« Previous page | Main | Next page »
 

Entry bubble Tougher Tobacco Laws

By: Colleen | June 10, 2009 | Category: Health

The Senate is voting on a bill that would require larger health warnings on cigarette packs, ban candy flavorings and claims such as "light," "mild," and "low-tar," as well as place furthur restrictions on tobacco advertising.

The hope is that the bill will save millions of lives by deterring people from smoking and protect children by keeping them from ever trying cigarettes.

Others think this will add additional burdens to the FDA and hurt tobacco farmers. The Family Smoking and Tobacco Control Act will require tobacco companies to disclose detailed information about their products' ingredients and will allow the FDA to require changes to protect public health.

Critics think this legislation just forces tobacco companies to make a "safer cigarette" rather than focusing on aiding people in quitting, or never smoking in the first place.

What do you think of the new legislation? Will it be helpful in saving lives?

| View Comments [7] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: ban   cigarettes   colleen   fda   smoking   tobacco  

 

Entry bubble Great Outdoors Month

By: Colleen | June 03, 2009 | Category: Travel

To be honest, when I hear the phrase "The Great Outdoors" my first inclination is to think of the 1988 John Candy movie.

While my mother and I are firm believers that the closest we come to camping is a three-star hotel, apparently there are plenty of you out there who enjoy snuggling up with mother nature.

Those willing to bond with mosquitoes and bears, you're in luck. June is Great Outdoors Month!

Getting outdoors, especially in our nation's national parks, is a great and economical way to see the natural splendor of our country. It is also a fun way to be active- doing recreational activities like fishing, biking, and hiking.

Visit Recreation.gov to find your perfect camping site.

Have any family camping trip stories to share? Tips on having a safe and fun time outdoors?

Leave your comments; I'll check them out while I'm doing my own version of "camping" - in Vegas.

| View Comments [1] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: biking   camping   colleen   great_outdoors_month   hiking   national_parks  

 

Entry bubble New TSA Screening Machines

By: Colleen | May 27, 2009 | Category: Travel

In a measly eight days I will be headed to glorious Las Vegas. My only other prior experience in Vegas was when I was 14, so I sense this trip will be somewhat different than the time I tagged along when my Dad attended a conference.

I plan on leaving my camera behind, to avoid the possibility of any remotely inappropriate photographs surfacing while I enjoy the splendors of Sin City.

However, one picture could be taken of me of which I have no control. In nineteen different airports around the country, new whole-body imaging machines are being used to detect both metallic and non-metallic threats on passengers.

In some airports these machines are the primary source of security. In others, passengers can opt to use them instead of a body pat-down from a TSA security officer.

The machine produces a robotic image, which some people find to be invasive, and bordering on the feeling of being naked- somewhat of a "virtual strip search."

To me, the pictures seem closer to that of a x-ray than anything I'd consider invasive or offensive. What do you think? Would you prefer the scanner over a physical pat-down?

The TSA blog is discussing this issue as well.

| View Comments [5] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: airport_security   colleen   travel   tsa   whole_body_imaging_machine  

 

Entry bubble Bike to Work Day

By: Colleen | May 13, 2009 | Category: Health

Tomorrow is bike to work day. The idea is to promote exercise and physical fitness as well as being easy on the environment.

I think biking to work would be a great idea. I'd love to have some additional exercise built into my day, and I wouldn't really miss riding on the petri dish that is the METRO.

What's stopping me is logistics. I don't know how people manage to bike to work and still be a properly attired professional—especially the ladies.

To be honest, I'm not one of those gals who "glistens" when she works out. There is *ahem* some sweat involved, which requires a full shower to make right. That much I can handle—we're lucky enough to have a locker room at our office. But getting myself presentable takes some work (and a hairdryer, big round brush, styling mousse, etc...etc).

Then there's the whole challenge of clothes. I can't bike to work in my office duds. And I can't just throw them in a bag to change into at the office (hell-o wrinkles!). So, does that mean I have to haul an iron in with me along with everything else? This is getting awfully complicated.

How do you manage to bike to work? Maybe it's something I can do just on casual Fridays, when I don't have to worry as much about my clothes. HELP!

| View Comments [14] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: bike_to_work_day   colleen   environment   fitness  

 

Entry bubble Public Service Recognition Week

By: Colleen | May 05, 2009 | Category: General

psrw"Government Goes Green" is the theme of this year's Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW). Taking place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. between 4th and 7th Streets, the public is welcome to check out tons of exhibits from different government agencies showcasing their work and what they're doing to make a positive impact on the planet through environmentally friendly practices and initiatives.

Running from Thursday, May 7th through Sunday, May 10th (military only exhibiting on Sunday) more than 100 civilian and military agencies will be represented. Friday is "student day" and will feature U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan speaking at 10:30 a.m. Students of all ages are encouraged to attend. There will also be an astronaut on site for kids to meet.

For those seeking employment, many agencies like the Department of Labor will be showcasing exciting job opportunities.

For more information and a full schedule of events, check out the official PSRW website.

| View Comments [0] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: colleen   department_of_education   department_of_labor   national_mall   psrw   public_service_recognition_week   washington_dc  

« Previous page | Main | Next page »