AID's in Minnesota

Most known as Aids, HIV, Auto immunodeficiency disorder, a horrific, persistent virus that takes over our bodies immune systems. The disease was discovered in the 1980’s and was mostly known as AIDS. HIV disease slowly takes over the body by attacking our CD4 white blood cells. At first our bodies start producing more and more cells in efforts to fight off the virus. The individual will experience extreme flu like symptoms as the body’s defense is working overtime, but the virus has the upper hand. The virus reproduces slightly faster than our body’s defense, and over time the virus takes over and causes great damage to the immune system, making it hard to fight off common illnesses.

It’s now mostly referred to as HIV-Disease by professionals and others who work in the field. The term AIDS is used to describe the advanced stages of HIV-disease.

                The only way to get HIV is to come into direct contact with the virus. You cannot get HIV from brushing your hand across an infected person. The virus cannot be transmitted through intact skin, there has to be an open sore. It is passed through blood, semen, and breast milk. To be infected there also has to be a high enough concentration of the virus, the body is able to fight off very small amounts.

                HIV virus is spread during unprotected sexual activities. In some cases it is spread from infected mother to child during breast feeding. In rare cases HIV can be spread by unsterile needles in a tattoo shop or while getting a piercing.

                The virus can also be spread by infected needles during drug use. The addicts at times get so desperate that they’ll risk their lives. Some, don’t know what they’re doing, aren’t thinking of the risks. Many organizations and pharmacies in Minnesota supply sterile needles for sale or sometimes even free in efforts to stop the growing HIV epidemic. Yet uninformed people become infected every day.

                Over time the virus takes total control of the body’s immune system, making it hard to fight of even the common cold. There are antiviral drugs that lower the amount of HIV in the body, but it will always reproduce. Over time, without more treatment the virus will be at full force again. Without persistent treatment an infected person may fall ill with the flu and never re-cooperate because the body’s immune system is completely destroyed.

                There are many people uninformed, many people who are afraid or fearful of people infected with the disease. There are many common misunderstandings. Some people believe they can become infected by simply being around or touching someone who is infected. Some people assume anyone who is infected is either gay or a drug abuser. Common misconceptions, someone you know could possibly be infected with HIV and it would never be known. People from all walks of life, rich or poor, can be a victim of HIV. The disease knows no race or status.

                A person may go years without even knowing they have been infected, all the while unknowingly infecting others. Exactly why it is important that everyone is informed!

                There are many organizations that educate people about the disease and have services to help the ones living with the disease, such as the Minnesota AIDS Project. They offer support groups, housing, even legal assistance to individuals suffering with the disease. They have a hotline that offers support and answers many questions.

                Questions that people should be asking. What can be done to eliminate the risk of being infected? What precautions can be taken? Most importantly, Condoms eliminate a great amount of the risk from HIV and other STD’s. Unprotected sex is one of the leading causes of the spread of HIV. Never use a needle that someone else has used, unless it is sterilized by the appropriate professionals. Research any tattoo shop you intend on visiting, look around, and make sure you always receive a clean needle. Be cautious, never touch another person’s blood. Most importantly get tested! Learn your own status, and become informed.

                There are many caring people who spread the knowledge, inform people on the growing risk of HIV, and do their share in stopping the epidemic. From individuals who volunteer their time to distribute clean needles, to people who dedicate their lives to the cause.

                Elizabeth Leighton works for a group home in Minneapolis housing people infected with HIV-disease. They house people from all walks of life. “One of my girls a few years ago, her father was a politician down south.  She got into drugs and a lot of trouble. She ended up contracting HIV from sharing needles with folks she had never met before. She got clean while living in our home, and has stayed clean! Sadly, she’ll have to deal with the disease for the rest of her life.” Elizabeth explained how some infected people choose to keep using. “I think they figure their already going to die, which is my biggest fear!” Elizabeth is very passionate about her work, as many of her coworkers. They provide a warm home, hot food, along with rehabilitation services. “They stay with us for up to six months, and most of them get back on their feet and get back to living healthy lives.”

                Anyone can get HIV. Anyone can spread the facts. Anyone can make a difference. Anyone can do their part to stop the hate and misconceptions, anyone.

Interview of Christopher Guzik

Trying to better the world one person at a time is Christopher Guzik’s vision and goal in life. He wants to share his vision that there is always someone on your side even when the world seems as dark as night.

                Christopher grew up in Fridley, Minn. Attended Immaculate Conception his younger years then moved onto Totino Grace and graduated from Fridley Senior High. He is adored by everyone who has met him, he’s said to have a special glow. He always puts others needs before his, that’s simply his nature.

                Christopher, Chris for short, is currently attending the University of Minnesota. He is pursuing a Degree in Linguistics. Chris discovered his passion for cultures and languages in his travels. “I’ve been to Mexico, China, France, Italy, but nothing is as beautiful as watching the sunset over Barcelona, Spain. That’s where it hit me, I’m going to spend my life learning the languages of the world.” Although that’s not everything he has in mind.

                Since his graduated from high school Chris has become fluent in Spanish and Italian. He hopes to master the languages soon. He is also studying Arabic. “When I was younger, probably 9^th grade, my Spanish teacher told me I had a gift. I didn’t think I was really good at anything, so I put everything I had into the Spanish language. Their culture intrigued me like nothing else ever had. By my junior year I was the only student studying college Spanish!” He plans on studying many other different languages in his lifetime, along with helping anyone and everyone he can.

                Chris’s plan after he graduates is to open his own interpreter business. “I feel my skills and knowledge of other countries and their languages can help many people.” Chris plans for his company to have a sliding-scale fee. “If you can’t pay, we can’t take your money!” He plans on advertising his company all across the board, with hopes of attracting large companies’ as well everyday hard working people.

                He plans on starting out the company with a few classmates who are also studying linguistics. With hopes of becoming known throughout the nation as a helping hand. “I’ve got a few sponsors already, a few groups that I offer my services to.” But he plans on becoming known by all. When he starts out here in a short year the company will offer interpreters in Spanish, Italian, French, Arabic, Mandarin, Russian, German, Swedish and Czech. As the company grows and they see need for certain languages they plan on hiring interpreters for those as well.

                The sliding-scale fee will make it possible for natives of another language to go to a doctor appointment without paying the high cost of a usual interpreter service. It will enable clear communication at parent-teacher meetings. “It will give people a spark of hope, that yes they can make it here, they can make in anywhere with the love and good of others.”

                Chris is 21 years old and chasing after his dreams. “I don’t see any other way to live, do your best to help others, that’s what will make your world a happier place.”

Enterprise Stories

Issue # 1: Abortion

I believe this would be a great topic. I would interview a coworker of mine, Holly Reimal. Who works with me and has had an abortion. It would be easy to set up an interview, and I also think it would be a great idea to make a trip down to the Planned Parenthood in Minneapolis. I could interview the protesters gathered outside.  I could also try to interview workers at the facility. I think this would be a very interesting topic! The emotions and feelings are strong on both sides of the debate. I think it would make the perfect story.

Issue # 2: Vikings stadium

Many people are against The Vikings building a new stadium. There are also many supporters who believe it would bring great business to the community. I agree the metro dome isn’t in the best shape, and I think this would be a very interesting topic. Both sides of the debate have their strong points. I would interview residents of the community on both sides of the debate. I think that would add a lot of flavor. I would also try to interview someone who is in charge of the development, someone from the Ramsey County board such as Anette Levi. This would definitely be an interesting topic.

Issue # 3: Aids in Minnesota

No one likes AIDS or HIV, but there are still issues surrounding the subject. There are many stereotypical people, in my neighborhood alone who feel disgusted by people who are infected with the disease. Many people believe that the disease can be spread through saliva, which is a myth. Others feel they can be infected just by being in contact with an infected person. There is a lot of hate. There are groups and organizations that spread the truth, and try to stop the hate and false knowledge. I would interview my neighbor Elizabeth, who works at a group home in Minneapolis for people infected with aids. I would also Interview one of my customers Joe Brink from my job as we’ve discussed the issue before. Then I would call the Minnesota Aids project hotline and get their point of view.

post #8

Currently only 3 out of every 100 people in America donate blood. Sadly every minute of every day countless people are in need of blood, for transfusions, major injuries, even for some chronic diseases. America’s blood supply is practically emptied daily, which brings the cries for more donors.

The American Red Cross spreads the word about this ever-growing need. With over 38,000 blood donations needed daily to keep up the supply, and a person in need of blood every two minutes, someone has to spread the word. So the ARC has developed a program where anyone who is interested can sponsor their own blood drive, invite their friends, and show their community that they greatly care.

S. Doherty is just wrapping up his second blood drive he has sponsored this year. He says “Once you understand the growing need for blood, I don’t understand how you couldn’t do anything about it.” The process of donating blood takes around an hour, with a mini physical to begin with. The staff check your temperature, blood pressure, pulse and hemoglobin to make sure it is safe for you to donate. They ask a few brief questions on your travels, if you’ve been to any countries that have a high risk for infection. After the exam they lay you down and get to work. The nurse inserts a needle into your vein and begins drawing your blood, your asked to squeeze and roll a ball in your hand to keep the blood flowing. They take approximately a pint of blood per donation. The average adult has about ten pints of blood in their body. Once you donate blood your body starts working on making more blood until you have gone back to your original blood mass. A donor can donate blood every 112 days. After they’ve gotten your blood they throw it on ice and it waits to go back to the lab to get tested. The ARC then supplies you with refreshments and sends you on your way. Doherty states “Yeah, you may be a little woozy after your donation, but that one pint of blood is going to save almost three lives. That’s what makes it worthwhile.”

The ARC supplies nearly 40% of the the Nation’s blood supply. After the blood is tested for diseases it is sent out to over 3,000 hospitals around the United States, to save countless lives. Anyone can become a sponsor. It is as simple as going to the American Red Cross’s website and clicking “become a sponsor”. You choose the location you’d like to have the blood drive, and spread the word. The Red Cross will send out a medical bus where all of the work is done.

Doherty had 24 people attend his latest blood drive, ten more donations than the last drive he sponsored. “That’s almost 75 lives! Do you know how awesome that is!” he yells with all his might. “It could be your uncle, it could be your grandmother, heck it could be you that needs it someday. Let’s help each other, help each other.”

Interview of Justin Johnson

             








  


If you’re looking for guitar lessons, or a guide into the music world, Justin Johnson is your man. He’s been playing the guitar ever since he was five years old. He has a deep passion for music that was planted in him as a child. Justin makes time for music whenever he can. “I always have my headphones on.”

                Justin dreams of being a performer. He plays the guitar, Bass, he also sings and enjoys mixing and creating music. He recently performed at a concert in Rochester, MN. He says if he ever makes it big time he would love to help fund charities like the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). Justin appreciates many different styles of music. He also loves Journalism, he’s always had a passion for writing as well as music.

                After full time school and work Justin still manages to spend at least ten hours a week making music. His grandfather introduced him to the guitar as a child. “When I was a little boy, he would always play guitar during the evenings. He always looks so happy when he plays, and now I’m glad I know why.” Justin’s love and passion for music will stay with him for the rest of his life.

                “I have been playing for 15 years, and I don’t intend to stop. The feeling when you make such beautiful notes is something I could never compare to anything else.”

Blog # 6: Interview Questions

1.What made you decide to take this class?
I have always had an appreciation for journalism, and i thought i would take a class that would help me understand exactly why i have such an appreciation for it.


2.What career are you pursuing?
i have my heart set on somthing involving legal. lawyer, paralegal or somthing of the like.

3.What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
i'm an avid musician, i play guitar and bass, vocals and mixing. i would LOVE a career in music, but i'm nowhere near as talented as others.


4.What do you believe makes you unique?
i honestly have no clue. i'm the only one in my family to be "out of the closet" so i guess thats somthing.

5.What do you do in a typical day?
school work, house work, usually always somthing to do with work. on my down time i tend to stick to videogames or my guitar.

6.What is your favorite hobby, how do you do it?
hobby wise i would say music. either listening or creating.

7.Who or what introduced you to your hobby, and where?
my grandfather. when i was little he would always play guitar during the evening. he always looks so happy when he plays, and now i'm glad i know why.

8.How long have you been doing this?
i have been playing for 15 years. and i don't intend to stop. the feeling when you make such beautiful notes is somthing i could never compare to anything else. 

9.How many hours a week do you spend enjoying your hobby?
at least ten hours a week.

10.Do you plan on doing this for the rest of your life?
**answered on 8**

More questions....

1. What would you do if you had a ticket into the music business?

 

2. Would you perform or work behind the scenes?

 

3.Whats your favorite kind of music to make?

 

4. You were taught the guitar by your grandpa, did anyone else help you grow your love for music?

 

5. Have you ever perforned for an audience? If so, when?

 

6. Has this class shown you why you appreciate journalism so much?

 

7. When do you make time for your music during your week?

Post #2: Story One

     Two people were killed and many others injured in this mornings commute when two tractor-trailers collided on Interstate 790. They started a chain reaction, and a total of four Tractor-trailers and 14 cars were involved in the tragic accident.

Four of the 20 injured were in life threatening condition, and two were air-lifted to trauma centers. The four city ambulances were on scene as well as ambulances of fire departments from four nearby cities. They had to cut the roofs off of three of the cars to save the victims.

Sgt. Albert Wei described the scene as like a war zone, everyone was in a panic checking the injured. There was some luck involved, one of the tractor-trailers involved was carrying diesel fuel. The truck part of the trailer was damaged but the driver managed to pull to the side, without spilling the fuel and causing an even larger disaster. Interstate 790 is closed until further notice, use Interstate 690 as an alternative.