Obama stands firm on gun control despite long odds

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) ? President Barack Obama declared Monday on his first trip outside Washington to promote gun control that a consensus is emerging for universal background checks for purchasers, though he conceded a tough road lay ahead to pass an assault weapons ban over formidable opposition in Congress.

"We should restore the ban on military-style assault weapons and a 10-round limit for magazines," Obama said in a brief speech, standing firm on his full package on gun-control measures despite long odds. Such a ban "deserves a vote in Congress because weapons of war have no place on our streets or in our schools or threatening our law enforcement officers."

The president spoke from a special police operations center in a city once known to some as "Murderapolis" but where gun violence has dropped amid a push to address it from city leaders. Officers stood behind him, dressed in crisp uniforms of blue, white and brown.

The site conveyed Obama's message that a reduction in violence can be achieved nationally, even if Americans have sharp disagreements over gun control. That includes among members of his own party in Washington.

Suggesting he won't get all he's proposing, he said, "We don't have to agree on everything to agree it's time to do something."

The president unveiled his gun-control plans last month after the shootings at a Newtown, Conn., elementary school. But many of the proposals face tough opposition from some in Congress and from the National Rifle Association.

Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has said he wants to give the bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines a vote. But he will not say whether he will support either, and advocates and opponents alike predict they are unlikely to pass.

Putting the controversial measures up for a vote could put some Democratic senators in a tough spot. That includes some from conservative-leaning states who are up for re-election next year and face the prospect of voting against either fervent gun-rights supporters or Obama and gun-control supporters in the party's base.

Reid himself came in for criticism for declining to stand with the president by Minneapolis' Democratic mayor, R.T. Rybak, who accompanied Obama while he was in town. "He's dancing around this issue and people are dying in this country," Rybak said of Reid on MSNBC.

Democratic lawmakers and aides, as well as lobbyists, say an assault weapons ban has the least chance of being approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee that is working up the legislation. They say a ban on high-capacity magazines is viewed as the next least likely proposal to survive, though some compromise version of it might, allowing more than the 10-round maximum that Obama favors.

Likeliest to be included are universal background checks and prohibitions against gun trafficking, they say. One lobbyist said other possible terms include steps to improve record keeping on resales of guns and perhaps provisions that would make it harder for mentally ill people from obtaining firearms.

Asked last week what was likely to be in his committee's bill, committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., said he didn't yet know but "I don't know how anybody can be opposed to universal background checks." He added, "I think gun trafficking, you've got to be able to close that. I don't know how anybody, anybody can object to that."

Obama also was more upbeat on the prospects of universal background checks, including for purchases at gun shows.

"The good news is that we're starting to see a consensus emerge about the action Congress needs to take," he said. "The vast majority of Americans, including a majority of gun owners, support requiring criminal background checks for anyone trying to buy a gun. There's no reason why we can't get that done."

He urged Americans to call their members of Congress to push for his entire package of stronger gun controls. "Tell them now is the time for action."

"Changing the status quo is never easy," Obama said. "This will be no exception. The only way we can reduce gun violence in this country is if the American people decide it's important, if you decide it's important, if parents and teachers, police officers and pastors, hunters and sportsmen, Americans of every background stand up and say, this time, it's got to be different. We've suffered too much pain to stand by and do nothing."

The White House says Obama is not writing off any part of his package despite the long odds for the assault weapons ban in particular before votes are scheduled or he takes his arguments on the road. Education Secretary Arnie Duncan, who has been helping push the gun control package, said he and Obama spoke on the matter Sunday and agreed that Washington in a vacuum is unlikely to move quickly.

"If this is Washington trying to drive this by itself, it doesn't go very far," Duncan said at a meeting with college presidents who have signed on to help lobby Congress to take action to protect students.

The White House said Obama made his maiden trip on the gun control package to Minneapolis because the city has taken steps to tackle gun violence, including a push for stricter background checks. The city launched a program in 2008 aimed at providing more resources for at-risk youth and helping rehabilitate young people who have already committed crimes.

In January, Minneapolis also hosted a regional summit on gun violence for elected officials from around the Midwest. The county's sheriff, Richard Stanek, is a Republican who has been working with the White House to develop a palatable set of gun regulations, with a particular focus on strengthening background checks.

Ahead of Monday's trip, the White House released a photo of the president skeet shooting at Camp David, the presidential retreat, which prompted more question about the president's experience with guns. White House press secretary Jay Carney said he was not aware of Obama personally owning any firearms. He said Obama has shot a gun elsewhere, although he didn't know when or if he had done so- before becoming president. "He never intended to suggest he had grown up as a hunter," Carney said.

Asked whether the president shoots skeet or trap, Carney told reporters, "I'm not an expert, and I don't think he would claim to be either." But he said of the president's shooting skill, "I think he has gotten better."

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Associated Press writers Alan Fram and Philip Elliott contributed to this report.

Follow Nedra Pickler on Twitter at https://twitter.com/nedrapickler and Julie Pace at http://twitter.com/jpaceDC

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/obama-stands-firm-gun-control-despite-long-odds-224629132--politics.html

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The Beanbag Has Finally Been Perfected

Beanbags are just fine, sure. But Kumeko has built a better beanbag, and it's called the Snug Chair. More »

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/WGbctvje1_k/the-beanbag-has-finally-been-perfected

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SUPER BOWL WATCH: Katrina, Coin flip bets, Modell

NEW ORLEANS (AP) ? Around the Super Bowl and its host city with journalists from The Associated Press bringing the flavor and details of everything surrounding the game:

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MODELL HOF DEBATE

One of the liveliest debates this weekend in New Orleans could be not about the Super Bowl itself, but on whether late Baltimore Ravens owner Art Modell should be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of fame.

In Cleveland, many fans haven't forgiven Modell for deciding to relocate his Browns franchise to Baltimore 17 years ago. But his supporters contend he helped create America's most popular sport.

Modell will be considered for enshrinement along with coach Bill Parcells, former 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr., single-season sacks leader Michael Strahan, offensive linemen Jonathan Ogden and Larry Allen, defensive tackle Warren Sapp, running back Jerome Bettis, wide receivers Cris Carter, Tim Brown and Andre Reed, defensive standouts Charles Haley and Kevin Greene, guard Will Shields and defensive back Aeneas Williams.

Also up for consideration, two senior nominees: defensive tackle Curley Culp and linebacker Dave Robinson.

Voters will select between four and seven new members.

The Ravens' unexpected run to the championship game has been, in part, fueled by the team dedicating its season to Modell. Baltimore's players have worn patches with "Art" on their jerseys to honor Modell, who died on Sept. 6, just four days ahead of the opener.

? Tom Withers ? http://twitter.com/twithersAP

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BROTHERLY ADVICE: BOB BRYAN

Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh and San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh are hardly the only high-profile siblings who've squared off in their arena of expertise. The AP is asking some others who can relate how to handle going against a family member in the Super Bowl.

Tennis player Bob Bryan and twin brother Mike are the world's best doubles team, having won a record 13th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open last weekend. Their 20-2 record going into this weekend's Davis Cup matches against Brazil are the best of any U.S. doubles team in the 100-plus year history of the event.

When they were younger, however, the Bryans played singles and often found themselves facing each other in the finals of a tournament.

"We would flip a coin for the match," Bob Bryan said before he and Mike were to take the court in Jacksonville, Fla., for Davis Cup play against Brazil. "(Our parents) didn't want us to become rivals or be competitive against each other, which actually worked out great. We had all our trophies in the same trophy case and shared victories together.

"With both sons in the final (our parents) could sit back, get some lemonade and enjoy the match. There was no pressure on them because the family had pretty much taken home all the hardware," he added. "I saw an interview with the Harbaughs' parents and got the same sense. You could see there was no pressure or stress on their face. They felt like they've already won."

But Bob Bryan said he wouldn't want to be in John or Jim Harbaugh's spot this weekend. When he and his brother played each other, it was impossible to muster the cutthroat attitude athletes need.

"You don't have that killer instinct against that family member," he said.

In fact, playing WITH his brother has made their success that much more rewarding.

"Really, the reason we pulled the plug on singles so early is because we didn't get nearly the same amount of joy from winning," Bob Bryan said. "Now, when we're winning tournaments, we get to talk about it together forever. For the rest of our lives."

? Nancy Armour ? http://www.twitter.com/nrarmour

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QUICKQUOTE: CEE LO GREEN

Cee Lo Green explains why it seems there's more entertainment at this year's Super Bowl than others in recent history:

"The Super Bowl has become such a big event in itself. So many people come from everywhere, looking to not only be a part of the Super Bowl but also the festivities leading up to the game. There's so much to do from parties, concerts and events like our ESPN event where Goodie will be performing. It's so much to do."

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TALE OF 2 CITIES

In some ways, New Orleans has gotten better since Hurricane Katrina. The restaurant scene, for instance.

But drive just a few miles outside the French Quarter and a different picture emerges.

This is definitely a tale of two cities.

Some parts of the Big Easy, such as the Ninth Ward and Treme, don't look a whole lot different than they did the day after Katrina came ashore ? more than seven years ago. On a ride-along with three advocates for the homeless group Unity of Greater New Orleans, it didn't take long to realize just how much is left to do in this unique American city.

There are still thousands of abandoned homes and buildings ? more than 10,000, according to some counts, maybe as many as 15,000. Many of the houses are still adorned with the spray-painted "X'' that became a symbol of the devastation during those awful days back in 2005, when it was used by searchers to let everyone know the structure had been checked and how many bodies could be found inside.

Christopher Weaver barely escaped the floodwaters after the levee just a block away from his house in the Lower Ninth Ward came crashing down. He's returned to a rebuilt home, but most of his neighborhood is marked by vacant, overgrown lots or abandoned homes that still bear the scars of Katrina.

With the Super Bowl blimp flying off in the distance, Weaver was asked what life is like for people like him.

He shook his head and looked at the abandoned lots across the street, obscured by weeds that are taller than he is.

"You can see it for yourself," Weaver said. "It sucks."

? Paul Newberry ? http://www.twitter.com/pnewberry1963

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STAT OF THE DAY: $100M COIN TOSS

The stat of the day today is about gambling on a simple question: Heads or tails? Bettors worldwide are expected to wager $100 million on that coin toss outcome at the Super Bowl.

That's according to gambling expert R.J. Bell of Pregame.com, which tracks betting trends in casinos in Nevada and elsewhere.

Bell says in the past 46 Super Bowls, the coin has fallen heads 23 times and tails 23 times. But the NFC has won 14 of the past 15 Super Bowl tosses.

Suckers might think that means the Ravens are due for the AFC, but Baltimore's chances of winning the toss this time: Still 50 percent.

? Oskar Garcia ? http://twitter.com/oskargarcia

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TROUT CRASHES SUPER BOWL ADS

A rising baseball star is crashing the Super Bowl with his first major national commercial.

Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels, last year's American League rookie of the year and runner-up for the league's MVP, will be featured in a new ad for Subway, along with Los Angeles Clippers star Blake Griffin, Justin Tuck of the New York Giants, Olympic speedskater Apolo Anton Ohno, and boxer Laila Ali, among others.

The ad marks Jared Fogle's 15-year anniversary of losing 245 pounds by eating Subway.

Trout says being part of a Super Bowl ad is "an incredible feeling."

The endorsement is a natural for Trout, who grew up eating the restaurant chain's sandwiches (His favorite: chicken teriyaki with hot peppers and oregano)

Since his favorite team, the Philadelphia Eagles, isn't playing, Trout says he enjoys checking out the commercials.

"Some get pretty creative, some of them get a laugh, some prove a point," he said. "I'm sure I'll be getting a lot of text messages during the Super Bowl just to mess with me a little bit."

As for the game, Trout says he thinks San Francisco to win even though he wants Baltimore to prevail.

"I've got a lot of 49ers fans on the Angels, and I know I'll hear it when I get to the spring," he said.

Pitchers and catchers report this month, and soon Trout will be playing alongside slugger Josh Hamilton. Trout said he texted the former Rangers superstar to welcome him to the Angels.

"The next thing he said to me was, 'Get your legs loose.' I was pretty excited. It will be pretty fun."

? Beth Harris ? http://twitter.com/bethharrisap

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STATE OF THE NFL

Player safety, the New Orleans Saints bounty program, cold-weather Super Bowls, even his popularity among New Orleans restaurant owners ? NFL commissioner Roger Goodell touched on a wide range of topics Friday during the annual "State of the NFL." Among the highlights:

PLAYER SAFETY

Goodell defended the league, which has come under increasing scrutiny following new studies about the long-term effects of concussions as well as recent suicides by former NFL players. President Barack Obama recently said if he had a son, he's not sure he'd let him play football. And the NFL is being sued by thousands of former players.

Goodell says steps the league has taken in recent seasons have made the game safer, and more steps are likely going forward.

"We will not relent on this," he said.

Neurosurgeons will be part of gameday medical staffs beginning next season, he said. The league is also looking at eliminating certain low blocks and will continue to impose harsh punishments for illegal hits ? particularly for players who are repeat offenders.

Proper tackling technique also needs to be emphasized, getting players to get away from using their heads and return to using their shoulders and arms.

"The No. 1 issue is, take the head out of the game," Goodell said.

Asked specifically about Obama's concerns, Goodell said "I welcome" the comments because it keeps attention on the dangers of head trauma.

"What we are doing is leading the way to try and make sure people understand you need to treat these injuries seriously," he said.

SAINTS BOUNTIES

Goodell refused to apologize for his harsh treatment of the Saints' bounty program, even if it means he's not the most popular man in New Orleans this week.

Coach Sean Payton was suspended for the season, and four current or former Saints players were punished after an investigation found the club had had a performance pool offering cash rewards for key plays, including big hits. The player suspensions eventually were overturned.

"There's no question that there was a bounty program in place for three years. I think that is bad for the players, it's bad for the game," Goodell said. "I don't believe bounties are going to be part of football going forward, and I think that's good for everybody."

His only regret was not convincing teams, players and coaches that everyone shares in the responsibility of making the game safer.

"I wasn't able to make that point clearly enough with the union and with others," he said. "But that is something we're going to be incredibly relentless on."

ROONEY RULE

Despite eight coaching vacancies and openings for seven general managers, no minorities were hired for the NFL's most high-profile positions this off-season. Goodell says that's unacceptable.

"There was full compliance of the Rooney Rule. In fact, I believe there were a record number of interviews," Goodell said. "But we didn't have the outcome we wanted. It's very important to the success of the league to do that, and we're committed to find that solution."

Goodell said the league needs to look at whether the rule needs to be expanded or adapted.

COLD-WEATHER SUPER BOWLS

Next year's Super Bowl in New York is unlikely to be the last played outdoors in a cold-weather city, judging by Goodell's remarks.

"The game of football is made to be played in the elements," he said. "Now, we hope they will not be extreme, but we will be prepared if that's the case. Some of the most classic games in history were played in extreme conditions."

? Nancy Armour ? http://www.twitter.com/nrarmour

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WHAT'S IN A NAME? FOR HARBAUGHS, DEFINITELY A 'J'

Jack and Jackie Harbaugh weren't trying to be cute when they gave all three of their kids names that start with the letter "J."

John, the eldest, was a given. He's named after Jack, whose given name is also John. Jim's name came from Jackie's doctor in Perrysburg, Ohio, who also was named Jim.

"They came in and said, 'What are you going to name this baby?' and I said that I liked the name Jim," Jackie Harbaugh said.

As for Joani, their third child and only daughter, her full name is Joani Marie and it comes from Jackie Harbaugh's mother's middle name and the first name of Jack Harbaugh's mother.

So it really wasn't planned, this whole family of J Harbaughs?

"No," Jackie Harbaugh said. "We aren't very creative."

? Nancy Armour ? http://twitter.com/nrarmour

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SALSA VS SQUIRREL

Which dance do you prefer: Victor Cruz' touchdown salsa or Ray Lewis' game entrance squirrel?

Cruz breaks it down: "The Ray Lewis slide has a little more intensity, a little more swagger fire under it. The salsa is just for swagger, for flavor, a little bit, but it's two completely different joints."

Cruz did his interpretation of the Lewis dance and said he likes them both.

"It's unique to each other's character, each other's personality," he said.

Lewis might trade dance props for any holdover luck from Cruz' trip to the Super Bowl last year; the wide receiver won a title with New York.

Cruz said he plans to tweet during Sunday's game from his (at)teamvic account, about the game and the entertainment.

"I'm looking forward to Alicia Keys ... singing the national anthem, as well as Beyonce at half time," Cruz said. "I feel like they picked some good performers this year."

? Nekesa Mumbi Moody ? http://twitter.com/nekesamumbi

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FAN TAKES: GOODELL

Fans at the NFL Experience are here for fun but also have some strong thoughts about Commissioner Roger Goodell as he talks about the state of the league.

Many are torn with the Super Bowl in town as they heal from Goodell's disciplining of the New Orleans Saints in a bounty scandal.

Despite mixed feelings, the party's not stopping.

Here's what some folks said Friday as a local brass band, the Brass-O-Holics, jammed on a stage.

? "He's the grinch who stole our Christmas, but it's Mardi Gras, so it's all good in the neighborhood. Welcome, Roger." ?Stephanie Arwood, a New Orleans resident in a Marcus Colston jersey with her young son.

? "There's a lot of anger toward Roger Goodell. I hope the Saints fans have mercy on him while he's here, truthfully. ... Katrina's a perfect example of how we'll pick up and move on, but we're not going to move on until the season's over with. Especially while he's here, I think we'll take every opportunity to give back to him what he gave to us." ?Sammie Mitchell, a New Orleans resident sporting a gold Saints jersey as he took pictures with friends and family.

? "I don't have any hard feelings. ... "It's time to move on and get ready for next season. We just have to move forward." ?Edwin Cowart of Gretna, La., sporting a Jimmy Graham Saints jersey. He says he's following the lead of coaches and players in moving on.

? Stacey Plaisance

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5 KEY PLAYERS: BALTIMORE

We asked AP pro football writer Barry Wilner to pick five key players for each team in this Super Bowl. You'll want to pay attention to these guys on Sunday.

First, for the Baltimore Ravens:

?JOE FLACCO (QB, JERSEY NO. 5): Flacco is on a personal streak this postseason with eight touchdowns and no interceptions in three games. He outplayed top draftee Andrew Luck, then Peyton Manning, then Tom Brady in leading the Ravens to the Super Bowl. And he's been successful in the playoffs over his five-year career ? he has an 8-4 playoff record and an NFL record by leading his team to playoff wins in each of his first five seasons.

?RAY RICE (RB, JERSEY NO. 27): Rice has been the hub of the Ravens' offense throughout his career ? a threat to break long gains on runs or screen passes. This season, he rushed for 1,143 yards and nine TDs, caught 61 passes for 478 yards. He has two touchdowns in the postseason.

?RAY LEWIS (ILB, JERSEY NO. 52): Lewis has been the emotional engine for Baltimore his entire career, and retires after this game. Teammate Bernard Pollard calls him "The Raven." Lewis missed 10 games this year with a torn right triceps, but has been sensational in playoffs with 44 tackles. He was the MVP of the 2001 Super Bowl, the Ravens' only championship, and Defensive Player of Year in 2000 and 2003.

?PAUL KRUGER (DE, JERSEY NO. 99): Kruger had a breakout season and has been among the best defenders in playoffs. He led Baltimore with nine sacks and has 2? in the postseason. He's very disruptive and also can drop into coverage, though that's not his strength. He doesn't get double-teamed as much with Terrell Suggs getting healthier.

?CARY WILLIAMS (CB, JERSEY No. 29): Williams is a very up-and-down defender who has two picks in postseason, including one in the end zone in the AFC championship. A so-so tackler, better as coverage man, yet made 75 tackles during the season. Williams joined the Ravens in 2009 after Tennessee cut him.

? Barry Wilner

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HGH TESTING

Repeating something the league has been saying for more than a year, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said he hopes there will be HGH testing soon ? before the start of the 2013 season if he has his way.

Your turn, players' union.

The league and union paved the way for testing two seasons ago in the collective bargaining agreement. But the sides have been at an impasse, with the NFL Players Association saying it needs more information about the validity of a test that is used by Olympic sports and Major League Baseball. The union also has issues with the appeals process, saying the league won't agree to the independent arbitrator that Major League Baseball's drug-testing program has.

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EDITOR'S NOTE ? "Super Bowl Watch" shows you the Super Bowl and the events surrounding the game through the eyes of Associated Press journalists across New Orleans and around the world. Follow them on Twitter where available with the handles listed after each item.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/super-bowl-watch-katrina-coin-flip-bets-modell-223058378--spt.html

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Maria Rodale: Romantic Fantasies We Love to Hate

by guest blogger Maya Rodale, author of?smart and sassy romance novels

Valentine's Day. Pop Songs. Romantic Comedies. Romance Novels. The message they often send is that it's not enough to be in luuuurrrve, you've got to be Crazy In Love, which can put a lot of pressure on a couple. Are hearts still racing? Are there enough roses? And candlelight all the time? It's exhausting day in day out, but for three minutes to a few hours, it can be exhilarating.

I asked some of my romance-writing friends about some of the worst things we all tend to celebrate in our romantic fantasies (whether on page, speaker, or screen). But are they really so bad?

I knew you were trouble: Bad Boys vs. Nice Guys
All the rock stars and rogues know that ladies can't resist a man prone to trouble. Romance novelist Jerrica Knight-Catania, author of The Wetherby Brides novels, points out that all those "hottie bad boys" set up some unrealistic expectations: "Who wouldn't be drawn to someone so gorgeous and exciting? And to think you might be the one to reform him, the one that makes him want to settle down and suddenly become the good guy?" That kind of thinking can lead to all sorts of trouble.

It's often been said in Regency romance novels that "reformed rakes make the best husbands," but it usually takes a few hundred pages and lots of heartache and anguish. Is that love? Or is it to be found with, as Jerrica says, "the faithful, secure guy who lives in the shadow of the bad boy"?

But then again...sometimes you have to get out of the shadows and ask out the object of your desire. And sometimes you've got to give people a chance to change.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun?: Bad Girls vs. Good Girls
What's a girl to do when she's looking for love? From whom should she take inspiration? Contemporary romance writer Megan Mulry, author of A Royal Pain was hugely influenced by the movie Grease: "The basic message of Grease (or at least how it filtered into my eager, unformed psyche) was: Give up your prissy ways and be the happy hooker with the big hair, the cigarette, the red Candie's, and (duh!) the dude. A fast girl gets her man (and she likes it!).

On the flip side, I never felt as adorably sweet and prissy as Meg Ryan was in all her movies. This caused me serious angst because I wanted a Hollywood love, but I also didn't always feel perky enough. The range of expectations in part explains the appeal of Bridget Jones--a heroine who is so very imperfect yet finds a hero who likes her just as she is (Darcy for the win!). But how are we real-life prospective heroines to be?!

But then again... Some heroines are ditzy, some are smart. Some are stunning, some get makeovers, and some are fine just as they are. But each one finds her hero.

Never Tear Us Apart: Grand Declarations vs. The Daily Grind
"If your entire experience of love and romantic relationships is solely from popular culture, from books and movies and TV, then you are going to think falling in love is the MOST. DRAMATIC. THING. EVER."?Kate Noble, author of the upcoming romance novel Let It Be Me, definitely has a point.

"But the truth about love is, from the outside, it's the most mundane thing ever," she says. "Oh, for the two people in the relationship, it is full of moments of realization and tingly kisses, but also lame inside jokes and long discussions about how to build a life together and why the kids will only eat spaghetti."

Personal story: In the early throes of a romance (with the man who's now my husband), I couldn't eat or sleep and I had insane amounts of energy. It was exhilarating...until it was just exhausting. I was ready to calm down and build a life together. Bottom line: I believe in celebrating love in all its complexities and in whatever form it takes, whether it's a pop song on the radio, a story told in a romance novel or on a movie screen, or in real life.

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Maya Rodale is the author of multiple historical romance novels, as well as the nonfiction book Dangerous Books for Girls: The Bad Reputation of Romance Novels, Explained. She has a master's degree from New York University and lives in Manhattan with her darling dog and a rogue of her own. Her latest book is Seducing the Single Lady, a historical romance based on Beyonc? songs. Learn more at?mayarodale.com

For more from Maria Rodale, go to www.mariasfarmcountrykitchen.com

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Follow Maria Rodale on Twitter: www.twitter.com/farmkitchenblog

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/maria-rodale/romantic-fantasies-we-lov_b_2598154.html

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Dozens interested in Wash. state pot consultant job

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) ? The job description requests an unlikely mix of skills: five years of regulatory experience, with a law degree preferred, and extensive knowledge of all things marijuana.

But that didn't stop dozens of people from turning out Wednesday ? in flannel and suits, ponytails and hemp necklaces ? to find out more about becoming Washington state's official marijuana consultant.

As officials figure out how to regulate the state's newly legal marijuana, they're hiring an adviser to fill in the gaps of the typical bureaucrat's education: how cannabis is best grown, dried, tested, labeled, packaged, regulated and cooked into brownies.

The Liquor Control Board, the agency charged with developing rules for the marijuana industry, reserved a convention center hall for a state bidding expert to take questions about the position and the hiring process.

"Since it's not unlikely with this audience, would a felony conviction preclude you from this contract?" asked Rose Habib, an analytical chemist from a marijuana testing lab in Missoula, Mont.

The answer: It depends. A pot-related conviction is probably fine, but a "heinous felony," not so much, responded John Farley, a procurement coordinator with the Liquor Control Board.

Washington and Colorado this fall became the first states to pass laws legalizing the recreational use of marijuana and setting up systems of state-licensed growers, processors and retail stores where adults over 21 can walk in and buy up to an ounce of heavily taxed cannabis.

Both states are working to develop rules for the emerging pot industry. Up in the air is everything from how many growers and stores there should be, to how the marijuana should be tested to ensure people don't get sick.

Sales are due to begin in Washington state in December.

Washington's Liquor Control Board has a long and "very good" history with licensing and regulation, spokesman Mikhail Carpenter said.

"But there are some technical aspects with marijuana we could use a consultant to help us with," Carpenter said.

The board has advertised for consulting services in four categories. The first is "product and industry knowledge" and requires "at least three years of consulting experience relating to the knowledge of the cannabis industry, including but not limited to product growth, harvesting, packaging, product infusion and product safety."

Other categories cover quality testing, including how to test for levels of THC, the compound that gets marijuana users high; statistical analysis of how much marijuana the state's licensed growers should produce; and the development of regulations, a category that requires a "strong understanding of state, local or federal government processes," with a law degree preferred.

Farley said the state hopes to award a single contract covering all four categories, but if no bidder or team of bidders has expertise in all fields? regulatory law, statistical analysis and pot growing ? multiple contracts could be awarded. Or bidders who are strong in one category could team up with those who are strong in another. Bids are due Feb. 15, with the contract awarded in March.

Habib, the chemist, said she's part of a team of marijuana and regulatory experts from Montana who are bidding for the contract. They're fed up with federal raids on medical dispensaries there.

"We want to move here and make it work. We want to be somewhere this is moving forward and being embraced socially," she said.

Khurshid Khoja, a corporate lawyer from San Francisco, wore a suit and sat beside a balding, ponytailed man in a gray sweatshirt ? Ed Rosenthal, a co-founder of High Times magazine and a recognized expert on marijuana cultivation. They're on a team bidding for the contract.

"I've seen the effect of regulation of marijuana all my life," Khoja said. "I'd like to see a more rational, scientific approach to it."

Several people asked whether winning the contract, or even subcontracting with the winning bidder, would preclude them from getting state licenses to grow, process or sell cannabis. Farley said yes: It would pose a conflict of interest to have the consultant helping develop the regulations being subject to those rules. But once the contract has expired, they could apply for state marijuana licenses, he said.

After the questions ended, the bidders mingled, exchanging business cards and talking about how they might team up. One Seattle-area marijuana grower, a college student who declined to give his name after noting that a dispensary he worked with had been raided by federal authorities in 2011, approached Rosenthal star-struck.

"It would be my dream to smoke a bowl with you after this," he said.

___

Johnson can be reached at https://twitter.com/GeneAPseattle

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/dozens-interested-wash-pot-consultant-job-091653252.html

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Safe sex practices among African American women

Public release date: 31-Jan-2013
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Contact: Camille Gamboa
camille.gamboa@sagepub.com
905-410-7441
SAGE Publications

Los Angeles, CA (January 31, 2013) Researchers have found that African American women exhibit a higher risk for sexually transmitted infections including HIV/Aids. But what motivates this group of women to have sex? And when are they more likely to use protection?

A new study published today in Health Education & Behavior (a SAGE journal) found that regardless of motivations for having sex, condom use expectations were less than 50% for all types of sexual encounters, including the riskiest types of sex.

Researchers Julianna Deardorff et. al used a combination of interviews and focus groups to conduct the study. Participants were African American women with low incomes who had had an average of 1.2 sexual partners in the past month. Their average age was 20.4 years old.

While the participants in the study labeled love, feelings, and fun as their top reasons for sexual encounters, expectations for condom use were the lowest when women were pressured to have sex, for example when they were inexperienced or controlled by peers or sexual partners.

"Findings highlight the need for tailored interventions to increase condom use in casual relationships, where perceived risk is already high, and in primary relationships, where motivations for condom use may be low." the authors wrote. "Interventions that address mediators of sexual risk, including self-esteem and coping, may be more effective than those focusing solely on risk perceptions."

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Find out more by reading the article "Motivations for Sex Among Low-Income African American Young Women" by Julianna Deardorff, Ahna B. Suleiman, Teresa S. Dal Santo, Michelle Flythe, J. Barry Gurdin, and Stephen L. Eyre in Health Education and Behavior: http://heb.sagepub.com/content/early/2013/01/24/1090198112473112.full.pdf+html

Health Education & Behavior (HEB) is a peer-reviewed bi-monthly journal that provides empirical research, case studies, program evaluations, literature reviews, and discussions of theories of health behavior and health status, as well as strategies to improve social and behavioral health. HEB also examines the processes of planning, implementing, managing, and assessing health education and social-behavioral interventions. This journal is a member of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). http://heb.sagepub.com/

Impact Factor: 1.536

Ranked: 50 out of 131 in Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

Source: 2011 Journal Citation Reports (Thomson Reuters, 2012)

SAGE is a leading international publisher of journals, books, and electronic media for academic, educational, and professional markets. Since 1965, SAGE has helped inform and educate a global community of scholars, practitioners, researchers, and students spanning a wide range of subject areas including business, humanities, social sciences, and science, technology, and medicine. An independent company, SAGE has principal offices in Los Angeles, London, New Delhi, Singapore and Washington DC. www.sagepublications.com

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AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.

Public release date: 31-Jan-2013
[ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Camille Gamboa
camille.gamboa@sagepub.com
905-410-7441
SAGE Publications

Los Angeles, CA (January 31, 2013) Researchers have found that African American women exhibit a higher risk for sexually transmitted infections including HIV/Aids. But what motivates this group of women to have sex? And when are they more likely to use protection?

A new study published today in Health Education & Behavior (a SAGE journal) found that regardless of motivations for having sex, condom use expectations were less than 50% for all types of sexual encounters, including the riskiest types of sex.

Researchers Julianna Deardorff et. al used a combination of interviews and focus groups to conduct the study. Participants were African American women with low incomes who had had an average of 1.2 sexual partners in the past month. Their average age was 20.4 years old.

While the participants in the study labeled love, feelings, and fun as their top reasons for sexual encounters, expectations for condom use were the lowest when women were pressured to have sex, for example when they were inexperienced or controlled by peers or sexual partners.

"Findings highlight the need for tailored interventions to increase condom use in casual relationships, where perceived risk is already high, and in primary relationships, where motivations for condom use may be low." the authors wrote. "Interventions that address mediators of sexual risk, including self-esteem and coping, may be more effective than those focusing solely on risk perceptions."

###

Find out more by reading the article "Motivations for Sex Among Low-Income African American Young Women" by Julianna Deardorff, Ahna B. Suleiman, Teresa S. Dal Santo, Michelle Flythe, J. Barry Gurdin, and Stephen L. Eyre in Health Education and Behavior: http://heb.sagepub.com/content/early/2013/01/24/1090198112473112.full.pdf+html

Health Education & Behavior (HEB) is a peer-reviewed bi-monthly journal that provides empirical research, case studies, program evaluations, literature reviews, and discussions of theories of health behavior and health status, as well as strategies to improve social and behavioral health. HEB also examines the processes of planning, implementing, managing, and assessing health education and social-behavioral interventions. This journal is a member of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). http://heb.sagepub.com/

Impact Factor: 1.536

Ranked: 50 out of 131 in Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

Source: 2011 Journal Citation Reports (Thomson Reuters, 2012)

SAGE is a leading international publisher of journals, books, and electronic media for academic, educational, and professional markets. Since 1965, SAGE has helped inform and educate a global community of scholars, practitioners, researchers, and students spanning a wide range of subject areas including business, humanities, social sciences, and science, technology, and medicine. An independent company, SAGE has principal offices in Los Angeles, London, New Delhi, Singapore and Washington DC. www.sagepublications.com

---

[ | E-mail | Share ]

?

AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.

Source: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-01/sp-ssp013113.php

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Coach Pop Earns Spot as Western Conference Head Coach for 2013 NBA All-Star Game

Gregory Shamus/NBAE/Getty Images

NEW YORK, Jan. 30, 2013 ? San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich will coach the Western Conference All-Stars for the 2013 NBA All-Star Game, to be played on Sunday, Feb. 17 (8 p.m. ET), at the Toyota Center in Houston. This marks the third time Popovich has earned the honor, having also coached the West in the 2005 and 2011 games.

Popovich secured the distinction following San Antonio?s 102-78 win tonight against the Charlotte Bobcats, ensuring the Spurs (37-11, .771) will have the best record in the West through games played Feb. 3. The Oklahoma City Thunder?s Scott Brooks was not eligible to coach in this year?s midseason classic by virtue of having coached the West team in last year?s game.

Popovich, in his 17th season as San Antonio?s head coach, has led the Spurs to four NBA championships (1999, 2003, 2005 and 2007), and owns a 924-410 (.693) regular-season record. His 924 wins with the same team rank second all-time in NBA history behind Jerry Sloan (1,127). A two-time NBA Coach of the Year (2003 and 2012), Popovich is 1-1 in All-Star Game competition. He guided the West to a 148-143 win in the 2011 All-Star Game in Los Angeles, and was on the West sideline in Denver in 2005 when the East scored a 125-115 victory.

The East All-Star coach will be determined by the best record in the conference through games played Sunday, Feb. 3. The Chicago Bulls? Tom Thibodeau coached the East squad last season and is therefore ineligible for the honor this year.

The 62nd NBA All-Star Game will be played at the Toyota Center in Houston on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013 (8 p.m. ET), televised exclusively on TNT and broadcast exclusively on ESPN Radio in the U.S. The All-Star Game will reach fans in 215 countries and territories in 47 languages.

Source: http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/130130_pop_allstar

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