Part II
I'm desperate to get away from other things today, so I'm back. Today at lunch I began reading a book I've been anxiously awaiting from the library. It's called Stiffs: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers. So far I've read about plastic surgeons practicing face-lifts on heads (these same heads had gotten nose jobs the day previous) and gross anatomy labs in addition to the more interesting history of cadaver acquisition. The most disturbing part was the revelation that in the past rather than using cadavers to gain surgical experience, patients were treated to unnecessary surgeries or procedures other than what they went in for. What's an unnecessary appendectomy between friends? Female patients were often given pelvic exams by inexperienced doctors while they were still recovering. Today, doctors learn the art of giving pelvic exams from professional pelvic educators. Yep, people are hired to let students try out their pap smear skills and provide personalized feedback. I wonder where they find these people and how much they're paid?In other news, I read an interesting blog questioning whether spending habits would change if everyone knew everyone else's private financial business. If it weren't a taboo subject and quite normal for everyone to talk about. What if all of your friends knew how much you made, how much debt you have, how much savings, how much you spent for that new handbag, everything? Would you be less apt to give in to temptation and buy those $500 shoes? Most people were appalled at the very idea, but it's an interesting thought. Would peer pressure or the thought of censure/disapproval from your friends and family keep you from spending a lot on things you don't need? Would it rein in your spending habits? Would you even care?
In a related note, I checked out a website where people post their net worth. The site tracks your net worth on a monthly basis and does post your information publicly if you want. It's very interesting to look at info based on age, geographic region, income, etc and see where you stack up. I'm now tracking my info online. I'll be interested to see where I am in five years and look back at the beginning. The internet is a fantastic place.
posted by E @1:56 PM