Cases of melanoma continue to rise even as the cases of many other cancer types are in decline. If one is seeking safe and comfortable protection from the sun’s rays, should they opt for UV swim shirts or sunscreen as the better alternative?

From the simple freedom of movement standpoint, sunscreen comes closest to acting as a second skin. There are no clothing-drag issues while in the water, and no layers to trap heat or restrain movement while on land. It is possible to forget there is any substance on the skin at all.

When it comes to covering all skin surfaces, UV clothing cannot compete with sunscreen. If used conscientiously, lotion can cover ears, hands and be applied partially underneath clothes for a continuous barrier. Even with long-sleeve shirts, hands are not covered and skin around the waist is often accidentally exposed.
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My three nephews received a Bat Cave for Christmas and numerous other Bat accessories. Mason, who just turned 3, immersed himself in dynamic duo adventures and was particularly fond of the Bat Copter. Soon after Christmas Mason began to tell me “Want the yellow Batman.” I would politely respond that he was referring to Robin, Batman’s lesser partner. He remained adamant that he wanted the yellow batman, and would move on to the next family member with the same statement. This went on through New Years, and I remained gentle yet firm in my responses, even handing him Robin on occasion. Nothing changed his mind or his tenacity.

I was visiting in the new year when my sister-in-law heard Mason and I going through the usual Bat conversation. She interrupted and told me that there was indeed a yellow Batman. “What…” I responded confusedly, suspecting that she was simply padding Mason’s self-esteem. She left the room and quickly returned with a yellow Batman. Unknown to me, the boys had accumulated no less than three Batman’s with all their gifts, two of which wore the traditional costume, and one who wore yellow (not all yellow, but enough to qualify). I apologized to Mason and had certainly underestimated his perception.

I have three nephews that bring many tears and much joy to their parents (5, 3, and 1) - I am sure all Cubies with kids can relate. This week I was over when the 5 year old ran inside and announced it was Big Airplane Day. I suppose a good size jet had flown over and that was enough to christen the day. He ran back out and returned again noting one big airplane looked like Santa’s sleigh. Now things were really picking up.

I went out in the cold and lined up the patio chairs so I could look at the sky. Indeed there were many airplanes around. My nephew noted that one propeller plane was circling the house. Its wing seemed dipped right at us as it went around and around. We counted at least a half dozen airplanes and birds and he asked me when he could drive an airplane, not theoretically but expecting a date and time. A silly but most enjoyable moment that reminded me of school and the Irish poet William Butler Yeats (slightly altered below):

For oft, when in my cube I sigh
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure strains,
And dances with the gliding planes.