Yes, I know. It sometimes seems as if the entire world is going to hell. War, pestilence, mayhem, famine, republicans, it can be too much to absorb on occasion.

Here are two small things you can do that can make a difference.

First, if you haven't registered to vote as a Democrat yet, or need to re-register in time to vote in the Democratic primary on February 5th - I hear anecdotal reports that Greens are coming home to be able to vote for Obama - do so now. The deadline in New York is October 12th, 2007. (Hat tip casperr)

Then, after you do that, stand up and take a stand against the tyrannical régime in Burma. The Buddhist Peace Fellowship is organizing a rally/vigil outside that country's consulate in New York City.

New York -- New York City

Monday, October 1st
Rally for Human Rights in Myanmar Burma
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Permanent Mission of the Union of Myanmar (Burma) to the United Nations 10 East 77th Street, New York, NY (near 5th avenue, east side of Central Park). Closest Subway: "6" Train to 77th St., walk west towards central park
Organized by Amnesty International USA

For questions, contact Matthew Kennis at or 212 633 4200

That's at most two hours out of your day, and you'll have done something real.

Too many people don't vote in primary elections. Then they complain if the Democrats aren't representing them. The time to focus on which Democrats represent you is during a primary, for goodness sake. Particularly in a place where there are few seriously contested general elections. And some elections go almost completely under the radar despite their importance. People complain about the judicial system, then they don't bother to vote in judicial elections.

Well, WE choose our judges and WE choose our Democratic candidates. If we vote. Today, TUESDAY SEPT. 18th is a PRIMARY ELECTION in NYC. I want to highlight some endorsements for the judicial elections today since. The expected voter turnout is abyssmal. Realize this: in such a low voter turnout election, every single vote counts. If you live in Brooklyn and are a Democrat, vote Tuesday or shut up about not liking the judicial system.

A book arrived in the mail, sent by Public Affairs, one of the publishers that Culture Kitchen and Daily Gotham has dealt with before. Based on what I had done with them in the past, they wanted me to reveiw the book. At the time I was excessively busy and had little intention of getting around to it. But, just to be fair, and since I didn't have another book going at that moment, I picked it up for my subway ride to work. Well, I have to admit that it was inevitable that it would grab me. So here I am reviewing it.

Unfair fare?How much of the costs of building and operating mass transit should NYC bus & subway riders bear? More, it appears, but without any debate of the policy alternatives the MTA tells us via Newsday. MTA staff proposes a 6.5% fare increase Why not an increase in state/city funding instead?

Economic Integration?The hostility of the Supreme Court to racial integration has stirred enthusiasm for an alternative: economic integration – now advocated by John Edwards builds on the work of The Century Fund’s Rick Kahlenberg .

Breslin’s Best Ever I think all this impeachment talk is a waste of time. Progressives have the smallest of edges in Congress (non-existent in the Senate). But, if you want to read the best case ever for impeaching President Bush, read Jimmy Breslin’s column here

Phantom Voters? In NY State, incarcerated prisoners (who, pre-prison, largely resided in NYC)