World AIDS Day locally

Besides being blustery, today is special because it is World AIDS Day. An estimated 40.3 million people are HIV-positive worldwide, a rise from 2004's 39.4 million.

A slew of events are planned in Houston. Among them:

noon: World AIDS Day Luncheon at the Corinthian downtown. The luncheon honors Jackson Hicks for his assistance to AIDS services and prevention education. It might be too late to go, but check with Julie Eberly at eberlyj@afhouston.org to make sure.

4-8 p.m.: The Houston Department of Health and Human Services is sponsoring a remembrance ceremony at Tranquility Park and Hermann Square at City Hall, located at Rusk Street and Smith Street. For more information, call (713) 794-9092.

6 p.m.: Interfaith Remembrance Service at Covenant Church, located at 4949 Caroline.

6 p.m.: Candlelight vigil in the parking lot of the Montrose Counseling Center, at 701 Richmond.

In addition, 40,000 flights on 34 airlines will show the film Beat the Drum, which depicts the impact of AIDS on African children. The screenings are expected to raise $300,000 for African charities, president of Entertainment in Motion. Among the airlines airing the film: Delta, United and American.

Also plan on attending AIDS Walk Houston on March 11, which is described as "an exciting, non-competitive walk event that helps increase community awareness and educate Houstonians about HIV/AIDS." Proceeds go to local service organizations.