Recently in Current Affairs Category

It seems that every day, the news from Burma becomes more and more devastating. Today's New York Times reports that one of the boats carrying some of the first aid to survivors, hit a submerged tree in the river, and sank. The government continues to deny visas and entry to foreign workers and to confiscate the aid that does make it into the country.

I traveled in Burma last November, visiting a friend who was working with the medical non-profit Merlin. (Check out their Web site to learn more about the country, the disaster, and what people are doing to try to help.) I've posted a few pictures here from town on the banks of the Irrawaddy. Twante is largely known as home to a thriving pottery industry. More impressively, however as any local will proudly tell you, the bodhi tree inside Shwesandaw Paya blooms every year--a feat not even duplicated in the capital city's spectacular Schwedagon Paya. It is that spirit--of survival and of strength--that I try to keep in mind when reading the morning news.

To read about the country in the words of Aun San Suu Kyi, the democratically elected leader who has been held under house arrest, check out Letters from Burma.

In honor of the under-employed, Happy Administrative Professionals Day!

Instead of the awkward post-dinner drink with coworkers, most of whom make more money than you do, spend the evening with folks who really care. The Reverend Jen has organized a night of reverence, delight, drunken debauchery, and what's even better--free treats. Relax with free back rubs, makeovers, an open mic, raffle prizes and (she promises) more!

Reverend Jen's 11th Annual Professional Secretaries Day Extravaganza

9:30 p.m. at Mo Pitkin's, 34 Avenue A

$4

(thanks to nonsense nyc for the tip)

No matter what your take on the Atlantic Yards project, you gotta love a walkathon. I have such fond memories of walkathons: going door to door with my little envelope and then following the yellow line around the school playground and getting my punch card punched. Ok, it wasn't really that exciting, but this one should be, as John Wesley Harding is playing. I frankly didn't know he was still around, but he was once a pretty crafty songwriter. Also, let's face it: the Atlantic Yards project sucks, and anyone who walks around in a circle to raise money against it is A-OK in my book.

That a researcher has named January 24 the most depressing day of the year, or that the Arizona Republic seeks to cheer up its readers by noting that the sale of beer in a can undoubtedly lead to "the popularity of country music, NASCAR, and Super Bowl commercials."

Perhaps what's more depressing is that no one can even agree on the most depressing day--with the same "study" being cited as reason for yesterday being the most depressing day of the year.

It's almost enough to make you smile.

(Image from here.)

With all this Brooklyn squabbling over who deserves to have an attitude-free pint of beer in the neighborhood, I thought I'd turn the tables on the lovely materialism I got to witness yesterday in midtown. I was waiting for my takeout order in a mostly empty restaurant when I overheard two people talking, a mid 20-something girl and guy, not extravagantly dressed or particularly amazing looking. The girl was explaining how she had recently updated her resume and was considering applying for a new job that she was really excited about. I was only half-listening when she dropped the bomb. "I'm not even sure that they'd offer me $100,000 and I can't live on that--it's like half of what I make now. I mean, I have my apartment and my shopping ... I guess I could cut down on shopping a little bit. Yeah, I think I'd have to ask my parents for help." <<jaw dropping>> At that moment, I couldn't think of anything more revolting than hearing someone conclude that their parents would have to help them to survive in the city if they made a little less than $100,000.

It's not looking so hot for either New Orleans or Mississippi right now :(  It's strange being part of such a big country where you watch this stuff on the news, read the reports in the paper, on the web, but your life goes on pretty much the same. Not that anyone needs reminding, but it's super easy to make a much-needed donation to the Red Cross online. Many companies do matching gifts, so it's something to look into.

Another good list of places to donate.

The city of Hollywood, Fla., bans DJing after midnight at places where alcohol is being served. Quoting from the Sun-Sentinel's article, "Cutting off DJs at midnight was key, Mayor Mara Giulianti said, because the music they played created "anti-establishment feelings" among partygoers, who then caused problems in the city." Thanks to Kendra for pointing this craziness out.

Today: Suspect in Florida death atop Atlanta crane

June 2001: Atlanta crane standoff ends in hanging death

April 1999: Crane operator in good condition after dramatic Atlanta helicopter rescue

Thanks to my friend Chris, from Athens, Ga., for pointing out this article on the angst that occurs when single men share an evening together in the esteemed NYTimes, which is a load of crap. Men, if you are so worried about being mistaken for being gay when hanging out with a male friend, you should just stick a big sign on your back that says "I am not gay," because that's just about as ridiculous as this article.