On the record

"If flying were a perfect system, nobody would be afraid of it." 
 
----Psychologist and pilot Michael P. Tomaro, PhD, in an article about fear of flying and coping strategies used to deal with it. Pasadena Star-News, Dec. 17.

"High levels of 'proactive forgiveness,' which involves asking forgiveness from someone you've hurt, asking God to forgive you or praying to God to forgive someone who has hurt you, were strongly linked with high levels of psychological distress....This is understandable, since asking forgiveness can be stressful. It involves admitting to yourself that you've done something wrong. Also, you risk rejection from the other person."

--Psychologist Loren Toussaint, PhD, of Idaho State University, discussing a study of forgiveness. The Washington Times, Dec. 12.

"Nothing makes people more secure than a sense of community. When you lose community, it's the most deadly thing you can do. Architecture creates community."

--Psychologist Richard Farson, PhD, of the Western Behavioral Sciences Institute, in an article about the closing down of buildings and public spaces due to increased security since last September's attacks. The Washington Post, Dec. 5.