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Quote by Michael R. Bloomberg

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Michael R. Bloomberg

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“Foreign biochemists who adhere to metaphysical idealist concepts, ascribe to mythical immutable genes the role of governing metabolic processes which, properly speaking, constitute the characteristic feature of life. Soviet biology has counterposed to these idealist concepts, a real, scientifically consistent materialist explanation of vital processes based on concrete experimental data. Let me cite as an example only one tendency in these investigations, namely, the study of the primary role played in all these complex manifestations of life by special substances called enzymes. Along with vitamins and hormones they constitute the group of compounds which direct all the changes lying at the basis of metabolism in the living organism. Enzymes are the real keys to life. All component substances of the organism—phosphorous compounds, fats, carbon-hydrates, etc. — would be inactive if they were not influenced by enzymes. Without the digestive enzymes, starch would be converted into sugar not in ten minutes, as it is in our body, but in scores of months. Without respiratory enzymes, the organism would be doomed to death from asphyxiation even in an atmosphere of pure oxygen.”

“It was while here that I got my first lessons in baking bread in the ground. The method was this: A shallow hole was dug in the sand and a fire lighted in it and allowed to burn out, thoroughly heating the ground all around it. While the ground was being heated, bread was made of sour dough, put between two gold-pans, and allowed to rise. Then the hot ashes and dirt were scooped out of the hole and the gold pans put in and covered with ashes and hot sand. The bread was allowed to stay in about an hour: if left in too long it wouldn’t burn, but the crust would get thicker. The loaf came out a rich golden brown and very delicious. This of course was only done when conditions were favorable.”

“We could, you know, go out for hot dogs. Don’t worry—they’re not actually dogs. It’s just a name. They’re these meat things that you put on buns—that’s a kind of bread—and then you top them with other things and—” “I know what a hot dog is,” interrupted Mark. “You do?” I asked, legitimately surprised. “How?” “We’re not that remote. We have TV and movies. Besides, I’ve left Siberia, you know. I’ve been to the U.S.” “Really? Did you try a hot dog?” “No,” he said. “I was offered one … but it didn’t look that appetizing.” “What!” I exclaimed. “Blasphemy. They’re delicious.” “Aren’t they compressed animal parts?” he pushed. “Well, yeah… I think so. But so is sausage.” Mark shook his head. “I don’t know. Something’s just not right about a hot dog.” “Not right? I think you mean so right.”