The Timberwolves are now 4-11 which, considering their apocalyptic start, is actually kind of a relief. They're plainly a bad team, cursed with deficits in both talent and luck, but, for now at least, I think they've succeeded in separating themselves from that most wretched very bottom tier of the Association. After a pretty much expected, though still rather uninspired, 110-102 loss to Phoenix, they managed to sneak past the morbidly awful Oklahoma City Thunder (never heard of 'em? neither have I) on the road, 105-103. The Thunder are now 2-16, which is nice since for a long time their sole victory came against our Puppies. Not very exalted accomplishments, I realize, but still: a road win is a road win.

Saturday night brought us the Denver Nuggets and Lord Chauncey Billups (seen above, in a nice t-shirt), yet another reminder of the Wolves' painful recent past. There are lots of imaginary scenarios that, as a Wolves fan, are masochistically fun to conjure--my current fave is a  core of Danny Granger, Kevin Garnett and Brandon Roy: doesn't that taste nice?--but lets remember that Chauncey was actually on the team from 2000 to 2003. He played well for us, too, before we made known our preference for Troy Hudson and let Chauncey walk away to become an All-Star and the Finals MVP and...anyway.
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Jerry Maren has had a big career. Although uncredited in most of his on-screen appearances, the member of the Lollipop Guild that gave Dorothy a lolly in the Wizard of Oz has been in oodles and oodles of films and commercials. He'll be in town this weekend at the Heights Theater for two Oz screenings that benefit the Judy Garland Museum. But, we've all seen Maren in that. Let's look at his other career highlights. More >>

Karla Sweeney, director of St. Croix Ballet, center, joins in with her dancers when they rehearse Waltz of the Flowers from the Nutcracker.

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In the latest news emerging from the Metrodome bathroom sex incident, the woman cited now says she was taken advantage of by a stranger during the game day sexcapades.More >>

Norm Coleman's campaign was not happy to see Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid jumping in on the nearly constant commentary of the Minnesota recount. They even called on Al Franken to disavow the comments. Harsh. More >>

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MSNBC's Keith Olbermann gave our favorite Iowans busted for Metrodome stranger sex in a bathroom his daily nomination for "World's Best Persons". Olbermann said on Wednesday that it was the "best final line in an AP story" because the story says the woman was returned to her husband and the man returned to his girlfriend. Classic.  More >>

Economic downturn got you frustrated?  Troubles on the home front?  Kids driving you crazy about what to get them for the approaching holidays?  Finding yourself anxious, angry, annoyed or alarmed at strange moments throughout the day? 

Well, fear not!  Your pals at City Pages have the perfect solution for all this unhealthy wretch, worry and woe!  Introducing -- for a very limited time -- the Gus Frerotte Doll!

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