Karri Peifer, arts and entertainment writer
Bad drivers
It's my favorite topic (other than politics). I recently discovered that, in Virginia, it's illegal to drive slowly (or the speed limit) and block the left lane of traffic. So now I want to know, can I make a citizen's arrest? And, if so, how do I get my hands on one of those sirens?
Superdelegates
That can't be political, right? Superdelegates don't make any sense and cannot be explained in a way that the average human brain can grasp. Therefore I've concluded that they must be some mysterious "other." It's a category of things I will never understand, along with UFOs, time zones, quantum physics and that Comcast commercial where the woman sings "Lady Marmalade."
Self-aggrandizing co-workers
Not that I have any.
Billy Ray Cyrus
I normally consider myself pretty with-it when it comes to pop-culture, but I'm confused. When did this man become famous again ... and why?
"Jericho"
Am I the only one who thinks it's hilarious that David watches "Jericho?" He's obsessed too; I think he has a poster on his wall.
Christie Newman, office manager
Daytona 500
The race season officially starts this weekend!
Massachusetts $10 million scratch ticket
Should the level 3 sex offender who won give some to his victims?
Van Halen
Funny how some of the top grossing concerts of 2007-2008 are bands that have been playing for more than 20 years. But I must confess that for 53, David Lee Roth still looks good and I can't wait to see him "Jump!" next week in Charlottesville.
Valentine's Day
It's come and gone, now we get to hear for weeks about what our friends did or did not receive.
Washing Your Hands
Turn on the water … push the soap dispenser … lather … rinse. … Having now accosted five people in public restrooms for NOT washing their hands, I see why everyone seems to have the flu.
Dionne Waugh, news writer
My shows
Oh TV how I missed thee! Welcome back Pam, Jim, Dwight, Stewie, Lynette, Bree and Gabby.
Work?
What's that?
Britney Spears
Yep, still crazy. But at least she seems to be moving in the right direction
Iraq
Isn't there still a war going on?
Me
Because really, what is more important and interesting than moi? Did I mention I was born 28 years ago this past Monday? Did I mention how smart, funny and beautiful I am? No? Well then, you'll just have to talk about me til you learn more.
David Hylton, editor
Nothing
Why do we need to talk so much?
The weather
If we're going to have a serious discussion about something, then we really need to talk about the lack of winter weather in the past decade. Weather patterns like we've seen in the past several years just don't make sense.
The circus
Why does it cost so much?
Daytona 500
I think I can finally creep out of my mid-winter blues now that racing is back.
"Jericho"
It's back. It's new. And nobody will probably watch. Then it'll get canceled again and everyone will cry. But let's talk about it because even though the writers' strike is over, it'll be a while before we get a new "Office" or "Heroes" episode.
Stephanie Brummell, editorial assistant
Shopping
Spring collections are coming out and I'm starting to get the itch to hit the stores.
Horrible parking jobs
While I too resent bad drivers the way Karri does, I also cannot stand when people don't know how to park. Specifically, there are three people in front of my house who leave just enough room between them that is too small for another car to fit. Therefore, where five or six cars should be able to park, only those three can. I hate you all, seriously. Expect a nasty note from me this afternoon.
Public transportation
After spending a long weekend in New York and recalling my experiences abroad, I not only vow to walk more, but I really wish Richmond had better public transportation, preferably in the form of a subway. Let's discuss.
The Oscars and quality television
I'm just happy the writers' strike is over!
Gossip
Fine, maybe it's a faux pas, but I enjoy it from time to time. If we're forgetting about all-important politics, I suggest petty gossip.
Casey Menninger, movie reviewer
Starbucks closing for the day?
It seems the preferred meeting place for millions of coffee addicts is closing its doors on Feb. 26 for emergency coffee training. Is this for real? I doubt a couple of customers complaining about mediocre coffee qualifies as a red alert situation. The stores in Seattle are one thing, but this is happening all across the United States. I don't understand. It doesn't matter if it's a couple of hours or a couple of months, it's all the same to me.
Postcards for Lindsay
This is a great cause. Corporate & Museum Frame at 301 W. Broad St. is hosting a month-long art sale to support the medical and rehabilitation costs of a recent VCU graduate's surgeries from Crohn's disease. This is a terrific opportunity for art fans to see a huge collection of unframed prints from local and not-so-local artists at unbeatable prices and support a good cause at the same time.
Uno the Beagle
Snoopy has a successor! This cute beagle became the first of his breed on Tuesday to be named top dog. He is as cute as he can be, though I am afraid fame is going to his head. He tried to eat a reporter's microphone, so I sure it is a matter of time before he starts ignoring the press, gets a reputation as a prima donna and goes to rehab. This is a tough business for child stars.
"Ordinary People"
Who else loves this movie? I do too, but outside forces are conspiring to ensure I don't see it again for the rest of my life. Netflix insists on sending damaged copies, so I headed to Blockbuster but the teenaged manager didn't understand me since I didn't request "Ocean's Thirteen." I thought I'd get a much more thoughtful response from Barnes & Noble, but the person there hadn't heard of it either and didn't seem interested in helping. It came out in 1980 dude, not 1890.
Hillary Rodham Clinton
I can't help it. This is supposed to be an election-free column, but she needs all the help she can get.
Meg Brackett, assistant sales and marketing manager
Jack Johnson's new CD
The music and lyrics are amazing, per usual but my favorite part of this CD is in the details. He recorded it using 100% solar power energy, the case is made of 100% recycled materials, and a portion of the profits go toward protecting the earth. That is quite a statement and an amazing example to set.
Bonnaroo Music Festival
Tickets go on sale this weekend for the four-day, multi-stage camping festival held on a 700-acre farm in Manchester, Tenn. I cannot wait!
Funny babies on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_zK2apRHI4 and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_mBLWpdwnI. Seriously… I cannot get enough.
Count down to the Oscars
It is crunch time right now for me. Next week will involve movie marathons every night. Every year I try to see at least the films nominated for best picture. This year? I’m pulling for Juno.
"I drink your milkshake"
In case you missed it, USA Today named "I drink your milkshake" from the film "There Will Be Blood" Hollywood’s hottest catch phrase. So disturbing.
Christen Duxbury, editorial intern
Flypaper
Why is that old caramel-colored thing still up there if there aren't any flies stuck to it? If those things actually do work, I wanna know who is the guy that cracked the fly pheromone code in order to produce the fly-attracting strips? More importantly, why aren't we utilizing it in our weaponry?
Rock Band
I have been craving the stage. There is NO better way to spend an evening than belting out Weezer's "Say It Ain't So" with your friends playing plastic guitar and plastic drums next to you. Makes me want to get my bands' name tattooed on my arm.
Peter Frampton's talk box
He was ahead of his time, in a really nerdy and cool way. After Frampton's stroke of genius, synthesizers got a bad rep. Can you say Mannheim Steamroller?
String cheese
What makes it so stringy and delicious?
Do it yourself tattoos
What a great activity for you and your slumber party friends. The best part about it is that you don't have to be sober, so you can make your drunken ramblings permanent.
Kent Jennings Brockwell, associate editor
God
Since we can't talk about politics, I say we talk about religion, a totally homogenous topic that everyone can agree with.
Abortion
A lighthearted, non-political topic that's wonderful chatter over midday tea and crumpets.
Roger Clemens
I just can’t believe that there is such uproar about all these steroids in baseb...Zzzzzzzz.
Britney Spears
First she shaves her head then she...Zzzzzzzzzz.
Deaf-mutes
Just for the irony factor.