If you live near a university research center, and want to help medical research and earn extra money at the same time, you might want to consider checking out clinical research trials.
I just got accepted into another clinical trial today and I am so excited! Not only will it help me with my allergies, but I will earn some extra money, something I desperately need, this last year in law school.
Some people may be scared to participate in clinical trials, but my experience has been wonderful. I have been a healthy, normal volunteer in diabetes trials, smallpox vaccine trials, bird flu trials, and in this case, I do have the allergies that they are testing for. But being protected from bird flu by getting the bird flu vaccine--how cool is that!
Some of the trials are low pay/high hassle factor, while others are high pay/low hassle factor, meaning that you don't have to do much to make good money. This is the case with the current study I am in.
The benefits to participating are many. Not only are you going to help people who have different diseases or syndromes, but you are earning money. On top of that, most of the studies I have participated in have required that I go through extensive medical testing before getting accepted. Because of this, I have had extensive phyiscals at no cost to me and have found out that I am healthy to boot.
There are also private clinical research trial companies around that do similar kinds of studies.
If you have some time to spare and want to help out others, while earning cash, look in your phone book for clinical research opportunities. I am glad that I have.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Helmsley Goes to the Dogs
Or I should say Leona Helmsley's fortune goes to her dogs. Don't get me wrong--I am pro dog. Very much so. I am one of those who thinks that if you don't like dogs, there is something wrong with you. I think Michael Vick is satan himself.
But there is something a little wierd about leaving $12 million to your little dog Trouble. Don't you think so? I mean--how much does it cost to keep Trouble up? Vaccines, food, kennel bills, jeweled collars etc., etc., only cost so much. What in the world could you spend $12 million on for a dog?
People have asked if leaving money to an animal is legal. The answer is yes.
But why $12 million? There has to be a reason. What what it was?
I think it is also kind of mean that she cut out two of her grandchildren. She said it was for "reasons known to them." It is mean because she knew that because of who she was that it would make headlines, and therefore embarrass them.
I really think that when people are making their wills, and making their last testament, literally, they should think about how hurtful things can be. After all, there is no chance to make things right after that.
But there is something a little wierd about leaving $12 million to your little dog Trouble. Don't you think so? I mean--how much does it cost to keep Trouble up? Vaccines, food, kennel bills, jeweled collars etc., etc., only cost so much. What in the world could you spend $12 million on for a dog?
People have asked if leaving money to an animal is legal. The answer is yes.
But why $12 million? There has to be a reason. What what it was?
I think it is also kind of mean that she cut out two of her grandchildren. She said it was for "reasons known to them." It is mean because she knew that because of who she was that it would make headlines, and therefore embarrass them.
I really think that when people are making their wills, and making their last testament, literally, they should think about how hurtful things can be. After all, there is no chance to make things right after that.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Tennessee's Bond Rating Goes Up
We Tennesseans got some good news recently: Moody's has boosted Tennessee's bond rating, which is recognition of good fiscal management. That means that when the state issues bonds on large projects, it can get a better interest rate. Moody's raised the rating from Aa2 to Aa1, which is its second highest rating.
But at the same time, it downgraded the state's outlook from positive to stable. As reported in the Tennessean, the agency cited "education-related and health-related expenditure pressures and the negative economic impact of continuing manufacturing sector declines," as part of its assessments.
Continuing manufacturing sector declines has a new meaning to me, since my new career is in manufacturing. Not on my watch, I say! We'll show them who is manufacturing. Us!
This bond rating is a great testament to Governor Phil Bredesen's skill. I actually think he would make a good president. I haven't heard anyone make this suggestion. Maybe in 2012? Think about it, Phil.
But at the same time, it downgraded the state's outlook from positive to stable. As reported in the Tennessean, the agency cited "education-related and health-related expenditure pressures and the negative economic impact of continuing manufacturing sector declines," as part of its assessments.
Continuing manufacturing sector declines has a new meaning to me, since my new career is in manufacturing. Not on my watch, I say! We'll show them who is manufacturing. Us!
This bond rating is a great testament to Governor Phil Bredesen's skill. I actually think he would make a good president. I haven't heard anyone make this suggestion. Maybe in 2012? Think about it, Phil.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Strong Winds Exacerbate Tragedy in Greece
When I traveled to Greece in the 1980s, I fell in love with the country just like I thought I would. People ask me what I did on the trip, and they are amazed when I say I spent most of my time in Athens, and on top of that, I really enjoyed it. Many people I talk to who have been to Greece say they did not care about Athens that much. "It was dirty," they say. "And crowded."
I loved it. I was young and pursued by many Greek men , both young and old, while there. That is not unusual, I know. But my friend and I met a group of Greek men our age, whom we met every night in one of the squares at an Italian restaurant. I know--wierd. But it was really good spaghetti, and we had a lot of fun just hanging out there with other people our age.
We had wanted to travel to the islands, but we didn't really have the time or money. We did take a one day boat trip to Mykynos, but it turned out to be a difficult day. The strong winds that Greece will sometimes get in August popped up while we were there, and it was so strong, we couldn't stay on the beach. The sand stung your eyes and skin. Mykenos is quite the spot, but no one, including the locals were at the beach because of the winds. To be honest, it put a damper on the trip, but we had a good time nonetheless. Back in Athens, we climbed up to the Parthenon a number of times, but again, on at least one occasion, the winds made it less fun that it could have been.
Today I read about the terrible fires in Greece that have been exacerbated by the winds. Sixty-three people had reportedly been killed over four days, and there had been a fear that the birthplace of the Olympics might be destroyed. It was so bad that from Sunday morning to Monday morning, 89 new fires had broken out. Authorities suspect arson. The scene is grim and desperate, but at least 19 countries are offering help. I can't imagine such a wonderful place and people going through such a horrible thing. But I can imagine how much the winds added to the problem.
I loved it. I was young and pursued by many Greek men , both young and old, while there. That is not unusual, I know. But my friend and I met a group of Greek men our age, whom we met every night in one of the squares at an Italian restaurant. I know--wierd. But it was really good spaghetti, and we had a lot of fun just hanging out there with other people our age.
We had wanted to travel to the islands, but we didn't really have the time or money. We did take a one day boat trip to Mykynos, but it turned out to be a difficult day. The strong winds that Greece will sometimes get in August popped up while we were there, and it was so strong, we couldn't stay on the beach. The sand stung your eyes and skin. Mykenos is quite the spot, but no one, including the locals were at the beach because of the winds. To be honest, it put a damper on the trip, but we had a good time nonetheless. Back in Athens, we climbed up to the Parthenon a number of times, but again, on at least one occasion, the winds made it less fun that it could have been.
Today I read about the terrible fires in Greece that have been exacerbated by the winds. Sixty-three people had reportedly been killed over four days, and there had been a fear that the birthplace of the Olympics might be destroyed. It was so bad that from Sunday morning to Monday morning, 89 new fires had broken out. Authorities suspect arson. The scene is grim and desperate, but at least 19 countries are offering help. I can't imagine such a wonderful place and people going through such a horrible thing. But I can imagine how much the winds added to the problem.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
When the Levees Broke
I spent the day studying for class, as well as watching the wonderful 4-part documentary When the Levees Broke. Spike Lee did a wonderful job of chronicaling the Katrina disaster, from the night the hurricane hit till months later when residents are still displaced and still not getting the help they need.
Some of the things that hit me: the fact that many of the people did not evacuate. Many of course did not have the means to evacuate, but many also thought they could ride it out. That sounds stupid in retrospect, but in reality it does make sense. Just a few days ago, everyone was upset about another hurricane that didn't rise to the level they thought it would, so I am assuming those in New Orleans thought the same would be with Katrina. How many times can you hear a disaster is coming and you have to evacuate, only to find it turns out to not be that big of a disaster. Of course with Katrina, it did end up that way, but you can see why some might dismiss the warnings to evacuate.
Someone in the documentary referred to Katrina as the 50-foot tall woman who was trying to tear off the roof of the Superdome. What an apt visual that is.
Mike Brown, the ridiculous choice for director of FEMA, comes off as a very pleasant man, someone you might want to have as a friend or date, and have to your house for a party, but in the footage, he just looks like a big goofy boob.
Spike Lee interspersed his own interviews of people with news footage. Some of my favorite footage was of Soledad O'Brien with CNN. Her interview with Brown was priceless. She kept asking him how her 23-year old research assistant at CNN could have more intel on the Katrina situation than Brown and FEMA. He never did answer the question.
The vignettes of people talking about being stuck in New Orleans, the heat, no water, no food, the stench, the bodies piled up for days, is just heartbreaking. Some of the residents did not want to return to New Orleans, saying that they didn't feel wanted there. But many more said they just wanted to come home. I can't imagine being in that position. I wonder how these people will ever recover from this event. One of the most inspiring moments in the series was when General Honore was telling the police and the guard to put their weapons down.
Try to catch the series if you can. It is on HBO On Demand through Sept. 16.
Some of the things that hit me: the fact that many of the people did not evacuate. Many of course did not have the means to evacuate, but many also thought they could ride it out. That sounds stupid in retrospect, but in reality it does make sense. Just a few days ago, everyone was upset about another hurricane that didn't rise to the level they thought it would, so I am assuming those in New Orleans thought the same would be with Katrina. How many times can you hear a disaster is coming and you have to evacuate, only to find it turns out to not be that big of a disaster. Of course with Katrina, it did end up that way, but you can see why some might dismiss the warnings to evacuate.
Someone in the documentary referred to Katrina as the 50-foot tall woman who was trying to tear off the roof of the Superdome. What an apt visual that is.
Mike Brown, the ridiculous choice for director of FEMA, comes off as a very pleasant man, someone you might want to have as a friend or date, and have to your house for a party, but in the footage, he just looks like a big goofy boob.
Spike Lee interspersed his own interviews of people with news footage. Some of my favorite footage was of Soledad O'Brien with CNN. Her interview with Brown was priceless. She kept asking him how her 23-year old research assistant at CNN could have more intel on the Katrina situation than Brown and FEMA. He never did answer the question.
The vignettes of people talking about being stuck in New Orleans, the heat, no water, no food, the stench, the bodies piled up for days, is just heartbreaking. Some of the residents did not want to return to New Orleans, saying that they didn't feel wanted there. But many more said they just wanted to come home. I can't imagine being in that position. I wonder how these people will ever recover from this event. One of the most inspiring moments in the series was when General Honore was telling the police and the guard to put their weapons down.
Try to catch the series if you can. It is on HBO On Demand through Sept. 16.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
No More Movies at Vanderbilt University's Sarratt Center
I was wandering around Vanderbilt campus today (a tough thing to do in 100 F degree weather). There was a lot of activity, as students are moving in this weekend, and throngs of students and parents were moving items into dorm rooms, getting IDs and textbooks, and getting acquainted with where things are.
After running my errands on campus, I walked into the Sarratt Center to get the latest film schedule. In recent years, I haven't been able to attend many of the movies, but I was hoping to squeeze in a few this year, somehow in between law class and studying for tests.
When I got to the front desk, I looked for the schedules, which ususally are on the counter. I didn't see any and asked the people behind the desk where they were. They told me they are not showing movies anymore at Sarratt; Last year many of the shows only attracted a few people, and they just couldn't justify it anymore. Parking was an issue now: New construction has taken many of the few parking spaces that were available, and it is just too hard for people to get there, as Sarratt is in the middle of campus. People have to park on the periphery and walk into the heart of the campus to go to the center.
That was disappointing news, as Sarratt once ran some of the best movies in town. Current films, classic films, quirky films. They used to hold the Nashville Film Society series. The people at the desk said they will not start showing movies again until enough people say they want it back.
Granted the great Belcourt Theatre in Hillsboro Village can pick up the slack in showing the quality art films and such. But there was something special about the showings in Sarratt. Often Vanderbilt would hold educational panels to go along with certain films.
So if you feel strongly about this, give Sarratt a call. I already voiced my opinion.
After running my errands on campus, I walked into the Sarratt Center to get the latest film schedule. In recent years, I haven't been able to attend many of the movies, but I was hoping to squeeze in a few this year, somehow in between law class and studying for tests.
When I got to the front desk, I looked for the schedules, which ususally are on the counter. I didn't see any and asked the people behind the desk where they were. They told me they are not showing movies anymore at Sarratt; Last year many of the shows only attracted a few people, and they just couldn't justify it anymore. Parking was an issue now: New construction has taken many of the few parking spaces that were available, and it is just too hard for people to get there, as Sarratt is in the middle of campus. People have to park on the periphery and walk into the heart of the campus to go to the center.
That was disappointing news, as Sarratt once ran some of the best movies in town. Current films, classic films, quirky films. They used to hold the Nashville Film Society series. The people at the desk said they will not start showing movies again until enough people say they want it back.
Granted the great Belcourt Theatre in Hillsboro Village can pick up the slack in showing the quality art films and such. But there was something special about the showings in Sarratt. Often Vanderbilt would hold educational panels to go along with certain films.
So if you feel strongly about this, give Sarratt a call. I already voiced my opinion.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Repubs and Immigration Fallout
Have the Repubs really thought through all the consequences of their rabid illegal immigration stance? Of course not! They are Republicans and they really don't think through anything!
I read an article in an international newspaper the other day about one of the effects of the crackdown on illegal immigrants. The effect is that many more jobs will go overseas. This could be true even in the construction business. Much of construction can be made prefab overseas. Isn't outsourcing something else that Repubs have been upset about? Of course. But do they realize they are going to make it worse? Of course not! They are Republicans and they can't think anything through!
An economist I used to work with said that illegal immigrants actually contribute more to the economy than they take out. They provide labor that no one else wants to do and that our economy needs. Even when they have fake social security numbers, they are paying into our social security system. Many business have sprouted up and thrive based on the fact that these illegal immigrants are also consumers and they consume things. Many businesses would have to close down if the illegal immigrants were to go away.
I heard a speaker on entrepreneurship today who said that immigrants in this country are quick to form their own businesses. Isn't that a good thing?
And the debate seems to dwell on low level immigrant work. It hasn't even touched on the fact that this country needs more high level immigrants in the engineering and sciences. Desperately needs them.
I read an article in an international newspaper the other day about one of the effects of the crackdown on illegal immigrants. The effect is that many more jobs will go overseas. This could be true even in the construction business. Much of construction can be made prefab overseas. Isn't outsourcing something else that Repubs have been upset about? Of course. But do they realize they are going to make it worse? Of course not! They are Republicans and they can't think anything through!
An economist I used to work with said that illegal immigrants actually contribute more to the economy than they take out. They provide labor that no one else wants to do and that our economy needs. Even when they have fake social security numbers, they are paying into our social security system. Many business have sprouted up and thrive based on the fact that these illegal immigrants are also consumers and they consume things. Many businesses would have to close down if the illegal immigrants were to go away.
I heard a speaker on entrepreneurship today who said that immigrants in this country are quick to form their own businesses. Isn't that a good thing?
And the debate seems to dwell on low level immigrant work. It hasn't even touched on the fact that this country needs more high level immigrants in the engineering and sciences. Desperately needs them.
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