ppp 02-26-07

Quote of the day: The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds;

and the pessimist fears this is true. James Branch Cabell (1879-1958)

You have all see "emoticons", a series of typed characters that express emotions. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emoticon More familiar ones are happy :) or surprised :-0 Microsoft word even translates some of these into symbols J ! I found (or made up) some for pessimists:

Are you an optimist or a pessimist? Is the glass half full or did aliens steal half of the water and poison the rest? While I actively pursue the optimistic way of life I realize that we all need the pessimists. The optimist thinks that it will not snow THAT much and plans to visit friends during a blizzard. The pessimist "knows" that the storm will be much worse than predicted and makes sure that there is enough gas for the snow blower. (which one gets out?) Optimists are procrastinators; they always feel that they will have the time to finish things "later". Pessimists get things done right away because they feel it is "now or never". Optimists are always late for appointments…never plan for traffic or a flat tire. Pessimists are 15 minutes early. Optimist don't save for retirement. Pessimists plan for a long and cheerless retirement. (Do pessimists live longer? No… it just seems longer)

The optimistic drug company spends millions looking for its next blockbuster drug. The pessimistic drug company spends billions looking for its next blockbuster drug because it "knows" that 1) odds are against ever finding anything new 2) if it finds a new substance it will likely kill rats 3) the FDA will shoot down 99% of its any new drugs that do not kill rats, 4) generic houses and foreign firms will start producing knock-offs as soon as the brand name product hits the market. I give thanks for the pessimists because they are the reason that we have so many treatment options.

The world actually needs both kinds of people. The optimists to start new projects and the pessimists to see where the projects will fail and to plan for the worst. Most people are a mixture depending upon the time of day or circumstances. (on an optimism scale of 1 to 10 most golfers self rate 9.95 on hole 1 but slip to 0.5 by the 18th). I can keep the "inner pessimist" in his proper place (I am rarely late) and I know that what makes every encounter with another human worthwhile is to maintain a positive attitude. You would be surprised at what a hearty unsolicited "GOOD MORNING" or "I'm Superfantastic… and you?" in response to the "how are you?" will do for you. People want to deal with positive people… especially people in "service industries" who have to deal with grouchy customers. Remember the words of the 80's song "Don't Worry…Be Happy" by Bobby McFerrin. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhAjrIAFiJ0

pps. Occasionally, some of the links require FREE registration.... I'm sure you can handle THAT slight inconvenience.

The optimist says "Yeah!" Pessimists worry about the price of their drug stock portfolio.

Optimists say "Great for the worker." Pessimists say "there go our tax dollar". Appears that dollars would be aimed at the uninsured.

Injectable antidiabetic drug can be stored under 77 degrees once it is first used. Patients will still keep unused Byetta in the refrigerator, Optimist say "greater convenience may mean better compliance." Pessimists ask "but what about my Frigidaire stock?"

While approved for anemia in patients being treated with chemotherapy and in dialysis patients, Aranesp will not be a reimbursed expense in cancer patients who are NOT taking chemotherapy even if the anemia is from their cancer. Optimist says "Evidence based medicine to save money!" Pessimist don't like to be told what they can or can't prescribe.

Cover story of Newsweek discusses the fact that women are not the only people who suffer from depression. Men may show it differently (drugs, alcohol, "workahol", gambling, anger) but become just as disabled. "Toughing it out" is not the answer. If willing yourself to feel better worked then everyone would feel great. Treatment with drugs may help.

Avastin works as well in low dosage as in high doses against lung cancer. Optimists say "Good that we can save money knowing that the low dose produces the best results". Pessimists worry that Genentech will not make as much off of the cancer drug.

Drug counterfeiters are substituting haldol (an anti psychotic) for ambient, lexapro, ativat and xanax. While it may be ironic, there is no optimism or pessimism here: some things are just plain WRONG!

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