Rachel Maddow's moment: The former Valley radio host turned A-list political pundit gets her own show at MSNBC

In little more than 30 minutes, Rachel Maddow will be looking into the teleprompter and welcoming hundreds of thousands of viewers to "Race for the White House," a fast-paced political talkfest that airs live five nights a week at 6 p.m. on MSNBC TV. At the moment, though, she doesn't resemble the national TV personality she has
become just four years after leaving local radio in Northampton. That transformation is still a few minutes away.

Quips and quotes from Rachel Maddow

In her role as a political analyst for MSNBC, Rachel Maddow is called on almost daily to deliver assessments of news stories involving Republican Sen. John McCain and Democratic Sen. Barack Obama. Here is a sampling of some recent comments.

Chef's Best: Jam Session -- how to make the most of a bumper crop of fruit

"If you envision your mother or grandmother standing over pots of boiling sugar and fruit for hours when you think about making jams and jellies, think again." That line is from a new cookbook, "175 Best Jam, Jellies, Marmalades & Other Soft Spreads" by Linda J. Amendt, who knows how to do the job in less than half the time it used to take.

Kathleen Bonnet

Kathy Bonnet hasn't hesitated to make big changes in her life. A native of Puerto Rico, she moved to Northampton in 1996 to complete a predoctoral internship in clinical psychology and has since made the city her home, commuting to her job at the River Valley Counseling Center in Holyoke, where she directs Spanish-speaking outpatient services.

First Person: Picture perfect?

I wonder what somebody would give me for pictures of my kids.

Not $14 million, that's for sure. That's what People magazine and some British mag called Hello! reportedly ponied up for pictures of Brad and Angelina's twins, although word on the street is that that's an inflated figure.

Hot Buttonz: 20th-anniversary 'Madden NFL' is better than ever

When Electronic Arts announced the retired Brett Favre as its 20th anniversary cover boy, it looked like the notorious "Madden" curse – which had mangled the careers of Michael Vick, Donovan McNabb and Shaun Alexander – was finally broken.

Lifeline

Q.I recently read about the toxicity of vinyl shower curtains. Are there safe, practical alternatives?

Gardener's Checklist

Pull up onions when at least half of their leafy tops have flopped over. Air-dry the onions for two or three weeks, until the tops have turned brown, then cut off the tops an inch above the bulb. Place the onions in mesh bags, milk crates or peach baskets and store in a cool, dry place.

On the Menu

MESA VERDE
10 Fiske Ave.
Greenfield
772-2531
www.mesaverdegreenfield.com

Shopping Basket

STUDY AIDS ... August, of course, is back-to-school shopping time – and that includes back-to-college shopping. Here are some student-tested suggestions for a well-equipped dorm room, from practical necessities to party supplies.

Web Sighting

ICING ON THE CAKE ... King Arthur Flour has just revamped its Web site, www.kingarthurflour.com, and to inspire cooks to visit it's posted 35 "guaranteed" recipes for an assortment of baked goods, from baguettes to sticky buns.

Movie Capsules

AMERICAN TEEN: Documentary filmmaker Nanette Burstein ("The Kid Stays in the Picture") gives a close-up look at the lives of a group of teenagers living in Warsaw, Ind., a suburban enclave known for its white, Christian and conservative values.