moses is as much a model of disappoinment as he is of achievement.

the very roots of destruction are in the achievement of success itself.

The cycle of failure, recovery, struggle, success.

America's Prophet

There is no freedom without obligation.

True freedom depends on giving up some freedoms in return for a civil and just society.

Local Watering Hole

My ex used to say one of the things he loved about living in downtown Manhattan was his local watering hole. I used to think he was the only American ever to say "watering hole" in a social setting, but his love for the Paris Cafe was well deserved. It was a great place for dinner, drinks, or watching a game. It was the one thing I regretted giving up in our "divorce". Everyone has a local favorite. When I lived on the Upper East Side it was Trinity and Jasmine's Pahd See Yu. I still catch myself day dreaming about Chipati. Considering how many Umich alums live in NYC, I don't understand how no one has started a Pizza House franchise by now.

While living in Cobble Hill I frequented many "local joints" -- aside from the Starbucks on Wyckoff & Smith nothing really held my loyalty and passion. Many of our choices were driving by price, and whether Deborah's brother, Tim, was working. Not to say that Trout, Pacifico, Bueno and the pizza place aren't good. But it helps when the person serving you knows you.

So now I'm in my new hood, Clinton Hill, and I'm searching for the key places. Olea, is already in my heart. The General Greene is up on the list for Brunch and a nice, cozy, candle lit dinner. Red Bamboo - outdoor atmosphere A+, cuisine C (sorry, soy chicken just doesn't cut it). Tonight I tried Brooklyn Public House. Has the draw of a great place. Great look & feel. Nice staff, very attentive. Had the burger. Note to self: next time order a medium rare. The best part was the salad - included cranberries :) Bartender said fish & chips are the way to go. I will try again, but I sadly report...still searching.

Balloon Hoax

The other day all news media was focused on this helium Balloon hovering over Colorado carrying a 6 year old boy. A colleague was filling me in on the news (shocked that I had no idea) when I just started to laugh. He said I was being insensitive to the issue and that the boy probably fell out and died. I said..he's in the house hiding under his bed or something.

Sure enough...he was.

So what does a 6-year-old boy hiding in an attic for several hours do to occupy his time as his parents, the police and throngs of investigators are frantically searching for him?

Appearing on “Larry King Live” on Thursday night with his parents and brothers, Falcon Heene gave some indication.

“First I was playing in the attic,” he said, “then I stopped and went to bed in the attic.”

I don't know whether to keep laughing or just shake my head in despair that authorities had to be occupied with this and that our news media made this out to be a national crisis.

*** FYI, Zachary's suspension was overturned and he was allowed back at school this week.

It's a fork, It's a Spoon, It's a .... Weapon

I'm still not sure how I feel about the Spork. It seems just as dangerous as a fork, sharper than a plastic knife. And yet, cafeterias all across the United States are handing over these little plastic weapons to our children. So when a kid thinks he's got a better idea...what do we do...we suspend him for 45 days. Poor Zachary! That's 7 weeks that a child in the 1st is missing out on critical education - oh well! He'll probably learn more from his mother than at home.

Just Fun Stuff

So the deborah's are overwhelmed with school, life, fall, managing headaches, annoying children and trying to teach the world to sing. So I've decided I'm just going to post pictures and things I think are just fun.

Parenting

Bobby: I'm bored

Betsy: Go bang your head against the wall

Bobby: Mommmmmm

Betsy: Only boring people are bored