The Solstice Approaches

Dr. Hugh Tildesley

Status Update: Latest infusion of poison complete. Blood work all in order; bone marrow effects (hemoglobin, white count) remain minimal. Tumour marker is the lowest since July. It is not clear how much the marker means, importantly I continue to feel well, the need for naps much less, weight stable.

Tesla Titillations: Voluntary recall for seat belt check unexpected, bottom line there was 1 minor defect found in 3,000 cars. The issue not of significant danger, air bags require adequate redundancy. This must be compared as to what stimulates a recall in the US market; deaths, usually noted by families of customers not by the manufacturers.

There was an interesting phenomenon while on autopilot this week. The Tesla “sees” the car in front, on this one occasion the front car pulled a left and Tesla followed! I did not wait for the hoped correction. Keep both hands on the wheel, especially in 2-lane traffic!

Arvida

The Arts Report: Just finished another Giller Finalist: Arvida. As a Quebecer I am somewhat familiar with this Alcan built company town. I grew up in a small town, Rosemere, so am familiar with the intimacies of living in a close community. The stories are a mixed bag some of beauty and interest, others fragmented, all unique. One has to lend a little slack as they are translated. Bottom line 15 Dogs was a worthy winner of the prize.

Typical Radar Image for Vancouver

Benign Radar Image in LA

Looking Forward: Thank goodness for mild temperatures but the rain is a little discouraging. Plans are to chase the sun, early January back to LA, close to Deb’s family, the beach, and a retreat from the pummeling Vancouver rains.

The Pope after another Vatican Transfer

Another California golf boondoggle is planned as the Pope’s guest in Palm desert in early February (as he redistributes the wealth of the Vatican to infidels such as me).

Later in the month we return to Tofino for storm watching

The winter solstice is my Prozac, 2 weeks away!

 
Deborah is pragmatically transforming the house into one of Christmas celebration, I love the traditions and think the off spring appreciate returning to their childhood memories.

The Five o’clock club: I have mentioned this group of Point Grey Members who attempt to keep the food and beverage budget balanced. I have taken my kids to this gathering and all have commented on the level of wit and irreverence of the group. For me, it is a wonderful escape and a suitable denouement to the day. The cast of characters is led by a most colorful Scot, Bob Duncan; a successful TV producer and failed comedian. A shout out to him as he won the reservoir quiz, this was a bet within the group as to what the Vancouver reservoir level would be in November in response to the water restrictions in the summer. The entry fee was $10.00, payout $60.00. The hope was that someone would have read my suggestion of reading:” How not to be Wrong”, the power of mathematical thinking. Duncan won! True to his complete integration to Canadian society he bought his fellow contestants a libation. (except me as I was already at quota, still waiting).

Why did I report on this, well under duress, Bob has been quoted: “ I do not read your frigging blog, the only things I read is what I write or what is written about me!”

I will do anything for yet another page view.

Professional Development: Vancouver hosted the International Diabetes Federation meetings this past week. The convention center was a source of great pride!

Our group had 2 posters, always nice to have our scientific work displayed, as well our GAP students now have a publication to strengthen their CV’s.

 

Not worthy of a rant , but the meeting had some challenges with organization, prompt communication of program content and talks of mixed quality.The hassle is that one never can predict until you are in the meeting!

Until next time……