MPR News Reflections and observations on the news

By Eric Ringham

eringham@mpr.org

Arts & Culture · Politics

As you wish

Eric Ringham December 15, 2015, 3:03 PM Dec 15, 2015

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It’s a cultural and political Rorschach test: When you look at the face of the actor Mandy Patinkin, whom do you see? Saul Berenson from “Homeland,” or Inigo Montoya from “The Princess Bride”? Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, has been quoting the youthful Montoya on the campaign trail. Now the grown-up Saul has begun to object. Read more →

The Gospel according to Luke (Skywalker)

Eric Ringham December 15, 2015, 12:35 PM Dec 15, 2015

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A German church tries to tie Christmas to “The Force Awakens.” Read more →

Today’s hot gifts, tomorrow’s rummage sale

Eric Ringham November 28, 2014, 5:00 AM Nov 28, 2014

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The short life of retail glory: a play in one act. Read more →

Arts & Culture · Crime and Justice

He saw something, said something but nothing happened

Eric Ringham November 14, 2014, 3:22 PM Nov 14, 2014

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Jack Reuler is frustrated to the point of incoherence because he can’t get police or anyone else to listen to him about an abduction he witnessed. Read more →

Woodward and one of another president’s men

Eric Ringham February 28, 2013, 5:00 PM Feb 28, 2013

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The Watergate-era star reporter suffers a public loss of perspective.

What’s that on your forehead?

Eric Ringham February 13, 2013, 11:52 AM Feb 13, 2013

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Let’s try not to do double takes this afternoon.

No children smoked in this ad

Eric Ringham February 12, 2013, 2:55 PM Feb 12, 2013

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ClearWay Minnesota ads fight dirty, and effectively.

How to kill a wolf

Eric Ringham May 23, 2012, 10:23 AM May 23, 2012

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It’s not the easiest animal to hunt.

Scotty beams up at last

Eric Ringham May 22, 2012, 10:55 AM May 22, 2012

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James Doohan, Gordon Cooper among the posthumous passengers.

No small step

Eric Ringham May 22, 2012, 6:08 AM May 22, 2012

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A private company is on its way to the space station.

Norway’s sense of justice

Eric Ringham April 20, 2012, 12:15 PM Apr 20, 2012

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Anders Breivik benefits from a system he would destroy.

A hero’s ‘noncombat’ death

Eric Ringham March 29, 2012, 11:27 AM Mar 29, 2012

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Guardsman dies saving a little girl in Afghanistan.

Sun-stormy weather

Eric Ringham March 8, 2012, 11:02 AM Mar 8, 2012

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“As long as astronauts stay inside, they’re safe”

How to lose 153 pounds in a year

Eric Ringham March 7, 2012, 2:07 PM Mar 7, 2012

Blogger Aaron Gleeman tells his readers what it took.

Judy Garland and Whitney Houston: If happy little bluebirds fly …

Eric Ringham February 16, 2012, 1:30 PM Feb 16, 2012

Why does stardom so often lead to destruction?