My friend is worried that her son is not macho enough on the rugby field. She wants him to start throwing a few punches — should she encourage him in this way?
Your friend is right to be worried, but not about her son. She is, regrettably, all too typical of parents who have read too much about sports psychology but with no experience of playing. No true sportsman would dream of such behaviour. She must take her boy to her nearest rugby club, where they will instil proper values. Either that or have him adopted!
David Taylor, Leeds
Three lamps that caught my eye in my local superstore were priced at £34.99 each, but because of a bar-coding error I was charged only £6 each. I kept quiet and left the store £87 better off. Should I have told the cashier about the mistake, and was it wrong to go back and buy two more?
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Some years ago I was considerably undercharged in a department store, but did not realise it until I got home. The next day I went into the shop to make up the difference, and was treated with the utmost suspicion and disbelief. The manager was called and I could see various members of staff peering around displays, presumably to see what such a crazy woman looked like. I paid the missing amount by cheque, and was somewhat surprised at being asked for extra proof of my identity. I left the shop feeling humiliated and rather stupid. Never again; if it happens now I give the money to a charity shop, where at least I get thanks and a smile!
Jenny M. Gorsuch, Amersham
I enjoy Japanese anime. Searching the internet, I discovered a very good pirated series with English subtitles. Is it moral for me to buy it, considering a legitimate English version will never be created?
I suggest buying the official version as well as the bootleg. A similar problem occurs when, say, you offer a training course based on a book. By including in the course materials given to the student a bona fide copy of the book, you have fulfilled your obligation to the author.
Brian Gilbert, Hampton
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Our family and another share cars to take our children to school. We have one child, they have two, all going to the same school. What proportion of the time should each family drive?
Ultimately, the criterion ought to be environmental. If one family owns a 4x4 off-road vehicle, the other should do all the driving. Otherwise, a 50:50 split.
John O’Byrne, Dublin