Max > Recent Status Updates

I've finished Cancer Ward. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The author gave us an very detailed look inside a cancer ward in a hospital in 1930s Soviet Russia. Nothing is easy for any of the men in the ward. Only one is from privilege; the others are soldiers, aspiring college students, a scientist. All have cancer in varying degrees, in varying parts of the body. The primitive treatments given them seem archaic today.

Chapter 19 begins with the explosion of the influenza in Philadelphia, particularly after its Department of Public Health and Charities, Dr. Wilmer Krusen (who served at the mayor's whim and pleasure) did not deem this strain of influenza contagious or dangerous enough to cancel the city's upcoming Liberty Loans parade. Edwin Vare, mayor, agrees--and the parade goes on as planned. Several hundred thousands attended.

Currently reading "The Great Influenza" by John M. Barry. Historical study of the greatest pandemic to hit the United States in modern times; gives background on the scientists and doctors devoted to finding the cure for this particular strain of influenza that could show its first symptoms in the morning and kill you by nightfall. On Chapter 19: Explosion.

Max is currently reading "The 9/11 Commission Report: Final Report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon The United States"

Max is currently reading "the Great Influenza" by John M. Barry. Excellent read about the flu pandemic of 1918.