Polio almost gone, but AIDS still here

WTOPnews.com posted an article on the eradication of polio with this morning's news. Very good news. But the article also warns [U.S. health secretary, Tommy Thompson] said 8,500 people die daily from HIV/AIDS, adding, "That's the same as 40 jumbo airliners crashing every day, and 14,000 more are coming down with AIDS every day."

Where is the war on AIDS? Where is the 87 billion dollar allocation for AIDS research? Yes, there is a chunk of change poured into AIDS research every year, and progress is being made steadily, if slowly. The truth is probably that more money wouldn't necessarily help, especially if qualified scientists are what we need, not money. But more money applied to education would mean we'd have more qualified scientists. More money for education about the facts vs. myths of AIDS (especially safe sex) would reduce the spread of the disease. More money for healthcare so people with AIDS can afford the medications that already exist would reduce the death/illness toll which costs the nation time and money, and hurts not only the victims but also their loved ones.

Instead of working against a clear threat to the world, we are instead locked into an expensive, no-end-in-sight war based on no clear threat which has made us the scorn of the world, when we could be its worthy leader.

Wine page-a-day calendar

So often, I've heard people suggest that wines not fit for drinking can at least be used for cooking. However, I think this entry says it all (from my Wine Lover's page-a-day calendar for April 2):

"For me, the definition of a cooking wine is the wine you drink while you're cooking."

It goes on to suggest Thornbury Sauvignon Blanc (from New Zealand, $17/bottle) as a "fresh, flavorful, and invigorating ... that keeps you inspired and happy as you buzz around the kitchen creating the night's masterpiece."

A history of great hoaxes

Found this link on the WTOPnews.com site. These are great!

100 great hoaxes