HIV/AIDS is NOT a Gay Disease

Danny Pintauro just recently revealed that he is HIV positive, which he was diagnosed in 2003.  Most of you may remember him from Who's The Boss? (1984-1992) as Jonathan Bower, Angela's (Judith Light) son.  He admitted that he was using drugs at the time and did not use protection.  He realizes his mistake and he is the one that has to live with that decision for the rest of his life.

However, upon reading the comments in some articles posted on the Internet, I was dumbfounded by the views people were expressing.  Most of the comments were hateful and discriminatory.  The majority said that he was gay and that was his punishment.  They also mentioned that it was a gay disease, which God gave to the LGBTQ community to get rid of them.

If this disease is a "gay disease" then why did the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report in 2010 that gay men's HIV/AIDS new cases increased by 12% and another group's (not affiliated with the LGBTQ community) new cases increased by 44% during the same time frame? (CDC, 2010).

I cannot wrap my head and heart around the fact that we are in the 21st century and many people are still connecting HIV/AIDS with the LGBTQ community.  Gay people are not the only one's who are irresponsible.  Every person on this earth makes bad choices concerning sexual activity and protection.  If gay people were the only irresponsible ones in sexual conduct, then why do many heterosexual people continue to be diagnosed with STD's (including HIV/AIDS)?

We are in the new millennium people!  It is time to wake up and realize that we are in this together.  We cannot fight something if we do not have support from every person without prejudices, discrimination, and 30 year old thinking.  HIV/AIDS is a disease that effects life on planet earth.

Resource

CDC (2010). HIV/AIDS. http://www.cdc.gov.

The Future: Bleak or Bright?

The past year has been harsh.  I am trying to maintain my respect and love for humanity, but that is, I'm afraid, quickly diminishing.  There are people killing people on the streets in the back.  People rocketing bullets through cinemas, malls, churches, parking lots, and schools.  Those in government positions refusing to complete their job because they want to satisfy their selfish needs.  Moreover, the one's that are discriminated against and affected by the criminals are posting rude comments, which include name calling and hateful messages.

Meanwhile, Chile had one of its strongest earthquakes it has witnessed.  Volcanoes are erupting.  California's drought that is so extreme that water usage is limited.  Wild fires killing nature and firemen.  There is enough natural disasters that are devastating.  We cannot keep killing each other on top of that.

When does it all stop?  When is humanity going to stand up and realize how we are treating each other?  What will be the defining moment that wakes us up?

I am beginning to think that humanity needs another wake-up call.  I do not like to suggest such a thing because I believe that we, as a world, can come together and make a difference, and change our way of thinking selfishly.  We can show our future generations that we are not evil.  We can stand together and fight for love and freedom.  Unfortunately, the majority have already decided that they, as individuals, are more important.

Not only is the United States divided, but the entire world is divided.  We are overpopulated, and increases every day.  Thus, there is more people to deal with and tolerate, but we can, I believe, start caring about each other now.  The time is now!  Otherwise, we are not going to like the results in the future.

Religious Beliefs, Work, & LGBT

There are a few articles I read recently about religious beliefs, work, and the LGBT community.  First, I completely understand that this is a free nation and people have the right to believe in a higher power.  However, if you work for the city, state, or government then your personal beliefs are not an option.  You have a job to do; do it!  You get paid to do your job; do it!  Millions of people go to work everyday and do things that they think are beneath them or against their personal views, but they do it.  Why?  Because it is their job!  If someone cannot complete the task; then they need to find another job!
The LGBT community does not want special rights!  They want to be equal with the one's who DO have special rights.  Now, those want even more!  When is enough, enough?  When will people just do the correct thing and love everyone, or at the very least, respect others!

Applied Linguistics grade

Applied linguistics was an interesting course.  There were moments when I was thinking, "This is a lot like math; only an alien can understand this!"  These thoughts were only introduced when the specifics and historical portions arose; however, the remaining portions of the class were interesting.

With all that said, I still maintain an "A" status!  The final grade: 96%!!!

I have already started my next course, which is one of my focus study (minor) choice of psychology.  This course is General Psychology!  So far, the course is intriguing, but it is only the beginning.  The professor said that it is a lot like Introduction to Psychology, but with more information to learn.  I loved (and did well) in the Introduction course, so I am excited about this one.

Hope you all are having a wonderful summer!  It's hot!

Poetry in Society Grade

Well, Poetry in Society was not a simple course.  However, it was more interesting than I thought it would be.  Each week had a different era: Medieval and 16th century for week 1, 17th and 18th centuries for week 2, 19th century for week 3, early 20th century for week 4, and late 20th century for week 5.

At the end of the course, I had to write a private message to the instructor because an assignment by a team member was incorrectly submitted.  The team member submitted the wrong (incomplete) file.  Fortunately, the grade had not been posted and she adjusted the grade.  The instructor can refer back to the postings within the team to find that the completed version was indeed completed before the deadline, which the posts are date and time stamped.  In the return e-mail from the instructor, she said that I was a pleasure to have in the class and that my interpretations of the poems were unique.  She could not wait to see what I wrote next.  What a compliment considering I am not overly familiar with nor am I comfortable with poetry.

The grades have been posted and I received another A!  The actual percentage for the final grade: 94%!

This week, I have started Applied Linguistics.  I am not sure how I feel about this course yet.  So far, the reading is dull, but that may be because it is the beginning of the course and information has to be initiated.

Lately, I have also been thinking about having another article published, but I am not sure where I want to go with the article or what magazine to contact.  Although still up in the air about that, I am going to start contacting a few and see who replies.  Updates for that decision will be in the future.

A Week I Will Never Forget!

Now that I finally have some time to write, poetry is keeping me busy!  I may also add that it is not fun either.

On a brighter note, Forrest's family came for a visit from Wyoming last week.  It was nice to get out of the house for a couple of days!  Of course, that meant I had to work extra on the remaining days.  However, it was worth it.  His family is awesome (I'm not stating that just because there is a chance they will read this)!  There was never a dull moment and my cheeks still hurt from laughing so much!

The first two days Forrest took them around town.  Wednesday night we all went out for dinner and then to a bar.  Needless-to-say, I was feeling mighty fine!  A little too many Salted Caramel Apple Martini's (YUM!), beer, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch shots (double YUM!)!

Thursday we went to see the USS Yorktown in South Carolina.  What an experience that was!  Forrest's father served on that carrier 57 years ago, and he was - to put it mildly - grateful!  I did not count how many times he thanked us for the trip.  It was nice to see him smile brightly!  The director of the Association gave us a personal tour of the ship, including parts that the general public did not have access to.  What impressed me was when so many people heard about Forrest's father serving, stopped, and thanked him!  It was those times I thought I would break out the water works, but I did not!

Friday we went to two vineyards, which was interesting for someone that does not like wine.  I now know that I do like certain wines, especially some reds and sweet ones.  I am not a big fan of the white wines though.  However, if you have the chance to try Sweet Peach wine - do it!  That is magnificent !!  After, we went to the Crab Shack (Not Joe's) and that place is incredible.  It is in Tybee Island - about 40 minutes from Pooler - and well worth the drive.  Of course, I had the mussels, but also a crab cake that was served in the shell.  This is where I say "Triple YUM!"

Saturday and Sunday I was back to my classwork, but worked on Sunday night for my classwork.  During the day (Sunday) we went downtown to check the sights - Forrest's niece, her husband, and their friend did not arrive until later in the week, so they missed the first tour.

All in all, It was a wonderful week!  We drank.  We laughed.  We had fun!

The only downfall is trying to get back into the class routine.  Now that five days have passed, I am starting to get back into it all.  The countdown for the next vacation is beginning....

Creative Writing Grade

I was pleasantly surprised with Creative Writing.  I now know for certain, without any doubt, this is what I want to do when I grow up.  Yes, I am almost 40, but I thought the last part of the sentence would add a little humor.

So, for the final project, I had to complete an outline of a fictional short story in week 3.  In week four I had to create the rough draft of the fictional story, and then in week five revise and edit the rough draft.  It is quite long - 11 pages typed - and do not think I should post it on a different posting for this blog, but I have not made my mind up on that yet.

Have you noticed that I am building the tension before telling you all what my final grade is?

No?  Well, then, I have to work on that, but I cannot resist any further.....

The instructor said in the comments that I was a wonderful writer.  Also, that I bring my story, characters, and setting to life.  And lastly, she said that I was a powerful storyteller!  This, along with my grade, solidified my decision for the degree and program switch to English.

My final grade is: (drum roll) 99.98%  = A!