What are some of the things that confuse you when you are using your computer? What is the difference between a jpeg and html? We have invited Kurt Lach, the Web Communications Coordinator here at MAP for an Internet/computer training that we have scheduled for the evening of Thursday February 25 at 7 p.m. here at MAP, 1400 Park Ave. in Minneapolis. We are looking for some suggestions as to what you would specifically like Kurt to discuss so that he may put together a cohesive presentation. We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you then.

On Wednesday March 3 at 7 p.m. here at MAP, 1400 Park Ave. in Minneapolis, we are hosting Michael Low, PharmD and Manager of the Walgreen’s Specialty Pharmacy in Uptown. We have invited Mike to talk about medication side effects and their management. Whether it’s sleep disturbances, nausea or diarrhea, Mike should have tips to alleviate or lessen their effects, so that you are able to continue with little or no disruption. So, if you are struggling with side effects or haven’t started meds yet and have questions about what side effects you might experience, plan on attending that evening. We will have refreshments on hand for the evening.

This month on Saturday February 20 at 11 a.m. we are headed to Hell’s Kitchen located at 80 S. Ninth St. in DT Minneapolis, for our monthly brunch event. We will be making our reservation for BYOB (buy your own brunch) on Friday February 19, so please let us know if you will be attending.

Finally, some changes are coming to the Web site. Please check back to see our brand new look.

Positive Link is still looking for individuals who would be interested in participating in the ‘Human Timeline’ for the MN AIDS Walk taking place on May 16 at Minnehaha Park.  We would like people come to the stage that morning whose year of diagnosis corresponds to a year during which the Walk has taken place.  For individuals whose diagnosis is prior to the beginning of the Walk (1987) and you would like to participate as well, let us know by calling 612-373-2463, we have a place for you also.  If you haven’t taken a look at the 2010 Walk Web site, please take a moment and check it out.  It’s much easier to navigate this year and it has a distinctly different look than years past.  Just follow this link and check it out:  http://community.mnaidsproject.org/aidswalk2010/home

Sunday, February 7 from 2-4 p.m. at Park Tavern located at 3401 Louisiana Ave. in St. Louis Park is our bowling party.  For a second year in a row we are heading out for an afternoon of bowling and friendly competition.  We have space for 40 people to attend and we still have a few spots available if you would like to join.  The cost of the bowling and the shoes are covered by a gift certificate donated to the program while Positive Link will be paying for the soda and appetizers/snacks.  We need to hear from you by Friday at noon (February 5) to make the proper arrangements with the Park Tavern and if you are planning on attending please arrive by 1:45 p.m. to pick up your shoes and maximize our time on the lanes.

It’s time once again for us to put pencil to begin work on the next calendar of events, which runs from April through June. That means that we are in need of some assistance. We have a social activity on the seventh of each month, and it is far and away the most challenging piece to plug into each month’s programming. We would like your suggestions, not only for the next couple of months but for the remainder of the year. There are very few criteria with which you need to be cognizant when giving us your submissions:

Are people going to have a good time?

Those are the only things that you need to keep in mind when giving us your suggestions. We have in the past been given some great suggestions for social activities. For example one program member was able to procure discounted tickets for a play at the Guthrie last summer while another donated our upcoming bowling party, which takes place on February 7 from 2-4 p.m. at Park Tavern located at 3401 Louisiana Ave in St Louis Park. There is room for forty people to attend, and Positive Link will be paying for bowling, shoe rental,appetizers and sodas. If you would like to join us or want additional information regarding this activity, please contact us. The list is already going, so the sooner the better.

That’s all the news that’s fit to print this week. If you have suggestions for future programming or to RSVP to the bowling party, please e-mail us at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Steve and Nick - Positive Link Administrators

Think you know a lot about living with HIV?  Please join us on Tuesday, October 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Minnesota AIDS Project for a night of HIV Jeopardy.  Food will be available courtesy of Glaxo Smith Kline and Maggiano’s Little Italy.  AN RSVP IS REQUIRED.  If you are interesting in attending, please call 612.373.2463 or 612.373.2464 no later than Monday, October 12.

Those within thier first 2 years of living with HIV will want to join us at 6:00 p.m. at Stella’s Fish Cafe on Thursday, October 22 when Positive Link and Gilead present ‘Beyond the Diagnosis’.  Please bring any questions you may have about medication, adherence, living with HIV, etc.  This event also requires and RSVP.  Please call 612.373.2463 or 612.373.2464 to reserve your spot.

All around the world doctors and scientists are seekings ways to improve the care of people living with HIV.  Even here in Minnesota, there are research studies hoping to answer the questions,'’When is the best time to begin medication?'’ and ‘’Why are some people’s immune systems seeminly able to suppress HIV?'’ To learn more about the research taking place here in the Twin Cities or to enroll as a participant in a study (some of which offer free medication), please visit http://www.mmrf.org/research/hivaids.html

Still wondering if Man2Man is for you? In 2008 Minnesota released statistics that the new incidence of HIV and Syphilis rates were increasing among MSM. Do you know everything you should about how STIs and HIV are transmitted? The upcoming Retreat and Wilderness sessions will allow you to get out of the city, relax and learn.

Man2Man is always a confidential learning environment allowing participants to come as they are, ask questions freely and leave empowered to take control of their sexual and personal lives.

There are NO stupid questions so what are you waiting for?

Register today for the next retreat, August 14-16, 2009!

http://m2m.mn

1-800-552-8636

Positive Link staff will be staffing the Minnesota AIDS Project’s tent at the Pride grounds this coming weekend.  The tent will be located on the north end of the park directly across from the enterance to the beer gardens.  If anyone is interested in volunteering, please contact us at 612-373-2463 or 612-373-2464.

July’s Social 7 BBQ in Bloomington, MN is quickly approaching.  Positive Link will be supplying hamburgers, hotdogs and beverages.  Anyone interested in attending, please bring a dish, salad or dessert to share.  To RSVP contact Steve at 612-373-2463 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Click here to read some key facts about swine influenza from TheBody.com

From POZ.com …

Bristol-Myers Squibb & Gilead Sciences, LLC is now offering an ATRIPLA Co-Pay Assistance Program to provide meaningful assistance for eligible HIV patients with high prescription co-pays.   

Gilead’s co-pay assistance program for TRUVADA (including components VIREAD and EMTRIVA) as well as the Bristol-Myers Squibb program for SUSTIVA will remain unchanged following the launch of the ATRIPLA program.