The ‘dibs’ society (5×8 – 4/26/13)

This will be the last 5×8 for a week or so. I’ve got banked vacation time I’m required to burn.

1) THE “MINE” MENTALITY

Why do we claim ownership of things we don’t own?

This picture in the Bradenton Herald perfectly captures a disturbing trend.

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(Photo: Grant Jefferies/Bradenton Herald. Used by permission.)


There are a dozen photos in the essay, all capturing preparations for the De Soto Heritage Festival Grand Parade on Saturday. The images, taken Wednesday, show people marking their turf for the parade.

I had never seen this done before — and certainly never four days ahead of time — until a parade in Lakeville

5) THE PERSON OF THE WEEK

You’ve been working toward a goal much of your adult life. You’re a senior in college and it’s all about to come together. Then you get a call that your bone marrow — you’d signed up for a match program but had forgotten you did — matches someone who needs it.

You’d give it all up, right? Because this week, Cameron Lyle did.

Bonus I: Calculate the value of putting a tree in your yard. (Marketplace)

Bonus II: An assessment of the Vikings’ three first-round draft picks. (Daily Norseman)

Bonus III: The carjacking victim in Boston tells his story. (Boston.com)

TODAY’S QUESTION

The White House is seeking more evidence that the Syrian regime has used chemical weapons during the country’s ongoing civil war. Today’s Question: Should the U.S. intervene in Syria?

WHAT WE’RE DOING

Daily Circuit (9-12 p.m.) – First hour: This week on the Friday Roundtable: panelists will discuss the purpose of higher education.

Second hour: What can communities and citizens do at the grassroots level to encourage and engage in healthy lives?

Third hour: The benefits of positive parenting.

MPR News Presents (12-1 pm): A special program featuring Minnesota writer Patricia Hampl in “The Big Time: F. Scott Fitzgerald.” It was commissioned by MPR and performed at the Fitzgerald Theater.

Science Friday (1-2 p.m.) – Millions of years ago, giants roamed the earth. Join Ira Flatow on Science Friday for a look at Utah’s paleontological treasures… from massive sauropods to the fierce hunter Utahraptor.

All Things Considered (3-6:30 p.m.) – Eighteen veterans have worked for up to two years on art projects as part of a program designed to help them resolve and heal their trauma and war experiences, and prevent problems that can arise from unresolved trauma – like inhibition, isolation or violence against themselves or their loved ones. They’re having a first-ever show of their artwork today. MPR’s Jess Mador will report.

Despite lowered flood forecasts, students and volunteers help to create temporary sandbag dikes in several Fargo neighborhoods. MPR’s Conrad Wilson is in flood country.