Well, the final neuro test went alright. It was hard and I feel sleep deprived, fat, and grumpy but another hoop has been jumped threw.
Saw this in an email today and sort of made me wonder, why bother?! If one can lead the free world with sub-par grades, random college courses, and a beauty pageant history, I could surely be a doctor by achieving just the bare minimum grades right? Unforuntely, I am just not built like that. Wish I was.
Candidate Educations:
Obama:
Occidental College - Two years.
Columbia University - B.A. political science with a specialization in international relations.
Harvard - Juris Doctor (J.D.) Magna Cum Laude
& Biden:
University of Delaware - B.A. in history and B.A. in political science.
Syracuse University College of Law - Juris Doctor (J.D.)
vs.
McCain:
United States Naval Academy - Class rank 894out of 899 (meaning that, like George Bush, McCain was at the bottom of his class)
Palin:
Hawaii Pacific University - 1 semester
North Idaho College - 2 semesters - general study
University of Idaho - 2 semesters - journalism
Matanuska-Susitna College - 1 semester
University of Idaho - 3 semesters - B.A. in journalism
Now, which team are you going to hire to lead the most influential nation in the world?
7
Monday, September 29, 2008
Cancer
I am totally hacking this from another Medblog but I really thought these pictures were amazing so I am posting the link here as well.
It is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
So sad that some of these kids hardly had a chance to live. Cancer truly is evil.
Well...it is 3am and I have a test at 8am so I better finish up here and get some zzzzzzz
As a sidenote: I have a friend who has been working as a democratic campaign organizer in the northeast. He was invited to go on a bike ride with John Kerry. THis kid is 28 and he is what 60? Kerry crushed him like a little bug. I guess the ol' man can ride. (see pics)
It is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
So sad that some of these kids hardly had a chance to live. Cancer truly is evil.
Well...it is 3am and I have a test at 8am so I better finish up here and get some zzzzzzz
As a sidenote: I have a friend who has been working as a democratic campaign organizer in the northeast. He was invited to go on a bike ride with John Kerry. THis kid is 28 and he is what 60? Kerry crushed him like a little bug. I guess the ol' man can ride. (see pics)
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Hurricane?
Could a Hurricane save me from my inevitable destruction on Monday's Neuro exam? What luck!
Let the oceans rise!
(I am behind on Neuro-pharm)
Let the oceans rise!
(I am behind on Neuro-pharm)
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Debate!
That presidential debate sucked!
Put these guys to sleep:
McCain: "I would start a spending freeze except for the military, veteran affairs, and existing entitlement programs."
Umm dude. The country still needs social services. Mental health, health care, poverty programs, and education are important. Not only that, but we need many of these EXPANDED. Why is it so hard to believe that money spent on our citizens is some of the best spent money? Why keep funding shitty wars if we are financially strapped? You can't have a conservative view of birth control/abortion issues and then have families with 5 plus kids that are not supported by our government if needed. Having a girlfriend who is a therapist working for a government funded mental health group, I am scared of McCain's views on government spending and social programs. He sucks. And he is really a robot.
Voters against robot-rule!
I made this! Talent...
I had a chat with my next door neighbor, a McCain supporter now that hillary is out of the running, and here is what she had to say about Obama post debate! She would of chatted longer but she had to run as the 2 guys and the goat on the four wheeler wanted to start the orgy!
if no sound or not working;
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=3be_1222409488
god, there are a lot of idiots out there voting.
Put these guys to sleep:
McCain: "I would start a spending freeze except for the military, veteran affairs, and existing entitlement programs."
Umm dude. The country still needs social services. Mental health, health care, poverty programs, and education are important. Not only that, but we need many of these EXPANDED. Why is it so hard to believe that money spent on our citizens is some of the best spent money? Why keep funding shitty wars if we are financially strapped? You can't have a conservative view of birth control/abortion issues and then have families with 5 plus kids that are not supported by our government if needed. Having a girlfriend who is a therapist working for a government funded mental health group, I am scared of McCain's views on government spending and social programs. He sucks. And he is really a robot.
Voters against robot-rule!
I made this! Talent...
I had a chat with my next door neighbor, a McCain supporter now that hillary is out of the running, and here is what she had to say about Obama post debate! She would of chatted longer but she had to run as the 2 guys and the goat on the four wheeler wanted to start the orgy!
if no sound or not working;
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=3be_1222409488
god, there are a lot of idiots out there voting.
Lyme Disease
Well, the pups got diagnosed with Lyme Disease the other day (Not Lyme's! That was a pet peeve of our BacT professor last year.)
This is a serious bumma dude! It increases their chances of arthritis and other bs that I don't want them to have to experience nor me pay for...
They have started the brutally long 4 week antibiotic treatment.
I am currently hammering through a disease index for a neuro pathology exam on monday. I think I got a Lewy body stuck up in my cranium.
A pic of pumpkin Maji cool chillin on a rainy, study day:
A pic of a crazy ass chicken from a local fair last weekend:
My new skateboard! Sic!
Random Badass pic, african with pet hyena:
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Osteopathic Discrimination
Got this little ditty of an email today....
"Recently, the AOA has been contacted by members experiencing discrimination in hospitals in Boise, Idaho (St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center and St Luke's Boise Medical Center) and North Carolina (Carolinas Medical Center and Moore Regional Health Center). These hospitals and health systems have denied hospital privileges to DOs with osteopathic training and board certification, rather than ACGME/ABMS credentials.
The AOA is here to help educate health care facilities about osteopathic medical education to ensure that DOs are treated fairly. If you are currently experiencing discrimination or have experienced discrimination in the past regarding hospital privileges, whether at the hospitals listed above or elsewhere, please contact the AOA....
The AOA is committed to protecting DOs' practice rights. "
Frankly, I think this kind of discrimination is bullsh@t. As a hard working Osteopathic medical student, I find this highly offensive. D.O.'s are playing a critical role in supplying not only this country, but the world, with highly qualified, well trained physicians. We took the same stinking MCAT and challenging college courses and subjected ourselves to the same brutal admissions process as M.D. students.
We also learn the exact same things as M.D. medical students plus some. Want to come by and visit my classroom for a day, Mr. Discriminator? Our school year is longer. My days in the class (8-4 or 8-5 often) are long and vigorous. I have an extra thousand plus hours in hands on manipulative treatment and anatomical study. Our program is 4 years plus residency (3-7). I will take both the COMLEX and still kick ass on your little USMLE as well. I will likely, due to location issues, work at an allopathic EM residency. So whats the deal? We can do the same things as M.D.s, we can practice is over 55 countries, and we will constitute 1 out of every 5 U.S. physicians by 2020. So please, NC and ID hospitals, spare me the elitist M.D. "good ol' boy" mentality because, I can tell you right now, I am going to be an awesome Osteopathic EM physician and you better believe I am coming to a hospital near you, maybe even yours.
oh, and yes, I am taking on the same $380,000 in debt to become a doctor. A little respect please.
7
ps. I was working in a highly respected, regional level 1 EM dept. last week and there were an 1:1 ratio between D.O.s and M.D.s at the time. Guess what? They were all doing a good job.
"Recently, the AOA has been contacted by members experiencing discrimination in hospitals in Boise, Idaho (St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center and St Luke's Boise Medical Center) and North Carolina (Carolinas Medical Center and Moore Regional Health Center). These hospitals and health systems have denied hospital privileges to DOs with osteopathic training and board certification, rather than ACGME/ABMS credentials.
The AOA is here to help educate health care facilities about osteopathic medical education to ensure that DOs are treated fairly. If you are currently experiencing discrimination or have experienced discrimination in the past regarding hospital privileges, whether at the hospitals listed above or elsewhere, please contact the AOA....
The AOA is committed to protecting DOs' practice rights. "
Frankly, I think this kind of discrimination is bullsh@t. As a hard working Osteopathic medical student, I find this highly offensive. D.O.'s are playing a critical role in supplying not only this country, but the world, with highly qualified, well trained physicians. We took the same stinking MCAT and challenging college courses and subjected ourselves to the same brutal admissions process as M.D. students.
We also learn the exact same things as M.D. medical students plus some. Want to come by and visit my classroom for a day, Mr. Discriminator? Our school year is longer. My days in the class (8-4 or 8-5 often) are long and vigorous. I have an extra thousand plus hours in hands on manipulative treatment and anatomical study. Our program is 4 years plus residency (3-7). I will take both the COMLEX and still kick ass on your little USMLE as well. I will likely, due to location issues, work at an allopathic EM residency. So whats the deal? We can do the same things as M.D.s, we can practice is over 55 countries, and we will constitute 1 out of every 5 U.S. physicians by 2020. So please, NC and ID hospitals, spare me the elitist M.D. "good ol' boy" mentality because, I can tell you right now, I am going to be an awesome Osteopathic EM physician and you better believe I am coming to a hospital near you, maybe even yours.
oh, and yes, I am taking on the same $380,000 in debt to become a doctor. A little respect please.
7
ps. I was working in a highly respected, regional level 1 EM dept. last week and there were an 1:1 ratio between D.O.s and M.D.s at the time. Guess what? They were all doing a good job.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
I'm so new age hip.
On my way back from a meeting with the State EMS bigwigs (which was way cool), I stopped by my favorite cafe in my local favorite city (keeping it vague here). I was looking around at all the tattooed young folks, coffee sippin' poetry readers, guitar players, bike commuters, and couples of all shapes, sizes, and orientation. Then, I looked to the one place on the wall that I had never really thought to look in the past (this section of wall is not right next to all the art) and there it hung...
The plaque entitled "______'s Best Lesbien Bar and Wifi Hotspot" given out by a local magazine.
And that's when it clicked...
I am so god damn hip.
Comments? Thoughts?
Are you hip?
The plaque entitled "______'s Best Lesbien Bar and Wifi Hotspot" given out by a local magazine.
And that's when it clicked...
I am so god damn hip.
Comments? Thoughts?
Are you hip?
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Hold THE PHONE. HOLY FUCK.
NPR's World Cafe introduced me to one of the finest talents on the planet tonight.
Her name is Jessica Lea Mayfield. She is out of control excellent and rivals some of favorites, Cat Power, Iron and Wine, Jolie Holland, etc. She is only 18!
I just downloaded her Album White Lies off itunes (glad they had it) and the best part is that she has a new album coming out Sept 16th so I wont have to wait to get a second fix.
CHeck her out. Cause everyone needs music.
http://www.myspace.com/jlmayfield
I Wish I knew how to embed tracks on here because you guys would be in for a treat.
This is the best find I have had in a while.
another track off the newer album, not as kick ass but thought I would pass it on...
http://www.irockcleveland.com/tunes/KissMeAgain.mp3
Her name is Jessica Lea Mayfield. She is out of control excellent and rivals some of favorites, Cat Power, Iron and Wine, Jolie Holland, etc. She is only 18!
I just downloaded her Album White Lies off itunes (glad they had it) and the best part is that she has a new album coming out Sept 16th so I wont have to wait to get a second fix.
CHeck her out. Cause everyone needs music.
http://www.myspace.com/jlmayfield
I Wish I knew how to embed tracks on here because you guys would be in for a treat.
This is the best find I have had in a while.
another track off the newer album, not as kick ass but thought I would pass it on...
http://www.irockcleveland.com/tunes/KissMeAgain.mp3
Register to Vote
Hey everyone,
If you are at like me you have moved 16 times since the last election. I found this website very easy to register to vote and even check if I had already done so. This works regardless of your party but please disregard this resource if you were planning on voting for autobot McCain, his joke of a VP running mate, and more war ;)
http://www.voteforchange.com/index_obama.php
7
If you are at like me you have moved 16 times since the last election. I found this website very easy to register to vote and even check if I had already done so. This works regardless of your party but please disregard this resource if you were planning on voting for autobot McCain, his joke of a VP running mate, and more war ;)
http://www.voteforchange.com/index_obama.php
7
Friday, September 12, 2008
Eaten by the Wolf Pack
=
Palin makes me sick. SHE WILL LEAD TO WAR.
So you are Pro-war, pro-georgia/isreal, pro-bush, just got a passport, think you know about russia because you can see it from your home coast, focused on "terrorism", pro-drilling, and deny anti-climate change Mrs. Palin?
Wooaaaaa, you do sound like a real reformer, change-focused vp candidate. Or just george bush with tits and stupid ass glasses.
Thats enough for now. rant off.
http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=5783816
WOMEN AGAINST PALIN!
http//www.womenagainstsarahpalin.org/
http://womenagainstsarahpalin.blogspot.com/
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Random Musings and News
I survived my 2nd of 3 neuro tests. It was the hardest test I have taken since entering medical school. The shear knowledge you need to acquire just to answer some of these questions is crazy. I have been in school just a month since second year started and I am deep in it. Battling it through and pushing myself...
As a younger lad, I was a competitive ski racer. I spent YEARS racing downhill in freezing conditions and training all winter and summer (glaciers) long to battle the elements, my mind, my competitors, the mountain....if I can contribute any of my success thus far in medical school to anything, it would be my 20 years competitive ski racing. I can deprive myself of sleep, battle through anxiety, endure physical and mental pain, and push myself when needed. I really can't imagine where I would be without these experiences.
In other news, I made one of my first financial contributions to a political candidate. After Obama lost 5-10 points this week, I decided to contribute to his campaign. I CANNOT sit here and watch as the autobot McCain and his useless bitch brainwash the country. America can be so stupid. I sure hope we can initiate some positive energy and progressive programs for environmental health, human health, jobs, and peace in the upcoming presidency. I just don't see an old, white male with 20 years of political experience in Washington and some extreme conservative vp doing any of these things.
I liked this video.
...not only for its substance but for its aura. Its passion. I don't think there is passion in the republican party. I think there is an agenda of fear. An agenda of maintaining a status quo. Its scary to think there are so many of us who want the world to freeze. For social progress to halt. I doubt McCain would campaign on a racist, anti-black platform in this day and age but I bet he would of 80 years ago. Also, I think the republicans will be backpeddling on social issues such as gay rights in 10 years. Soon it will be socially unacceptable and political suicide to speak of unequal marriage rights and to belong to chruches that oppress and kill.
I spent the evening with some friends who are heading to India for 2 years to do some powerful and amazing work. They will be working on PhD dissertations and working for think tank NGOs to help India and the world. Sometimes, actually all them time, I wish we had academics, social theorists, and/or philosophers running our countries instead of money bag rich kids and lawyers. It is no mystery that the rest of the world would love to see a conscientious, intellectual leader in the whitehouse. If we are going to live in a world with billions of other people, I believe we should value their opinions on this important presidential race as well.
I hit a mild depression tonight. Depression is a common word these days and I don't mean "depression" in your prozac commerical kind of way but as in a dip in the road kind of way. I felt down and I know the wine I had drank contributed. One good thing resulted though. Iron and Wine tixs. I was listening to this epic group and decided that it was time to throw down the cash to finally see them.
nov 15th. Mass. I will be there.
http://www.ironandwine.com/tour/
unlike real depression, there is a certain comfort in my ability to feel emotions such as sadness so intensely. Means I am not an autobot yet.
Lastly, throw some good vibes out to my bestest buddy, Pombe, my dog who will be in surgery in the morning.
As a younger lad, I was a competitive ski racer. I spent YEARS racing downhill in freezing conditions and training all winter and summer (glaciers) long to battle the elements, my mind, my competitors, the mountain....if I can contribute any of my success thus far in medical school to anything, it would be my 20 years competitive ski racing. I can deprive myself of sleep, battle through anxiety, endure physical and mental pain, and push myself when needed. I really can't imagine where I would be without these experiences.
In other news, I made one of my first financial contributions to a political candidate. After Obama lost 5-10 points this week, I decided to contribute to his campaign. I CANNOT sit here and watch as the autobot McCain and his useless bitch brainwash the country. America can be so stupid. I sure hope we can initiate some positive energy and progressive programs for environmental health, human health, jobs, and peace in the upcoming presidency. I just don't see an old, white male with 20 years of political experience in Washington and some extreme conservative vp doing any of these things.
I liked this video.
...not only for its substance but for its aura. Its passion. I don't think there is passion in the republican party. I think there is an agenda of fear. An agenda of maintaining a status quo. Its scary to think there are so many of us who want the world to freeze. For social progress to halt. I doubt McCain would campaign on a racist, anti-black platform in this day and age but I bet he would of 80 years ago. Also, I think the republicans will be backpeddling on social issues such as gay rights in 10 years. Soon it will be socially unacceptable and political suicide to speak of unequal marriage rights and to belong to chruches that oppress and kill.
I spent the evening with some friends who are heading to India for 2 years to do some powerful and amazing work. They will be working on PhD dissertations and working for think tank NGOs to help India and the world. Sometimes, actually all them time, I wish we had academics, social theorists, and/or philosophers running our countries instead of money bag rich kids and lawyers. It is no mystery that the rest of the world would love to see a conscientious, intellectual leader in the whitehouse. If we are going to live in a world with billions of other people, I believe we should value their opinions on this important presidential race as well.
I hit a mild depression tonight. Depression is a common word these days and I don't mean "depression" in your prozac commerical kind of way but as in a dip in the road kind of way. I felt down and I know the wine I had drank contributed. One good thing resulted though. Iron and Wine tixs. I was listening to this epic group and decided that it was time to throw down the cash to finally see them.
nov 15th. Mass. I will be there.
http://www.ironandwine.com/tour/
unlike real depression, there is a certain comfort in my ability to feel emotions such as sadness so intensely. Means I am not an autobot yet.
Lastly, throw some good vibes out to my bestest buddy, Pombe, my dog who will be in surgery in the morning.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Giving (edit: 2 posts for 1!)
A cool thing happened today.
For the past month my upstairs neighbor has been scraping to get by due to recently being laid off. He is a nice man and appears to always be looking for a job or walking somewhere to investigate opportunities (he has no car). I truly believe he has come under hard times because of a stumbling economy and a lack of skilled training.
It appears many are having the same trouble.
Anyhow, my girlfriend and I have been occasionally providing him with tomatoes from our potted plants, bread, a few dollars, meat, and an occasional brew (essential during a down time!).
So today I was headed up there to give him a few of the aforementioned items when I was caught by another neighbor as I exited my apartment. This neighbor, an old woman with an accent of some sort, and her husband live in the house next door and have lived there for about 50 years. They are truly some of the nicest people I have encountered since returning to the northeast. She is always yelling over to us and keeping up on our lives and news. She also likes to scorn me for riding my motorcycle since her own son was paralyzed riding an old crotchrocket of sorts.Well, in her hands she appeared with 2 nice lobsters that she wanted to give my girlfriend and me. To say the least, I was taken back as I have only had 1 since my arrival on the eastcoast over a year ago due to their cost.
I thanked her and all I could think was, "what goes around, comes around." I feel like the universe knew we were sharing (even though I am floating on loan money right now) and that she (both the universe and my neighbor)had reciprocated. It was an unprovoked, kind gesture and I appreciated it. I ate lobster, local corn, and a glass of red wine as I sat studying Neuro.
Without ruining this nice experience with too much political thought, I want to briefly mention that I believe their are too many Americans who don't want to help each other out. Everyone bitches about taxes, programs, bureaucracy, large government but in my mind these societal elements are essential to building a society where people's basic human needs are met: food, shelter, health care, and opportunities to grow. The republicans are building yet another political platform on reduced taxes, cut programs, and selfish ideology. I watched one woman speak at the DNC who claimed to have been a lifelong republican until a year ago when she came onto hardtimes because of joblessness and health issues. Shee could not pay her bills or get the medicine she needed. Her statement was, "I can't afford another 4 years with a republican in the Whitehouse." My question to her is,"where were you when you had the funds and your fellow citizens were the ones that needed your tax dollars, government programs, and health care aid?"
What goes around, comes around. And I don't mean it in the revenge kind of way!
Remember to share and elect the most progressive, socially minded politicians you can find on your national and local ballets.
edit:
ok, I am going to taint this post with politics after all.
listen to this Michael Moore interview on Larry King Live:
They have two quick clips of McCain and Obama on healthcare and then he says some interesting things that echo my post above: GO TO minute 19 sec 17.
in case you dont see the embedded video click here
I also liked how M.M. commented that Obama's plans are not perfect either.
"His (Obama's) plan still leaves insurance companies at the table. Ah...they should ont be anywhere, private-profit making companies, around a universal healthcare plan b/c they are there to make a profit. We whould never talk about profit when we are talking about helping people that are sick."
Min 22 sec 10
As a medical student who is taking on about $350,000 worth of debt to go to school, universal healthcare is a huge gamble for my professional life and career. But...I still support the idea of attempting to construct such a system in which insurance companies have no hand in determining how one gets care. I don't understand, as a non-healthcare professional, why universal healthcare would not be on one's list of things they would like to see happen in short order.
For the past month my upstairs neighbor has been scraping to get by due to recently being laid off. He is a nice man and appears to always be looking for a job or walking somewhere to investigate opportunities (he has no car). I truly believe he has come under hard times because of a stumbling economy and a lack of skilled training.
It appears many are having the same trouble.
Anyhow, my girlfriend and I have been occasionally providing him with tomatoes from our potted plants, bread, a few dollars, meat, and an occasional brew (essential during a down time!).
So today I was headed up there to give him a few of the aforementioned items when I was caught by another neighbor as I exited my apartment. This neighbor, an old woman with an accent of some sort, and her husband live in the house next door and have lived there for about 50 years. They are truly some of the nicest people I have encountered since returning to the northeast. She is always yelling over to us and keeping up on our lives and news. She also likes to scorn me for riding my motorcycle since her own son was paralyzed riding an old crotchrocket of sorts.Well, in her hands she appeared with 2 nice lobsters that she wanted to give my girlfriend and me. To say the least, I was taken back as I have only had 1 since my arrival on the eastcoast over a year ago due to their cost.
I thanked her and all I could think was, "what goes around, comes around." I feel like the universe knew we were sharing (even though I am floating on loan money right now) and that she (both the universe and my neighbor)had reciprocated. It was an unprovoked, kind gesture and I appreciated it. I ate lobster, local corn, and a glass of red wine as I sat studying Neuro.
Without ruining this nice experience with too much political thought, I want to briefly mention that I believe their are too many Americans who don't want to help each other out. Everyone bitches about taxes, programs, bureaucracy, large government but in my mind these societal elements are essential to building a society where people's basic human needs are met: food, shelter, health care, and opportunities to grow. The republicans are building yet another political platform on reduced taxes, cut programs, and selfish ideology. I watched one woman speak at the DNC who claimed to have been a lifelong republican until a year ago when she came onto hardtimes because of joblessness and health issues. Shee could not pay her bills or get the medicine she needed. Her statement was, "I can't afford another 4 years with a republican in the Whitehouse." My question to her is,"where were you when you had the funds and your fellow citizens were the ones that needed your tax dollars, government programs, and health care aid?"
What goes around, comes around. And I don't mean it in the revenge kind of way!
Remember to share and elect the most progressive, socially minded politicians you can find on your national and local ballets.
edit:
ok, I am going to taint this post with politics after all.
listen to this Michael Moore interview on Larry King Live:
They have two quick clips of McCain and Obama on healthcare and then he says some interesting things that echo my post above: GO TO minute 19 sec 17.
in case you dont see the embedded video click here
I also liked how M.M. commented that Obama's plans are not perfect either.
"His (Obama's) plan still leaves insurance companies at the table. Ah...they should ont be anywhere, private-profit making companies, around a universal healthcare plan b/c they are there to make a profit. We whould never talk about profit when we are talking about helping people that are sick."
Min 22 sec 10
As a medical student who is taking on about $350,000 worth of debt to go to school, universal healthcare is a huge gamble for my professional life and career. But...I still support the idea of attempting to construct such a system in which insurance companies have no hand in determining how one gets care. I don't understand, as a non-healthcare professional, why universal healthcare would not be on one's list of things they would like to see happen in short order.
Neuro
Neuro is definitely a bitch. The more I study, the more I realize we are just encountering the tip of a very large iceberg. Test on Monday and once again I am feeling a little "special" today.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
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