I appreciate you, Loyal Readers, for sending me tons of birthday wishes! This week’s issue of The Highlighter begins with an extraordinary article on climate change — and how we once had the chance to stop it. If you’re not in the mood for doom and gloom, check out a crime thriller involving McDonald’s, the Mafia, and a man named “Uncle Jerry.” Or consider the benefits of backpacking, camping, and taking walks in the park. Finally, be sure to leave time for the last article, which centers on Russia’s denial of HIV and the consequences that follow. Thank you!

Losing Earth

We know that climate change, at this point, will likely lead to irreversible catastrophe, perhaps ending human civilization altogether. In this stunning article, Nathaniel Rich argues that we had the chance to prevent calamity but failed to do so. Mr. Rich writes, “In the late 1970s, a small group of philosophers, economists and political scientists began to debate, largely among themselves, whether a human solution to this human problem was even possible. They asked whether humankind, when presented with this particular existential crisis, was willing to prevent it. We worry about the future. But how much, exactly? The answer is very little.” If you don’t have two-plus hours, please consider reading the prologue and epilogue. Also check out critiques of Mr. Rich’s thesis here and here. (133 min)

How an Ex-Cop Rigged McDonald’s Monopoly Game and Stole Millions

Everyone loves a get-rich-quick scheme. In Issue #133, retirees Jerry and Marge taught us how to game the lottery. Now it’s time to learn from Jerome Jacobson, who stole $24 million from McDonald’s by infiltrating its Monopoly game, building a network of Mafia mobsters, and doling out prize pieces to high bidders — that is, until FBI special agent Richard Dent cracked the case. This one’s a thriller! (38 min)

This Is Your Brain On Nature

Let’s enjoy nature while there’s still some left. Our brains will thank us. Among the tidbits in this article: Three days away will reset your prefrontal cortex. Don’t have that kind of time? Go for a walk, preferably in a forest, though a park will do. If you can swing it, live on a street with trees. You’ll experience less stress, heart disease, and diabetes. The best thing you can do, of course, is to share these habits with your kids, as Dr. Nooshin Razani promotes. (14 min)

Deadly Spiral: HIV Denial in Russia

HIV is declining worldwide — but not in Russia, where the rate of infection has increased by 86 percent over the last decade. The reason: Many Russians deny HIV exists. The media once claimed AIDS was a hoax — an American-made biological weapon — and the government prohibits needle exchanges and sex education. Many Russians with HIV opt out of antiretroviral therapy. One said, “I am afraid that people in our town will find out the shameful truth and burn me alive, like a witch.” Any of this sound familiar? (19 min)

Did you read all the articles? I hope so (but no pressure)! Please tell me what you thought about today’s issue by using the thumbs below. Let’s welcome new subscribers D. and Ashmeet! If you like The Highlighter, spread the word and tell a friend. On the other hand, if the newsletter is preventing you from your goal of Inbox Zero, please unsubscribe. I’ll see you back here next Thursday at 9:10 am. Have a great week!