X-Message-Number: 18232
Date: Wed, 26 Dec 2001 14:12:44 -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 December 24 through 31, 2001

Mathew Sullivan, Facility Operations Manager 
Facility Operations: 
I've had some problems on Joe's computer with the installation of SystemWorks
2002. I used Norton's and Windows to remove the old virus program, but the
installation found some ghosts in the system and would not properly install. I
was able to download a program from Symantec to clean out the old stuff,
but I'm
currently having issues with registration due to script errors. 
Spent some time programming my cell phone. I wanted to make sure everything
was
in order prior to our trip to Laughlin for the wedding. 
I'm having some problems with Alcor phone system and I'm no longer able to
record calls. I've been in contact with Inter-Tel, but they were unable to
resolve the issue remotely and will send a technician to Alcor on Wednesday. 
I made and distributed a new phone list for each phone after Jessica picked up
her cell phone. 

Mike Perry, PhD., Patient Care Assistant 
Ironically, the week started for me with an email message I sent to the Alcor
board, staff, and advisors suggesting that "This Week at Alcor" be linked not
posted in its entirety on CryoNet (following a suggestion of Rick Potvin, with
whom I agree on this issue). Some of us here are in favor of linking, not
posting, others just want to post the whole report. Either way the public has
access--so what do readers think? 
Beyond this, I worked on a review for Gerald Gruman's book-length essay with a
long title, "A History of Ideas about the Prolongation of Life: The
Evolution of
Prolongevity Hypotheses to 1800." Except for minor editing touches and
references, it's now finished, and should appear in the magazine at some
point.
I also researched copying services for some home movies and the like of a
patient whose relatives want copies. My learning experience with FrontPage and
web work continues, as I now see that apparently there is a time lag between
making a change and having it actually put into effect. I guess that is a
function of your service provider. This week is shortened because of the
holidays, but for many of us here it will also be shortened because of a
wedding
to take place on Friday the 28th in Laughlin, NV. James Sikes and Jessica
Lemler
are tying the knot and they wanted *me* to officiate. For those of you who do
not know it, I have that authority from the Society for Venturism, which is
recognized by the IRS as scientific, religious, and educational organization.
(If you're wondering about the religious aspect, you can check the Venturist
website http://www.venturist.org and click on "about us." This, by the way,
is a
way of legitimizing a "religious objection toautopsy" to gain protection from
the dissecting table after you deanimate.) 
Jessica Lemler, Administrative Associate/Webmaster 
On Saturday, James and I were here at Alcor so everyone could go to the
Pizer's. We were sorry to have missed the festivities, but glad to do our part
watching Alcor Central so the rest of the staff could go out for the evening.
Monday was a relatively slow day, and Tuesday we had a wonderful meal and
great
company for Christmas, not to mention having the day off work. In addition
to a
staff meeting this morning, I am working on this posting and various other
tasks in preparation for being out of the office for the next few days. 
This week is a short week because we will be going to Laughlin for my wedding
to James. Several people have asked me if I am nervous. I am anxious and
excited more than anything, and I honestly believe I was more nervous in
anticipation of my first suspension. Happy New Year to you all, and the next
time I post, I will be Mrs. Jessica Sikes. 
Hugh Hixon, Facilities Engineer 
Friday, partial day off. Assist with LN2 delivery. 
Saturday, Christmas party at Dave and Trudy Pizer's. 
Monday, administrative stuff. Partially compose a message on some technical
problems. 
Tuesday, Christmas at the Lemler's. 
Jennifer Chapman, Membership Administrator 
During a recent meeting to discuss Alcor s revised information package, it was
suggested that Alcor make all of our publications comparable to one another by
using the same color schemes and fonts, etc. On Friday of last week, I
considered various projects that will assist with this endeavor. I also
updated
Alcor s list of insurance agents on the website and processed insurance bills.
In addition to performing my typical customer service responsibilities, I
processed one membership finalization, one membership reinstatement, and one
membership cancellation.
Joe Hovey, Accounting Manager 
A very short week. I moved into my house this week. I now actually have to
commute to work for the first time in 13 years! Two Alcor members will
remain on
site 24 hours a day, to be relieved on occasion by myself and other staff
members and volunteers. 
I managed to get some work done on the November financial statements but they
will not be completed until after I return from the Lemler wedding this
weekend
in Laughlin, Nevada. 
Meetings with attorneys and accountants concerning year end and other issues. 
Dr. Jerry Lemler, President, CEO 
We had a most engaging time at Trudy and Dave Pizer's home last Saturday
evening. I spent most of the evening outside in the spacious back yard
gathered
with my bride and fellow cryonicists 'round the campfire. No guitars. No Kum
B'ayah. Just plenty of good food, good eats, and interesting conversation! 
As you may already realize, this is an abbreviated week for Alcor staffers. We
celebrated Christmas at our home on Tuesday. Virtually the entire crew was in
attendance. It was much like conducting an informal staff meeting. I've found
it virtually impossible when we all get together to not "talk shop"-- so we
do,
and without apology. 
We're off to Laughlin, Nevada, on Thursday, where Jessica and James will be
wed
at Alcor member and benefactor Don Laughlin's Riverside Resort. Mike Perry,
ordained Venturist official, will perform the ceremony. I've been reduced in
this whole matter to a clearly defined "father of the bride" role. My
instructions are to smile and be ready to write the check-- period! I hope
everyone has a healthy and prosperous New Year! 

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