8. The most entertaining mail was by our young friend Serg. I have to admit not having the patience to read through the whole length of his rumbling text but I got the message. I understand Serg's psyche: this is how I would have written when I was a first year resident.

9. Tovarish Serg is horrified by what he's read on the GB chapter in my book. I assume that he refers to the Russian version which is the first edition – written, I assume, when he was still a junior member of the Komsomol.

The approach to the acute GB has been updated in the 2nd edition and has been yet again revised-updated in the third edition which is in press. As you know – young tovarish – books have to play it safely and advocate safe and well proven approach. Not every and each short lasting gimmick has to be included. Anyway, my advice to people who do not agree is: write your own book!

10. A member (forgot who it was) asked: what is the purpose of presenting this case? It is like he would ask: what is the purpose of SURGINET? I presented this case – like the numerous personal cases – of success and failure – I presented over last 15 years for three main reasons: generate discussion, learn, teach. Dear Tovarish Serg and the emigre from Florida: when was the last time you have presented to us a problem case? Or your own complication? Enough rumbling on Xmas day. The year 2009 is approaching and my mental faculties are declining since 2006 and hence I cannot concentrate. So let me stop here and go into the sunny but frosty day to chop some wood, hunt for some rabbits and drink a glass of vodka mixed with snow. Perhaps it would alleviate my growing bitterness and stimulate my neurons.

However, this broken man will continue communicating with you, on and off (if you like what he says or not), until he shades his gloves off. [About 10 years ago I wrote to Professor Hugh Dudley – do you remember him? – asking for a chapter on abdominal wall closure. He wrote back that he has just retired and made a pledge not to speak or write or advice about practical surgical issues. Isn't this the right way to follow?]

As anyone who puts pen on paper I appreciate ALL your input… be it caustic or favorable.

110. Где жил Муму…

110. Где жил Муму…

Муму жил в Париже, или Полные штаны страха

Первого января 2004 года на именины грека Василия его жена Лариса из Набережных Челнов сумела созвать к себе чуть ли не всех православных жителей Питерсбурга-Полокване.