Soapbox and Thin Mints

I got a shot of Neulasta today ~ not to be confused with Lunesta, which helps you sleep. You've probably seen commercials for both of them. A Neulasta slogan goes, "Are you ready to start chemotherapy?" I'm taking Neulasta because chemotherapy can cause a white blood cell deficiency. Neulasta is supposed to boost my cell count. ...
I mention the commercials because I find it an incredible waste of money for a prescription drug to be advertised on TV. But figures show pharmaceutical companies often spend more on marketing than on research and development for new drugs. A couple of stats I hope you won't find too boring: In 2003, Bristol-Myers Squibb spend $2.3 billion on R&D and $6.1 billion on marketing, advertising, promotion, etc.; in 2001, Amgen, which makes Neulasta, spent 28 percent of its revenue on marketing and 25 percent on research. OK, I'll hop down off of my soapbox. ...
Random thoughts and whatnot: My sweet tooth has been acting up lately, so I am very grateful to my wife's co-worker Angela, who sent me a box of Thin Mints. Thanks, Angela! ... A belated congrats to BJ's household for Florida making the Final Four. ... Basketball season ended for me tonight; time to start thinking about the Braves. ...
Today' quote (in an e-mail from my niece Kelly): "Sometimes when I reflect back on all the wine I drink I feel shame. Then I look into the glass and think about the workers in the vineyards and all of their hopes and dreams. If I didn't drink this wine, they might be out of work and their dreams would be shattered. Then I say to myself, 'It is better that I drink this wine and let their dreams come true than be selfish and worry about my liver.' " ~ Jack Handy
Got a comment? Leave it here or e-mail utvolsno1@att.net