Aug. 16: A Return to Normal?

It's been a bumpy ride so far this August.

First there were the long drawn-out negotiations to raise the nation's debt ceiling. Then after a deal came the sudden downgrade of the country's sterling credit rating. 

Closer to home, last week brought jitters about the economy and a deluge of almost biblical proportions.

Now, with the market back up to where it was when the most recent economic crisis began at the end of trading Monday and with a fairer weather forecast locally—have we already seen the worst of what August has to bring?

Only time will tell.

Here are your 5 Things for today, Fort Greene-Clinton Hill:

1. It's Tuesday, parents. Time to consider taking those tots to Habana Outpost's , where the kids are kept busy with arts and crafts and the grown-ups get some precious time with other grown-ups.

2. As part of Breastfeeding Awareness Month, the blogosphere has been full of exploration into the topic of late. Strollerderby has this discussion thread about public feeding. And closer to home, The Local New York Times blog has this neat-o map of places recommended by residents as being breastfeeding-friendly. 

3. The Myrtle Community-Run Farm Stand starting at 4 p.m. today. 

4. In case you missed it: Mayor Bloomberg announced a $10 million deal Monday  to the Municipal Building in Downtown Brooklyn. 

5. After a Monday reprieve for the Feast of the Assumption holiday, alternate side parking rules are back in effect.