Changed priorities...

Here's an example of the kind of news item I used to pay no attention to, but now read out loud over the kitchen table to Jen:TIPS FROM THE NORTH

Based on his experience as head of General Motors' cold weather test center in Kapuskasing, Ontario, John Komar offers winter-driving suggestions that may not be in the owners' manuals.

• To ease the battery's load before starting on very cold days, turn the ignition key only to its accessory setting at first. Then shut off any heater fans, radio, heated seats and other devices that spring to life before cranking the engine.
  
  
• To open a door that has frozen shut, push — don't pull — to compress soft weather seals and break the ice holding it shut. In extreme cases, a hair dryer or a heat gun might be needed.
  
  
• Before parking a car for the night, open the windows and allow warm humid interior air to escape — it prevents frost from building up inside the car overnight.
  
  
• Don't warm up a car by idling the engine. Driving slowly brings the engine to operating temperature more quickly, with less air pollution.