Poll: Female breadwinners
Posted at 10:07 AM on May 22, 2012
by Stephanie Curtis
(11 Comments)
Filed under: Economy, Business & Jobs
Liza Mundy joins us tomorrow to talk about the "The Big Flip": when women overtake men as the chief breadwinners in American households.
We'll discuss how this affect families, dating and workplaces. Mundy says the change will be hard, but ultimately good for all.
Are you as optimistic as Mundy about the change?
--Stephanie Curtis, social media host
Human trafficking and you: How are your habits fueling it?
Posted at 3:09 PM on May 18, 2012
by Chris Dall
(1 Comments)
Filed under: News & Trends
You might have heard Tom Weber's interview this morning with Ambassador-at-Large Luis Cdebaca, who directs the U.S. State Department's efforts to combat human trafficking. The part of the conversation that aired focused on the recent conviction of three Twin Cities men in a multi-state sex trafficking ring, and why the Twin Cities ranks 13th on the FBI's list of human trafficking centers.
But human trafficking encompasses much more than prostitution and sex trafficking. Bonded labor is used in much of Southeast Asia's shrimping industry, to name one example. As Tom mentioned at the end of the interview, he and the Ambassador also discussed how consumers can find out their role in human trafficking, and how we can avoid buying products that are connected to modern-day slavery. Here's an excerpt from that part of the conversation:
If you're interested in finding out how many slaves work for you to sustain your lifestyle, go to Slavery Footprint.org
--Chris Dall, senior producer
Good reads: Inside a campaign playbook, Whitney Houston
Posted at 2:01 PM on May 18, 2012
by Stephanie Curtis
(0 Comments)
Filed under: Behind the scenes
Each week, we let you know what we've been reading. Check out our picks:
Chris Dall: You have to check out NPR's series on fracking.
Alex DiPalma: The New York Times recently published a campaign playbook by high-profile Republican strategists. It outlines a plan that calls for running commercials linking President Obama to controversial comments made by his former spiritual adviser, Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. It's amazing (and kind of scary) to read the actual document and get an inside look at how Super PACs operate.
Meggan Ellingboe (our resident jock): Last night, friends and I "raced" a mile and then cheered on the USA 1 Mile Road Championships in Minneapolis. I immediately thought of Louie Zamperini, whose story is the subject of Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. Before his war days, Zamperini was a talented one-mile racer (going to break a four-minute mile) and competed in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. I've been reading Unbroken for book club this week and look forward to finishing it this weekend. So far, it's incredible!
(Louis Zamperini presents an award at the 2011 Golden Goggles at JW Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE on November 20, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Noel Vasquez/Getty Images for USA Swimming)
Emily Kaiser: Started reading the Vanity Fair posthumous profile of Whitney Houston this morning. And check out this 21-year-old who started a super-PAC and spent some serious cash on a House race in Kentucky.
(Jennifer Hudson performs in memory of the late Whitney Houston at the Staples Center during the 54th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California, February 12, 2012. AFP PHOTO Robyn BECK (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images)
Kryssy Pease: In the wake of our Faith and Public Life week and the look at atheism, I found this article on issues surrounding black identity and atheism really interesting.
Maddy Mahon: Great reporting about a group of Marines who develop breast cancer, and the link between the disease and chemicals on a North Caroline military base.
Tom Weber: Only now catching up on a few recent episodes of PBS's Frontline I've been meaning to watch. I haven't been disappointed. Here's a fantastic and useful primer on the phone hacking scandal within Rupert Murdoch's media empire and - a must-watch four episodes that document the economic collapse of 2008, and Wall Street now.
-- Stephanie Curtis, social media editor
What are the best and worst airports you've visited?
Posted at 10:47 AM on May 17, 2012
by Stephanie Curtis
(9 Comments)
Filed under: News & Trends
We're talking about great airports for layovers today.
Travel and Leisure's readers say that Minneapolis-St. Paul is the best. The criteria? Dining and shopping, friendliness, and the security line experience.
The worst? La Guardia. The travelers complained about the uncommunicative staff and filth.
(Photo by PhilipC/CC via Flickr/Creative Commons Attribution Generic 2.0 License)
Best way to use a paper towel, and other garbage-cutting tips
Posted at 10:00 AM on May 17, 2012
by Tom Weber
(9 Comments)
Filed under: News & Trends
I'm excited to interview Edward Humes on Friday about his new book "Garbology: Our Dirty Love Affair with Trash." (Pun alert: Kerri will be away, so we're trashing the show)
You'll never think of garbage the same way again!
How do you cut your trash? Share your ideas in the comments section below.
To whet your appetite, here's a tip Humes himself tweeted this week - a link to a Ted talk about using fewer paper towels:
Want to save a half billion pounds of wasted paper towels? See this Joe Smith video on how to use a paper towel on.ted.com/CAKa #TED
-- Edward Humes (@edwardhumes) May 15, 2012
Oil boom: Is North Dakota traffic worse than Los Angeles?
Posted at 8:00 AM on May 17, 2012
by Stephanie Curtis
(4 Comments)
Filed under: Economy, Business & Jobs
Reporter Todd Melby joins us today at 10:06 to talk about the oil boom in North Dakota.
You've got to listen to his reporting. My favorite is #10 on this soundcloud playlist, "Want to go to the movies?"
"What happens in Williston, stays in Williston."
--Stephanie Curtis, social media editor
Call into the show today? Someone might have a job for you
Posted at 3:00 PM on May 16, 2012
by Chris Dall
(1 Comments)
Filed under: Behind the scenes
This morning during our 9 a.m. hour discussion on recent college graduates finding work, we took a call from Mark in Minneapolis.
Mark has been working in group homes the past few years and is now looking for a second job to help pay the bills. He noted that he had studied Arabic in college, with the idea that events in the world were making knowledge of Arabic a marketable skill. This afternoon, we received a note from a listener who might be able to help Mark out.
Unfortunately, we don't have call-screening software that enables us to track down people who call in to the program. So Mark, if you read this blog, please get in touch with our social media editor, Stephanie Curtis (scurtis@mpr.org). She'll pass along the listener's information.
--Chris Dall, senior producer
TMI: Help astronomers analyze overload of data
Posted at 10:17 AM on May 16, 2012
by Maddy Mahon
(0 Comments)
Filed under: Science
During a pre-interview in anticipation of today's show on astronomy, telescopes and big data, our guest Alberto Conti told me that astronomers are currently taking in far more data then they can analyze. In fact, the amount of data we have on our universe is expected to double every year for the foreseeable future.
In order to try and make sense of the massive number of images coming in from Hubble and other telescopes, astronomers are recruiting average citizens to help examine pictures and search for galaxies, stars, planets and other cosmic formations. According to Alberto, this initiative has been wildly successful. People are finding new stars every day and a few years ago, a Dutch school teacher discovered a new galaxy.
So, if you're interested in the universe and in helping the cause of science, you can sign up easily at places like Galaxy Zoo and Hubble's Hidden Treasures and do your part.
Happy hunting!
--Madelyn Mahon, assistant producer
Tips for parents of tweens going online
Posted at 2:49 PM on May 15, 2012
by Stephanie Curtis
(0 Comments)
Filed under: News & Trends
We talked to Rebecca Levey, co-founder of the recently launched KidzVuz.com, and Danah Boyd, assistant professor in media, culture, and communication at New York University, about how to keep an eye on your kids' online habits.
Here are their tips:
1) Rebecca says:
Having the kitchen table be where the computer is is a huge thing for kids this age. Don't let your kids be isolated in their room at a young age on the computer. You know, have it out in the open.
2) Don't just set your kids up with the computer and assume that as "digital natives, " they'll figure it out. Rebecca says:
I hate the term digital native. I hate when people use that for our children. I think that implies a fluency and a knowledge of the digital world that they don't possess. Our kids are learning as they are going. You wouldn't hand your kid the keys to the car at 16 without any driver's ed. Basically people put their kids on the computer and say "have at it" and leave the room.
3) Being online with them isn't just looking over their shoulder. Danah says make your kids think about who is interacting with them by asking "How do you know who you are talking to?" It's hard and, frankly, awkward but necessary.
4) Kids are getting online earlier and earlier as their parents hand them iPods, iPads, and smart phones. So you might start with your kid online earlier than you think. Rebecca says 7 is a good age. Hang out with them on sites like Club Penguin, Webkinz, Neopets, New Moon Girls and her own kidzvuz.
5) Even if your kids are thriving online, don't leave them with computer as a babysitter. Unlike the TV, it only takes a few clicks for them to somewhere you don't want them to be.
--Steph Curtis, social media hostAre you a risk taker? And other good reads
Posted at 1:47 PM on May 11, 2012
by Stephanie Curtis
(0 Comments)
Filed under: Behind the scenes
Every week, we share what we're reading:
Chris Dall: This is actually from last week, and it's not actually a read, but it's highly entertaining. From the Foreign Policy website, the many moods of Vladimir Putin.
Emily Kaiser: I loved this story about the guys who bought unlimited first-class tickets from American Airlines. They paid $350,000 for them and are now costing the airline millions of dollars in revenue. If I had $350,000 to spare, I would've bought this too and milked it just like these guys.
Meggan Ellingboe: As I contemplate which marathon to do this fall, I'm thinking of switching shoes. The story of this newcomer caught my eye; it's one of passion and persistence. How a shoe can go from an idea to a reality:
Kryssy Pease: Are you a risk taker? Take a quiz.
(DOHA, QATAR - OCTOBER 23: Window washers from Nepal abseil down the curved facade of the Tornado Tower on October 23, 2011 in Doha, Qatar. Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
I'm not, apparently: "You are pretty timid. You wear comfortable shoes, and you've got insurance for your insurance." The test is a part of this National Geographic article on teenage brains.
And, when are the robots going to arrive?
-- Stephanie Curtis, social media host
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The Team
Kerri Miller, Host
Kerri Miller joined MPR News in June 2004 as host of MPR's News' Midmorning and Talking Volumes. Before that she was an award-winning television reporter for KARE 11. She has been a radio and television news reporter since 1981.
Tom Weber
Tom Weber has reported on K12 education and served as a general assignment reporter since joining MPR News in 2008. He was a news anchor and reporter for KWMU in St. Louis for more than five years. His reporting has aired on national radio programs, including "Morning Edition" and "Marketplace."
Stephanie Curtis, Social media host
Stephanie Curtis has produced events, daily news shows, documentaries, conferences and call-ins for MPR News. She also was among the pioneering producers who launched The Current. You can hear her discuss movies every Thursday on The Cube Critics.
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