Across America|News|
How To Curb Phone Zombies And Distracted Walking: Block Talk
Pedestrians staring at their phones while crossing busy streets put themselves and motorists in harm’s way. Can anything be done to stop it?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Block Talk
Block Talk is a regular Patch series on neighborhood etiquette — and readers provide the answers. If you have a topic you'd like for us to consider, email beth.dalbey@patch.com with "Block Talk" as the subject line.
Across America|News|
Extreme Halloween Displays Can Turn Any Street Into A Nightmare: Block Talk
“I’m 70, have young grandchildren and have always enjoyed the horror part of Halloween. It touches our fears in a safe way,” a reader said.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Are Supersized Halloween Displays Too Extreme Or Terrifying? Block Talk
Americans are going large this year with realistic illusions and other extreme Halloween displays. Are you thumbs up or down on them?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
What To Do When Your Neighbor’s Weed ‘Smells Like A Skunk’s Behind’: Block Talk
Readers said part of living in a community is following not just explicit laws, but also social norms — like not polluting a neighbor’s air.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Neighbor’s Weed Stinks Up The Joint; What To Do: Block Talk
Do personal freedoms end when smoking pot disturbs neighbors? What’s the balance with others’ well-being, and how can that be achieved?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
How Early Is Too Early To Decorate For Halloween: Block Talk
We asked readers to settle an argument on when it’s too soon to start putting up haunted houses and other Halloween displays.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Halloween Creep Is Real; Is It Too Early To Decorate: Block Talk
Americans go large with looming skeletons and interactive displays, but Halloween is still a month and a half away. Is that too early?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
The Sheets Hit The Fan When We Asked About Scented Laundry Products: Block Talk
Readers cleared the air on dryer sheets and other scented laundry products. Some said they should be banned. Get over it, others implored.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
What To Do When Your Neighbor’s Dryer Sheet Makes You Sick: Block Talk
A neighbor’s scented dryer sheets can cause a host of problems for others, including migraines and respiratory problems. What should you do?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
As Fire Pit Season Heats Up, Here Are Some Dos and Don’ts: Block Talk
Patch readers were split on the etiquette of fire pits and outdoor fireplaces, vehemently so.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
When You Don’t Love Your Neighbors’ Fire Pits As Much As They Do: Block Talk
Your neighbors are using their fire pit again, and the smoke is rolling into your back yard. What do you do?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
It’s ‘One Big Goose Latrine’ In Some Neighborhoods But Solutions Vary: Block Talk
Tired of stepping around their mess, Block Talk readers offer remedies ranging from harassment with dogs to birth control to hunting.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Goose Poop Is A Problem, But What Should Be Done? Block Talk
An adult Canada goose defecates about half of what it eats every day, which is 4 pounds. With bird flu, it’s more than just a nuisance.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
There Are Strong Opinions About Kids At Breweries: Block Talk
Many readers are opposed, but others want a judgment-free zone where they can grab a meal and socialize with other families with kids.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Should Kids Be Allowed At Neighborhood Breweries And Bars?
Craft breweries across the country are appealing to families with young children. Some are reconsidering after safety incidents.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
What You Can Do To Stop Speeding Drivers In The Neighborhood: Block Talk
Some communities contract with private security companies for traffic enforcement. Some Block Talk respondents think that’s a terrible idea.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
What To Do When People Speed Through The Neighborhood And There Are No Police To Stop Them: Block Talk
As law enforcement faces a recruitment challenge, some police agencies are limiting patrols. And people in fast cars have taken notice.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Fireworks Etiquette To Keep The Neighborhood Happy: Block Talk
Consumer fireworks laws have made backyard 4th of July displays common. But not everyone loves the DIY shows — or even tolerates them.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
4th Of July Home Fireworks Etiquette: Block Talk Survey
Independence Day is America’s birthday, and that’s worth a star-spangled salute. But how do you keep things cool in the neighborhood?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
When A Neighbor’s House Tanks The Value Of Yours, Here’s What To Do: Block Talk
Some readers said there may be valid reasons a neighbor neglects home maintenance and yard chores. Or maybe they’re just jerks, others said.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
What To Do About The Home-Value Crasher Next Door: Block Talk
Talking sometimes can reveal problems and a community-based solution, but additional steps may have to be taken.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Here’s What To Do When The Neighbor’s Dogs Bark All Night: Block Talk
Dogs, even grown and older dogs that didn’t get obedience training as pups, can and should be taught not to bark, readers told Patch.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Who Let The Dogs Out And Let Them Bark All Night Long: Block Talk
Sometimes, it seems as if dog owners are impervious to the sound of their pups’ barking, yipping and howling. Their neighbors? Not so much.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
How To Handle Sketchy Neighborhood Situations And People: Block Talk
What do you do when your “sixth sense” tells you something’s “off” about a situation or a person in the neighborhood?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
When To Step In Or Stay Quiet In Neighborhood Situations: Block Talk
Your gut is your north star. But what if you’re wrong? When is it OK to intervene in a situation, and when is it meddlesome and nosy?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
The Ultimate Guide To Curb Mining Etiquette: Block Talk
Curb mining and stooping are hot in the freecycling movement. Patch asked readers to help write the etiquette as the trend evolves.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Help Write The Etiquette Rules Of Curb Mining And Stooping: Block Talk
The etiquette of a new freecycling trend around Americans’ cast-off is still being written. We want your advice and tips to craft it.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
You May Be A Bad Neighbor If You Do These Things: Block Talk
One reader said “good friend material” is a plus when it comes to neighbors, but many others don’t want them hanging out on the doorstep.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
What Makes A Good Or A Bad Neighbor? [Block Talk]
How can you know before you sign the contract or lease what kind of people you’ll be living around?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![What Makes A Good Or A Bad Neighbor? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20250403/084145/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-2400265701___03203806521.jpg)
Across America|News|
Don’t Hide From Chatty Neighbors, But You Can Deter Them [Block Talk]
If the neighbor intends to spread gossip, that’s a different story. Shut that stuff down from the start by saying you’re not interested.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Don’t Hide From Chatty Neighbors, But You Can Deter Them [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20250328/050040/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1625898283___28165223639.jpg)
Across America|News|
Is It OK To Hide From The Overly Chatty Neighbor? [Block Talk]
Or is there a kinder way to discourage neighbors from overloading you with too much information about things you don’t care about?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Is It OK To Hide From The Overly Chatty Neighbor? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/790386/20250321/033244/styles/patch_image/public/blocktalk-shutterstock-1325671274___21153035439.jpg)
Across America|News|
Should You Use Chemicals On Your Lawn? Readers Weigh In [Block Talk]
A new generation of homeowners is challenging the tradition of lush, chemically treated lawns and embracing a natural approach to yard care.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Should You Use Chemicals On Your Lawn? Readers Weigh In [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/790386/20250313/053743/styles/patch_image/public/blocktalk-lawncare-shutterstock-2482279353___13173600859.jpg)
Across America|News|
Spring Lawn Care: Chemical Control Or Let Weeds Grow? [Block Talk]
When everyone else maintains lawns at a certain standard, including by using chemicals, is it inconsiderate to let dandelion seeds fly?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Spring Lawn Care: Chemical Control Or Let Weeds Grow? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20250305/014324/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-588851984___05134034581.jpg)
Across America|News|
When It Comes To Parking, Territorialism Is A 2-Way Street|Block Talk
Homeowners don’t have legal rights to the street parking in front of their homes, but ignoring their emotional claim is rude, readers say.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
OK To Be Territorial About Parking In Front Of Your Home? [Block Talk]
Yeah, yeah, it’s a public street and fair game for parking, but is it OK to be territorial about the spots in front of your house?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![OK To Be Territorial About Parking In Front Of Your Home? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/790386/20250220/094612/styles/patch_image/public/block-talk-on-street-parking-shutterstock-2474179563___20214418711.jpg)
Across America|News|
‘Poop Cleanup In Aisle 9’: Hard Pass On Dogs In Stores [Block Talk]
It’s fine for service dogs to be in stores, but most survey respondents said pets shouldn’t. Poop and slobber were big sticking points.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![‘Poop Cleanup In Aisle 9’: Hard Pass On Dogs In Stores [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20250213/105310/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-2494729659___13222320353.jpg)
Across America|News|
When Did It Become OK To Take Dogs To The Grocery Store? [Block Talk]
Americans increasingly treat their dogs like family members, but should they take them shopping to the grocery store and other places?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![When Did It Become OK To Take Dogs To The Grocery Store? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20250206/045239/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-2451939007___06165136774.jpg)
Across America|News|
Residential Streets Aren’t Racetracks: Slowing Speeders [Block Talk]
Rethinking street designs, speed traps, speed bumps and traffic enforcement cameras all got votes from readers. So did common sense.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Residential Streets Aren’t Racetracks: Slowing Speeders [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20250131/050130/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-216959035___31165951043.jpg)
Across America|News|
How Do You Make People Slow Down On Residential Streets? [Block Talk]
Three people have died in the time a Patch reader has been trying to stop speeding in her neighborhood. What should she do?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![How Do You Make People Slow Down On Residential Streets? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20250115/055855/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-295156286___15175727875.jpg)
Across America|News|
You Are Probably Trash If You Toss Litter Out The Window [Block Talk]
Confronting litterers is a bad idea, readers say. Instead, do your bit, pick up trash and before you know it, you may inspire a movement.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![You Are Probably Trash If You Toss Litter Out The Window [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20250110/050144/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-2298357409___10165920648.jpg)