BARBARA'S TCHATZKAHS

This is as inane as it is frightening... Maryland man develops Christian salt Did you ever wish there were a Christian version of kosher salt? I thought not. But apparently a retired barber, Joe Godlewski, did. Godlewski, who lives in western Maryland, has named his new product Blessed Christian Salt. It went on the market this week. It's simply sea salt that's been blessed by an Episcopal priest, which is kind of an odd choice of denomination when you think about it. I would get a celebrity TV evangelist for more endorsement power. ... You can buy Blessed Christian Salt on the Internet or in Christian bookstores . Apparently some portion of the proceeds will go to charity, according to an AP story, but no one is saying how much or which charities. Also according to the AP story, Rabbi Sholem Fishbane, kosher administrator for the Chicago Rabbinical Council, said he doesn't blame Godlewski for seizing a business opportunity, even one that plays on public misconceptions ab...

by Adele Ryan McDowell Do you know those moments when you are driving in the car and you find yourself knee-deep in reverie? These are moments when, out of nowhere, you find yourself long in thought; it's as if you have made a U-turn into the underground waters of your psyche. Maybe it's the constancy of the rhythmic motion that lulls you into a semi-trance state, or, perhaps, it's the sound of wheels in a circular song that rests your overactive mind. Or would you consider that it's the very act of traveling from one place to another, the movement of transition from Point A to Point B, these intersections of destination and duty, that often offers a window where pieces of the self can surface? This kind of reverie reminds me of being on the train that travels from London to Paris. You chug along taking in the jumble of the cityscape — buildings, signs and the chaotic colors of populated lives. The busy scenery morphs into the peacefulness of the passing gre...

Having a child with ADD, when you're not - can be a challenge. Trying to work with the NYC School System can be frustrating and rage-inducing. My child has been profoundly lucky to have teachers who really care and last year, one who is passionate about teaching and reaching the minds of all his students... No matter how far outside the box he had to reach. My child is dynamic, frustrating, creative, imaginative, crazy-making and infinitely charming, loveable and full of compassion. Last year, they designed their own Halloween costume, sketched it, helped me get the fabrics for it and gave it to their very resourceful and innovative Aunt - who painstakingly brought it to life. My Nana, of blessed memory, (who was a clothing designer and made 90% of my clothing for me until she passed in 1981) - would be very VERY proud. For them & my other friends and childrens' friends with ADD, I post this article: by Ben Goldfarb A few years ago, my wife was waiting patiently for me...