It’s common knowledge that mayor Bloomberg has a listed phone number. But I did chuckle this morning when I read that the mayor also has an emergency, unlisted, secure hot line that he has never had to use other than to reject telesales calls.

With characteristic dry wit, the mayor told a Senate hearing yesterday:

…When I became mayor, I was given a very important secure phone that is in the kitchen of my house, so that if I wanted to talk to the Air National Guard and shoot down a plane, I just press a button.

According to the New York Times “a low murmur spread through the room” and the mayor was forced to clarify later that he did not, indeed, have a direct line to the military:

It is not red, and it has never been used other than to answer an occasional call for, did I want to subscribe to a ridiculous magazine, buy an insurance policy or some other such particular thing.

Perhaps “reality TV” is an oxymoron. But there’s something oh so familiar about this Russian reality show “Dom-2: New Love,” in which contestants seem far more preoccupied with another activity. (Via English Russia.)

***

According to this story in the New York Times yesterday, a new Russian public holiday that stretches from the New Year to January 9 is causing havoc to health and the economy:

Since the January holidays, as they are called, came into being with the arrival of 2005, sociologists, psychologists and economists have chronicled what they call disturbing consequences of an extended period of leisure. They include an economic slowdown and seasonal spikes in fires, domestic abuse and deaths by alcohol poisoning.

“The number of crimes committed during these 10 days increases dramatically,” the newspaper Noviye Izvestiya warned in December. “The country plunges into an unrestrained binge.”

Apparently President Putin disappears for extended periods, Fed Ex stops delivering and television channels pare down their programming. Only in Russia.

Advertise the health benefits of all those stairs:

Three Bedroom co-op-”ATHLETE’S DELIGHT” SIX FLOOR WALK-UP $385000

Perfect CO-OP that defenetely (sic) will improve your cardiovascular circulation and improve your memory (won’t forget anything upstairs) perfect for todays extremely busy, health conciencious (sic) working professional. This unit featuures (sic) three box bedroom, livingroom (sic), kitchen and a bathroom. This southern exposure unit is the perfect place to acquire peace and tranquility. Unit features high ceilings. Located six blocks from the Lorimer L and G train stop and three blocks from the JMZ Marcy ave. stop. Maintenance $455.

Spotted on Craigslist, New York.

The last Wesley Autrey post, I promise. Nothing quite beats the man in his own words. (Via Gawker)

It’s amazing how western clothes find their way around the world.

The Manchester United jersey is perhaps the most well-traveled and easy to spot, appearing across South America, Latin America and Africa. I have vague memories of seeing Manchester United T-shirts when I spent a week in Angola in 2003 writing stories for the Western Morning News.

So you can imagine my delight when Dave, currently filming a documentary in Rwanda, sent this photograph of a boy in the capital Kigali wearing a jersey of my favorite team, Leeds Rugby League. With UK teams changing their kit so frequently it’s a wonder there isn’t a charity that concentrates solely on sending old kits overseas.