In the next seven to ten days I will be free once again to kiss strangers, share their cups and cigarrettes, and generally carry on. I got the meningitis vaccine today.

There was an outbreak of Meningitis in Chicago last weekend, centered mostly on the gay bar Little Jim's. 4 people are dead, two others are in critical condition. Chicago had developed a plan of action in the event of biochemical warfare and they decided to put that plan into effect, urging folks to get vaccinated. I got it today, not because I have ever been anywhere near Little Jim's except once, to take a leak, but because it seemed dumb not to and besides it was free and it lasts 3-5 years and antibiotics get less and less effective every day so what the hell.

Meningitis is sucky all sorts of different ways, you can learn more about the specifics by clicking here.

A brief search of the web indicated that there is no ribbon one can wear to promote Meningitis Awareness. There is, however, a ghastly plush toy named J.W. who is the mascot of Camp Riley, an otherwise fine institution for children suffering from the effects of meningitis.