Overscheduled or undermaintained?

Parenting writer Angie Wagner tackles the big question for moms and dads these days: Is it wise to fill kids' schedules with activities?

But forget the children — what about the minivan? If your kid-hauler starts making all kinds of squealing, creaking and groaning noises, you'll know it's time to lay off the trips to Soccer World USA — you're going to need the money to get the car fixed.

No parking: California first lady Maria Shriver apologized on Monday after video captured her parking her car in a “red zone” reserved for emergency vehicles.

Shriver would, however, be allowed to park in a new “purple zone” advocated by her husband, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, in which parking would be restricted to action heroes.

Sickos: Businesses must plan for the swine flu's effects on their employees, but that doesn't include draconian measures such as lining everyone up to take their body temperature, human resources experts say.

However, if a sick person insists on coming to work just to save paid time off for a Christmas Disneyland vacation, cubicle mates may demand their co-worker's temperature be taken — by a cow veterinarian.

— Mark Carlson, Herald writer