Lilek's America

lileks.com/ ^ | n/a | James Lileks

[V K Lee]

What is the Institute? A good question. It began as a repository for odd things I scanned - and by “scanned,” I mean I took pictures with a video camera, and used a frame grabber to get the images. Cheap scanners didn’t exist.

As time went on, anything that was “vintage” or “retro” and could be gently mocked went into the Institute.

[V K Lee]

James Lelicks was once on the staff of the local Minneapolis newspaper. Traveling across the country, writing when journalism was at its PEAK of integrity and articles might be understood. Not, alas, what we see in today's world.

His site is filled with visuals of all types, from matchbook covers (remember those, to hotels, motels postcards and many other collections. This site is but yet another for browsing on a rainy afternoon.

A walk down memory lane.

[Vigilanteman]

He owned a Texaco Station in my old neighborhood. Well, at least somebody with the same last name did.

[Obadiah]

Thanks for the post. Was wondering what Mr. Lileks was up to ever since his tune “Bleatophany” popped up on my iTunes play rotation just the other day. Funniest thing I ever heard and was such a pleasant recalled memory.

[KarlInOhio]

I love his Gallery of Regrettable Food. Remember, the vegetables are for decoration only. Do not eat the vegetables.

I've even bought a couple of the paper versions of his web site. What ate those things called? Oh, right, they're books.

[avenir]

Lol, I forgot about. I think he did INTERIOR DESECRATORS: A 70’s PRIMER OF CRAPTICAL DESIGN. also. Really captured the horror.

[V K Lee]

Yes, books, you buy them and place them on a bookshelf ready to read and you know where it might be found. Why anyone would by a Kindle and search to find a specific book loaded into it only to find that the entire tome had been deleted - after you spent money to buy it. Weak mind, strong of heart

;-)) Given the preference a solid book in hand is worth its price even if it must be found in a library other than your own.

[niteowl77]

Gallery of Regrettable Food

My grandmother used to make a Jell-O concoction that I had to eat at every holiday meal, and I certainly regretted the experience(s). This culinary gem - and grandma's persistence - became an inside joke, although eventually the only one not in on the joke was my grandmother. Danged if I didn't find the original recipe in Lileks' Gallery of Regrettable Food.

Mr. niteowl77

[Martin Tell]

He owned a Texaco Station in my old neighborhood.

That's his dad. Still runs the same station in Fargo.

You ought to check out James' blog, The Bleat. You will learn a lot about his life and family.

James is a great writer with a wonderful sense of humor and a solid conservative.

He also co-hosts a podcast on Ricochet.

[Vigilanteman]

Thanks. I’ll have to do that. Thought there might be some connection with the same part of the country and an unusual surname.

[minnesota_bound]

James Lileks writes and writes and writes. He writes about everything while also guesting on radio shows. The guys output must be enormous judging from his website.
He must have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

[driftless2]

Freepers, you’ve got to check this thing out. Tears of laughter are rolling down my cheeks as I’m typing this. I don’t know if Steyn could do as well.

[V K Lee]

We could all use a good ‘belly’ life from time to time. They are hard to come by these days. Happy to hear of your enjoyment. :-))

[V K Lee]

Tomato aspic. That was one for the books! There were several Jell-o flavors actually sold by Jell-o which were promptly pulled from the shelves after customer reaction.