so, whenever people ask me what i do during these lovely holiday days (more like stressed days because I have no money and I have no job), I start by telling them that I read the paper. Now some people seem to think that this is really a nothing-exercise. However, reading the paper is a huge undertaking. First you have to read the front page (which has its own editor at the Globe who does nothing else and usually is laid out superbly... except yesterday when they lead with "Deal at hand in bethlehem... at hand? what kind of stupid expression is that anyway?). Then you have to read the articles and the editorials which are always by some crazily impressive people. Today there's a good piece on Sharon' visit to the US by the former Strategy Advisory to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan (of course it's not online so there's no link). Then you have to read the Review section which seems to have at least one piece on something to do with the CBC and some artist or arts individual who appeals to a small portion of the population (notice today's massive picture of Tom Waits- not exactly the prettiest vocal celeb around... picture Jack Nickolson meets fruit leather meets your great-great-grandfather).

Anyway, this isn't just any old rag, nor is it the polemic lefty or righty stuff. This is the real paper and so I feel justified in considering it one of my day's activities. My mom laughed when I told her the Globe only publishes one weekend paper. She was trying to insinuate that her paper is somehow better because it has a Sunday edition. However, the Globe weekend is just so great and fun-filled that it takes two days (at least) to read. Anyway, just a little bit of insight onto my obsession with the newspaper...