At least it's quiet in the winter...

In an age dominated by XBOX, Wii, and Playstation, it is always encouraging to see children outside, enjoying the great outdoors, getting fresh air and exercise.

But for the love of God, why must every child who steps foot out the front door commence screaming and shrieking at the top of the lungs? Every second spent outside is accompanied with an unending siren of ear-piercing squeals, without pause, without breath, without reason, and without regard for the rest of the neighborhood.

Sure, playtime is fun, it's exciting, it's imaginations run wild. Running around, expending youthful energies, enjoying life as only a child can. But why, simply why, must it be ensconced in cacophony that would put a NASCAR race to shame? Why are the parents so indifferent to how this may effect or offend their neighbors?

Many people chose not to have children for this reason. They chose a life of quiet, of peace, of calm. Unfortunately adult-only neighborhoods are only to be found in retirement communities. What of the twenty-somethings that want a tranquil street, free of tricycles, super-soakers, and other rugrat paraphernalia? Exclusionary communities are rare as most developers fear discrimination lawsuits. But if nudist colonies can exist on the requisite that it's denizens eschew clothing, then why cannot a sub-division constrain it's residents to a no-child policy? It is and can be a life-style choice and those who chose to be child-free should be availed neighborhoods that cater to that lifestyle.

Meanwhile, I'm going to medical school to become an ear doctor. When these fountains of sonic exuberance grow up, they're gonna be deaf, deaf, deaf...