Baton Rouge

Charlie Rangel will be hosting a fundraiser this Friday evening at Harlem's Baton Rouge restaurant and lounge. The event begins with a Chairman's Reception, for a donation of $500-$4,200, and cocktails and entry to a performance by recording artist Raheem Devaughn for $200.

The invitation reminds supports that "Congressman Rangel is raising funds to help win the 15 seats necessary for the Democrats to regain control of the House of Representatives."

And, not incidentally, that "in a Democratic Majority, Congressman Rangel will make history as the first African-American and the first New Yorker since 1881 to Chair the Ways and Means Committee."

—Nicole Brydson

This New Orleans dog, abandoned by her owner even after the waters receded, was rescued by Maria, at left, when she worked at a shelter in Baton Rouge. As a doglover, I welcome her onto my blog, but chiefly to raise a fresh injustice:

Maria, who dined at my house last night (my social behavior was largely O.K., though I have not yet gotten the grade from my wife), has a brother serving in Baghdad. A Marine colonel. And she reports that the troops there cannot watch the World Cup on the television service provided to them by the Coalition Authority. If true, that's wrong. I'm looking into it...  read more »