Kelly Brown's blog

Warning: Summer Playgrounds Hot, May Need Gov’t Intervention

Breaking ABC news: things get hot in the sun. "Good Morning America's" Elisabeth Leamy reported on July 24 that playground equipment gets so hot in the sun, it could harm your children.

ABC's Diane Sawyer grabbed the attention of parents saying, "Well as the temperatures rise for the summer, we decided to go out and test some of the equipment in playgrounds. It's a safety alert for all parents out there because some of it is truly scalding."

That enlightening news was followed by Leamy's suggestion of government regulations of playground equipment. "Diane, this is one of those stories that pits people who want the government to do more to make the playground safe against people who say parents should know better," said Leamy.

Is the Economy Causing Divorces or Preventing Them?

Don't ask the morning news shows.

In an amusing twist, the morning media have reported two completely contrasting stories in the span of one week. NBC reported an 18-percent drop off in divorce filings in one region thanks to the bad economy on July 11. Six days later on July 17, ABC reported a 20-percent increase in divorce filings thanks to the bad economy.

Perhaps you could the say the story was the same, the economy is bad. But can both be true?

ABC: Make Sure Your Funeral Is “Green”

If you've recently lost a loved one, it's likely that being "green" is low on your list of priorities. It shouldn't be, according to ABC's "Good Morning America" and author Gay Browne.

Browne, the author of the new "Greenopia" city guides, appeared on ABC's morning show July 14 to promote the guide to going green. The book tells you how to shop, eat and live an all-around "toxic-free life."

"'Greenopia' should empower people to go out and make [eco-friendly] choices," Browne said. "We have over 52 categories, whether it's pet stores, nail salons, even burial services. There's an eco-friendly alternative."