapels and churches.
May 17, 2025
![A young boy stopped playing briefly to have his photo taken in front of the fountains at Peavey Plaza as they flowed over the reflecting pool Thursday. ] ANTHONY SOUFFLE • anthony.souffle@startribune.com Peavey Plaza's fountains are flowing again following after a $10 million restoration photographed Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Minneapolis.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/IIVUAZCTPCJRS6RMQFZDTUBVMQ.jpg?&w=252&ar=3:2&fit=crop)
Minneapolis’ first maternity hospital in 1886 was a savior for unmarried mothers and unwanted babies
Founder Martha Ripley was not only an obstetrician but also a mother figure to the women and infants at the facility.
May 10, 2025
Returning snowbirds get a fresh perspective of Minnesota highways and streetscapes
From adorned bridges to colors to shopping centers to dense residential lots, there’s a lot to learn - and ignore - from the Southwest.
May 3, 2025
These Minneapolis buildings resonate with baby boomers but baffle Gen Z
That’s OK. Each generation has its architectural touchstones.
May 24, 2025
7 surprising gems to seek in Doors Open Minneapolis
The free, weekend-long event offers historic and architectural insights into the city’s hotels, libraries, chapels and churches.
May 17, 2025
Minneapolis’ first maternity hospital in 1886 was a savior for unmarried mothers and unwanted babies
Founder Martha Ripley was not only an obstetrician but also a mother figure to the women and infants at the facility.
May 10, 2025
Returning snowbirds get a fresh perspective of Minnesota highways and streetscapes
From adorned bridges to colors to shopping centers to dense residential lots, there’s a lot to learn - and ignore - from the Southwest.
May 3, 2025