This is from a story covered on NPR - Friday, July 20, 2001<P>Condom Effectiveness<BR>A National Institutes of Health report concludes that condoms are effective in reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS. The report finds insufficient evidence to say the same for most other sexually transmitted diseases. NPR's Brenda Wilson reports. (4:00) <P>If you want to listen to the story, click on the link below:<BR> <A HREF="http://search1.npr.org/search97cgi/s97_cgi" TARGET=_blank>http://search1.npr.org/search97cgi/s97_cgi</A>

Hi TS,<P>But I also read that the NIH has found that condoms are not as effective as has been promoted in a variety of diseases. Little surprise there, look at their effectiveness level with pregnancy. Significantly lower than the pill. <P>And if they aren't 100% with pregnancy, it is little surprise that those pesky virus' can make their presence known. Lots of reasons, tearing, putting them on wrong (although somehow I have a hard time imagining that, sort of a binary system there. ), and having them come off before everything is over. <P>I have cautioned my teenagers and older, that they are much much better than nothing, nothing is better than anything they can use. <P>Thanks for the info. Are you writing yet???? You had better be thinking about it. Or if I have to a Southern tour again, I may use one of my lengthy layovers at the airport to come give you a stern lecture. It seems that I would have plenty of time, given all the waiting one does there.<P>God Bless,<P>JL

Hi JL,<P>Yea, this was just the report I needed to help keep me on the straight and narrow!!<P>Yes, I am writing, thank you very much!<P>Just so ya know, I did my proposal before all of the research was done--actually, before hardly any of the research was done. I've been doing research in this area for about three years, on a different material, so I felt like I had a pretty good handle on the issues. Still, I have alot of work left before I can finish. <P>I've started every one of my chapters except the "results" chapters. I'm hiring at least one undergrad and hope to hire a second to get some of my metallography taken care of. That should speed things along. We hope to get at least two papers out on just our preliminary studies. There is very little info on the material I am using. <P>In fact, a very well respected member of my committee, who has been in this biz for about 30 yrs tells me that I will be among a small handful (less than 5) in the world who knows as much about this stuff as I will when I am finished. Cool, huh? Okay, that was way off topic. <P>Next time you and your wife are flying through Atlanta, you are welcome to come on by. Heck, I'll give you and your whole family a tour if you like! You might have picked up my identity in the past from a little hint I left on the EN board regarding my research topic (it is now deleted)? If not, I will have to come up with an email address for ya.

Sorry TS,<P>I didn't pick up your identity. Unfortunately, I generally am traveling alone. Something I really hate to do. It is much more fun to travel with W and family, but that is not how it works these days. Too many things going on at home, although this year will be different. Two in college and only one at home.<P>I think we about have him out numbered at 2 to 1 <P>I am glad your dissertation is going well. It is an exciting time and trying as well. It sounds like you have it well in hand. That is cool.<P>Take care and God Bless,<P>JL