This year, to celebrate both Valentine’s Day and National Condom Week (from February 14th to the 21st), in order “to raise awareness about condom use, and to make sure people have all the facts about condoms,” Planned Parenthood Los Angeles launched a Facebook application that lets you send virtual versions of Planned Parenthood’s Proper Attire® condoms to all your friends. 

The more you send, the more colors and styles you can unlock—from basic to colored, studded, and even extra-large. (Editor’s Note: will the studded one bring me more virtual pleasure?)

Sounds like it could be a fun way to spread the message of safe sex with your friends, but does anyone else see how this could be a problem?  Most people I know, myself included, are embarrassed about the idea of buying condoms in a store, so why would I want to flaunt a virtual one on my Facebook page? (Although they’d keep your page protected from viruses, am I right?! I’ll be here all week; don’t forget to tip your wait staff!)

Like… what if you accidentally send one to your mom (who recently joined FB for some scary reason)? Or, if she looks at your page and wonders why you’ve been sent 15 virtual condoms?  Imagine trying to explain that one to her: “Well, my friends know how many condoms I go through….er….I’m always safe!”

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Leah Walsh, a 29-year-old special education teacher from Long Island, NY, has been missing since Monday morning. Her abandoned car was found on the side of the road and appeared to have a flat tire. This is still considered a missing person investigation, however, it was reported by the Associated Press around noon today that an unidentified woman’s body was found approximately 13 miles from Walsh’s abandoned car. It has not yet been confirmed as of now whether the body was that of Walsh.

The cases of missing women have become much too common a scenario lately, and we cannot be too careful when we are out and about. The story of Leah Walsh should stand as a reminder to women everywhere that we must learn ways to protect ourselves and stay safe.

Here are some tips to protect yourself when you are alone at night, or even during daylight hours:

1. Always be aware. Know your surroundings and who is around the area. If you are walking along, do not talk on your phone or text your friends. Your lack of attention makes you an easy target for anyone wishing to harm you.

2. Carry pepper spray or mace and attach it to your keychain. When you are walking alone, always have it out and ready to spray. (And keep your keys out as well!) No, you will not accidentally spray yourself with it.

3. When going out to the bars or clubs do not carry huge, oversized purses (especially if living in a big city). These are perfect targets for muggers: they think that because the bag is bigger there is more cool and expensive stuff to steal. Read More »