SWEET, SWEET GREENBACKS
Man, have I done some weird stuff lately. I feel like that skit from In Living Color called "Hey Mon!" about a Jamaican family man that had like, 18 jobs. (Was that reference lost on everyone?) Anyway, I am obviously back at ComedySportz - playing a few weekends here and there (and probably this one and next), as well as doing their unpaid kids show series, How To Eat Fried Worms. Secondly (or thirdly?), there's Hot Mic! - but that's only once a month. Then, I have been doing these research study sign-ups, participated in my first on Monday. It was relatively easy - all about Healthy Choice frozen entrees, which was more pleasing, which photos they should use for their ad campaign, etc. That was a big ol' $125! Sign me up, fellas! This is the kind of easy stuff I can do.

Some aren't easy... I just started a temporary job as a medical research assistant at U of C Emergency Room. Boy, for any of my med school pals, I feel for your sh*t. This place is not only like county general, but probably actually IS county general from Chicago's own ER. There are a lot of weird traumas, lots of barfing, lots of people without insurance. The research I am doing is about Domestic Violence, with a small emphasis on doctor/patient care. The studies are kind of masked - so, we ask a lot of questions to these women that are between 18-65, including whether their partner is threatening, violent, etc. Then, after we screen them, we audio tape their visit. It's a little complicated logistically, but it's more complicated to get people to actually participate. They are skeptics. They often don't understand the writing, or the questions, and some don't know how to use a mouse on a computer, so we sit down and write with them. The worst part, though, is how often people that screen positive for domestic violence in their home have NO IDEA that they are. There's a question on the survey that says something like, "Have you ever been forced to have sex?" - and we almost always get "Yes" or "Not Sure" by the participant. And, they feel physically threatened, emotionally roughed-up, and often answer yes to being hit. Yet, they don't think they are candidates. There is a serious need for DV education in these parts. Note : It is somewhat gratifying for me to know that my women's studies degree comes in handy for more than party tricks.

On a lighter note:
Hey Mon! I got-a go to my 8 job!