Acknowledgments I have long thought it odd that books included acknowledgments. Twice I have gone through childbirth, which I would consider to be the grandest of feats, and yet, even for that, there is no customary rite of certification. No one expected me to place a notice in the local newspaper to formally thank my gynecologist, nurses, husband, the people who were fortunately present when I went into labor, and the barista at Starbucks who knew what I wanted every morning as I hit the drive-through. Now that I have actually completed the writing and publishing process, I realize that the baby thing might be trumped after all. I have come to under- stand the necessity of the acknowledgments page, and I am delighted to me- morialize my gratitude for the many who have assisted me during this book's pregnancy and labor. Actually, it's very empowering. It's like being nominated for an Oscar and writing your acceptance speech in case you need it, only you absolutely