How Safe is Safe?

So many of my friends and family have been sending me this YOUTube video (shown at the end of this article) about this man who has aids and is purposely spreading the virus to promiscuous women who aren't careful enough to demand/request condom usage when engaging in intercourse with him. So, of course, I forwarded the video to my friends and family, and of course my husband, because with something this serious it's your duty to spread the word.

Last night my youngest sister and I had drinks at one of my best friend's (my old roommate from back in the day) house. I mentioned the video again, and how scary the thought of one tiny mistake costing you your life. My friend and I told my sister about how back in the day we had our little bachelorette pad and it was three of us living there, with guys coming in and out whenever we wanted. Back then we were free. I had the best room in the house, with sheer curtains surrounding my bed and this huge vase filled with every kind of condom you could think of (different colors, brands, flavors, etc.) to add to the whole "playa" decor, but also for protection to and for anyone who came to visit us. And even though we were aware of the Aids scare, it never occurred to us that anyone would purposely try to infect other's just out of spite. We practiced safe sex...but is any sex really a hundred percent safe?

What about one-night-stands? What about times when you "think" you know someone and you feel safe, and just go for it without condom use? How many times have you actually said to someone, "before we have sex without protection, let's go get tested." And not just for HIV, but for any STD's in general.

Bacterial Infections are one of the most common STD's that women get that unless both partners are treated, it could just continue to be just passed on and on between the two of them, and onto any new sexual partners they may engage with.


If something as common as a bacterial infection could be such a huge issue, what does that say about HIV/AIDS(something just as common, unfortunately, but not as detectable)? Most women who get bacterial infections only get treated themselves because if they don't, they'll continue to have a smelly discharge that will be noticeable by other's, but since the men don't show symptoms, they seldom will even tell the men because they are embarrassed. How many people don't advise other's that they have a STD because they are too embarrassed? How many people won't go get tested because they are too scared to know if they have something? How many times statistically have condoms broken or slipped off during the act? Yes, the guy in the video is guilty, of knowingly passing on the HIV/AIDS virus, but the women who were infected were also guilty of not playing it safe.

Aids was first identified in the USA in 1981. At the end of 2006, it was estimated that 448,871 people in the USA were infected by the HIV/AIDS virus. As of 2008, it is estimated that there are over one million victims of this disease, and that each year the numbers will increase by 40,000 people. This is in the USA alone-there are higher numbers if you look worldwide. According to the UNTIL THERE'S A CURE website at http://www.until.org:
* An estimated one million people are currently living with HIV in the United States, with approximately 40,000 new infections occurring each year.
* 70 percent of these new infections occur in men and 30 percent occur in women.
* By race, 54 percent of the new infections in the United States occur among African Americans, and 64 percent of the new infections in women occur in African American women.
* 75 percent of the new infections in women are heterosexually transmitted.
* Half of all new infections in the United States occur in people 25 years of age or younger.

This world is too screwed up for ANYONE to be too afraid, lazy, embarrassed, full of pride, secretive, private, or any other reason not to get tested. Check out this dude's video, and then ask yourself, "Could I have been at risk at any point of my life, even in my current relationship?" There's a 20 minute HIV screening that is FREE in most cities, and it can even be anonymous if you wish. I've got my little HIV/AIDS NEGATIVE card with me, and even have a pic of the cards saved in my phone to show anyone and everyone that will listen to this message: GET TESTED. Remember, it only takes on time to lose a lifetime.

Here's The Q & A:


1. Have you EVER had unprotected sex with a partner you haven't seen STD test results for?


2. Have you ever knowingly had unprotected sex with someone without having yourself STD tested?


3. Would you have a problem suggesting to a partner that you BOTH need to be tested prior to having sex (unprotected OR protected)?


4.We know the man in the video is guilty, but were the infected women also guilty of not playing it safe?


That's the Q's...what are the A's??? Let me hear ya!

Copyright ©2008 Attica Lundy

UnLucky Number Seven - The Mike Vick Saga

Seven has always been my lucky number. It was always good to me when I played dice (just for fun). I got married on 7/7/07 at 7pm.
I chose Seven because it seemed to be the most logical number for luck. You figure if God made earth in Seven days, there has to be something signifigant to it. Then you have the seven wonders of the world. And my favorite child hood store was the infamous 7/11.
Was it a doubt that when Michael Vick showed up playing for the Atlanta Falcons that he would gain my undivided support? I wear my #7 jersey proudly around Atlanta proclaiming to be on Team Vick. And it breaks my heart whenever he gets bad publicity, and now I'm seeing that whereas Seven has been lucky for me, the same can't always be said for Mike Vick.

It seems Lucky 7 wasn't so lucky in 2005 when a Georgia woman accused him of giving her herpes.

The 17 page complaint was filed in Gwinnett County on March 14, 2005 and was the topic of major media bashing. It put a scare in our hearts, and especially for single women who thought hanging out with athletes and having sex with them was a "free ride". Wow...it made people think! Elliott (the woman from Georgia) supposedly settled for an undisclosed amount.
Now in 2007, new allegations of dog fighting has warranted an indictment on a federal conspiracy charge, and other charges may follow.


The fans this time around seem to be keeping an open mind, but the rest of the world is singing a different tune. "I don't think anybody on this team right now is hoping that Mike comes back," Dunn said. "If he comes back, that's great, but I just think right now we're at a point where the guys that are here are trying to get better and move on down the road. Mike is going to be missed and has been missed, but at the same time you have to go on." I guess one person can't stop the show. And let's not forget that the retail circuit had already deemed him guilt, pulling away his endorcements as well as his Number 7 items.
On both notes, I don't agree with promiscuous sex nor do I believe in dog fighting. Both show a lack of self control, respect, and maturity. The saddest part is that no matter how many victories Michael Vick has contributed to, the bad overshawdows the good at moments like these. He must feel really low and lonely right now, and my heart goes out to him. He's only 27, and this could possibly ruin his career. I hope he's invested wisely.
Word is he has until Friday to cop a plea if he wants to, and this could possibly be his best bet. Seems the other's that were indicted with him have all tucked tail and copped pleas-so they may just turn on him. I'm sure Lil'Kim is real pissed off right about now-you know she feels about snitches!
I'm wondering, though, what is your take on this. Here's the questions:
1- Do you think Vick is guilty of dog fighting and/or funding dog fights?
2- How do you feel about Mike Vick apparel being snatched off the shelves?
3- What do you think the outcome will be for Vick?
There’s the Q, now give me the A! What are your answers?

Copyright ©2007 Attica Lundy