talkin’ ’bout ‘ginas*

Apparently, spam filters think the female anatomy beginning with the letter “v” is profane. We’ve got some exciting information to pass on to about, well, you know. Please note, that while we have no problem using the “v-word”, we’ve had to alter our text to ensure it gets to you. So, from here on out, the aforementioned v-word will be spelled “‘gina”.

*We’d like to give a shout-out to the writers at Saturday Night Live for their inspiring skit of the same name.

GladRags Welcomes Diana Morgan

GladRags would like to introduce you to Diana Morgan, our new customer service person, menstrual supporter and shipping guru. She came to us after heading west from Massachusetts last September on a cross-country trip with friends. She planned on settling in southern CA, but, as fate would have it (and lucky for us), she ended up in Portland, Oregon! Diana studied early childhood education through the The Friends World Program of Long Island University, spending time in many countries including Japan, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Cuba and Mexico.

Diana first heard about menstrual alternatives while at a party in Costa Rica. She’s been walking the talk ever since, telling all her friends about alternatives. Then she came across our job posting on Craigslist. Now she’s talking about them AND getting paid for doing it! Diana has come a long way on her menstrual journey that began at age 12 while volunteering in a soup kitchen. Diana tells us she loves her job, loves sharing all the new knowledge with friends and family (whether they inquire or not!), and, more than anything, loves hearing from customers. Diana said recently, “The most surprising thing about my job at GladRags is the letters of gratitude and stories women tell about their personal experiences and changes. I had no idea how big the impact could be.” Welcome aboard Diana!

GladRags in the NewsGladRags was selected as an “Editor’s Pick” in the February 2006 issue of Alternative Medicine.In Anna Soref’s article, “Protecting Yourself From Feminine Protection”, she reports on the potential dangers of tampons and the overall impact of chemically laden disposable products on our bodies and the environment.The following are some interesting excerpts we wanted you to know about: “The ‘gina absorbs quite readily,” says Dr. Philip M. Tierno, director of clinical microbiology and diagnostic immunology at New York University Medical Center. “When you put a chemical substance in the ‘gina, it’s in the bloodstream a half hour later.” Anna had this to say about GladRags: Great for women who are sensitive to regular pads or who simply want to cut down on the waste they produce, GladRags are surprisingly comfortable and easy to use. “Because menstrual pads do not come in direct contact with the ‘gina’s mucous membranes, they don’t present the same health concerns about dioxin and pesticides,” says Tierno. But always avoid pads (as well as tampons) with deodorant perfumes. “There should never be fragrance. That is a cardinal sin,” He asserts. “The less you add the better.” E Magazine – Education Period Stressing the importance of safe alternative menstrual products, E Magazine mentions GladRags in their January/February 2006 issue: GladRags sales have prevented the disposal of more than 30 million menstrual tampons, pads and packaging. These are environmentally friendly, cost effective alternatives to the disposable products that deplete resources, produce waste and create pollution during their manufacturing and bleaching processes.

Have you ever heard of V-Day? V-Day is a movement to raise awareness about and to put an end to violence against women and girls around the world. Don’t let the name confuse you (as it did us!), V-Day is not one day, it is the name of a non-profit that has raised over 25 million dollars for various grassroots, national and international organizations and programs involved in stopping violence against women and girls. The “V” in V-Day stands for Victory, Valentine and ‘gina. V-Day was founded by Eve Ensler, the author of the play, The ‘gina Monologues, and one way in which V-Day raises funds is through benefit productions of the play, put on at college campuses. These performances are held between February 1st and March 8th this year. To look up a performance in your area visit: www.vday.org March 8th - HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY! Commemorated at the United Nations and a national holiday in many countries, March 8th is a day to celebrate our womanhood. It is a time to recognize the progress towards equality that women around the world have made over the centuries and look forward to pursuing in the future. Take a moment to reflect on what special gifts you possess simply by being a woman. There may be events in your area celebrating this day - look them up or gather with your girlfriends and create your own party! www.un.org/events/women/iwd/2006/ www.internationalwomensday.com