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Like many of you, I have found the CELIAC LIST a life-line and can't
imagine getting along without it, but today I am feeling frustrated,
and in the interest of clarity and help for the new members of the
list, I write the following message:

About every three years we members of the CELIAC LIST need to be
reminded that there are always new kids on the block who are not
aware of all the lingo.

Today, after being a member of the LIST almost from the beginning,
the problem is mine and not just that of others who are new members.
Perhaps it is a factor of advancing age, or living outside the loop,
or whatever is the source of all these initials, but folks, I get
lost and can't understand many of the messages on the CELIAC DIGESTs
that arrive on my computer screen daily.  Take yesterday's mail, for
instance:

Item #1 My dh is the celiac in the family I always thought that in
CELIAC mail, dh referred to dermatitis herpetiformis.  That doesn't fit
the situation.  Does it mean "dear heart?" or "damned husband" or... ????

Item #2
        Iam A+
Give me a break!! What is Iam?  and is A+ a test score?

Item #3 ER4YT Anyone who has not followed previous messages for some
time is apt to be totally confused.  I assume it means "Eat Right for
Your Type" - but, fellow celiacs, it took me a while.

Item #4 I have also found a ND I'm guessing at ND meaning Nutritional
Doctor - but not at all sure.  Anyway, if one is going to write that -
or say it, the N is pronounced "en" and that means that the article
would be "an." Hence, one would write "found an ND..."

Even the message about doctors in Tacoma had a mystery for any
newcomer to the list:

Item #5 Referrals to Cynthia at the GIG was the main response I happen
to have sent money, in years past (past being as far back as 1982), to
GIG, in order to receive their excellent pamphlets, but how many new
members of the list will have a clue what "GIG" might mean?  Yes, if you
read carefully, it is made clear in the next sentence, but in the
interest of clarity, the full title should be used first, and then the
abbreviations.  Then there will be no misunderstanding.

So, this retired English teacher is again making a request that you
all use full terminology the first time you make a reference in your
messages.  After that the initials or acronym are just fine, and easy
for any casual reader to understand.

Good health and happiness, AND CLARITY FOR ALL, in the New Year.
Gayle Kennedy