Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs “Jonathan Hornibrook’s contribution regarding hydration tablets (C8) and tap water reminded me of a water filter we inherited from the previous owner,” writes Sam Collyer of Redhead. “The supplier contacted me to say the filter was due for replacement, at a cost of $300. I asked if it was necessary, as our water seemed fine. Would it filter out the fluoride? ‘Yes, we filter all that out’, the salesperson said proudly. ‘But I want to keep the fluoride’, I said. ‘Oh, absolutely, we can install an attachment to add 80 per cent of the fluoride back into your water afterwards’. $450 to filter all the fluoride from the water and then put 80 per cent of it back in, or just drink the water, with all the fluoride, for free? Tough choice.”“I saw a reference to a ‘snowperson’ on an American website (of course),” says Dave Horsfall of North Gosford. “Is this political correctness gone mad, or what?” “Each year as Sydney succumbs to its standard summer swelter, I look forward to reports from North America of the polar vortex with its frigid winds from the North Pole sweeping southward through the States,” says Paul Taylor of Winston Hills. “Not this year. In 2025, an arctic outbreak of cold air, originating in Siberia, has rampaged eastward across the US, freezing all in its path. I suspect the icy grim hand of none other but Vladimir Putin, kick-starting another chapter of the Cold War. Unleash the bards!”Mary Watson of Balgowlah Heights is our latest (and last) rhymer (C8): When you open the Herald,Do you head to Column 8?Or do you peruse the news,And anticipate the wait?After reading about rosella jam (C8), Ian Dear of Huntleys Cove decided: “I won’t even mention my favourite: hummingbird cake.”“Not sure about U3A courses (C8) but a purchase of David Astle’s book was an eye-opener for me,” claims Susan Howard of Cronulla. “He clearly explains how his cryptic clues work. I still struggle with the crossword, but I (mostly) understand his logic when I see the answers. Worth a purchase if still in print.” Richard Stewart of Pearl Beach would like to thank Barry Riley (C8) “for your insightful new year resolution to ‘do it now (starting tomorrow or maybe next week)’. I heartily agree with you. Today I did absolutely nothing but didn’t finish, so I’ll continue tomorrow.”Column8@smh.com.auNo attachments, please.Include name, suburb and daytime phone.
