The Widening Gyre

Manolo says, this photo is from what is perhaps the most depressing/hilarious/alarming/hilarious/distressing/depressing website the Manolo has ever seen, People of Walmart. The Manolo has always tried to avoid comedy which mocks the downtrodden and impoverished (see the Manolo’s review of Borat). Intelligent people who tell such jokes, even if the jokes are funny, give evidence of their meanness of spirit. For the Manolo, the best humor is that which mocks the high and the mighty, exposing their foibles to the humanizing power of laughter. But what the Manolo sees here, at the People of Walmart is so distressing that he…

Manolo the Columnist: Urban Boot from Timberland

Manolo says, here is the Manolo’s latest column for the Express of the Washington Post. Dear Manolo, I live in Boston, which has already had some snow this year, and have need of some boots that can withstand the slushy streets and salty sidewalks. While rejecting all form of Ugg-liness thus far, my feet have been very cold, as every pair of boots I find is either made for the abominable snow monster, or for an indoor kind of person. I don’t have a car, so I also need something walkable. Are there any such winter boots (preferably $200 or…