So the big question on everyone’s mind is this: What is America’s most-beloved columnist Rex Huppke up to with this “Quick Distractions” thing?

Well, for starters, he’s writing about himself in the third person, which is really fun and something everyone should try. It makes Rex feel important. Just ask him or, if you prefer, me.

Beyond the third-person shenanigans — hold tight, dear readers, a sudden shift to the first-person is coming — I’m (!) using this space as a writing playground. There are things I want to write and points I want to make that don’t always track with my actual job. I’m talking about everything from quick-hit riffs on life and family and the weird world around us to absurd bits of fiction and other assorted bouts of silliness or satire. There may even be moments of seriousness. Who knows?

I call this space “Quick Distractions” because that’s what the writing is meant to be, for you and for me. Nothing long-form. Nothing that’s going to eat up large chunks of our day. Just quick reads sent a couple times a week to garner a laugh, or a smile, or a head scratch followed by the thought, “What is this weirdo on about?” There might even be an occasional tear, if you’re into that sort of thing.

Whether you’ve read my work over the years or not, these word blasts will bring something different to your email inbox or phone screen. I’m carving this out as my place, and the hope is we can make it fun and, in these days of political gloom and division, pleasantly distracting.

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