I've spent a lot of time on Roger Ebert's web site. Sometimes I want to check his opinion about a movie I haven't seen, or sometimes I'm curious how his opinion jibes with mine. I've spent entire afternoons just browsing his reviews for kicks. He can be funny, scathing, insightful, or profound. Even when I disagree with him, I have to concede that his opinions are well reasoned and frequently poignant.

It wasn't until recently, however, that I started noticing Ebert's blog as well. I shouldn't be surprised that his writing talent extends so far beyond ripping terrible movies and praising good ones. He can be just as fascinating when he ruminates on the psychological concept of elevation or extols the virtues of Steak 'n Shake.  He might be the closest thing our generation has to H.L. Mencken.

Are you still reading this?  Go read Ebert instead.  The man won a Pulitzer for a reason.