According to the AP , a woman in Malaysia is sentenced to be caned after pleading guilty to drinking a beer. Baffled? Same here. Here's some background: Apparently, Malaysia has a two-pronged approach to governing its citizens. Muslims in the country follow with Islamic law and court systems, while non-Muslims are subject to civil law. And while both systems recognize caning as a valid sentence, only the Islamic law condemns drinking. So ... Read More

At the movies this past weekend, Ponyo had me completely submerged.  A treat for viewers of any age, the under-the-sea themed animated film made my heart swell with admiration for the spunky, red-haired, female protagonist.  My ears were perked, too: with voices lent from Tina Fey and Betty White, what's not-to-love? Breathtaking visuals and all-star vocal cast aside, the master storyteller behind the fairy tale, Hayao Miyazaki, ... Read More

Don't miss out on Toni Morrison speaking tomorrow night! The pulitizer-prize winning, paradigm-shifting, consummate literary bad-ass will be discussing her latest novel, A Mercy, at 7pm at the Barnes and Noble in Union Square. I cannot wait for this--I've loved her work for so long. Song of Solomon is my favorite Morrison book--what's yours? Catch ya on East 13th street, kids!  -Devan photo Gregg Delman for ... Read More

The Michigan Humane Society is having great success with their new 'Certified Pre-Owned Cats' promotion ('0% down, 0% financing, No payments!'). With cheeky posters promising a multi-point inspection and that many of their cats are loaded with attractive features (standard 4-paw drive!), the MHS is trying to get as many cats adopted as possible during the summer month, traditionally the time when shelters get overwhelmed with unwanted ... Read More

The Ali Forney Center (AFC), the nation's largest organization dedicated to homeless LGBT youth, is naming its newest shelter after Bea Arthur in honor of her support. Founder Carl Siciliano explains 'The caring and concern that Bea expressed for our kids meant the world to us, and we are thrilled to be able to give honor to her memory in this way'. Bea Arthur contributed both funds and support to the AFC.  In an interview with Next ... Read More