Alison Neumer

Forgive her, she didn't know what she was saying. "You look Eastern European," my new acquaintance pronounced. I eyed her quizzically. Was it a compliment? Are you saying I'm born...

Illinois voters might be excused if they feel a little superfluous in this whole election business. Shortchanged, even. By the state primary in March, John Kerry had already won in...

It's September and the urge is coming on strong. I've paged through a dozen houseware catalogs. I've scanned hefty fashion magazines that could double as doorstops. On the street, I've...

Don't expect Republican U.S. senate candidate Alan Keyes to keep his promises for six years when he can't even make it for 24 hours. I might be a little peeved....

Drop your pants. If you're passionate about an issue and prepared to act, that's apparently the way to go. Strip down for equality. Take it off for peace. Undress for...

Despite child pornography allegations, R. Kelly's music career is blazing ahead. Kelly's new double album from Jive Records, "Happy People/U Saved Me," drops Tuesday and is expected to extend the...

Nicholson Baker's novel "Checkpoint," which came out Tuesday, has caused a small media firestorm. Critics quickly shot it down as plotless, vitriolic tirade against President Bush and his policies. Reviews...

I dumped her. Seated for the last time in the adjustable chair, I made up my mind: It just wasn't working out anymore, and I was ready to move on....

It's not as if John Kerry was surprised. Thanks to the citizens of Iowa and a long primary process, Kerry and the public knew months ago that he'd be the...

The new Alison lasted maybe two and a half days. Radical change was never my goal, but seven unplugged days on vacation worked its own magic. By Tuesday I forgot...