“'This is what everyone is looking for, the bull’s-eye of perfect predictive accuracy,' Dr. Steven DeKosky, dean of the University of Virginia medical school, who is not connected to the new research, said about the spinal tap study."

There is a long way to go for treatment or a cure, but this is a huge step forward for a disease that until now could not be diagnosed except at autopsy.

"...they are testing hundreds of new drugs that, they hope, might change the course of the relentless brain cell death..."

Read more here.

LOBSTER ROLLS SNARL TRAFFIC
My favorite short drive when I was living in Maine was to Wiscasset, about an hour from Portland, where I could get what many people justifiably consider the best lobster roll in Maine. Here's my photo of the wait line from three years ago.

Now, reports The New York Times, traffic snarls at the point where narrow Route 1 passes Red's Eats have some people suggesting that the 70-year-old establishment should be moved.

Having a bit of knowledge of Mainers after four years there, I doubt that will happen. Read more here.

GOVERNMENT "SMELL TEST" FOR GULF SHRIMP
According to AP, unnamed "government" sources tell Louisiana fishermen that shrimp caught off the coast of St. Bernard's Parish "must be safe to eat because they don't smell too bad." Even shrimpers don't buy it:

"'If I put fish in a barrel of water and poured oil and Dove detergent over that, and mixed it up, would you eat that fish?' asked [Rusty] Graybill, a 28-year-old commercial oyster, blue crab and shrimp angler who grew up fishing the marshes of St. Bernard. 'I wouldn't feed it to you or my family. I'm afraid someone's going to get sick.'"

I don't believe it either. Be sure to double check the origin of shrimp with your fish monger and read more here.

LOONY POLITICIAN EDITION
We have no shortage of whackjob politicians; any given quote from Sharron Angle, Michelle Bachman and Rand Paul make my point. But a candidate in this week's Colorado primary may have surpassed them all in the tinfoil hat competition.

Dan Maes, running for the Republican nomination for governor, took aim at the Denver mayor's bike sharing program, similar to those in 600 other American cities, saying it is "promoted by a group that puts the environment above citizens' rights," according to the Denver Post.

"Maes said... he once thought the mayor's efforts to promote cycling and other environmental initiatives were harmless and well-meaning. Now he realizes 'that's exactly the attitude they want you to have.'"

"'This is bigger than it looks like on the surface, and it could threaten our personal freedoms,' Maes said."

Dan Maes won the Republican nomination in Tuesday's primary. Read more here.

87-YEAR-OLD TV NEWSMAN RETIRES
When Stan Chambers began working at KTLA-TV in Los Angeles in 1947, some of you reading this weren't even born yet. He retired Wednesday on his 87th birthday.

"KTLA News Director Jason R. Ball said: 'Stan probably has the record for the longest career in American television news. It's unheard of in this industry for someone to have a career lasting 63 years, and he's seen the entire history of the news business.'"

What's important about this, in addition to a remarkable career, is that Mr. Chambers was allowed to work until he decided it was time to go. Every employer in the U.S. should take note. You can read more here and this is a short overview of his 63 years on the job.

WE KEEP REPEATING: EVEN LIGHT EXERCISE MAKES A DIFFERENCE
There is no controversy, no contradicting evidence: even a short walk each day helps keep aging bodies and minds in good health. Now, another new study reports that largest benefits in mild exercise are to those people who have been sedentary:

"Just achieving the recommended levels of physical activity (equivalent to 30 minutes daily of moderate intensity activity on 5 days a week) reduces the risk of death by 19%...while 7 hours per week of moderate activity (compared with no activity) reduces the risk of death by 24%."

Read more here.

THE LIVES OF DINER WAITRESSES
Marian Van Eyk McCain of Elderwomanblog sent along this story, a fascinating peek into the careers of American coffee shop and diner waitresses. There are sketches of half a dozen women, mostly elders, who have made their living on their feet this way all their lives.

"Over the years," writes Andrea Walker, "these waitresses grow roots, build friendships with the staff and the customers, and many choose to work past retirement age. Some waitresses have tried to retire but went back to work because they missed it so much."

Read the whole story here.

MY BEST LAUGH IN WEEKS
Cowtown Pattie of Texas Trifles – herself one of the funniest people I know – forwarded this video of North Carolina elder humorist Jeanne Robertson. "Humorist" doesn't begin to describe her; let's try falldown funny instead. I suggest a visit the bathroom before you click the go button below so you don't wet yourself.

You can find more equally hilarious videos at Jeanne Robertson's website or just search her name at YouTube.

Oh, hell, I can't stop there. Here's another:

EDITORIAL NOTE: Interesting Stuff is an occasional Time Goes By feature – about two or three times a month – listing items that have recently caught my attention, some serious and others not. Suggestions are welcome with no guarantee of publication.

At The Elder Storytelling Place today, Nancy Leitz: Carol and the Fake Fruit