Triclosan, a synthetic, broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, has been added to various products including soaps, cosmetics, fabrics, and plastics since the 1970s. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asserts that triclosan is not known to be harmful to humans, they also state that regulators do not have scientific research demonstrating … [Read more...] about Triclosan in Antibacterial Products: Harmful or Helpful?
current events
Do You Know Your Neighbors?
Over the last few days I’ve been thinking about neighbors a little more than I usually do. I began doing so after hearing a news story about 3 women who were kidnapped and then held captive for 10 years in a house in Cleveland. The general public and the media have asked how these women could be held in a house in a very populated neighborhood … [Read more...] about Do You Know Your Neighbors?
Password Security
The need for passwords for online accounts has become nearly ubiquitous in our society. There’s email, online banking, social media sites, online retailers, payment websites for utility companies, etc. (Just now I attempted to count how many usernames and passwords I have, but I gave up once I reached two dozen sets…and I know I didn’t cover … [Read more...] about Password Security
Communicating Opinions to Elected Officials
Which political issues are on your mind? Gun control? Immigration reform? Gay marriage? The sustainability of Social Security? Have you communicated your opinions on these topics to your elected officials? I’ve never been short on opinions, yet I’ve rarely taken the time to express them to the decision makers who represent me. This … [Read more...] about Communicating Opinions to Elected Officials
The Modern Significance of Racial Slurs in Classic Literature
In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, I am featuring a guest post that addresses the modern significance of racial slurs in classic literature. The post was written by my husband, Preston, and published on his personal blog in January 2011. So I came across this news story on CNN. I occasionally browse the headlines for something … [Read more...] about The Modern Significance of Racial Slurs in Classic Literature
12 Lessons Learned in 2012
Every day of 2012 presented opportunities to learn something new. When I reflect on the days of 2012 collectively, several of the lessons I’ve learned stand out. Make keeping in touch with friends from your past a priority. With so many obligations vying for my time and effort, it is tough to maintain contact with friends from my past. In … [Read more...] about 12 Lessons Learned in 2012
Tragedies as Teachable Moments
Much has been—and will continue to be—said in the wake of the December 14th shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. No matter how eloquently, passionately, or convincingly spoken, it is all powerless to restore the lives that were taken on that day or erase the pain being felt by so many. I’m not sure that I have anything exceptionally … [Read more...] about Tragedies as Teachable Moments
