1. Has TIME considered the human toll that could be involved in some of its recommendations to prevent the greenhouse effect?

You suggest that the U.S. raise its automobile fuel-efficiency requirements to 45 m.p.g. by the year 2000.

But a Brookings-Harvard study indicates that even a 27.5 m.p.g. standard (the current congressional goal) could result in the deaths of 22,000 to 39,000 auto occupants over the next decade as car producers shift to lighter, and therefore less crashworthy, vehicles.

-- Sam Kazman, General Counsel, Competitive Enterprise Institute (Washington)²

(Hint: what consequences might one seek to avoid by preventing the greenhouse effect - i.e., the rising of the oceans, change in weather patterns, etc.? IF predictions concerning these consequences are reliable - how do they compare with the problem of increased automobile fatalities?)

2. (Conversation at 4:00 p.m. on a bright and sunny day)

Father: If you want a Halloween make-up kit, why don't you ride your bicycle up to the store?

Son: There's not enough time, I need you to help me pick it out, and besides, it's getting too dark to ride...

3. Vice-Presidential Candidate A: My party favors abortion rights for women, on the basis that if a woman is pregnant, only she can know and decide -- in consulation with her doctor and family -- what is best for her and her potential child. My opponent's party has an absolute prohibition against abortion -- even in the cases of rape or incest, even when the pregnancy threatens the life of the mother. So tell us, Vice-Presidential Candidate B -- where do you stand on the matter of choice?

Vice-Presidential Candidate B: You know what you just did? You just pulled a Clinton! You know what a Clinton is? It's where you say one thing one day to one group of people, and say another thing the next day to another group of people...

4. Oklahoman: sure, this was Indian Territory once. Sure, the white settlers didn't always treat the Indians very nicely, or always live up the treaties. But there can be no question but that we have every right to be here and to enjoy this rich land. After all, we brought civilization to the Indians, a clearly superior way of life. You'd think they'd be grateful.

5. Girlfriend: "Honey, does this dress make me look fat?"

Boyfriend: "Say, babe, your hair is really gorgeous! And those earrings are a knock-out!"