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.

superstitions

I saw a thread earlier on the message board about superstitions, which reminded me that the newsroom has more than its fair share.

They include people saying the "Q" word... you know, the one that means there isn't a whole lot of noise, and any variations of that word, as well as my special cursed shoes. Photographer Jeff Melton will attest to their power, as will former photographer John Derrick.

When I was the Sunday reporter, I'd wear the shoes occasionally on Sunday afternoons before heading to work. Eight times out of ten (or so it seemed), there'd be a fatal wreck, a shooting, or a house fire either waiting for me when I got in or it'd happen shortly after I arrived.

And heaven forbid if anyone would say the "Q" word on the same day.

That's a combo that spells disaster for some hapless Cleveland County soul.

At any rate, I try not to wear the shoes too much... the obits clerk doesn't like it...

Here's a picture of the cursed shoes, taken by former photographer John Derrick.

All this reminds me of a Stevie Wonder song - "Superstitious."


Do you have any weird superstitions that may (or may not) be rational? If so, either share them in the comments section or add to the superstitions post on the message board.

Health questions revisited

A few weeks ago, I posted a blog about embarrassing health questions. After a long and patient wait for some of you, I'll start getting answers to some of those questions soon.

I didn't get as many questions as I'd hoped, but I have enough to at least start with...

The first set all deal with women's health.

Hopefully, the second set will be men's health.

Then, after that, I think it'll just be a potpourri.

All of them are anonymous. (Post them on the message board or in the comments section here.)

Anyone else have a lingering question before I take them to the doctors of Cleveland Family Practice on Friday?

Going once... going twice...

Here they are: Lulu and Gracie

I've briefly mentioned my dogs a couple of times... so I thought I'd post a couple photos of them...

Lulu (the blonde) is the brains of the operation... Gracie (black and white) is the beauty. These photos were taken when Gracie was still a puppy... she still looks the same... only bigger. Lulu is a golden retriever, possibly sheltie mix and Gracie is a border collie, lab cross.

Makes me want another puppy

Got bored... looked at puppy videos on YouTube... I probably shouldn't do that again... Gracie and Lulu might get jealous... These videos made me want another puppy... until I remembered everything mine have chewed over the past few years... linoleum floor, chairs, couches and a bar stool, along with three pairs of Birkenstocks and countless toys with their stuffing ripped out...

Here are two of my favorites:

I wish my car could run on gummi bears

I wish my car could run on gummi bears instead of gas... Perhaps some scientist should try to harness the power... haha

Weird way to work out

I've found several new and exciting ways to work out over the past few weeks. I'm in the process of moving, so these are all move-inspired. (Please note the mixture of sarcasm, humor and yes, exhaustion.)

1. Painting - Who would have thought that the simple act of using a roller or paintbrush could make you feel muscles you didn't know you had and use the heck out of ones you were only mildly aware of. Tip: standing on your tiptoes to reach the top of the wall and painting while bent over backwards really burn the calories...
2. Gardening - When the soil hasn't been tilled in 20 years, it's almost as hard as rocks - especially when it was once landscaped with small white rocks (popular in the early '70s) that are now covered with soil. This is a great workout for legs that have to jump up and down on the shovel and for arms that have to do the actual digging. Pulling weeds is also an exercise for arms, legs and backs. All that time spent hunched over with your knees bent works your legs and back, and all the pulling works out your arms.
   
3. Moving - Anyone moved recently? If so, you know exactly what this involves. It's an exercise for arms, legs, backs, and just about any other muscle in your body you can possibly strain or sprain. Trust me, you'll feel the burn with this one, especially in the summer heat.
   
4. Moving is also an exercise of another sort - patience. It's hard to remember that the people who are helping you move all that stuff are really helping, instead of being there to drive you crazy and drop sofas and boxes on your toes...
   

So if anyone would like to try these great exercises, call me. I'll put you right to work.


By the way, I should have pictures of the house up soon.