Coupla Notes

Some more information about the links in this week's "Fabulous" section:

Scott Adams, creator of Dilbert, the comic strip most likely to be cut out and posted on an office cubicle near you, has found himself in the unfortunate position of being the owner of a restaurant. He has no restaurant experience outside of bussing tables as a boy. I found this out in a recent New York Times article. The restaurant is in Dublin, CA. I would love it if he started channeling his new experiences into some restaurant characters in the strip. We'll see. I think this blog will be a fun one to check in with.

Family Fun is a monthly magazine put out by (ugh) Disney. I read it at the orthodontist's, and I've found so many fun and imaginative ideas for things to do with kids that I'm finally going to break down and subscribe. I just went to their site, which is the other link at right, and there is a neat search feature for finding crafts and activities. You can search by age group, type of activity, as well as subject matter, such as princesses, animals, cars and trucks. Like epicurious for kid-related activities, it can help you find a "recipe" or just remind you about something you already know how to make or do but have forgotten. I just popped on there for a minute and found six ideas for fun things to do.

One of my all-time favorite birthday party ideas was the Obstacle Course party. This is great for parents who are in the one-upmanship party trap because it's inexpensive but imaginative and fun. You need a big driveway or safe school playground or parking lot. Set up an obstacle course using just about anything. The age of the kids determines the size and difficulty of the course. Each kid brings his or her vehicle of choice, be it car, truck or Big Wheel. Each kid gets a number pinned on his shirt and rides the course for "time". You can make up awards (certificates or prizes or homemade trophies) for just about anything you like so that everyone gets a prize. Or just hand out cupcakes at the finish line.