Briefing -  October, '01

Dr. Fish

Last month  Laurie T. brought "psoriasis-eating fish" to my attention and, because I couldn't find anything about it "in the box," I poo-poo'd it in my response.

In short order I received emails from Jesse C. and Dee S. setting me straight. Not only is the Dr. Fish for real, they're famous.  (Read "Psoriasis-eating Fish — It's True!" at the top of this month's mail.)  For some things you must look "outside the box."  But then this:

Sunday's Parade Magazine supplement to the newspaper, page 8, "Relief For Raging Skin," a brief but comprehensive précis about P and its treatments, right there in the "Other Treatments" side bar:  "A psoriasis sufferer soaks in a hot spring at a spa near Kangal, Turkey" and what are all those things around him in the water? Yup.  Dr. Fish.

When unusual things come in threes I begin to worry.  What might this mean?

*****

PAM

It's here — Psoriasis Awareness Month.  To learn all about it, and ways you can help spread the word, visit the National Psoriasis Foundation's page on PAM.  I'm sure the fact that, when we're at our worst, we look ghoulish has nothing to do with "our month" and Halloween being one and the same. 

*****

September 11th

I'm very glad that 20 days have lapsed between the New York / Washington D.C. / Pennsylvania tragedy and this moment, when I compose my October Briefing for FlakeHQ.  Two weeks ago it would not have been a consideration.  A week ago I would have been embarrassed to pen anything that takes anything lightly.  This week I can do it — somewhat.  

I think that everything that can be said about what has happened to us in the United States has been said.  Certainly I have no new words to add to my country's lamentation.  I pray that we will not lose our humanity in our rage; that our loud patriotism is not fueled by bloodlust; and that we are rational enough to recognize justice when it is eventually achieved, even if it may not feel like revenge.

I would hope that no one within the circle of this readership has lost a loved one, but I know that's not likely — not because this readership is so broad, but because we have lost so many.  A few days after the tragedy I posted an image on the FlakeHQ home page that came to me anonymously via chain email.  Many of you may have received it as well; others I hope saw it here over the past couple of weeks.  It is a beautiful composite that puts my heart in the right place when I reflect on the events of September 11.  If you did not get a chance to see it, click here. -Ed

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