My friend Ann Schunior in the Boston area pointed out in an e-mail yesterday that now that science has proven you can, indeed, die of a broken heart, we may need to rewrite some of the old ballads like Barbara Allen to reflect the new scientific evidence. Her specific suggestion was to replace the old-fashioned rose and briar ending with Barbara's case being written up in Lancet or the Journal of Cardiology or some such thing. Just an amusing thought--and challenge--on a snowy Maine day....

Jeri, this one somehow brought your songwriting talents to mind. And anyone else
Cheers,
Kathy