I followed Glenn’s link to this eye-opening new study reported on Poynter. If the study is right, blog readership is higher than I thought. Fully 20 percent of newspaper readers follow blogs, “at least sometimes, if not regularly.”

The story also has some good quotes and insights about how blogging fits in with conventional news reporting, and how blog readers perceive blog authors.

The article doesn’t mention me, for some reason, but it’s still interesting stuff, if that sort of stuff interests you.

I was out on a baby-or-tobacco-related errand of some sort the other day, and chanced to see this funny-looking doll at the checkout aisle at Walgreen’s. He looked just like Al Gore, only less insane. I gave his soft little hand a squeeze, and he spoke to me. He said, “The ball game isn’t really that important. I’d rather spend time with you.” His voice dripped with sincerity as sweet as pudding. Reminded me of Phil Hartman (God rest his soul). I laughed.

Well, the other guys waiting in line for cigars and whatnot had all turned to stare at me, so I put the thing back down in a hurry. “Feh,” I barked. “Guh,” I added for good measure. Their attention wandered back away from me and the Mr. Wonderful Talking Doll. I didn’t buy him for $19.98. (But you can buy him for only $14.99 from Amazon, and if you do it with this link, I’ll get, like, a nickel!)

I didn’t hear the other 15 phrases with which he is equipped, but I looked them up. Here are some choice excerpts:

• “You know honey, why don’t you just relax and let me make dinner tonight.”
• “Why don’t we go to the mall. Didn’t you want some new shoes?”
• “You know, I think it’s really important that we talk about our relationship.”
• “You’ve been on my mind all day. That’s why I bought you these flowers.”

And it turns out there’s also a “Ms. Wonderful” counterpart, who says, “You don’t need a glass. Just go ahead and drink out of the carton!” and “Your new secretary is cute. I bet she’s smart, too!” Not as funny, somehow, but they had to make it because of Title IX of the Civil Rights Act or something.

UPDATE: My wife pointed out this note on the Amazon page:

Note: Limit 99 per customer.

Jeez. Some women are insatiable.