2010 ELECTION CUPS

With only a few more days to go before the May 10, 2010 elections, surveys are conducted left and right. A few weeks ago, the primetime news featured 2 stores that joined the band wagon. Taking advantage of the summer’s searing heat, Frutas, a company that sells fresh fruit juice and shakes, and 7-11, a convenience store located at almost every corner decided to launch their own version of a mock election. When a customer orders a fruit shake or a big Gulp, the customers are asked to choose which cup bearing a presidentiable’s face they want. Each cup is considered as a vote for the favored presidential bet.  The stores will tally these “votes” and will release the results of their mock election just before the actual May 2010 election.

The Good:

• This allows the common person to easily show support for their chosen candidate, while enjoying a cold tumbler of fruit shakes and soft drinks.
• This can reflect the political trend for a certain area.
• This can create an environment of healthy competition among supporters within the same area.
• This is a smart marketing ploy for the companies.

The Not-So-Good:

• Question of credibility and reliability. People don’t really know their system of counting the votes.
• Not everybody buy from these stores, whether it be a question of taste, budget or proximity to a store.
• There is no buying limit. A customer can come back several times a day and order a round of drinks, and these “votes” will be counted in favor of his or her candidate.

Personally, I really like the idea of the Presidential Cups. Although there is much debate about the use and reliability of surveys, I think there is nothing wrong with showing your support for your candidate in whatever way you can especially if all is done in the spirit of fun. Kudos to Frutas and 7-11 for coming up with this gimmick.

So, are you feeling thirsty? Why not order a tall Noynoy Aquino, a chilled Manny Villar shake or an Iced Gibo Teodoro?

Try Not to Get Mad in a Child's Presence

Last night, I got really mad at our nanny. She did something that’s extremely disappointing. Anyway, it was already late and my daughter is already sleeping. I was so mad that I sat on the bed ranting at my husband about the incident. I kept at it for almost an hour. Poor sleepy hubby, but almost 10 years of married life has taught him that asking an upset, riled up woman to stop talking is like having a death wish. I didn’t even notice that I woke my daughter up. I’m not even sure if she opened her eyes but I’m sure she didn’t stir, because I would’ve stopped talking (or at least lowered the volume of my voice by a few decibels). I really thought that she was in deep slumber. I was so surprised when Bea woke up this morning and the first thing she asked me was “Mommy bakit ka nagagalit kagabi?” (Mommy why were you angry last night?”)

Note to self: Just because a child is sleeping, it doesn’t mean she can’t absorb the feelings and words surrounding her, good or bad. Try not to get mad in her presence, she is like a sponge whether she’s awake or asleep.

How to Treat and Prevent Head Lice in Children this Summer

Having head lice may seem to be a simple problem, yet it is an excruciatingly irritating and embarrassing experience. When I was young, I remember being reprimanded by my mother for vigorously scratching my hair in the most inappropriate places like churches and restaurants. I couldn’t help it. My head felt so ITCHY! Bea also had a bout with head lice when she was almost two years old. She was so irritable especially at night. I felt so sorry for her, but it didn’t end there. Since we slept in the same bed, the little creatures felt it was perfectly fine to venture to the nearby head, MINE! Argh!

Head lice are something that is often associated with summer. For children, the joy of summer vacation will not be complete without spending hours playing under the sun. And the humidity, sweat, prolonged exposure to the sun and other sweaty, not-sure-if-they-take-a-bath playmates increases your child’s risk of getting head lice.

 

Treatment

• Eliminate the lice. There are many over the counter products like shampoos and creams for this purpose. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully. These products often contain harsh chemicals which may be harmful to skin and eyes. If there are still some head lice left, a second treatment may be needed after two weeks.
• Comb out the nits. After the treatment, comb hair with a fine-toothed comb. In the Philippines, we have what is called the suyod. The suyod will help comb out the dead lice. This process is often considered as a summer time ritual between mothers/grandmothers/nannies and little boys/girls Do this every so often, to make sure that you’ve totally eliminated the head lice. If you don’t have a suyod, any fine-toothed comb will do.
• Take the lice out one by one. You can reserve afternoons for head lice hunting sessions, that is if you can keep your child still for more than a few minutes. This can be a challenge.

 

Prevention

• Head lice can be transferred from one child to another, so make sure they don’t borrow things they use for their heads like combs, brushes and hats.
• Fight the heat. Don’t stay out in the sun for too long. Seek some shade when outdoors.
• Take a bath and wash hair everyday. Encourage your child’s proper hygiene, plus this will also make the child feel refreshed.

 

Prevent Head Lice from Spreading

If your household has already been invaded by the attack of the head lice here are some things you can do to prevent it from spreading to other members of the family:

·         Wash the clothes, towels and bed linen used by the child in hot water.

·         Soak combs and hair brushes in boiling water for 5-10 minutes.

·         Vacuum furniture, carpet, curtains and other fabric that the child came in contact with 48 hours before the treatment.

·         Check other members of the household for head lice. Make sure they are treated too to prevent recurrence in your household.

Thankfully, Bea and I got over our head lice incident. Summer is meant for fun and enjoyment. I am sharing our experience with you dear readers not to embarrass myself but to help you prevent this from happening to your child. Make sure your children make the most of this season. Make sure they are happy and healthy and most of all head lice-free!