‘Everybody Into The Car…’

Mon., May 24, 1999

Tina Carey Correspondent

Ahh…the good old days of summer are almost here. For many, that means family road trips and the endless cry of back-seat bickering.

I grew up with two older brothers and, being the baby and the only girl, I was forced to take the brunt on our car trips. I was always sandwiched in the middle and my brothers poked and teased me as I returned their favor.

So every summer, as I see families packing their cars full to the brim and taking off for that “relaxing” family vacation, I crack a smile.

* Kids and drugs. Everyone’s telling parents to talk to their kids about drugs. Now here’s a guide that helps them do it. “Let’s Talk: Communicating with Your Child About Tobacco, Alcohol and Other Drugs” is available for $3.60 by calling (800) 488-DRUG.

On that topic, students ages 8 to 17 are eligible to enter an essay contest titled “Say No Way To Drugs.”

The essay must be at least 500 words about the reasons you personally choose to stay drug- and alcohol-free.

To receive an application, write to Get High On Music Not Drugs at www.Pianoprincess.com or send a self-addressed stamped envelope with your request to: Princessland Academy of Music, 88 Petersburg Road, Petersburg, N.J. 08270.

Essays must be received by June 15.

* More contests. Life Cereal is holding a nationwide search for “Real Life Kids” ages 4-11 for a chance to be featured on the cereal box.

Send a color photo that captures your child’s spirit for life and a 500 word or fewer essay that explains how your child is special and loves life. The essay must begin with the phrase “My Kid is a real Life Kid because…”

Send entries, along with two Life cereal proofs-of-purchase to: “Are You a Real Life Kid?” Contest, P.O. Box 7706, Maple Plain, MN 55593-7706. For more information, visit www.quakerkids.com on the Internet. Deadline to enter is June 30.

Do you have an outrageous and contagious giggle? Do people tell you that your laugh is great? If so, this contest is for you.

The Pillsbury Company, along with the Pillsbury Doughboy, is holding the second annual Doughboy Giggle-Off Contest to find the funniest and most original giggles.

To enter, call (888) WE-GIGGLE to record your giggle over the phone. One entry per household. The last day to enter is May 31. The grand prize winner will receive $50,000.

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