Braces have become a necessity rather than a luxury these days. And despite the down-turning economy, parents are dipping into their savings to make sure their kids will have perfect teeth. Money in the bank is earning practically nothing. Investing in their children proves to provide the best return these days. Braces can cost anywhere from $4500 to $7000 with little or no help from dental insurance. Even with the staggering economy offering job losses and salary deductions instead of promotions and raises a perfect smile remains a priority. Most families are struggling, but they are willing to make the sacrifice.
The number of patients getting braces have declined since the signs of recession reared their ugly heads. Some orthodontists realize what a hardship it is allowing braces into a budget so they have dropped fees and/or have let families stretch out payments. Families often face three choices when paying for braces: payment in full and upfront; third party financing with interest; or in-office financing with a down payment.
Society places an enormous amount of value on appearances. The celebrities we often look to have the perfect toned and tanned body and perfect teeth. Parents know the value placed on appearance so the investment in braces gives them security in their kids' future. Kids are now used to the idea of braces because they have become so commonplace. Now they are just one more stage of life to be expected.
Original Article from NY Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/16/fashion/16SKIN.html?ref=fashion
4.10.2009
A New Career Opportunity...
The world's most famous community organizer has inspired many to follow in his footsteps. Many students are starting to realize that money isn't the most important thing in life. They desire to impact lives in a positive way. However, this job hasn't always been that alluring to recent college graduates. It was once thought of as a job for lefty radicals committed to living lives of low pay, frustration and bitter burnout. But today's youth is viewing the career opportunity in a new light. They even consider it exciting. Those interested in this new path envision helping communities address urgent issues like economics, the environment, education and/or social justice.
President Obama helped ignite the burning passion of community organization through his presidential campaign and memior by glamorizing the unheard of position. He also explained what exactly it meant to be a communiy organizer. In his memior, he wrote about meeting with people in their homes and churches and listening to their stories of failure and of small victories. Community-based organizations have not done a good job of marketing their work. However, sometimes all it takes is one person. In this case it just so happens to be the President of the United States. His campaign was full of free advertising and they used the publicity to fully capitalize on it. This is inspiration to many knowing that their president went from a community organizer to a world leader.
President Obama claimed that working as a community organizer was the best education he had ever had. The job offers certain intangible skills that may not be found elsewhere. Students can see a direct result of the skills a person can learn by looking to President Obama. His concern and the way he relates with everyday people is a direct result of his role in community organizing. However, the main concern with the recent rise in popularity is the lack of guarantee that they will stick with it. It is highly possible that they could eventually become frustrated about the lack of progress.
Original article from NY Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/12/fashion/12organizer.html?ref=fashion
President Obama helped ignite the burning passion of community organization through his presidential campaign and memior by glamorizing the unheard of position. He also explained what exactly it meant to be a communiy organizer. In his memior, he wrote about meeting with people in their homes and churches and listening to their stories of failure and of small victories. Community-based organizations have not done a good job of marketing their work. However, sometimes all it takes is one person. In this case it just so happens to be the President of the United States. His campaign was full of free advertising and they used the publicity to fully capitalize on it. This is inspiration to many knowing that their president went from a community organizer to a world leader.
President Obama claimed that working as a community organizer was the best education he had ever had. The job offers certain intangible skills that may not be found elsewhere. Students can see a direct result of the skills a person can learn by looking to President Obama. His concern and the way he relates with everyday people is a direct result of his role in community organizing. However, the main concern with the recent rise in popularity is the lack of guarantee that they will stick with it. It is highly possible that they could eventually become frustrated about the lack of progress.
Original article from NY Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/12/fashion/12organizer.html?ref=fashion
4.01.2009
...and Netflix is still standing...
Dinner and a movie has taken on a whole new twist. With the economy in recession, Americans are cutting back in every way possible. The new and growing trend... Netflix. Netflix has thrived in the struggling economy because so many are refusing to spend over $40 at the movies for tickets and snacks. Americans have even resorted to cancelling their cable to ease the struggle. Netflix offers an escape from reality for hardly any money and without even leaving the house. Subscribers pick the movies they want to see and a dvd is promptly mailed to their house. Once they are finished they simply mail it back and receive another movie on their list. In February, the company had established over 10 million customers and counting.
Plans are offered at a variety of levels, ranging from $4.99 to $16.99 per month. However, despite the low-cost entertainment, couples have found this to be a new source of arguements. The battle over who chooses the next dvd has escalated into sometimes a full blown out war. Because of this reoccuring problem, a new tool has been added to the site that allows members of the same household to add a profile. They are given an allotment of discs and movies from each list are sent so that each member gets what they want, in an equal amount. The tool acts as a third party and randomly selects from each list, hopefully resulting in less arguing and more movie watching. There is also a problem of unwatched discs. Members often continue to pay the membership fee each month and forego sending back the unwatched disc for another.
Plans are offered at a variety of levels, ranging from $4.99 to $16.99 per month. However, despite the low-cost entertainment, couples have found this to be a new source of arguements. The battle over who chooses the next dvd has escalated into sometimes a full blown out war. Because of this reoccuring problem, a new tool has been added to the site that allows members of the same household to add a profile. They are given an allotment of discs and movies from each list are sent so that each member gets what they want, in an equal amount. The tool acts as a third party and randomly selects from each list, hopefully resulting in less arguing and more movie watching. There is also a problem of unwatched discs. Members often continue to pay the membership fee each month and forego sending back the unwatched disc for another.
Original Article from nytimes.com:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/29/fashion/29netflix.html?pagewanted=1&ref=fashion
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