It is not enough to pat oneself on the back and tell of all the things one has already done!

In Red Hook yesterday, Chris and his friends walked the awkward gait that combines patting oneself on the back with looking over one’s shoulder.

Beyond worrying, patting oneself on the back or wondering exactly where, in this depressing litany, one stands, it's hard to know what to do with this information personally.

The very moxie involved in taking a bite out of something strange is part of the appeal, a chance to delight in the adventure of eating as much as in the sensual experience, an opportunity to pat oneself on the back for being courageous, open-minded, curious, brave.

A lot of them, they give you a pat on the back.

A pat on the back and everything would be fine.

Kind of a pat on the back for being a good guy.

So often the young want a pat on the back and that is the last thing they need.

Even a guy like that would head home for a pat on the back.

We know how badly he needs a pat on the back.

So maybe America's working kids deserve a pat on the back.

He leaned over and gave the boy a pat on the back.

Someone not looking for a pat on the back from the hierarchy.

If you get through the party season without feeling its effects, give yourself a pat on the back.

A pat on the back was the only answer Griffin could find.

So when someone gave me a pat on the back, I was like, wow.

A few weeks ago, he'd had to explain the meaning of a pat on the back.

All politicians seem to be giving themselves a pat on the back for a job well done.

Maybe sometimes a pat on the back does a lot more than money."

We need people to give each other a pat on the back."

It was a reward, he thought, a pat on the back.

"But he made it, so let's give the guy a pat on the back."

Even if we were down 50 points, she would always give us a pat on the back."

That was intended to be a pat on the back - as one of several others - for me.

Just as often, however, a good job brings an industry award, a pat on the back and not much else.

An ambulance driver gave me a pat on the back.

Jack stood up and gave Janice a pat on the back.

But will you be greeted with a pat on the back or just a laugh?

It works for some guys, but others just need a pat on the back."