National HIV Testing Day

Don't forget -- it's that time of the year. I'll repost my story tomorrow. Jo Anne over at TheSkeptikOne (ha! I got it right!) has a great run down of where and how to get tested or learn more this weekend. If you are confused, call this number:

513-421-AIDS

(513-421-2437)

It's STOP AIDS' phone number. They'll direct you on how/where/when to get tested.

HIV is still out there; a great way you can be protected, and a great way to protect your partner, is to get tested today. (And don't forget the rubbers, boys and girls -- if you call that number or stop by their office at 220 Findlay, you can get a shitton for free. We used to give out grocery bags full, sometimes.)

On Barack Obama

I think everyone should take a quick moment to check out TheSkeptikOne's random musings on a bunch of issues. I think her point on Pres. Obama is worth it:

They really do believe that he is magic if they actually thought he was going to be able to clean up this mess in about 2 months on the job....

Ya'll need to chill....

Other Magic Negroes have taken a while to find their game, too...

I really think all of you should follow her blog, like, now. She's fantastic and a hell of a lot more interesting than me :-).

Study for the Entrepreneurial Homosexual

Thanks to Jo Anne over at theSkeptikOne for this heads up.

Ohio Cross Cultural Tobacco Control Alliance Research Project

The Ohio Cross Cultural Tobacco Control Alliance Research Project will consist of face-to-face interviews held during the months of February and March. For this project, we are seeking small business owners who are:

v Of Asian descent

v Of Appalachian descent

v Members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Community in Ohio

If you or someone you know may be interested in participating in either study, please contact me via email. Please be sure to advise which project and category are most applicable. The Voice of Your Customer is also recruiting for other research projects. Please visit www.thevoiceofyourcustomer.com to register for upcoming initiatives. Research participants can also join our online community on Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube to receive immediate recruiting updates.

I'm sure someone out there may be interested in this -- I don't qualify, and I don't have the time :-). If you are interested in participating, make sure you visit the website!

Cincinnati LGBT Band Members @ Inauguration Parade

Via TheSkeptikOne (who is the subject of an upcoming column, even though she doesn't know it :-), and will be blogrolled soon), via the Ohio Beacon News Network Twitter Feed...

Several members of Cincinnati's lesbian and gay marching band will take part in the historic first march of an LGBT band in the inaugural parade down Pennsylvania Avenue, prior to the swearing in of President Elect Barack Obama. The marching band, itself, will be comprised of band members representing lesbian and gay marching bands from around the country. The marchers are members of bands which make up the Lesbian and Gay Band Association.

Cincinnati resident, Lisa D’Amore, who is the current president of the national organization, tells me that the organization participated in both Clinton inaugurals, back in 1993 and 1997, but the unit was seated and did not march. The band performed “America the Beautiful” during the 1993 Clinton festivities, to which the new president gave them a big “thumbs up.”

2009 will be the first time, she says, that the combined band will get to show off its marching stuff. The national organization was formed 26 years ago, while some of the founding member bands have been in existence for nearly 30 years. The Queen City Rainbow Marching Band and Color Guard was formed in 2002, and consisted of just 5 musicians and two flag twirlers. Today the band has 35 marching members with a 7 member flag corp. The Rainbow Band performs at many functions and events throughout the year in Cincinnati and Kentucky, and can be seen every year leading off the Cincinnati Gay and Lesbian Pride Parade which takes place in June, which for those of you who don’t know, is LGBT pride month.

Congratulations to the always fabulous, Queen City Rainbow Band!!!! I just think this is FABULOUS.