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Fads and faith: the great typo

On page 18 [October] in “Fads and Faith,” there is a typographical error. The key indicates that the proper choice for number five is a bare midriff. But this choice does not coincide with the text on the same page, which says: “Any bathing suit which immodestly exposes the body, such as bikinis or those with bare midriffs, etc., should not be worn. (First Presidency, 1967.)” I hope that readers will find the discrepancy and follow the advice of the First Presidency.

Joyce Conklin
San Mateo, California

We’ve finally discovered the best way to find out if something is being read or not—if a mistake gets by, wait and see how many people notice it. And this mistake was really a blooper! The first letters that poured in were from Margaret Taff in Missouri, John Cannell in California, Karey Merritt in Wyoming, Laureen Kelley in Maryland, Carol Whitaker in Washington, and Julie Hill in Oregon. And then came the deluge—dozens and dozens! All have been answered by a personal note—but for all those who read the article, took the quiz, and didn’t write in, please be aware that the correct answer to number five is “B.” Bare midriffs are definitely out of bounds for a properly attired Latter-day Saint girl!

The career of dental hygiene

Referring to the excellent article in the October issue on health careers, as a practicing dental hygienist, I might comment on the salary mentioned ($6,000 to $7,000). Here in Florida we are paid a 60 percent commission on prophalixis and one-third of all radiographs. I average $60 a day and work two days a week for one dentist. But most women work part-time for several dentists, thereby putting in a five-day week. At that rate, a hygienist would make $15,000 a year. I have watched advertisements over the years in our professional journals, and nearly all advertise salaries of $12,000 to $14,000 yearly. This is a profession that more of our girls should be encouraged to consider because it fits the Mormon way of life so well. Most dental practices can only use a hygienist two or three days a week. In my case I made it clear that I wanted to be home when my children returned from school. There aren’t many professions in which a woman can come and go as she pleases. Also, during holiday periods and on special occasions, I schedule my work so that I’m free extra days prior to and during the holidays.

Joan Ann Allen
Lakeland, Florida

“I am a prisoner …”

As you can tell from the letterhead, I am a prisoner at the Colorado State Prison. Last year for Christmas I received a subscription to the New Era from my sister and her husband. I have enjoyed reading it this past year. We use it in our Church meetings here. There are four members here with me. Our group started last January, and we have been studying the Articles of Faith by James E. Talmage. About once a month we have a general discussion. We are interested in obtaining reading material that would be of help to us. We don’t have enough good reading material. In closing, the men here would like the members to know that even though we have erred, we are concerned about our future in this life and the life hereafter. In case you’re interested, I’m twenty-two years old.

# 40131
State Prison,
Canon City, Colorado 81312

Dear dad

Thank you for “Dear Dad” in the October issue. I felt sad, lonely, and glad, all in one, and it really helped me to stop and think how much my dad means to me.

Verna Jarrett
Bingen, Washington

Pageant

We cannot adequately express our thanks to the New Era and to Dale Van Atta and Anna Stone for the marvelous and sensitive article on the Cumorah Pageant [October issue]. For the first time in all our years of association with the pageant, its real spirit has been told beautifully, and all the Harold I. Hansens are most grateful.

Harold I. Hansen
Director of Hill Cumorah Pageant
Provo, Utah

I just got around to reading my New Era. I had to stop in the middle to write you. The article on the Hill Cumorah pageant is fantastic. It has touched me deeply. I long to participate in such a marvelous thing. Why I’d thrill at the opportunity to be a cook or to help clean the grounds. I’m sure many young people are interested. How can I get more information about taking part in the pageant? By the way, the New Era is the greatest!

Kim Pyron
Tucker, Georgia

Write Dr. Harold I. Hansen, B-376 HFAC, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84601, and ask for an application. Next year’s pageant will be from July 24 to 29. We have received many letters on Dale and Anna’s great article. Space will not permit printing them—but we knew that this question and answer would be of general interest.

Explorers and the Baja

After seeing the fine article in the November issue on exploring tips, we wanted other explorers to know that we just returned from a trip into Baja California. Four years ago, when Dr. C. R. Brown was called to be our post adviser from the high council, he asked us what we wanted to do. Everyone replied, “What difference does it make?” He said, “Try me.” We did. In the next four years we decided we wanted to go to Alaska, Guatemala, down the Baja trail, and to Europe. Well—after much work and planning, two years ago we went up the AI-Can Highway to Alaska and then down to the international Scout-Explorer Conference in Idaho. Last year we went to Guatemala, explored many ruins, and met some wonderful people. This year Brother Brown was released as our adviser, and in consultation with our new adviser, Frank Nelson, we decided to go down the Baja. Dune buggies and jeeps did the job. We cooked on the hot engines as we drove—venison steaks and fish fillets—by wrapping the meat in tinfoil and laying it on the engine for a couple of hours. As for going to Europe later this year, the request was made partly in jest, but our committee is considering it, and if sufficient funds can be raised, you can be sure that we’ll do it. We hope that other Explorer troops can take inspiration from what can be done if everyone starts to get excited.

Explorers of Post 440
Covina (California) Second Ward

Over-population and pollution

Howard M. Bahr’s comments in the October “Q and A” about ecology, pollution, and over-population were excellent, thorough, and accurate. But may I note that we mustn’t overemphasize the “wealth of the sea” as a food source, particularly when we consider the rate at which it is being polluted. A great source of food could be found through using the vast amount of land being diverted for the production of tobacco, coffee, tea, and grains for alcoholic beverages. Even if most people in the world don’t know or care about the Word of Wisdom, doesn’t it seem likely that they would give up these supposed luxuries in order to feed themselves or their neighbors? Satan manages to infiltrate all good things (like ecological concern) with corrupt ideas (like population control). Can anything but the restored gospel bring about the changes of heart and mind necessary to end all forms of pollution, which ultimately is caused by the corruption of men and of their institutions? I think not.

Sharon Dequer
Monrovia, California

I hope that no one thinks that the ecology movement is a group of people who try to prevent babies from being born. A Latter-day Saint ecologist should be concerned with keeping our earth in the same clean and beautiful condition it was in when we received it from God. Increasing population does cause more environmental damage simply because under our present way of life, more people mean more pollution. We simply have to work harder in order to keep our environment livable as more people come to earth.

Lani Twitchell
Cedar City, Utah

Stopping foolish rumors

I have been thrilled with the New Era—especially the section “Policies and Procedures.” It is most helpful in my Church activities, and I’m sure that many foolish rumors have been stopped by these official guidelines.

Kenneth Taylor
Provo, Utah