Articles written by Dawn Sundene

Where Knowledge Rules

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About me - Dawn Sundene

Who am I?

Live and work in a small midwestern town near Chicago, teaching Chemistry.

Not terribly much inclined to toot my own horn or tell much about me.

Love to read and write, as do we all who visit Helium.

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Creative Writing > Humor If you're not supposed to drink & drive, then why do bars have parking lots?: 2 of 31
Oh well, bars with parking lots. The parking lot is really not for the cars at all. People leaving the bar may need a huge amount of room in which to stagger about and throw up. Very useful, that parking lot. Also, where else could the bar hold its annual backyard bash or some sort of tailgating activity? Most convenient, ta... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Feminism & Women's Rights Should US companies be required to provide equal pay to women and men?: 12 of 139
It would be really nice to believe that one could simply legislate away problems. If that were actually possible, this country would have legislated away racial discrimination, immigration issues, and a host of other problems, patted ourselves on the back and gone forward in a more perfect and equal world. Issues such as rac... More..
Health & Fitness > Vision Daily and lifelong tips for healthy, long-lasting vision: 1 of 6
In an era of sedentary desk jobs, fast food and faster lifestyles, protecting your vision may be the last thing on your mind. However, doing so is not only reasonably easy but can also provide health benefits for more than just your eyes. UV Eye Protection One of the simplest ways to protect your vision is to buy a good pair... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Love: 160 of 784
You are a dream I am your reflection You slide like silk, like daylight, over me I am the still pool The deep and limpid waters You rise and set upon me I ebb and flow beneath you Your shadow crosses the horizon As the slow swelling tide I slide like satin, like moonlight, over you You are my reflection I am a dream More..
Other Why did the chicken cross the road?: 8 of 33
Before we ask ourselves why the chicken crossed the road, we might want to know if the chicken is even within some reasonable proximity to the road. Most of the chickens I know personally live on a small farm in Texas and are entirely disinterested in the whole "crossing the road" subject, being much more likely to care abou... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Fantasy: 53 of 169
Aborek Through the brooding forest passed the travelers, unaware of eyes upon them. Masked by sunshine and birdsong, the evil that dwells in that part of the world was awake, and aware. It watched. This group was small, but it had Power. The tainted earth drew away from their footsteps in hatred and fear, determined to destr... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Parenting (Other) Should men have the right to opt out on fatherhood?: 7 of 22
Fatherhood, like motherhood, builds a bridge between parents and children. Both mother and father should create the supports that keep a child safe and loved; ideally both mother and father should be present and active for that child they brought into the world. I think we all recognize that this world is far from perfect, a... More..
Sciences > Chemistry How are chemicals identified?: 2 of 5
The identification of chemical substances is both simple and complex. Every chemical, whether it is an element or a compound, has unique characteristics. It's kind of a fun puzzle to identify what you might have when given a set of 'mystery' substances in a chemical lab or lab classroom. The neat thing about the elements on ... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Climate Change Debating whether global warming is a threat or just media hype: 71 of 164
The Earth will survive. And probably the cockroaches will too. But it will not be the Earth we know today. Good-bye, beautiful coral reefs everywhere. The algae you relied on are dying, and your colors fade as we speak. For awhile, we will have your badly bleached 'bones' to remind us of your loss. Good-bye to the snow cappe... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Self-Healing Spiritual makeover: Changing from the inside: 16 of 30
It is one of the ironies of the human condition that our own thoughts, feelings, and motivations are often seen by us only dimly at best. For many of us, what we do and why we do it is as mysterious to us as it is to others. We grow up learning to rationalize and compensate. Being raised by other imperfect beings, we inherit... More..