Ready, aim, mediate!
At Laser-X, the laser tag center on West Market Street, the teen-aged attendant dutifully went through the rules of engagement with a roomful of six-year-olds and their parents.
"Aim for the lights on your enemy's chest and shoulders," he said. "If you get shot, your gun won't work for a few seconds."
"Any questions?" he asked.
"Just one," said a parent, yelling over the din of kids hyped on birthday cake and eager for combat. "Before everyone starts shooting at each other, maybe we could try talking out our problems?"
He didn't last long.