AIDS IS in the world limelight more than ever. It is an Asian and African pandemic. Here in the United States, infection rates are up. People have been lulled into a false sense of security because of drug treatments that extend life. The crystal meth drug phenomenon has also lowered inhibitions drastically - safe sex is not even considered by some anymore! (What a devastating slap in the face to all who fought, and so many who died promoting safe-sex techniques in the early years of AIDS.)

So it is fascinating to read Dann Dulin's interview with Dustin Hoffman in A&U magazine. Hoffman is at his informal best and tells a tale about advising his son, Jake, (now 23) on the importance of condoms. Dustin spoke at a lecture at UCLA, and upon leaving, noticed a box of free condoms at the door of a nearby biology class. He asked his hosts, 'since I'm not being paid, can I have this box instead?"

Dustin recalls: "I came home, went to Jake's room, where he was lying on his bed, talking on the phone ... I walked over and spilled all of them on his head, hundreds of condoms!"

I saw Fran Drescher after Madonna's concert kickoff in spring. Fran looked great in a tight, little top and low-slung jeans. She said she had a lot of ideas and irons in the fire. When I mentioned a "Nanny" reunion, she said, "Oh, that too!" Tonight on Lifetime, you can catch "A Nosh to Remember." Fran has gathered the entire cast of 'the Nanny" for a trip down memory lane. Her CBS sitcom lasted six seasons. It was raucous, sly and had its fans' interests at heart. Fran's antics and fine physical comedy were very Lucy-esque.