June 4, 2010

Antiretroviral Treatment Cuts HIV Transmission Rate by 92 Percent

Heterosexual HIV-positive people who are taking antiretroviral (ARV) therapy were 92 percent less likely to pass on the virus to their HIV-negative sex partners, according to a study published online May 27 inThe Lancet.

A number of studies over the past decade have suggested that HIV transmission is cut dramatically in mixed HIV status couples—called serodiscordance—if the partner with HIV is taking ARVs and has an undetectable viral load.

These data were used by the Swiss Federal Commission for HIV/AIDS in its hotly debated February 2008 declaration concluding, “an HIV-infected person on antiretroviral therapy with completely suppressed viremia (‘effective ART’) is not sexually infectious, i.e. cannot transmit HIV through sexual contact.”

Further controversy has erupted in the past year over moves to initiate testing and early HIV treatment in order to lower HIV transmission rates at a citywide level. These programs, called testing and linkage to care and treatment, or TLC+, are being studied in New York City and Washington, DC. In addition, San Francisco’s Department of Health recently took the aggressive step of recommending that all of its HIV-positive residents should start ARV treatment regardless of their CD4 count, in large part to reduce HIV transmission rates in the city.

No one knows, however, to what degree TLC+ will be effective and whether rolling it out might have unintended consequences, including higher rates of side effects and an increase in the number of drug-resistant HIV cases. One trial examining the feasibility of TLC+ is the HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 065 study. A separate, large-scale controlled trial looking at the effect of ARVs on transmission, HPTN 052, is ongoing, but results are not expected for several years. In the meantime, researchers and advocates have been eagerly awaiting smaller studies on transmission risk between partners.

One such study has now concluded. A team of researchers led by Deborah Donnell, PhD, from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, studied the effect of treatment on transmission within 3,381 discordant couples in seven African countries. During the six-year study, 349 of the HIV-positive participants started ARV therapy. Of the 103 inter-couple transmissions—those where they could genetically link the strain of HIV from one partner to the other—only one occurred in a couple where the HIV-positive partner was on treatment. Moreover, in the couples where the HIV-positive partner was not on ARVs, high CD4 counts and low viral loads among the partners with HIV also appeared to reduce transmission rates.

“These results are an important finding in the search for effective HIV prevention strategies and the strongest evidence to date that ART might decrease HIV transmission risk,” concluded Connie Celum, MD, from the University of Washington in Seattle, and the paper’s senior author.

Staten Island cannabis king Jonathan Braun

Bail denied for alleged Staten Island cannabis king Jonathan Braun

BY JOHN MARZULLI

Friday, June 4th 2010, 4:00 AM

Jonathan Braun

A reputed marijuana kingpin's hope of getting out on bail went up in smoke on Thursday.

Jonathan Braun, 27, looks more like a skinny slacker from Staten Island than the leader of an international drug-trafficking ring.

But that didn't sway a federal judge.

"The government has posited substantial evidence of Mr. Braun's involvement in this conspiracy, which involves huge amounts of marijuana and huge amounts of money," said Brooklyn Magistrate Viktor Pohorelsky.

Braun is accused of smuggling more than 100,000 kilos of marijuana into the U.S. through Indian reservations along the Canadian border.

Drug Enforcement Administration agents arrested him last week in Staten Island, where he lives with his Orthodox Jewish parents, a sister and a 90-year-old grandparent.

Before Thursday's bail hearing, defense lawyer Ross Kramer handed a black yarmulke for Braun to a deputy U.S. marshal, who checked it for contraband.

Defense lawyer Gerald Shargel said nine family members were willing to sign a $1 million bond and attacked the prosecutors' contention that Braun is a flight risk.

"He's lived with his parents his entire life," Shargel said. "His roots are deeply placed in Staten Island."

Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Tiscione said Braun used a cellphone store he owned to launder millions of dollars in drug money and encrypted BlackBerry phones to evade surveillance.

The judge expressed concern that Braun might have access to a stash of illicit cash if he was freed.

Braun nodded to his father, a shoe salesman, and his mother, a city teacher, as he was escorted out. "Don't worry," the father mouthed.

THE S.I. LGBT PRIDE PARADE

By Rob Bailey

June 03, 2010, 12:40PM

AWE in print ...STATEN ISLAND, NY -- Finally, Staten Island actually gets first-place status when it comes to a “five-borough” event.

That’s right, this weekend the no-longer-forgotten borough launches New York City’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month activities under the official NYC & Co. tourism banner of “Liberty and Justice For All.” (Check NYCPride.org for details on citywide events.)

Here’s a rundown of what is being heralded as an unprecedented batch of truly local Pride Month celebrations:

THE S.I. LGBT PRIDE PARADE
Grand marshals Robin Garber and Kathleen Cumiskey will launch the sixth-annual Staten Island LGBT Pride Parade when it steps off at noon June 5 from Central Avenue between Slosson Terrace and Hyatt Street in St. George.

The couple was married in Canada in 2006, and two years later opened Bent Pages at 391 Van Duzer Street, Stapleton. It stands today as the last vestige of NYC’s once thriving LGBT bookstore tradition.

“We’re both very honored to be chosen,” says Cumiskey, who earned her undergrad degree in psychology at Rutgers University, where her honors thesis was on homophobia’s impact on social interaction. “The selection process is done in such a way that members of the community nominate people they think are worthy of selection, so it’s a great honor.”

Cumiskey, who holds a Ph.D., was also active in establishing Queer CUNY and is currently an assistant professor in the psych department and women’s studies program at College of Staten Island.

Garber helped found the CSI’s LGBT Alliance in the early 1990s, was an educator for the Staten Island AIDS Task Force (now Community Health Action of Staten Island) and coordinator of the Gay Men’s Health Crisis Lesbian AIDS Project, before becoming a special ed teacher in 2003.

Too cerebral a pedigree for ya? Well, rumor has it “Bad Girls Club” star Flo (aka Florina Kaja of Eltingville) will also be on hand to march for Pride Month.

Not familiar with this reality TV-toughgal-turned-rapper? Here’s a sample from her submitted bio: “This bisexual party girl refuses to be the Albanian Muslim ideal of a passive, obedient female her family would hope for. Staten Island girl Florina always encourages women to stand up for themselves and is prepared to fight for the underdog at the drop of a hat.”

... & FESTIVAL ENTERTAINMENT STAGE
This year’s parade will culminate with an outdoor festival, from 1-5 p.m., in Tompkinsville Park at the corner of Bay Street and Victory Boulevard. There will be plenty of food and merchandise vendors, resource information tables and, of course, lots of live music.

DJs from 92.3 NOW FM will be on hand with giveaways, and will co-host the entertainment stage with Tina Turner impersonator, Ron B. Opening the show will be Rosemary Palladino, belting out her signature rendition of the National Anthem.

Next up, last year’s headliner — national recording artist amberRose Marie — returns to perform more of her Billboard-charting pop/dance hits. In addition to tunes from her upcoming album and Las Vegas stage show, amberRose Marie (no, that’s not an optical illusion; it’s how she spells it) plans to pay homage to trailblazers of the past. “I am especially excited to bring on a tribute song from the Stonewall 1969 jukebox, “Put A Little Love in Your Heart,” when a few local youth will join me on-stage during my performance,” says the blonde boogie bombshell. “Music is a great communicator, and I am honored to share the stage with so many other wonderful talents. We all join in solidarity and embrace the spirit of the day. I encourage everyone to come out in support of the LGBT community ... and don’t forget your dancing shoes!”

Also on the bill: Sirena records recording artists Dare 2B Different doing their marriage equality song, Nancy Yvonne (formally of ‘90s group Sweet Sensation), Giorgio’s Latino-Italo-Euro sounds, Bette Midler impersonator Donna Maxon, conscious rapper Shorty Roc, Americana-rockers Joan Caddell & The Electric Light Choir, singer-songwriter Anne Guinta, rapper SOCE the Elemental Wizard taking audience subjects and rapping in the moment, the Big Apple Corp Band, the ballads of Brooklyn’s India M. and more. Special guest community leaders and elected officials will appear throughout the day.

The entertainment stage is sponsored by Community Health Action Station Island (CHASI) and The LGBT Center in partnership with New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. The parade and festival committee is chaired by Staten Island resident Chris Bauer; entertainment co-chairs are Ron B. and Lawrence F. Schwabacher.
   For more information, please write siprideparade@gmail.com, call 718-808-1360 or 718-808-1351, or visit SILGBTcenter.org.

PRIDE PHOTOGRAPHY
Sunnyside native Ryan Colford is unveiling — perhaps literally, considering his subject matter — a new photography exhibit at the Kevin Barry Gallery, 25 Victory Blvd., Tompkinsville; 718-273-6369.

Titled “Glimpse of Man,” Colford’s show is billed as “an intimate and sensual look at the male form.” The show opens with an all-ages wine and cheese reception June 4 from 9 p.m.-midnight. (A one-hour post-show-projection, dubbed “Raw Sugar,” is strictly 18-and-up.)

“There is an element of barriers removed and inhibitions cast aside. My focus on the male form is to expose the beauty of man without shame,” the artist says. “Society and culture has de-sexualized the male form; from the clothing choices to interactions with other men. One of my main goals is to present a positive and acceptable image of male sexuality.”

But don’t be scared off by all the skin: Colford’s artwork has been published in fashion and lifestyle magazines in America, England and Australia, and has been exhibited in New York galleries, businesses and ad campaigns.

Currently Colford is working on two separate coffee table books: The tentatively titled “The Candy Shoppe,” a collection blending vibrant colors, sexuality, texture and irreverence. The other is the “Glimpse of Man” collection, a classic styling of fine art imagery of modern day man exposed.

QSINY PRIDE PARTIES
Wow — for once, Islanders don’t have to trek all the way into Manhattan for a little post-parade celebration. That’s right, we’ve actually managed to hold on to our very own gay bar for more than one year!

In honor of this momentous occasion, QSINY — 632 Midland Ave.; 800-QSINY22; www.QSINY.com — is hosting its very own “Staten Island Gay Pride Party” starting at 3 p.m. June 5. Co-owners Jim McKernan and Ray Carr promise “Five performers, four DJs, three go-go dancers, two singers” — all at “one place.”

However, the previous night’s “Madonna Music Night” at QSINY could actually serve as a potent primer for the parade. After-all, who better to usher in officially sanctioned Pride Month festivities than the unofficial Queen of the Gays? Get into the groove at 10: 30 p.m. June 4. Also, call the number above for information about possible cover charges.

S.I. Pride Tomorrow

Please for the guys near me, don't forget Staten Island Pride parade & Festival tomorrow. Last year was really cool.
Hope to meet some of you tomorrow!
Adam

These Are the 10 Hottest Players on the U.S. World Cup Soccer Team

Soccer players are sexy. It's the constant running and propensity to rip off their shirts after scoring, I guess. Rather than take a look at the U.S. team's chances at the World Cup, let's just take a look at them.

America's national pastime is baseball and our winter obsession is football, but the problem with both of those is that the guys stand around for long periods of time doing nothing but getting fat. Not so with soccer—or football, as the rest of the world calls it. These guys work hard. And they sweat. And then they get naked. And then they rub all over each other. It's almost more than we can handle.

When the action begins for the World Cup in South Africa on June 11, we may tune in for a game or two to root for our boys in blue but, let's be honest, they don't stand a chance. What we're really going to be waiting for is the promise of hot man flesh. Here are our favorite members of the team, in order of preference based on nothing but their appearance. What? We're not above being shallow.

Help Us Congratulate Rush Limbaugh on His Wedding Day

Help Us Congratulate Rush Limbaugh on His Wedding Day (UPDATED)

Rush Limbaugh is getting married in a super-secret ceremony at his Palm Beachmansion on Saturday. We wanted to wish him well. So we rented a banner-toting plane to fly over his house during the event. What should it say?

Sound the church bells! Conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh, 59, is marrying his 33-year-old girlfriend Kathryn Rogers in Palm Beach this Saturday. He's said some nice things about Gawker in the past, so we wanted to wish him and his betrothed a lifetime of happiness. But Rush isnot inviting members of the media to the event for some reason. So we came up with a work-around and rented one of those big airborne billboards to fly down the coast—and over his house—during the wedding.

Now we need your help in coming up with a pithy slogan to share with Rush, his bride-to-be, and the assembled guests. Submit them in the comments, please!