For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for March 04, 2015

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    Templo S.U.D.  over 9 years ago

    You also don’t hear that in a surgeon’s OR when doing an appendectomy or whatever.

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    krys723  over 9 years ago

    What? Manners don’t matter in a surgeon’s office…

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    Last Rose Of Summer Premium Member over 9 years ago

    Amazing that they used to work without gloves and masks.

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    mischugenah  over 9 years ago

    The annoying part is when they carry those habits home with them (looking at you, Dad).

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    Grutzi  over 9 years ago

    And amazingly enough, not only do you receive no paycheck but also are expected to figure out your own lunch. That’s on top of not being able to work for those days. Working in your husband’s dental practice as a sub is simply not worth it.

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    Daniel Aplet  over 9 years ago

    Yes he is forgetting the most important thing to say the magic word

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    gypsylobo  over 9 years ago

    A doctor or dentist doesn’t say “please” when he asks for something during a procedure. A “thank you” at the end is appreciated, but not necessary.

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    The Life I Draw Upon  over 9 years ago

    Elly needs to grow up.

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    USN1977  over 9 years ago

    Elly is unaware of the high-energy, intense setting of doctor’s offices, dentist’s offices, and the military. In places where time is of the essence, all employees have to function like a well-oiled machine. So long as there is a proper atmosphere, (i.e., the one in charge is not saying stuff like “gimme the wrench, you goddamn idiots!” et cetera) technicians often understand that their rapid delivery of the needed tool can be a matter of life and death. AFTER the procedure is done there can be time for “thank you” or “job well done”.

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    goweeder  over 9 years ago

    It is a possibility that Elly is now more accustomed to the husband/wife relationship more than a boss/employee relationship.And it is also possible that, at home, he DOES say ‘please’ and ‘thanks’ quite often. So she is more aware of the omission. Give them both some slack.

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    Guilty Bystander  over 9 years ago

    Elly is being a little touchy, but she does have a point when you look at the big picture. How often do you hear people say “please” or “thank you” anymore? Torquemada couldn’t force my grandkids to say either…I once told my oldest grandson that saying “please” or “thanks” takes only a syllable, but it can open doors with people who can help you because you’re showing a modicum of respect. Didn’t take.

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    crazyliberal  over 9 years ago

    Imagine at the dentist’s office “please and thank you” said 25 times for each patient. Waste of time! Your appointment would be 1 1/2 times as long. I want my mouth held open in that most uncomfortable position in as little time as possible. Like someone else said appreciation comes when the busy day is done!

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    hippogriff  over 9 years ago

    See W.S. Gilbert’s running gag in HMS Pinafore.

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    Atewl  over 9 years ago

    Get over yourself, already.

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    AVJ  over 9 years ago

    That’s how things used to be done — I don’t remember when it changed, but when I was a kid I never saw masks, gloves etc. in the dentist’s office. Presumably he did wash his hands well . . .

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    kattbailey  over 9 years ago

    Elly is training children in manners. This would be an ingrained response from observing her children

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    JennyJenkins  over 9 years ago

    About the gloves, masks, & other protective gear: in our dentist’s offices these became the norm when the AIDS epidemic started, and later there was the Hepatitis scare, and now it is so common, that if someone might not wear some gear, the patients might ask about it.

    In our medical doctor’s office, there is a notice to put on a disposable mask, as soon as you come in, although the doctor asks you to remove it when she is talking to you and you leave without it.

    The ubiquitous sterilizer for hands is on the outside of the door, in both offices.

    I’ve asked about all that garbage, and was told that they have a separate garbage for that stuff and it is picked up by a medical garbage company, whatever that is…

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    JennyJenkins  over 9 years ago

    I haven’t even noticed that they don’t say please and thank you at every turn. However, I always say thank you at the very end to the hygienist or the dentist and the assistant, because I’m so glad it is over, and most of all when I don’t have any cavities, I’m especially happy to say that thanks.

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    westny77  over 9 years ago

    Yeah Ellie you tell him. I’m glad John kept his shirt on.Lost my appetite when he took it off a few days ago.

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    hippogriff  over 9 years ago

    howtheduck: In the dialog, not the songs. The bit about the Cardwell Reforms outlawing the lash and respecting ORs as at least human (not particularly approved by Gilbert) with the recurring line, “If you please”. .When John Conally became Secretary of the Navy (with no sea experience), the muckraker Texas Observer printed the full lyrics of When I Was a Lad, with no changes. It was potent in context. (He also claimed that the Kennedy assassination was really an attempt on him that essentially missed. After healing, he brought back the sling during his reelection campaign for governor of Texas.)

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