NPR: Frequently Asked Questions about The NPR News Blog

Frequently Asked Questions about The NPR News Blog

What is The NPR News Blog?

It's a blog about politics, hosted by me, Tom Regan. You'll find postings from me, as well as NPR's fine group of political reporters. We're going to try and bring you political news, with a bit of analysis, that is interesting, informative, important ... and maybe a bit unexpected.

So why is it called The NPR News Blog?

Because the legal department shot down all our other ideas. So we'll need your help. We plan to ask for your suggestions soon.

What is the purpose of the blog?

To bring peace, order and good government to the universe ... OK, not so much. We want to bring you a deeper or unexpected look at the political news of the day from different perspectives and places (like the blogosphere) than you might normally look for news.

Can we talk here?

Of course we can talk. We encourage it. Talking is very therapeutic. But we have our rules. We want to run the place more like a salon than a saloon. But that doesn't mean we can't throw a chair from time to time.

Can I suggest story topics?

Absolutely. As we say, it's a great big Internet out there. I'm a big open source guy, so I'll take good ideas from anyone. And I give credit for them as well. BUT, I don't want commercials about your brother Phil's cleaning place, or how your content management system is better than everyone else's or why I just have to interview this author about his new book on head lice. I will not use them. They will rest peacefully at the bottom of the big round virtual file.

Can I link to your blog?

By all means.

Will you link to my blog?

Maybe. But no promises.

By the way, who is Tom Regan?

Normally it would take me years of psychoanalysis to answer that question. But try this. (Excuse me for talking in the third person; I know it makes it look like I'm pretending to be an NBA player or a rock musician.)

Tom Regan started in journalism the same year "Three's Company" debuted on TV. (1977). So far, there does not seem to be any official connection between the two events. You can find an official bio that details all his professional gigs here. This, however, is what's really important to know: He is a HUGE Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots fan; likes to listen to Ry Cooder, Dianne Krall, k.d.lang, Kelly Hogan and Tom Waits; is known around his house as the "Laundry King"; and is addicted to ESPN, the Food Network, and "house porn" TV shows. He is a dual citizen of the United States and Canada (the country of his birth), which means that he does have a queen, but he constantly feels compelled to rebel against her.

Are you the only person writing this blog?

I write for, and host, the blog, but there will be lots of contributions from NPR political reporters. And then there is always vacation. (I turn off all electronic equipment when it's my vacation.) But I'll be the main host of the blog.

What if I want to write you something, but I don't want it published?

Then use the comment form. You can find a link here.

10:01 AM ET | 05- 3-2007 | permalink

Comments

I fear that I may have missed the deadline for submitting a question for the Democratic candidates debate. If it is not too late, please consider posing my question to the candidates. It addresses a topic that has been largely ignored in the race and debates thus far, but I beleive that it is critical that it be addressed. Thank you for your consideration.

Question:

Recently, the German based Energy Watch group published a report stating that global oil output peaked in 2006. Given that dwindling oil supplies, in concert with global climate change, will be the most significant obstacle for my generation to overcome, I am amazed and disappointed that no one is talking about this. Why do you think there is an unwillingness to address peak oil and educate the public about this impending crisis? As president, what significant action will you take to combat the severe economic and ecological challenges stemming from peak oil that our country will face in the coming decades? I would like all of the candidates to answer this question, but if it can only be answered by a few, I would like it to be asked of Governor Bill Richardson, and Senators Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama.

Sent by Laurie B | 1:01 PM ET | 12-02-2007

Debate question on energy/environment for Sen. Obama:
Earlier this year, you introduced a bill providing financial incentives for companies to build plants to convert coal to liquid fuel. But according to a recent article by Elizabeth Kolbert in the New Yorker magazine, total CO2 emissions from creating and using such coal-based liquid fuel are almost twice that released by burning petroleum-based fuels. Why are you sponsoring this legislation, and will you reevaluate it in light of the environmental consequences of using more coal in this manner?

Sent by Jason Marks | 7:13 PM ET | 12-02-2007

For all candidates:
Instead of the dreaded government run health care why not have states use managed care? Managed care insurers are just large pools of members that have the power to negotiate better prices and services. States could offer a range of plans, through existing insurers to any state resident just as employees make choices through their employer. We could eliminate the fear of losing insurance if we lose our job and would help those who are self-employed. States could provide subsidies based on income. Do you think this would be a useful option rather than having to invent an entirely new system?
Thank you.

Sent by Amy Richards | 11:22 AM ET | 12-03-2007

IMMIGRATION QUESTION: RE CUBA
Cuban immigrants are the ONLY ones granted immediate stays in the U.S. All they have to do is set "foot" on U.S. soil. They are not subject to criminal background checks. This seems like bad policy from the 60's -- do you support changing the policy so Cuban immigrants are treated equally with other immigrants?

Sent by Carol Higgs | 12:25 PM ET | 12-03-2007

One of the big reasons health care costs are skyrocketing is partly because of the huge malpractice claims paid. This fear of malpractice forces the doctors to perform tests that are not warranted thereby raising the health care costs. What is your opinion about Tort reform???

Sent by R. Balu | 9:16 PM ET | 12-03-2007

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This year's election cycle has been one of the most exciting in memory. At the NPR News Blog we'll do our best to bring you interesting, informative -- and controversial -- stories from our own reporters and bloggers, as well as the rest of the best of the Internet and blogosphere. And we hope you'll let us know what you think as well.

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