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pop-talks
Essays on medicine, philosophy, poetry & thoughts
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November 25, 2005 Beach Runner The Gulf wind threw sand at the aging walkers, wrapped
in sweaters, cheated by the southern sun. Some held
hands as they bent to pick over shells for some northern
den.
Groups of sand pipers dash and halt, then dash again.
They search for thngs important, but look comical. In
the distance, a lean, tanned runner wearing red shorts,
and pumping thin legs with disciplined rhythm, rapidly
came up the beach. His white hair stretched out behind
him and he stared straight ahead with watery eyes at the
boys and girls with golden hair dancing in the wind
always out of reach.
Posted by pop-talks at November 25, 2005 5:05:58pm
November 12, 2005 RE: Where are all the bloggers? In reference to:
Response: I asked the same question...where are all the b loggers? I have had 216 "hit" in 2 months and no responses.
How about you have you had any "hits"?
Posted by pop-talks at November 12, 2005 11:26:02am
October 23, 2005 Lovers Small, red lights blinked in silent alarm.
A medic taped a needle to her arm.
I helped the bent, old man our of his chair,
And guided him next to her bed, where
With trembling fingers he touched her hair.
Then leaned to kiss her brow.
She smiled and whispered close to his ear
Some words I could not hear.
They were sitting on a red blanket,
At the edge of a small, green glen.
Both with fair skin pinched ruddy
By wind and sun. Her long, yellow hair
Was loosely tied in a nest-like bun.
I nodded, and they waved shyly, as I
walked by. Seventeen, I thought, and
Now wonder why I did not look back
And keep their dream near.
Posted by pop-talks at October 23, 2005 5:37:08pm
October 23, 2005 Flags The village was nearly dark.
Fading light filtered through
The trees around a small park.
Earlier, when the sun was high,
A parade with rattling drums,
And glistening brass marched by.
Then gathered on the Green, where
Flags gently flapped, flanking a list
Of names on a bronze plaque.
Heads bowed, a minister prayed.
Rifles cracked a salute, then
The anthem was played.
It's strange that bibles and bullets,
For wars gone by, have to
Remember the young sent to die.
Love gets forgotten -
That could be why.
Posted by pop-talks at October 23, 2005 5:22:47pm
September 30, 2005 Away Away
Being older and away from you
Is sadder than it was when we
Were younger and time got lost.
Bonds were stronger
And thoughts more vivid
Of busy house, noisy children,
And meals reciped by cost.
Somehow the hidden dream
Twisted my loneliness, and
Knowing you'd be there
Diminished the ache.
I knew the house would get quiet
And neat, with small, ordered meals.
But never quessed the trick with love
Time would make.
Posted by pop-talks at September 30, 2005 4:34:20pm
September 24, 2005 Alzheimer's Disease- Diet-Natural Selecton Summary: This report attempts to link
Alzheimer's disease, diet, and natural selection. A theory is
presented which outlines a possible reason for this
reelationship. It is suggested that the mechanism presented in
this theory may impact other diseases, particularly autoimmune diseases.
Why?
I started reading about Alzheimer's disease around 1994. I saw
what happened to a friend of mine who contracted the disease. She
was a "full of life" sweet, kind person, and what happened to her, I
think, was particularly cruel. Also, one of my daughters helps
take care of Alzheimer patients, and I have visited her "on
site" and always leave rather depressed.
During
my investigations I have written to about a dozen researchers and most of
them have answered my letters. Some have suggested other people
to contact, and others have commented positively on my
efforts. I still have these letters, and if anyone is
interested I will fax them a copy.
Since the report is long, I've decided to
only include the section about a mechanism that can possibly lead to
the formation of the familar amyloid placques found in the brains of AD
victims. I believe the relationship between diet and AD is well
known, and that it is also known that there is a connection between
diet and genetics and AD. If anyone would like a complete copy
of "Alzheimer's Disease-Diet-Natural Selection", I will be
happy to mail it to them- along with
references.
From page six. The
connection between the APOE gene, diet, and disease raises some
interesting questions: are there other genes linked to what we
eat and how we digest and assimilate this food? My digestive by
products after eating a high fat, high protein diet are probably much
different than an Eskimos who may have dined with me. And, is it
possible that digestive by products could influence Alzheiner's and
other diseases? I would like to introduce a theory of a possible
mechanism for the diet-Alzheimer's disease connection.
Immune
cells known as B-lymphocytes function, primarily, in our bone
marrow. There they keep busy reshuffling their genes in order to
produce a wide variation of cells whose job it is to make millions of
specialized antibodies. These antibodies have customized surface
configurations, which equip them to come to grips with (almost) any
body invader who has the appropriate(linkable) surface configuration.
When
a customized antibody encounters and "recognizes" the outer cell
configuration of an invader, mass production of the B-cell that made
the antibody is cranked up. And, when the time is ripe the
B-cells and the antibodies go forth to do battle with the
invader. It is a good thing for us that most of the battles
are won by the "good guys" . Also, it is important to note that
there is another significant side saga going on while the B-cells and
antibodies are doing their thing.
The
bone marrow activity also includes eliminating B-cells who do not have
a required, specific cell configuration. This is extremely
important, because it is possible that non-conforming B-cells could
become maverick cells that attack healthy (self) tissue. If this
happens, it is unfortunate, because the end result, more than likely is
an autoimmune disease.
B-cell design
activity is directed by proteins that were encoded by something known
as recombinase activating genes, RAG and RAG 2. Until recently,
it was thought that almost all of the B-cell designing activity ceased
when the B-cells left the bone marrow . At the time it was known
that thre was some redesign activity occurring in the spleen and lymph
tissue.
In the January 28, 1998 issue
of "Nature", it was reported that a class of B-cells known as
B-1, redesigns its genes in the peritoneal cavity. The
experiments outlined in the report were conducted on mice that
exhibited a type of auoimmune disease not unlike human Lupus.
Researchers observed ten to twenty times more RAG activity in the
peritoneal B-1 cells in these mice than in normal mice. This is
exciting news, but there is no explanatin for why there is this
type of activity in the peritoneal cavity, nor is there a
positive link to the Lupus type disease that these mice have.
Michael
C. Nussenzweig, immunologist, and co-author of the article
in "Nature" believes that this type of peritoneal B-1 activity is less
specialized than other B-1 cell activity. Also, Dr. Nussensweig
suggests that these peritoneal B-1 cells are there because of the many
organisms that seep into the peritoneal cavity from the digestive
tract: a front line defense against any unwanted invading cell
configuration that may happen by. So, gene rearrangements in the
peritoneal cavity of these mice maintain B-1 diversity that is ready to
deal with most invaders. And, I would suggest that it is probable
that a similar type of peritoneal B-1 cell activity occurs in
humans.
Assuming this is the case, I
believe it conceivable that digested proteins, or protein segments, can
leak into the peritoneal cavity and initiate unspecialiized B-1 cell
and antibody actions. This could be bad news, because the protein
B-1 cell and antibody activity may result in non-self sensetized
antibody activity that might damage certain parts of our bodies.
Basically, this is what happens in autoimmune diseases. Also, it
could be that these nonspecific, or maverick antibodies, "set up"
certain areas of the brain for the formation of the familar amyloid
placques that are found in the brains of AD victims.
Soon,
I think, our genetic profiles will be able to tell us what foods
are best for us, and what foods are bad for us. Then we
will be able to avoid food that we are not genetically optimized for,
and the unspecialized B-1 cell peritoneal activity will be
minimized. Indeed, if it is true that there is this type of B-1
cell antibody activity producing unspecialized antibodies in our
peritoneal cavities, than there is the possibility that other diseases
are influenced. The most likely candidates are the autoimmune
diseases.
The American
population is a vast ethnic mix. This implies that any
diet-genetic markers that may exist are, for want of a better
word, a big "mish-mash". Nevertheless, I think that some
day we will identify these markers and be able to design meals that we
have been genetically optimized for. Put another way, we
will be eating from "Evolution's Natural Selection" menu.
Posted by pop-talks at September 24, 2005 11:17:40am
September 22, 2005 Who Owns the Deed to paradise? Alistair Cooke had it right in 1990 when he wrote"....And the tragic fact that of all wars, religious wars are the most savage and pitiless." How is that relgious folks all over the world are killing each other? And they've been doing it for a long, long time. Religion is supposed to teach love and peace. With profound respect for religious leaders all over the world, I have to say: You've missed something in your sermons, guys (and gals). Something has backfired. Religion , it seems to me, in many instances fans the flames of violence, instesd of extinguishing them. Do you want to see hate? Go to Jerusalem. There, Jews and Muslims are killing and maiming each other with fervor. Or, try Belfast. There you can hear Christian men and women scream obscenities at freckle - faced young girls on their way to school. They sometimes throw rocks, and once in a while toss in a pipe bomb. Well, I have an idea. I think the religious leaders of the world should have a summit meeting in Jerusalem. They really should. Because there's something quite wrong. The Pope, and his counter parts could meet and listen to the music of the mayhem in a place where a man about two years ago gave some pretty good arguments for the fruits of peace and love, and managed to convince vast numbers of people to believe in him. I think he's probably not to pleased with us. Seriously, the religious leaders have to do something. Religion is a negative factor in Jerusalem, Belfast , and Irag. Think about the young men who gladly strap explosives around their bodies and stroll into crowded areas to destroy themselves and innocent people. The reward for doing this is martyrdom- a ticket to paradise. At this religious summit, I think one topic might be paradise. Territory is not the real problem in Jerusalem, Belfast, and Irag. Well, in a way it's about territory. But, not earthly territory- heavenly territory. One of the reasons religious folks bash each other is because they worry about who owns the deed to paradise. The "life after death" promise of religion results in instincts strong enough to motivate people to violence. Perhaps at the summit religious leaders can work on a dogma that will declare paradise large enough for all. It may be worth a try. Posted by pop-talks at September 22, 2005 12:11:39pm
September 22, 2005 Two limericks To me two, too
When I see me in a mirror, I think I look just fine.
But, if I see me in a photo, I think it can't be mine.
I think my Id and my ego play little games with me.
Now, I wonder which one "two" of me other folks see.
Pinch Me!
Grandpa, one of the richest men in the nation,
Just prior to his demise, requested cremation.
I really thought I'd get a wad of his cash.
But, what I got was a pinch of his ash.
Posted by pop-talks at September 22, 2005 11:36:42am
September 22, 2005 Fetch It's hard to say this: at times I can't look at you.
You're slow, and shake; and often fall too.
You won't eat what I fix-it's the best I know how.
Was it so long ago when things were nothing like now.
Remember kids laughing; tossing frisbies for you to catch.
You'd run and leap twisting to make a great air snatch.
If only I could toss time back, so you could run growling.
Hold on! I'd shout. Fetch! Fetch! that would be someting,
Then you could again run in the field by the house,
And down old trails chasing deer and startling grouse.
We never understood it would end- but it's done.
And I promise: I will not forget how you could run.
Posted by pop-talks at September 22, 2005 11:26:40am
September 22, 2005 Changes The wind changed today, abruptly
Without notice: sharp and strong
Tearing at a few brown oak leaves.
Other trees, bare, bend with the wind,
Groan a warning. Juncos and chicadees
Flutter in and out of feeders. Grey
Squirrels feed nervously on the ground
Jerking tidbits from the green-brown grass,
And now and then scurry up the thrashing trees,
To reserve their fear.
Not far away, in a tall, pale city wind swirls
Dust, and paper pieces down, long, frigid, caverns
Young men stand close to a burning black drum:
Shuffling their feet, passing a brown, bagged
Bottle and not seeing their fear laugh.
Posted by pop-talks at September 22, 2005 11:15:19am
September 22, 2005 Pop- still sailing Looking Forward
 Posted by pop-talks at September 22, 2005 9:20:41am
September 15, 2005 Invitation To The Dance What it's about: "Invitation To The Dance"
attempts to link genetics and music, and then this connection to human
behavior.
People are a little like puppets on genetic strings. Most
of us don't realize that our behavior often has a genetic connection.
For example, when we sing, dance, or play a musical instrument
we usually think we are just having fun. Well, we are probably
are having fun, but there's a lot more to it than that.
I can say, smiling, that I play the piano, and the accordion.
And, if I laugh, I can say that I sing. Not long ago I lived in a
big house with a lot of lively children and whenever I filled the house
with the afore mentioned sounds I was usually accompanied by a door
slamming tympanic section. Unperturbed, and having a grand time,
I carried on. Ignoring any improbable esthetic value of my
efforts, I always felt that I was in complete control. I've
recently learned that this is not entirely true. It seems that
any yearnings I get to play the piano, sing, or even dance are
influenced by my genes, and are not unlike other biological
characteristics such as eating, sleeping, sex, etc.
When I learned this, I was somewhat surprised, and
the more I thought, and read about it, the more fascinating
it became. For instance, if my genes have " room for
music" it means that music is somehow involved in the business of
my survival. That's not all! These musical genes originated
in life forms long before the human body looked anything like it does
now. And, these "kept" musical genes passed on from generation
to generation and species to species, had to, during their
evolutionary development contribute to the survival of the host
organism. This is so because Mother Nature, or more
precisely, natural selection, cannot waste the energy, or
time to maintain genetic material without a good reason.
And, that reason, is in some way involved with survival.
Sections of our genes indirectly influence our musicality. These
gene segments control the development of the parts of our brains and
nervous sysems that our associated with our musical instincts.
And, much of our neural anatomy is found in structures that have
evolved to direct other behavior. Recently, Harvard's Dr. Jude
Tramo wrote: " There is no music center in the brain, no
grossly identifiable brain structure that works soley during music
cognition, all the structures that participate in the processing
of music contribute to other forms of cognition as well. Our
brains, when making music, are actually using old parts and
systems in new ways.." This probably means that when apes stated
to dance, they didn't need new brains or neural parts. They
just had to "invent" a new collective way to use the parts they
already had. This implies that the musical parts of our brains
and neural affiliates were initially developed in lower life forms and
were handed to us, and added to, during our evolutionary journey.
The result is that we humans have the most sophisticated music making
machinery in the animal kingdom. Keep in minf however, that
there are anmals with very rudimentary brains and neural systems that
make music.
Dr. Lewis Thomas in his essay entitled, " The Music of this
Sphere", states that, " Somehwere, underlying all other
animal signals(animal sounds) is a continual music". And, the
good doctor initiates his defense of this statement by telling us that
the lowly termite produces his music by beating his head against the
floor of his tunnel home. This head bumping has been shown by
spectrographic analysis of sound recordings to produce an organized
drumming with beats occurring in regular, rhythmic phrases with varying
durations. This, technically, is music, and Dr.
Thomas states it is not too unlike that of an orchestral tympani
section. Almost everyone knows that birds, and whales, sing
but I don't think that many folks know that leeches tap on leaves in
rhythm and get rhythmic responses or that the earthworm makes
weak, staccato noises in measureable clusters. So, most
animals make some form of msic, and the reason for this is that it
somehow helps them to get along with the business of living.
Folks interested in this subjest are known as biological
musicologists, and most of them (there is some disagreement)
believe that human music is a legitimate, complex biological
adaptation. Like I've already said, this means that human
music has evolved because it conferred survival benefits to our
ancestors(including the pre-human ones) and then to us.
Richard Dawkins, a well known, contemporary
naturalist believes that biological adaptation is the only way we
humans could have become musical, and Charles Darwin, author of
the " Origin of the Species", and father of evolutionary
theory thought that music was an inherited and mellowed remnant of the
courting periods of our animal ancestors. In 1871 he
wrote, "It appears probable that the progenitors of
man, either the males, or females, or both sexes before acquiring
the power to express their mutual love in articulate language,
endeavored to charm each other with musical notes and rythm."
So, Darwin claims we sang to our mates before we talked to them.
Sometimes I think that we should have kept singing since I have,
more than once, gotten into big trouble by saying too much.
The serioous point is that music gets involved in mate
selection, and this is obviously involved with survival (passing
on genes to new generations). When birds sing they are not only
looking for a mate (most often they are). They can be staking
out feeding territories, giving instructions for finding food,
calling out to an offspring, and any number of things including
singing just for the fun of it. Thus, there are many
reasons why birds sing, and we, and other animals make
music. There is one very important reason why people use
music and most of us are unaware of it, and the reason is
bonding, or coupling. Musical bonding, or
coupling, plays a significant role in global human behavior.
A well known historian, William H. McNeil, in his
book, " Keeping Time Together", claims that coordinated,
rhythmical activity is fundamental to life in society. He goes
on to say that when we dance together, or march together in a military
parade, we are actually bonding together to become a
group. McNeil thinks that human society would not exist without
this
kind of musical acivity. He argues that music, dancing, marching,
and singing are not just luxuries consuming energy. Rather, these
activities are as fundamental to our getting along in this world as
hunting (eating), and raising a family. What has
bonding, to form a group, have to do with
survival? I suspect there are a lot of viable
answers. A few of these might be: to form a
group to frighten off, or defeat an enemy, to more efficiently gather
food, or show off physical characteristics (dancing) to attract a
mate. Many biological musicologists believe that an
important dimension of music is its role in cementing social
relationships and coordinating the activiies of large groups of
people. This last part, coordinating the activities of large
groups of people is, I believe, a factor in modern human
behavior.
The bill in 1997 for supporting United States military bands was 163
million dollars. Quite awhile ago I spent a
couple of years in the army and I can remember divisional parades
where thousands of men marched, I believe in battalion groups of
about 800 men, in step to a brassy, military band. Rifles, steel
helmets and boots glistened. American flags, and company
guide-on burgees flapped as we marched across the parade ground.
We could wheel right or left with, thanks to the music,
amazing precision. And, as I recall, we were "
pumped" by the music and felt that we were involved in something
that was rather splendid. We were bonding. Or, as William
McNeil suggested, we were coordinating the activity of a large
group of people. This coordinatig activity, marching, goes
beyond the parade ground. The core purpose of our marching was
to influence our activities, as a group, in battle.
Military music is strirring, and beautuful, but down through many
generations of all kinds of people, the real, genetic job
of military music is to "prep" the behavior of groups of
people for battle.
In, " The Music of this Sphere" Dr. Thomas hints that if we
had better ears we might become aware of the rhythms of the insects,
the beautiful trills of birdsong, the descants of whales,
the undulating vibrations of a million locusts in migration, and other
animal music, we could then speculate that we are sitting in the
middle of a universal concert. It is a whimsical
idea, but it might be that all living creatures are members of an
immense universal orchestra responding to rhythms and cadences
controlled by genetic metronomes. It might be good, if this
was so. Then, perhaps, we could learn to " change
the music" and offer more invitations to the dance than
invitations to killing fields.Posted by pop-talks at September 15, 2005 11:44:49am
September 09, 2005 Why So Bright? Why do leaves turn so bright?
I know about the colder night,
And fading light.
But, that's not why
.
A firery sign for those living here:
"Prepare, prepare, these woods
Will soon be cold and bare."
No, that's not why.
I thought I knew one dark night,
Deep in the woods out of sight.
When the moon kissed the trail ahead,
Stirring yellow leaves in their bed,
To brighten my way.
That's why.
To brighten my way.
To brighten my way.
Posted by pop-talks at September 09, 2005 5:33:33pm
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pop-talks: Why So Bright?
