Posted on March 30th, 2008 by marycm
Keeping with our theme of memoirs and reflections, read the following poem and respond to it in terms of what it means to you and what it reminds you of from your past.
Reflections on a Gift of Watermelon Pickle Received from a Friend Called Felicity
During that summer
When unicorns were still possible;
When the purpose of knees
Was to be skinned;
When shiny horse chestnuts
(Hallowed out
Fitted with straws
Crammed with tobacco
Stolen from butts
In family ashtrays)
Were puffed in green lizard silence
While straddling thick branches
Far above and away
From the softening effects
Of civilization;
During that summer-
Which may never have been at all;
But which has become more real
Than the one that was-
Watermelons ruled.
I think that this poem has many meanings to it. Personally, this poem reminds me of the wonders of being a child. When you are a child, nothing else matters except for your hopes and dreams, no matter how far-fetched they are. These dreams become only more wonderful during summertime, when you can sit around and ponder your thoughts on life to come. Also, this poem does a great job of showing those of us with busy, hectic schedules that the only thing that really matters are the little, magical moments like envisioning your wildest imaginations. I think this poem is important to read because it brings you back to your inner child, allowing you to remember what you truly live your life for.
Enjoying Childhood
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Filed under: English
Posted on February 6th, 2008 by marycm
1. Why do some people disapprove of adding fluoride to drinking water?
2. What would your position be on adding fluoride to drinking water and why?
3. What technological advances in toothpaste had to be made before fluoride could be widely used in toothpaste and mouthwashes?
4. What side effects of using fluoride in drinking water are of most concern to you? Why?
Fluoride in our drinking water is a big controversy. Many people think that fluoride is a great thing and really helps strengthen your teeth. On the other hand, there are a lot of people who do not agree with the fluoridation of water for many reasons. First of all, drinking too much fluoride can cause a tooth disease called “dental fluorosis.” This disease is caused by tooth enamel failing to form a concrete tooth. This causes weakness in your teeth. Dental fluorosis can leave chalky, blotchy stains on your teeth and can also turn them a dark, rust color. Along with this, this disease can also cause cavities and brittleness in teeth, making it very difficult to eat certain foods. These are the reasons for some people not agreeing with the addition of fluoride to our drinking water.
I would agree with adding fluoride to drinking water for many reasons. To begin, the average human does not drink an overly excessive amount of water each day. Meaning that if fluoride was added to our water, dental fluorosis would usually not occur. Along with this, fluoride in water is proven to help strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities. This would help people take better care of their teeth and not have to have teeth cleanings so often. All in all, I believe that adding fluoride to our water would be an easy way to make our world healthier.
There are many technological advances that had to be in place before fluoride could be added toothpaste. First of all, the amount of fluoride in adult toothpaste has to range from around 1,000 g to about 1,500 g; whereas in children’s toothpaste it must range from around 200 g to about 500 g. This makes sure that you do not consume too much fluoride for your age. Along with this, toothpaste companies must ensure that they have put warnings on toothpaste tubes regarding the amount you are safely able to intake in one day. Also, the companies must put children warnings on the labels as well to inform parents that it is unhealthy for children to ingest an use adult toothpast and mouthwash.
There is one main side effect that scares me when concerning fluoride in drinking water. That is skeletal fluorosis. Skeletal fluorosis is a health effect that comes from consuming too much fluoride. It causes bones to become extremely weak and sometimes change in shape and become distorted. This really concerns me because it could permanently handicap someone for the rest of their life. This is why skeletal fluorosis is my biggest concern with fluoride in drinking water.
Skeletal Fluorosis
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Filed under: Fluoride
