World AIDS DAY 2009

FACT

• Over a million Americans are estimated to be living with HIV. Worldwide an estimated 33 million people are living with HIV/AIDS
  

This means that it is very likely that everyone will eventually be affected in some way by this disease.

FACT

• AIDS is caused by HIV. HIV is a virus that gradually attacks immune system cells.
  

This means that HIV will damage the immune system to a point where the body cannot fight off infection. Once the body reaches this point it has gone into the stage of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

FACT

• There is NO KNOWN CURE FOR HIV/AIDS
  

Treatments for the disease have improved drastically since its first cases in 1981 making the lifespan of a person diagnosed with HIV/AIDS longer and healthier. however there is still no cure.

December 1 is recognized as World AIDS Day and this year's theme is Universal Access and Human Rights. The focus this year is developing and implementing strategies for those living with HIV/AIDS that will allow them to receive education and treatment. There is also a need to provide those affected with rights against discrimination and the stigma of living with HIV/AIDS.

The keys to success in HIV/AIDS prevention are

• PRACTICE SAFE SEX
  
  • The safest sex is NO SEX but in those cases where that is not an option…
    
  • Stick to one partner.
    
  • Use male/female condoms EVERYTIME-ALL THE TIME!!!!!
    

    
    

• Don't share needles
  
  • There are individuals who will not end intravenous drug use therefore there are programs that allow the exchange of dirty needles for clean ones.
    
• Pregnant and positive women must seek medical attention
  
  • HIV can be passed along to an unborn child by his mother; however medical advances have lessened these transmissions. It is vital that if you are pregnant and HIV positive that you receive prenatal care.
    
• GET TESTED
  
  • IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT IF YOU HAVE PARTICIPATED IN ANY ACTIVITY THAT CAUSES YOU TO BE AT RISK YOU SHOULD GET TESTED. KNOWING YOUR STATUS IS A HIGHLY IMPORTANT FACTOR IN HIV/AIDS PREVENTION.
    

Don't be afraid to get tested. Often testing is painless and a simple process. There are also testing centers that will administer the test for free.

FAQ on HIV testing

http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/default.htm

Check out World AIDS Day 2009 » DoctorNDTV ....for the better health of Indians

Hi,

I want you to take a look at : World AIDS Day 2009 » DoctorNDTV ....for the better health of Indians

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

From Bblazin I would like to wish everyone a happy and blessed Thanksgiving Holiday. I pray that you reflect not only today but everyday on those things for which you are thankful. ;)

Birds of a Feather......

Bird, chickenhead, blockhead, dizzy chick, etc. activity is running wild in the streets. You see it everywhere. It's like a disease that has infested the 20something (and sometimes above) generation. I've decided to list a few bird suspect qualities that if you, your friends, or loved ones posses an intervention is highly recommended.


1. You have no immediate or future goals of improvement for your life.
Even the most successful people continue to strive for something

2. You blame EVERYTHING on your current *ahem* parenting situation.
I can't tell you how many times I've had friends, associates, and colleagues tell me "you are so lucky, you can do xyz because you are single with no kids" or "I have a child unlike YOU I can't do the things you can". Ladies give me a break there is no secret to how babies are made. This is a 100% preventable situation. Stop complaining and make a better life for your children.

3. You can't separate your relationship with your man from any other relationships ie. family, friends, job, or school. This subject is like beating a dead horse. If you are having relationship issues keep it between you and your man (or woman). Too many times you gripe to everyone around you about your man problems and in the end you kiss and make up leaving friends and family looking at him like dog crap.

4. You have made materialistic gains more of an obligation than bills and simple everyday needs.
I am so so so guilty for this one. You know you have bills due but that outfit, those shoes, or in my case that weave is calling you like crack.

5. You immerse yourself in the lives of other women only to berate them or expel intense negativity their way.
Most would classify this as hating however I don't agree with that word. I find it overused and improperly used. Bottom line let her do her and you do you.

Well ladies hope I could shed some light on a very disturbing trend. Maybe just maybe admitting to some of these issues will be the start of a resolution.

Game On: LET'S PLAY GOD

One of the most interesting and therapeutic classes I've taken throughout my college career is a Counseling Techniques course. The class basically prepares you for a career as a "helper" who is focused on providing therapy and rehabilitation for those in need. The first day of class our teacher gave us examples of people whom we may come in contact with in our careers for ex: pedophiles, murderers, drug addicts, etc. We were individually given the examples and asked to state rather we could work with those individuals or if we would pass on helping them. I distinctly remember one of the girls in our class say that she would not be able to work with homosexuals because she felt homosexuality was wrong and that they were going to hell anyway. My first thought was to tell her she may need to switch up her major because a judgmental attitude is not one to have in this line of work. I could not think of any group that I wouldn't be able to help because I feel we all suffer from some kind of vice and everyone has the ability to be rehabilitated. A recent news story caused me to revisit that class in my mind. The story reads like that of a Lifetime horror film. A father (Jamar Pinkney Sr.) murdered his 15 year old son after the son confessed to inappropriately touching his 3 year old half sister. After the father (pictured above) brutally beat the son he stripped him naked and shot him execution style in the child's backyard. While visiting blogs and news sources I read many comments on this subject. I was appalled at the individuals who said things like "he deserved to die" "I would've killed him to". I couldn't help but wonder if the world we live in is not coming to a fast end. The reasons being 1. a father can listen to a sons pleas for his life yet still pull the trigger 2. a brother who is should to be protective of his young sister would harm her 3. people AGREE with murder. Some may say that I don't understand the father's feelings because I don't have children. My answer to that while I am not yet a mother I still have blood relatives and I also have a deep love for human beings especially children. People need to realize acting out of rage and ignorance never solves anything. Now that everything is said and done this family is torn apart. The father will likely spend much deserved time in prison and a mother has lost her child. Even worse the daughter will grow up with the trauma of this entire situation. So in the end nothing was solved the situation was only made worse because the father decided to play God. I am a firm believer that God gives us strength to endure anything. I know of the capability to grow from being sexually abused however, I've never seen someone rise above being murdered.

J-Setting

WERK IT!!!!!!!

The Institutionalization of Ignorance

While I am a fan of all things rhythmic I understand that at times music can become an escape from all reality. As a former performer I know the importance of providing the fantasy for individuals who listen to your music. I also understand the new wave of "trendy" "manufactured" artist that dominate the music world today. In the society we live in things have gone from music being a form of art and expression to a bandwagon of hopefuls competing for a get rich quick radio hit. As I am a frequent visitor of twitter (don't blame me blame my joblessness) I have noticed something that touches me deep down in my pentecostal soul. There seems to be a cult following of rapper Nicki Minaj. Not only is there a cult following but many of the ladies are branding themselves as barbies. Yes you read that correctly BARBIES!!! I can't help but wonder if these people realize that the "barbie doll" image is one that as a woman of integrity would want to model herself after. Think about it. Barbie can't hold down a job, lives lavishly and way above her means, and can't keep a man. Why would you want to follow those guidelines for life. I want nothing more but the best for our young women especially young black women however, please understand that Nicki Minaj is an entertainer. She gets paid to ENTERTAIN you. Therefore the image she portrays has a purpose. That being said if you have modeled yourself after Ms. Minaj or any other entertainer for that matter ask yourself....JUST WHAT THE HELL DO I STAN TO GAIN FROM THIS? It is perfectly fine to be a fan of somebody's work however it is insane to be a stan of another human being!!!!!

Note: This includes Beyoncestans, Rihannastans, Ciarastans, Treysongzstans, and whoever else balls/tits yall continue to ride. Them damn folks aint paying yall. Also note that I am a fan of Nicki Minaj's music Beam Me Up stays in heavy rotation in the Yota.

C'mon Son

(can
While web surfing this morning I came across a guest blog entry on one of the most hated urban blog sites. The subject was the health care bill. What I've gathered from the proposed bill is that it is a plan that is to aid those who are currently insured as well as the uninsured. Speaking as one who is uninsured and has been for a while it is simply mind boggling that there are people who are against this. I don't always agree with the decisions made by President Obama however how could you be against something that is FOR the people? Perhaps you have never experienced being sick and unable to receive help because you can't afford to seek help. Maybe you are incredibly wealthy and life has never dealt you a substantial financial blow therefore you are immune to the issues I feel are at stake. Another issue that was discussed in the blog post was the welfare system. For some a reality check is really needed. The reality of life is everyone is not fortunate enough to have those things that to us as human beings are essential such as food and housing. I have absolutly no issue with people receiving government issued benefit at my expense. Why because if I were to die today I could take not a red cent with me. You need to seriously evaluate your life if you would rather see a person/family hungry in the streets and sick unable to receive proper care because help is not available to them at your request.

Bring That Link Back

Chatting with a good friend on Facebook I thought of a post I'd blogged earlier this year. It speaks on the expectations of someone who is single yet looking to enter into a relationship. Check it out ----->LinkBack <--------

Loyalty Means Everything

As a young girl I often felt compelled to satisfy everything and everybody who I came in contact with. I don't know exactly where this came from I just know I have always been a "people pleas er". In recent conversations with a good friend I realized that this is something that is causing me great pain. I would accept people for who they were and what they did no matter how many people they hurt in the process. I forgave people time after time after time no matter how much pain I endured. I even changed the course of my life to satisfy the wishes of my family and friends. In the end I was left empty because I had given everything I had so that others could be happy. In return I received nothing. I'm approaching my 26Th birthday and I feel as though I am blessed to have seen these years however I feel as though I have lived so much for others that i don't know what it is to have life. I am merely in existence and not experiencing life. The remedy for me is to begin doing things for my own happiness and not allowing others to walk over me or take from me what they can't return with love.
That brings me to the whole purpose of this blog entry. I feel one of my greatest qualities is loyalty. Anyone who HONESTLY evaluates my personality can tell you I am extremely loyal. I will take a bullet for you if you are someone who I have a close relationship with, however I've noticed there are many who don't share this same quality. In changing my approach to life and not continuing my "people pleasing" nature I've decided to cut those things (and people) who can not aid me in any type of way. What does this mean to friends and loved ones? It means nothing if you are really true in your relationship with me. To anyone else.....

Sexpectations

So I've recently discovered the wonders of owning my sexual self. What I mean is I don't have to dress slutastic when venturing out on my night out journeys and I certainly don't feel obliged to "give it up" when the pressure is on. Not that I made those things a habit, however I have once or twice been found guilty in the court of whore. The thing that made me free of my sexually driven sins was the fact that there is power in self righteousness. Some argue that they feel powerful when they accept sexual freedom that allows them to endure multiple relationships that may or may not advance beyond the physical. I personally enjoy the worthwhile wait. It's been a while and I can be heard joking or tweeting that I'm on a mission for peen but in actuality I plan to chill on that for a little and continue to explore and get to know me better. *wink wink*

eminem ft jay z - renegade

The obligatory Jay Z post. I know I know if I don't post any hip hop with Jay Z I'm not a true lover of hip hop. Don't get it twisted I listen to Jay Z and I enjoy many of his projects however I haven't gotten to the point of worship many people clearly have.

Much Respect

If you appreciate hip hop and understand its true form then you have to give much respect to LL Cool J aka Todd Smith. LL is a true pioneer in rap music and a real inspiration to me. Little know (funny) fact about me: I used to be a rapper back in the day lol. This was one of the tracks I used to frequently write to and even won a rap battle with a local radio station. Foxy kills it at the 2:31 mark.

Lauryn Hill - Lost Ones

Hands Down the greatest female MC ever. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill to this day stays playing in my car. Please don't sleep on true lyrical content.

I Want Your Life

I'm sure many who follow pop culture are familiar with the beauty that is Amber Rose. Rose is the arm/eye candy to rap superstar Kanye West. At this point Ms.Rose who was defined as the beauty who walked hand in hand with the rap bad boy has made her way into her own lane. Amber is now doing the modeling thing with appearances in such legendary publications as Elle magazine. As big fan of Amber I can appreciate her beauty and well crafted sexy image. Recently while browsing blogs I found something rather disturbing. A popular urban blogger posted pictures of Amber Rose as well as an email that was allegedly from an acquaintance defending Amber's heritage. The blogger had previously posted old photos of Amber which showed her before her trademark brush (bald) cut, sporting lush ringlets similar to Mariah Carey during her early years in the spotlight. Commenters on the site as well as the site host were adamant about the fact that Amber is NOT black but she is a "regular white girl trying to be black". It is absolute ignorance to argue over a person's heritage.These women were black and many felt Amber is trying to pass as a black woman. What does it matter if she is and who came up with this dumb ass hypothesis. I honestly believe that as a people we get so caught up in titles we forget that everyone is a human being first. Color, sexuality, physical appearance, or wealth doesn't define us. What defines us is our intelligence and the way we present ourselves. Could it be that many women who despise Amber for no logical reason are envious of the fact that she has come from humble beginnings and gained the success many can only dream of? My only hope is that in the future individuals save the judgement and leave it up to the one who has the right to pass judgement and that's God.

The Roots - You Got Me

This is nothing short of a classic. I love to hear Jill Scott perform this cut. I still dig Erykah Badu because she is that bish.

Nas - Ether

I'm going to make this week my fav in hip hop week. Everyday I will post my favorite hip hop songs. Obviously Nas MUUURRRRDDEREED Jay Z on Ether. If you feel any other way then I will personally pay for your backstage pass to the next Soulja Boy concert.

UGK - Wood Wheel (Classic) R.I.P Pimp C

If you dare talk bad about UGK I will personally come for your ass. So I'm doing my fav hip hop songs this week and though this is considered a country rap tune and not hip hop it's still classic. Ask anybody close to me how I feel about Pimp C and you bound to get slapped for asking a silly ass question. Enjoy

Lord

R.I.P Micheal Jackson
If you know real music/entertainment you understand what I mean.

Reaylly Kanye? Really?

Since the limited amount of resources I have until financial aid refund checks are released my cable is unavailable. Too bad for me because I had to witness the latest bitch fit of Miss. Kanye West via youtube as well as ustream. I couldn't get the full effect of it because my internet was also through the cable company therefore I'm stealing the signal from my neigbor so I get a lot of static. Thank God for Twitter where I can keep up with all the latest foolishness and celebrity ignorance.
So it seems Kanye West decides to jump on stage while Taylor Swift was giving an acceptance speech. Nooooo he was not making light of rappers and their entourage at award shows he wanted Taylor and everyone watching the VMAs to know Beyonce is and always will be shitting on Taylor and all yall other hoes. My words will never do this any justice so check it out for yourself. smh

Pic courtesy of Atlnightspots.com