Why you need condoms. Why you need to run. Why Vice magazine is the best ever.
Wake up and wrap up.
17 Jan 2005

Ok so I’m super pissed off this week. I was talking to my dear friend in Brisbane the other day and he gave me some shocking news about his mates. He knows seven, yes SEVEN people with HIV, three of which aren’t even 21 yet.

God damn it! Here’s the thing.. Anyone who’s over the age of 25 will remember the spectre of death that AIDS meant, will remember all the Grim Reaper commercials, the harrowing images of sick people dying and nothing that could be done about it. But these days, drugs have been developed that help you ‘live with’ HIV, so it doesn’t turn into AIDS (ain’t no money in curing it, lots of money in managing it..but that’s another story).. People now can ‘Live With’ HIV for years. That is not a cool option. **(I re-wrote this bit after an email from a loevely lady who talked about her brother, his experience is different to those related to me by my friend, so I thought I’d cover that, thanks for pointing out my inconcistency) Living with HIV is a daily regimen of lots of drugs that can really mess you up. Many people do it, because it’s the only option, but if there’s a choice, you wouldn’t want it. How do you think it would affect those around you? Your job, your sex life, your ability to have kids. People living with HIV are very brave, but woudl trade their liver and kidney busting drugs regimen any day I’m sure..** Simply tarp up, don’t share needles, play safe. It’s not just HIV that you should be concerned about. There are about 8 STD’s that have no symptoms, and they’ll crawl up into your ovaries or testicles and render you more sterile than the pill will ever make you, long before you’ve peed in a cup for your good doctor. Not only that how about babies? They’re ace, cute and cuddly, and will take half of all the money you make for the next 18 years.

Use condoms. Have respect for yourself, and others. Roll it on, have fun.

On the other hand – Big Day out is coming aruond again. How’s your listening going? I’ve been ingesting tons of RJD2, Le Tigre, Donnas and Burt Bacharach. Burt’s not onthe bill but he’s a great songwriter. Oh yeah. The Residents are touring. You must go. Super odd band from hell that inspired a zillion other bands.

Wave Aid. Get a ticket. All I’ll say. Midnight Oil – oh my god .

I’m running again. Like a demon. Did 10k in the soft sand the other day, I feel a billion bucks. Running is the best anti-depressant you can get. All you have to do is get out of the house, and you can do it. At least 40minutes a day. You can do it. Read an earlier blog for an idea of what I’m talking about.

Have you picked up a copy of VICE magazine’s guide to Sex Drugs and Rock ‘n Roll? It’s a killer. That mag rules. Also, buy STAB magazine. Brilliant photos, brilliant surf mag.

I’m off to chat with Kylie for the radio show, and back to get ready for BDO. Can’t wait.

“Strictly handheld is the style I go, never rock the mic with the panty hose, strap on my ear goggles and I’m ready to go ‘coz at the boards is the man they call Mario” – Beastie Boys

x andrewgthatguyfromv@yahoo.com

latex gloves of two kinds.. what’s the point?

After a fabulous weekend of charity good willingness, in melbourne at the telethon and the Gold Coast for a benefit gig, I’ve come up with a few questions for you.

What’s the point of being blessed with life and opportunity in this amazing country if you don’t grasp all that life an opportunity at each breath?

What’s the point of not knowing what the air smells like at 11000ft, or on the banks of the Nile, or the bottom of the dead sea?

What’s the point of buying those green bags from the supermarket if you don’t take them back there to use them again? (besides the fact that they’re a great fashion accessory

What’s the point of being a food and beverage worker who uses latex gloves so as not to contaminate the food, and then go and handle my filthy cash that’s been in the hands of 1000 people that week with the same gloves, and then go back to fingering the sun-dried tomatoes?

What’s the point of being on the pill to stop pregnancy, but not using condoms to stop all sorts of other nasties? Herpes, like babies, is something you’ll have for the rest of your life.

What’s the point of donating to a charity (or saying you’ll be somewhere, do something, or make sure something happens) if you don’t follow through?

I have to split, but take care – I’ll be back later.

x andrewgthatguyfromv@yahoo.com

New year’s day, working in TV and Zappa.