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Saturday, February 18, 2012
Microsoft working on new Spotify-like service on Xbox, Windows and smartphones (Digital Trends)
[unable to retrieve full-text content]Digital Trends - As reported this week by CNET, Microsoft is apparently chatting with several record labels regarding the development of a music application that would be more similar to Pandora, Spotify, Rdio, MOG and other streaming music, subscription services than the Zune Music Pass. Conceptually, Microsoft would brand this service with the Xbox Live name rather than the failed Zune brand name and launch the application on the Xbox 360, Windows smartphones and the upcoming revision of the Windows operating system. According to CNET???s sources, specifics regarding how the service would deliver music to consumers in addition to how much the music industry would get paid from any potential subscription fees haven???t been finalized.
Gay Politics ? Maryland House passes marriage equality bill
?We?re very proud of the gay and lesbian delegates whose leadership has been crucial in this debate. ?Maryland?s lawmakers understand better the necessity of legal marriage for all couples because they serve alongside gays and lesbians whose loving, committed relationships reflect their own,? said Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Victory Fund.
Maryland Gov. Martin O?Malley has pushed hard for the bill in this legislative session, which ends in March.
Source: http://www.gaypolitics.com/2012/02/17/maryland-house-passes-marriage-equality-bill/
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Friday, February 17, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Defiant Iran claims major steps in nuclear fuel (AP)
TEHRAN, Iran ? In defiant swipes at its foes, Iran said Wednesday it is dramatically closer to mastering the production of nuclear fuel even as the U.S. weighs tougher pressures and Tehran's suspected shadow war with Israel brings probes far beyond the Middle East.
Iran further struck back at the West by indicating it was on the verge of imposing a midwinter fuel squeeze to Europe in retaliation for a looming boycott of Iranian oil, but denied reports earlier in the day that six nations had already been cut off.
The uncompromising messages from Iran, however, came with a counterpoint. The official IRNA news agency said Iran's top nuclear negotiator, Saeed Jalili, told European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton that Iran is ready to return to talks with the U.S. and other world powers.
The dual strategy ? taking nuclear steps while proposing more talks ? has become a hallmark of Iran's dealings for years and some critics have dismissed it as a time-buying tactic. The advances claimed Wednesday could likely feed these views.
In a live TV broadcast, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was shown overseeing what was described as the first Iranian-made fuel rod inserted into a research reactor in northern Tehran. Separately, the semiofficial Fars agency reported that a "new generation" of Iranian centrifuges ? used to enrich uranium toward nuclear fuel ? had gone into operation at the country's main enrichment facility at Natanz in central Iran.
In Washington, the assistant secretary of state for International Security and Nonproliferation, Tom Countryman, dismissed the Iranian claims of reaching a pivotal moment. "The announcement today by Iran has much more to do with political developments in Iran than it has to do with factual developments," he said.
White House press secretary Jay Carney said Iran's "defiant acts" seek to "distract attention" from the damage brought by international sanctions.
Meanwhile, Iran is facing major new international complications: Accusations of bringing an apparent covert conflict with Israel to points stretching from Thailand and India to the former Soviet republic of Georgia.
Officials in Israel ramped up allegations that Iran was linked to international bomb plots, saying magnetic "sticky" bombs found in a Bangkok house rented by Iranians were similar to devices used against Israeli envoys in a foiled attack in Georgia on Monday and a blast in New Delhi that injured four people, including a diplomat's wife.
"In recent days, Iran's terror operations are being laid bare for all," said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who convened his security cabinet. It included discussions about "preventive measures" against Iranian threats, said a statement from Netanyahu's office that did not elaborate.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Ramin Mehmanparast, called the allegations "baseless" and an attempt to push "conspiracy" theories to discredit Iran with its Asian partners, including major oil buyer India.
Iran, in turn, accused Israel of being behind clandestine attacks that have claimed the lives of at least five members of Iran's scientific community in the past two years, including a "sticky" bomb blast that killed a director at the Natanz labs last month.
Framed photos of the five scientists were shown by Iranian TV before a speech by Ahmadinejad, who was flanked by the flags of Iran and the country's nuclear agency.
He repeated Iran's goal of becoming a technological beacon for the Islamic world and insisted that scientific progress is the right of all nations. Here rests one of the biggest dilemmas for the West. Iran has merged the nuclear program with its national identity and is unlikely to make any concessions without huge incentives.
"I hope we reach the point where we will be able to meet all our nuclear needs inside the country so we won't need to extend our hand before others, specifically before the world's dastardly people," Ahmadinejad said. "For a gentleman, for a chivalrous nation, the most difficult moment is when he has a need to ask (for something) from a dastardly person."
Iran also used the announcements as a carefully crafted show of unity.
The families of the slain scientists attended the ceremonies. State TV showed the father of the scientist killed last month, Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan, clicking on the computer to inaugurate the advanced centrifuges inside the Natanz facility. TV showed tears in the eyes of Roshan's mother and wife when the father opened the project.
Ahmadinejad put the young daughter of slain electronics student Darioush Rezaeinejad on his knee and patted her long hair.
The purported new frontiers for Iran's atomic program showcase what could be significant steps at becoming self-sufficient in creating nuclear fuel ? the centerpiece of the dispute with the U.S. and its allies.
In the fuel cycle, mined uranium is processed into gas, then that gas is spun in centrifuges to purify it. Low-enriched uranium ? at around 3.5 percent ? is used to produce fuel rods that power a reactor. But the same process can be used to produce highly enriched uranium ? at around 90 percent purity ? that can be used to build a warhead.
Iran claims it only seeks reactors for energy and medical research.
The Tehran facility where IRNA said the new fuel rods were installed is intended to produce isotopes for cancer treatments. It requires fuel enriched to around 20 percent, considered a threshold between low- and high-enriched uranium.
Iran began enriching up to near 20 percent in February 2010 after attempts at a deal with the West to import the fuel rods broke down.
Iranian officials have long spoken of introducing faster, more efficient centrifuges at the Natanz facility. The Fars report did not give further details, but Iran also says it also has sophisticated centrifuges in a new site built into a mountainside south of Tehran and possibly impervious to airstrikes.
A diplomat accredited to the International Atomic Energy Agency, which monitors Iran's known nuclear programs said the "new generation" of centrifuges appeared to be referring to about 65 IR-4 machines that were recently set up at an experimental site at Natanz. The new model can churn out enriched material at a faster rate than the more rudimentary IR-1 centrifuges, thousands of which are at work in Natanz producing low-enriched uranium, said the diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the information is privileged.
In still another development, the head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, Mohammad Abbasi, was quoted as saying Iran will open a new facility to produce "yellowcake," which is concentrated natural uranium and is the foundation material in the process to make nuclear fuel. In the past, Iran has purchased most of its yellowcake abroad, including South Africa and China.
The U.S. and EU have tried to rein in Iran's nuclear program with new boycotts and banking restrictions targeting Iran's crucial oil exports, which accounts for about 80 percent of the country's foreign revenue.
The Obama administration is now weighing an even harsher blow: possibly seeking Iran's removal from SWIFT, an independent financial clearinghouse that is crucial to the country's overseas oil sales. But such a move could push oil prices higher and undercut fragile Western economies.
Iran pushed back at Europe.
State TV quoted Foreign Ministry official Hasan Tajik as saying that six European diplomats were summoned Wednesday and told that Iran has no problem replacing customers ? an implied warning that Tehran would carry out plans to cut off EU countries immediately to pre-empt sanctions set to go into effect in July.
Conflicting information about the cutoff has been relayed by Iranian media throughout the day: first the full blockade on six countries, then a report carried by the semiofficial Mehr agency saying that exports were cut to France and the Netherlands with four other European countries receiving ultimatums to sign long-term contracts with Iran.
Iranian officials say an immediate cutoff will hit European nations before they can line up new suppliers, and that Tehran has already found buyers for the 18 percent share of its oil that goes to Europe.
In Vienna, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized the U.S. and the EU for instituting "one-sided sanctions" on Tehran that "erode unified action against Iran's nuclear program."
At the same time, he said the suspicion ? nurtured by years of Iranian secrecy ? that Tehran is covertly working on a nuclear arms program "must be clarified without any doubt."
In Bangkok, Thai officials held three Iranians rounded up after a cache of explosives detonated accidentally in their home. Bomb disposal teams combed the damaged house while security forces sought an Iranian woman they said had originally rented it.
Thai authorities have not disclosed any potential targets for the explosives.
Israeli defense officials, however, believe the Iranian men were plotting to attack the Israeli ambassador in Thailand, Israel's Channel 10 TV reported. It said the investigation was still ongoing and its conclusions were not final.
In a reflection of how the attacks caught Israel off guard, the Israeli Counter Terrorism Bureau last month lifted a travel warning to Bangkok after Thai authorities arrested a suspect with alleged links to Hezbollah. The warning was issued Jan. 13 and lifted less than two weeks later.
The bureau lifted a similar travel advisory for Israelis going to Georgia in November.
___
Murphy reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Associated Press writers Josef Federman in Jerusalem, George Jahn in Vienna and Thanyarat Doksone and Todd Pitman in Bangkok contributed to this report.
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Senate confirms Cuban-born judge to 11th Circuit (AP)
WASHINGTON ? The first Cuban-born judge to serve on the Atlanta-based U.S. appellate court was confirmed Wednesday by an overwhelming margin that said much about the way the Senate operates these days.
Despite strong support from both parties, including tea party favorite Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., the Senate had to break a filibuster to confirm U.S. District Judge Adalberto Jose Jordan by a 94-5 vote. The one-time clerk to now-retired Justice Sandra Day O'Connor is the newest member of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
This week, the nomination was held up by another tea party favorite, Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky. He filibustered Jordan's nomination while demanding a vote on his proposed amendment ? to an upcoming highway bill ? to cut U.S. economic aid to Egypt pending the release of American pro-democracy workers held in that country.
Rather than grant Paul a vote on his amendment, the Senate voted Monday to force an end to his filibuster. Under Senate rules, a final vote on the nomination could not take place until Wednesday.
However, Paul's delay was only the latest development in a disagreement between the parties over the pace of judicial confirmations.
Jordan's nomination was sent to the full Senate in October by a unanimous vote of the Judiciary Committee. The seat he's filling was declared a judicial emergency by the policymaking body for U.S. Courts: basically meaning the appellate panel has been overwhelmed with court filings.
But none of that sped up the process.
Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., accused Republicans of stalling the nomination for months because of issues unrelated to the judge.
"The stalling, the delays, the obstruction, even the votes against ending the filibuster were all about something else, some collateral issue," Leahy said. "They should not have marred this process and complicated this nomination. They should not have delayed this moment when Cuban-Americans will see one of their own elevated to the second highest court in the land."
Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa, ranking Republican on the Judiciary Committee, blamed President Barack Obama for the delays. He said the president made an end run around the Senate by announcing recess appointments in January when ? Republicans argued ? the Senate was not in recess.
"We could have confirmed more nominees, had the president indicated that he would respect the practice and precedent on recess appointments," Grassley argued. "He would not give the Senate that assurance, so a number of nominations could not be confirmed."
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Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Et Tu Brute? Germany, Sweden, And A Huge California Pension Fund Call For Raising Taxes On Private Equity Bosses
All of the sudden, the Obama administration and Democrats aren't the only ones saying the 15% rate private equity managers pay on carried interest should be raised.
According to the FT, Germany and Sweden are both considering measures to raise the rate and Joe Dear, the investment chief of California pension fund CalPers, had some strong words about it.
?General partners [in private equity companies] should recognize that tax treatment of their income has become indefensible,? Mr Dear said late on Monday.
CalPers, it's worth noting, is one of the world's biggest investors in private equity with investments in industry heavy hitters like Blackstone, Carlyle and KKR. As for Germany and Sweden, you have to think that Europe could follow their lead. Sweden's considering retrospectively charging executives at Nordic Capital, IK and Altor a 56% tax rate, plus a 40% penalty on past taxes.
One UK PE exec basically said that these are just the breaks:
?We should stop whingeing about the tax and carried interest ? this is an anomaly and it should and will get changed,? the head of a large UK buy-out group said. ?People are very concerned about inequality and we have to recognize that and get on with our life.?
Read the full story at the Financial Times here>>
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March Classes and Beyond ? Passion 101
TEACH ME: Give your sweetie an educational invitation to learn about new sexual tips and tricks! Sign yourselves up for a Passion 101 workshop!
Thursday, February 9th Starting at the Bottom: Anal Play 101 with Screw Smart
Friday February 10th Beyond the Basic Rubdown with Dr. Lynk
Thursday February 16, 7PM Cultivating Sexual Energy with Anita DeFrancesco
Thursday February? 23rd , 7PM Knife Play:Sensual to Sadistic with Dr. Lynk
Friday February 24, 7PM
Artist Reception- Adam Rosenberg: What Turns Me On
Sexy, sophisticated and steamy are just a few words to describe What Turns Me On?? But what will define What Turns You On is to be discovered?? Join us for a Closing Reception with Adam, on Friday, February 24th, from 7-9pm.
OTHER UPCOMING PASSION 101 CLASSES- MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW: Save money, buy advance tickets online as soon as they are posted. March tickets go on sale February 15, April tickets will be available by March
Thursday March 1, 7pm
Beyond Monogamy: Alternative Lifestyles 101
with Niki Felts 
Thursday March 8, 7pm
Awaken Your Goddess: A workshop for women
with Anita DeFrancesco
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Thursday March 15, 7 PM
Toy Chest- V-DayBenefit
with Kali Morgan
An educational introduction to sex toys and a shopping experience for a good cause! This mini-workshop and shopping trip benefits the V-Day efforts of the Philadelphia V-Day Committee to help end violence against women. Only $5 or bring a snack/ beverage to share! Ticket sales and 10% of sex toys sales benefit PVDC?s charity recipients.
Thursday March 22 , 7pm
Tantric Massage
with Anita Defrancesco
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Friday March 23 , 7pm
Artist reception- ___________ by Kati Kill
Sexy Grit, Glitter, Acrylic and lots of LUV make this show of local hoop/dance Diva, Kati Kill, one not to miss!
Friday April 6
Navigating Open Relationships
with Screw Smart
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Wednesday April 11
Erotic Body Piercing
with Elayne Angel
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Friday April 13
Sexing the Trans Man
with Buck Angel
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Saturday April 14
The Buck Angel Effect: Feeling Sexy In Your Own Skin
with Buck Angel
As an icon of popular culture, Buck Angel?s message of empowerment through self-acceptance and being sexually comfortable in your own skin has struck a passionate chord with folks all over the world.?Since Buck coined the phrase ??it?s not what?s between your legs that defines you!?, the term has become an anthem for men and women everywhere who have been inspired by this message of self acceptance.?Learn how to become comfortable with your??own body sexually with Buck Angel, whose sexual confidence created a new genre of adult entertainment. Buck will share video clips from his work in front of the camera in hopes that sharing his story helps to make others become more comfortable to enjoy sexuality and other life pleasures.
Friday, April 20
Joystick Secrets
with Midori
Learn how to make him moan and writhe in unbelievable pleasure. Join internationally-acclaimed sex educator Midori for this in-depth training on pleasuring your guy with hands, mouth and more! Using delicious practice props (think fruit!) you?ll learn all about the sucks, licks, swirls, strokes and touch secrets that will blow his mind. She?ll even cover tips on how to reduce discomforts or gag reflexes. What better gift is there than to show him your new techniques that very night?
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Saturday April 21,
Beginning Rope
with Midori
Everyone?s catching the rope fever! Bring the pleasures from Japan into your bedroom with easy, sexy rope play.
Learn simple, elegant, effective and sensual rope skills and thrill your partner. Midori will also teach you how to avoid clumsiness, minimize risks, including boring or harming your partner. Learn essential foundation techniques including four two-column restraints, safety, rope selection, and creative, sexy positions. Midori is the author of ?The Seductive Art of Japanese Bondage.?
* Wear comfortable clothing and bring a minimum of 2 lengths of 15 feet and 2 of 25 feet of rope.
Saturday April 21
Body Harnesses
with Midori
Body harnesses are fantastic for creating beautiful, effective, and sexy rope bondage for all types of bodies and many different sorts of scenes.
You can use a harness for very secure rigging. Or you can make a pretty rope outfit. Create intense harnesses for pain sluts. How about sensual breast bondage? Well go through at least four different harnesses with plenty of time to practice. If time permits she?ll show you more!
Dress & Supplies: Wear comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement. Bring a large towel or yoga mat if you?d like to use the floor. And, of course, bring rope ? the more, the merrier! (Suggested minimum: 3 or 4 pieces of 30? to 45?, plus one rope of 75?+ . If the rope is for a smaller person, bring the shorter lengths. For a larger person, bring the longer lengths.)
Sunday April 22,
Flogging
with Midori
Improve your flogging skills! Whether you?re a total novice or already confident with the whip, there?s plenty for you in this unique and very active class. You?ll learn how to select the best flogger for your style and body type. Enjoy drills on techniques to deliver powerful, effective sensations without top-fatigue. Sharpen your finess.
Bring your floggers. More the merrier! Don?t worry if you don?t have any. Midori will bring a variety from her private collection to try out. If you want to learn to flog in high heels, bring them. No need to bring a target bottom.?
Sunday April 22
The Art of Feminine Dominance (open to all genders)
with Midori
Midori will share with you her secrets of the feminine art of dominance. She will discuss the psychology, practical exercises, techniques, fashion, how to discover what makes your partner weak-kneed, and more. This class is not limited to a gender, but for all who harbor the powerful woman within! Something for everyone from the novice to the experienced player.
Elegance, power and confidence? Do you want to know how to be a dominant without being a bad cliche? How do you find a sexy style of erotic dominance that?s authentic to you? Using a special technique she developed, Midori will help you to find your inner power femme archetype, allowing you to pursue erotic fulfillment of sensual power play. Not your typical how-to class, you?ll discover the difference between constructive and destructive desires and point you towards ways of bringing satisfaction in bedroom play for both you and your partner.
This is a prerequisite to Art of Feminine Dominance Level II and an excellent foundation for the Forte Femme women?s weekend.
Thursday April 26
Orgasmic Breath
with Anita DeFrancesco
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Source: http://passion101.wordpress.com/2012/02/13/march-classes-and-beyond/
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