Celebrate Earth Day everyday

It is summer and people spend a lot of time cooling themselves by going to the beaches and staying out while for those who don't have the privilege of air-conditioned office rooms, staying home means turning on the cooling systems and spinning the electric meters crazy.

But wait. I've read about this Earth Day though there wasn't that much fuzz celebrating it. Could it be because there are 2 days during the year designated as Earth Day or maybe, people just take everything for granted while majority has enough problems already trying to get by each day.

Nonetheless, all of us must do our part in ensuring that future generations still do get to enjoy breathing clean air and seeing a wonderful functional Earth as it had been during our younger days. It doesn't require grandiose actions, small, meaningful ways to help will do.

My contribution: Wear light clothing when at home (or none at all, if possible) to beat the heat.

Mom and Dad are so over . . . parenting, that is

How many times have you seen or heard parents holding out their babies off environments not germ-free or not letting them discover the thrill of the playground because he or she will get sand or mud and/or they forgot to bring antibacterial wipes or lotion.

Well, know what, medical experts are pleading with parents to stop with the anti-germ hysteria because rather than preventing illness in children, it's actually causing it, encouraging the growth of treatment-resistant strains of bacteria, and preventing kids' exposure in the healthy doses required to grow a strong immune system.

Now this is an all too common example about how over-parenting is counter-productive. Read more about Katie Allison Granju and 'The Over-Parenting Crisis'. (And yes, I, too, am guilty your honor).

Check the new links in Mouse Traps, cool parents and see how your skills match against the online gurus.

Kaisa

Not really sure what the exact term means in Filipino but as far as I'm concerned, it refers to 'being at one with', to share a feeling or even deeper, empathize. The tragedy at Virginia Tech last week may not be the worst of tragedies given how people have been at war with fellow men, environment and even themselves. Yet, it doesn't necessarily negate the senselessness of it all.

But today, we're not just here at the far side of the globe. We are praying, we are hoping that families find strength, we are one with you in our thoughts, we, too, are Virginia Tech.

Portent of things to come

I've just come across a forum asking what are the things that generally make adults cry. Some list movies, others books while a number say that their kids, especially the time when they say their first words, never fail to make their lacrimals drip. Count me among them and if you want further proof, this video may be putting it quite mildly than how we envision Zaki once she straightens her vocabulary.

Be patient, video loading depends on what connection you are using, but sure is worth it.

In Nick of time

Time for another glimpse into Zaki's life, so far. (So, who is Nick Drake? )

For those who want their kids to have a head start (who doesn't?) through expensive baby products, you may want to consider more traditional play and games instead. See here. And more.