MPR News Reflections and observations on the news

Archives for January 2011

Feeling alive yet? (5×8 – 1/20/11)

Bob Collins January 20, 2011, 7:17 AM Jan 20, 2011

3

It’s OK to admit the cold is cool, the color white, if a bear gives birth in the woods, can you speak prairiedog, and can cheaters at the U of M be caught?

Despite warnings of cuts to child protection, House committee passes cuts in human services

Bob Collins January 19, 2011, 2:20 PM Jan 19, 2011

22

Despite claims it will result in less protection for victims of child abuse and trauma, House Republicans this afternoon passed a bill to make cuts in human services in Minnesota permanent.

Academically adrift

Bob Collins January 19, 2011, 12:02 PM Jan 19, 2011

5

What does a college education buy? For one in three students, a new book says, nothing.

Heart condition ruled out in teen’s death

Bob Collins January 19, 2011, 11:18 AM Jan 19, 2011

Lance Lundsten, 18, initially was reported to have died by suicide, with his friends saying it was the result of being bullied for being gay. Then his father said his son had an enlarged heart, and claimed the county coroner said so.

Bottoms up at the ballgame (5×8 – 1/19/11)

Bob Collins January 19, 2011, 7:27 AM Jan 19, 2011

5

Sports and the drunken fan, guns in school, the news from Tucson, the end of days in Wisconsin, and snowmobile trails and the interloper.

You are editor: The suicide story

Bob Collins January 18, 2011, 3:00 PM Jan 18, 2011

22

Is it premature to connect a central Minnesota teen’s death with suicide and bullying?

More gaffes revealed in incorrect Giffords report

Bob Collins January 18, 2011, 2:13 PM Jan 18, 2011

1

NPR incorrectly reporting a congresswoman’s death is bad enough. Its decision to stick with the story made it even worse.

Hands off my lightbulb!

Bob Collins January 18, 2011, 1:39 PM Jan 18, 2011

8

A fight may be brewing over light bulbs.

Milton Rogovin, 1909-2011

Bob Collins January 18, 2011, 12:59 PM Jan 18, 2011

He concentrated his imagery on the poor, whom he called ‘the forgotten ones.’

Is high-tech business friendly?

Bob Collins January 18, 2011, 11:28 AM Jan 18, 2011

5

The growth in high-tech jobs appears to have little to do with taxes.

Sign wars: What’s your sign?

Bob Collins January 18, 2011, 10:15 AM Jan 18, 2011

4

What sign would you post to counter Wisconsin’s ‘open for business’ signs at the state’s borders?

In school, Facebook is off limits for teachers (5×8 – 1/18/11)

Bob Collins January 18, 2011, 6:50 AM Jan 18, 2011

6

Your teacher is not your friend, welcome to Fargo, back to Vietnam, the art of fun in January, and docs and suicide.

Opposition to health care bill fading?

Bob Collins January 16, 2011, 8:34 PM Jan 16, 2011

5

Only one in four surveyed favors repealing the U.S. health care law.

Surveys and trivia

Miss Understood

Bob Collins January 16, 2011, 9:28 AM Jan 16, 2011

5

America isn’t ready for a yodeling ventriloquist.

Embracing Winter: The rink

Bob Collins January 15, 2011, 10:50 AM Jan 15, 2011

5

January is a month both embraced and cursed in flyover country.