Good morning

Which do you prefer: waffles or pancakes?\nDon't read too much into it. I'm not cleverly prefacing a philosophical 500-word colloquy on any political, racial or gender implications. \nI just want to talk about breakfast. \nFood, in general, is an effective way to whip me into a verbal frenzy ("10 Things I Hate About You" reference ... anyone?) My older sister and I have hour-long conversations about restaurants, sandwiches and our favorites of each.\nStill, of the meal times and food categories, breakfast, for me, is No. 1.\nThis may stem from my mother's insistence on daily breakfast consumption when I was a young child. Strawberry Pop-Tarts with skim milk (cut down the middle), Eggo waffles with orange juice and oatmeal sweetened with brown sugar were staples for my 7-year-old body, starting my day off right before second grade.\nMy mother's insistence was well-grounded. Repeated studies have shown that eating breakfast (literally break the fast that occurs while sleeping), is essential for effective brain function, maintaining energy and increasing metabolism.\nBut none of that mattered when riding bikes and playing house ruled my free time. What mattered most then -- and certainly a lot still today -- was taste. I feel fortunate to live in a society and have the means to have a cornucopia of breakfast options each morning.\nSome choices are more difficult than others.\nBack to waffles vs. pancakes. It's a tough call, especially when faced with the decision when the items are present together. Still, in an informal poll (read: I asked my friends over AOL Instant Messenger), I found that waffles are largely preferred. "They're crispier," said one friend. Added another, "pancakes get mushy." One participant noted the benefit of the pockets in waffles that conveniently hold maple syrup. No doubt -- anything that successfully holds maple syrup is a plus.\nNext -- bagels vs. donuts. These are fantastic foods not only because you can wear them on your wrist, but because of their diversity. In the same poll, participants expressed a preference for donuts. "They're better for breakfast," said a friend, adding that bagels make for better lunchtime sandwiches than morning meals.\nKrispy Kreme donuts became a part of my life just 12 years ago after moving to Indiana from Pennsylvania. During my childhood, my donut experience was dominated by round confections from Dunkin' Donuts -- a chain which will always have a special place in my heart. No matter, I maintain that an assortment of donuts -- and a fulfilling morning meal -- is available at nearly any donut venue.\nIt's important to me that what is eaten in the morning is not discriminated against. I believe in eating cold pizza or leftover Chinese food for breakfast. Sure, there's such a thing as a "breakfast food," and pizza is not it, but that does not exclude it from being a meaningful (and delicious) fast breaker.\nNot hungry in the mornings? Too busy to grab a bite to eat before 9 a.m. class? Pigeon ate your food budget? I don't buy it. Eat your breakfast.