Diary Prequel Package — page 343

May 18, 2014 - First transmission of infection (sero-conversion) from the Indiana imported case to someone who had "handshake" contact. Again, news blow up. I taped segment for the Today Show (NBC) to appear on May 19. May 19, 2014 - MSNBC wants me this AM. Return of the "problem". CDC complaining to HHS that I am on TV for MERS-CoV even though the producers are specifically asking for me. They do not want me talking about "their issue". Amazing!! Typical situation where HHS says no to me, MSNBC cannot contact CDC and arrange in time and so now nobody from HHS is on TV and the slot goes to a health official from Illinois. The communications people from HHS are truly idiots to listen to CDC and back them. Courtney Billet blows HHS (Bill Hall, Sye Tait, Ira ?) away with several emails telling them how ridiculous this approach is. CDC is totally paranoid. I really wonder if Tom Frieden knows about this or if it is just the Communications people. Also did AP TV today for wide distribution to networks. Also, White House very interested in Antimicrobial Resistance and they are putting together a White paper through NSS, PCAST, OSTP. We are obviously playing role in its being drawn up May 20, 2014 - Travelled to Los Angeles to receive the "Heroes in the Struggle" award from the Black AIDS Institute (BAI). Phill Wilson (President of the BAI) presided. Co-awardees were Mo'Nique (actress/comedian who won Academy Award in 2009 for Acting in the film "Precious") and Jamar Rogers (entertainer formerly on The Voice). Red Carpet ceremony before the awards held at the Director's Guild of America on Sunset Boulevard. Jamal Rogers was a beautiful young man who was so thankful to me for "my saving his life by developing drugs for AIDS". He found out he was HIV infected (drug use in the South Bronx) a few years ago. He is a very popular entertainer with beautiful voice. All-around good time. Stayed at the old Hollywood hotel - Millennium Biltmore. May 21, 2014 - Went to Thai Embassy on 1024 Wisconsin Avenue to a reception in my honor and in honor of co-awardee Jim Kim (World Bank President) for our winning the Prince Mahidol Award last January. Megan and Christine came. Of note, the next day, the Thai army pulled a military coup to take over the government of Thailand. May 22, 2014 - Gave Commencement Address at Hopkins Medical School and then drove immediately back from Baltimore to attend the Sons of Italy NELA Awards Gala Dinner at the National Building Museum. Usual good time. Seated at my table was Leon Panetta, Gen. James Jones, Franco Nuschese. Also we schmoozed with General Ray Odierno (Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff), Nancy Pelosi, Sen. Chris Dodd (now president of Motion Picture Academy), Master of Ceremonies Joe Montegna. May 25, 2014 - The HBO movie "The Normal Heart" played tonight. Larry Kramer's play about the early years of AIDS. I say the play X2 and now the movie was terrific. Mark Ruffalo played Ned Weeks and Julia Roberts played the polio physician.