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NOV/DEC 2025
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Drive-In Memories and Life Lessons
Stories From the Backseat
Growing up in the ‘60s and ‘70s, my family loved going to drive-in movies. There were several around town, and it was a big deal on a Saturday night for my mom and dad to load my two younger brothers and me into our 1963 four- door Chevy Belair and head to the one close by playing the movies we couldn’t wait to see. Leave it to my mom: She was always ready with snacks and a small ice chest to head out for the evening as the sun was going down. Sometimes, we would follow my two uncles and their families, all loaded with cousins, and park next to each other, all lined up for about three hours of family fun. You had to pull your car up to a pole in the ground with a metal speaker hanging on it, which you would put on the edge of your window to hear the sound of the movie. This was considered high-tech back then, and boy, did we think it was neat. As I got older and finally earned every teenager’s dream, a passport to freedom called a driver’s license, my friends and I made the drive-in theater a part of our lives we all still talk about and treasure today. It was part of growing up back then to be stuffed with two other friends into the trunk of someone’s car to sneak into the theater. Yeah, not exactly an honest, character-building moment, but we always paid a price for this deception. You had to jam into the trunk of the car behind a gas station way down the street from the theater so no one would see you and turn you in.
we all didn’t pass out from the car exhaust. The price of a ticket back then was $1 per person and 50 cents if you had a student pass. All I can say is that I don’t think we did it entirely to save the 50 cents, although that was worth something back then; I was only making $1.50 per hour at my part-time job. It was as much a rite of passage, a way to prove your mettle among your friends. If you were lucky and with the right guys, you could turn a stupid adventure like that into quite a story by the time you got to school on Monday. I can think of more than one high school legend born with less of a story to tell than that. With a little creativity, a simple story about hiding in the trunk of a car could easily become a life-or-death experience that would keep the girls in awe and give you lots to talk about for the rest of the semester. By far, the best part was that I didn’t even have to say anything at school. The guys I was with did all the talking, and they were big talkers; it actually started to become embarrassing. By the time they were done, you would have thought we were smuggled out of a German POW camp like in the movie “The Great Escape.” The more they talked, the more famous we all became. One of the movies I remember seeing at the drive-in back in the day was “The Outlaw Josey Wales,” with Clint Eastwood. I’ve always been a big Eastwood fan, so when I saw he did an interview for a new movie he was making recently, I checked it out. The guy interviewing him asked how he was still able at his age to
have the drive, energy, and stamina to do the demanding work of directing, producing, and acting all in the same movie. Clint’s no spring chicken, and his reply was pure Clint Eastwood. He simply said, “Never let the old man in.” If you take a few minutes and think about those few words, you’ll find a life lesson that could only be delivered by someone who’s lived it. I liked that interview so much, my son had a custom poster of Eastwood with that quote made for me as a Christmas present, and it hangs on the wall by the back door into my garage. I pass by it every day. No matter how old you are, the goal is to always remain young at heart, excited, and forever optimistic about life. In surfing, it’s called keeping the “stoke” or being “stoked” about surfing. Maybe the message in all this is always to keep that fire in our belly stoked and burning red hot because there’s no turning back now, and there’s a lot of living to do if we just have the determination to live it. So, let’s dream BIG and make the story of our lives one with a positive, uplifting influence on the people around us, and remember: “Never let the old man in.”
Best wishes,
From there, you had to wait in a long line of cars all flowing into the theater. It was a miracle
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Cats as Spies? Probably Not, but Maybe a Beetle THE CIA’S MOST PURR-PLEXING MISSION
The CIA once tried to turn a cat into a spy. No, really.
where two men were talking. Instead of heading toward the bench, the cat unfortunately wandered into traffic and was immediately hit by a taxi. The mission was over before it began. It turned out cats weren’t very good at following orders. In a later memo, the CIA admitted that the program wasn’t practical or suited to its “highly specialized needs.” No surprise there. If you’ve ever tried to get a cat to do anything it doesn’t want to do, you understand. Still, the idea of using animals for covert missions didn’t die with Acoustic Kitty. In the 2000s, the Pentagon’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) picked up the baton and funded experiments with remote- controlled insects. Researchers at UC Berkeley managed to control a beetle’s flight using neural implants. They could steer it left and right and make it start and stop in mid-air. It was like a bug-size drone. Science has shown that bugs might make better spies than cats. And unless your housecat suddenly develops a taste for espionage, your conversations are probably safe. So, if your feline friend stares blankly at you while you share secrets, don’t worry. That’s not surveillance. That’s just a cat being a cat.
In the 1960s, the agency launched a project called Acoustic Kitty. The idea was to implant listening devices into live cats so they could eavesdrop on foreign officials. One unlucky feline became their test subject. A surgeon
embedded a microphone in the cat’s ear, ran an antenna through its fur, and tucked a transmitter into the base of its skull. The CIA planned to train the cat to sit near targets and secretly transmit conversations. The outcome? Let’s just say things didn’t go as planned.
For the first trial run, CIA agents released the wired-up cat near a park bench
Why Testimonials Win Over Ads Real Stories, Real Trust
When it comes to choosing a dentist, most patients aren’t swayed by fancy ads or sales pitches. They want tangible proof they’re in good hands. That’s where patient testimonials and stories come in. While highlighting your services, they build trust, credibility, and connection in ways no marketing message ever could. WHY TESTIMONIALS MATTER If you’re looking for a new dentist, would you feel more reassured by a tagline like “Quality Care You Can Count On” or by reading a heartfelt story from a patient who overcame their fear of dental visits thanks to your team’s gentle care? Testimonials take the abstract promise of good service and turn it into something real, relatable, and human.
with a healthier smile. When they hear it directly from others who’ve been there, it carries far more weight than anything you could say about yourself. HOW TO COLLECT AND SHARE STORIES Start small. After a positive appointment, ask a patient if they’d
email newsletters, and highlight them in your waiting room. Variety helps: Short quotes work well for Instagram, while a detailed success story is perfect for your blog.
The beauty of patient stories is that they do more than attract new patients. They remind your
be comfortable sharing their experience. Some might be open to writing a short review, while others may agree to a quick video testimonial. Always get permission, and make it easy, whether it’s a link to your Google review page or a simple form on your website.
current patients that their voices matter. Celebrating their journeys reinforces a sense of partnership, showing that it’s all about the patients.
Ultimately, trust is the foundation of every healthy dentist-patient
relationship. By sharing authentic testimonials and stories, you’re growing your practice while creating a community where patients feel seen, heard, and cared for.
Once you’ve gathered stories, don’t let them sit idle. Showcase them on your website, weave them into social media posts, include them in
Patients want to know what it feels like to sit in your chair, interact with your staff, and walk out
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Anti-Inflammatory Foods That Heal Gum Health Starts on Your Plate
BERRIES: TINY BUT MIGHTY Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are packed with antioxidants that help reduce inflammation. Their natural sweetness is an excellent alternative to sugary snacks, which feed gum-damaging bacteria. OMEGA-3S: FAT THAT FIGHTS INFLAMMATION Fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel contain omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce gum inflammation and even slow the progression of periodontal disease. These fish are a delicious, heart-healthy addition to any anti-inflammatory diet. GREEN TEA AND SPICES: SOOTHE AND PROTECT Green tea contains catechins, natural compounds with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, while spices like turmeric and ginger offer gentle healing benefits for sore or swollen gums. A healthy mouth starts in the kitchen. By adding these foods to your daily meals, you’ll be taking a decisive step toward stronger gums, healthier teeth, and a shining smile.
When most people think of healthy eating, they imagine benefits like better heart health, glowing skin, or weight control. But your gums deserve some love, too! An anti-inflammatory diet can do wonders for your mouth by helping to prevent gum disease, fight bacteria, and soothe irritation. Gum inflammation is a huge red flag, and if chronic, it fuels conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis. Left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and even serious health issues. The good news is that certain foods can naturally help reduce inflammation and promote healing in your mouth. CRUNCHY VEGGIES: NATURE’S TOOTHBRUSH Vegetables like celery, carrots, and bell peppers are perfect for your gums. Their crunchy texture scrubs away plaque, and the chewing action stimulates saliva, which helps wash away harmful bacteria. Plus, they’re loaded with vitamins and antioxidants that nourish gum tissue. LEAFY GREENS: VITAMIN C POWERHOUSES Spinach, kale, and other dark leafy greens are rich in vitamin C, a key nutrient for maintaining healthy connective tissues and supporting your immune system. Just one serving a day can give your gums the extra strength they need to fight off infection.
Apple-Cranberry Salad
Take a Break
This tangy and sweet apple-cranberry salad will steal the show at your Thanksgiving feast this year.
INGREDIENTS • 6 slices of bacon • 1/3 cup balsamic vinaigrette • 1/3 cup olive oil • 2 tbsp raw honey • 8 oz fresh baby spinach, rinsed and dried
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries • 1 Honeycrisp apple, peeled and thinly sliced • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced • 1/2 cup feta cheese
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove it from the pan and set on a paper towel-lined plate to cool. 2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinaigrette, olive oil, and honey. Set aside. 3. In a large bowl, add spinach, cranberries, apple slices, red onion, and feta. Crumble bacon pieces over the top. Use salad forks to toss ingredients thoroughly. 4. Add dressing to the salad and toss again until well-coated.
Inspired by WanderlustAndWellness.org
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25791 Jefferson Ave. Murrieta, CA 92562 Pro-Craft.com 877-484-3522
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WHAT’S INSIDE? 1 Backseat Stories and Life Lessons 2 Furry Agents and Failed Espionage
Turning Patient Experiences Into Your Best Marketing Tool
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Gum-Healing Foods That Work
Take a Break
Apple-Cranberry Salad
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In the Spotlight
IN THE SPOTLIGHT Dylan Found His Calling in the Magic of the Lab
At Pro-Craft Dental Laboratory, we’ve built our success on more than cutting-edge technology. Our people make all the difference. Our team’s dedication and expertise power every innovation, restoration, and advancement we
Dylan now oversees the CAD/CAM milling workflow, 3Shape
design software, and an advanced fleet of 3D printers. His leadership also extends to training the next generation of technicians and introducing major advancements,
deliver to our clients. That’s why we place such a high value on our employees. Their passion and commitment drive us forward and ensure our lab is moving forward and our clients receive the very best in both service and quality. Dylan is one of our pros and a great example. He began his journey with Pro- Craft, hand waxing full crowns at just 15 years old. What started as curiosity quickly grew into a lifelong passion for the dental lab industry. His determination and talent led him to leadership roles, first in the Model and Die department, where he helped develop our innovative Digi Deck technology, and today as the leader of our digital department.
like our new PVS impression scanning systems. These contributions have been critical in keeping us at the forefront of digital dentistry. However, what makes Dylan’s story especially meaningful is his personal connection to the lab. Growing up watching his father’s work gave him an appreciation for the “magic”
of the dental lab environment, a sense of wonder he still carries into his role today.
Outside the lab, Dylan enjoys camping and off-roading with his wife and daughter. He and his wife also devote their time to mentoring youth at their church. His personal and professional dedication reflects the values that make our team so exceptional!
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