Out in the Mountains OITM Roundup: State, National and World News Briefs complied by Kip M. Roberson Computer, phone links offer AIDS information WASIHNGTON -- The federal government is opening a toll—free telephone number to provide treatment information by telephone or computer to people with AIDS, their families and health care providers. The I-IIV—AIDS Treatment Information Service number is (800)HIV—044O and the hours are 9am to 7pm Monday through Friday. Deaf access is included, and all calls are confidential. The service’s staff will not provide treatment advice. Staffers will, however, provide information on the latest research and treatment options to physicians who call. “In addition to assisting health care providers, the AIDS Treatment Information Service will help people living with HIV—AIDS extend and improve the quality of their lives by helping them make informed decisions about their health care with their providers,” said Philip L. Lee, the director of the U.S. Public Health Service. The database can be accessed free via computer. Users can call (800)272-4787 for directions on how to access the system with their computer. (Burlington Free Press ) if you don’t think you need renters insurance, this could change your tune. $5.}: ‘:35:-‘:;“3;:?.‘.?:::2itail2?;i:‘:::,You’re in gooclglg. 863-3808 Ellen Heatherington 130 Prim Road - Colchester, VT 05446 0 I994 Allsldltl!|Sllr'.Im‘l:ClI1lI[l:Il1},NIIrIlIl\rlIik.lllllllhh .\‘uhi.-rt In p-.!:c_\ r-~rzu~ zuul lmmhmm Sign Language changes the sign for ‘Gay’ NEW YORK -- American Sign Language is being updated with more sensitive signs for several minorities, including Gays, according to USA Today. Some of the current signs in the hand language, used by 500,000 people who are hearing impaired to communicate, are considered culturally insensitive. The sign for “Gay,” which used to be a limp wrist, has been changed to spelling out the word “gay,” or placing the sign for the letter g on the chin. (The Washington Blade) Scientists say aspirin may inhibit HIV NEW HAVEN, CT -- Yale University researchers say that ordinary aspirin may help keep people infected with HIV from getting full-blown AIDS. The Yale researchers found that aspirin and its chemical precursor, sodium salicylate, hinder a protein which plays a critical role in triggering the body’s immune system response to the infection. By blocking this protein in two test—tube studies, the scientists also found that aspirin significantly prevented HIV from replicating itself. (News-Telegraph) Schools lead the way in book banning CHICAGO -- More than two—thirds of the 158 books challenged or banned in the United States during 1993-94 were in school libraries or school curricula, according to the Office for Intellectual Freedom of the American Library Association. These figures, and a list of the challenged publications, were released by the Office of Intellectual Freedom in connection with Banned Books Week. Most of the books on this list are well known, but are considered dangerous or objectionable by individuals or groups who would deny others access to them. Books viewed as condoning, explaining, or promoting homosexual lifestyles came under significant fire. Daddy’s Roommate by Michael Wilhoite was challenged more than any other title. Gay literature or Gay education books were targeted more often than any other category. In all, nine books published by Alyson Publications for the children of Gay and Lesbian parents, or for young adults struggling with questions about their sexuality, were challenged or banned during 1993-94. In addition to Daddy’s Roommate, they include One Teenager in Ten.‘ Writings by Gay and Lesbian Youth, and How Would You Feel if Dad Was Gay?, both by Ann Heron; All American Boys by Frank Mosca; Gloria Goes to Gay Pride and Heather Has Two Mommies, both by Leslea Newman; and The Daddy Machine and The Duke Who Outlawed Jelly Beans, both by Johnny Valentine. (Update) Troy, Idaho: hippest town in U.S.A. WASHINGTON -- The Idaho town of Troy is the only city or county in Idaho with a policy that protects city employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation. The U.S. Census pegs the town’s population at 646, but current estimates put it at 820. Either way, it’s the smallest municipality in the country to extend such protection to public employees. The next smallest are Aspen, Colorado, population 5,049, and Marshall, Minnesota, with 12,023 residents.’