From readers

NO MORE PHONE BOOKS

Rant: “I certainly wouldn’t consider myself a ‘tree hugger’ by any means, but I do whatever I can to recycle when at all possible for our environment’s sake. What I don’t understand is, with today’s technologies, computers, cell phones, etc., how the phone company ‘Dex’ is allowed to just come and dump phone books on our front stoops twice a year? If I want a phone book, I will ask for one! I think it should be mandatory that if someone needs one, they make a request to have it delivered to them. Almost any phone number I need is available online, or I can call a free 800 number for it from my cell phone. I’ve talked to my neighbors about it and they also deposit theirs directly into the recycling container. Look around your neighborhood and you will still see them sitting on residents’ front stoops. Imagine how many trees could have been spared if there were enough made for only those people who actually wanted one, instead of every address in America automatically getting one. There were two in this last delivery. I don’t know how this is allowed to keep happening. What a waste!”

From staff

POUR SOME SUGAR ON ME

Rave: Long ago, I embraced the syrupy sweetness of Maroon 5. I’m not one of those people who claim to hate them because they’re beautiful and bubble-gummy. In fact, I kind of love them. But their new single, “Misery,” is enough to induce diabetes. Producer Mutt Lange – who I thought was known more for his rock side – really had a heavy hand with the sugar glaze on this one. Adam Levine’s naturally smooth voice gets coated with an unnecessary layer (or 12) of voice-candy software. Still, even after one or two listens, I couldn’t get the thing out of my head, proving that these Los Angeles dudes are dangerously close to completing Operation: World Domination by single-handedly annoying everyone with their ridiculously catchy pop tunes. Well-played, boys.Well-played. – Lori Carlson

GOOD DAY, SUNSHINE

Rave: I’ve finally come around. I know I’ve raved about rainy weather in the past, but this week’s almost nonstop sunshine has me smiling. I’ve finally gotten addicted to driving around Prior Lake with my sunglasses on and my windows down. I don’t know what next week’s weather brings, but if Mr. Sunshine plans on sticking around, color me ecstatic. – Meryn Fluker

‘TWILIGHT’: IN THE DARK

Rant: I just don’t get it, but “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” managed to break the record for biggest midnight movie opening in history. How is this possible? I’ll admit, I haven’t seen the movies, but in skimming through the books and talking with friends, I can’t understand how these films can be so popular. The writing is hideously bad, and even Linda Holmes of National Public Radio agrees. The soundtracks are great, and I get why girls love Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner, but is that really enough to break box-office records? When “E.T.” and “Star Wars” racked up huge grosses, people realized those films were cinematic breakthroughs that would be beloved for years, and they were right. But in a few decades, I think we’ll look back on the success of “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” as a reminder of a period in film we’d rather forget. – Meryn Fluker

THE ‘DAILY’ WOMEN

Rave: I applaud the women of “The Daily Show” for standing up for themselves. After various female bloggers pointed out that the show’s workplace was sexist or perhaps had a “woman problem,” the ladies behind “The Daily Show” asserted their independence by penning an open letter proclaiming their shared overall job satisfaction. In this era, many people do need others to stand up for them, but I applaud the women of “The Daily Show” for showing that they can speak for themselves. – Meryn Fluker

LEBRON-ATHON

Rant: This is old news by now, but I have to say that Lebron James has to be one of the most pompous athletes ever. Who in their right mind holds an hour-long special to declare what team he will be paid millions of dollars to play for in the coming years. I understand that money raised is going to a charity, but come on. Just sign the contract and play basketball (and take a hint from newcomer Kevin Durant about modesty). In my opinion, James isn’t event the best player in the league. That honor belongs to a guy named Kobe Bryant, and he has a handful of championship rings to prove it. I just wish these athletes could set their egos aside for just a moment and realize how many people are actually put off by this obnoxious behavior. You dunk a basketball, Lebron. That’s it. – Shawn Hogendorf

Do you have a rant or a rave? Send us your musings:

E-mail: rantsandraves@swpub.com

Address: Prior Lake American, Attn: Rants and Raves, P.O. Box 538, Prior Lake, MN, 55372

Guidelines: Reader rants and raves should be no more than 175 words. The deadline is noon each Wednesday.

Rants and raves that are potentially libelous will not be printed or will be edited.

Submissions will not be refused because staff disagrees with their content. Anonymous submissions are acceptable; however, including a contact name and/or phone number is helpful for staff, who may have questions about the submission.

Rants and raves may be edited as space requires. All publication decisions will be made by the editor.

NOTE: In the interest of fairness to all, the newspaper does not print rants or raves about local businesses.