Virtual worlds, such as Second Life[R], are the latest star in the online communication sky. Created by Linden Lab, Second Life is a three-dimensional environment that provides a context for avatars to communicate and socialise with other avatars in a variety of settings (Bell, 2009). Virtual worlds have been used to train people with intellectual…

Technological advancements affect the quality of our lives positively and negatively. Home economists must develop those skills needed to distinguish value judgments from factual claims, to understand different kinds of value judgments, to understand the structure of value reasoning, and to test the adequacy of value principles. (JOW)

Reviews and defines continuity of care, or long term care, as a potential economic catastrophe which requires strategic planning. Proposes a Medicare revision that provides integrated funding for acute, sub-acute, and long-term care as elements of continuity of care. (Author/ABB)

Considers two American views of the individual's road to a better life: Edward Bellamy's utopia achieved through technology and Horatio Alger, Jr.'s utopia received through honesty and hard work. Deems both views as unrealistic solutions for nineteenth-century America. Lauds authors' vision for transforming society and the individual's economic…

The American dream is a dream filled with inexhaustible resources, boundless opportunities, and untold wealth. Fueled by the "psychology of affluence"--a social attitude that encourages us to want and expect more of everything--the dream equates quality of life with material wealth and assumes that our fulfillment in life is independent…

Analyzes the place of the arts in twentieth-century civilization, emphasizing the importance of art education. (JM)

Illustrates some of the changes in research practice associated with and exemplified by quality-of-life studies. Examples of research development in Down syndrome involving quality-of-life concepts are briefly described, indicating the way that quality-of-life studies can affect aims, direction, structure, and interpretation of research.…

Communicating with future generations is not merely a question of "how" to communicate, but also of "what." Our major moral responsibilities to future generations concern the size of future populations, conservation of nonrenewable resources, diversity of the gene pool, and quality of the environment. To determine our…

A return to the draft under current conditions will retard the armed forces' progress in making military service attractive to men and women volunteers. If an army is to be representative of the society it serves, its social composition is less important than its incorporation of the same social values. (Author/GC)

Whether or not suicide may be considered a rational choice for clients with terminal illness is controversial. Rational suicide and the literature and statistics pertaining to suicide and terminal illness are reviewed. Implications of accepting rational suicide as a treatment option, including moral and ethical issues, are addressed. (Author/EMK)

Physical education and sports programs have the potential to enhance the quality of life. Cheating and violence in sports have become international problems that tarnish the credibility of athletic programs. Professionals need to emphasize good sportsmanship and fair play in sports programs. (DF)

Recognizes book publishing as both a business and an art and argues that its value needs to be recognized, particularly in developing countries. (HOD)

The rational suicide paradigm is contrasted with the traditional view of the mental health professions. Historical background on suicide in western civilization is supplied and the concept of rationality elucidated. Parallels between the questions of refusing life-prolonging therapy and rational suicide are discussed, as are reasons for suicide.…

By drawing analogies to the history of mental testing, the author concludes that the responsibility for critical evaluation and beneficial use of social indicators rests with social scientists. Future directions of critical inquiry are suggested. (Author/MH)

Emphasis on the technological model of education is indicative of and can lead to a product-oriented society. (LH)