Text Voting & Daily Reminders
September 2, 2010
You can vote online each day AND text 102299 to PEPSI (73774). Right now we are ranked at #160 for the 50k grant, so there’s lots of ground to cover. Thanks so much for your support. Don’t be bashful about spreading the word, either. 
I really believe that we can get this done!
Positively Yours,
Shawn
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Pepsi Refresh Project: Vote For Us!
September 1, 2010
The Pepsi Refresh Project started this year as a way for people to make a difference in their communities. The idea is simple- come up with an idea, get the most votes for idea, then do your idea… well, Gwenn and I applied, and we made it to the voting phase!
Our idea? To educate 50,000 teenagers about sexual health in all 50 states. We have one year to accomplish this and are determined to do so, but the journey doesn’t even begin unless we get your vote. You can vote once everyday from September 1 until September September 30.
Please share this, we need all the votes we can get!
Thank you for the support, please wish us luck with a vote.
Positively Yours,
Shawn
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Thanks to First Five Donators… Next Three Are?
August 30, 2010
Thanks so much, once again, to Stuarts Draft High School’s Leadership Class for kicking off the donations in May. A big thank you to the first five donators to follow- Gayle Silfka, Jodi Perelman, Chris Reyrouck, Sara Boddie-Schick and Tom Donahue!
They snagged up my first batch of incentives- so I had to think of something really special for the next set of three donations. And the answer was easy. I recently blogged about the ADAP Waiting Lists, which Dab Garner provided. Well, I just happened to have a few of Dab’s AIDS Bears here with me, and they’d love to have a home with someone who cares about people with HIV.
So the next three people who donate will get one of these cuddly reminders that we still need to a) raise awareness about AIDS and b) have a cuddly stuffed friend to hold on to on those dark, stormy nights.
Positively Yours,
Shawn
CLICK ON THE LEMONAIDS GUY- ME!- TO DONATE
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Website: ShawnandGwenn.com
Also check out the lovely Gwenn’s Fashion/Coffee Blog
Like what you’ve read? Then buy me an iced mocha or check out my new CD: Synthetic Division, A Symptom of Life, which is now on iTunes!
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Gwenn’s New Fashion Blog
August 30, 2010
In the cyberworld as in life, it can’t always be about AIDS. That’s why I want to let you know that Gwenn is contributing to a brand new fashion blog, Bon Marche by Jacyln Day. I’m proud of Gwenn, she went through an audition phase to be one a part of the Bon Marche team.
I just assisted her in being a photographer for her first review of products. Hope you will check it out!
Positively Yours,
Shawn
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Website: ShawnandGwenn.com Also check out the lovely Gwenn’s Fashion/Coffee Blog
Like what you’ve read? Then buy me an iced mocha or check out my new CD: Synthetic Division, A Symptom of Life, which is now on iTunes!
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Support Us in AIDS Walk Washington, Plz?
August 26, 2010
The AIDS Walk has snuck up on us this year- we can’t believe it’s in less than six weeks! Gwenn and I are walking on October 2, as we always do, with our friends in Team Supersnack.
You might remember that I wore a giant LemonAIDS suit last year. Here’s a link to the speech I made, graciously accepting the Whitman Walker Clinic’s Courage Award, which they give to someone living with HIV every year. This year I told them I still have HIV and a fair amount of courage, but they said they couldn’t give me the award two years in a row.
Earlier this year we spoke at Stuarts Draft High School, and were honored when the students chose us as a beneficiary for their own AIDS Walk in May. So thanks to Mrs. Bateman’s Leadership Class for the kickstart in fundraising. I wish we could let more people do the walking for us, but now it’s time to lace up the shoes and beg for money ourselves…
But wait- there are incentives for your generosity! Why? Because donating money to help people with HIV is cool. And altruistic. Sure, there doesn’t need to be bribes involved, but it never hurts. (Really, it’s just a way for me to say “Thanks” for your help.)
The first five donations of $25 or more will get to choose from one of the following items; imagine Gwenn pulling a Barker’s Beauty in her red dress:
- Synthetic Division, Symptom of Life CD: This is my band, you know, I blog about it all the time.
- Synthetic Division t-shirt or a Screw Smarter t-shirt
- a copy of Chicken Soup For the Soul: Think Positive…
The new Chicken Soup book will be in bookstores on September 28, but you can have it before then if you are one of the first to donate. Why do you want it? Because it’s inspirational, and your favorite LemonAIDS suit-wearing, wise-crackin’ positoid contributed a story for it. I’m only giving away 3 more copies (one was already snagged, thanks for the donation, Chris!), because we have to give most of our advance copies to our parents. So click on us to visit our donation page, and thanks for your continued support of our efforts to fight AIDS.
Positively (and “Negatively”) Yours,
Shawn & Gwenn
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Website: ShawnandGwenn.com
Also check out the lovely Gwenn’s Fashion/Coffee Blog
Like what you’ve read? Then buy me an iced mocha or check out my new CD: Synthetic Division, A Symptom of Life, which is now on iTunes!
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When The Music’s Over, Turn Off The Sign
August 24, 2010
No, my band is not breaking up. Really, Synthetic Division is going to keep going as long as I’m alive, because that’s how the vanity projects of the self-obsessed work. One of the highlights of this year thus far has been the focus I point into making some new music, and making that relevant to my work as an HIV educator.
In last couple of weeks, I played my last two Synthetic Division shows of the year, possibly, in Charlotteville (thanks Umlaut!) and in Richmond (thanks Fallout!). For touring bands the following number is nothing, but for me, I’m quite proud of it: this year I played 14 shows. Not only that, I gave away over 1,000 free condoms, thanks to One Condoms. I hope to match or exceed those numbers next year.
But for now? The music is over temporarily. The fall is slowly creeping up, bringing with it a bit of travel, an AIDS Walk, World AIDS Day as well as the holidays… all things I am looking forward to.
Still, as I stow away the neon sign, wedging it safely between the bed in the guest bedroom and the wall, it is a bit bittersweet. Which is why I just wanted to post one more time about how thankful I am for the parents/friends who supported my love of music, that I met a killer partner in Gwenn who bought me a neon sign for my music close to 10 years ago… and for being around to even do a vanity project like Synthetic Division.
And who knows? In twenty years when I’m holding one of these A Symptom of Life
CDs in my hands, I may be cured of HIV entirely if recent hopeful
studies come to fruition. Maybe I’ll do the follow-up to Symptom then? One thing is for certain- if I’m still around, positoid or negatoid, I will be glad that in the year 2010, I put some energy towards
something- music- that has given me so much energy in my life.
Positively Yours,
Shawn
Watch, Friend and Follow me on:YouTube, Facebook and Twitter
Website: ShawnandGwenn.com
Also check out the lovely Gwenn’s Fashion/Coffee Blog
Like what you’ve read? Then buy me an iced mocha or check out my new CD: Synthetic Division, A Symptom of Life, which is now on iTunes!
T & Avatar: Piranha 3D A Bloody Good Time
August 23, 2010
It’s been a while since I’ve reviewed a movie with my movie-reviewing partner, Steve Schalchlin, or, as we are collectively known, the Hemo2Homo Connection. Right now, Steve (whose partner, Jim Brochu, is starring in the hilarious play, Zero Hour) is in the process of moving from Los Angeles to New York City, so I decided not to harass him into going to see Piranha 3D. Instead, I dedicate this review to my good friend as I wish him a happy relocation to the east coast.
by Shawn Decker
For the thinblooded community, I cannot recommend this movie enough. It’s got so much blood in it you may want to sneak some extra clotting factor along with that bag of smuggled candy. If you’re a clotter who isn’t scared of the sight of human plasma, then you too should crack open this pearl.
Before I begin, I must say that the previews for this movie really turned me off. Why pay extra for a 3D SyFy network-caliber movie? It wasn’t until I read a string of great reviews on Facebook that I opened my heart to the concept. The phrase “cleverly gory” pretty much sealed the deal the same way “starring Dolph Lundgren” had gotten me to The Expendables the weekend before. Also, the last 3D movie I saw on the big screen may have been Jaws in 3D, so I figured I was long overdue to dip my toes into these trippy waters and I was curious to see how far 3D technology has advanced in the last two decades.
And after seeing Piranha, I’m glad I didn’t ruin the effect by seeing Avatar… which I doubt had an extended underwater scene of two naked women swimming together… in 3D! (For my gay brothers, don’t worry, there’s more than enough beefcake in this movie to leave your sweet tooth for eye candy satisfied as well.) Outside of the neato visuals and bloodshed, the movie maintains a fun feel throughout- charmingly goofy, not too concerned with overplotting and supported by a great cast of familiar faces peppered by capable newcomers. Sure, the ticket price is upped a few more bucks for 3D, but in this case I didn’t leave the theater feeling cheated.
If you’re looking for a fun summer movie and have a soft spot in your heart for bloodthirsty monsters and scantily clad victims, then run- nay, swim- as fast as you can to the nearest theater.
Positively Yours,
Shawn
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Website: ShawnandGwenn.com
Also check out the lovely Gwenn’s Fashion/Coffee Blog
Like what you’ve read? Then buy me an iced mocha or check out my new CD: Synthetic Division, A Symptom of Life, which is now on iTunes!
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New Issue of Poz, My Article Ryan White Article
August 20, 2010
The new issue of Poz magazine is out, and there’s an incredible article on the role that homophobia plays in the spread of HIV. I contributed to the issue as well, writing about the importance of remembering Ryan White 20 years after his passing.
Positively Yours,
Shawn
Watch, Friend and Follow me on:YouTube, Facebook and Twitter Website: ShawnandGwenn.com Also check out the lovely Gwenn’s Fashion/Coffee Blog
Like what you’ve read? Then buy me an iced mocha or check out my new CD: Synthetic Division, A Symptom of Life, which is now on iTunes!
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The Mother of Camp (One) Heartland
August 19, 2010
Received the news from Bob Bowers via One Heartland founder Neil Willenson. I have a friend who went to One Heartland- a camp for children with HIV- several years ago… it was the first time he spoke with other youths who were positive and it was a transformative experience for him. My thoughts go out to the Wolff family and Neil, as well as my thanks for standing up for kids with HIV. – Shawn
– for immediate release —
Dawn Wolff, “Mother of Camp Heartland,” Dies: Is remembered for a life dedicated to those living with HIV/AIDS Milwaukee (August 17, 2010) – Dawn Wolff, the “mother of Camp Heartland,” died on Monday, August 16, 2010.
Wolff was the mother of Nile Sandeen, the boy whose HIV status caused uproar in Mequon, Wisconsin. After learning of Sandeen’s struggle in 1991, Neil Willenson founded One Heartland, a camp for children affected by HIV/AIDS. Neil Willenson commented on Wolff’s life yesterday, “Her willingness to speak openly about AIDS back in 1990, when few did so, ultimately led to the creation of One Heartland. Without Dawn’s courage, thousands of children and volunteers would never have experienced Camp Heartland. The genesis of my 20 year journey in the HIV fight – and that of so many others – was Dawn’s desire to create a world that was far more accepting and understanding regarding HIV/AIDS. She was a powerful voice for acceptance and HIV education at a time when few women publicly disclosed their HIV status. She was a role model who was truly ahead of her time.”
Wolff is survived by her parents Don and Jackie Wolff, her sons Nile and Sean Sandeen, a grandchild and many other family members.
“My mother spent her life working towards tolerance and acceptance of those living with HIV/AIDS in our community and communities across the country. If there was any message that she wants to come from her death it is the same message of education, prevention, and love for the AIDS community. Just as she lived a life of hope we grieve and commend her to God with hope. She did not lose, AIDS did not win. To the contrary, AIDS, like death has no dominion over her,” stated Nile Sandeen, Wolff’s son who lives in St. Paul, Minnesota and is attending Luther Seminary.
Funeral details will be determined in the coming days.
One Heartland creates community, offers respite and builds lifelong skills by providing an accepting environment for children, youth and their families facing social isolation so that they may lead healthier and more fulfilling lives. Founded in 1993, as Camp Heartland, One Heartland provides the largest camping and care program in the nation for children affected by HIV/AIDS. For more information, visit www.oneheartland.org or contact Neil Willenson (neil@oneheartland.org) or 414-272-1118 x21.
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Also check out the lovely Gwenn’s Fashion/Coffee Blog
Like what you’ve read? Then buy me an iced mocha or check out my new CD: Synthetic Division, A Symptom of Life, which is now on iTunes!
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Friday the 13th and Bad Blood
August 13, 2010
I grew up as a huge fan of horror movies, and the series of Friday the 13th movies were among my favorite. Jason Voorhees and his machete justice inspired me and my friends to purchase a plastic hockey mask and play out the movies every time the calendar reached that sacred date.
The first movie is about his mother, avenging her son’s supposed death at the hands of “distracted” (sex-obsessed) teenagers who were supposed to be watching the young Jason at Camp Crystal Lake. But Jason was really alive, surviving in the woods, likely watching his mother butcher those poor campers. Not sure if he was waiting for his roll of toilet paper to run out or for the calendar to reach April 1st before he jumped out to show his mommy was safe, but either way he waited too long- thus witnessing the last camper and the decapitation of his mother.
That, of course, set off a series of sequels in which young Jason grows up and continues the Voorhees family tradition of avenging a loved one’s death.
So how does Jason’s story relate to AIDS? Was he part of a top secret Reagan Era abstinence-enforcing unit? That sure would explain his penchant for cutting romantic encounters short. And, in writing the above, is there something in the origin of Jason’s story that tells the saga of the hemophilia community’s bloody crossroads with the AIDS epidemic? Parents of the children who were infected with HIV through blood product treatments banded together with the rage of Jason’s mother, learned the wrong-doings and failings of the institutions sworn to protect them and then sought justice and answers.
Perhaps I’m overthinking it?
Either way, there’s a new documentary out on the hemophilia community’s history with HIV and other blood-borne illnesses. It’s called Bad Blood, and it will be available on DVD on World AIDS Day, December 1st. I’ll be posting a reminder as that date nears… in the meantime, if you’re out camping and you hear something rustling around in the woods… well, my best advice is to use a condom, and hope that you are able to finish up before any uninvited guests join the party.
Positively Yours,
Shawn
Watch, Friend and Follow me on:YouTube, Facebook and Twitter
Website: ShawnandGwenn.com
Also check out the lovely Gwenn’s Fashion/Coffee Blog
Like what you’ve read? Then buy me an iced mocha or check out my new CD:
Synthetic Division, A Symptom of Life, which is now on iTunes!
SHARE THE BLOG. NOT THE VIRUS.
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