As those who know me will attest, my family has a distorted sense of humor. It’s what keeps me sane yet drives me crazy. The other day, my feisty 80-year-old aunt who has survived cancer, a stroke and major heart surgery shared a story with me of her ongoing tribulations trying to reach her very busy middle-aged son on the phone. On this day, he picked up the phone despite the Caller ID informing him it was his mother calling once again. He briskly informed her he “didn’t have time to talk.”

Instead of the terse discourse that typically ensues upon receiving such a dismissal, my aunt calmly asked for a call-back soon at a more convenient time (knowing that may be days…possibly even a week). Never one to let a slight go unnoticed, she signed off the 30-second conversation with—“Just remember, there are no phones in Heaven.”

As this provided much laughter and fodder for our nightly conversation (yes, I call my aunt every day), it made me think about our choices and priorities. Are we really too busy to take a few minutes regularly (dare I suggest even a half-hour) to connect with our family and friends (beyond text messages, twittering and two-sentence emails)? Will we regret not making time for the people in our lives once they are gone? As someone whose parents both passed away many years ago, I would love to be able to give my mother a call.

But as my aunt says, “There are no phones in Heaven.”

-Steph Haugan

Just like most people I have had my share of ups and downs in life. One of my most recent ‘downs’ was my car’s transmission going out. So I was faced with a decision. Do I spend the money to get it fixed or bite the bullet and get a new vehicle? I was pretty displeased with my vehicle so I decided finding a replacement was the better option. Next was deciding how much to spend on this new endeavor. I had to decide whether to buy a less expensive vehicle that would likely have the same issues as my last car or spend more money and get a reliable vehicle that will probably last longer.

When I first started looking I thought saving the money up front was the way to go. But after more research I realized spending the extra money up front would actually save me money in the long run. So while the cheaper initial expense was very tempting I knew that getting a higher quality product at a more expensive initial cost would be the better choice in the end. This makes me wonder – how often do we take the cheaper alternative to save a few dollars up front instead of spending a little more and truly getting our money’s worth from a product or service? Can you really put a price on quality or is it a commodity that is invaluable?

-Chad Breske

There is a new web tool aimed at keeping an eye on the media that’s generating all sorts of buzz. Launched in September, SpinSpotter is a toolbar that can be downloaded to your internet browser and spot red flags for news spin and bias.

SpinSpotter uses algorithms to search for phrases that indicate personal voice, passive voice, a biased source, disregarded context, selective disclosure and lack of balance—based on the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics.

Readers also have the ability to flag any bias they find on their own. By marking a keyword or phrase and explaining why it’s slanted, other readers can see the flags and make their own observations.

Although relatively new, SpinSpotter is already getting plenty of talk time on blogs. Some people claim it’s going to revolutionize media forever, while others argue that news without spin is not possible. Either way, this new tool is definitely something to check out.

-Jamie Shubatt

Adopting a Greyhound is a wonderful thing. There are so many retired Greyhounds throughout the United States that need loving homes after they leave their lives on the race track. You will feel good knowing that you are helping stop the destruction of these magnificent animals which are often euthanized when their racing days end.

Greyhounds are beautiful, graceful, loving dogs and they possess superior intelligence. They are gentle, faithful, loyal, and just adore their families. They are not barkers by nature but will bark if excited or trying to tell you something. Greyhounds are very social animals and love being around people. They do not need more exercise than other breeds as most people think – a daily walk or a romp in a fenced-in yard is plenty. Greyhounds love to sleep on soft things like pillows or doggie beds and they sometimes sleep up to 18 hours a day! Greyhounds are commonly referred to as the 45 m.p.h. couch potato. They sometimes present minor challenges when getting acclimated to home life, but once they adjust they will become part of your family and one of the most delightful, sweet, and amusing pets you will ever own.

If you adopt a Greyhound I guarantee they will occupy a special place in your heart. Consider giving a Greyhound a deserving home. One look deep into their loving eyes and you will be hooked for a lifetime!

For more information on Greyhound adoption in Minnesota you can visit www.minnesotagreyhoundrescue.org or www.gpa-mn.org.

I have had the honor and pleasure of owning retired Greyhound Wade, our big boy now, for 8 wonderful years. Wade turned 11 years old on November 2. He has changed my life.

-Jane Tomassetti

No campaigning in polling places is as much an election law as it is a tradition in America. It’s a law that is easy to understand and easy to apply but new communication technology brings complications. Does the use of campaign text messages on election day violate the spirit of the law if the voter receives a text at the polls or worse yet, in the voting booth?

Another issue loom. What is the significance of “election day” when the use of absentee ballots and early voting extend voting for a week or more. Strategists monitor early voter turnout days prior to the election to modify campaign meassages accordingly.

It would seem that new blackout rules may be needed to protect the voter from inappropriate influence at the time of the vote– whenever that is.

-Pat Henning