Lenci's locks must go! (But it's for a good cause.)

Friend and erstwhile colleague Ed Lenci is known, among many things, for having a fine head of hair. But, come St. Patrick's Day, Ed (who has Hibernian heritage on the distaff side) will repair to Jim Brady's, where a razor will sweep over his scalp, leaving him bald as a cue ball. The purpose of this exercise in aesthetic cruelty is to raise funds to fight something far more cruel: childhood cancer.

Ed and others have responded to the challenge made by St. Baldrick's Foundation, an organization which runs the world's largest volunteer-driven fundraising event for childhood cancer research. So far, its efforts have met with tremendous success: St. Baldrick's raised over $12 million in 2007 and, since its inception in 2000, has raised over $34 million. Its goal is to raise $17 million in 2008. (It has nothing to do with Baldrick in Blackadder.)

To make a donation and support Ed's sacrifice, go to St. Baldrick's website and click DONATE NOW. On the page that pops up, you will see spaces for entering Ed's name under the heading "Search for a Participant or Team." You need only enter "Lenci" in the appropriate box and hit "go." On the page that next pops up, you'll see Ed's photograph and below it the words "Donate now." Click "Donate now" and you will be taken to the page where you can make your donation securely using your Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express card. Donations to St. Baldrick's are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.