This week, we tackle a lighter topic: summer vacation. Summer family road trips used to conjure up images of the kids and parents piled into the station wagon or minivan for a time of togetherness -- singing, playing travel bingo, counting license plates, and other diversions. Looking out the window and marveling at the beautiful scenery was entertainment in itself.

Today, many families travel together much differently. With on-board DVD players, cell phones with text messaging, laptops, iPods, and other high-tech gadgets, looking out the window seems to be a thing of the past.

What do you think? Have high-tech gadgets forever changed this summer tradition? Are gadgets and gizmos a bonus or a burden when it comes to family road trips?

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New video games are hot sellers this time of year. And like every year, video game graphics keep getting better and better. But some of those details, like realistic gunfire and blood, have some people unsettled. Violent games labeled "M" for "mature" are designated for gamers 17 years and older, like R-rated movies. But local advocacy groups say the retail stores are lax about enforcing the age restriction.

Some say video game violence leads to violent behavior, while others say it's harmless entertainment. KPBS Radio's These Days spoke with the creator of the controversial game Super Columbine Massacre RPG! about these issues.

What do you think about violence in video games? For parents, how strict are you with your kids about video game ratings?

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