"The report recommends that all women diagnosed with ovarian cancer have genetic testing to help map treatment decisions. Close relatives of women with the disease also should be tested."

A new report by the Institute of Medicine.

Another reason to stick with dogs.

"Cat ownership in childhood has now been reported in three studies to be significantly more common in families in which the child is later diagnosed with schizophrenia or another serious mental illness."

(I love all animals, but I prefer to share the household with dogs.)

Possible Diagnostic Test for Ovarian Cancer?

"Ovarian cancer is the deadliest women’s cancer, killing 15,000 women a year in the United States – in part because it’s usually detected too late. Only 46 percent of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer survive for five years or longer."

And, predictably: "But researchers warn that such tests, used for screening, can be a double-edged sword if they give false positive results that send patients down a rabbit hole of invasive tests and needless treatments."

The Bilingualism Boost

"Neuroscientists have been accumulating strong evidence that knowing, and constantly using, a second language starting in childhood can significantly delay a decline in brain power."

"Women in the UK are dying unnecessarily of ovarian cancer because of a lack of access to the best treatment."

Newish study reported by the BBC. Compare this older story from 2010.

Start thinking about spring.

Now that the holiday season is almost behind us, it's time to start planning for warmer weather. During the icy months, you might consider visiting a garden show.

In the 1960s, when my Dad still was well, our family often visited exhibits and museums. It was not uncommon, for example, for us to go to the Chicago Auto Show. When President Kennedy visited Chicago in March 1963, my Dad took us to O'Hare International Airport to see him. When A Hard Day's Night premiered in 1964, Dad drove us downtown to see the movie at its first Chicago showings. He even took us to Soldier Field in 1964 to see a football game: now that was unusual.

So it wasn't surprising to see this photo from the Chicago Flower and Garden Show.

Chicago, Illinois, January 1964. A view of the "Chicago Flower and Garden Show."

Happy New Year, Everyone.

No resolutions here; just wishes to you all for good health, loving family, and loyal friends.

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Suburban Chicago, December 31, 1960. My Parents and the other party goers welcome the New Year.