I just got a call from a firm in town that does 
medical testing on willing subjects. They inject you with experimental drugs then watch what happens. I applied with them a few years ago, and went for a test, but the fine print said that two percent of those who took the drug had acute kidney failure. There were 60 of us in the room. I'm no mathematician, but I didn't like those odds and walked out.
They called this morning for a big test, seven days confined to their facility, two injections a day for a week. I must admit the idea appeals to me, mostly because I could maybe catch up on some sleep. And some reading. But, the test period just happens to include the day of my 50th birthday, and I'm sure (ahem) that my family and friends are planning a series of wonderful events for that week. I guess I'll just have to take my chances with acute kidney failure some other time.
