Five at 8 – 6/5/09

Bob CollinsBob Collins Jun 5, 2009
3
  • Graduation time seems to be the one time of the year (other than Christmas) when it’s considered cool in this business to write a success story. In Mankato, Jul Engelby not only got his diploma 60 years late, but also delivered a stirring commencement address, according to the Mankato Free Press. He got his GED at the same time as his granddaughter. A Minneapolis grad gets his diploma after fleeing his family in Iowa, the Star Tribune says.

    We need a commencement speech:

  • What are Tim Pawlenty’s chances to be elected president? Baseball-stat-freak-turned-political-stat-freak Nate Silver says it depends on how many people are afraid of Mike Huckabee and/or Sarah Palin. Silver’s got plenty of political cred. He predicted Al Franken would prevail in the recount back when Norm Coleman still had a lead.
  • A new TED video: Yann Arthus-Bertrand’s photographs in “The Earth from Above.” In some of these, pollution is pretty.
  • What happens when you tickle an ape? The evolution of laughter explored.
  • Charles Quimby picks up an entertaining theme: The signs around us.
  • Bonus: Beer or water? Which is better for marathoners?

    WHAT WE’RE DOING

    Midmorning — First hour: What’s the future of the Republican Party. Recommended reading: Mitch Berg’s view of the same question. Second hour: Financial planner Ruth Hayden. I usually blog the Q&A. I may do so again. We’ll see.

    Midday — Minnesota House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher will be in the MPR studio to talk about key issues facing the state, the unbalanced budget, unallotment, and DFL leadership. Oh, and I’m guessing a question or two about her interest in being governor might come up. Second hour: Stephanie Curtis will bring her list of the 10 best summer movies of all time.

    Talk of the Nation — It’s Science Friday! Is it time to take another look at nuclear power?

    All Things Considered – MPR’s Lorna Benson looks at why Wisconsin has the highest number of H1N1 flu cases in the country. Sanden Totten’s story focuses on a Minneapolis organization which is training retirement home staffs to be sensitive to GLBT issues. Cheryl Corley says Chicago’s post office is the last 24-hour post office (isn’t the one at the Minneapolis airport still open?), or… was.