Move over, sexy firefighters. The sexy chef calendar is something to laugh with, be delighted by, and maybe...ogle? strib.mn/2PcfZe7

A fun conversation with Eric Roper about Mn Nice! (Hoping my Mn accent isn’t too strong...)

Working on a story about how couples/families being home together during the pandemic is impacting their relationships. Willing to comment about your experience sharing space/tools/etc., positive or negative? Email [email protected] by Monday 3/22. Thx!

I've said before that stories of people looking out for another is what's giving me hope right now. This Minneapolis story about Kaytie and Jania is about as hopeful as they come. startribune.com/minneapolis-te…

One upside of spending *a lot* of time with those in your "bubble" is that it can reveal their otherwise-hidden strengths. If you've learned something positive about another member of your household by quarantining together, send me a note about it [email protected]

Grief experts offer many different reasons why there has their been so little collective mourning for the 125,000+ COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. -- but all agree that it's a big problem. strib.mn/2YE9w1r

Any grown ups using kiddie pools, stock tanks or DIY pop up pools made of hay bales and tarps to cool off this weekend? Message me and I’ll write about you for the The Minnesota Star Tribune.

Why is the response to being called out for terrible behavior so often, 'That's not who I am'? Because it actually *is* you if you are if you are the person who did it.

The Mn State Fair's butter heads have evolved from foodstuff to cultural icon in the nearly 50 years Linda Christensen has been sculpting them, "mall dos" and all! strib.mn/2EreLJX

Turning to Unicorn Riot's livestream for on-the-ground coverage of the reaction to Chauvin posting bail: strib.mn/3njZBbN

Minneapolis is the epicenter of the American kendama craze thanks to Sweets, who taught me to spike the tama on my 3rd try! Check out his gravity-defying tricks and then gift this toy to the kids in your life to keep them off their screens. strib.mn/2HHLvAO

Anyone here who would like to talk about a major life change -- job, relationship, where you live -- spurred by covid? Asking for a colleague, Rachel Hutton. Also, separately but related, any adults bought snow pants for the first time to cope with the covid winter of 20/21?

Join us in this cozy club!

Are there habits/practices you've adopted in the pandemic that you’d like to maintain when things return to “normal”? Do you anticipate it being difficult? Email me at rachel.hutton(at)startribune(dot)com if you'd like to share your thoughts on the subject. Thx!

Pres. Biden aims to have the country "closer to normal" by July 4, but there's no "on/off" switch for a pandemic. I'm curious: When will the pandemic be "over" for you? Does it happen in stages? What factors mark each shift as we emerge individually from a collective crisis?

Making your Wednesday-night plans: "What the hell is a cat tour?" strib.mn/3ije5rA

Some call electrically heated gear the giant overdone SUV of outdoor clothing, while others swear by battery-heated jackets, socks, and more to stay toasty as they ice fish, tailgate, or watch the kids play hockey: startribune.com/heated-clothin…

In honor of Richard Chin's St. Patty's quiz, I ate a bowl of Lucky Charms for the first time in decades (purchased as "bait" for 6-y-o to use in leprechaun traps). It was as magically delicious as promised! startribune.com/from-green-bay…

Beyond frustrated to learn that since this story ran, Nancy experienced yet ANOTHER attempted break in to her Kia, which will cost her $250 to replace the smashed window strib.gift/4cqk9ahs5

A features reporter's version of investigative journalism: uncovering a secret website selling discounted Target merch! strib.gift/w5mq2pthy