JL

James Lileks

13quotes

James Lileks: A Prolific Writer and Satirist


Full Name and Common Aliases


James David Lileks is a renowned American writer, satirist, and commentator who is commonly known by his pen name, The Bleat.

Birth and Death Dates


Born on December 1, 1953, in St. Paul, Minnesota, USA, Lileks is still active in his writing career.

Nationality and Profession(s)


Lileks holds American nationality and has worked as a columnist, author, humorist, and commentator throughout his career.

Early Life and Background


Growing up in the Midwest, Lileks developed a keen interest in politics, history, and satire. He attended Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Studies. After college, Lileks worked as a journalist for various publications before establishing himself as a prominent writer and commentator.

Major Accomplishments


Lileks' writing career spans over four decades, during which he has achieved numerous accolades and milestones. Some of his notable accomplishments include:

Writing for prominent newspapers such as The Minneapolis Tribune and The Chicago Sun-Times.
Creating the popular column The Bleat for The Minneapolis Star Tribune, where he shared his satirical views on politics, culture, and everyday life.
Publishing several bestselling books, including It Looks Like You've Got Class: Adventures of a Cinephile (1995), Ghosts of Waugh's Past (1997), and The Gallery of Regrettable Clothing (2001).
Being awarded the National Press Club's Everett McKinley Dirksen Award for Distinguished Service to the First Amendment.

Notable Works or Actions


Lileks is perhaps best known for his humorous take on politics, culture, and everyday life. His writing often incorporates satire, irony, and wit, making him a beloved figure among readers. Some of his notable works include:

The Bleat, his long-running column in The Minneapolis Star Tribune, which ran from 1998 to 2006.
Gallery of Regrettable Clothing, a book that showcases his unique perspective on fashion disasters throughout history.
* His frequent appearances on television and radio programs, where he shares his opinions on current events.

Impact and Legacy


Lileks' writing has had a significant impact on the world of journalism and satire. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential humorists of our time, known for his biting wit, clever observations, and irreverent style. His work continues to inspire new generations of writers and commentators.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Lileks' enduring popularity can be attributed to his unique ability to balance satire with insight. He has a knack for capturing the essence of contemporary culture, politics, and society, making him a go-to source for readers seeking humor and commentary on current events. His work is often quoted and referenced by other writers, commentators, and media outlets, cementing his status as one of the most influential voices in American journalism.

Throughout his career, Lileks has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to free speech, intellectual curiosity, and creative expression. As a writer, commentator, and humorist, he continues to inspire and entertain readers with his sharp wit, clever observations, and unapologetic satire.

Quotes by James Lileks

This dissent isn’t going to suppress itself.
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This dissent isn’t going to suppress itself.
She had shins like fireplugs and hips as wide as an oven door. Her head was stuck directly onto her shoulders with the usual Prussian predilection for omitting the neck, and to watch her turn her head in the direction of Aunt Marvel’s yodeling demands for attention was to watch a large and noble owl.
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She had shins like fireplugs and hips as wide as an oven door. Her head was stuck directly onto her shoulders with the usual Prussian predilection for omitting the neck, and to watch her turn her head in the direction of Aunt Marvel’s yodeling demands for attention was to watch a large and noble owl.
She was from the wrong side of the tracks no matter how you gerrymandered the town.
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She was from the wrong side of the tracks no matter how you gerrymandered the town.
If you think the ’80s were dumber than the ’70s, either you weren’t there or you weren’t paying attention.
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If you think the ’80s were dumber than the ’70s, either you weren’t there or you weren’t paying attention.
So Jane was getting married. Well, more power to her. In fact, let me tighten those straps. Any word from the governor on the pardon? No? All right, then, more power to her.
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So Jane was getting married. Well, more power to her. In fact, let me tighten those straps. Any word from the governor on the pardon? No? All right, then, more power to her.
I love the early hours of the day. It’s a nice place to visit but I wouldn’t want to live there.
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I love the early hours of the day. It’s a nice place to visit but I wouldn’t want to live there.
What's the deal with putting animal feet on tubs? It's like insisting that all pianos should have tails, or dinner tables should have scrotal sacs. One of the things we like about tubs is their immobility, their general disinclination to bolt out of the room, scramble down the stairs, and make for the woods in a blind feral panic.
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What's the deal with putting animal feet on tubs? It's like insisting that all pianos should have tails, or dinner tables should have scrotal sacs. One of the things we like about tubs is their immobility, their general disinclination to bolt out of the room, scramble down the stairs, and make for the woods in a blind feral panic.
Look. Folks. It's simple. If you have poor taste in decorating, don't go nuts in the entryway. Wait until your guests are inside before you spring something unusual on them.
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Look. Folks. It's simple. If you have poor taste in decorating, don't go nuts in the entryway. Wait until your guests are inside before you spring something unusual on them.
In the early '70s, the nation was afflicted with incurable pattern viruses - small microbes that reproduced and multiplied from a single swatch left on a sofa, and soon covered an entire room.
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In the early '70s, the nation was afflicted with incurable pattern viruses - small microbes that reproduced and multiplied from a single swatch left on a sofa, and soon covered an entire room.
She was moving slowly, appearing to come no closer. Perhaps she was losing ground against the earth's rotation.
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She was moving slowly, appearing to come no closer. Perhaps she was losing ground against the earth's rotation.
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