I really do not like that man, but I've decided to go the less offensive route and just post the current article that is making me dislike him even further.
The article can be found here: http://money.cnn.com/2009/02/27/magazines/fortune/obama_budget_tax.fortune/index.htm
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Behavioral Results...
Following up on my last post about behavioral science...I did very poorly on the past exam. I'm not sure if it was because they write non-USMLE style questions, the fact that they put questions on the test from the last block, without telling us that they'd be doing so, or some other reason. I'll admit that I didn't do a ton of studying of the exam, but I definitely did enough to perform better than I did. Fortunately, my grade from the last exam, low as it was, is still keeping me at a passing grade for the moment. Also, even more fortunately, our final exam in the class, worth 20% of the grade, is a shelf exam, meaning it is definitely USMLE style questions.
To make myself feel a little better and prove that I can answer good questions, I made a 10 question behavioral science exam on USMLEWorld. If you're not familiar with USMLEWorld, it's an online question bank that nearly everyone says is the #1 best review source for the USMLE. I got a 100% on that test. Sure, it was only 10 questions, but I set it to cover all of behavioral science, including last semester. Since I now need a passing grade on the shelf in order to pass the class, and the shelf is all USMLE-style, I'm feeling just a little better.
To make myself feel a little better and prove that I can answer good questions, I made a 10 question behavioral science exam on USMLEWorld. If you're not familiar with USMLEWorld, it's an online question bank that nearly everyone says is the #1 best review source for the USMLE. I got a 100% on that test. Sure, it was only 10 questions, but I set it to cover all of behavioral science, including last semester. Since I now need a passing grade on the shelf in order to pass the class, and the shelf is all USMLE-style, I'm feeling just a little better.
Need a lesson in writing bad test questions?
Ask for a copy of our behavioral exams and you'll have all you need. Who would have possibly thought that a behavioral science class would make people LESS compassionate! And no, it is not me saying this...it is what I've heard from other people.
Last block exam tomorrow!
Well, it's currently 1AM, so I guess my last block exam of med school is technically later today! But, the exam is not until 12pm, so I should be fine. I feel fine for the exam tomorrow, but unfortunately, studying for the block has given me almost no time to study for the comp! Have I mentioned that I really do not like AUC's new curriculum of having class in 5th semester? My plan was to get through biochem and micro (Kaplan) this week and start Goljan on Saturday. Well, that's definitely not going to happen. I guess it wasn't a very realistic goal to begin with though. I'll be lucky if I get through just the biochem, but it's unlikely.
Whether I do get through biochem or not, I'm starting Goljan on Sunday, at the very latest. There is not a lot of time left and at this point, Goljan is probably the highest yield thing I can do to try and pass the first comp. I really wish I had enough time to study for this first comp, but I just do not see myself passing it this time around. It's not really a big deal since I'm pretty certain I'll pass the second comp, but it would be really nice just to not have the pressure of needing to pass the second time. I guess we'll see what happens.
In the mean time, wish me luck for tomorrow...the last block exam of med school!!
Whether I do get through biochem or not, I'm starting Goljan on Sunday, at the very latest. There is not a lot of time left and at this point, Goljan is probably the highest yield thing I can do to try and pass the first comp. I really wish I had enough time to study for this first comp, but I just do not see myself passing it this time around. It's not really a big deal since I'm pretty certain I'll pass the second comp, but it would be really nice just to not have the pressure of needing to pass the second time. I guess we'll see what happens.
In the mean time, wish me luck for tomorrow...the last block exam of med school!!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Some people really love their job!
Above is a handy little chart, listing all of the possible codons for various amino acids which make up proteins. I've used the chart before, but I've always been OK with looking up the amino acids in a book or in my notes. I'm currently watching the Kaplan DVD's though and the biochem guy just suggested that you get this tattooed onto yourself. I know that he was joking, but this is definitely something that only a PhD could find funny!
Monday, February 23, 2009
No more lecture...EVER!
OK, so I will likely be sitting through various lectures throughout my clinical years and residency, but I am officially completely done with formal classes forever!! I have made it to a place that I have always thought was a lifetime away. When I started college, I couldn't imagine making it through 4 years to get my bachelors, and then another 2 years of intense class to make it through basic sciences. But, I eventually finished college (although admittedly taking more time that I would have liked) and made it to med school.
I vividly remember arriving in St. Maarten to begin med school, and walking into my first day of class. I remember looking at the 5th semester students who were on their way out, and thinking that the day I'd be there was so far away. Once I was almost there, I started counting down the days until classes were over (about 1/2 way through the 5th semester), but it still seemed like the day would never come. Today, that day has finally arrived. I still have a ton of work to do, with block exams Friday, a comp Thursday, and shelf exams the next two weeks, but man is it nice not to have to sit through another lecture tomorrow! It actually just occurred to me that today's class was not only the last of basic sciences, but the last ever!
I remember walking into Shock Trauma at the University of MD hospital a few years ago on the ambulance and seeing a med student there. I was still in college and had not even applied to med school yet. He was just finishing up preparing for his step I exam. I told him that I couldn't wait to get exactly where he was...about to start clinical years, with the worst part of med school (the classroom years) behind me. Well, aside from a few exams that I'm not particularly worried about passing, I'm at that point. I still need to study to make sure I remember everything I've learned, but I've already been taught everything that AUC's basic sciences faculty is going to teach me. It's good to be here.
I vividly remember arriving in St. Maarten to begin med school, and walking into my first day of class. I remember looking at the 5th semester students who were on their way out, and thinking that the day I'd be there was so far away. Once I was almost there, I started counting down the days until classes were over (about 1/2 way through the 5th semester), but it still seemed like the day would never come. Today, that day has finally arrived. I still have a ton of work to do, with block exams Friday, a comp Thursday, and shelf exams the next two weeks, but man is it nice not to have to sit through another lecture tomorrow! It actually just occurred to me that today's class was not only the last of basic sciences, but the last ever!
I remember walking into Shock Trauma at the University of MD hospital a few years ago on the ambulance and seeing a med student there. I was still in college and had not even applied to med school yet. He was just finishing up preparing for his step I exam. I told him that I couldn't wait to get exactly where he was...about to start clinical years, with the worst part of med school (the classroom years) behind me. Well, aside from a few exams that I'm not particularly worried about passing, I'm at that point. I still need to study to make sure I remember everything I've learned, but I've already been taught everything that AUC's basic sciences faculty is going to teach me. It's good to be here.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
More reasons not to take Heroin
Of course, there are the obvious reasons that heroin is illegal and overdose causes you to go unconscious and mostly (or completely) stop breathing. But, as all heroin addicts know, these effects can quickly be reversed by a little narcan. what may be more disturbing to heroin addicts though is that it decreases testosterone levels and increases prolactin. increasing prolactin gives you gynecomastia, aka man-boobs. I won't go so far as to say that it turns you into a woman, but the side effects definitely are not very nice for a guy!
library time
I really wish I had something more exciting to write about. I only have one hour of class left for basic sciences (not including ICM), and that's very exciting. But, I have loads of studying left to do. Unfortunately, AUC saw fit to change around the curriculum a couple of semesters ago so that now, instead of having the entire 5th semester to study for the step, we have class for much of the day, half the semester. Combined with ICM, this provides little time for additional study. So, although class is nearly over, I have had almost no time to study for the first NBME comprehensive exam, which is next Thursday. I am hoping that I can get enough done between now and then to at least pass the comp. The plan is to spend most of the rest of the week in the library. I'd like to get through Kaplan biochem and micro, along with Goljan path. If I can do that, I may just pull off a pass, which would greatly reduce my stress for the rest of the semester. So, I guess it's time for me to jump in the shower and head to the computer lab.
Hopefully, I will be able to find a computer that works for Kaplan, since apparently only about 1/3 of them work well enough to play the DVD's. Ahh...the wonders of going to school in the caribbean!
Hopefully, I will be able to find a computer that works for Kaplan, since apparently only about 1/3 of them work well enough to play the DVD's. Ahh...the wonders of going to school in the caribbean!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
The people have spoken...Apple wins!
There are countless reasons to purchase a mac instead of a PC. I could go into them, but I just don't really feel like taking the time right now. However, this graph sums it up nicely. People are far happier with their mac computer than any other brand. Dell and HP (the companies with the largest market share) aren't even close. So, if you're in the market for a new computer, just do yourself a favor and head down to your local Apple Store!
Daily amusement
I went to The Mailbox today to pick up a book that I ordered about a week ago. I knew that it arrived in Miami last Wednesday or Thursday, so definitely would be in St. Maarten by now. When I got to The Mailbox, they told me that I did have mail, and it cost $4.50 to pick up. The following is the conversation that followed (it's worth reading...just stay with me for a minute):
Mailbox lady: Is your name Alan Levitt (she had just seen my real name on the paper)?
Me: No, it's SCOTT Levitt
Mailbox lady: OK, well we only have mail for Alan Levitt
Me: Can I see it?
Mailbox lady: [hands me the mail, one letter says Alan Levitt and is clearly not mine, the other two letters are mine]
Me: Well, these two are obviously mine, the Soap Opera Digest is definitely not, but I also have a package in the back
Mailbox lady: It says the package is for Alan Levitt
Me: I know, but I'm certain that the package is for me. Since some things were clearly mislabeled, can you please check?
Mailbox lady: The package is for Alan Levitt
Me: I understand that it says Alan Levitt on the form that you guys filled out, but can you please just check to make sure
Mailbox lady: [Returns with my package from Amazon, clearly labeled "Scott Levitt" on the shipping address, but "Alan Levitt" marked on the form that they had filled out and taped to it]
Me: Thanks for checking, that's exactly what I was waiting for
Mailbox lady: This says it is for Alan Levitt
Me: No, the slip of paper which you guys filled out says Alan Levitt, but the shipping label says "Scott Levitt," that's definitely my package
Mailbox lady: But our label says Alan Levitt, so it might not be yours
Me: Again, if you look at the shipping label, which was typed and affixed to the box by Amazon, it clearly shows that it's my package. It looks like you guys just made an error when you filled out the slip
Mailbox lady: I don't know, it says Alan Levitt
Fortunately, the owner came over when she heard this going on and quickly corrected the situation. She said that since they have no Alan Levitt in their system, they just put it under my name, which is the closest they could find. Trying to think about what must have been going through Mailbox Lady's head really just gives me a terrible headache. Sometimes, I'm not sure how people remember to breathe.
Mailbox lady: Is your name Alan Levitt (she had just seen my real name on the paper)?
Me: No, it's SCOTT Levitt
Mailbox lady: OK, well we only have mail for Alan Levitt
Me: Can I see it?
Mailbox lady: [hands me the mail, one letter says Alan Levitt and is clearly not mine, the other two letters are mine]
Me: Well, these two are obviously mine, the Soap Opera Digest is definitely not, but I also have a package in the back
Mailbox lady: It says the package is for Alan Levitt
Me: I know, but I'm certain that the package is for me. Since some things were clearly mislabeled, can you please check?
Mailbox lady: The package is for Alan Levitt
Me: I understand that it says Alan Levitt on the form that you guys filled out, but can you please just check to make sure
Mailbox lady: [Returns with my package from Amazon, clearly labeled "Scott Levitt" on the shipping address, but "Alan Levitt" marked on the form that they had filled out and taped to it]
Me: Thanks for checking, that's exactly what I was waiting for
Mailbox lady: This says it is for Alan Levitt
Me: No, the slip of paper which you guys filled out says Alan Levitt, but the shipping label says "Scott Levitt," that's definitely my package
Mailbox lady: But our label says Alan Levitt, so it might not be yours
Me: Again, if you look at the shipping label, which was typed and affixed to the box by Amazon, it clearly shows that it's my package. It looks like you guys just made an error when you filled out the slip
Mailbox lady: I don't know, it says Alan Levitt
Fortunately, the owner came over when she heard this going on and quickly corrected the situation. She said that since they have no Alan Levitt in their system, they just put it under my name, which is the closest they could find. Trying to think about what must have been going through Mailbox Lady's head really just gives me a terrible headache. Sometimes, I'm not sure how people remember to breathe.
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