Today's Question Category Archive: Culture

What story in your community needs more attention?

Posted at 6:00 AM on November 16, 2009 by Eric Ringham (15 Comments)
Filed under: Culture

An interactive discussion today at MPR looks at new models for regional journalism.
What story in your community needs more attention?

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What's the best way to honor veterans for their service?

Posted at 6:00 AM on November 11, 2009 by Eric Ringham (14 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, Security

Today is Veterans Day, when the United States pauses to recognize the contributions of those who have served in the military. What's the best way to honor veterans for their service?

To honor the veterans, thank them and remember the price they pay. Don't go about today as normal until you remember why and how we are free. -Kalena, Shoreview

If you really want to honor veterans, hire them. We vets have leadership and problem-solving skills that are often ignored by the private sector. -Wade, St. Joe

As a French national living in MN, I would like to remind your audience that 11/11 is a very important date for Europeans. Thank you. -Fabrice Forsans (French in MN since 2004)

Celebrate Armistice Day anniversary with Sen. Franken and vets of all eras at Brit's Pub, 6:30 Pm, specials, period music too. Details on their website. -Nancy, St Louis Park

Make sure that their needs are met, that we remain faithful to looking after them, and that they lack for nothing. -Michael Kenneth Ireland

Stop wasting the lives of current service-people on conflicts in which we have little hope of "succeeding." -Bill Wesen

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What does the opening of deer season mean to your family?

Posted at 6:00 AM on November 6, 2009 by Eric Ringham (22 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, Environment/Energy

Saturday is opening day of Minnesota's firearm season on white-tailed deer. According to the Department of Natural Resources, about half a million hunters participate in the hunt each year. What does the opening of deer season mean to your family?

Comment texted to MPR:

What hunting means to my family? Dad is gone for two days to be alone and think about life. I don't care for deer as food. If I shoot one, it'll be donated. Hope I don't though! I have a hard time de-boning a chicken! -Don, St. Paul, MN

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What book does the best job of transporting you to a different place?

Posted at 6:00 AM on October 28, 2009 by Eric Ringham (33 Comments)
Filed under: Culture

On today's "Midmorning," Kerri Miller and former librarian Nancy Pearl discuss books that carry the reader to other places. What book does the best job of transporting you to a different place?

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Do chickens belong in the city?

Posted at 6:00 AM on October 22, 2009 by Eric Ringham (15 Comments)
Filed under: Culture

In an effort to become more self-reliant, some urban dwellers have taken to raising chickens for their eggs. But calls to Animal Control suggest that not all of them understand the responsibilities of the chicken farmer. Do chickens belong in the city?

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Are so-called luxury items ever appropriate behind bars?

Posted at 6:00 AM on October 21, 2009 by Anna Weggel (34 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, Security

Gov. Tim Pawlenty on Tuesday ordered that new flat-screen TVs be removed from a facility for sex offenders. Are so-called luxury items ever appropriate behind bars?

Comments texted to MPR:

I was a correctional officer at Stillwater Prison in the late 80s. Some of the inmates were living better than the officers working there. An example was a program called "insight". Selected inmates with great computer skills were allowed to have computers in their cells with full internet access. They would do accounting for million dollar companies. The inmates were financially compensated very well. Some inmates made $30,000 to $50,000a year. Cable televisions, nice gym facilities. I feel we as Minnesotans would rather spend our money on programs for law abiding citizens. Thank you. -Maurice, Eagan, MN

Are TV's luxury items? Luxury is not appropriate but humane treatment is. In this day and age, TV is not a luxury. Cable is though. -Suzie, Minneapolis, MN

A prisoner should not have a new gadget unless the Governor has one already. -Greg, St. Paul, MN

Luxury items on my tax dollar, NO WAY. -Lisa

A good education certainly seems to be a luxury item. That is not only appropriate but necessary for our fellow citizens behind bars. -Kerry, Northfield, MN

No inmates should not have luxury items. They should be able to further themselves in education. People imprisoned should not have a piece of luxury that is not owned by even the poorest free person. -Cory Fitzgerald, New Ulm, MN

If tazers and staff equipment are a luxury, then yes. Otherwise, no. -anonymous

Up until a year ago i couldn't afford a flat screen TV. Why should I and all tax payers pay for a luxury like that for any prisoner? I don't like Pawlenty but I back him up on this one. -Mark

Share your reply in the comments: Are so-called luxury items ever appropriate behind bars?

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What beloved children's books should not be adapted to the screen?

Posted at 6:00 AM on October 19, 2009 by Eric Ringham (20 Comments)
Filed under: Culture

The film adaptation of Maurice Sendak's "Where the Wild Things Are" opened this weekend. What beloved children's books should not be adapted to the screen?

Comments texted to MPR:

"A Wrinkle in Time". -Melissa, Duluth, MN

"Goodnight Moon" should not be adapted to big screen. -Lisa, St. Paul, MN

No Dr. Suess should be filmed. Did you see "Cat in the Hat"? -Donna Grandin, ND

"Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs". -Charlie, Minneapolis, MN

"The Giving Tree" by Sendak. -Sue S., White Bear Township, MN

There is no limit to what can be adapted to the screen. To suggest that we should limit it is to stifle creativity. -Matt, Brainerd, MN

As long as someone like Spike Jones directs, the book is in good hands. -Josh

Why don't you just call it "the elderly hate change"? What a silly and loaded question. -Mookie, St. Paul, MN

No children's books should be made into movies. Children should be reading, not watching a screen. -Robert Collins, Eden Prairie, MN

From Twitter:

"Everybody Poops". -@jpwest

Goodnight Moon. -@andreakremer

Share your reply in the comments: What beloved children's books should not be adapted to the screen?

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How willing are you to help pay for a new Vikings stadium?

Posted at 6:00 AM on October 5, 2009 by Anna Weggel (127 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, Economy

Last week the Minnesota Vikings renewed their drive for a new stadium to be built largely at public expense. How willing are you to help pay for a new Vikings stadium?

Given the state's budget crisis and budget cuts to such vital needs as education and health care I feel it is appalling to fund a new stadium with taxpayer dollars. I am outraged. -Lisa Kleingarn, Minneapolis, MN

I love the Vikings but unless Ziggy is going to put up around half for his team's new stadium neither will I. -Alan, Bloomington, MN

I'm not willing to pay for any portion of any new stadium. Enough is enough...middle class America subsidizing Millionaire Players and their Billionaire Employers, when will it end? -Jim, Saint Paul, MN

Zero for Zygi. -Mark Buckholz, Minneapolis, MN

I would rather pay for new schools instead of stadiums. Our tax money is not endless; some sensible prioritization please. -Kate Herberg, Mankato, MN

Stadium funding is inappropriate use of tax dollars; especially when education funding and other expenses that benefit everyone are lacking. -Suzanne, Minneapolis, MN

Absolutely not! Let's be the state that proudly ends the era of supporting billionaire beggars! -Laura, Eden Prairie, MN

Yes, if we get a percentage of the revenue once it's built. -Marty, St. Paul, MN

Public money should go into a new stadium ONLY if we get an equity stake in the franchise, with our portion of profits to go back into public coffers. -Peter, St. Paul, MN

Any stadium funding mechanisms should be voluntary. User fees, a racino, etc., can provide a reasonable compromise solution to this question. -Wade, St. Joe, MN

Why would i pay for something I'll never use? I'm already paying for the Target Field, I'm not a baseball or football fan anyway. Let the owner pay for it or let the Vikings go. -Mark

I'd be glad to pay for the public health option - Vikings never. -Linda, Minneapolis, MN

It does not matter what more than 50 percent of Minnesotans think when the commission, like with the Twins, is SOLD OUT. -E.R.Sotomayor

The Vikings play eight games a year...my kid's school runs 215 days annually, and the experience lasts more than four quarters and an overnight hotel stay. No question where I'd invest 950 million. -anonymous text message

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What's your favorite memory of baseball at the Metrodome?

Posted at 6:00 AM on October 2, 2009 by Eric Ringham (24 Comments)
Filed under: Culture

The Minnesota Twins are about to finish their final season in the Metrodome before moving to their new home at Target Field. What's your favorite memory of baseball at the Metrodome?

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What would a Chicago Olympics mean for the Midwest?

Posted at 6:00 AM on October 1, 2009 by Eric Ringham (8 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, Economy, International affairs

Members of the International Olympic Committee will vote Friday on the city that will host the 2016 Games. Among the contenders is Chicago, with strong support from Barack and Michelle Obama. What would a Chicago Olympics mean for the Midwest?

My husband is a trucker and he hates driving through Chicago now because of congestion. The Olympics are really going to make a bigger mess of that city. -Mechelle, Lake Park, MN

Share your reply in the comments: What would a Chicago Olympics mean for the Midwest?

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When is texting inappropriate?

Posted at 6:00 AM on September 30, 2009 by Eric Ringham (21 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, Science/Technology

You've probably never sent a text message from a church pew, or while driving, or during a lecture in class. But you've seen people do that and more. When is texting inappropriate?

Whenever your attention is respectfully required by others (i.e. While at church, when driving, etc.) -anonymous text message

Texting is inappropriate when driving mainly because it is illegal, but at any other time it is just a extension of your freedom of speech. -Pat, Maplewood, MN

Texting in church! The best use of an otherwise wasted hour. -Jim, Saint Paul, MN

Texting is efficient and important best to do when not talking to another or driving. -Jeff, St. Cloud, MN

Texting is just a tool, and is only inappropriate where inattention of any sort is rude or dangerous. Used appropriately, texting is a great resource! -anonymous text message

Texting, with other new social networking tools, are eroding in-person communication skills to efficient technophiles living through avatars. -anonymous text message

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When you have a choice, do you try to buy American?

Posted at 6:00 AM on September 29, 2009 by Anna Weggel (32 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, Economy

Requirements that stimulus funds be spent on American products and materials have sparked a dispute over whether such rules hurt American business in the long run. Some of that controversy is being aired in a debate at noon today on Midday. When you have a choice, do you try to buy American?

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What's your favorite place in Minnesota to enjoy the fall?

Posted at 6:00 AM on September 28, 2009 by Anna Weggel (21 Comments)
Filed under: Culture

At this time of year it can be hard to find vacancies along the North Shore or the St. Croix River Valley. But there are plenty of other spots to enjoy the weather and color of the season. What's your favorite place in Minnesota to enjoy the fall?

The best way to enjoy fall is to snuggle under blankets in the sun-room. All the pretty, none of the cold. -@k_schoe

Walking through the Bird Sanctuary near Lake Harriet. -@loriwilson23

I say canoeing the StCroix. -@jonbenson

Duluth is the place to be! Plenty to do, beautiful landscape/ views, and great beer. Couldn't ask for more, Autumn or otherwise! -@_ants_

My favorite place to enjoy the fall colors is my backyard. -Lynne, Prior Lake, MN

St. Croix River valley by boat. -Bill, Minneapolis, MN

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What's your approach to praising children?

Posted at 6:00 AM on September 24, 2009 by Eric Ringham (12 Comments)
Filed under: Culture

Recent research suggests that parents and teachers who heap praise on children may not be doing them any favors. What's your approach to praising children?

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Should parents be held responsible if guests of their kids drink?

Posted at 6:00 AM on September 14, 2009 by Eric Ringham (15 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, Health

The St. Paul City Council is considering an ordinance that would hold you responsible if underage drinking occurs in your home or rental property, regardless of whether you supply the liquor. Similar ordinances are in effect in other cities, including Chaska. Should parents be held responsible if guests of their kids drink?

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How will you remember the summer of '09?

Posted at 6:00 AM on September 8, 2009 by Eric Ringham (26 Comments)
Filed under: Culture

For some, the summer just past may be defined by its news stories: The Senate recount. The health care debate. The passing of Walter Cronkite and Edward Kennedy. For others, the summer may have marked the birth of a child or the loss of a job. How will you remember the summer of '09?

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What did you learn at the Fair this year?

Posted at 6:00 AM on September 7, 2009 by Eric Ringham (8 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, Education

In 1902, the St. Paul and Minneapolis School Boards pushed the opening day of school back to the Monday after the State Fair. Education authorities stated that there was "more to be learned in a single day at the fair than in double the time at school or college." What did you learn at the Fair this year?

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Could a gory video make you a better driver?

Posted at 6:00 AM on September 3, 2009 by Eric Ringham (22 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, Science/Technology, Transportation

A British public-service video offers a graphic depiction of a car accident involving teen-agers who text while driving. The video has spread quickly around the Web, but it's unclear whether the gruesome images will actually change anyone's behavior. Could a gory video make you a better driver?

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What's left on your summer to-do list?

Posted at 6:00 AM on September 2, 2009 by Anna Weggel (10 Comments)
Filed under: Culture

The State Fair closes on Monday and students will soon be heading back to school. What haven't you accomplished this summer that you set out to do? What's left on your summer to-do list?

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When you spend a day at the State Fair, what's your strategy?

Posted at 6:00 AM on August 27, 2009 by Eric Ringham (13 Comments)
Filed under: Culture

Among the animal barns and the food booths, from Machinery Hill to the Midway, the Minnesota State Fair is crowded with new attractions and old traditions. It can be a challenge to hit all the nostalgic spots and still get the most out of the latest exhibits. When you spend a day at the State Fair, what's your strategy?

Mini doughnuts for breakfast, prontos for lunch, cheese curds for a snack and finish off with cookies. There's no such thing as a diet at the Fair! -Michael, St. Paul, MN

Start when it opens at the cow barns so my city children could see the loving care farm kids give their animals as they prepare for judging, see where milk comes from, and experience the lovely aroma of the fair. End with the art show where it is quiet and air conditioned AND there are clean bathrooms. -anonymous text message

Eat just eat. -anonymous text message

Share your reply in the comments: What's your State Fair strategy?

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How has your experience with divorce affected your attitudes toward marriage?

Posted at 6:00 AM on August 26, 2009 by Eric Ringham (45 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, Race/Gender

Second and third marriages are more likely than first marriages to end in divorce. And according to the Gallup Poll, more Americans than ever consider divorce morally acceptable. How has your experience with divorce affected your attitudes toward marriage?

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What does Woodstock mean to you?

Posted at 6:00 AM on August 14, 2009 by Anna Weggel (24 Comments)
Filed under: Culture

40 years ago, 32 acts performed over three days and four nights at Max Yasgur's 600-acre dairy farm in Bethel, New York. A half million concert goers looked on as Joan Baez, Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, The Who, Jimi Hendrix and many others defined a generation. If you were there, wish you had been, or were otherwise marked by those three days in August of 1969, what does Woodstock mean to you?

At Woodstock we learned we were all in the same prison. We succeeded in rattling the cage, but we did not break free. -anonymous text message

Woodstock? It was just a big, drug and mud soaked outdoor rock concert in NY. 40 years ago I was an 11 year old girl from CT who had just moved to a new town in NH and didnt know a soul. I knew about the concert -it was in the news- but I was more concerned about fitting into my new junior high. Did it define my generation? Not at all. It was something for the bored teenagers of the privileged who didn't have a job that summer. -Lynne, Prior Lake, MN

Share your reply in the comments: What does Woodstock mean to you?

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What is the ideal spectator event for Minnesota to host and why?

Posted at 6:00 AM on August 13, 2009 by Anna Weggel (21 Comments)
Filed under: Culture

This week, Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska is hosting the 91st PGA Championship -- a major coup, even for the state with more golfers per capita than any other. In the past, Minnesota also has welcomed the NCAA Final Four, NHL All-Star Game, WE Fest Country Musical Festival and the Republican National Convention. What else is out there? What is the ideal spectator event for Minnesota to host - and why?

SCCA pro rally is the ideal spec. Sport (ojibwe forest). It gets the spectators involved, rather than sitting and watching. -Dustin, Montgomery, MN

The Olympic summer games of course! -Brian, St. Paul, MN

Nothing...stop overrunning us with crowds. -Terri

MN should host the world cup ... please don't say soccer...it's football. -Ebba

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Is owning a home part of your American Dream?

Posted at 6:00 AM on August 12, 2009 by Anna Weggel (27 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, Economy

A recent study shows the rate of homeownership in America has declined by more than 2 percent since 2004, and is projected to drop even more over the coming years. Has homeownership lost its luster in the wake of the mortgage crisis and recession? Is owning a home part of your American Dream?

Yes, owning a home is part of my "American Dream." But I'm realistic & could never afford all the extra bills & responsibilities. -@ELBfoto

Although my wife and I are going through a foreclosure right now, I got to be a homeowner as a 25 year old! In what other country would that even be possible? We plan on doing it again someday when we have more money. -Kyle Sumrow, Plymouth, MN

An immigrant owning a home in America is a part of mine and my parents American dream. -Igor Flider, Maple Grove, MN

As odd as it may seem, owning a home is not a part of my American Dream. Am I in the minority there? -@AHKaufman

If the American Dream is to watch Star Wars at whatever volume I see fit, then count me in! -Jeremy, Fargo, ND

My American dream is to have the freedom and flexibility to work and live in different places. I was able to take advantage of a job opportunity in the Brainerd area and then another opportunity to rent a lake home that I could never afford to own. Home ownership can be a beast of burden keeping people from pursuing other dreams and is not for everyone. -anonymous text message

Yes, home ownership falls into my idea of the American dream. Preferably in the city, not the suburbs. -@leesejared

It's not my American Dream, but I hope to buy one this year for the free $8000 anyway. -anonymous text message

If the American Dream is owning a home the Minnesota dream is owning a cabin on a lake! We bought a a cabin in the fall 2009 because of the very low prices. -anonymous text message

No! Perhaps property. But that's as far as I'd go. -@jenniferphd

The American dream is about freedom, not home ownership. Owning a home is not appropriate for everyone. -anonymous text message

Share your reply in the comments: Is owning a home part of your American Dream?

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What low-tech device do you refuse to give up?

Posted at 6:00 AM on August 11, 2009 by Anna Weggel (48 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, Science/Technology

Last year, the Polaroid company announced it would stop selling its cameras and producing instant film. Now that stores have sold their stocks, the price of a packet of Polaroid film is through the roof. Rapid changes in technology make it hard to keep up with the latest gadget, and even harder to let go of the ones we love. What low-tech device do you refuse to give up?

I refuse to give up pencils. -Cat, Plymouth, MN

I refuse to give up my turn table and vinyls. Purple Rain just isn't the same crammed into an iPod -Phillip R. Minneapolis, MN

My pressure canner and clothes line. -Jason

I refuse to give up my paper daytimer calendar. -Linda Sorensen, Oronoco, MN

Low tech device I refuse to give up? That's easy. My turntable and vinyl records. -Adam Thurston

I just seem to not be able to loosen my grip on my original Nintendo system. I don't use it, it's just there, much to the chagrin of my fiance. -anonymous text message

Definitely my VCR! -Miranda, St. Paul, MN

I refuse to give up flush toilets. -Reid, Duluth, MN

My corded phone. -Jane Fisher, St. Paul, MN

I wont give up my books or newspaper. Can't curl up on the couch with my blanky and my computer! -anonymous text message

Share your reply in the comments: What low-tech device do you refuse to give up?

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What ties you to where you live?

Posted at 6:00 AM on August 10, 2009 by Eric Ringham (32 Comments)
Filed under: Culture

Money Magazine recently rated Chanhassen, Chaska, Lino Lakes and Owatonna as among the best 100 small towns (population 8,500 to 50,000) to live in the country. Rankings were based on strong local economies, good schools, affordable homes and low crime. But how do you measure the soul of a community? What ties you to the place where you live?

My wife and I live with my inlaws because of a foreclosure and we have nowhere else to go! -Kyle, Plymouth, MN

Why St Paul? Coherent work, circle of friends, 2 cities at my beck & call, a creaky yellow farmhouse: a movable feast. -Bruce Parker

I moved here from Uptown to go to UWRF, never thought I'd fall so in love w/ a small town. I love the sense of community, always running into people i know, and i appreciate the support the town gives to the music and arts community. I will certainly miss RF when i graduate! -Kyrsten, River Falls, WI

Nothing. I'm moving out of Detroit Lakes, MN next year to get to a bigger city! Although It's beautiful here. -Sara Refsland, Detroit Lakes, MN

Great schools in St. Paul. Quality of life. Good place to raise kids. -Therese

No money ties me to where i live. -Anthony Sundgaard

What ties me to Minnesota is the beautiful trees and people. -Sara, Melrose, MN

My children's schools. -Lynne, Prior Lake, MN

Upside down on my mortgage.... -Billy, Hugo, MN

Location, location, location. -Paul Picard, Lauderdale, MN

Great Neighborhoods. -Bill, St. Paul, MN

Ties to place I live? A: debt! Don't misunderstand, I LOVE MN, its people and environmental diversity...don't want to leave, but debt stops me considering alternatives. -Travis, Minneapolis, MN

What ties me? My mortgage? I kid. 3 generations of my wife's family ties me to small town Montgomery. -anonymous text message

Food is what ties me to home. :) -anonymous text message

Share your reply in the comments: What ties you to where you live?

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Would you donate your body for use after death?

Posted at 6:00 AM on August 7, 2009 by Eric Ringham (29 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, Religion/Ethics

Starting this weekend, paying customers will once again be looking at preserved, posed corpses in a Twin Cities exhibit. Meanwhile, an Illinois woman has received the heart of a Minnesota soldier who died from wounds suffered in battle in Afghanistan. Whether for science, commercial use or to save the life of another person, agreeing to give up your earthly remains is likely to involve some soul-searching. Would you donate your body for use after death?

I don't think i would let my body be donated. I wouldn't really care what happens to my body, let my family decide. -Nathan, IN

Of course i would donate my body. It would be selfish and inhumane not to. -Alix Sophia, Minneapolis, MN

I've already arranged to have myself sent to the body farm in TN when my time comes. -Cat, Minneapolis, MN

Yes - I am pro-recycling so yes. -Casey Nordendale, St. Paul, MN

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Does alcohol have a proper role at campus sports events?

Posted at 6:00 AM on August 6, 2009 by Eric Ringham (21 Comments)
Filed under: Culture

Students who have been found intoxicated and ejected from a Gopher football game will have to take a Breathalyzer test before they can attend another game, under a policy being developed for the University of Minnesota's new football stadium. The plan would tolerate no alcohol in the system of a student too young to drink and only some in students of legal drinking age. Officials are trying to limit rowdy behavior, which they say is closely related to alcohol use. Does alcohol have a proper role at campus sports events?

Most of us enjoy high school games w/o beer. The game, your friends, a cool evening are what make it fun. -Leigh Webber, Blaine, MN

I don't think those who are responsible drinkers should be penalized because some people are idiots. I would have thought all the U brainpower would be creative. -Lisa Threadgill, St. Louis Park, MN

Alcohol at college sporting events is inevitable. College kids find a way to drink by either binging before the game or sneaking in alcohol. . Allowing alcohol to be sold at the event may prevent binge drinking before the event by students who know they will not be able to drink once there. -anonymous text message

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Do you want to know your neighbors?

Posted at 6:00 AM on August 4, 2009 by Eric Ringham (20 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, Security

Tonight, people in thousands of neighborhoods around the country will gather to get to know each other on National Night Out and Night to Unite. The idea is to make communities safer by spreading information about fighting crime and preventing drug abuse. Do you want to know your neighbors?

My neighbors are great! We all enjoy spending time together in the alley. -anonymous text message

Absolutely! But i wasn't invited. -anonymous text message

Not all of them...maybe a few. -anonymous text message

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Would you trade your books for an electronic version?

Posted at 6:00 AM on August 3, 2009 by Eric Ringham (51 Comments)
Filed under: Culture

Amazon recently released a new version of its Kindle book reader, a device that allows users to buy and read books, newspapers and other publications in electronic form. Would you trade your books for an electronic version?

No. Amazon's system allows them to remove books from your Kindle, and limit the number of downloads. You don't own ebooks, you just rent them. -Ryan, St. Paul, MN

I heart books! But for travel purposes I'd really like a kindle to cut down on bulk/damage. -Melissa, Mankato, MN

Never! Ill keep my books along with the letters i recieve in the mail, my typewriters and my records. Computers crash, are too expensive and break down way too easy and way too often. When they work like the phone I'm texting from they are convenient. -Noah, Hastings, MN

For something i just want to read i wouldn't mind a kindle but books that i'm passionate about losing the feel of the paper and the binding would be like the loss of the big pieces of art we lost when vinyl records went away. -Brandon Carriere, Le Sueur, MN

Novels-YES!, business and personal-NO! I think that both have a purpose, but we talk as if a person has to use one or the other. -Harvey Rupert

I think both ebooks and traditional books will coexist. I see a day when we will consume most of our media on electronic devices, and traditional books will be ordered as a boutique item on a one by one basis where you will have choices in paper, binding, and personalized messages. -Simon, St. Paul, MN

No way i am too vain i like displaying to all who visit my home all the books I've read. -Mike, Savage, MN

I have a Kindle. While I love it for reading all the novels I read (and would give away if I had purchased them), and for all the free sample chapters that help me shop , it will never fully replace books for me. I want to own some in hard copy, write in many, and hold others. Call me sentimental, but the visceral experience of holding or using a book I own is fundamental to my daily life. -Lynne Silva-Breen

What about passing on your favorite books to your kids or nieces and nephews? How many times have you "lost" electronic documents when your device "crashes?" I would like to have books on a shelf for my 10 year old to turn on to. -Terry, St. Cloud, MN

You can't take a paper book away from me like recently happened on the Kindle with some Orwell titles. I'll keep the paper, thanks. -Brian

Regarding ebooks: Anything that saves a tree is worth it. -Alex, Red Wing, MN

Does anyone else see the irony of ''big brother'' removing the Orwell books from kindle? -Brian, Grand Forks, MN

Not for me. I have more than 2000 research volumes. There is no way that most of these books will ever end up as an ebook. To say nothing of quality pictures. -anonymous text message

Absolutely not! I'm a 28 year old guy living in new york city and my most prized possession is my book shelf. -anonymous text message

No way! Aren't we trying to find ways to depend LESS on electricity and energy? Books are easy to share, wonderful to hold, and do not require a plug-in! -anonymous text message

Half the fun of buying old books is reading what people wrote in them. If books are all put online, an entire genre of thoughtful gifts will disappear! -anonymous text message

Share your reply in the comments: Would you trade your books for an electronic version?

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Why do we give so much attention to sports figures?

Posted at 6:00 AM on July 29, 2009 by Eric Ringham (14 Comments)
Filed under: Culture

Months of rumors and speculation came to an end Tuesday with the news that Brett Favre will remain in retirement. The news disappointed Minnesota fans who had become increasingly excited about the possibility that the legendary Green Bay quarterback would join the Vikings. Why do we give so much attention to sports figures?

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How important to you is the U.S. mail in the Internet age?

Posted at 6:00 AM on July 28, 2009 by Eric Ringham (26 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, Economy

The U.S. Postal Service is considering the closure of thousands of post offices around the country, including two dozen in Minnesota. Officials blame sharply declining mail volume, due in part to the rise in Web-based alternatives to traditional mail. How important to you is the U.S. mail in the Internet age?

Having grown up in the internet age, I find the USPS to be mostly useless. These closings are to be expected and welcomed. -Nick, Inver Grove Heights, MN

I am 23, and the only time writing letters was important to me was basic training. Nowadays when friends go away, they say Facebook me, not write me. -Durrell, Minneapolis, MN

Close them. We don't need a office in every town. -Mike Rowan, Big Lake, MN

Even though I'm a Net junkie, there's still nothing like getting a real letter in the mail. The Post Office needs to stay. -John Charles Wilson, Minneapolis, MN

Holding a letter in my hands and knowing that person took the time and effort to write it and send it to me is an experience not possible through email. -Noah, Hastings, MN

Close them and go to THREE day a week delivery. -anonymous text message

Share your reply in the comments: How important to you is the U.S. mail in the Internet age?

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What do you do while driving that you shouldn't?

Posted at 6:00 AM on July 22, 2009 by Eric Ringham (12 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, Transportation

We've all seen it: Drivers sending text messages, drivers putting on makeup, drivers eating breakfast or talking on the phone. Federal officials are concerned about the role such distractions play in traffic accidents. If you're driving right now, please wait until you get where you're going, but then we'd like to hear your confession. What do you do while driving that you shouldn't?

Twitter! Ha! -@AaronWillard

I put on my make up -anonymous text message

Play scratch off's -anonymous text message

I can change clothes as i drive down the highway in a 30ft dock truck -anonymous text message

Um text. Like right now. Sorry :( -anonymous text message

I surf the web & watch youtube on my phone while driving. right now i am texting while driving -anonymous text message

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When, if ever, is public art a good use of taxpayers' money?

Posted at 6:00 AM on July 15, 2009 by Eric Ringham (14 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, Economy, Politics/Government

In a hearing today, members of the St. Paul City Council are considering whether to dedicate funds to the creation and maintenance of public art. When, if ever, is public art a good use of taxpayers' money?

I believe the tax money toward public art benefits the local tourism economy and public appearances. My vote: better than building professional stadiums. -Steven Larson, Duluth, MN

Art is a good use of taxpayers' money when it creates a cultural environment that brings businesses and jobs to the area, especially young families and entrepreneurs. -Lauren, Minneapolis, MN

Art and culture is always an easy target in times of economic hardship but many would argue that it is these times when we need art and culture the most as a way to give ourselves perspective and to create dialog and a sense of community. To many public art can seem to be a luxury but for most it is a necessity as it is a component of the environment we live in. In the same way that one pays attention to aesthetic detail in their homes shouldn't we also give our communities that same treatment? There also tends to be a notion that public art is competing for dollars that would otherwise go to social services and this is rarely the case. -Melinda Childs, Minneapolis, MN

Simple: ALWAYS! Art improves everyones quality of life! -anonymous text message

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Should employers be able to regulate your personal life?

Posted at 6:00 AM on July 14, 2009 by Eric Ringham (10 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, Religion/Ethics

The Pentagon is considering a recommendation that it ban tobacco use among all members of the military. Likewise, professional sports teams routinely prohibit athletes from skiing, riding motorcycles or playing pick-up basketball due to risk of injury. Should employers be able to regulate your personal life?

No. Unless it is detrimental to the job or poorly reflects values of the profession personal life is just that...personal. That's like asking if health care providers should bar obese people from working in the health care profession since it doesn't portray a healthy lifestyle. There needs to be a limit to personal interference. I may have my disdain for obesity, substance use,ignorance and rudeness but to each his own...I am no more superior than the next person. -Teri Gibbons, Rochester, MN

The fine line between work and personal life has been wearing away for some time. As work life and personal life start to blur employers are naturally going to try to regulate the behavior of their employees since they now represent their respective companies both in and out of the work place. I don't think it's right for employers to regulate the average blue collar worker. Regulating people outside of the workplace feels like an assault on individual rights. I can understand some regulation of military or professional sports because their physical condition directly relates to their job performance... but that's a slippery slope. -Jonathan Campbell, Hopkins, MN

I use to think America was founded and based on freedom? I guess pretty soon employers, along with government, will be able to regulate how many and when their employees can decide to have children. -Kimberly Johannsen, Shoreview, MN

I am a strong believer in positive reinforcement to a healthier lifestyle . So incentives towards that goal make sense to me. If that can be accomplished by companies through their health plans , it will reduce the overall cost of treatment after the onset of issues. We must work towards preemptive model with respect to health care . Companies in the US can push that forward . Outside of health I do not see anything wrong with a personal contract which precludes destructive behavior. -Tom Mallon, Minneapolis, MN

Not sure those examples are comparable. Pro athletes have professionally negotiated contracts that pay them handsomely. Army grunts have almost infinitely less leverage with their employer. This isn't a yes/no question. Would it be sane for employers to mandate a perfectly healthy lifestyle, including exercise (low impact - watch the joints!), no fat, no meat, no white wine, no breathing polluted air? Obviously not, but it does make sense to provide incentives for behavior that will enhance productivity - subsidized gym memberships, etc. We're working more than ever, we need to keep our private lives for ourselves. -Ben Gillies, St. Paul, MN

When in a college track program, I was not allowed to swim or ski. No hardship then. Employers are not allowed to ask personal questions at interview time, therefore they should not be able to dictate behavior after hiring. I gave my hours to each employer as negotiated for pay and benefits. They should never be able to then Change the Rules after agreeing to the hours and responsibilities. -John Reay, Minneapolis, MN

I find a military smoking ban absurd. I'd like to see how they plan to tell infantrymen in a prolonged fire fight that the no smoking light is on. -Jess

Two chief issues come to mind: (1) Timing. There's a difference between ad hoc changing regulations after the employee is hired vs. those written up-front into an initial hiring contract. The latter seems more reasonable, the former is borderline fascistic. (2) Purpose & Symmetry. Presumably, regulations serve the betterment of the company. In this era of run-it-to-the-ground and slash&burn management, off-shoring, and bailing out, the next consideration is the basic asymmetry of the problem: employers desire to dictate how employees must live, but apparently management is free to practice company-self-destructive behavior? -Paul Bramscher, Circle Pines, MN

I believe there are professions out there that have reasonable expectations on performance that overlap into personal life. I also believe there are professions that have little, if any, overlap and should not have "off-duty" life activities scrutinized by their employer. I believe this is something that requires healthy debate and an open mind on the part of both employers and employees. -Leanne Kunze, Waconia, MN

My answer is simple. As long as the employer bears a financial burden (whether it be in higher health insurance rates or workers compensation costs) for personal habits that affect your health, they should be able to issue some rules in regards to those personal habits while you work. People can't have it both ways, to have their lung cancer treatment paid for by the employer sponsored health insurance AND refuse to give up smoking while at work. -Kari Harding, Canby, MN

In the case of the military, the contract you enter essentially states that you are property of the military during the duration of your enlistment. As far as employment at will I don't believe that an employer should have the right to dictate your lifestyle. That could be a very slippery slope that would be very hard to back peddle from. That kind of control encroaches on the individual civil rights and liberties that are the corner stone of american citizenship. -Jesse Zeimet, Minneapolis, MN

No!! This sets a dangerous precedent and borders on violating one's right to privacy. -Sandra Henry, Bolingbrook, IL

Yes, if a reasonable person would think that the banned behavior could harm the company. Companies have a right to do what is in their best interest. If you own a football team and a player gets hurt and can't play, you loose money. So, you can say, "If you want to play for my team, you can't ski or ride a motorcycle." Jobs are voluntary. The government, on the other hand, should not be able to regulate my personal life. -Chris Erickson, Minneapolis, MN

No, but they do, always have, and always will. Even if laws may keep them from firing those employees they do not consider to be the kind of people they wish to employ, they can and will retaliate however they can, and reward those that do as they suggest. -Paul Lareau, Little Canada, MN

You can not include situations where there is an employment contract in this debate. Professional sports and military both have contracts and therefore the employer can regulate what ever they want within the bounds of the contract. For the military, smoking should have been banned long ago, who wants a soldier to be in battle and have a twitchy finger because they need a fix? Where the employment is at-will, employers should not be able to regulate your personal life, this includes blogs and other items as long as they are not disparaging to the employer. -Richard Garnett, Minneapolis, MN

Only if said banned behavior affects the job. -Dustin, Montgomery, MN

If you don't like what an employer is asking in exchange for employment...don't work for them! I have a choice which company I work for, I do NOT have a choice which government governs me. -Dennis Fisher, Dayton, MN

I think if it could potentially affect your job performance by a considerable amount, it is reasonable for your employer to ask. For example, if you were a model, your employer may not want you getting inappropriate tattoos or making drastic appearance changes as it could affect sales of product, the image a company is trying to sell, and so on. Let's keep in mind that people apply for a job of their own free will. If you do not like the demands or requirements of a job, then you can always look somewhere else. Although I do think there is a fine line between what is okay and not okay for an employer to ask of their employees. -Keli Holtmeyer, Maple Grove, MN

No! But they do. No explanations or discussions needed and they will continue to regulate personal lives until folks realize they have lost a lost of basic freedoms along with comfort zones. This regulation is subtle and not painful yet but it's coming. Period. -Bertie Williams

I am amazed at people's thinking; on the one hand people absolutely resent a government health plan, because it might be socialistic. On the other hand they allow the government to regulate their private actions...No smoking, no abortions, no gays in the military... I dont get it.. are these regulations not interfering with the social texture of this society??? -Regina Rippel, St. Paul, MN

Share your reply in the comments: Should employers be able to regulate your personal life?

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Is illegally sharing music immoral?

Posted at 6:00 AM on July 8, 2009 by Eric Ringham (38 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, Religion/Ethics

Jammie Thomas-Rasset of Brainerd has asked a judge to reduce the $1.9 million penalty she has been ordered to pay for illegally sharing music. What do you think: Is illegally sharing music immoral?

Yes, it is immoral because it is cheating the artist and the mechanisms that the artist depends upon to sell work. Would the people who illegally share the music be willing to work for no pay? Not likely. If artists cannot make a living from making their music - does it not seem to be the case that there will be fewer full time musicians? -Claire Thoen, St. Paul, MN

Illegally sharing music is not immoral, per se. But to the extent to which Jammie Thomas-Rasset did so, and continued to do so after a warning and previous suit, was a severe violation of intellectual property rights and an arrogant intrusion on musicians' ownership. She and others like her should, of course, not go to jail, and I even agree that she should pay only a portion of the penalty. But I also feel that "music hackers" who download and share on a large scale should suffer the consequences, and not get away with thumbing their noses at artists and the industry like Jammie did. -John Ervin, Minneapolis, MN

Illegally sharing music is immoral. That means I'm frequently immoral. But suing peoples faces off for doing things that feel free is equally immoral. I believe that we need to create subscription based streaming models that feel free but permit artists to monetize their work. We also need to look towards organizations like SoundExchange, BMI, ASCAP and SESAC to stay on top of how people are listening to music and collecting performance fees from the people that host that music. A performance royalty fee could be added to the purchase of those items most likely to be used in pirating (Itunes, Ipod, CDRs, Vinyl to MP3 converters). This fee is not to say that every single piece of media is used for such things, but more to say that this a new format that consumers are consuming music on. At one point (not sure if it's current) ASCAP received a small bit of money from CDR sales. Pretty smart. -Sean McPherson, St. Paul, MN

Immoral? No, not unless one defines morality as following the letter of the law. And pretty good argument can be made that certain laws themselves are immoral. If one defines morality as care and responsible treatment of one's fellow human beings, then it's a stretch to call music sharing as immoral. Illegal? Yes, at present. One might argue that a $1.9m judgment against an individual, particularly one without astonishing means, is immoral. It would relegate Ms. Thomas-Rasset to destitution for the rest of her life, unless she breaks more laws and goes on the lamb. One has to wonder how on earth that judgment fits the crime. -Mary Cody, Baxter, MN

Yes. Unless you have a compelling argument against a lawful regulation, it is wrong and immoral to violate it. Even then you should be prepared to be punished for your disobedience. As for commercial music, trying to exploit someone else's talent, I believe it is wrong, immoral, and foolish. Make that "stupid." -Gord Prickett, Aitkin, MN

As a music copyright attorney, it is clear that illegally sharing music has its consequences. But in a highly-evolving environment...laws, legislation, and morality will rarely keep pace with technology. Was the "free and shared" music broadcast via radio "immoral"? Was the technology of radio...immoral? Embracing technology -- and its significant impact on intellectual property -- is our current challenge. New Media necessarily means New Rules. As difficult as "free" and "illegal file sharing" may sound to us, the new simple truth is: "Before an audience will Pay Royalties...they must Pay Attention". We cannot play whack-a-mole with technology, be it radio...Napster...or the next next thing. We must be innovators...open to the nuanced negotiations of "licensing" intellectual property...as opposed to trying to snuff out brilliant technologies that should rightly be harnessed to broaden the knowledge base of arts and sciences. -Ron Sobel, St. Paul, MN

While I respect that artists and labels deserve to be paid for their work, the RIAA isn't going to save itself by sticking to archaic business practices nor suing individuals who download music. Considering the popularity of iTunes and today's prevalent marketing strategy of giving away your hit single via mp3, a court ruling like this doesn't send a warning message not to download music. It sends a message that the music industry still doesn't understand we're in a new environment that requires innovation and creativity to monetize. -Greg Swan, Chaska, MN

It's wrong so yes, It's not moral! -Maria

Well, the question itself it little tricky but answer must be YES as 'Illegal' = 'immoral'. Question is how do yo define 'illegal' sharing. -Syed Uddin, Bloomington, MN

Yes. Illegally sharing music is theft. There's no moral ground claimed by being "against the big bad record companies" however antiquated and regressive their methods. The purchase of downloaded music involves compensation for the artist's work. So who is Ms Thomas-Rasset or anyone else to decide that that artist is not worthy of market-set compensation? You wouldn't steal a bag of apples from the grocery store then hand them out on the street. It's the same for music and any other intellectual property. -Simon Wiltshire, Minnetonka, MN

This depends on how you define "immoral." It is and should be illegal because there are strict copyright laws in the USA. As a musician and composer myself I would be a little unhappy if someone were to tape / record or otherwise "take" my music and use it for something other than what it was intended for. In other words, from my perspective it IS immoral. -Lisa Ragsdale, Minneapolis, MN

If the industry could have tracked LP to cassette taping and sharing, a lot of us would have gotten in a lot of trouble. -Jenn B

Plain and simply, no. The only group of people this negatively effects are the big time record execs. Musicians profit mostly from merchandise, ticket sells, commercial use of their music/image, etc. The more people hear their music, the more popular and profitable the band/artist will become. Before there were CDs and MP3s we had cassette tapes. Was it illegal then to make a mix tape for a friend? Or yourself? If it was, it wasn't frowned upon. As a musician myself, I would be thrilled to hear my music was well received by others and others and so on. Hence why MySpace has become such a huge hit for musicians to promote themselves. FREE. -Michael Soricelli, Duluth, MN

Such activity as that has 3 strikes against it- it is illegal, immoral, AND unethical! -Tom, Anoka, MN

Well, it is stealing so by definition in my world, it's immoral, though I'm not sure that's the right word. Since there are sites where one can buy the music they want one song at a time, so it's not like there is no option but to steal. All of this said, I think the penalty imposed on the woman in Brainerd IS immoral. It's also ridiculous since she will never be able to pay the fine. Also, I believe that there's a question about whether she actually shared files or not. If not, it's a truly insane fine. -John Hetterick, Plymouth, MN

Illegal music sharing is certainly immoral. It is and should be illegal. Still, the financial penalty in this case is extreme at least. -James B., St. Paul, MN

no, i would say it is not immoral, for the recording industry has been overcharging people for too long, and forcing artists into unfair contracts. music already flows like water, in the internet, and nothing is going to change that. people who share music are helping to liberate the artists and force a change in the music industry to a greater emphasis on the artist, who is the person that matters, not the manager or the executive or the marketing department. sharing music IS marketing; it exposes the artist to more people than they would reach themselves. -Kori Touya, Northfield, MN

File sharing is no more immoral than making a mix tape for that special someone was back in the pre-Internet days. -Ryan, St Paul, MN

Yes. Today's technology makes it possible, with almost no effort, to share music on the net. The fact that it is so easy dims the perception of this as theft. Whether the record companies are rich and powerful or not is not the question here. The music was created by the composer and performer and financed by the record company. Legally and morally, they own the creation and have control over it's use and distribution. If one wishes to create music and give it away on the net as some bands have done, that is their choice. Copyright law exists to protect the people who create art. It is their only protection in most cases. -Steven Anderson, Merrifield, MN

Whether we agree with a law or not, breaking it to financially benefit cannot be categorized as moral. Breaking a law with the intention of proving the law immoral - civil disobedience - means getting caught and calling attention to how the law is unjust. Stealing songs - and let's face it, it's not sharing, it's allowing other people to steal - is not changing a system. It is profiting from it. I'm frustrated by the current copyright system. I think it is corrupt and does not serve the stated purpose to benefit new creative work. However, the answer is for everyone to demand a change in law, not just steal for convenience. -Steve Boland, St. Paul, MN

Downloading music illegally is the same as shoplifting did you run a billion dollar ponzi scheme no, but that doesn't mean you didn't steal it. -Jason, St. Paul, MN

Purchase of creative work protected by copyright, trademark, or patent gives the purchaser the legal write to read, view, or listen to that work at will in accord with the conditions of the sale. "Fair use" allows the purchaser to make an audio recording in one format and later copy it using another format for preservation or convenience. Selling that work, in any format, to another without compensating those who created the original work is stealing. Giving that work to others without cost, or making it available for others to take at will, is also stealing if doing so is prohibited by the terms of the work's sale. Stealing is immoral. -David Leitzman, Saint Joseph, MN

Immoral? Thats a pretty heavy word to use for sharing something as intangible and wonderful as music. -Dave, Minneapolis, MN

I do not think that illegally sharing music is immoral, but it is unethical. As the mother of a young woman who is trying to make a living as a musician, it concerns me that she isn't paid for her music. However, she tells me that she is anxious to have it heard by as many people as possible, so is not bothered when people share it. In the case in question, the penalty is so far from fitting the "crime" that it's as wrong as what Jammie Thomas-Rasset did in the first place, if not more so. It is appropriate for her to have to pay something, perhaps double or triple what she shared, but that's it. -Ginny Levi, Minneapolis, MN

Music file sharing is no different than checking out a CD at my local library. why aren't music executives up in arms about music checked out at libraries? -anonymous text message

What is legal is not necessarily moral. What is illegal is not necessarily immoral. There are three categories of law: civil, criminal, and torts. The law is not even logical. People do not necessarily agree about the morality or immorality of a given action, inaction, or thought. Church organizations do not agree about theological principles. Having said that, I will talk about two unrelated issues: the legal issue, and the moral issue. The musician created a musical work for sale to earn a living. She assisted others to steal. She also broke the law and got caught. She reaped the consequences. -Roger O'Daniel, Minneapolis, MN

Yes. The fundamental premise of American law is the ownership and defense of private property. This includes intellectual property. Taking the property of another without compensation is theft, pure and simple. People seem to be hung up on the "fine" the law levied against the woman at the heart of this story. The fine is excessive and probably unconstitutionally large, but the basic concept is correct - if she stole, she should be punished. Companies spend millions upon millions to create, market, and sell music. Those costs MUST be recouped. Illegal downloads prevent this. It's the same with shoplifting or any other theft. -Michael Corbin, Faribault, MN

Here is the question I always ask: If I take a recipe from a cookbook that I have purchased and post it on a culinary site, or if a newspaper takes a recipe from a cookbook and publishes it for distribution to all of its readers, including those who pick it up in a coffee shop and don't have to pay for it, is that any more or less "moral"? The author of that cookbook is essentially having his or her intellectual property distributed without remuneration. Tell me how that substantively differs from sharing music. The entire Thomas-Rasset case is fatuous. -Ryan McNaughton, St. Paul, MN

Strictly speaking, yes. On the other hand, relentlessly pursuing a housewife demanding millions in lost "potential" sales lacks its own position on the moral high ground. As an artist, I freely give away mp3s of my music, yet I still sell tracks online. Maybe I appeal to a more morally certain crowd, but I think it's because I trust people to make the right decision and don't judge them to be thieves before the fact. -Colin Mansfield, St. Paul, MN

I feel that this is the wrong question to be asking. Instead, we need to look at the morality of how we treat music in our culture; as a product to be capitalized upon rather than an ancient language as universal as smiles or tears. It's only in the past century that people have come to accept the idea that "recording = music". While the immutable medium is a great vehicle for exposure and archival, the true mettle of any musician is live, on stage, not canned in the studio. I would contend that it is in fact immoral to illegalize the sharing of music; it is just another form of performance, at no cost of promotion to the artist or label. -Phillip Knoll, Minneapolis, MN

No, music is meant to be shared. I don't see that much difference between playing a cd I bought at work so my coworkers can hear it and sending an mp3 file to an online buddy. I don't want to cheat artists out of making a living but the record companies have done a very poor job of adapting to technology. -Nicole Masika, Brooklyn Center, MN

Governments make many laws, the violation of which are not moral issues. Music file sharing, while illegal, is not immoral. An argument often used is that sharing music files harms the artist because it deprives the artist of income, but that is not true. ASCAP, BMI, and corporate copyright holders may be deprioved of income, but that begs the question of whether draconian enforcement of licensing benefits the artist. It does not, of course. If such enforcement did benefit the artist we would not see authors and performers self-producing and using the Internet for direct sales, thereby eliminating their corporate "Big Brothers." -Ken Kalish, Park Rapids, MN

In one way in do believe it is immoral. But this is if after listening to a particular artist I do not buy their music and I share this with all of my friends. But if upon listening I decide I like them and buy all of their cd's then I think that it is not an issue. But if I give music to my friends and they never buy any cd's by the artist that would be immoral. After I listen and say I do not like the music I delete it, I do not think of that as immoral. -Randy Peterson, Minneapolis, MN

In most cases, no. Music sharing is probably the best advertisement for the music industry. In fact, through videos posted by other users to youtube (most of them illegally), I have found more new music groups than I can even remember, and they've all made some money from it. I think people should pay for music, but only if they like it! (I pay for my music). On a side note, the amount of money the big labels take from their signed artists is more immoral than illegal music sharing. You want crime, it's the stuff that the big labels do quote "legally"...Music sharing pales in comparison to that. -Michael Stolp-Smith, Rochester, MN

Yes. But that's less important than the fact that it's illegal. -David Evan Thomas, Minneapolis, MN

No it's not immoral. What the RIAA is doing is immoral. For decades the music industry has ripped the consumer off . The music industry is always promoting records by replaying the same 1 or 2 hits off the record. So the consumer hears this, goes out buys the album and soon realizes most the album is shit . The music industry has never refunded the purchase price of a bad record that was purchased because of one good song the radio pushed. And the price of a CD is outrageous. Less than a $1 to make one. It's hardly gone down since it debuted. Now they cry when the consumer gets even through file sharing. Give me a break! -Vince Shane, Inver Grove Heights, MN

I was interviewed following the first trial of Thomas-Rassert, and I explained to the MPR reporter how artists should be able to make a living (i.e. from charging for live shows), but that online filesharing is much like the radio. After I heard myself on the radio, I stopped downloading music through LimeWire -- cold turkey. Something didn't feel right. I wouldn't call it "morality," but I was breaking (albeit outdated) intellectual property laws. Since then, I have discovered how many music CDs are available through the Hennepin County Library, so now I listen to music that is never distributed. My conscience is clear! -Adam Schenck, Richfield, MN

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What's your summer adventure?

Posted at 6:00 AM on July 6, 2009 by Anna Weggel (16 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, Economy

Adventure can mean different things to different people. Whether it's traveling to a foreign country, starting a new career, or finding creative ways to have fun in a tough economy, we want to know what the highlight of your summer is going to be this year. What's your summer adventure?

I'm climbing mt Kilimanjaro and a service project to construct a building for an aids orphanage in Tanzania. Not my normal summer. -Matt, St. Paul, MN

Our summer adventure includes driving 13 hours from North Minnesota to St. Louis and keeping two toddlers interested without constant help from DVDs. We plan on many MN and IA school parks. -Aimee Foszpanczyk, Hoyt Lakes, MN

Hiking Isle Royal's Minog Trail. -Brent, Menomonie, WI

In August I will be attending a graduate reunion to celebrate the 80th anniversary of The Seing Eye, this country's first guide dog school. I have worked with 5 Seeing Eye Dogs. -Lolly, Minneapolis, MN

I'm taking my family to Arkansas to dig for diamonds. -Joey E

Going horseback riding in Medora, ND. -Kris, Goodhue, MN

We are going to ride our new recumbent bikes around our beautiful state! -Gae Jarvis

Our summer adventure is to time travel in another country. We will turn our clock back 20 years when we vacation in Upper Michigan mid-August. -Steve, Farmington, MN

I'm going to volunteer at Ojibwe Forest Rally in Bemidji at the end of August when rally competitors from all over the world come to race on our forest roads. -Amy, Motley, MN

Goin' to Jamaica mon and have me some rum punch. Everyting all irie. -Chad, New York, NY (Former St. Louis Park resident)

My summer adventure will be dealing with a blown out disc in my back and no insurance. If you want to feel true loneliness visit the ER and tell them you have no insurance. -Moses

My partner and I will become parents of twin baby girls. Real adventure that goes on and on. -Lisa, St. Paul, MN

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What does Independence Day mean to you?

Posted at 12:06 AM on July 3, 2009 by Eric Ringham (7 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, Politics/Government

In 1852 Frederick Douglass asked, "What, to the American slave, is your Fourth of July?" The meaning of the holiday differed then...and surely it differs from one American to another today, depending on perspective and experience. What does Independence Day mean to you?

Independence - it the difference between revolution and revolt. -Corwin, St. Paul, MN

Independence day doesn't mean more to me, than fireworks, family, and bbq. -Mini, Sioux Falls, SD

Independence Day for me represents a spark of the human spirit! -John Leopold, Thief River Falls, MN

I want to feel pride when listening to the declaration of independence but i get held up on the fact that so many of the signers had slaves! -anonymous text message

Independence day, like every national holiday, means time and a half. -anonymous text message

It means that we have to stop bickering for a moment and be thankful for our amazing country and quality of life. -Steph, Minneapolis, MN

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