THE NOT SO SECRET ANNEX

Did anyone ever stop to wonder how secret Anne Frank's hiding place was when a male cat named Mouschi lived there? This was the 1940's - "Fresh Step " hadn't been invented yet.

Has anyone ever considered that the aroma of cat pee, more potent than Zyclon B, may have led

to the demise of those Dutch Jews?

The true identity of the betrayer has never been established. Perhaps he wasn't an anti-Semite but the next door neighbor who could no longer tolerate the stench emanating from 263 Prinsengracht.

Kunnahurricane

I've been eagerly awaiting Hurricane Irene. Stocked up on food, half of which I've already eaten. Anticipating a weekend snug in my Brighton Beach abode.

AND NOW LOOK WHAT HAPPENS

COMMISSAR MIKAL BLOOMBERG

calls for a mandatory evacuation in

"ZONE # 1"

which includes my neighborhood,

BRIGHTON BEACH

Suddenly, I am "Tevya" ~ wanting to dig in my muddy heels and ride out the coming storm - refusing to leave my beloved Anatevka. "Go," all my loved ones implore.

MTA is shutting down all systems at noon tomorrow. Maybe I'll accidentaly miss the last train outta Dodge and get to spend my weekend with Irene, after all

THE WINDOW SEAT

I am a very neurotic traveler - perhaps that's one of the reasons I haven't had a vacation in 7 years. I must get to a train station or airport way in advance of the designated departure. I've tried to instill these survival skills in my daughter, Carlen. I don't want to be riding backwards in

a train or subway. And if you arrive early, chances are you'll get that coveted window seat.