Ban on Crocs?

This story came from our wire service... From what I can tell, this seems to be a nationwide trend. Anyone know if the hospital here allows them? What do you think of this hospital's policy?

Pa. hospital bans rubbery clog-like Crocs for workers, calling them a safety hazard
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Crocs, the rubbery, clog-like shoes, have been deemed inappropriate footwear for workers in patient-care areas at a hospital.
Holes that ventilate the shoes pose a safety hazard, said Sharon Krystofiak, Mercy Hospital’s infection control manager.
“If there’s a chance you could drop something like a syringe in one of them, we want to avoid that,” Krystofiak said. “Some of those holes are relatively large, almost like a dime.”
Mercy nurse Kara Depasquale, 23, was wearing Crocs on Monday, when the policy went into effect. She called it ridiculous.
“I mean, I can get a needle stuck in my arm or my leg,” Depasquale said. “I work 12-hour shifts, and I’m constantly on my feet.”
Crocs, based in Niwot, Colo., about 30 miles north of Denver, sells shoes in at least 80 countries.

Got tatt?

I'm working on a story about tattoos this week - went to the tattoo parlor and to a tattoo removal place. I found out that a good tattoo from a professional will run you about $60 and up, depending on how long it takes the tattoo artist. It takes more than that to get one taken off.

I'm going to wait a week or two before I run the full story, along with video of someone getting a tattoo and video of the laser process for removing them.

I did, however, want to offer people the chance to show off theirs.

Got one you'd like to share? Is it in a place that's OK for kids and adults alike to see?

If so, share a photo of your tattoo on shelbystar.com, or rate the one you think is best between now and August 15. To upload yours, click on "Share your stuff" on the red bar at the top of the homepage, or follow this link.

Some photos will be published in The Star.

Going gray

My mom's going to kill me for this blog... well, really for the picture... but I'm doing it anyway... (that won't be much of a surprise to her, though)...

I'm working on a story about going gray and how a lot of baby boomers are choosing to go gray instead of hitting the bottles... of dye, that is. My mom and two of her sisters are proof that this trend is here.

Here the three graying beauties are... My mother is on the left.

Look for the story in Sunday's Star on the Life page.

Are you going gray? Tell us about your graying experiences in the comments section.

Sales tax holiday

I read through the list of sales tax exempt items on The Star's list... some items made sense... school supplies and such... but then there were a few that threw me off a little... SCUBA gear? rubber pants? wedding apparel? I had to giggle a little.