I am checking out a three books by prominent HIV/AIDS researcher and cultural critic Cindy Patton. One is called Inventing AIDS. The self-check machine has spacked out so I go to the desk.

'This looks like an interesting book,' says the beardy, older libraryman, looking at Inventing AIDS.

'I hope so,' I reply.

'Is this about the AIDS hypothesis?'

'The what?'

'The AIDS hypothesis by Dr Demento.* You know, about how AIDS doesn't exist.'

'...'

'It makes a lot of sense when you think about it.'

'...'

'I notice you're checking out a lot of books on AIDS. Are you researching the AIDS hypothesis? I'm glad you are, taking down the AIDS industry.'

'Cindy Patton is a really famous cultural critic. I think she believes that AIDS exists.'

'Oh. You know, they haven't acquired anything on the AIDS hypothesis since the 90s. It's such a conspiracy.'

'...'

'These are due back in three weeks.'


*I can't remember the name of the doctor he was talking about. I'm sure a quick Google would rectify that. I also have a vague recollection of Harpers publishing a rather controversial article on the non-existence - HEY I FOUND IT OH, BUT I SPOIL YOU PEOPLE. The article is by Celia Farber and it is called 'Out Of Control: AIDS and the corruption of medical science.' I have not read it because I have work to do, for reals. Still. I would prefer it if the librarymen/women didn't comment on my borrowing record in future. I would also appreciate it if they would keep their creepy conspiracy theories to themselves, kthxbye.