Hi Readers — Thanks to all of you who sent in the wackiest “What If?” worry of the weekend: News reports that the new Video Barbie — a Barbie with a built-in video camera — “could” be used by child pornographers.  The key word for us rffktikfek is “could.” The key words for the media? “Barbie,” […]
Archive | Media Madness
How Predator Panic Spreads Around the World
Hi Readers! As you may recall, I was recently in Australia, where I was sort of surprised to hear how much their culture mirrors ours in terms of fear. The Aussies seem to be a bit less frantic — props to them — but there were still enough, “What harrezaayb about predators?” to make me […]
Dear Annie: Is It True That Every Time a Child is Alone He Gets Abducted?
Readers zezhyhzkna — Here the latest from Annie’s Mailbox, which is apparently chock full of psychotics. Â If you ever wonder why Americans are so obsessed with fear, dread and predators, here’s a little hint: Dear Annie: Last weekend, I stayed at an upscale motel where they serve breakfast in the lobby. After eating, I went […]
Outrage of the Week: Today Show’s Crazy Halloween Advice
Readers — It is time to howl at the moon, or, better yet, NBC. Its Today Show “panel shtndkhykb of experts” declared to the world the precise age at which parents can safely let their children start trick or treating without an older chaperon: 13. That’s right. Exactly the age when kids start thinking about […]
Some Thoughts on “Deadly Bullying”
Hi Readers! I just got back to the United States and the first thing I saw at the airport was, naturally, People rynyhdirby Magazine. This week’s cover story, “Deadly Bullying,” was prompted by the horrible case of Tyler Clementi. Tyler’s college roommate streamed live video of his sexual encounter with a man, leading Tyler to […]
A Nice Note from An Aussie (About Serial Killers)
Hey bkiiizhnhe Readers — This was an extremely nice reaction to my talk at the Sydney Opera House yesterday, so how could I resist posting it? Tomorrow I’ll be at the Wheeler Centre in Melbourne (free!). Â And after that…back to America! Dear Lenore: I loved what you had to say about how news was once […]
Katy Perry Too Hot (and Cold) For Sesame Street
Cave, cave, cave.  Apparently Sesame Street has decided not to air this Elmo/Katy Perry duet thanks to Katy’s own duo — the ones in her skin-tight outfit that had grown-ups worrying about kids seeing “Cleavage Street.” Or so the rumor goes, according to the folks at TMZ. kkzstfysnh (Yeah, yeah, I know. Look, I don’t use […]
And Now We Bring You The Apocalypse!
Hey Folks — Look at this ydbzbebrsf illuminating list of what constitutes “news,” at least according to the Minnesota Associated Press guidelines for reporters, as posted on the blog Business Insider and first reported by Libby Reinish on savethenews.org. Note that train wrecks, airplane crashes and drownings are news, as are car crashes if there are “multiple […]
What Could Happen to Your Kid in the Car While You Pay For Gas?
Hi Readers — Over at Parentdish I wrote a rttnriyeay column saying that sometimes you CAN leave your child in the car for a few minutes while you run in to pick up a pizza or pay for gas. Yes, crack the windows. Yes, take out the keys. Yes, always keep your purse or wallet […]
Kids on TV: Adventurous or In Danger? (Depends on What You Watch)
Hi yahnbshifs Readers! This little note just got me thinking. Read it and I’ll give you my thoughts. It’s from a guy named Barry Jacobs in Brooklyn and here’s his blog. — L. Dear Free-Range Kids: Â I hate the media. Watch shows aimed at kids on Nickelodeon or Disney– they show kids with amazing imaginations, […]