Reading about a serial killer.

I'm reading a relatively new book called "28: Stories of AIDS in Africa." That's one story for every 1 million Africans currently living with AIDS. Truck drivers and soldiers who unwittingly spread the disease cross-country and cross-continent ... and fail to change their behaviors even after they understand how HIV is transmitted. Elderly women left to care for dozens of grandchildren when their own children die, one after the other. Children, so many children, born HIV positive and then orphaned. Wives abandoned by the husbands who infected them, then shuned by their families and communities. Activists who dare to publicly challenge dictatorial governments. The extent of the ostracism is baffling, considering the simultaneous, astronomical infection rates -- in many cases, those who shut out/shout down the HIV+ are infected themselves.

The author sounds an optimistic note, and perhaps attitudes and statistics are beginning to change. Antiretrovirals have been proven to keep patients healthy, and the sheer numbers mean one can be public about HIV status without being beaten to death.

But from what little I've been reading, there's plenty ofwork to be done. Condoms are still routinely laughed at and unavailable. Medications are more affordable, but clinics remain woefully underfunded, understaffed and understocked -- how can they offer drug therapy to everyone who needs it when they can't even keep latex gloves in stock? Presidents disparage the medications that can keep HIV+ Africans healthy ... or continue to publicly claim that AIDS isn't spread by sex.

Currently a movement is afoot to focus world aid resources not on HIV/AIDS but on Africa's other pandemics -- malnutrition, malaria, parasites, etc. Certainly these are mass killers as well, but AIDS has virtually wiped out an entire generation of an entire continent. If it isn't brought under control, the spiral will continue. Isn't there enough aid to go around?

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I hope my fellow Nebraskans got out and enjoyed this amazing day. Fifty-two degrees, last time I checked; when I spoke to Miz K down Tucson-way, she said it was about 60 there. We're catching up! Think sunshine, everyone ...

I'm hot, and cheap.

Not nearly as titillating as it sounds* ... just came home to a thermostat that says 82 degrees, but I'm reluctant to turn on the AC ...

(*Believe me -- a sweaty and poor Becki is not a sexy Becki!)

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In other prurient news:

Based solely on his mug shot and his badass writing, I've developed a ginormous crush on Bob Nelson over at the World Herald. Enough so that I've actually emailed a former coworker, now at the Weird, to see if he's straight/single. Good lord. Nothing but embarrassment can come from this.

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Badass Bitches Dept.:



There's a Lincoln-area woman in this very feminist calendar -- not cheesy cheesecake pinups, but hardworking, talented, knowledgeable women working on engines.

Could've used one earlier today, because ...

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Glass Half Full Dept.:

Hopped in the car this morning to find the engine wouldn't even turn over -- not even a cranky whine. The annoyance of calling roadside assistance and the dealership, then the wait, then the shuttle to/from work ...

Just needed a new ignition switch. All covered by warranty. And got a much-needed car wash and vacuuming to boot. Bonus!

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Would somebody PLEASE ...

... turn off the fucking SNOW MACHINE?

And maybe turn up the external thermostat?

It's March, for fucks' sake!

Grateful for the moisture ... but can't we have it in liquid form? Some sunshine on the side would be nice, too. ...

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Amy Goodman also interviewed Seymour Hersh, yesterday on "Democracy Now!" You can read or listen here.

Nebraskans For Peace plans a protest tomorrow (Friday) at UNL's law school, where the StratCom commander is speaking. StratCom supposedly already has drawn up plans for a "pre-emptive" air strike on Iran.

Gather at 8 a.m. outside the law school’s main building (McCollum Hall) on UNL's East Campus.

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The writing. It's slow. Let's just say I lack discipline. I blame it on a lifetime of multitasking; now, when I need to focus on doing one thing, my brain doesn't know how to shut out all of its other synapses.