Brazilian Carnaval Exotica
February 25
At Club Nokia/LA Live – 8:00 pm – 2:00 am
L.A.’s official, annual party tradition, Brazilian Carnaval is the closest you can get to the excitement and rhythms of Rio and Bahia in Los Angeles.This dance and music concert features the Los Angeles Samba School who will inaugurate Carnaval with a rambunctious parade, SambaDá and Chalo Eduardo’s All Star Band of highly acclaimed international musicians performing Carnaval hits, plus an all night pageant of elite SAMBA DANCERS and CAPOEIRA, the Afro Brazilian martial art dance. A ticket includes a 100 drummer participatory drum circle by Remo and a free drawing for a trip for two to Brazil.
www.BrazilianNites.com

Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán
Febrero 11
At City National GROVE of Anaheim – 8:00 pm
Considerado como el mejor mariachi del mundo, El Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán realizará un concierto único en el City National Grove de Anaheim. Actualmente el Mariachi se compone de tres trompetas, un arpa, una vihuela, guitarra, guitarrón, cinco violines, aunado a un nuevo sonido el cual ha logrado atravesar fronteras internacionales. Para comprar boletos visita Ticket Master.
www.ticketmaster.com

Books

El Jardín Ecológico
Susaeta Publishing, Inc.
Con un enfoque sobre unos aspectos específicos de la jardinería, desde el compost y la poda hasta la jardinería ecológica y sin agua, esta colección de guías de la horticultura incluye instrucciones prácticas para el mantenimiento de un jardín vibrante y excepcional. Las personas que tienen la habilidad para la jardinería pueden incorporar cada nuevo método en sus rutinas de jardinería, mientras que los nuevos entusiastas de jardinería encontrarán direcciones y sugerencias para la creación y el cuidado de un jardín.
www.ipgbook.com

A Positive View of LGBTQ
Ellen D. B. Riggle and Sharon S. Rostosky
Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Through personal stories from people with a variety of backgrounds and gender and sexual identities, readers will learn more about expressing gender and sexuality; creating strong and intimate relationships; exploring unique perspectives on empathy, compassion, and social justice; belonging to communities and acting as role models and mentors; and, enjoying the benefits of living an authentic life.
www.rowman.com

As with all patients, those 13 to 64 years of age should get routine HIV tests. Unfortunately many hospitals and most physicians have been slow to counsel and test patients; if this were performed, many would not get HIV and would be found at an early stage. We still have people walking into the hospital half dead, not knowing they were HIV positive, and should have been treated years ago. Please help get the word out: get tested and wear condoms. Obviously and sadly heterosexuals pay less attention to routine testing than gays, but some gays are in denial and I have had many of them suffer much and/or die. I think gays have no excuse for not testing regularly, they are aware of the risks. I know this shocks you, but many gays participate in unsafe sex.

Evidently those over 50 should start therapy when the CD4 is less than 500, whereas this is optional for the younger and a little less optional for CD4s between 350 and 500. There are still some diseases where we should start medication with a very high CD4 count; the quantity of the immune system is good but the quality is not. Also, if someone insists on unsafe sex, then getting their viral load to undetectable will lower the risk of transmission greatly.

If the CD4 is greater than 500 then treatment is optional but it should be taken if the viral load is more than 50,000 or the CD4 is dropping fast, or they have risk factors for cardiovascular disease (heart attacks, strokes), such as smoking, family history of the same, high cholesterol, diabetes or high blood pressure. Smoking is the worst of all the risk factors and if you quit, you drop your risk dramatically. Risk takers, are you smoking, using drugs, and having unsafe sex? Come out of your fantasy and please accept reality, you’lll live longer and suffer less.

We should pay close attention to weight gain (common as we age), as it may lead to cardiovascular disease through causing some of the risk factors above.

To diagnose and monitor diabetes we use the hemoglobin A1C level, which tells us how the sugar has been the last 2-3 months. We usually like it below 6.5, but in elderly that can be raised to 8.

HIV patient s in general must have their laboratories monitored periodically, and this group is at higher risk for problems, so we must not postpone the blood tests and watch them closely.

We must be careful to monitor drug doses and interactions in the older patient since they cannot break down or excrete the drugss well as younger people. Mild kidney disease is common and we must adjust the dosages of medications. Older people are many times on multiple medications so we must be vigilant to check also for interactions. This can be very tricky. For example a lower cost generic for high cholesterol, simvastatin, the blood levels can go sky high and cause terrible side effects when combined with a family of antivirals. The HMOs love this medication since its cost is so low.

Hypertension is very common as we get older and we must pay close attention to diagnosing it and treating it. Avoiding too much salt, eating 5 portions of fruits and vegetables a day, and getting sweaty or breathing hard for 15-30 minutes a day is great prevention of hypertension and great for health overall.

Cancer of the rectum and anus is more common in HIV patients so a yearly rectal exam is recommended. Some are doing pap smears of the anus as we do in the cervix of women (they should have a pap smear once a year; we can’t let them rest for 3 years as we do with HIV negatives.) Remember that HPV, viral warts cause the cancer, may not be seen or felt by you, and transmit outside the condom protection area as does herpes and syphilis.

We should double check that the older patient is up to date on the recommended vaccines.
Safe sex (condoms) should be discussed at each visit as with the younger, but vaginal dryness and poor erections are common in the older patients and we have medications for these. If the vagina is dry, then it can be irritated during sex, causing better HIV transmission. We know that having an undetectable viral load lowers the risk of transmission and that a condom is a good backup since transmission is still possible. Likewise, we tell younger females that they need a condom and a backup method of birth control since there are failures of each method at times.

Osteoporosis (weakening bones) is more common in older patients and in HIV so a double risk is present. It is recommended to screen for this and check vitamin D levels.

The older we get, the closer to dying we are. It is inescapable. Younger people could have a tragedy so this applies to them too. Don’t avoid this. Please schedule a meeting soon with those whom you love this Valentine’s Day. This shows you love someone. It is a great favor to yourself and your loved ones to make out a:

A Will, so that all know where your valuables are going when you die.

A durable power of attorney for health care letter so that all know who the spokesperson is when you are unable to speak or think well, and with whom you have discussed your end-of-life issues and health goals with.

A living will: this has wording on the document that will help you express how you would want to be treated for severe problems. Of course it can’t predict all future events, but it helps your loved ones to know how aggressive you want to be, e.g. do you want to be a vegetable in a nursing home for years, with a diaper on and a feeding tube in your stomach, while you stare at the wall. This happens frequently since the patient put off the work needed to prevent it. Take a walk through a nursing home someday. Better yet, walk through one that has many people on breathing machines. Many of them didn’t do the paperwork and would rather not be there, but are now unable to express this.

Mental changes should be looked for whether it is from substance abuse, confusion, depression, or anxiety. Older people can slip into one of these and suffer more when it is unrecognized.
Well, that was pleasant! We must talk about this since it is unavoidable. Be mature, express that higher love.

Daniel Pearce, D.O., FACOI, AAHIVS
Associate Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine, Loma Linda University
HIV Specialist, Riverside County Public Health Department

POP EN ESPAÑOL

1. HOTEL NACIONAL – (Mike Cruz Club Mix) – GLORIA ESTEFAN
2. DESÁTAME 2012 – (Yaxkin Madame Noir Mix) – MÓNICA NARANJO
3. DÁMELO TODO ESTA NOCHE – (Club Remix) – FEDRO ft PITBULL
4. PASO “The NINI ANthem” – (Club Mix) – SAK NOEL
5. IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT – (Master L. Club Mix) – P. RUBIO
6. TU MIRADA – (Dj Erax Club Mix) – REIK
7. DREAM ALIVE – (Ibiza Vox Mix) – MÓNICA NARANJO
8. AMERICANO – (Master Luján Mix) – LADY GAGA
9. INTÉNTALO (ME PRENDE) – (Mijangos Club Mix) – 3BALL MTY
10. DÍA DE SUERTE – (Giuseppe D Mixshow) – ALEJANDRA GUZMÁN 
    
**** RUMBO AL ÉXITO **** 
ALELUYA – (Spanish Electromix) – ROMEO SANTOS ft PITBULL
  
TROPICAL REGIONAL URBANO

1. EL VERDADERO AMOR PERDONA – (Bachata) – MANÁ ft P. ROYCE
2. NO FUE FÁCIL – (Banda) – ROBERTO TAPIA
3. LOVUMBA – (Merengue Urbano) – DADDY YANKEE
4. LATIN GIRL – (Merengue Urbano) – CHOSEN FEW
5. INTÉNTALO (Me prende) – (Urban Latin Mix) – 3BALLMTY
6. ELLA NO ESTÁ EN ESO – (Merengue Urbano) – KALIMETE ft GOCHO
7. EL PUM – (Merengue Urbano) – EL KALIMETE
8. LA DIABLA – (Bachata) – ROMEO SANTOS
9. NA, NA, NA, NA – (Dembow Remix) – BABY RASTA & GRINGO
10. DUTTY LOVE – (Reggueatón) – DON OMAR ft NATTI N.
   
**** RUMBO AL ÉXITO ****
LA CUMBIA TRIBALERA – (Tribal) – EL PELÓN DEL MIKROPHONE
 
HOUSE TOP HITS

1. HOTEL NACIONAL – (Mike Cruz Club Mix) – GLORIA ESTEFAN
2. MARRY THE NIGHT – (Afrojack Remix) – LADY GAGA
3. THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY – (R3hab Remix) – KATY PERRY
4. HANGOVER – (Jumpsmokers Ext Mix) – TAIO CRUZ ft FLO-RIDA
5. YOU DA ONE – (Dave Aude Club Mix) – RIHANNA
6. SET FIRE TO RAIN – (Thomas Gold Vocal Remix) – ADELE
7. IF IT WASN’T FOR LOVE – (Papercha$er Remix) – DEBORAH COX
8. WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN – (Alessio S. Remix) – RIHANNA
9. ANTIDOTE – (Vocal Mix) – SWEDISH HOUSE MAFIA ft KNIFE PARTY
10. PARTY PEOPLE – (Jody Den B. Club Mix) – ERIKA JAYNE

**** RUMBO AL ÉXITO ****
TURN ME ON – (Laidback Luke Remix) – DAVID GUETTA ft N. MINAJ

Get in contact with DJ RUBIN @ e-mail: djrubin87@hotmail.com

Miracles occur every second, every millisecond of every day. They surround us. The very fact that something is alive, living is a miracle. Life in and of itself is a miracle. How do two cells know to combine and to create all that is you? Look at your hand; is it not the most amazing tool in the Universe?

Okay, okay, so all this miracle of life stuff is not really cutting it for you, the person who may or may not believe in miracles. Yeah, yeah, you get the whole flowers are miracles thing, but besides being a live you have never personally experienced a true miracle.

A friend told me a story of an amazing miracle. She was driving in the mountains. It was dark and snowing lightly. She was not speeding, but as she started up a hill, she suddenly knew she should slow to a crawl. Hardly a rational choice, given the circumstances. Still, she slowed, trusting her instincts. At the top of the hill was semi-truck. It was horizontal and jack-knifed across the road. Had she continued her very reasonable speed, had she not trusted her instincts, she would have crashed into the truck and likely been killed.

What is the miracle here? The fact that she did not hit the truck? Was the miracle that she did not get killed? The miracle is that she listened to her instincts. She made a decision that was not rational given the information she had and acted on her intuition.

We all get these messages, a sudden thought telling you to go right instead of left. You may go right and avoid a traffic jam or you may avoid running into downed electric lines. You may choose to go to a 9:00 movie instead of a 7:00 movie and unknowingly avoid a huge line.

So, miracles are about trusting and following your instincts. Consciously drawing a miracle to your life starts with believing. Still not convinced? I could list a few billion miracles you may have experienced. You may have a job, a miracle in and of itself these days, but it is not the job you want, so a job you do not like is hardly a miracle, or is it?

Miracles can change your life. They can cause you to have faith in a higher power. They can cause you to appreciate all that you have and further to appreciate your own being, your life, your very existence on this planet.

Miracles are about appreciation. If you appreciate your job, you will be sending life affirming, positive energy thoughts to the Universe and the Universe, creator of all miracles, in cooperation with your thinking and feeling, can draw to you a promotion for a position you love, a new job, the sudden appreciation that you already have the best job in the world. Another miracle.

How does a woman lift a car off her child? How does a man get a job? They use the same exact formula. The mother wanted her child to live, she intended to get that car off her child, she thought, felt and intended to move that car. These are all the right elements necessary for a 130 lb. woman to lift a 2000 lb. car. She wanted that car off her child. She wanted it more than anything else in the world. She created this miracle with her thinking and her feelings. The same applies to a man wanting a job, a woman wanting a mate. You must intend to create this miracle in your life. You must want it!

Miracles are in your life every day, whether you acknowledge and appreciate them or pretend as though they do not exist. Managing your miracles will change your life. Miracles are like anything in life, they respond and flourish when they receive acknowledgement, appreciation, acceptance and belief.

Miracles are for everyone, believers and non-believers alike. They exist everywhere. They are powerful enough to change your life when you are empowered enough to bring them consciously into your life. Consciously using miracles can make changes that will create the life you truly want.

By: Maria Etta Anabel

Estas son buenas noticias, aunque todo está en el aire. Veremos cómo el DHS implementa este cambio.

El DHS también anunció la extensión del Estado de Protección Temporal (TPS por sus siglas en inglés) para personas elegibles con nacionalidad salvadoreña por 18 meses adicionales, comenzando el 10 de marzo, 2012, y terminando el 9 de septiembre, 2013. Los salvadoreños elegibles deben volver a registrarse durante el periodo de 60 días establecido para volver a registrarse, y asi aplicar para un nuevo Documento de Autorización para Trabajar (EAD por sus siglas en inglés).

Mientras la administración de Obama relativamente se suaviza en asuntos de inmigración, habrá mucha presión por parte de los Republicanos y otras fuerzas anti-inmigrantes en Washington usando los mismos puntos trillados acusando a la administración Obama de sobrepasar al Congreso enforzando reglas de inmigración. De hecho, nada está tan lejos de la verdad. El Presidente se mantiene dentro de su autoridad Constitucional al implementar dichos cambios enforzando leyes de inmigración federal.

Bajo tales circunstancias, este año el Día Nacional de Acción (NDA por sus siglas en inglés) patrocinado por la Asociación Americana de Abogados de Inmigración (AILA por sus siglas en inglés) será muy importante. Este evento, que tomará lugar el 29 de marzo, 2012 en Washington D.C., es importante para nosotros, los defensores de los inmigrantes y ciudadanos preocupados por hacer escuchar nuestras preocupaciones directamente a nuestros representantes elegidos. Yo iré a D.C. para hacer precisamente eso, dentro del contexto de los asuntos relacionados con la comunidad GLBT.

Hay mucho que necesitamos de nuestro gobierno federal en relación a los asuntos de inmigración en nuestra comunidad. Al frente está el rechazo a la Ley de Defensa del Matrimonio (DOMA por sus siglas en inglés). Si tienes una historia que contar, si tu esposo(a) o pareja está siento deportado(a) de este país, simplemente porque el gobierno no reconoce la relación entre ustedes, por favor llámame y dame los detalles. Déjame ser tu voz en D.C. A menos que los políticos en D.C. se den cuenta que DOMA continúa destruyendo vidas en nuestra comunidad no actuarán. Ellos necesitan ver una cara humana detrás de validos argumentos contra DOMA, ya sea como: inconstitucional, discriminación, e igualdad de protección, o la decima enmienda!

Si quieres participar en el NDA de este año – por favor llama a mi oficina al (323) 857-0034.

Para todos los amantes que me leen – Feliz Día de San Valentín.

Immigration News and Politics

In January, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a proposed process which would allow the immediate relatives of US citizens who are in the U.S., but have been here illegally – thus needing a waiver (I-601) for their unlawful presence before getting a green card – to apply for those waivers while in the country. They would still have to prove extreme hardship if their waivers are not approved – but they would be able to be in the country, with their families, while the waiver petition is pending.

This is welcome news, but the proof will be in the pudding. We will have to see how the DHS will implement this change in rules.

DHS also announced the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for eligible nationals of El Salvador for an additional 18 months, beginning March 10, 2012, and ending September 9, 2013. Eligible Salvadorans must re-register during the 60-day re-registration period, thru March 12, 2012. This extension also allows for the re-registrants to apply for a new Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

As the Obama Administration relatively softens its stance on immigration, there will be much push back from Republicans and other anti-immigrant forces in Washington using the same tired talking points accusing the Obama Administration of circumventing Congress in enforcing immigration polices. In fact, nothing is further from the truth. The President is well within his Constitutional authority to implement such changes in enforcing federal immigration laws.

Against such a backdrop, this year’s National Day of Action (NDA) sponsored by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) will be ever so important. This event, due to take place on March 29, 2012 in Washington DC, is slated for us, the immigrant advocates and concerned citizens to voice our concerns directly to our elected representatives. I will be going to DC to do just that within the context of LGBT-related issues.

There is much we need from our federal government as it relates to immigration issues in our community. Chief among them is the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). If you have a story to tell, if your spouse or partner is getting deported from this country, simply because the federal government does not recognize your relationship, please call me and provide me with your details. Let me be your voice in DC. Unless the politicians in DC realize that DOMA continues to destroy lives in our community they will not act. They need a human face behind the valid arguments against DOMA, namely: unconstitutionality, discrimination, and equal protection and the 10th Amendment!

If you want to participate in this year’s NDA – please call my office at (323) 857-0034.

To all you lovers out there – Happy Valentine’s Day.

R: Desafortunadamente, este tipo de cosas todavía suceden, y pueden suceder dondequiera. La Línea de Ayuda de Lambda Legal recibe llamadas de todas partes del país de personas que se sienten maltratadas o se les han servicios por ser gay, lesbiana, bisexual o persona transgénero (GLBT), o por ser percibidas como tal. Las leyes de acomodaciones públicas prohiben discriminar en contra de ciertos grupos en lugares como restaurantes. Desafortunadamente, no hay una ley federal que prohíba la discriminación basada en la orientación sexual o la identidad de género en lugares públicos. Varios estados y cientos de municipios tienen leyes que protegen a las personas GLBT de la discriminación, pero varían de localidad a localidad.

Legalmente, ¿qué es un lugar de acomodación pública? En general, es cualquier lugar o establecimiento que ofrece servicios al público. Los clubes privados y las organizaciones religiosas generalmente están exentas de estos requisitos.

Actualmente, Lambda Legal representa una mujer, Liza Friedlander, de Queens, Nueva York, a quien se le negó servicio en un restaurante Sizzler. En el caso, Friedlander V. Waroge Met, S.a. D/B/un/Sizzler, nuestra cliente fue confrontada por el supervisor del Sizzler que gritó enojado palabras homofóbicas delante de los otros clientes y físicamente la agredió. Otros clientes de Sizzler comenzaron a atacar verbalmente a la Sra. Friedlander con palabras homofóbicas y odiosas y la amenazaron con asalto sexual. Bajo la ley del Estado y la Ciudad de Nueva York, un restaurante es un lugar público, y los derechos civiles de la Sra. Friedlander fueron violados cuando fue atacada a causa de su orientación sexual, o identitad de género.

En otro caso de Lambda Legal, Cervelli V. Aloha Bed & Breakfast, implica una pareja lesbiana a la que se le negó una habitación en un hotel en Hawaii después de que la propietaria del negocio les dijo que le molestan las parejas de lesbianas. La ley del estado de Hawaii prohíbe específicamente discriminación sobre la orientación sexual en lugares públicos, lugares como un hotel.

Quince estados y el Distrito de Columbia prohíben discriminación en el empleo, la vivienda y servicios públicos basado en la orientación sexual y la identidad de género: Minnesota, Rhode Island, Nuevo México, California, Illinois, Maine, Hawaii, Nueva Jersey, Washington, Iowa, Oregon, Vermont, Colorado Connecticut, Nevada. Otros seis estados prohíben discriminación basada solamente en la orientación sexual, y estos son Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Nuevo Hampshire, Maryland, Nueva York y Delaware.

Si tiene cualquier pregunta, o siente que ha sido discriminado a causa de su orientación sexual o identidad de género, por favor llame a nuestra línea de ayuda al 1-866-542-8336 o visite www.lambdalegal.org/es/linea-de-ayuda

Ask Lambda Legal – Public Accommodation

Q: The other week, a few friends and I were at a restaurant. We attempted to get the attention of the wait staff but it soon became clear to us that we were purposefully not being served. I’ve heard that people can still be denied services at restaurants just for being gay. Does that still happen?

A: Unfortunately, this type of thing still happens, and it can happen anywhere – Lambda Legal’s Help Desk gets calls from all over the country from people who feel they have been mistreated or denied service because they are, or are perceived as, gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. Public Accommodation Law is what protects certain groups from being discriminated against in places like restaurants.  Unfortunately, there is no federal law that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in places of public accommodation.  Several states and hundreds of municipalities have laws that protect LGBT people from discrimination, but it is a vast and varied patchwork that differs by state, county and city.

Fifteen states and the District of Columbia prohibit discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations based on sexual orientation and gender identity / expression: Minnesota, Rhode Island, New Mexico, California, Illinois, Maine, Hawaii, New Jersey, Washington, Iowa, Oregon, Vermont, Colorado Connecticut, Nevada. Six other states prohibit discrimination based on only sexual orientation, and they are Wisconsin, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maryland, New York and Delaware.

What is a public accommodation, then? In general, a public accommodation is any facility, place or establishment that offers services or goods to the general public. Private clubs and religious organizations are generally exempt from requirements for public accommodations.

Lambda Legal is currently litigating on behalf of a woman in Queens, New York, after she was denied services at a Sizzler restaurant. The case, Friedlander v. Waroge Met, Ltd. d/b/a/ Sizzler, involves a shocking scenario where our client was confronted by the Sizzler manager who angrily yelled homophobic slurs in front of the other patrons and physically assaulted her. Other Sizzler patrons joined in, verbally attacking Ms. Friedlander with homophobic and hate-filled language and threatened her with sexual assault. Under New York State and City Human Rights laws, a restaurant is a place of public accommodation, and Ms. Friedlander’s civil rights were violated when she was attacked because of her actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity and sex.

Another current Lambda Legal case, Cervelli v. Aloha Bed & Breakfast, involves a lesbian couple who were denied a room at a bed and breakfast in Hawaii after the owner of the business cited her personal belief that same-sex couples were “detestable” and “defile our land.”  Hawaii’s state law specifically prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in places of public accommodation.

If you have any questions, or feel you have been discriminated against because of your sexual orientation or gender identity/expression, please contact our help desk at 1-866-542-8336 or visit  www.lambdalegal.org/help

By Natalie Chin, Staff Attorney for Lambda Legal

Lady Gaga x Terry Richardson
Grand Central Publishing Hardcover
A visual dialogue between Lady Gaga and Terry Richardson, showcases over 350 color and black and white photographs taken during the 10 month period in which Richardson followed Lady Gaga and had complete access to her everyday live, with nothing being off limits. Beginning with Lollapalooza in August 2010 to the February 2011 Grammy Awards which had 26.66 million viewers, to the final shows of her Monster Ball tour which averaged an attendance of 90,000 people each day, Richardson brilliantly captures the intimate, random, behind-the-scenes moments of Lady Gaga in both her professional and personal life.

The Beatles – Su historia en anécdotas
William Blair
Ediciones Robinbook
Un homenaje al legendario grupo de música The Beatles, esta retrospectiva examina los acontecimientos de su música y sus vidas. Desde cómo se reunieron hasta su separación y las muertes de algunos de los miembros, este libro examina lo peor y lo mejor de este grupo renombrado. Responde a preguntas como ¿Cuáles fueron los nombres del grupo antes de adoptar The Beatles? ¿A quién cantó Lennon sus primeras canciones de amor? Y ¿Qué pasó en el programa de Ed Sullivan? Este referencia absorbente incluye una gran cantidad de anécdotas y detalles, así como información sobre la última aparición de John Lennon en el escenario.

Don’t Let Me Go
J.H. Trumble
Kensington Publishing Corp.
Some people spend their whole lives looking for the right partner. Nate Schaper found his in high school. In the eight months since their cautious flirting became a real, honest, tell-the-parents relationship, Nate and Adam have been inseparable. Even when local kids take their homophobia to brutal levels, Nate is undaunted, He and Adam are rock solid. Two parts of a whole. But when Adam graduates and takes an Off-Broadway job in New York – at Nate’s insistence – that certainty begins to flicker. Nate starts a blog to vent his frustrations and becomes the center of a school controversy, drawing ire and support in equal amounts. But it is the attention of an underclassman who is looking for more than guidance that forces him to confront who and what he really wants.

Los mejores cuentos de los Mares del Sur
Jack London
Ediciones Robinbook / Navona Editorial
Una colección de narraciones de gran alcance por el famoso escritor Jack London, Los mejores cuentos de los Mares del Sur transporta al lector al paisaje tropical del Pacífico colonial de fines del siglo XIX. Los cuentos derivan su intensidad de las aventuras verídicas del mismo autor, quien intentó deshacerse de sus obsesiones desplazándose miles de millas hacia el sur y explorando un mundo nuevo y sorprendente.

DVDs

Over the Edge
TLA Releasing
Med-school dropout Jason is in a funk. Working as a photocopier repair-man he can’t bear the thought of leaving the house, let alone going to hid mundane job. As he becomes increasingly isolated, losing sense of time and perspective, he begins to have blackouts. Intriguingly, as the blackouts become more frequent so too do the discovery of murdered men and women all over town. Confused, he enlists the help of co-worker Richard – who also happens to be the object of his unvonsummated affection – aim to unravel these mysterious deaths.

CDs

Shakira – En Vivo Desde Paris
Sony Music Latin
Este especial en vivo que fue grabado en el Palais de Bercy, Paris, Francia, incluye éxitos mundiales como “Waka Waka (Esto es África),” “Hips Don’t Lie” y “Whenever, Wherever.” El tour mundial “Sale el Sol” que inició en el otoño del 2010 en Montreal, Canadá y concluyó en el otoño del 2011 en San Juan, Puerto Rico, incluyó 112 shows en 42 países y más de 100 ciudades alrededor del mundo, con una audiencia de más de dos millones de personas.

Adele – Live At The Royal Albert Hall
XL/Columbia Records
Recorded at the height of this amazing year, showcases exactly why Adele has become one of the most sought after live performers in the world. Featuring the full 90 minute performance. This is the first time fans will be able to hear all of Adele’s hits and best loved songs on one CD plus her stunning covers of Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” and The Steeldrivers’ “If It Hadn’t Been For Love”.

What is the best diet to boost the immune system?
That would be a balanced diet with 5 portions/servings of fruits and vegetables a day to keep you at your best weight and limit empty calories (fast food). It is fascinating to me that the entrepreneurs pull nutrients out of food, put them in a pill and sell them to us at a high price. What is fascinating is that recent studies have shown in some groups that multivitamins or antioxidants did not help the patients as much as eating the food that contained the nutrients. It seems the interactions between the nutrients have a greater benefit than the individual nutrients by themselves. This makes sense since humans evolved eating whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Those who were weak, died without children. Those who did well on this diet and exercise program lived to have children, and eventually….us. Studies have shown that a balanced diet helps the immune system but that effect is far less than killing the virus with effective medications.

Abuse of alcohol, tobacco, stimulants (meth and coke), and narcotics do bring the immune system down.

If you just won’t eat more than 3 servings of fruit and vegetables, then take a multivitamin with minerals. Prenatal vitamins are in this group; your pharmacist can recommend a good, cheap one. If you only have 1 serving or less, then take the vitamin twice a day, knowing it is a poor substitute for good nutrition, but better than your present intake.

Does having sex too often hurt the immune system?
No it doesn’t unless this is a sex addiction or the sex is unsafe so that diseases are transmitted. There are many psychological and physical benefits to good sex, that is sex with love involved. It can increase antibody levels, relieve pain, Burns calories (about 200, a normal size cookie).

What is the long-term effect of Atripla?
Most of this medication’s possible side effects are up front, during the first month: dreams, feeling intoxicated, rash. Many have no side effects at all. Your provider should watch the fats in the blood to see if there should be a dietary adjustment or another medication added, or a change in your antivirals. Also, watch the kidney blood test for early signs of poor function.

Can an HIV negative woman have a baby from an HIV positive man?
Yes, of course. The woman can turn positive and then she can pass it to the baby during the pregnancy, birthing process, or through breast feeding.

So we recommend condoms (or abstinence) until the time to get pregnant. The man should have his viral load below detection since it lowers the risk of transmission greatly. The mother should be tested for HIV after 2-3 months of pregnancy. If positive, then getting her viral load below detection will greatly reduce the risk of transmission to the baby. If the viral load is high, then a Caesarian section lowers the risk. With these strategies, only a very small number of HIV positive babies have been born in the USA.

Can a baby from an HIV positive mother be HIV negative? Yes, if no treatment is given to the mother, there is a 25% risk of being positive and if the mother and baby are treated, the risk is near zero. “There were no pediatric cases of HIV or AIDS reported in 2010”. (Riverside County Health Statistics). San Bernardino County also reports none for 2010 also. There certainly were pregnant HIV patients. It is routine to check for HIV when a woman is pregnant.

An HIV positive woman and her newborn were given AZT 14 months ago and the baby is HIV negative. Are there any side effects to the AZT we should expect? I know of no hidden, delayed side effects that a brief exposure to AZT will cause.

Many of these children have already reached their late teens and are without problems from the brief AZT exposure.

Can one take Complera and then develop resistance to Atripla? Yes. They share the same sensitive spots on their targets. So if their target changes from mutation, then both drugs won’t be able to jam the target. Missing pills is the main cause of resistance.

What are the treatments for lipodystrophy?
For the problem of gaining too much weight, there is a new drug, Egrifta, which may help, it is injected under the skin twice a day; it looks like you will gain the weight back if you stop. If the testosterone level is low in a male, then taking some may help.

To treat fat loss, there are expensive injections of fillers. We rarely use the antivirals most likely to cause these problems unless a patient has missed pills of the safer meds and now must take something more toxic to control the virus due to resistance developing.

When should you start medications?
This is based mainly on CD4 counts:
CD4>500 if you desire
<500 may help
<350 helpful
<200 life-saving
Of course treatment is needed if there is an AIDS-defining illness, a pregnancy, Hepatitis B needing treatment, or HIV-kidney disease. Treating early makes sense to kill the invader but there are possible complications of long term treatment such as resistance and fat changes mentioned above.

Why does an HIV positive person get Herpes?
For the same reason HIV negatives do. Having great immunity may not be enough protection. Humans get Herpes.

What is Growth Hormone for?
It is prescribed for wasting, poor muscle weight gain, and it can help with lipodeposition (gaining fat). It is very expensive and most insurances won’t pay for it without much paperwork.

What is the risk of my getting a super-infection from my partner if I and my partner have an undetectable viral load?
The risk is low, but present, so we still recommend condoms. At one moment the viral load was undetectable, maybe at another it is higher due to a cold coming on or other reasons. The semen, vaginal secretions, and rectal secretions do not have the same drug levels as the blood, and therefore may have more virus at times and this virus may be resistant. Studies have shown virus in these secretions when the blood shows none in some patients. Of course, sores or irritation promote transmission.

What is the difference among CD4 versus CD8 and why is important to keep track of those?
CD8 cells are Killer cells and kill opportunists. The Guidelines do not mention CD8 cells. Most HIV specialists do not act on them. The ratio of CD4/CD8 can give you an idea of how ill a person is, but does not change the treatment recommendations .

Send me your questions. Be safe and wise. Please send your medical questions to Adelante.

Daniel Pearce, D.O., FACOI, AAHIVS
Associate Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine, Loma Linda University
HIV Specialist, Riverside County Public Health Department

En nuestra comunidad latina se nos enseña desde niños que debemos ser “fuertes, valientes y heterosexuales” y la mayoría de los hombres latinos enfrentan homofobia y falta de apoyo en sus familias, iglesias y grupos de amigos. Esta falta de apoyo puede ser internalizado y resultar en sentimientos negativos de uno mismo (falta de auto-estima y en algunos casos homofobia internalizada).

De igual forma, el hecho de ser latino y vivir en los Estados Unidos también tiene otras implicaciones, como la objetificación y los estereotipos que limitan nuestra plena expresión y que nos podamos sentir cómodos como hombres gays latinos. Los estereotipos tales como el “Latin Lover” y las expectaciones hacia nosotros nos pueden llevar a prácticas riesgosas tales como el sexo sin protección y el uso de alcohol y drogas para poder lidiar con el estrés y la presión.

Desafortunadamente en el condado de Los Ángeles la gran mayoría de los casos de VIH/SIDA en la comunidad latina continúan entre los hombres que tienen sexo con hombres ya sea que se identifiquen como gays o no, a pesar de los esfuerzos de prevención y del conocimiento que hemos adquirido por 30 años desde el inicio de la pandemia.

En respuesta a esa situación, BIENESTAR está implementando un emocionante, interactivo, educativo y divertido programa de prevención del VIH/SIDA y de otras infecciones de transmisión sexual llamado CARAS (Comunicación, Aceptación, Respeto, Amor y Salud). Este programa es de siete sesiones semanales específicamente para hombres gays latinos que hablan español y se incluyen temas relacionados con lo que verdaderamente significa ser gay y latino, el VIH/SIDA, dinámicas en las parejas, y el impacto que tienen influencias de la sociedad como el racismo y la homofobia en nuestras prácticas sexuales.

Para más información acerca de CARAS, por favor comunícate con Alex a (323)727-7896 ext. 129 o acastillo@bienestar.org o con Tony al (323) 752-3100 o tdiaz@bienestar.org o visita nuestra página www.bienestar.org. Se ofrecen incentivos por tu participativo. ¡Solo faltas tú en esta conversación!

Latino and Gay, a Dual Identity

Dual Identity means to be both a Latino and gay man, we also need to know how to how to handle both identities, that is, how to fit into both, the Latino community and gay community. For many of us, this dilemma has not been easy, and unfortunately there are few role models with whom we can identify. This vacuum is also clear in the media, and Latino celebrities do not speak openly about their sexual orientation due to the stigma and homophobia that exist in the community.

In the Latino community, we are taught from childhood that we must be “strong, brave and straight,” and the majority of Latino men face homophobia and lack of support from their families, churches and groups of friends. This lack of support can be internalized and lead to negative feelings of self (lack of self-esteem and internalized homophobia in some cases).

Similarly, the fact of being Latino and living in the United States has other implications, such as the objectifications and stereotypes that limit our full expression and feel comfortable being a Latino gay men. Stereotypes such as the “Latin Lover” and expectations about us can lead to unsafe practices such as unprotected sex and the use of alcohol and drugs to cope with stress and pressures.

Unfortunately, in the County of Los Angeles, the vast majority of cases of HIV/AIDS in the Latino community continue among men who have sex with men whether they identify themselves as gay or not, despite prevention efforts and knowledge we have gained over 30 years since the start of the pandemic.

In response to this situation, BIENESTAR is implementing an exciting, interactive, educational and fun prevention program for HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections called CARAS (Comunicación, Aceptación, Respeto, Amor y Salud). This program Involves a seven weekly sessions specifically for Latino gay men who speak Spanish and includes topics such as what it truly means to be gay and Latino, HIV/AIDS, sexual relations dynamics, and the impact that social influences such racism and homophobia have in our sexual practices.

For more information about CARAS, please contact Alex at (323) 727-7896 ext. Acastillo@bienestar.org 129 or Tony at (323) 752-3100 or tdiaz@bienestar.org or visit our website www.bienestar.org. Incentives are offered for your participation. We Just need you in this conversation!

By: Victor Martinez, BIENESTAR

Tengo una pieza que hice de mi mamá, lo que empecé a dibujar fue a mi mamá pero también una culebra y unas cuantas cosas más, empecé a notar que eran cosas relacionadas de cuando era joven, problemas con mi papá que no aceptó como era yo, me sentí bien por dejar salir todo eso, pero al terminar el dibujo me sentí mal.

Los estilos que he desarrollado recientemente mezclando colores son solamente por experimentar.

Material para su arte
Tinta y acrílico. Nunca he tenido clases pero me gusta experimentar. Cuando algo no lo siento, aunque pudiera verse bien, lo tiro.

Imágenes preferidas
Hago mucho naturaleza que representan algo; mujeres; dibujo mucho el colibrí, significa mucho para mi, cuando estoy buscando una solución a un problema que tengo siempre aparece un colibrí volando cerca de mi y lo interpreto como una señal que algo bueno va a venir. Tengo tatuado un colibrí, y la virgen de Guadalupe con la cara de mi mamá, también una pelota de beisbol, ya que en el tiempo en que no me aceptaba mi papá me refugié en el beisbol y eso me salvó, ya que había incluso contemplado suicidarme.

Motivación e Influencias
Los sábados por la tarde y los domingos mi abuela siempre me llevaba a misa, ella rezaba el rosario y aunque yo no quería estar ahí yo siempre quería estar con ella, entonces para entretenerme ella me compró un cuaderno y unos lápices, me dijo “ponte a dibujar”, las cosas que veía me daban miedo, mi abuela me dijo “ponte a dibujar a los ángeles y ellos te van a cuidar”, hasta el día de hoy imágenes como de San Miguel Arcangel vienen a mi mente y siempre lo dibujo.

Inquietudes
Una de las cosas que quisiera explorar más es hacer dibujos para tatuajes. Me apaciona la paciencia y los detalles de cómo un artista mezcla los colores y se toma su tiempo para crear un tatuaje.

Arte Erótico
Creo que todavía tengo eso en mi mente de que no lo debo hacer porque mi papá me decía que dibujar era cosa de jotos. A veces me pongo a dibujar dibujos eróticos y me gusta como quedan, pero ya que los termino digo “mejor los voy a esconder, no quiero que los vean”. Por mucho tiempo dibujaba y los escondía, hasta que mi mejor amigo descubrió que los dibujaba y él me alentó a que lo hiciera. Con el tiempo me he sentido mejor haciéndolo.

Exhibiciones
Mi amigo Jessy ha hecho exposiciones y he mostrato mi arte con él. Al principio me sentía inseguro de hacerlo pero todo resultó bien.

Hace algunos años mi jefe estaba promoviendo conciertos, promovió el primer concierto que tuvo Luis Miguel aqui en los EE.UU. y como me vio dibujando me invitó a que hiciera algunas cosas, hice los boletos, los pases back stage, dibujos para camisetas, etc. fue una cosa grande para mi.

Comentario
Creo que todo mundo tiene dentro de si la capacidad de ser artista, solamente hay que desarrollarla. Yo nunca fui a la escuela para tomar clases de arte, fue solamente practicar y practicar. Creo que cuando uno pone parte de uno mismo en lo que hace, dependiendo de que otros le llamen arte o no, es arte.

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