Toronto Class Reunion Spring 2005

On June 02/05 Marge and I will be in Toronto to celebrate my 1955 Class Reunion (doctorate ) from U. of Toronto. We will be staying at Marusia and Richard's home (my daughter and son-in-law ). I had visualized plans to help them complete renovating their basement- specifically the floor and ceiling. I had visions of laying down with Richard the special 2 foot square floor wooen tiles which have a bubble undercoasting to smooth out the roughness as well as provide drainage. Around the base a special angled tin to provide proper alingment for these tiles. A special cut out of the tile for the water valve on the far wall. Plans to extend these floor groved tiles into the entrance to the basement as well as under the steps. This extension will not only cut out dampness but keep the floor warm. Also plan how to accomodate the slanting floor near the drainage site.
For the ceiling tile , again the special angled border to provide proper alignment as well as a marker for how much the ceiling should be dropped; special way to put in the tile around and behind the duct system; also by the entrance.
Bathroom. Again the special angle border for alingment and avoidance of using too much tile sealent. Special way to lay the 13 inch square tiles by the toilet drainpipe and how to make the junction with the 2 foot square floor tiles at the door entrance. Also special floor drainage from the shower room to the central drainage site. Ideas for the open entrance for basement.etc.etc.etc.
When i asked Marusia during our phone conversation on the weekend she said you will be surprised when you come down in June. Also we dont want you to work on home renovations. These statements suggest to me that they have probably got someone to do the job and they are working on it
What a blow to my ego- almost enough to have me retreat to the Alzheimer's haven.

Recruits for war on Cancer

To me if we are to win the war on cancer we must recruit to the cancer team scientists with a basic knowledge of biology- knowledge that I feel the current scientists are lacking or can't recall. If you don't believe me just test them for knowledge of the following:
In tumor biology-heteroploid transformation and heterokaryosis; stem line concept; analysis of stages of the cell cycle and its importance in chemotherapy
Cytogenetics/Genetics- importance of chiasma in the prevention of non disjunction and trisomy; gene location and changing phenotypic expression
Embryology- cytoclesis; importance of the presence of each primary germ layer in organogenesis. Do they know that if pancreatic anlage cells fail to make contact with embryonic mesoderm the organ will not develop. In the kidney such failure results in polycystic kidney.
Many of the organs of the body which have a high turn over - e.g. breast, lung, GI tract etc also have a high incidence of cancer. Could neoplastic transformation be nothing more than a defect in organogenesis
Maybe its time to send our generals with their forts and shining armour of sophisticated equipment back to universities to learn and/or recall Biology 101. Do teachers at these centers want to teach such a course?

Reliability of Iris scanning

Iridology or iris diagnosis as defined by Dr. James Carter is based on the premise that each organ or tissue in the body has a corresponding locus and pattern within the iris. Changes in texture, pigmentation, and density of the iris pattern reflecting changes in balance and/or disease states of that organ.
Like many other airports the Winnipeg International airport will soon have the CANPASS Air security system where passengers will be screened by verifying an image of their iris from a database.
If Carter's premise is correct than a iris cardholder with a security risk can by altering the functions of one of his organs may vbe able to alter sufficiently the iris pattern from that present in his card so that he no longer will be detected as a risk and will to be able to get pass the security gate.

Ann Bandera's funeral

Ann Bandera was a founding member of the Seniors group at Holy Eucharist parish (a millenium project in 1988 for Ukrainian Greek Catholics) where she was the secretary for 10 years and president for several years. After today's funeral service, a luncheon reception was held in the church basement. The parish priest Father Darren, her daughter Barbara, and Dr. Semeon Hrushovetz (docSam) current president of the club, all delivered eulogies. Crowd estimate around 200.

Is the Pap test outdated?

Papanicolaou (Pap) smear is a screening test for cervical (squamous) carcinoma with diagnosis based on qualitative features of the stained cells. Quantitative tests would minimize subjective errors associated with the qualitative criteria of the Pap test and can be more easily automated. Between 1965 and 1969 while Director of the Winnipeg Clinic Research Institute Laboratory, I developed a quantitative Pap test using DNA cytophotometry (refer to the publication in Acta. Cytol. 13:583-594.1969.). However, it would appear that current Cancer Care programs have overlooked this publication and are still recommending qualitative / subjective Pap tests in their screening programs.

Fiber & disease protection

This week I will be presenting brief brief talks on nutrition to the seniors of Holy Eucharist Parish at their Wednesday weekly afternoon social (May 4th) and to the Sons of Ukrainian Pioneers (SOUP) at their Thursday noon monthly meeting (May 5th).
After presenting the benefits of fiber and other essential nutrients, I will briefly discuss digestion by comparing it to the mining process. Finally I will discuss how the addition of fiber may provide protection from the major diseases common to the elderly.