blog archives – September 2008

Children and Chores:  How Much?

A new study says that the amount of time children spend on chores has dropped like the Dow to only 24 minutes a day—25% less than in 1981. Experts say the decline of chore time reflects “important behavioral and values shifts that will affect lives for years to come,” including issues like domestic bliss and the responsibility of doing volunteer work. Should children do more chores?... Read full article

Renting a Dog: Barking Up the Wrong Tree?

Harry Truman said, “If you want a friend, get a dog.” But if you only want a temporary friend, should you rent a dog? One company is now making a business of renting pooches by the day or hour. In response, critics are howling fowl over what they say is the unacceptable promotion of dogs as accessories.... Read full article

Hurricane Hold-Outs:  Rising Tide?

An increasing number of hurricane “hold-outs” refuse to leave their homes, even in the face of mandatory evacuation orders and warnings of “certain death.” But when plans go awry, lives are on the line—including rescue workers. Is it right to endanger others when your personal decision runs contrary to the law?... Read full article

Neighborhood Watch: Do You Really Know Who People Are?

In the old days, the protocol was to meet people first, then discover things about them after. Now a new online service up-ends that etiquette by inviting users to run a background check on anyone in the U.S. For Free. Should everyone be allowed to access anyone’s personal legal history, whether or not it’s criminal?... Read full article

Teachers With Guns:  Don’t Mess With Texas?

In the small farm town of Harrold, Texas, it’s not teacher’s pet that has everyone talking. It’s teacher’s pistol. The local school board recently decreed that teachers could carry concealed weapons at school and in the classrooms. Should armed teachers be responsible for providing school security?... Read full article

Lying to Pollsters:  Bad Vote?

Approximately 10% of Americans admit they’ve lied to pollsters. In a close election, a 10% false answer rate is more than enough to confuse pundits, confound candidates, and contradict a predicted outcome, especially in the current presidential race. So, do you have a responsibility to tell the truth about who you’re voting for?... Read full article

Fast Food Limits:  Food For Thought or Food Police?

Should government be responsible for deciding what kinds of food you can—and cannot—eat? The city of Los Angeles recently sank its teeth into the issue by banning any new fast food restaurants. Do the new regulations serve up food for thought, or food police?... Read full article

Summer Camp:  Parents Gone Wild?

Worse than poison ivy, today’s camp parents are itching to control every aspect of their children’s daily lives at camp —the very place meant to teach independence and responsibility away from Mom and Dad. Should summer camps return to the days of no cameras, no cell phones, no parents?... Read full article

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