pocketofposies's comments

That's a really good question and one that I had as well. The main problem for me up until now is finding info on web programming that does not mention Rails.

I am reluctant to do PHP because of time contraints. I am working on this stuff after work, and at some point I would like to actually be able to build something. Anything. When someone says do PHP, my visceral reaction is no.

However, if the experts here think that PHP would be a worthwhile detour even though I plan to go with Rails, then I'll go with that. I guess I'd just like some assurance that I can pick up the basics this way and that I can do so in a reasonable amount of time.

Yes, I know patience is a virtue, but I just want to make sure that my time is spent as productively as possible. I do very much appreciate the advice from everyone.

The bad news is that currently available meds are only mildly effective, and by "effective" I mean effective in prolonging disease progression.

The good news is that there is a ton of research being done (I work in this area). Some people are a bit squeamish about getting involved in clinical trials, but if I were in your position, you can bet I would enroll my parent in a trial. The best resource for finding what's enrolling in your area is www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Elan is about to start a phase III trial on their Alzheimer's vaccine, Bapineuzumab, and it has generated quite a bit of buzz.

http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSL2153046720070...

As I said, I work in this area and obviously carry a bias. However, I did not see anyone else suggest the possibility of clinical trials, so I thought I should throw it out there to consider among the other options.

Great post and I completely agree.

I am of the opinion that the ability to quickly make a decision and get everyone behind it is often more important than the decision itself. A "wrong" decision can be corrected if there is a concerted focus while even a "right" decision won't work if founders are hashing out an internal pecking order rather than implementation of said decision.

More importantly, every science has its branch(es) of bias and hard sciences are no exception.

My sentiments exactly. I am continually amazed that this company continues to exist, so it's downright shocking that they are attracting this kind of interest.

I was amused by your post considering I am currently in medical research and am using my current job to hopefully fund a modest startup, since I feel that I am at heart an entrepreneur.

While there are some very rewarding aspects of medical research, please understand that it is not all unicorns, roses, and saved lives. I have had the opportunity to work with wonderful professionals and amazing patients, but I have also experienced mind-numbing ineptitude and questionable research practices. Like any industry, there is good and bad.

I don't want to discourage you from getting involved in research if that is what you truly feel is your passion, however, I believe that regardless of industry, it begins with you. If your talent is in entrepreneurship and investing, you might be most effective in your area of expertise. (Of course, if it's lost its luster and you want something more personally fulfilling, that is a different issue).

One area that I am interested in is micro-lending, and I think it would be a good way of putting your talents to use. You could do something in the developing world or something in the US, depending on your interests. If you have not already, I would recommend that you read "Banker to the Poor" by Muhammad Yunus. Best of luck to you.

It probably doesn't bode well for his ability to really understand Kant.