Sharon B

I've got a collection of brass bells going, and as I occasionally shop on E-Bay for more, I notice bells listed as "Invictus Bell" They have pictures in high relief on the outside, often of lions and other animals.

Invictus means invincible or unconquerable.

There is no Wickipedia entry or Google definition of "invictus Bell" and no apparent use, reason, or association between a brass bell with critters and foliage on it and being 'unconquerable'.

However, there are plenty of bells out there for sale.

I have a large collection of damascene jewelery. Some of the pieces are distinctly dull, dark, and tarnished looking compared to the others. How do I clean and/or polish them?

I have good teeth , so I seldom interact with a dentist. I am also an experienced RN in NY state, so I understand standards of care.

My 25 yr old front tooth crowns cracked, so I went to my dentist to have them replaced. He put temporaries on, and after 3 to 4 weeks I returned to have the temps taken off and the new permanent caps put on.

In the waiting area was a sign stating to notify office staff if having any flu like symptoms. I happened to have a slight sore throat and headache, so I dutifully reported this when I was called. I expected that my report of sore throat and headache would result in staff donning masks to protect themselves should I indeed be incubating something nasty.

I was shocked when my appointment was immediately canceled and I was told I could not reschedule for at least a week! This they said is standard for all patients regardless of Pt. frailty or vigor, age or immune status. I protested that rescheduling would be very difficult with my schedule (their office is only open four days a week) but they stood firm insisting this policy is a dentistry standard.

Is automatic rescheduling of symptomatic patients the standard of care?

The ADA website linked me to a CDC report on infection control in dental practice, but it was not covered there.

Thank You

P.S. And yes, I will be switching dentists to one open five days a week -- just as soon as the permanents are finally on.