From the column:

No Chicken Soup for Barney, Please

Rep. Barney Frank, the tart-tongued Democrat from Massachusetts, has never been accused of coddling his colleagues -- and he wants no special treatment in return.

Members of the House received a letter from him this week making that clear. Courtesy of one of the recipients:

"Dear Colleague: I appreciate the concern expressed by many about why my arm is in a sling. In order to avoid having to repeat the same conversation, I am sending out this Dear Colleague.

"I ruptured a tendon in my left arm using a curling machine in a gym, and I had it surgically repaired yesterday at Bethesda Naval Hospital. I'll be using the sling for a week or two, but I feel fine. Thanks for not asking."

So ask no more.

All of us at PageOneQ wish Rep. Frank and speedy and full recovery.