Meet and Grow Rich

The people I babysit for recent went New Age on me.  Not too long ago, the youngest boy (who is two and a half) was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease where his immune system is killing his hair follicles, causing him to go bald.  The doctors told her it’s most likely permanent, so his mom took him to a specialist in alternative medicine to try to get a different answer.

The specialist — who is not a doctor, by the way — put the kids on a wacky diet: no dairy, no gluten, no sugar.  Not even any fruit!  I’m not exactly sure how this is supposed to cure autoimmune diseases.

On the whole I’m not a fan of alternative medicine, but that’s mainly because so much of it seems to be largely based on not enough research — or even none at all.  Even I have to admit that not all alternative medicine is like that, though.  For instance, there is plenty of research demonstrating the benefits of healing magnet treatments, where magnets are used as drug-free alternative pain relief.  In this case, though, years and years of studies have shown the power of magnets in chronic pain management.

Somehow I don’t think the same is true for restricting one’s diet in order to cure an autoimmune disease!

Technorati Tags: alternative medicine, autoimmune diseases, healing magnet, alternative pain relief, chronic pain management

If you had told me a month ago that I would actually be launching a mailer campaign for my fast food joint’s new winter menu, I would have thought you were crazy. I am a product of new age marketing, and have, throughout my 8 years managing the family’s fast food restaurant, been an avid fan of anything high tech.  Glitzy billboards, TV and radio spots, blimps, internet marketing - You name it.  If it was high tech and super expensive, I was in on it.

Things took a dramatic change for the better when my 66-year-old grandmother came to visit. Now, Gran may be getting on in years, but she’s as hooked onto tech as can be.  It was she who pointed me to a personalized web landing page that a car showroom had created for her.  I was astounded.  She had received a mailer encouraging her to check out more details at her own personalized page, and she was now actually encouraging Gramps to give up his old car for a new one! 

It got me thinking.  That was as perfect a blend of print and web that I have ever seen.  To crown it all, it was also ridiculously inexpensive, compared to all the high tech advertising that I was used to.

I’ve been looking up these one to one marketing providers in North Carolina, and have found one that looks promising.  Their range of services is amazing, from mailing services to online marketing, and everything in between.  I have an appointment with them on Monday.  Who knows, this could be the beginning of new and exciting things at the restaurant.

Technorati Tags: web landing page, one to one marketing, mailing services

One of my best friends in college was a guy I met in a psychology class.  He had enlisted in the Army Reserves to put him through college, and although a knee injury later on prevented him from ever being deployed with his unit, his status qualified him for certain jobs such as security jobs.

One job that he had was pretty much my dream setup.  He worked night security for a building where absolutely nothing happened at night, so he got to do his own thing while he was on duty.  He still had to keep an eye on the cameras, of course, but he had plenty of freedom to study, read, or write whil he was at work.

Since I have always wanted to be a writer, even back then, his job sounded pretty much perfect to me: Instead of having to give up your day job (or in this case, your night job), write while you’re working!

Of course, I suppose some of the tactical equipment could potentially get in your way.  Shoulder microphones would be an obvious distraction, but even something as little and unobtrusive as a security earpiece could unexpectedly pull you out of “the zone” when you are writing.

Still, having the opportunity to write without giving up your day job would give you the time to break into the business and get established as a writer.  Sounds like a dream setup to me!

Technorati Tags: security guard, Army Reserves, night security, tactical equipment, shoulder microphones, security earpiece

As I was installing the new water filtration system in my home I realized that I had a tool to make sure that I was not losing too much pressure by adding this on.  I simply went and got my flow meter from my garage and I was able to tell very quickly how the flow was moving.  I knew that if there was going to b e an issue one way or another I could simply install a flow controller and I would be able to alleviate the problem quickly.  I would be able to kill two birds with one stone as they say.  I would be able to not only have cleaner water, but I could regulate the pressure at which it was coming in.  This would reduce my bill as well. 

As an upgrade, I am considering the purchase of an ultrasonic flow meter.  This would allow me maximum knowledge as well as provide me with the best information about my water flow.  Here I would be able to know if I am getting the most from my system as well as whether I need to replace any pipes in my home.  This could help me both now and in the future.

Technorati Tags: flow controller, ultrasonic flow meter, flow meter

I have spent the past week interviewing candidates for our opening as receptionist.  Our company is a prestigious law firm so I know that I can’t legally offer the interviewees this simple advice but I hope they (you!) read it in my blog posting.

First, all Washington DC dentist will advise you (as well as the guy next to you on the subway) brush your teeth in the morning before leaving the house!  It doesn’t serve you to show up at an interview with egg still in your teeth and coffee on your breath. 

Second, if you have been a smoker in the past and now you are going to interview for a position that is the first face the public sees, please, before coming here to interview, see one of those lovely Washington DC cosmetic dentist offices to clean up your sparkling smile.  Any reputable Washington DC dental services office will tell you it is quite simple to get those pearly whites in tip-top shape.

The Today Show as well as the American Psychology Association both agrees that setting that first impression is quite important.  Iron you clothing, brush your hair, and take a shower.  Aren’t these simple hygiene habits you want from your fellow co-workers?

Technorati Tags:   Washington DC dentist, Washington DC cosmetic dentist, Washington DC dental services