Potential seen in HIV/AIDS fight

In some of the best news since the world first became aware of HIV and AIDS, a glimmer of hope has arisen. While the most recent results of a study in Thailand are not fully understood yet, one thing is speculated - a vaccine might be possible.

More than 16,000 volunteers in Thailand were involved in a multi-year study using for the first time 2 seperate AIDS vaccines in combination. While results of each of the vaccines seperately were disappointing and ineffective, this recent combination has shown some positive effect.

Of the over 8,000 heterosexuals men and women aged 18 - 30 that were in the blind test group receiving the combo drug, 51 became infected. This compares to an equivalent group receiving a placebo in which 74 became infected. Sadly 2 of those infected have died.

But the difference is 31%. Considering how rampant HIV has been in Thailand, this new potential and use of comdoms and other measures of protection give the first signs of progress in the 26 year fight. There are still many questions facing researchers at this time though.

Does this combination of drugs work for other groups?

Why did it only help some of the volunteers?

Are there other combinations of previously ineffective drugs that might work even better?

While the world may never be free of HIV and AIDS, the fact that there is a chance to lower the odds against this killer disease is heart-warming. But no one should think this is a cause for a limited group of people.

HIV/AIDS is still infecting 7,500 people each day across the globe. In 2007 alone there were 2 million (2,000,000) deaths that were confirmed from the disease. The victims of this disease are men, women, heterosexuals, gays, IV drug users, children, and of every religion, race, ethnicity and nationality on the planet. Those at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS remain every human being on the planet.

While the U.S. media has stopped paying as close attention to this disease as they once did, it has not gone away. The cure still remains to be found though that day may be just that much closer. So please take precautions. Don't have unprotected sex, get tested on a regular basis - even if you are not in a high risk category, don't use IV drugs.

Movie Preview: Ong Bak 2

You just knew there had to be a sequel. Tony Jaa became too much of a hit to not get another crack at this film. But this new film takes a very different direction indeed.

Unlike most sequels, Ong Bak 2 is jumping right to a prequel stage. Instead of going forward with the storyline the movie goes back in time to present us with a historical and perhaps more epic view of Thailand. Think of it as a kind of Braveheart with martial arts. The movie trailers are definitely giving it that kind of a feel.



I love the music choice in this trailer. The fight scenes definitely look like the Tony Jaa that took America by storm. But if you recall the first film you will also note that something is different. The direction and storytelling is not the same pace or style. It really shows in this imperfect trailer of a fight scene.



The reason that it has such a different look and feel is because the director has changed. This time out it is Tony Jaa himself that is taking the helm. And from what I can see he does a good job. Though the above scene is a bit slow in pace for American audiences it is good in defining the narrative and motivations of Tien (Jaa). Also keep an eye out for Dan Chupong (Crow Ghost) in this film.

I think this will be a hit in America. It has already done very well in Thailand. But it has one potential problem. This story ends in a less than happy American movie way. That is because there is a 3rd film that continues this story. Which I would expect to be just as good, though I can’t imagine the reported “boneless” fighting it contains.

This is a good film from what I can tell. It has all the elements of what you might expect from Jaa and a martial arts film. It adds to the growing trend of Thai martial arts films that are growing in recognition in this genre. I’m looking forward to this, and Ong Bak 3 next year or so.