November 2008

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimated a 40% increase of new HIV infections in 2006, with 53% of new cases among men who have sex with men and 45% among African Americans. To make matters worse, New York City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene released a report which suggested the rates of HIV infections among New Yorkers are three times higher than national rates. What does this mean? It means that no matter your sexual preference or racial identity, you had better know your status.

Enjoy your jellybeans, popcorn, and toast.

I was sitting across the dinner table from him.

Newt Gingrich was pontificating about ancient history. He was the teacher and we were all students, although the table was occupied by a mix of famous people and top editors of Time Magazine, the writer excepted.

No autographs, please: Palin at the Republican Governor’s Conference in Miami.

The Republican governors gathered in Miami recently, still suffering from the concussion their party received on Nov. 4, recognizing the seriousness of the injury but showing very little understanding of how they might recover.

The November 8th murder and alleged hate crime of 37 year-old Ecuadorian Marcello Lucero in Patchogue, LI, has garnered local and national review of Suffolk County policies and practices, especially regarding immigration.

Thanks to Rob Hollander for the heads up.

When I first saw the Smashing Pumpkins at the Roseland in the fall of 1991, they were second on the bill—before the Red Hot Chili Peppers but after this obscure Northwestern band called Pearl Jam. They were doing their version of the loud/quiet rock thing—as powerful as Nirvana but with a more sinuous, feline grace. Billy goaded the largely frat-boy audience by telling them that the crowd in Philly rocked way harder than they did.

The historic nature of this election has echoes reaching every facet of our society, probably in more ways than we can understand in the present. Art has always been a reflection of society, and the spur of inspiration has rendered beautiful results.

Governor Paterson recently told the Daily News that charities “are going to become the replacement for what government is supposed to do.” At the same time, Paterson is ruling out an increase in taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers to help close the budget gap.

November 2008

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