May

• Phish:

  Question for Trey and Mike: How do you guys avoid your callouses rubbing off when you are encountered with hot water? I'm getting sick of people poking fun at me for wearing a plastic glove in the shower...is there a better way?

  Jonathan Peters Maryville, TN
  Dear JP,:

  A plastic glove isn't necessary, but use a shampoo/conditioner in one. Too much soap is a callous killer.
  
  - Mike
• Dear Mike:

  I recently bought a bass guitar. I was wondering -- could you give me some tips on how to play?

  Thanks, Jeff Asaualertdanich
  Dear Jeff:

  1. Listen and play what you hear
  2. Space between notes is quite important
  3. Some notes must be long, Jeff. Very long.
  
  --Mike
• Dear Phish:

  I'm fairly new to the PHISH scene so would you please answer this question, seriously. If I play any of your songs backwards, will I hear anything "strange?"

  Anonymous
  Dear Anonymous:

  If you play "All Things Reconsidered" backwards, you'll hear an encrypted message that will show you the way to everlasting life. I'm glad someone finally figured it out. ENJOY!
  
  -Trey
  
  P.S. Now that I think about it, the recorded version doesn't really work. It's better to actually learn the music. Then, sit at the piano and play it backwards.
• Phish:

  In the March edition of the Phish update, you suggested checking out Assface, but I can't find their CD anywhere. Can you tell me how to get one?

  Thanks, Rick Bailey
  Dear Rick:

  I got one by putting a stocking over my head.
  
  --Trey
• Dear Phish:

  What do you guys dream about?

  Nina
  Dear Nina:

  I dream about kidnappers, houses, gigs, musicians, shirts and animals and rocks by the beach.
  
  -Mike
• Dear Phish:

  In reference to the letter about the band nicknames, do they call Mike "cactus" because he's a prick?

  Just Curious, Kevin
  Kevin::

  No, if that were the case it would be Fishman's nickname.
  
  -Trey