"People are constantly getting raped"

I have often wondered about books, films and plays which are said to be based on, inspired by, or reminiscent of, true events. What is the desired effect of such taglines on its audience? Is it important for – or even relevant to– the enjoyment or appreciation of the story? Or are such provisos commercially motivated; do true stories sell better and are they more of a crowd pleaser? 

World AIDS Day. Some time for sober reflection

On the last day of December 1989 my brother Gil, summoned an impromptu family meeting around the kitchen table. "A new decade is about to begin", he announced, "I’d like each one of us to name one thing they wish to see happen in the new decade."

We each took turns to say what we wished for. Slowly, a wish-list emerged.