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Obama's new health care reform plan to include GOP ideas

March 3, 2010 By 1 Comment
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President Obama's new health care reform plan will embrace some GOP ideas, according to Democratic sources. STORY HIGHLIGHTS * Obama to propose new health reform bill with GOP ideas on tort reform, health savings accounts * Top GOP leaders already rejecting proposal, suggests starting over on health care talks * Democrats privately consider using reconciliation to pass legislation Washington (CNN) -- In a last-ditch attempt to craft a bipartisan health care reform bill, President Obama will release a new proposal Wednesday that will include Republican ideas on tort reform and health savings accounts, according to Democratic officials familiar with the plans. But top Republicans, including House Minority Whip Eric Cantor, R-Virginia, immediately said the new proposal is not good enough and reiterated calls for the president to scrap the plan and start over. The situation is setting up a likely showdown that top Democrats say will end up with the president trying to pass the health legislation with only Democratic votes through the legislative shortcut of reconciliation. In fact, senior congressional Democrats have privately expressed frustration that the president is spending time at this late date reaching out to Republicans, when it has become increasingly clear the two parties can not settle their differences on this contentious issue. The senior Democrats said they think the White House should be devoting time trying to win over Democrats, because it's still not clear they can secure a simply majority in the House and Senate for the president's plan. Video: Health care moving forward? RELATED TOPICS * Health Care Reform * U.S. Politics * Barack Obama * Paying for Health Care "Why even bother with the olive branches?" asked one senior congressional Democratic aide. "It's very clear Republicans are not going to provide any votes." House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday wouldn't say whether she has the votes to pass a bill, saying Democrats still need to fill in the details of legislation and get a final price tag on it. But the speaker remained positive about the bill's prospects in the House. "Our members want quality affordable health care for all Americans, and I feel very confident that we will accomplish that," Pelosi said. The No. 2 House Democrat told reporters he thinks some of the Democrats who opposed the House bill last fall could support the new plan the president is pushing. "Do I think there's a possibility of some people changing? Yes, I do," said House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. "I think that's because it will be a different bill than either the House and Senate. It will hopefully take the strengths of both and I think if that happens, as is normally the case, when bills change, members look at it somewhat differently." Getting more House Democrats to vote yes is crucial, because the House voted narrowly to pass its version last fall. Two Democrats who voted for that bill have since left Congress … [Read more...]

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Iraqi city hit by triple bombing

March 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment
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Iraq suicide bombers target city of Baquba A solider stands beside the wreckage of a car at the site of a suicide bombing in Baquba (3 March 2010) The bombings in Baquba were the deadliest for nearly a month Suicide attacks in the central Iraqi city of Baquba have killed at least 31 people and injured dozens more. Two car bombs exploded within minutes of each other near government buildings in the capital of Diyala province, 60km (40 miles) north of Baghdad. A later third blast targeted the city's main hospital, where victims of the first attacks were being treated. The attacks come just days before parliamentary elections, the third since the US-led invasion in 2003. Nearly a million military and police personnel have been placed on the highest alert ahead of Sunday's polls, defence officials have told the BBC, amid fears the country could slide back into sectarian conflict. Baquba, a predominantly Sunni Arab city, has been the scene of frequent fighting between insurgents and US-led troops since Saddam Hussein was ousted. DEADLIEST ATTACKS SINCE 2003 Mar 2004: 171 killed in bombings in Baghdad and Karbala Nov 2006: 202 killed in multiple blasts in Baghdad Mar 2007: 152 killed in truck bombing in Talafar Apr 2007: 191 killed in car bombings in Baghdad Aug 2007: More than 500 killed in attacks on villages near Sinjar August 2009: 95 killed in truck bombs in Baghdad Oct 2009: 155 killed in twin truck bomb attacks in Baghdad Dec 2009: At least 127 killed in a series of car bombs in Baghdad Source: News agencies, BBC In the first attack on Monday, a driver detonated the explosives inside his car at a checkpoint near a government housing office and a police station at about 0930 (0630 GMT), police said. Within minutes, another car bomb exploded outside the headquarters of the provincial council in the city, they added. A third suicide bomber, this time on foot, later blew himself up at the gate of the main hospital as the casualties from the earlier blasts arrived, and during a visit by the provincial police chief, Maj Gen Abdul Hussein al-Shimmari. "The suicide attacker was wearing a police uniform, with the rank of lieutenant," Ali Mohammed, a wounded policeman, told the Reuters news agency. Most of the victims are said to have come from the hospital bombing. Several of Gen Shimmari's bodyguards were among the injured. 'Highest alert' The BBC's Gabriel Gatehouse in Baghdad says Monday's bombings, the deadliest for nearly a month, will confirm the fears of many who have been expecting some sort of attack as polling day nears. An Iraqi soldiers searches a woman's bag outside a polling station in Baghdad (3 March 2010) Iraq's police and military are preparing to mount a vast security operation The vote is seen as a pivotal moment in Iraq as the US prepares to withdraw large numbers of troops by the middle of the year, our correspondent says. Iraq's police and military are preparing to mount a vast nationwide security operation to try … [Read more...]

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Tips For One-Night Stands

March 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment
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The allure of the one-night stand may be greater than that of any other sexual escapade in our culture. It requires a chase, delivers a prize and opens a forum of satisfaction, both as a game of hide-and-seek and in the sultry moments with your unknown partner. One-night stands are a firecracker of sexuality: short, explosive, easily found in Mexico, and leaving a lasting memory that often trumps the actual experience. Beware! The No. 1 luxury of one-night stands centers around attachment. With committed sex, you are furthering love (or whatever you think love is). With one-night stands, however, interactions are merely physical. Take our tips for one-night stands and run. Go to her place Women tend to keep their quarters a little nicer than men, which is especially convenient when plans are made on the fly. You might not have expected to take anyone home, so your dirty gym socks and unwashed sheets can make your place seem like a war zone to her. Don’t ruin the mood with these unnecessary outside forces. Besides, there is nothing like a woman’s bed. Also, heading to her place gives you room to flee if things start to head south chemistry-wise. A teary confession or an accidental slip of her ex-boyfriend’s name ruins the mood quickly. Hell, she could even turn out to be a psycho. No matter what dampens the flame, an exit plan should always be in the back of your mind in case you have to abandon ship. Leaving is always easier than getting her to leave. Be safe Mystery fuels the fire of a one-night stand. She doesn’t know you. Everything is physical -- no prior knowledge required and no strings attached. Well, except for one, potentially. Do you really need a reason to be safe? With some areas experiencing increases in diseases like HIV and syphilis, today’s one-night stands have added risks, and you don't want to be bringing home any unwanted souvenirs. We all know a guy who has made the occasional mistake with a woman and drilled without any hardware. No matter what she says, unprotected sex can yield fatal results for you, or for her, in the event one of you is carrying a disease that you don’t know about. Don’t ruin a perfectly good night. Be safe and get tested regularly, especially if you’re in the habit of having sex with strangers. Besides, pickup artist extraordinaire and author of The Game Neil Strauss recommends keeping a condom in your back pocket each night out -- if not for protection, he advises, than for a physical reminder that you might actual get some. More tips for one-night stands after the turn.. Be adventurous Our girlfriends want sex to be a manifestation of love. This has inspired a wealth of sexual idealization, the kind that single-handedly fuels Hugh Grant’s movie career and Kenny G’s world tours. One-night stands don’t require the same sort of sensitivity, so leave that all behind. Let this be your opportunity to try out a few new things. You have never been with this girl, so communication … [Read more...]

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Sexpo Plans to Go Public, Eyes New Markets

March 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment
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QUEENSLAND, Australia — Sexpo late Tuesday said it plans on going public by November and has eyes on new markets, including New Zealand, Europe and the U.S. The plan, to be revealed at the Brisbane Sexpo in Southbank, Australia, on Thursday, will spell out what the company will do in the next six months and detail strategic partnerships in key markets. Show promoters expect 40,000 attendees at the Brisbane event. “Essentially this will fund our expansion and enable us to bring the show to new countries, including the U.S.," Rob Godwin, general manager of Sexpo, told XBIZ. "When the rest of the world thinks of Australian brands, they say Fosters, Vegemite, Qantas, Telstra and now Sexpo. Let’s make Sexpo the biggest Australian entertainment export and be proud of it. “Our parent company is Australia’s oldest and most successful adult related business with 33 years experience. Recession or boom — sex sells, and I think the combination of this successful track record, with the increased number of visitors to Sexpo, will encourage interest from potential small and large investors. “We are proud of our heritage but the demand and need for our show to expand around the world is very strong.” … [Read more...]

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Playboy Announces Year-Long Club, Bunny Celebration

March 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment
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CHICAGO — Playboy Enterprises announced the launch of a global, year-long 50th anniversary celebration in honor of its iconic Playboy Bunny and Playboy Clubs. The company is marking the occasion with commemorative merchandise and exclusive events around the world, including: 50 Playboy Club parties in 50 cities, all held on one night; a uniquely-commissioned Playboy art exhibition at The Andy Warhol Museum; and newly designed Playboy apparel. The Playboy Club opened to the public in 1960 in Chicago, spawning a number of nightclubs that featured top names in entertainment and became the home of the iconic Playboy Bunnies. The company said that in 2006 the Bunnies returned with the opening of its Club at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. It also plans to open two additional multi-faceted entertainment venues in 2010 in both Miami and Cancun. In its June 2010 issue, Playboy magazine will celebrate the Playboy Clubs' legacy with a sneak peek at the future of the new nightclubs. Special features will also appear on Playboy.com and Playboy Radio. Additional anniversary celebrations will include: The World's Sexiest Party on June 10, a global celebration of 50 Playboy Club parties in 50 cities, all held on the same night in domestic and international cities including Las Vegas, Miami, Cancun, London, Hong Kong, San Diego, Chicago and Johannesburg. In collaboration with its retail partners and licensees Playboy will launch a collection of specially-created 50th anniversary merchandise both in-store and online and at retail outlets including Ann Summers (U.K.), Urban Outfitters (U.S.), and Top Man (U.K.). Products include a line of vintage-inspired Bunny tee shirts, special edition glassware, Bunny-inspired lingerie, and "The Hef" loveseat. A “Playboy Redux Art Exhibition” in collaboration with The Andy Warhol Museum is also planned. Playboy has invited more than 20 emerging and established artists to reinterpret the iconic Playboy Bunny in mediums ranging from painting to video. The Playboy Bunny will be on display at the Pittsburgh museum from March 27 through June 19, 2010, and will feature works by artists including Gary Baseman, Scott Anderson, Jeremy Kost, Tara McPherson, Kalup Linzy and LaToya Ruby Frazier, among others. For Club party updates, and venue and ticket information, visit PlayboyClub50.com. Merchandise will be available online at PlayboyClubStore.com. For art exhibition information visit Playboy.com/Bunny50. … [Read more...]

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Atheist Group Exchanges Bibles for Porn

March 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment
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SAN ANTONIO — An atheist group at the University of Texas at San Antonio is creating a buzz with its annual “Smut for Smut” campaign. According to ChristianPost.com, members of the atheist group are giving students porn magazines in exchange for any religious texts. Atheist group leaders say that religious books contain violence, spark religious wars, and advocate for the mistreatment of women. “It's a First Amendment right,” 18 year old Bradley Lewis said. “If religious groups can put out missionaries and go knock on my door and wake me up at 7 a.m. on a Saturday morning, I can put a table outside of the college.” The event offended many religious students at the school. A group gathered to protest the campaign. The event attracted hundreds of students to the school’s main plaza Monday University officials say the event is legal and the students have the right to free speech and assembly. … [Read more...]

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USA Today: Tube Sites Sting Adult Industry

March 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment
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SAN FRANCISCO — USAToday.com published a story today on tube sites and what they mean to the adult industry. The article says that the industry is in a tailspin and DVD and online pay sites are in a free fall because of the rise in tube sites. According to the story, adult entertainment has reaped the benefits of innovative technologies such as video streaming, webcams and online payments, but this same technology is now contributing to the industry’s financial woes. "The industry has known about the impact of free tube sites for some time and is trying to deal with it," Vivid’s Steven Hirsch told XBIZ. "This subject has been widely covered by adult trade media. Some mainstream media is just now catching up with this and is making it seem like a new development, but we've been fighting it in every way we can and will continue to maximize the franchise that we've built over 25 years.” The article says the number of tube sites keep growing. Nearly 1,000 sites, double the amount of a year ago, have put a sizable dent in the porn industry and have sparked various copyright infringement lawsuits. Pink Visual recently filed a $6.75 million suit against the owners of Brazzers alleging that four company-owned tube sites poached content from 45 copyrighted movies and have streamed them “tens of millions of times.” “The nature of the Internet being what it is, it's really incumbent upon producers and rights holders to proactively protect their intellectual property,” Pink Visual spokesman Quentin B told XBIZ. Digital Millennium Copyright Act takedown notices are the current recourse for studios that find their copyrighted content on sites where they shouldn't be. "It would be great if tube sites were made liable for any copyright infringement and not just this 24-hour notice, which requires constant monitoring,” Hirsch said. Vivid Entertainment scours the Internet for pirated material and issues a takedown notice to sites that illegally show the company’s content. But more often than not, the content just re-appears somewhere else. … [Read more...]

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Study: Research Shows No Harm from Porn, Maybe Some Benefit

March 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment
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Researcher looked at data from around the world on pornography's presumed impact on individuals and society MANOA, Hawaii—Milton Diamond, a professor of anatomy and reproductive biology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, has authored a study titled “Pornography, Public Acceptance and Sex Related Crime: A Review.” Published in 2009 in the International Journal of Law and Psychiatry, the study takes a comprehensive, cross-cultural look at research conducted over the years on the subject of porn’s influence on individuals as well as societies. Diamond’s conclusion, which he readily admits flies in the face of common assumptions held by many today, is that there is no objective, verifiable evidence that exposure to pornography causes any of the societal ills ascribed to it—including sex crimes, the abuse or disempowerment of women, and a host of negative effects on individuals or families—and that it may in fact help. “With these data from a wide variety of communities, cultures and countries we can better evaluate the thesis that an abundance of sexual explicit material invariably leads to an increase of illegal sexual activity and eventually rape,” writes Diamond. “Similarly we can now better reconsider the conclusion of the Meese Commission and others that there exists ‘a causal relationship to antisocial acts of sexual violence and … unlawful acts of sexual violence’ (Meese, 1986, page 326). Indeed, the data reported and reviewed suggests that the thesis is myth and, if anything, there is an inverse causal relationship between an increase in pornography and sex crimes. “Further,” he continues, “considering the findings of studies of community standards and wide spread usage of SEM (sexually explicit material), it is obvious that in local communities as nationally and internationally, porn is available, widely used and felt appropriate for voluntary adult consumption. If there is a consensus against pornography it is in regard to any SEM that involves children or minors in its production or consumption. “Lastly,” he concludes, “we see that objections to erotic materials are often made on the basis of supposed actual, social or moral harm to women. No such cause and effect has been demonstrated with any negative consequence. It is relevant to mention here that a temporal correlation between pornography and any effect is a necessary condition before one can rationally entertain the idea that there is a positive statistical correlation between pornography and any negative effect. Nowhere has such a temporal association been found.” The timeliness of this study cannot be stressed enough, considering the profusion of news articles and media pronouncements by associations such as the Family Research Council and Morality in Media that disseminate the “fact” that pornography is inherently corrosive to individuals and families and leads to an increase in sex crimes. Without a doubt, those groups will respond … [Read more...]

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New Law Would Reveal Porn Stars' HIV Status

March 3, 2010 By 1 Comment
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Is AIDS Healthcare Foundation behind this invasion of performers' privacy? SACRAMENTO—A proposed amendment to California's Health and Safety Code, sponsored by Assembly Member Bonnie Lowenthal (D-Long Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes), would have serious consequences for adult industry performers. AB 2590, which was introduced on Feb. 19, would amend California Health and Safety Code Sec. 121010, which is the section which sets forth various exceptions to the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), whose purpose is to insure the privacy of Americans' health status, including whether they are HIV-positive, by preventing unauthorized disclosure of such medical information. California law currently allows disclosure of an individual's HIV status to the person's attorney and to certain government agencies, including emergency medical responders, those who harvest or handle donated body parts, and for statistical purposes to the communicable diseases section of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, all of which are prohibited by law from revealing that status to any other agency or individual. Lowenthal's bill, however, would add one more category of officials to whom the person's HIV status would be revealed: "an agent or contractor of the state that, by contract with the state, is authorized to provide medical care and treatment to the subject of the test." And who is the most prominent "agent or contractor of the state that ... is authorized to provide medical care and treatment"? One primary contender for that position would be AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), whose president, Michael Weinstein, recently accused the Adult Industry Medical (AIM) Healthcare Foundation of illegally revealing performers' HIV/STD status to adult producers who might want to hire the performers. "Michael Weinstein is confusing 'HIPAA' with 'hypocrite,'" AIM's Dr. Sharon Mitchell charged. "Am I wrong that in this bill, he wants everyone in the industry to have their HIV status disclosed automatically but he's saying that AIM is violating HIPAA laws by contacting performers' partners privately? That's the most hypocritical thing I've ever heard!" Mitchell has accused AHF of seeking to drive AIM out of business and to become the only health agency who can provide healthcare, including HIV/STD testing, to adult industry personnel, even though the test AHF uses for HIV, which looks for antibodies to the disease rather than the virus itself, can take as long as six months after infection to give a positive result. AHF has also petitioned the California Department of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) as well as the Los Angeles and Florida departments of public health to require performers in sexually explicit content to wear condoms and use dental dams when performing sex acts on camera. The problems to performers that would result from this change in the law cannot be exaggerated. It would mean that performers' HIV status … [Read more...]

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