Independence Day topics, events and your experiences

Posted at 8:43 AM on July 3, 2009 by Julia Schrenkler

The 4th of July holiday presents some interesting topics, events - and as always - a chance to share your experiences with MPR.

On the topics front, Bob Collins of News Cut is in a Flag daze. He writes,

"People have their heart in the right place when they make a statement about how much they love the American flag when they turn it into apparel, or napkins, or T-shirts. They just don't know they're doing the opposite."

You can share examples of flag misuse, or discuss respecting the flag.

In the realm of events A Prairie Home Companion celebrates its 35th Anniversary. Naturally, this special show occurs at Lake Wobegon Park in Avon, Minn. Better yet, it is free. Get details via video straight from the host on prairiehome.publicradio.org.

If you can't make it you can still listen. MPR's Euan Kerr shares a little of the backstory in his feature: After 35 years with APHC Keillor looks back and forward.

What are you doing this weekend? Share your photos with MPR and your image may be featured on MPR's NewsQ homepage.

July 2009: What are you reading?

Posted at 10:38 AM on July 2, 2009 by Eliza Hartley

Well, it's July, which means it's time for another "What are you
reading?" discussion on Gather. This time we started it a couple of days
early to coincide with Kerri Miller's summer reading segment on
Midmorning. So far our discussion has been busy, with lots of
recommendations and debates surrounding some great books! Check it:

Gather regular Peter Joseph Swanson kicks off the discussion:

"Peter Joseph Swanson Jun. 29, 2009 10:29am EDT
I always say the Tinseltown Trilogy by Peter Joseph Swanson makes the best summer beach reading (there's even beaches) - but that's just me ...

(ha ha)"

and discussion ensues, leading to comments like this one from Beverly:

"Beverly M. Jun. 29, 2009 7:30pm EDT
This is fun. The adult books I hope to read are Relentless by Dean Koontz, My Sister's Keeper, by Jodi Picoult, and Nicholas Sparks's latest The Last Song, though it doesn't come out until September.

Young adult books on my list: The Hunger Games, Winter Girls, Slidng on the Edge.
Nonfiction: Under Siege! Three Children at the Civil War Battle for Vicksbury, by Andrea Warren. I'm especially interested in this book because I've been to Vicksburg several times and wrote a young adult novel about the siege. Also I'm reading for a review No Teachers Left Behind, by HBF Teacher, which reminds me a lot of Up the Down Staircase.

I read mostly Young Adult stories because that's what I write. Will add the ones mentioned to my list.

Great post."

Buzz on over mnreaders.gather.com and let us know what you're reading
this July or give recommendations to others. Happy reading!

-Eliza

The day after the decision: Reactions and plans for the future

Posted at 11:54 AM on July 1, 2009 by Eliza Hartley

After the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled now Senator-elect Al Franken to be the winner of the 2008 Minnesota Senate race, there was quite the flurry of media attention as the longest-running election in Minnesota history (nearly 8 months) finally came to a close and Pawlenty ultimately signed the election certificate.

MPR's been with the story the whole way. It's been our main NewsQ headline for the past couple of days--check out a fresh story from political reporter Mark Zdechlik, recapping what happened yesterday, and looking to the future of Franken and the Senate. Listen in with Gary Eichten to Franken's victory rally in the noon hour of Midday today. Keep your eyes on this spot in NewsQ for updated stories as things progress.

MPR's Madeleine Baran reports on official reactions to the conclusion of the race from President Obama's statement on the matter, to a statement from Planned Parenthood. Listener reactions to this long-awaited decision have been pouring in to Minnesota Public Radio, and our Public Insight Network has been keeping track. Add your voice to that or participate in Today's Question: What is your message for Al Franken? Be sure to check out a colorful discussion of the decision, the conclusion, and the future at Gather.com.

There's a lot to look at! Get started and enjoy.

-Eliza

Al Franken wins Minnesota Senate Race

Posted at 3:52 PM on June 30, 2009 by Eliza Hartley

Julia's off this week, so I, digital media intern Eliza Hartley, am filling in for her a little here on Objects in Mirror.

We finally have an outcome in the 2008 Minnesota Senate Race. Al Franken has won.

Seven months after ballots were initially cast in the Nov. 4 Senate election, and after 30 days of deliberations, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled Tuesday afternoon in Al Franken's favor. Shortly afterward, Norm Coleman made a statement in which he conceded the race, and soon after Pawlenty signed the election certificate. MPR's Elizabeth Baier and Elizabeth Stawicki have been on top of this. Read their story here.

What's your take on this outcome? Was it what you expected it to be? Did it happen in a way that you expected? What should Senator-elect Al Franken's priorities be? What will be his greatest challenges?

Join the discussion on Gather.com, or help out our Public Insight Network and tell us your take on Franken vs. Coleman. We want to hear your perspective. I'll step back and listen.

Discuss the decision: Franken wins Senate case

Posted at 3:02 PM on June 30, 2009 by Julia Schrenkler

Earlier today we asked for your take on Coleman vs. Franken...and now MPR NewsQ reports Supreme Court Franken wins Senate case:

"The court issued its highly-anticipated order Tuesday, after 30 days of deliberation and more than seven months since Minnesotans cast their ballots at the polls."

What is your reaction to the decision? Discuss the decision on mnpolitics.gather.com.

Your take on Franken vs. Coleman

Posted at 6:42 AM on June 30, 2009 by Julia Schrenkler

MPR's NewsQ and Public Insight Journalism team checks in with you:

Nearly eight months after election day, Minnesotans are still waiting for their second senator to be sworn in.

Are you still paying attention to this epic battle? And if so -- why?

Share your take on Franken vs. Coleman, and explain how it affects you - and Minnesota.

Share your comments on early-childhood education

Posted at 7:03 AM on June 29, 2009 by Julia Schrenkler

MPR NewsQ's features a new, single commentary each day.

This morning's commentary comes from Abigail Ramirez, who writes that Minnesotans should insist on early-childhood education:

"Still, my kids are the lucky ones, and I do not regret the expense. Many working families cannot afford to pay for quality child care, and this puts their children at a disadvantage. In Minnesota, such care is a privilege, not a right.

Our financial struggle to afford quality child care leads me to wonder with alarm: What about those who are less fortunate? How do working families with lower incomes, single parents, and those who are unemployed afford it?"

How do you you or your friends afford it? If your childcare situation, where do financial considerations overlap with your core values? Submit your own comments on this topic, and your story may be published alongside today's commentary.

What does a Minnesota Weekend look like?

Posted at 7:18 AM on June 27, 2009 by Julia Schrenkler

Share your experiences this weekend, no matter where you are in the land of sky-blue waters. Bob Collins writes,

It's time for the annual "Minnesota Weekend" photo show on News Cut.

Take your camera with you this weekend, take a picture of something uniquely Minnesota and send it to us.

Come Monday, we'll have a great cross-section of life here in Minnesota.Click here to submit your photos.(To see a slideshow of last year's photo weekend, read Bob's post on News Cut here.)

Visit News Cut and don't hesitate to send in photos that tell the story of your Minnesota weekend.

Sharing notes on "Plan B"

Posted at 1:47 PM on June 26, 2009 by Julia Schrenkler

Minnesota Public Radio poses a question to you each day - aptly called Today's Question - and today is no exception. Take a moment and think about this:

If you've lost your job, or you're worried about it, what's your Plan B?

I'd say even if you aren't worried about it you can still reply. According to the Midmorning discussion, your career needs a Plan B, and C, and D... Do you consider or make back up plans, or talk about a 'next step' with your friends or family?

Read some of the responses and share your own plans.

Do you listen to MPR stations on cable radio?

Posted at 2:50 PM on June 25, 2009 by Julia Schrenkler

Minnesota Public Radio seeks your help: if you listen, or can listen, to one of our radio services on cable, please tell us which cable system it is.