A recap of the first week of 2006.

Sunday, January 1 : Mary Purcell, the longest serving employee in New York City government, and the Parks Department in particular, passes away. Mary began with Parks on June 26, 1944. She served in the agency for 61 years before passing away at the age of 79.

Monday, January 2 : Thirteen miners are trapped underground in an explosion in West Virginia.

Tuesday, January 3 : It is discovered that 12 of the miners have died, although this news did not reach the families until Wednesday, January 4.

Wednesday, January 4 : Ariel Sharon, Prime Minister of Israel, suffers a devastating stroke. With heavy bleeding in his brain, doctors admit that his outlook is grim.

Thursday, January 5 : It is revealed that the one coal miner who survived, is suffering from brain damage. Ariel Sharon's condition worsens.

Friday, January 6 : Irving Domenech, Parks Dept. Supervisor for Districts 5 and 16 in Brooklyn, passes away after complications from an illness.

So yeah, quite a way to ring in a new year. I say we scratch this week and start the new year this weekend instead.