In Brief: Jul. 24, 2000

IT PAYS TO BE A BOY Today's parents are more generous to their children. A study of almost 9,000 kids ages 12 to 16 found that they had a median weekly spending allowance of an astounding $50. A wage gap, however, shows up early in life. Even though the top 10 allowance-earning chores are the same for both, boys are paid more on average than girls for the same jobs, according to allowancenet.com Monetary rewards for good report cards are gender neutral.

CHORE GIRLS BOYS

Clean room $1.93 $2.61 Make bed $1.30 $1.64 Do homework $1.41 $2.86 Pick up/put away clothes $1.35 $1.29 Clean bathroom $1.73 $9.02 Do dishes $1.65 $2.56 Dry/fold clothes $1.52 $1.63 Load/empty dishwasher $1.07 $2.06 Vacuum $2.21 $2.76

21ST CENTURY BRIDES Even thoroughly modern couples are returning to tradition when they walk down the aisle. A survey by WeddingChannel.com found that 8 out of 10 couples planned to marry with traditional vows. And although the average bride today is older and more financially independent than in any previous generation, 98% of women are happy to take their husband's name. Just 10 years ago, similar surveys found that only 87% of brides-to-be planned to give up their maiden name.

--By Lisa McLaughlin