PERKS

Many people, like myself, are always are the look out to save a buck. Well, today I learned about a great way to save BIG BUCKS and I would like to pass this information along. I would like to do some more research into all of the services that this place of business offers. Okay, many of you may already know of some of these services and for some this may be all new information. So, what is this magnificent business that can help keep some of that hard earned money in our pockets? Drum roll please……ICC.
A few years ago my mother-in-law told me she comes to ICC to get her teeth cleaned and x-rayed, since her insurance only pays for cleanings once a year. ICC provides teeth cleaning, fluoride treatments, and x-rays all for $12. That’s crazy. Even if you have insurance, your copay is more than likely more than that. Dental hygiene students perform these services under the supervision of a dentist. Granted, the process takes longer than if you were to go to your dentist’s office, but, if you get your teeth cleaned twice a year, the savings can add up. My mother-in-law says that the students do a VERY thorough job, sometimes even better than services provided from her dentist office.
Now let me tell you about the big savings I learned about today. A girl I work with needs a new engine. She went to the car dealership where she purchased the vehicle and they quoted her $7000. She then went to a mechanic that someone referred and he quoted her $5000, and that is just for labor. Well god love her dad, he told her to call Maintenance Mechanic Technology at ICC. She did and is going to save oodles of dough. All she has to do is buy the part; there will be no charge for labor.
Based off this information, I think ICC should steal Geico's famous stack of money with the eyeballs on top, and the song, “I always feel like, somebody’s watching me” as their new slogan.

funniest commercial

This week we are supposed to blog about a commercial shown during the Super Bowl. I viewed all of the commercials on fanhouse.com; there were a couple I found to be humorous, but none really lived up to my expectations of a FUNNY commercial. I have chosen to blog about a Bud Light commercial from 2007.
This commercial appeals to anyone who has a boring job. I’m sure I’m wrong, some people may enjoy going in and working their monotonous 9 -5, taking care of the same old dull and repetitive responsibilities day in and day out. For everyone else, THIS BUD’S FOR YOU.
Typically, everyone is well-mannered at work. This commercial is so unconventional, it’s hilarious. At some point in time, we’ve all wanted to say some of these things, not only to our co-workers, but to the irate guest as well.
If we could all loosen up a bit, have a smidgen of compassion, and a touch of humor, this world could be a better place. I mean, look at the compassion the co-workers in this commercial show for one another. Maybe Bob doesn’t like Bud Light, but, he IS a team player. He knows how important this office party is to everyone else, so he does his part to contribute to the reindeer games.
Let’s not over-look upper management. I felt he was very motivating and I wish I had a boss that held mandatory meetings in this fashion. It might get everyone pumped and ready to do business! I feel like I want to put money in the jar, how about you?

CHAUVINISM

            Chauvinism: an attitude of superiority toward members of the opposite sex.  I’m sure that many, if not all, women have experienced this behavior at some point in their life.  It’s startling that countless men, especially men under the age of 40, conduct themselves like a chauvinistic pig at times.  Its 2011 not 1950, yet many men and women still allow this type of narrow-mindedness to occur. 

            My most recent encounter took place at my daughters’ parent-teacher conference.  The school my children attend do not require the student to be present during these conferences; I like my kids to take part in the process so they know exactly what’s going on.  My daughter, Bre, is in 8^th grade.  Since she is in junior high, it’s a round-table conference with all of the teachers.  There were four teachers, Bre, and myself. 

            The first three teachers all spoke highly of Bre.  They love having her class.  She is always willing to help out other students that might be struggling with a subject.  Bre participates and she brings a great sense of humor to the class; she’s such a joy to have in class.  The conference was going exactly how I expected it until the last teacher added his input.  I should have known that nothing good was going to come out of his mouth.  While the other teachers were going on, and on about how great Bre is, he just sat there with his arms crossed and looked a bit angry.  With a scowl on his face, he looked directly at Bre with his finger pointed and said, “If you continue to act the way that you do, you will never have a husband in life.”  I paused; I thought to myself, he didn’t just say what I think he did.  Well, as I looked around at the other teachers and saw the expression on their face and jaws on the table, I realized that he really did say what I thought I heard. 

            I took a deep breathe, trying to compose myself, and said to him, “First of all, I don’t believe you are a counselor and if you are you may need some counseling yourself.  I have taught my daughter to have a mind of her own, but to always be respectful when expressing it.  How dare you sit here and talk to a child this way.  I know much later in life my daughter will have a husband and I hope and pray that he is nothing like you.  Obviously you think I AM MAN, (motioning my hand up high), and YOU ARE WOMEN, (motioning my hand down low).  I hope that you are not drilling this ideology into the students which you teach.”

            This teacher is 28 years old.  There were two female teachers and one other male teacher ranging in age from their early 20’s to mid-50’s.  The conference ended on that note.  The other teachers all approached me and apologized profusely.  The next day I scheduled an appointment with the principal.  The outcome has yet to be determined. 

            I really can’t remember the last time I encountered this way of thinking.  It was very disheartening that someone so young feels this way.  This is who my daughter and many other young boys and girls, is learning from.  Hopefully, all of these students have better teachers in their homes.

           

           

HPV

            While an anonymous writer for the organization Advocates of Youth presents clear and compelling claims promoting human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination for girls, the writer fails to consider the important point of vaccinating boys as well.  Therefore, a more accurate conclusion is vaccinating all youth. 

            Men can also be a carrier of HPV.  Typically, there are no signs or symptoms.  It can cause penis, anus, and oropharynx cancer.  Oropharynx is the back of the mouth and upper part of the throat.  Currently there is no testing for HPV in males as there is for females. 

            There are well over 100 types of HPV, forty of which are sexually transmitted.  There are two vaccines on the market today, Gardasil and Cervarix.  Gardasil protects against four strains of HPV.  It has been on the market since 2006.  It offers protection for two strains of HPV that cause about 70% of cervical cancer and two strains that cause 90% of genital warts.   Cervarix hit the market in 2008 and protects against only two strains of HPV.  The two strains of protection are against cervical cancer only.

            The vaccination approved for girls and young women, Gardasil, has now been approved by the FDA to protect boys and young men as well.  Vaccination is recommended starting at age 11 through the age of 26. 

            My son was curious as to what his sister had to get a shot for and I explained the importance of the vaccination, Gardasil.  He read a hand-out from the doctor’s office and actually came to me to ask if he could get the same shot.  We talked to the doctor and were all in agreement.  I talk to my children about the importance of abstinence, but, I feel it is my job as a parent to offer any protection that will guard them from a possible life-threatening virus.  My daughter who is 14 has been vaccinated and my son who is 12 was vaccinated about seven months ago.