I Victory Crouch You by Synthetic Division (Halo Tribute)
October 12, 2011
Did you hear the story last month about how a group of gamers solved a problem with HIV that has been baffling scientists for over a decade? Click here to learn more about how a University of Washington program transforms scientific problems into computer games.
I, on the other hand, use gaming for less noble purposes. Inspired by the insane amount of time I’ve logged on Halo in the last year, I decided to pay tribute with a Synthetic Division song and music video. The song was co-written with one of my good friends, Micah Consylman. We got together, had a beer, and took turns pecking away at a synthesizer and laying down vocals. Though it’s not discovering the elusive structure of a retrovirus protein, I believe “I Victory Crouch You” is more than a song inspired by an act that is perpetrated on fallen opponents in the game. I think this song will have a reverse effect, and eventually inspire scientists to find a cure for HIV so I can dedicate every waking moment of my life to playing video games.
Positively Yours,
Shawn
MOCHA MADNESS: The Official HD Movie Embed
September 19, 2011
Alright, short and sweet. This is a 22-minute Blair Witch Project-esque movie that Josh and I made while on the road. Had fun doing it! It has a shocking ending, but one shocking aspect I noticed when editing the footage is that I never once state my HIV status.
Maybe in the sequel?
Positively Yours,
Shawn
Synthetic Division’s Mocha Madness Film Premiere
September 16, 2011
While on the road last month for a few Synthetic Division shows, Josh and I took a video camera along to document the experience. It’s one of those rare things when you have a good idea and you actually follow through with it… well, it’s rare for me.
Anyway, I’m beyond thrilled with the end result, and we’re having a world premiere of the 22-minute movie on Facebook this Sunday night, at 10:30 pm EST. If you wanna join us for the viewing party, log into Facebook, click on the movie poster and attend the premiere from the comfort of your own home and computer. Oh, and bring your own popcorn. If you’re not on Facebook don’t worry, I’ll be posting the movie on this blog on Monday.
Positively Yours,
Shawn
Mocha Moments & Happy Easter
April 24, 2011
Recorded this gem on Friday afternoon, even though I was pretty tired from the travel to Wisconsin. Thing is, Mocha Moments with Shawn Decker has become wildly popular, registering over 50 views in just one week since it’s debut. At this rate, in 12 years time I may become more famous for Mocha Moments than I am for having AIDS.
Happy Easter, all you love bunnies.
Positively Yours,
Shawn
New Vlog Series and Gwenn’s One-Year Blogiversary
April 19, 2011
Had a big World Hemophilia Day weekend with no bleeds whatsoever. I tried to get as much out of my friends as possible, with one pausing me to ask, “How many holidays does one guy get?” See, I pull similar stunts around World AIDS Day and my birthday.
Anyway, I suffered another indignity at dinner with friends when I was making a humble toast. “Thanks for sharing this meal with me in honor of World Hemophilia Day,” I began. “Although you do not know my trials, and you live in ignorance of what a privilege it is to have a proper amount of clotting factor…” I wasn’t even rolling yet when I was interrupted with an exasperated, “Yadda… yadda… yadda….” Can you believe that? Well, with all the excitement leading up to World Hemophilia Day last week, I kind of made a social blunder of my own… I missed Gwenn’s one-year anniversary of her blog, A Latte Style. For a few weeks, I’ve been conspiring to launch a new web series/vlog for Decker’s Daily entitled “Mocha Moments”, so to make peace I figured I better address my oversight with Gwenn for the first published episode.
But before you watch this, be sure to visit Gwenn’s blog, where she eloquently explains why starting a coffee fashion blog has been a good escape from the HIV/AIDS work we do together. Read her words yet? Okay, now you can watch my goofy video. The staple of Mocha Moments with Shawn Decker is going to be the lack of an outro and my awkward style; it’s hard to focus on a guest when there’s a tall glass of iced mocha right in front of ya. My goal is to be the least dynamic host with HIV since Magic Johnson’s Magic Hour back in the late 1990′s.
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
My CD, Synthetic Division, A Symptom of Life, is on iTunes!
SHARE THE BLOG. NOT THE VIRUS.
Video Reviews, Depeche Mode Covers, Cobain Remembered
April 8, 2011
Got lots swirling around in the ol’ nugget today, but I want to lead out with yet another remembrance of Kurt Cobain. I know many think he’s overrated and overmentioned, but this week marked 17 years since he took his own life… time flies, doesn’t it?
Near the end of high school, I really got into Nirvana. The first time I heard them was just before Teen Spirit blew up. It was a random group of guys, hanging out in someone’s basement. A cassette tape was pulled out and played, and despite the different musical tastes of everyone in the room (from Primus, to Depeche Mode, to Phish fans) we all agreed: Nirvana was awesome.
One thing I loved about Cobain was his understanding and empathy of the underdog. Back before the modern era of Lady Gaga- a strong advocate for the gay community- Cobain rose to fame on the strength of a catchy guitar riff and an intense music video that MTV played with the feverish excitement that is now solely reserved for reality TV shows. At the height of his fame Cobain did an interview with The Advocate Magazine, appearing on the cover to talk about how he appreciates the gay community. Since we all know his music, I thought it would be more interesting to share this.
At the time, I probably appreciated his stance of gay issues because I’d taken a small amount of shit for in junior high and high school for having Depeche Mode as my favorite band. They were European and played keyboards, in Waynesboro, Virginia that somehow qualified as being gay. I don’t know how many times I was told my favorite band was gay- so many times that I figured it didn’t matter if they were or not. It’s funny, but even the thought that a band was gay, a band that had influenced me and helped guide me through the somewhat treacherous experience of puberty, probably had a lot to do with my opinion that sexual orientation is not something that matters in the slightest.
Speaking of Depeche Mode- I had the great experience of helping my friend, Andy Deane of Bella Morte, with a cover of one of Depeche Mode’s classic songs. It sounds great- I’ll reveal the song when Andy does. It’s being done as part of Bella Morte’s Kickstarter campaign to help fund their new record, After the Flood. The Depeche Mode cover is an exclusive giveaway to anyone who donates to their campaign, which ends of April 16. So if you want the tune, and want to help a very gay-friendly group of musicians in their own right, you have a week to donate.
It was a lot of fun singing back-up vocals on a song that I’d drive circles around Waynesboro singing in my car back in the day. Glad I could put the harmonies I worked out twenty years ago to good use!
Lastly, I’m humbled by the kind response that the Synthetic Division music video has received. If you want to hear me talk about music more, then check out an interview I did for Horrorshow Radio this week, The Life and Times of Shawn Decker. Geek Crafts also featured the “Out of Time” video, and called me a “geek chic trifecta” due to my involvement in music and writing, as well as the fact that I named my band after math… Speaking of the music video, if you look closely you’ll see a Depeche Mode music video within the Synthetic Division music video. (It’s not a clue as to which song Bella Morte covered, btw!)
Hope you have a great weekend.
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
My CD, Synthetic Division, A Symptom of Life, is on iTunes!
SHARE THE BLOG. NOT THE VIRUS.
Synthetic Division “Out of Time” Music Video
April 4, 2011
Here it is, my band’s first ever music video, featuring stop motion and Playmobil toys- including a hospital! Funny thing is, the inspiration for this song came in part from a hospital visit in late 2009… so the creator Dirk Roth’s concept really fits the song and release perfectly.
I hope you enjoy the video and share it with friends!
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
My CD, Synthetic Division, A Symptom of Life, is on iTunes!
SHARE THE BLOG. NOT THE VIRUS.
YouTube Video of Me and Gwenn
July 21, 2009
Here’s another new YouTube video, this one is of me and Gwenn speaking. Not just, like, speaking to each in the comfort of our own home, but out and about spreading awareness about HIV/AIDS and sexual health.
It’s what we do- check it out!
Positively Yours,
Shawn
Share the Blog. Not the Virus. 
life in photos
I am frightened by ceilings. A terrible phobia to have.
Today's assortment of treats: tea for Gwenn, a mocha for me and a cookie to share.
My buddy Sharanya preparing my mocha with just an extra dash of love.
Hanging on wall in our guest bedroom. Couldn't agree more!
Speaking About Sexual Health
Since 2000, Shawn and Gwenn have been speaking about sexual health together, sharing their personal story and empowering others to be safe. If you are interested in having them speak at your event, fill out the Contact Us form.
Check out Shawn's music and buy his book, My Pet Virus, which is now available on Kindle!
It will be the funniest book you've ever read about someone having AIDS... guaranteed!