X-Message-Number: 17990 Date: Wed, 21 Nov 2001 16:14:57 -0700 From: Jessica Lemler <> Subject: This Week at Alcor! The following can also be viewed on our website at <http://www.alcor.org/>http://www.alcor.org Week of November 19 through 25, 2001 Mike Perry, PhD., Patient Care Assistant This week I worked on pictures for ALEFI (the update of CRFT). This required some digging around in our picture files as well as scanning and retouching. The work was finished Monday (Nov. 19) to meet a Tuesday deadline. Another project (still ongoing, somewhat) was to look up information for Sergio Myers of 7 Ponies in L. A., who is doing a documentary on cryonics. I also collected information for a future Tech News column; as usual, a lot is happening here. On Tuesday I attended a meeting with other staff, along with the board and advisors, to address the issue of how to assess and improve Alcor's suspension capabilities, by possibly calling in outside expertise. (Further details should be forthcoming.) Aido is doing well, having made peace with ADT, who are finishing their security system installation this week. Joe Hovey, Accounting Manager Finally heard from Morgan Stanley. Our new credit card accounts are approved and the necessary equipment should be installed in two weeks. Very good news. This will help enormously in making it easier for our members to cover things like emergency standby expenses. Board meeting on Tuesday. Received approval for resolving the longstanding accounts payable, accounts receivable dispute between Alcor and Cells4Life. Should get it wrapped up today or Friday. The main subject of the meeting is the mechanism for getting technical assistance from current Alcor members in 21st Century Medicine and associated companies for our suspension team. Looks very promising. Mathew Sullivan, Facility Operations Manager & Patient Care Manager Not much to talk about this week considering I have only two working days, and now I have a mild cold that has been going around here at Alcor. Most of my time has been focused on discussing our current protocols and procedures in need of improvement via email. Plus, I'm trying to track down some toner for our fax machine, which is now bone dry. There must be a problem with the manufacturer because everyone seems to be out. Jennifer Chapman, Membership Administrator This week I received an initial draft of some proposed changes for our updated database system. After reviewing the submission, I presented my suggestions to the individual managing the project. In particular, we discussed the inconsistency that exists between the standard format of domestic and international addresses. With this being the case, it is difficult to monitor the data integrity under the current proposal. We are considering an alternative structure that may be more suitable for our overall objective. After several revisions, the updated emergency wallet cards have been printed and are available for release. It is intended that minor changes to the content of these cards will significantly improve their effectiveness. Perhaps when our local volunteer returns from vacation, we can coordinate a mailing and ensure that all of our members receive these improved wallet cards. Speaking of our local volunteer, I have earned a new appreciation for his presence. In his absence, I have undertaken some of his typical responsibilities, such as processing a variety of requests for information and coordinating several mailings for our CryoFeast gatherings. Although not difficult, these mailings are time-consuming and involve addressing, stuffing, sealing, and stamping a multitude of envelopes. I have also been writing various articles for the upcoming issue of our quarterly magazine this week. Composing my book review for Nanotechnology Playhouse has been particularly enjoyable. I find this publication similar to a brief dose of knowledge that is careful not to overwhelm the reader. I believe it will serve as an excellent source of introductory literature for prospective clients who are interested in expanding their general knowledge of nanotechnology, which is necessary for understanding the feasibility of cryonics. Hugh Hixon, Facilities Engineer Friday, talk with Jeff Benjamin about priorities and interim findings. Look through videotape records on a legal matter. Monday, copy videotape of video clips. Copy Dr. Lemler on some technical issues. Compose a message on viability considerations, including some calculations. Jeff Benjamin came by with some reduced data on the last suspension, and we talked about some technical questions. Tuesday, talk with alarm system installers. Prepare for irregular Board meeting. Get instrument tray in to sterilization Jessica Lemler, Administrative Associate/Webmaster This week has been a short week due to Thanksgiving. I have been working on my articles for the Fourth Quarter of our magazine, minutes for Tuesday's Board meeting, and the usual correspondence. I was glad to receive the laptop, donated by Dr. Lemler and Mrs. Lemler-- I was able to take more thorough minutes, and my hand didn't cramp during the Board meeting! It has also made the writing of the minutes easier for me. I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving! Dr. Jerry Lemler, President, CEO Please forgive the brevity of this report, for although it's true Alcor never rests, I have given our in-house staff a short Thanksgiving break. Paula and I will be hosting several of our employees for a turkey feast at our home, while others are headed to Judy and Mark Muhlestein's Tucson residence. This week has been highlighted by Tuesday's teleconference, establishing a suspension review committee. The project we have outlined will be accomplished in sequential phases: fact-finding, recommendations, and staff and consultant training, to ultimately lead to an improved and more reliable cryotransport effectiveness. I wish everyone a happy holiday, and easy on the tryptophan loading! Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=17990