Did George W. Bush use cocaine?

I was working on a post about Tennessee’s gubernatorial candidates, and wanted to point out that candidate Zach Wamp was not unlike both the current and most recent former president in his history of cocaine use. 

Of course everyone knows that President Obama admitted to cocaine use in one of his books.  But I had been under the impression that it was common and accepted knowledge that Bush was a cokehead at some point as well.  I was surprised to learn that apparently I was wrong. 

The most authoritative thing that I could find when I searched “Bush cocaine” was this Wikipedia page (note the qualification of “most” before authoritative there), but it doesn’t even contain the word “cocaine.”  The rest of my search led me to unsourced (or shadily sourced) no-name webpages which contained all sorts of the sorts of wild allegations that set off the bullshit alarms from a mile away and remind you that anyone can post anything on the internet. 

I wasn’t as turned on to politics in 2000 as I am now, not by a long shot (the 2000 post-election debacle was probably my turning point in that kind of attention, with 9/11 sealing the deal that this was something worth watching), so my skeptism-meter wasn’t as high.  I must have “heard” that at some point (from one of my college classmates?  from some radio jock?  who knows?)and just accepted it as fact, and, until today, still did. 

Most people are a lot more like me in pre-election day 2000 than like me now.  Kind of scary when you think about how they’re getting their information.

[Via http://lyssalovelyredhead.wordpress.com]

How reasurring is Aspirin?

When we have a headache, tummy ache or toothache or any kind of ache, we tend to dig deep in our bag and pull out a aspirin. We take this quick-fix in the belief that it will cure us and relief the pain in no time.

However, new research has found that this painkiller may be more of a hindrance than a help. A study from Edinburgh University, of 3,350 people whose blood pressure tests indicated they had problems with arteries in their legs revealed that they had almost double the risk of internal bleeding, while there was no discernible impact on heart disease.

Yorkshire-based GP Dr Andrew Green, who works with the charity Sense About Science said:

 “The science part is that we know aspirin reduces people’s risk of heart disease in those who have previously had a heart attack,” he says. “For those people, the potential side effect of internal bleeding is a risk worth taking. But everyone else should steer clear — the risks outweigh the benefits.”

Judy O’Sullivan, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation said, “Women are three times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than breast cancer. And it’s not just postmenopausal women either. If you are in your thirties or forties and you smoke and are overweight, your hormones won’t necessarily protect you. You could be at risk of a heart attack.”

But don’t be alarmed just yet, last month there were reports from Harvard University, indicating that aspirin could protect against breast cancer. So it is debateable as to what research we should listen to? If any at all?

Dr Green said:

“You have to look at the data,” says Green. “That study only found mild benefits. We need to be naturally suspicious of borderline evidence: the risks are too great.”

//

For more information on heart disease, please click here.

For more information on breast cancer, please click here.

[Via http://youngwellbeing.wordpress.com]

I like simple pleasures; like butter in my ass, lollipops in my mouth. That's just me, that's just something that I enjoy.

[Via http://lurkdat.com]

Immunization Debates Generate More Heat Than Light - We Need Facts On Vaccinations

Unless you have been on mars for most of the last twelve months you would have heard about the H1N1 virus also known as swine flu. In response to the perceived “killer” virus, governments around the world ordered mass dosages of a vaccine against the virus in a bid to save the populace from the terror of flu.

As things turned out there was no threat and many governments in the northern hemisphere have scaled back their orders considerably.  In fact latest figures from the USA show that this flu season has been particularly mild with far less cases than usual. The Australian government was not able to cut back its order and hence has a lot of vaccine in storage. It is looking to get rid of this by another scare campaign about second waves (which is tricky when there was no first wave).

Through all this though there has not been any questioning of the basic assumption that giving people a flu vaccine protects them from flu and that in turn they and society benefit. Many countries have annual flu vaccination programs for those over 65. Some of these have been going for many years.

It is interesting then to note that  it emerged recently that there is not actually any evidence to show that this does any good! The well-respected Cochrane collaboration released a report, which looked at 75 studies over a 40-year period. The conclusion was that “The available evidence is of poor quality and provides no guidance regarding the safety, efficacy or effectiveness of influenza vaccines in people aged 65 years or older”.

In simple terms after 40 years we do not know if giving people over 65 a flu vaccine does any good or any harm. Now to be fair there is nothing at all to suggest that there is any harm done even though the safety of its use has not been proved. Also it could be that nobody was able to find the evidence of benefit even though it may be there.

However after 40 years and 75 studies on a commonplace medical procedure you would expect evidence of benefit to be apparent. The assumption that because it involves vaccination it must be good is not a scientific position but one of faith. Interestingly it is exactly the type of criticism that is leveled at those opposed to vaccines by health authorities and doctors. Unfortunately “debates” over vaccination generate heat and no light as positions are entrenched and facts are of little interest.

Some drugs are more useful than others. Those, which are shown to be not useful, go out of use. Medical procedures too, become superseded. There is no reason the same logic should not apply to vaccination. Those, which are shown to be useful, should be continued. Those where there is not shown to be benefit should not.

Last year serious questions were raised over the papiloma virus vaccine (marketed as the Cervical Cancer vaccine) as how long the effect lasts in the body is unclear. The program of giving it to 13 year old girls means it may have worn off by the time they need protection. Also there is the lingering question about whether the body will in most cases clear the virus anyway.

An Australian report showed that after the introduction of the Chicken Pox vaccine there was an increase in the rate of hospitalization of the elderly with Shingles, which is caused by the same virus. This led a call for another vaccine program. Whilst there was a reduction in cases of chicken pox, in children this is hardly a massive achievement as it is essentially a minor childhood illness (yes there can be complications but this is rare).

The bottom line is that this matters. Governments spend large sums of money on vaccine programs. There is in many instances some compulsion about being vaccinated and penalties for not doing so. This does not occur with any other area of medicine. Assessments made on the basis of facts, not pre conceived notions, faith in vaccines, or opposition to vaccines, is what is needed. Those, which are shown to have benefits outweighing risks, are worth doing. Those where this is not the case, are not worth continuing.

Vaccination is a medical and public health issue. It is not a sacred cow. Programs need to be assessed, criticized and changed or stopped if not found to be of benefit. Justification on the basis that vaccination, of itself, is good is no better an argument than vaccination, of itself, is bad.

[Via http://drjoesdiyhealth.wordpress.com]

Bananas Cure HIV AIDS!! I'm not kidding!

Its me again back with good information for my Fellow riders. Tha Fastlife Runna cares about your health. What I’ve learned about this fruit, it actually kills HIV diseases. I know we got some people that is sick out there with HIV and depend on anti drugs that battle HIV. Some of you are nasty and don’t know if you got it. I don’t want you to pass it to me and mess my life up. That’s the reason why I’m writing this post. Anyways, when that happens in your body, why not eat banana like a monkey everyday? A monkey eats more banana more than an average person eats meal 4 times a day and then next thing monkey jumping like a fool all day. Do you know why? Let me tell you why. Its the natural chemicals from a banana that speeds up the metabolism which make you hyper and also boost up the immune system that battle diseases inside your body. I’m going start eating fruits like a mad man because I know its the T. R. U. T. H. If you think i’m not serious, do some research pal.  It’s sad to know that people depend too much on man made drugs with side effects instead of what Heavenly father gave you to eat to live healthier life. Banana ain’t got no side effects. When you take those man made drugs, next thing you gonna find out you have HIV-2. That’s a scary, ain’t it? Not me. I’m going eat bananas as my life depends on it because I’m stuck with a gay roommate living next door to me. I don’t know what the hell he’s doing with weird looking dudes every night. I don’t talk to him and I can’t wait to move out of my place when I graduate in May. Sometimes I wish he stop waving at me every once in a while when he see me walking to class. If I find this nigga wheezing and coughing, you better believe I’ll take off running. Thats the kind of person I am. I’m cautious when I come to those things like that.

[Via http://pinkneyalvinjr.wordpress.com]

Addictions [continued]

Around 165 million Americans are addicted to caffeine.

I forgot to mention caffeine addiction statistics in my last post.  Caffeine is a more easily forgotten “drug.” (Yes, it really is a drug.) Well, I am one of those 165 million.

Yesterday, it occurred to me:

Matthew 7:3-5 ”Why do you notice the little piece of dust in your friend’s eye, but you don’t notice the big piece of wood in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your friend, ‘Let me take that little piece of dust out of your eye’?? Look at yourself! You still have that big piece of wood in your own eye. 5 You hypocrite! First, take the wood out of your own eye. Then you will see clearly to take the dust out of your friend’s eye.

I remembered this verse while thinking of a couple people whom I know that have addictions.  While I was thinking of them, I held a big cup of coffee in my hand.

Here’s some things I have learned through various sources such as other people, personal experience, my academic education, research, etc…  It’s rrreeeeal easy to overlook caffeine addiction.  It’s even easy to joke about.  I mean heck, I joke about it myself. [Have yall seen that McDonald's commercial where the guy doesn't respond with more than "I haven't had my coffee yet" until he gets his morning coffee?  Yeah, that's freakishly close to the truth with me.]

Now think about an alcoholic… He/she usually receives a stamp of disapproval from society.  It’s not too funny to joke about.  It’s serious. Same with the smoker, the drug addict, etc.  Hmm…  Have you really done your research and become well-informed/educated on the effects that these substances have on the body?  Most

[Via http://emilyscurls.wordpress.com]

Zephyr 5.4 "The Stuff Of News Footage"

“AH, ZEPHYR, MY dearest son,” the Pope says as he struggles to rise and ultimately fails, slumping back into the plush chair with the air of a rich man who has just let loose with a particularly satisfying fart: one made perhaps all the more satisfying for the flunkies who have to stand there, drinking in the air and commenting on its magnificence.

            Let me be clear the Pope and I have never met. He’s new and I’m so lapsed I don’t think I even count as Catholic any more. Where he gets off speaking so pleasantly I can’t tell you. I can see Pykes, Dufresne and the Senator are all thrilled to the point of Rapture to be in the flatulent old German’s presence. I make a pained face and keep walking and when the Pope offers me his hand with the big ring on it I play stupid and pump his arm a few times and then sit down at the nearest chair.

            “It’s a pleasure,” I baldly lie. “Now what’s this all about?”

            My frankness breaks the mood like even the Pope’s weak arse couldn’t. Pykes and Kirkness exchange glances and Senator Keenan emits a girlish chuckle and sits close enough to me she can reach out and periodically stroke my knee, which she proceeds to do with alarming regularity. She is a handsome and well-preserved woman, but up close and looking through the layers of her nearly Baroque make-up, it wouldn’t surprise me if at any moment she suddenly bared yellow fangs and her bloodshot eyes rolled up into her head as she gave in to her desire for human flesh.

            “Please excuse Zephyr’s candidness, Your Holiness,” the mayor says with a nervous little frown I’ve rarely seen him wear. “I can only explain that he understands the value of your time and doesn’t want to beat around the bush, as we say here in the States.”

            His Holiness waves his hand and looks beneficent as they taught him to in Pope school. I smile, he smiles, the row of unspeaking cardinals smile and Ivory Keenan titters just a little more. Again with the knee.

            “It’s regarding the Bloomingdale bombing, Zephyr,” the Senator says. “Paramilitary Zionists called Israel’s Black Commandos have claimed responsibility for the attack. It took twenty-five lives and left a further fifteen people who are still in hospital.”

            My memories are the stuff of news footage. I nod and look around the room. A few bland suits have slipped in and one of them, she has the whole black hair/green eyes/big titties thing happening, oh boy, and she begins taking notes with an electronic stylus. I try to catch her eye, but I guess Catholicism comes with the Irish gene and proximity to the Holy Father has put a dent in her receptivity.

            “Okay,” I say and resist the shrug.

            “The City States Symposium has deliberated,” the Pope says in his heavy-lidded German English. “We have decided we cannot take any position except to condemn all violence that encourages segregation.”

            I nod and glance around the room. Pykes looks like a kid too afraid to put his hand up to go to the toilet and might just risk pissing himself before the afternoon ends. Ironically it is his deputy Dufresne who has the poise to pull off the high-powered meeting.

            The Pope stares at me until he has my eye. “We will not make any formal statement. However, the government assures me it will endorse a statement of sorts in retaliation for this attack on its sovereign soil.”

            I blink, nod again. “Okay.”

            It looks like no-one else really wants to speak, suddenly. Dufresne scowls, looking around the room. Finally she rests forward, arms crossed over her knee.

            “Zephyr, we want you to go after them.”

I TRY TO think this through for a minute and basically fail.

            “You want me to go after the terrorists?”

            “Absolutely,” Pykes says.

            “On behalf of, and sanctioned by, the United States government,” Senator Keenan says with a bold, affirmative nod.

            I glance around the table and eye the cardinals briefly. “Um, where are they, then?”

            My question elicits more glass-eyed stares. Dufresne looks at Pykes who looks at Keenan who in turn stares at Kirkness. No-one dares look at His Holiness.

            “We understand the security forces in Jerusalem have contained some members of a local cell,” Keenan says.

            “Sure, but that’s on neutral soil,” I remark. “That would kind of undermine the whole idea of the neutrality of the City States, wouldn’t it, to send me in there?”

            Someone clears their throat. It’s not anyone helpful. I ask, “Um, do you mind if I ask why you want me to do this? Surely the government. . . ?”

            “The President feels it would be best not to formally link our response to the government,” the Senator says. “However, a well-known American parahuman, taking the matter into his own hands with the tacit approval of the current administration. . . .”

            “Sorry,” I say and risk cutting her off, though Keenan looks far too pleased to be stopped talking for me to call it that. “I’m not sure exactly what you’re after. This attack was launched from within Atlantic City, obviously. Can you give me any information regarding these Commando dudes and any contacts or networks or . . . anything?”

            I drift off because of the uncomfortable looks around me.

            I hesitantly add: “I’m not sure what you think it is I am able to do about, um, all this. I’m, like . . . I’m a superhero, you know?”

            “Terrorism is a crime, Zephyr,” Ms Keenan rebukes me.

            “A crime? Yes. A specialist crime,” I say back to her. “This is like . . . like getting hand models to take on the Triads or something.”

            “Finally, something sensible. . . .” Kirkness mutters.

            “Zephyr, I think you’re doing yourself a disservice,” Senator Keenan says.

            “You must have faith, my son,” the Pope adds.

            “I’m sorry,” I say and stand with genuine remorse. “If you know where the bad guys’ lair is in Atlantic City, you let me and the Sentinels know and we’ll kick their tails. International terrorism and diplomacy though, that’s just not my bag. Sorry.”

            Only slightly less incredulous than they that I’m actually doing so, I open my palms apologetically and walk from the room. The security cadre eyes me as I jostle past. Their eyes are too busy for anything resembling sympathy.

[Via http://wereviking.wordpress.com]

Maybe A New School?

Looking At A New School….. With all that the two Older Woody boys have been telling me lately about there so-called “Catholic” private high school we are now in the process of looking for a new school. I was so very upset the other day when one boy let me know how the year 11 boys and girls visit the toilets at lunch time for a bit more than using the facilities the way they are meant to be used. Then how the year 10, year 11, and year 12 smoke more than cigarettes before/during/after school – before reaching the school grounds, and then on the school grounds. So NOT happy. We are paying good money for the boys to receive a great education, to be told what really goes on behind the scenes. The icing on the cake was when I received a letter sent home (to our old address, luckily for the school I have our mail redirected) for our oldest boy Hayden – to say that he had breached the uniform four times. I was not informed once, nor on the second occasion, nor on the third. It actually took four times before they contacted me. Hayden could not explain why the uniform breech notice was sent, so I contacted the school. It was for not having his “Formal” hat with him on four different times. He had his sports hat instead!!!  Yet the school lets them get away with a lot more. They all have computers at the school – they have gone one on one.  Each and every student is not using the computer within the guidelines. NOTHING has been done about that situation. DOUBLE STANDARD. So we are looking at a new school. One that is closer to start with, and one that is smaller…..a closer knit community so that the kids take pride in them selves and achieve more out of school. All I want for my two older Woody boys is to achieve the best that they can and with their school at the moment I don’t feel like they are reaching for the stars…. What are your thoughts? Maybe A New School? Cheers Lisa Wood.

[Via http://woodyboys.wordpress.com]

Brooklyn's Finest

Went to see Brooklyn’s Finest today and it was pretty good overall. The movie relied heavily on stereotypes though, which made it feel unoriginal. The movie was entertaining though because of the interlacing storytelling and a small level of suspense.

There are three stories within the film, all about Brooklyn police officers. Eddie (Richard Gere) is a week away from retirement. He’s separated from his wife and really depressed. As a cop, Eddie is a underachiever. If he’s not on duty or in his precinct he basically doesn’t care a bit about the illegal things he sees going on around him. It’s after the character gets turned down by a prostitute and abandoned by coworkers that he realizes being a dick isn’t the best route in life (I should take note). Despite his pitfalls Eddie was my favorite character, probably because his outlook on life was similar to mine. Next, Tango (Don Cheadle) is an undercover cop knee-deep in drug deals and drive-bys. He strives to get a promotion and change his lifestyle and that’s about the extent of his character. Lastly, Sal (Ethan Hawke) is struggling to gather funds to move his family into a new house. His wife played by Lily Taylor is expecting twins, on top of the what seems like 20 kids they already have. To help get money, he steals drug money from drug raids. His character’s motives were noble and it was easy to empathize with him. The ending I won’t even mention because well, that would be mean.

There was definitely a lot going on in this film plot wise. So many different themes (family, loneliness, drug use, justice, etc.) were touched on in this film. Also, as you can tell already there were a lot of big name stars in this film. Gere delivered as always. Same goes for Hawke and Cheadle. They were all great at showing their character’s flaws while also making the viewer connect and feel sorry for them. Wesley Snipes, Brian F. O’Byrne and Ellen Barkin had supporting roles. The film was directed by Antoine Fuqua, who has directed the likes of Training Day, Shooter and King Arthur. So he has a lot of experience with the grim, crime-type movies.

[Via http://hannahpoturalski.wordpress.com]

'Lost Boys' actor Corey Haim dead in Burbank at 38

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100310/ap_on_en_mo/us_obit_haim:

LOS ANGELES – Corey Haim, a 1980s teen heartthrob for his roles in “Lucas” and “The Lost Boys” whose career was blighted by drug abuse, has died. He was 38.

Haim died at 2:15 a.m. Wednesday at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, Los Angeles County coroner’s Lt. Cheryl MacWillie said.

An autopsy will determine the cause of death and there were no other details, she said. Police Sgt. Michael Kammert said there’s no evidence of foul play.

Haim had flulike symptoms before he died and was getting over-the-counter and prescription medications, Police Sgt. William Mann said. The cause of death is unknown, Mann said.

“He could have succumbed to whatever (illness) he had or it could have been drugs. Who knows?” Mann said. “He has had a drug problem in the past.”

Haim was taken by ambulance to the hospital from an apartment in Los Angeles near Burbank. The enormous complex is known asOakwood and is popular with young actors, Kammert said.

Haim acknowledged his struggle with drug abuse to The Sun in 2004.

“I was working on Lost Boys when I smoked my first joint,” he told the British tabloid.

“I did cocaine for about a year and a half, then it led to crack,” he said.

Haim said he went into rehabilitation and was put on prescription drugs. He took both stimulants and sedatives such as Valium.

“I started on the downers which were a hell of a lot better than the uppers because I was a nervous wreck,” he said. “But one led to two, two led to four, four led to eight, until at the end it was about 85 a day.”

In 2007, he told ABC’s “Nightline” that drugs hurt his career.

“I feel like with myself I ruined myself to the point where I wasn’t functional enough to work for anybody, even myself. I wasn’t working,” he said.

The Toronto-born actor got his start in television commercials at 10 and earned a good reputation for his work in such films as 1985’s “Murphy’s Romance” and his portrayal of Liza Minelli’s dying son in the 1985 television film “A Time to Live.”

His career peaked and he became a teen heartthrob with his roles in the 1986 movie “Lucas,” and “The Lost Boys,” in which he battled vampires.

In later years, he made a few TV appearances and had several direct-to-video movies. He also had a handful of recent movies that have not yet been released.

But in 1997 he filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, listing debts for medical expenses and more than $200,000 in state and federal taxes.

His assets included a few thousand dollars in cash, clothing and royalty rights.

In recent years, he appeared in the A&E reality TV show “The Two Coreys” with his friend Corey Feldman. It was canceled in 2008 after two seasons. Feldman later said Haim’s drug abuse strained their working and personal relationships.

In a 2007 interview on CNN’s “Larry King Live,” Haim called himself “a chronic relapser for the rest of my life.”

[Via http://nealbinnyc.wordpress.com]

Some People Never Learn

Oh dear, it just wasn’t Sir James Smith’s day. Mr Smith was on his way home after spending 4 months behind bars for marijuana offenses when he and his wife were pulled over for a license plate infraction. Unfortunately the two had also been puffing away on some weed. Hmm, there is another marijuana charge right there. Oh and their 11 month old daughter was also in the car at the time so bonus, he gets a “neglect of a dependent” too.

[Via http://frigginloon.wordpress.com]

The Cure or the Disease...

The Cure or the Disease

While listening to music today, I was struck by lyrics stating, “I sometimes wonder if I am a part of the cure or if I am a part of the disease in today’s World…” Coldplay melodiously humming in my ears and my head bobbing to the alternative beat. As I looked out of the window into Nature I pondered all of the ills that plague our society today, from hatred, to greed, to the crimes that we witness take place daily. The mistreatment of other human beings and the disrespect shown for others, as if some of us are the only individuals inhabiting the planet. The abuse of drugs and alcohol. The making money and material things more important than people. The tainting of the amazing things that GOD created for our good. With all of these things continuously going on I wondered what category I fell into…

What category do YOU fall into?

[Via http://patrickmiguelbishop.wordpress.com]

Help for Drugs Addiction

Drug Rehab tends to get to the root the twofold nature of addiction to drugs.

They are: physical and psychological addiction. Physical addiction involves a detox process to cope with withdrawal from unrelenting Rehabilitation clinics located in the United Kingdom are treatment clinics that supply a secure environment and offer support, counselling and education in assisting drug addicts and alcoholics to get over their addiction.

Rehabilitation centres in the United Kingdom try medical, mental treatments and counselling services. Many addicts of drugs and alcohol, require hospital treatment to beat their disease.

For more info about drug addiction have a look at www.drugsaddictionadvice.com.

[Via http://lucaspawpaw.wordpress.com]

Puke!

My most recent ex-boyfriend is a formerly homeless, recovering meth addict who is in AA (Alcoholics Anonymous).  We “met” through a Craig’s List ad I posted on Christmas Day 2006.  His e-mail wasn’t witty nor did I find him particularly attractive (in his pictures) but I agreed to meet him in person because he had also responded to another Craig’s List ad I had previously posted.  During our date, he dropped 2 bombs on me.  One, he was 35 years old.  (I was 23 years old at the time.)  And two, he was homeless for 2 years.  My response was:  “So, what was that like for you?”  I gave a very Social Work-ity answer.  The belief that all people are fundamentally good guides the work I do.  I shouldn’t apply the principles of the NASW’s (National Association of Social Workers) Code of Ethics to dating, though. I want a boyfriend to share my life with, not another client on my caseload.

This emotional vomiting/over self-disclosure phenomena occurs a lot when I disclose to men what I do for a living.  A couple of weeks ago, when I was at a BDSM masquerade co-op party at a warehouse in Oakland, I was cross-faded (read:  high and drunk) but, when I told some guy that I’ve worked with meth addicts, he said:  “Well, when I was addicted to meth. . . “  Due to my foggy mental state, I listened to his story because, at the time, I was too disoriented to walk away.

While I am not religious nor would I consider myself very spiritual, I believe that life is not a string of haphazard events.  As cliche as it sounds, I do believe that everything does happens for a reason.  I suppose I project warmth, open-mindedness, and compassion into the universe.  People pick up on that, I think.  And, as a result, those in most need of love and unconditional positive regard gravitate toward me.

[Via http://jenverzosa.com]

Kyle's HIV Campaign

HIV: Spread the truth, Not the disease.

Despite the fact that Kyle Huber is not HIV positive, he has taken it upon himself to do his part in spreading the word about HIV/AIDS through his photography. The photographs of young gay men that have been affected with/by HIV are used very creatively as urinal ads directed right at the people that need the message the most. We have all been out to the bar and had a little to much to drink, then ended up going home with someone you maybe didn’t know that well. Hopefully these ads will catch your attention just in time and remind you that the only good sex is safe sex!

Check out more information and photos on this great campaign HERE!!!

“Despite knowing the information about HIV, too many young gay men feel invincible and invulnerable to the serious threat of being infected. So, in order to infect my audience with reality and the fear of HIV, I designed a powerful visual campaign consisting of graphic and personal imagery that creates a permanent emotional response. I strategically implemented “urinal posters,” typographic projections, car fliers and online ads to reach the young gay community at the most critical times. With support from local gay bars, nightclubs and events, my overall message is delivered as a system of unexpected reminders to practice safe sex.”- Kyle Huber

For more information on this great cause check out the HIV Awareness blog!

Don’t forget to JOIN the FACEBOOK GROUP and show your support of this great cause!!!

This is Kyle!!

[Via http://dustintye85.wordpress.com]

GDTLD - a Berton Breton classic!

Don’t trust the witch doctors

they’ve got something to sell

they diagnose a customer

then cure you into hell

afraid to leave the house without your safety suit and tie

demand the younger man to wear one once before you die

walk with purpose and determination (and) don’t waste my precious time

the legal drugs will help you when you have to wait in line

I always have more than I need

’cause the more that I work and the more I succeed

the more that I drink and smoke the weed

then in the paper I read:

GD the legal drugs

and GD those illegal drugs

GD the legal drugs!

Dr. Bartendealer

Dealer, Deal Thyself

if you’re not an honest healer

then leave it on the shelf

the war on drugs makes more and more on drugs

while the drunkards kneel on DT rugs

and the smokers kiss their butts

I never have to worry if my cup is half empty or half full

’cause it’s always overflowing and I’m drinking like a fool

you’d like to profit from my vice but the poison served it’s purpose

when it killed me once or twice

now nothing gets me high

GD the legal drugs

and GD those illegal drugs

GD the legal drugs!

GD the legal drugs

and God please damn illegal drugs

GD the legal drugs!

[Via http://hideawayfolkfamily.wordpress.com]

Movie Review: Almost Famous

“I AM A GOLDEN GOD!”

“Hey—let’s deflower the kid.”

“Take a vacation from yourself—leave this to the professionals.”

This was one that I did a great disservice to in missing back in 2000. You can’t really blame me, though. It was middle school. You really think this sort of movie was on my radar?

So let me now make up for it by saying that I unequivocally love this movie. This Cameron Crowe flick is a tale of life in a decade gone by, growth and coming of age, and most importantly, music, and how that music related to the rest. It is a story of character above all else, and all of them are superbly rendered to such a degree that the movie itself breathes. It exudes life in every note, and you absolutely feel it. This movie is not a musical, but it is musical, in every vein. This is the story of a band on the road to fame and the personalities that accompany it along its journey—and the journey is magical.

It catches you in the waves of music and carries you to every bank of that rushing, twisting stream. Oh, and if you didn’t catch it from the language, there’s drugs. Lots of drugs. Seriously, though—the soundtrack alone is sheer perfection. I normally take until the end to give you my feelings on the soundtrack—but in this case, it is as key a piece of the movie as anything else, and it shines in a barrage of powerful classics.

This movie is equal parts hilarious and endearing—charmingly moving, and a delightfully offbeat brand of comic. It is witty without trying, the characters sexy for their definitively human quality. The chemistry between characters is undeniable. Everyone connects and builds off one another, and there are no weak links. The majestic, tragic, but breathtakingly sultry Peggy Lane (Kate Hudson, in an Oscar-nominated role), is especially entrancing. And the catalyst for our story, the young reporter, William Miller (Patrick Fugit), is marvelous. We sympathize with him, with all of them, with every maddening twist and turn that defines and consumes their lives. We grow with Fugit. His life is ours—the outsider looking in, drawn ever-deeper into the world of his dreams. As he is exposed and he changes, so do we.

And also, a shout-out to Philip Seymour Hoffman. Ever a great among the acting world, even in a respectfully minor role as Miller‘s traditional blunt but insightful mentor, he shines. A few lines spill volumes of personality.

For a fun game, you might also watch it and try to pick out all the younger versions of some of your modern favorites. Zooey Deschanel, Jason Lee, and Jimmy Fallon all make the list.

This movie is also a captivating look into a decade long past—that magical world of the 70s, which so many of our more hippyish friends spend dreaming about. It takes the 70s and it captures them—flawlessly. Would it be cliché to describe this movie as a spectacular acid trip for the soul? It is crazed but beautiful, capsulated in a drugged haze that is both alluring and endearing for all its wacky turns.

Perhaps this film doesn’t capture all the negative aspects of the decade in as critical a light as it could, but at its heart, this movie remains a captivating look at what was and it makes us feel good while it does it. You will want to watch this again and your favorite scenes will stick with you. Even in its dark moments, it touches us—in a way that few movies can.

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars!

[Via http://indoorreviews.wordpress.com]