here is an article on sunscreens

update on JULY 10 2009: AFTER MY
cryosurgery

and i felt it appropriate for me to post it. i discovered i had cancer (i was in such a state of shock i didn't write down exactly what the doctor said). you may have looked at the pictures of my newest knitting fairy tattoo, which i posted not too long ago. well one of her shoes not only didn't heal, the skin started to raise. after a couple of weeks (3 actually), i called to make an appointment with a dermatologist. well the first one i called couldn't see me till december (eff that, what if i was stupid enough to wait???????). the second could see me in about a month. i opted for that one. i went to see him and he said to me, 'that's cancer'. that was THE LAST thing i expected. i though perhaps i was allergic to the color ink they used OR an ingrown hair or two. i NEVER EVER though cancer. never. i have to go back this thursday and get more taken off.

(oh, start thinking about how i can fix her up when the wounds heal. i really am going to get the scars covered in more ink)

pics are sort of disgusting but i wanted to chronicle my ordeal. when i get the exact results from the biopsy i'll post exactly what it is. like i said, i was in SUCH a state...........

(oh the tattoo had NOTHING to do with the cancer. the doc claims it was a total coincidence)

Sunscreen's Shady Business

Are you getting burned by sunny claims?

—By Kiera Butler

"DON'T BE A PALEFACE!" That was the slogan for an iconic 1958 Coppertone ad—the one with the frisky puppy tugging at the pigtailed girl's bathing suit, revealing her perfect tan line. Not anymore. In the past 30 years, the incidence of melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, has jumped 159 percent, and in just the past decade, the number of Americans diagnosed with skin cancer has increased by nearly a third. Epidemiologists blame several factors—ozone depletion, migration to the Sunbelt, the popularity of tanning beds and tropical vacations. Whatever the reason, the skin-care industry hasn't missed a beat: Transforming suntan lotion into sunscreen and sunblock, it's gone from promising sun worshippers enviably rich tans to guaranteeing solarphobes no color at all.

So if you've ventured into the sun protection aisle lately, you've probably noticed a distinct shortage of fun in the sun. "...........