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If New York City seems a little bit better about itself this weekend it’s because Beatrix, age 11, is here handing out random compliments to everyone she meets. That’s what she does. You’re welcome.

Beatrix, age 11: “Do you have to vote for yourself if you are running for President?” Me: “Not necessarily..” Beatrix, age 11: “Yay! I wont have to be all competitive. I can vote for someone else and be nice.” (Reminder: She’ll be eligible for your vote in 24 short years).

Also pretty proud of Beatrix, age 11, who solved a pretty complex mathematical problem for extra credit that even her Mom and I couldn’t figure out. She was the only one in her class to even try it and she got it right.

My daughter Beatrix, age 11, is reading Night by Elie Wiesel for her advanced students bookclub at school because it is a great school interested in cultivating strong, fearless, readers. This is her last year there and I’m going to miss it greatly.

Me: “The lesson here is to never marry a man or woman who can’t change their own tire.” Beatrix, age 11: “How about I never worry who I marry because I can change my own tire.”