Walking in New York

Right now in New York's Central Park thousands are taking part in the annual AIDS Walk New York, which not only raises funds and awareness, but also helps fight the stigma that still exists. This is such an important event, and my hats off to all of the participants, volunteers, and of course the sponsors!

Later this summer, I will be taking part in AIDS Walk San Francisco, as I do each year, and I urge you to become involved in any of the many AIDS Walks that take place all over the country. Not one anywhere near you? You can still sponsor someone (like me) at one of the events, make a general donation to any of the walks, or think about organizing something where you live. What a great way to make a difference!

I'm happy with the news I am hearing right now from New York and wish I could be with them and this very successful event. If you want to donate to today's event there, or just learn more about it, go to http://ny.aidswalk.net/ - there are also links there that will lead you to many other interesting facts.

Still loving Lucy

Did Lucille Ball or Desi Arnaz make a difference in this world? My answer is YES!! Indeed they did.   For one thing that brought a lot of joy and happiness through their entertainment, especially with their program I Love Lucy, which broadcast its last episode on this date in 1957.

All these years later, I'm still loving Lucy!   Hard to believe it's been that long, huh? Of course the constant reruns ever since then have allowed generation after generation to know and love their humor.

On that show, they always took the high road too. It seems like most entertainers have long since forgotten how to do that! Ethnic humor as well as jokes based on physical handicaps or mental disabilities was not allowed on I Love Lucy. While it's true that Ricky's accent was made fun of, that could only be done lovingly by Lucy.

Both Lucy and Desi lent their names to various charitable endeavors. In later years, Lucy could be seen playing tv games shows for charity.

While it is true that they divorced and both remarried, they remained friends throughout their lives. In his latter days, Desi Arnaz is said to have stated "I Love Lucy was never just a title."