My Magic Comb

While visiting the panda park on the northern edge of Chengdu, China, two years ago, I couldn't resist buying this little souvenir key chain. Between the panda's front and hind paws you will notice a tiny comb, which measures less than one inch in length.

Last night I settled in to read more of The Thorn Birds, but first I happened to study this key chain, still in its original package, which I was using as a bookmark.[ Yes, this is the second miraculous discovery I've made while re-reading The Thorn Birds this summer. (See "Fine Art Found!"]

Anyway, I looked closely at the cute little panda comb, then turned the package over to read, for the first time apparently, the information on the back. Here it is, verbatim, awkward English and all:

Our combs and fine toothed bamboo combs are made of boxwood, nanmu or bamboo with excellent crafts. It has been proved by modern medicine that often combing one's hair with this kind of combs can ease one's headache and sleeplessness and can refresh one's mind, combing one's hair with this kind of combs can also make one hear and see well.

Imagine! Easing of headaches, easing of insomnia, a clearer mind, not to mention better eyesight and sharper hearing, all by regular use of "this kind of combs."

Who knew? It's time for the souvenir comb to come out of its package and get to work. I'm thinking it might also improve my I.Q. And to think I paid probably 10 yuan for it, which would be about $1.40.