Toothpaste

As I was brushing my teeth this morning, I decided to read the information on the tube of toothpaste to pass the time. The tube I am using is a sample size of Crest Sensitivity, given to my wife at her last dentist visit. I discovered a couple points of interest under the Drug Facts heading.



1: Warnings: when using his product do not use longer than four weeks unless recommended by a dentist.

I have only used this toothpaste for two consecutive days so I am safe from the dangerous reprocussions of using this product past the four week mark, but this raises a question: what happens after using this product longer than four weeks without a dentist's recommendation?

2. Keep out of the reach of children. If more than used for brushing is accidentally swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

Now that I am done brushing my teeth, and enjoying a fresh cup of coffee, what did I put in my mouth? As I sip my coffee, I can't help but wonder if I'm swallowing any poison that maybe left in my mouth. I fell alright, so I guess my body is able to handle small amounts of poison, just not more than what is used for brushing?

3. Directions:

• do not swallow
• 12 yrs. & older: Apply at least a 1-inch strip of the product onto a soft bristled toothbrush. Brush teeth thoroughly for at least 1 minute twice a day (morning and evening) or as recommended by a dentist. Make sure to brush all sensitive areas of the teeth.
• do not use in children under 12 yrs.

A couple of questions come to mind:

1. Applying at least a 1-inch strip of product is recommended, but what amount is considered more than used for brushing?
2. What happens if a child at 11 years of age uses this product? What occurs within our bodies between the age of 11 and twelve helps us fight off the dangers those under 12 years of age face when using this product?

I am not singling out Crest, this just happens to be the tube of toothpaste I grabbed this morning, and I believe I would find similar warnings on other brands of toothpaste. I guess the bottom line is while I meet the general requirements: over 12 years of age and will not use longer than four weeks, I do not meet the main criteria for this product; my teeth are not sensitive.

The Dash

I was sent this poem in an e-mail, and was would like to share this poem with all of you. I found this poem to be inspirational, motivational, and perfect for self-reflection. Enjoy!

The Dash
copyright 1996 Linda Ellis



I read of a man who stood to speak
at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
from the beginning...to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth
and spoke of the following date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all
was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
that she spent alive on earth...
and now only those who loved her
know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own;
the cars....the house...the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard...
are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
that can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
to consider what's true and real,
and always try to understand
the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,
and show appreciation more
and love the people in our lives
like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,
and more often wear a smile...
remembering that this special dash
might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read
with your life's actions to rehash...
would you be proud of the things they
say about how you spend your dash?

Time Management

I just finished watching the Randy Pausch Time Management Lecture, and what a great lecture it is. For those who may not know, Randy passed away July 25, 2008 after a battle with Pancreatic cancer. Randy gave this lecture earlier this year, knowing his time was limited, and therefore has instant credibility of knowing how to manage time.

If you enjoy the Time Management video, you may also enjoy Randy's Last Lecture video.

Enjoy!

Pheasant hunting in Minnesota

According to an article published in the St. Cloud Times, last year was the best year for pheasant hunting in Minnesota since 1964! I wish I would have taken more time to go pheasant hunting last year. According to the article, 655,000 rooster were shot in 2007. Does this mean 2008 will not be as productive?

You can read the full article here - it's a quick read.

Gas Saving Tips

Concerned about high gas prices? No, don't join the "put Exxon out of business" campaign, I think Exxon appreciates all the free publicity from chain-mail. Instead, read this money saving article by lifehacker. You may be surprised to know that according to the article, using your air conditioner makes little if any difference on your fuel efficiency! I also found the online gas trackers like GasBuddy.com, and GasPriceWatch.com interesting.

Just encase you feel you're beings squeezed at the pump, I included a reader's comment from the lifehacker article belo. See, we don't have it so bad.

• digitalgravy at 04:24 AM on 06/10/08 *

  hah! $4 a gallon?! it cost me 116.9p (£1.17) a litre! that's £5.31 / gallon which works out at $10.39 a gallon!! You guys over the pond have it easy!!
  grrr!

Where would you go?

I saw this question asked asked on another blog by Paul Kedrosky, and I thought, "I wonder how my friends would answer"? So here's the question asked on Paul's site.

A question for people to ponder: Say you were 22-years-old, unattached, and recently graduated and looking for your first job. You want to be part of something big and dynamic, a truly dynamic economy where you're going to be able to rise up with it.

The U.S. has long been that place, and maybe you think it no longer is -- or maybe you do. Whatever. Where in the world -- visas aside -- would you go?

How about you? Where would you go, from San Francisco to Sao Paulo, from Singapore to Shanghai, from Sydney to Slovenia to Saskatoon. The world is changing rapidly, and the "right" answer from 1998 isn't likely the right answer in 2008.

DNA Testing

Here is an interesting article from the New York Times about government oversight for DNA testing. What do you think? Should the government regulate DNA testing?