Bob CollinsIt’s a quick 5×8 this morning, so I can get in to work early to talk to Cathy Wurzer on Morning Edition about Duy Ngo. I’ll post it here later.
1) I know News Cut readers don’t like to share their most embarrassing moments, but I’m compelled to ask for them anyway. Today’s attempt to invade your most personal moments is inspired by yesterday’s Steve Jobs unveiling of the new iPhone. Jobs is standing before hundreds of people, and thousands more — maybe millions — online when he can’t get his product to work.
You know how that feels, right? Because it’s happened to you. Take all the time you need to tell me about it below. Spare no details.
2) David Carr tackles President Obama for a cheap shot at the media during his visit to the Gulf Coast this week. Obama assured locals that he’ll still care after the media has left, ignoring the fact the media has been more informative about the oil disaster than, well, the president. But he drops this nugget farther into the story: BP is now bound by stock exchange rules in dispensing information, which will — if true — stem the flow of information:
“Given recent volatility in BP share price, I’m told that information related to top kill is now considered stock market sensitive, which means it has to be managed under disclosure rules for the London and NY stock exchanges,” said the note from a BP press official. “In a nutshell, that means all investors must be provided information on an equal basis. That precludes me from sending you updates as various aspects of the operation unfold.”
In other words, reporters on deadline could call government officials, but they would be handed off to BP press people who were prevented by stock compliance rules from providing answers.
Meanwhile, a new poll confirms the oil disaster is Obama’s Katrina.
Along the Gulf, politicians are lining up for face time:
(h/t: Perfect Duluth Day)
4) Helen Thomas lost what was left of her career by suggesting Jews “go home.” It turns out, it’s not the first time she’s given someone that advice.
Bonus: It’s a pity, really, that the soccer World Cup should take the spotlight away from the world shinkicking championships. Here’s the 2008 highlights:
“The sport dates back to 1636 when it formed part of the Robert Dover Olimpick Games and was said to be even more violent. In the early 19th century villages challenged each other to battles and contestants hardened their shins with coal hammers,” NewsLite says.
TODAY’S QUESTION
Apple unveiled the fourth generation model of its popular iPhone on Monday. How have smart phones changed your life?
WHAT WE’RE DOING
Midmorning (9-11 a.m.) – First hour: How to regulate the financial industry.
Second hour: Is book publishing dying?
Midday (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.) – First hour: Dr. Jon Hallberg answers questions about medical and health care issues in the news.
Second hour: President Obama’s high school graduation speech given Monday night in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Talk of the Nation (1-3 p.m.) – First hour: The border is often ground zero in the debate over illegal immigration. But according Doris Meissner, the border is not the single answer to the problem of illegal immigration. Meissner and Julie Myers Wood, both former heads of U.S. Immigration, discuss the border and immigration enforcement.
Second hour: Anthony Bourdain’s brain offers a veritable buffet of strong opinions on every cuisine, every chef, and every kind of eater–including those who refuse to eat cooked food.
All Things Considered (3-6:30 p.m.) – Hospitals in the Twin Cities are announcing their staffing plans for the nurses strike today. MPR’s Lorna Benson is covering the story.
MPR’s Chris Roberts, a Michigan lad, talks to the director of “Beyond the Motor City,” and considers mass transit lessons from Detroit.
