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Twenty-three years now...Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
It was 23 years ago on a gray Thursday afternoon that the phone rang and I picked it up. That call changed my life forever. It was my Infectious Disease doctor calling to tell me that she was very sorry to break the news to me that I had tested positive for HIV. I remember going into a kind of trance that was only broken when my office mate walked in and asked me what was wrong. "You look like you have seen a ghost," he said to me.Ha. My own.I still see it now and then, but with all of this time, there are days when the specter of my death is vague and distant. Categories: HIV AIDS HIV/AIDS anniversary testing
Source: 2sides2ron - December 12, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

Fado: Mariza sings "Gente da minha terra" in a Special Fado MomentEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
I just posted a note on a Facebook account to David da Silva Cornell. He shared a video of Fado performer Mariza performing the song "Gente da minha terra" or "People of my Land."Here is what I wrote to him:WOW! I wept! Thank you for sharing this here. I will post it on my blog as well. Those without Fado in their lives need to see this performance through to the end.The lyrics listed below are taken from this page and indicate that this traditional Fado was written by Amalia Rodrigues. I have subsequently edited the English translation to try to better capture the bits of the original poetry that I can pick up.Ó Gente da...
Source: 2sides2ron - December 8, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

Keith Olbermann of MSNBC on Gay Marriage and LoveEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Thanks to my friend Jhonny for sharing this video with me. Once again, Keith Olbermann speaks out in a way that makes me take note. I hope that you will share this editorial with those you know and love.Categories: civil+rights LGBT marriage civil+unions Proposition+8 editorial Keith+Olbermann MSNBC gay, lesbian bisexual transgender love politics
Source: 2sides2ron - November 11, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

North Carolina Goes Blue for the First Time Since 1976Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Left: A celebratory dinner North Carolina-style: Hickory Smoked pulled pork bar-be-cue, cole slaw and hushpuppies purchased from Allen and Son BBQ in Chapel Hill, NC, and homemade Carolina Blue-state potato salad, made with blue potatoes. Yum!For the first time since I have been able to vote, North Carolina has gone Blue, electing a Democratic Presidential candidate. The final tally was very close. In fact, the race was so close that the results were not known until 2 days after the general election. However, the verdict is now officially being reported.In addition to the Presidential victory, we unseated Republican Senato...
Source: 2sides2ron - November 7, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

Early Voting Began Today in North CarolinaEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Early voting, also known as One-Stop Voting, began in North Carolina today, 16 October 2008. You can go to any of a number of sites in your home county to vote from today until 1 November 2008. If you have not yet registered to vote, you can also register and vote in a single stop. If you choose to wait for Election Day on 4 November 2008, you will have to go to your regular precinct to vote.It is really convenient to vote early at the site and time of one's choice for the next 2 weeks or so. I also find it nice to know that my vote has already been counted and that there were no last minute irregularities with my registra...
Source: 2sides2ron - October 16, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

Calculate your taxes for Obama vs. McCainEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The Obama campaign has launched a tax calculator to help you figure out whose tax plans will most benefit you before you choose your candidate for the Presidency. At this site, you can input an estimate of salary, your number of dependents, the outstanding balance of your mortgage and a few other minor details and then press a button to see the amount of tax savings you will have under the Obama plan and the McCain plan.I just input my numbers and was amazed to see that I would save ~$1100 with the Obama plan and $0 with the McCain plan. This is consistent with what the candidates have been saying. Under Obama, 95% of Amer...
Source: 2sides2ron - October 16, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

Coach Dean Smith Endorses Obama-Biden TicketEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
There is a point in every contest when sitting on the sidelines is not an option. That is why Linnea and I are writing to urge you to join Barack Obama's campaign for President. There are pivotal moments in history when the right decision by a nation can change its course for the better -- opening up new paths before us and providing future generations with opportunities that we had not thought possible. This coming election provides one of those moments. Linnea and I believe Barack Obama is the right leader at this critical juncture. I have written that when coaching a team, you must be prepared to make changes to meet ne...
Source: 2sides2ron - October 14, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

MC Yogi's Rap Video for ObamaEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Obama '08 - Vote For Hope from MC Yogi on Vimeo.Categories: politics Obama video rap MC+Yogi Vimeo Obama+08+Vote+for+Hope youth vote hope change
Source: 2sides2ron - October 9, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

Judicial Races in North Carolina--Pary Affiliation Not Listed on BallotEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The party affiliations of candidates running for Judicial offices in North Carolina this year will not be listed on your ballot. I think this is a huge mistake and that it leaves many guessing about whom they wish to support to reflect their personal values. The Judicial races are some of the most important elections in North Carolina as these are the people who will interpret the law, our Constitution and your rights. As a Democrat and a liberal, I felt it important to research the people running in this year's election. Finally, after much digging around online, I found a site that might help others decide how to vote in...
Source: 2sides2ron - October 7, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

Video Must See: Historia De Un Letrero/The Story of a SignEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
My friend Florence has reminded me once again why we are so close in spirit. She shared yet another video with me this morning. This one was so touching that I felt compelled to share it with you.In this video written, directed and produced by Alonso Alvarez Barreda, please note that the sign reads, in equivalent language, more or less, "Have Compassion, I am Plind" as a misspelling of the word "Blind". Watch for the twist at the end. What did you expect? How did you react to the ending? How can you alter your world in a similar way?Click here to view the video.Categories: video Alonso+Alvarez+Barreda Historia+de+un+letrero Story+of+a+Sign
Source: 2sides2ron - September 30, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

Will Galison and His Orchestra: Campaign for Swing VotersEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Thank you, my friend Florence, for sharing this video with me. I would like now to share it with my readers. Nothing like a little swing to help get the swing-voters out there to help us repair this country.Categories: swing voters Will+Galison+and+His+Orchestra Takin'+It+Back+with+Barack+Jack politics music video Barack+Obama
Source: 2sides2ron - September 29, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

Voter Registration Totals in NC as of 29 September 2008Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
One of the things I just learned from visiting the State Board of Elections website is that there are 6,006,731 voters registered in the state of North Carolina (see the banner across the top of the page for updated totals). Breakdowns of this total by party are as follows as of 29 September 2008: Democratic 2,724,021 or 45.3%Republican 1,955,551 or 32.6%Libertarian 1,432 or 0.02%Independent 1,325,727 or 22.1%It is clear from these numbers that if the Independent voters of North Carolina are leaning toward Democratic candidates as reported in the latest polls, victory for the Democratic Party could be within reach in Nov...
Source: 2sides2ron - September 29, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

Voter Registration Deadline(s) in North CarolinaEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The voter registration deadline for those who choose to vote on General Election Day, November 4th, is coming up on October 10th for North Carolinians. If you have not yet registered to vote in NC, please do so by then to ensure you have the opportunity to vote on Election Day.If you want, there is a second option this year for North Carolina's voters. During the Early "One Stop" Voting Period of October 16th through November 1, you can register to vote and then vote in a single visit to the polls. Each county in NC has its own sites and times for Early Voting, so you will need to check your local county's Board of Electio...
Source: 2sides2ron - September 29, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

Voter Registration Verification and Much MoreEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The Obama for President campaign has organized a website where you can check to make sure that you are registered to vote in any state in the US. If you find that you are not registered, you can access further tools to make sure that you are registered before the deadlines pass. Please be sure to register soon so that you can vote in the upcoming election. Click here to visit this powerful new tool for the empowerment of voters in the US.If you prefer, you can simply check your registration on that website and then register using paper forms by visiting your local Board of Elections. Additionally, many different events and...
Source: 2sides2ron - September 26, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

When in Wilmington in Need of Flowers...Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
My friend Lonnie Taylor of Wilmington has gone out on his own with the opening of Fiore Fine Flowers. He prepared the coffin spray for my Mom's burial services and has also provided numerous bouquets on many different holidays for my mom in the past. He is trained in traditional Japanese floral design and I can personally attest for his work. If you are in the Wilmington, NC, area and need flowers, please give Lonnie's shop a call and place an order. I assure you that everyone involved will be pleased with the favor.Categories: Fiore+Fine+Flowers florist Wilmington NC Lonnie+Taylor Japanese+floral+design Ikebana
Source: 2sides2ron - September 25, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

Cool video, cool sound! Fleet Foxes: "White Winter Hymnal"Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
My partner shared this video with me today and I liked it so much that I thought that I would share it with you. I like the cosmic imagery and the idea it invoked in me that we all have a role to play in making the world continue to turn. Have a listen and a look and let me know what you think. Categories: Fleet+Foxes music video White+Winter+Hymnal youtube
Source: 2sides2ron - September 25, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

Voter Intimidation Alive in North Carolina--Stop the liesEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
A new rumor is circulating in cyberspace. I had heard about this one from the Democratic Party, but now have received one of the emails personally from a friend who found it plausible. Please be aware that people who are feeling threatened by the recent poll numbers are going to start to increase the scope and volume of tactics to intimidate voters in North Carolina and elsewhere. Here is the text of the email that is circulating:PLEASE ADVISE EVERYONE YOU KNOW THAT THEY ABSOLUTELY CANNOT GO TO THE POLLS WEARING ANY OBAMA SHIRTS, PINS OR HATS, IT IS AGAINST THE LAW AND WILL BE GROUNDS TO HAVE THE POLLING OFFICIALS TURN YOU...
Source: 2sides2ron - September 25, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

Health Communication Survey re: Coping with Chronic IllnessEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
I received the following note from Justin Guild of Purdue University. He is conducting research on health communication with Dr. Jeong-Nam Kim to determine the role of internet sites in managing chronic illnesses. He has requested that I post this note to encourage my readers to take an online survey about how we use the internet to help us as we struggle to cope. I hope that you will participate and that you will provide feedback to him should you have any suggestions after completing the survey.RonMy name is Justin Guild and I’m a graduate research assistant currently working with Dr. Jeong-Nam Kim at Purdue University...
Source: 2sides2ron - September 12, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

A Perfect Bloom--La Dama de la Noche 2008Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This image of a double-flowering night-blooming cereus flower, La Dama de la Noche, was taken about two weeks ago. It is one of the most beautiful specimens of this plant's blooms that I have seen since my plant matured enough to bloom a few years back. Note the detail of the stamen and pistils inside the flower.(click on image to enlarge it)Categories: night+blooming+cereus flowers gardening houseplants photography la+dama+de+la+noche
Source: 2sides2ron - September 7, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

New York City: See Rich Ferguson in the Fringe FestivalEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
I received the following press release from my friend and collaborator Rich Ferguson from Los Angeles. Rich contributed his work to the International Carnival of Pozitivities and we both appear in the upcoming release of the new 1 Giant Leap film, "What About Me". If you are in the New York metro area and can attend his show, I would be grateful if you could say hello for me.Rich Ferguson & Paul Garrison Present:“Nightlight Jesus”The New York International Fringe Festival – FringeNYCA production of The Present CompanyAugust 8th – 24thTickets: $15. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.LA spoken w...
Source: 2sides2ron - August 5, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

Love Note or Homophobia? Vote now.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
More than many, I appreciate good art. I also appreciate freedom of expression. I especially appreciate freedom of expression in the form of art, and if that art happens to be somewhat prurient and spontaneous, it gives me the greatest pleasure. You can imagine the joy that came my way today in the form of a love note that was taped to the rear window of my truck.I had gone to have dim sum for lunch and had parked my truck in the parking lot of the restaurant, an unusual circumstance in itself as the place is usually packed and the parking lot usually has not one available space. I spent about forty-five minutes inside enj...
Source: 2sides2ron - August 4, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

Rains from Tropical Storm Cristobal in Durham, NCEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Rains from Tropical Storm Cristobal weigh down and wash away the flowers of the crape myrtle in my front yard. Click to enlarge image. Categories: tropical+storm Cristobal Durham North+Carolina NC crape+myrtle photography gardening rain
Source: 2sides2ron - July 20, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

Help Reverse the US Government's Discriminatory HIV Travel BanEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The following text is from a letter at the site of Change.org advocating for the lift of the US travel ban on HIV infected individuals. I hope you will join me in writing to your US Senator to ask them why HIV has been singled out for a travel ban and to urge them to vote to end this disgraceful and discriminatory restriction. If you agree that this ban should be lifted, please visit the site linked above and fill in the required information to send a letter to your US Senator. The United States is one of only 12 nations in the world to automatically ban HIV-positive visitors from entering the country. Our peers: Iraq, Sau...
Source: 2sides2ron - June 30, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

I'm Not About To...But Decide for YourselfEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
A good friend, Paul, sent me the link to this video. It speaks for itself. I won't be voting for a Republican because of their terrible stewardship of this nation on their watch. Have a look at the video and form your own opinions. You can learn more about the filmmakers at I'm voting Republican: You'll Get What You Deserve.Categories: politics Republican Democrat election 2008
Source: 2sides2ron - June 24, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

The final edition of the ICPEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Dear Friends of the International Carnival of Pozitivities: It is with both joy and sadness that I am writing to announce the final edition of the ICP. After you receive this notice, I will delete the mailing list for the ICP from my files and you will no longer receive announcements about the project. I was placed on a new drug regimen about 2 months ago and have experienced a serious side effect to the new meds. I am no longer able to continue to maintain the project as a result. Please know that it has been a joy to bring you the ICP for the past 2 years and that I wish I could continue ...
Source: 2sides2ron - June 11, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

Through Those EyesEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
I owe my visitors an explanation. I lost a huge part of my life this month. I have not been writing anything of my own for some time now and am just reaching a point where I can tell you why.My mom had a stroke between Thanksgiving Day and the first week of December of last year. Sadly for mom, she lost most use of her arms and legs and the ability to swallow food. She managed to fight for about 6 months, although losing a vast amount of body weight. During the week of 5 May, she “took a turn” and then passed away on 7 May at about 3:30 in the afternoon. Mom was by far the most unconditionally loving person in my life ...
Source: 2sides2ron - May 28, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

Godfist Legend: Zero7 Chapter 3 from Guest Writer Willie J. PhillipsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Please welcome back the work of my friend, Willie J. Phillips of Durham, NC. Willie is a talented author, visual artist and rap artist. He is the driving force behind a local hip-hop group, Shadowstar ex-Machina, whose lyrics are thought-provoking and whose music is as professionally stunning as any that I have heard from major labels. This post is the third in a series of chapters of Willie’s science-fiction martial arts novella, Godfist Legend: Zero7. This work is not HIV related, but it seemed to me that I could promote Willie’s work as a ally of the HIV community and as my friend. This work should offer a bit of ...
Source: 2sides2ron - May 26, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

ICP 2.11 is now available (1)Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Dear Friends of the International Carnival of Pozitivities (ICP): It is a tremendous pleasure to announce the publication of edition 2.11 of the ICP at DropDeadHappy. Mark has done a beautiful job of tying together a number of new blog posts from the world of HIV/AIDS. I encourage you to bookmark this edition and visit it over time so that you can enjoy each of the contributions. Please leave feedback for the contributors and especially for the host for these selfless efforts to help us continue presenting the ICP. Next Edition: Your Help is Needed &...
Source: 2sides2ron - May 6, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

Obama: The Truth About Gas PricesEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
I have wondered just how Senators Clinton and McCain propose to lift the $0.18/gallon Federal gas tax this summer without agreement from the rest of Congress and President Bush. Can anyone tell me how that might occur? I am very curious. If they have such power, then why are they not in Congress, right now, getting a bill before President Bush so that we can override his veto before the summer arrives. Or are they actually talking about waiting till summer of 2009 to do something?I think Senator Obama's response is reasonable and honest whereas the others are saying what is needed to gain momentum before the November 2008 ...
Source: 2sides2ron - May 1, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

Welcome Guest Writer Revenger from PeruEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Please welcome my new friend Revenger from Peru. Revenger is an HIV+ Peruvian who blogs in Spanish and has agreed to trust my nascent Spanish translation skills to present his work to our English-reading audience. I hope that you will join me in welcoming his work. You can write to Revenger directly if you have feedback for him and you can visit his Spanish-language site as well. I hope that you will check out his work.Living with HIV/AIDS in Lima, PeruHello! I am one of many people who live in Peru and who live a calm and simple life, only that I am gay and HIV+. These last details are minor in the part that they play in ...
Source: 2sides2ron - April 28, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

What About Me? Hi Res TrailerEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Uploaded by whataboutmeThis is the trailer for the new 1 Giant Leap television series that is airing starting this week in the UK, on April 23 at midnight on Channel 4 (UK). I don't know if anything I said made it into the television series, but I am apparently in the theatrical cut of the film and possibly in the DVD versions. Please have a look and let me know what you think. If you are in the UK and can watch, please let me know what role, if any, I play in the series. Even if I didn't make it into this series, watch it! You will be amazed. Categories: 1+Giant+Leap television+series Channel+4 UK trailer Jamie+Catto Duncan+Bridgeman
Source: 2sides2ron - April 22, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

Guest Artist Osvaldo Piva of BrazilEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Please welcome back my friend, ally of the HIV community and guest artist, Osvaldo Piva of Brazil. I am particularly fond of Osvaldo's work and find beauty in its simplicity and its unabashed look at the male nude. This piece is one of a series of 10 artworks in his Fala series, from the Portuguese verb "to speak".More of Osvaldo's work can be found at his artist's space where additional pieces from this series will eventually appear. I hope that you will join me in welcoming Osvaldo Piva to the list of contributors to the ICP.Categories: guest+artist Osvaldo+Piva Brazil Brasil ICP International+Carnival+of+Pozitivities bl...
Source: 2sides2ron - April 20, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

Godfist Legend: Zero7 Chapter 2 from Guest Writer Willie J. PhillipsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Please welcome back the work of my friend, Willie J. Phillips of Durham, NC. Willie is a talented author, artist and rap artist. He is the driving force behind a local hip-hop group, Shadowstar ex-Machina, whose lyrics are thought-provoking and whose music is as professionally stunning as any that I have heard from major labels. This post is the second in a series of chapters of Willie’s science-fiction martial arts novel, Godfist Legend: Zero7. This work is not HIV related, but it seemed to me that I could promote Willie’s work as a ally of the HIV community and as my friend. This work should offer a bit of a divers...
Source: 2sides2ron - April 20, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

Early Voting In NC with Sites and Times by CountyEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Early voting began in North Carolina at county-specific voting sites on April 17th and runs through May 3rd for the upcoming primary. For the first time in decades, North Carolina's voices are in play to decide who will be the Democratic nominee for the office of US President. I voted on Friday at the Durham County Board of Elections Office and found the process very simple and quick. I also met Joe Bowser, a candidate for local office here in Durham who was stumping outside the voting center. Consider this an opportunity not only to vote, but also a potential chance to meet some of the candidates and share your ideas with...
Source: 2sides2ron - April 20, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

Night shots of Spring Flowers: The Return of Ron's BushEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This double-flowering kerria, a member of the rose family, looks like a yellow galaxy in the light of the moon. This is the plant that my late friend Donald dubbed "Ron's Bush". I am very pleased that it has flourished in this new site and that I have a reminder of Donald outside my back door.Click on any image to enlarge it for viewing. In this shot, you can see blue wood hyacinths and red azalea blooms with the lacy leaves of a green Japanese maple in the foreground. This is a closer shot of the wood hyacinths. You can see that I have three color varieties here: blue, white and pink. These are native miniature irises tha...
Source: 2sides2ron - April 19, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

Equality North Carolina Celebrates New Discrimination Protections for State EmployeesEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The following is a press release from Equality NC. It is important to note that this victory provides protection for all members of the LGBTQ community, although Trangendered people are still provisionally protected. More work is needed to include permanent protections for all of us. As a gay man, I stand by those who are transgendered and support a permanent plan to protect arguably the most vulnerable members of our community.RonEquality North Carolina announced today a significant victory in its campaign to end legal discrimination in our state. The 2008 edition of the State Personnel Manual, which covers most state emp...
Source: 2sides2ron - April 15, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

ICP 2.10 Available at MshairiEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Dear Friends of the International Carnival of Pozitivities (ICP):It is a tremendous pleasure to announce the publication of edition 2.10 of the ICP at Mshairi. Mshairi is our first host from Africa, from Kenya exactly, whocurrently lives in London. I encourage you to bookmark this edition and visit it over time so that you can enjoy each of the contributions from the world of HIV/AIDS. I hope that you will also join me in thanking Mshairi for her work this month. This 22nd consecutive edition of the ICP features personal accounts, video, poetry, humor, a first chapter of a martial-arts fiction noveland the latest in ...
Source: 2sides2ron - April 7, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

Swiftboated Anti-ChristEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
I wondered how long it would be before some religious political pundit would scratch out their anger and xenophobia about the Obama campaign. I found the answer in my inbox this week. Yes, now they are saying that Senator Obama is the anti-Christ and implying that it is the godly thing to do to oppose his candidacy for the office of US President.Here is the original text of the drivel. I have cleaned up the formatting a bit as the original author apparently didn't understand the concept of line-breaks.Subject: Fw: anti-christ??????? Remember--God is good, and is in time, on time--every time. According to The Book of Revela...
Source: 2sides2ron - April 5, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

"Sometimes Forget": Guest Poet/Lyricist Willie J. Phillips, aka Shadowstar ex MachinaEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Please welcome back guest poet/lyricist/rap artist/fiction writer/artist Willie J. Phillips of Durham, NC and of the rap/hip hop group Shadowstar ex Machina. In a show of support for the ICP, our ally has written this piece on HIV/AIDS and the potential intolerance of people toward the LGBTQ community.RonSometimes ForgetFor the love of all things, please don't be offended.This will most likely look like blame games at the ending.I live in a nice home that I lease,Work for monetary increase by grinding in the belly of the beast.A simple explanation for my troubles is sufficient.Heterosexual men and women on this missioncall...
Source: 2sides2ron - April 2, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

"Resurrection of Renewal": Welcoming Guest Poet Bill MannEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Please join me in welcoming first time contributor and poet, Bill Mann. His biography and poem follow.RonBill Mann was born in North Carolina to a poor family, Later his home was broken up, and he was raised in foster homes to the age of 19. He moved to Virginia and found his way in the world. He worked at various jobs and then found his way to God. He was married for 15 years, and had three lovely children. With his children all grown now, he has 5 grandkids. Bill is owner of Michael Ministries that helps with food and clothing in the local area. Bill also has a prayer ministry over the internet. Bill reaches out to the h...
Source: 2sides2ron - April 2, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

Guest Writer, Artist and Musician's Debut at 2sides2ron: Willie J. PhillipsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The following presentation is a bit of a departure for 2sides2ron and the International Carnival of Pozitivities. Please welcome the work of my friend, Willie J. Phillips of Durham, NC. Willie is a talented author, artist and rap artist. He is the driving force behind a local hip-hop group, Shadowstar, whose lyrics are thought-provoking and whose music is as professionally stunning as any that I have heard from major labels. This post is the first in a series of chapters of Willie’s science-fiction martial arts novel, Godfist Legend: Zero7. This work is not HIV related, but it seemed to me that I could promote Willie�...
Source: 2sides2ron - March 29, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

AIDSWALK+RIDE 2008, May 3 Raleigh, NC, USAEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
I received the following announcement from AIDSWalk+Ride concerning their 2008 event in Raleigh, NC. Please join them in their efforts. Proceeds go to the Alliance of AIDS Services-Carolina and to 10 other AIDS organizations throughout the Triangle Area of NC.The Alliance of AIDS Services-Carolina is pleased to announce AIDSWALK+RIDE 2008 on Saturday, May 3, 2008. Since 1995, thousands of walkers and riders have helped support programs and services for persons living with HIV/AIDS in our region by participating in AIDSWALK+RIDE. All monies raised support the Alliance and 10 other AIDS organizations throughout the Triangle....
Source: 2sides2ron - March 27, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

We can fund a war nationally, but not evidence gathering for rape cases in NC?Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
It has come to my attention that rape victims are potentially being required to foot the bill for at least part if not all of the cost of gathering evidence about their assault in the state of North Carolina. It seems wrong to me that someone who is violated in such an awful and terrible way would have to pay to have evidence gathered that might help put their assailant in jail. The following information is provided in a petition to the NC State Government to find full funding of rape kits for the victims. You can visit and sign the petition here if you are a legal resident of North Carolina.Here is the text of the petitio...
Source: 2sides2ron - March 26, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

Way to Go, Wildcats!Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
I enjoy my rituals about basketball at this time of year. My friends at Davidson were down by double-digits when I smudged the house and put on my Davidson cap. I just watched their victory over Georgetown and send big kudos to all of my friends in Davidson, NC. You have a great team, but even better, you have a team with heart. Go Wildcats!
Source: 2sides2ron - March 23, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

"Embracing Gayness" from Guest Writer Farid de la OssaEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Please join me in welcoming back Colombian guest artist Farid de la Ossa. (The back of the sculpture is to the left, the front is to the right. Click on either image to enlarge it.) DESCRIPTION OF THE SCULPTURE “EMBRACING GAYNESS”Even though there has been more understanding and acceptance with regards to sexual orientation in many countries, still in some others thousands of LGBTQ people have been and are discriminated against, attacked and even killed just because of being who they are. Many of all these people have had to leave their homelands and their families and ask for refuge in other countries in which their l...
Source: 2sides2ron - March 22, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

Research Study on LGBTQ Issues Among South Asian IndiansEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
I received the following appeal to help locate participants for a study of the LGBTQ Indian community. Please take a moment to read and decide if you can help out the researcher, Sharon Nash.I'm working on a project on the experience of gay and lesbian Indians andam looking for people to interview. I am currently enrolled in anethnography course on South Asia as part of my graduate work in LiberalStudies at Duke. I am most interested in talking to gay, lesbian, bisexual ortransgendered Indians or their parents or close friends. In particular Iwould like to hear about their experiences being LGBT in India (or in an Indian c...
Source: 2sides2ron - March 17, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

ICP 2.9 is now available at Creampuff RevolutionEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
It is a tremendous pleasure to announce the publication of edition 2.9 of the ICP at Creampuff Revolution. Creampuff, a.k.a., Roro, who hails from Vancouver, is our first repeat host from Canada. I encourage you to bookmark this edition and visit it over time so that you can enjoy each of the contributions from the world of HIV/AIDS. I hope that you will also join me in thanking Roro for her work this month. We "met" about 2 years ago during the NHL Hockey Championship between Edmonton and the Carolina Hurricanes and have been fast friends since despite some rather competitive invo...
Source: 2sides2ron - March 9, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

The Wages of HatredEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Blessings to Ellen Degeneres for speaking out on the topic of anti-LGBTQ violence. Many in this world would have us believe that it is OK to harass, bully, tease, batter or even murder people who are different from themselves. As Ellen so eloquently states, "We are not second-class citizens." It is time that those who use hate speech understand that the result of their rhetoric can be fatal for the victims and can permanently ruin the lives of the perpetrators and their families. The same goes for ethnic, class-based or religious intolerance. Could we get back to "Live and Let Live"?Categories: intolerance hate+crimes Elle...
Source: 2sides2ron - March 6, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

Early Spring 2008Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
It is actually late winter here in North Carolina, but nature has been fooled into an early spring. Although the outside temperature is 29º F, these beautiful flowers have decided to brighten the landscape a bit.Click any image to enlarge it for viewing.The photo above shows a spread of miniature irises. These flowers are captured in individual shots in the next three photos. These delicate flowers grow from bulbs, unlike the native miniature irises that grow from rhizomes in river valleys in North Carolina.Daffodils always have a special place in my garden and in my heart.These are crimson quince blooms that have appeare...
Source: 2sides2ron - February 28, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs

Being You from SlovoEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
I received a copy of Slovo’s new album, Todo Cambia, a couple of weeks ago. One of the songs, Being You, stood out to me and continues to resonate with me as a long-term survivor of HIV/AIDS. Consequently, I wrote to Dave Randall in the UK to ask his permission to share the song with the readers of the International Carnival of Pozitivities. He graciously agreed to allow me to share links to the song with you.We all have our heroes and our angels. We know, love or care for someone who is a source of strength to help us get through the tough times of living with HIV/AIDS. I consider this song a tribute to those people wh...
Source: 2sides2ron - February 24, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Tags: newtag Source Type: blogs