Bob Collins1) While you watch the New York Times’ excellent video essay on how private equity investors can make a fortune while their companies fail, remember that Congress has done virtually nothing to change the system. The story follows the tale of the Simmons Bedding Company, which started in Wisconsin. The firm has been forced into bankruptcy.
As a former web monkey, I also think it’s one of the most effective uses of Flash I’ve ever seen on a mainstream news media site.
2) The anonymous airline pilot — we know him only as “Sam” — who writes the blog, Blogging at FL250, gives us the cockpit perspective of the hassle of the runway construction at Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport. It doesn’t take much, apparently, to send flights to Rochester, especially on days like… today.
3) The Minnesota Wild open their NHL season tonight. Here’s something you don’t see every day — ever, actually. This revealing ad in the Pioneer Press this morning:
What does it reveal? That the thrill is gone. Just a few years ago, The Bleacher Report says, Wild representatives were saying it could be 15 years before some season tickets became available.
4) The story on CBS is called the Battle of Wanat. But I keep reading Khe Sanh. This is an unbelievable story, well worth taking the time to read today.
5) It must be said: If you’re working out your marital problems on TV, you’re probably in the middle of a lost cause.
Watch it now because CBS has been working overtime to get Letterman videos discussing his affairs off YouTube.
As for you, Archie, I think you’re probably better off in the long run with Jughead.
TODAY’S QUESTION
In schools, businesses and houses of worship, concerns about H1N1 flu have prompted warnings about close contact and confined spaces. How has fear of the flu changed the way you interact with people?
WHAT WE’RE DOING
Midmorning (9-11 a.m.) – First hour: Food scientists are concerned about an increase in the number of outbreaks of E. coli contamination over the past couple of years.
Second hour: It’s Science Tuesday! Helen Quinn talks about how investigating gravity beyond why apples fall to the ground usually leads to more questions than answers.
Midday (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.) – First hour: New York Times and Outside Magazine writer Stephen Regenold joins Mike Edgerly to talk about fall and winter outdoor sports and activities. Regenold writes the “Gear Junkie” column.
Second hour: Gen. David Petraeus, speaking about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, at an event sponsored by the Aspen Institute and the Atlantic Magazine.
Talk of the Nation (1-2 p.m.) – Last week, talks with Iran produced some progress, but President Obama wants to see deeds to match the words. And many believe Iran is just playing for time to build its bomb. What do we know about Iran, and how do we know it?
All Things Considered (3-6:30 p.m.) – MPR’s Stephanie Hemphill reports on how some neighborhoods are building their environment to make themselves healthier.
In Myrtle Beach, officials are trying to push motorcyclists out of town by enforcing a helmet law in a state that doesn’t have one.
Laura Sydell reports on the new FTC rule that requires bloggers to disclose when they’re getting paid to review products. I don’t know if the NPR story is going to get into this or not but … First Amendment, anyone?
