Trick or Treat in March

Yes, you read that right. There is trick or treat going on right now in San Fransisco. Only the spoils aren't candy...

I have developed pretty strong feelings about this over the years, although I must admit that I once was quite guilty of wanting to fill my own goodie bag to overflowing. Howie's feelings haven't changed at all over the years. He always saw it for what I have to come to view it as: an unfortunate indictment of greed of the already affluent. (Yes, I know those are harsh words).

What I am talking about is the Exhibit Hall for the Convention. Rows and rows of companies line an enormous room peddling their wares and wooing spouses. Yup,no kidding. There is a day where the exhibit hall is open only to dermatologist's spouses. Of course, admittance is only by badge, and the badge costs $75. But of course far more than $75 worth of samples are hauled off after a day at the hall.

But isn't there something wrong with this picture? Some dermatologists are among the higher paid medical practitioners. That would include those who specialize in cosmetic procedures not covered by insurance companies and paid for willingly by those who can afford them to turn back the hands of time (or t hose like me who can't bear to see a vial of botox be poured down the drain...yes, guilty as charged...) and here are the spouses pushing and running to collect copious amounts of lotions, creams, salves...the entire time having had to pass at least two dozen homeless folks between their hotel and the convention center.