Daily Bulletin

New rocks for Peter Russell's garden

The geological collection between the Biology and Math buildings began to germinate in Russell's mind in 1981 as a project for UW's 25th anniversary celebrations the following year. With funding from the Canadian Geological Foundation, Wintario, and a bequest from UW alumnus Malcolm Heaton, the first 20 tonnes of rock were planted in the garden in 1986.

Since then, the garden has blossomed with new donations every year -- from mine owners, in memory of UW students and staff, and to mark the 40th anniversary of the co-op program at Waterloo -- now bringing the total to more than 50 tonnes. Each specimen is marked with a cast bronze plaque providing information about the rock, as well as the donor.

Today at 11 a.m., three new rocks will be installed in the Peter Russell Rock Garden. The donations will commemorate the life of Harry Verney Warren, known as the "father of biogeochemistry" and the recipient of an honorary degree from UW in 1975. Warren, who was not only a noted scientist but an athlete and member of Canada's track team in the 1928 Olympics in Amsterdam, died on March 14, 1998, at the age of 93.

Two of the three specimens are from Warren's home province of British Columbia:

• Cascade coral granite, a "mountain-shaped" piece from Beaverdell, B.C., donated by Don Gunning and the quarry owners, Margranite Industries Ltd.;
• Nephrite jade, a boulder from Wheaton Creek, B.C., with a dark green polished surface, donated by Jedway Enterprises Ltd.;
• Pink Rhodonite, from Evelyn Creek, Yukon, from Jedway Enterprises Ltd.

Russell retired from the earth sciences department in 1996 after nearly 30 years as a rock preparation technician, draftsman, and administrative assistant/curator. Now that he's retired, Russell has curtailed his on-campus activities to serving as curator of the Earth Sciences/Biology Museum, where he conducts tours and talks for visitors, curator of the rock garden, co-editor of Wat on Earth, the earth sciences newsletter, and a contributor to Waterlog, the earth sciences alumni newsletter. In his spare time, he handles other public relations duties for the department, including conferences, brochures and tours.

Info sessions offer jump on job hunt

Co-op education and career services will lend a hand with two information sessions scheduled for today and tomorrow from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in Engineering Lecture Hall room 101.

Graduating students on a work term from September to December, 1999, are invited to attend either session, with topics to include interviews and application process, employer information session, important dates and deadlines, career fair, and career development seminars and workshops.

The sun on your bare skin

As the sun beams down on ISU’s campus, many more sunbathers can be seen lounging on their front lawn, laying pool-side or laying out on the Quad, hoping for the perfect tan. However, obtaining that golden glow, could pay a fatal price. Not only may sunbathers experience burns, but skin cancer may develop with frequent sun exposure.

According to the National Cancer Institute about one million cases of skin cancer were diagnosed in 1998. Melanoma, the most serious form, was diagnosed in about 41,600 people. Also, an estimated 9,200 people will die from skin cancer in 1999.

With the number of skin cancer patients rising, it is important to notice the signs and see a doctor immediately, according to Dr. Carl W. Soderstrom, of the Soderstrom Dermatology Center in Peoria. He said, "Early detection and early removal is the only way to cure skin cancer." . . .

According to Soderstrom, any mole that is changing in color or size, or itching could be a sign of skin cancer. Also, any new bump or growth on the skin could be cancerous. He said people should examine themselves regularly in their homes. "Using mirrors, individuals should look for any new growth or mole starting to darken or grow larger than five millimeters -- the size of a pencil eraser," Soderstrom said.

He added, "It’s important to examine every inch of skin including places you wouldn’t normally look." Places such as behind the ears, under breasts, on the scalp and in between toes. Many individuals are more prone to the disease than others. According to Soderstrom, fair-skinned individuals and redheads are more susceptible to skin cancer. Also, people who have had burns earlier in life are more likely to develop melanoma, Soderstrom said.

Protection from the sun is a necessity, said Soderstrom. When going outdoors, one should always wear sunscreen, sunglasses and long shirts.

Barbara Elve
bmelve@uwaterloo.ca

Editor of the Daily Bulletin: Chris Redmond
Information and Public Affairs, University of Waterloo
credmond@uwaterloo.ca | (519) 888-4567 ext. 3004
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