HIV is a Big Deal

Back in the 80s, HIV/ AIDS was mentioned continuously. There was the
shock of hearing about Rock Hudson having AIDS. And then the controv-
versy of Ryan White. He was banned from going to school due to the fact
that he had AIDS. There were also ad campaigns about AIDS and HIV
everywhere: commercials, posters, magazine ads, you name it.

In 1991, Magic Johnson announced to the world that he had HIV and people
were shocked. Magic Johnson has been living with HIV for over 20 years.
He can afford the best doctors and the best medication money can buy. No
one should feel like HIV is no big deal simply because it can be staved off 
by medication. It is a big deal.

Easy-E died of AIDS in 1995, and although some people were surprised by
his diagnosis, it seemed as if it wasn't shocking like it had been in the 80s.

Now it's 2015 and Charlie Sheen has confessed that he is HIV positive. It's
the perfect time to make HIV a big deal again. There needs to be a barrage
of ad campaigns to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS. There should be ad
campaigns hitting us in the face everywhere we go just like it was back in
the 80s.

Santa Claus, The Easter Bunny, and The Tooth Fairy

Even though it's only November, I can't help but think about December. And
December has me thinking about all of the imaginary things and people that
parents often lie to their children about. I decided that I wouldn't lie to my
children about the various creations that have been passed down from gen-
eration to generation, because I'll never forget the feeling when I found out
that Santa Claus wasn't real.

I was about ten years old when my sister and I were trying to open a door.
We could normally open this door with no problem, so we pushed on it
several times until finally it opened. We saw our Barbie houses that we had
asked Santa for, but it wasn't Christmas yet, and that's how I found out Santa
wasn't real. After that, I felt a bit of sadness and confusion, so that day I de-
cided if I ever had children I wasn't going to lie to them about Santa Claus,
The Easter Bunny, or even The Tooth Fairy.

Parents don't need these pretend beings for their children. If your kids have
been good...buy them gifts...give them candy. And go ahead and pay them
for every tooth they lose if you want to. Your children will turn out just fine.