Marriage contracts

I just read a news article saying Mexico City is considering time limited marriage contracts with the time being as little as two years. When you start the contract you decide how to split money and children, and if you don't renew the contract you are automatically divorced.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/44724855/ns/today-weddings/t/til-do-us-part-mexico-mulls--year-marriage/from/toolbar

I like the idea, mainly because it forces people to make the tough decisions up front instead of arguing and having to spend a lot of money on lawyers. Will it be good for society? Who knows. The fighting and such that goes with a split up will probably continue but at least this would keep it out of the courts. And maybe people would have a more realistic idea of marriage when they are forced to make the tough decisions about children and money up front.

Sending clear signals

I read a lot of science fiction. This year I read two different book series that describe societies where your relationship status, interest in finding someone, what you are looking for, what type of person you are, etc. are clearly shown by what you wear. In the one case it was jewelry and in the other it was clothing style and color. It would be really nice if people could send such clear signals. Knowing that someone was approachable or wanted to be left alone would make life so much easier.

Of course people would abuse it and lie, just like they always do. But I really like the idea of societies that tell the truth and that send clear signals.

Teachers not allowed to have a life?

I just read a news article about a teacher who was fired because several pictures and videos of her having sex were sent to parents and school board members. Note that she wasn't having sex with her students, just sex. Apparently teachers aren't allowed to have sex? Were do all the little teachers come from?

In recent years teachers have been fired for facebook posts showing them drinking alcohol, attending bachelorette parties, etc. The school boards have said that while the teachers weren't doing anything illegal they were being poor role models for the students.

I am really glad I never became a teacher. Given the stupidity of these actions I can't imagine why anybody would want to be a teacher. You get fired for having a life? Well no, they are fired for letting somebody take a picture of them having a life. Stupid.