Views from the Strippermobile traveling through Las Vegas, raising decency and safety concerns

This little boy refuses to stand for the pledge of allegiance until the military ends discrimination against gays and lesbians. Meanwhile, the governor of Rhode Island (played by the Grinch), refuses to allow bereaved people to make funeral arrangements for their same-sex partners.

A standard movie poster theme emerges

Somehow I can’t get on the pity party bandwagon for new moms whose baby isn’t the gender they wanted.

Desserts made with fruit and Viagra.

Androgyny is back, ya’ll.

Unless your speak Portugese, skip ahead to :50 to watch a runner up snatch the wig off Miss Gay Brazil’s head.

Are any of your favorite authors nominated for a Bad Sex in Fiction award?

You probably have heard of the Marquis de Sade, from whom we get the term “sadist.” Who’s the guy behind “masochist?”

Fascinating little article on the symptoms that occur when you’re not having enough sex.

Shocker! Women can use sex as a means of control in a relationship. Well, women with personality disorders at least.

Questions? Comments? Violent Reactions? Email Timaree at sexwithtimaree@gmail.com See more at SexwithTimaree.com

Is Sarah Palin killing her political career by writing her new book and appearing all over television.

Absolutely not. After screwing the Republican Party in the NY-23 race and whipping the nation into an unnecessary frenzy over non-existent “death panels,” Oprah’s stage is probably the safest place in the world for Sarah Palin. In order to move into the next phase of her political life, however, Palin must do more than offer revisionist narratives about her time on the campaign trail. She must also develop a deeper understanding of domestic and foreign policy, find ways of reaching out to moderate Republicans, and convince all Americans that she is more than a political show horse. While none of these things are impossible, I’m not holding my breath.

Why would Obama allow Khalid Sheikh Mohammed to be tried in New York civilian court, when even Muhammad himself wants to be tried in front of a military tribunal?

First, contrary to what the Right has erroneously stated, this decision comes from Attorney General Eric Holder, not President Obama. Second, why should we trust that Mohammed was being honest? Are terrorists known for their candor and sincerity when speaking to the Western media? Even if he is telling the truth, why should we base our criminal justice decisions on his desires? While I’m not convinced that civilian court is the right move, I have no doubt that we have the ability to keep New York safe, avoid a media spectacle, offer a fair and just trial, and secure an appropriate verdict. I say let’s celebrate the possible triumph of justice and not fall into the all-too-familiar game of “blame the opposition.”

What do you think about the rumors that the New York Knicks might pick up Allen Iverson?

As a die-hard Philadelphian, I hope that the Knicks are dumb enough to sign Iverson. A six-foot shoot guard who avoids practice, doesn’t pass the ball, and can’t guard anyone at his position, Iverson has always been a hard guy to play with. Now that he’s lost a few steps, Iverson is nothing more than an egomaniacal team cancer who isn’t worth a veteran’s minimum contract. That said, given the Knicks history, expect see Iverson in uniform next week.

Today’s video of the day is a great television special about Mos Def, who recently traveled to Japan while promoting and performing his latest album.

Question to the Sexpert:

“This isn’t a sex question per say, but you seem to know about social etiquette and gender. I’m a cute girl- not Adriana Lima or anything, but totally inoffensive to all senses- surrounded by nerd boys. I went into a branch of science where there are rarely other females so most of my colleagues are dorky but nice guys who appear to be terrified at the possibility of interacting with me.  They have created an inner circle of guys who all talk to each other and hang out in a friendly way and I’d like to be involved since we’re all in this together and I’m still somewhat new to town. They don’t seem to want to approach me. I can only guess it’s because they’re scared of girls (only two of them have had girlfriends in the last 5 years). I don’t want to freak them out by being too friendly or give them the impression I’m hitting on them. What is the best way to handle this awkwardness?”

Dealing socially with nerdlinger boys can be tricky, no doubt, even/especially when you’re accustomed to the social interactions that come with being a cute young female.

It’s a rare and beautiful bird who is known to be both a total nerd and a complete slut (outside of the arts). Fellow grad students in Human Sexuality, I’m looking at you.

What defines your coworkers’ geekiness is that they have placed their area of study above partaking in the fracas of the social scene. This may be because they don’t want to be part of the game… but more likely because it’s hard for them. Early experiences with people may have been rejection-filled or so terrifying of a prospect that they never happened. So you’re dealing with guys who possibly have neither the inclination nor the ability to approach you, say “hi” and see if you want to join them for a cup Caffe Americain Psycho.

But as much as you may not want to play Social Skills Coach to these dudes who have shown no interest in your inclusion, it’s in your best interest.  This is not just important networking but the most basic level requirements for an enjoyable workplace. No one wants to dread work, and having no friends at your job is a real quick way to get to hating it.

JUST TALK WORK

If you approach these guys directly with work-related topics, avoiding the pitfall of looking like you’re helpless, they will have to respond. Clearly this mysterious branch of science interests you so you should have plenty to discuss. Just take the required initiative and approach them when they are somewhere between one task and another. This way they know they can flee at any moment to go back to work but are not going to have to stop in the middle of anything to chat.

INVITE THEM IN GROUPS

You don’t get invited to the party? Start your own damn party. You may have to play hostess, even if it’s at a bar. When you see multiple coworkers assembled together talking, bring up an invitation that includes the following: an activity that interests them, indication there will be minimal other people present and a convenient time/location so there are no easy excuses for skipping out. There may be a few instances of them bailing on you. If this happens, re-evaluate how much you care about being friends with these particular coworkers.

FINE, USE YOUR SEXUALITY

I make this the last option because it means playing into sexism and allowing yourself to be objectified simply so that you will be treated humanely. But, if these nerdlingers are really that starved for female attention and you really are that cute, you can have them under your command like a flock of imprinted geese with an embarrassing knowledge of role-playing games and a hopelessly outmoded fashion sense.

You might well give them the impression they have a chance with you and this could turn into a stalkerific nightmare, so tread carefully. Be friendly, use your female social powers of putting people at ease and make them feel important.

It might seem like the onus is on you entirely: that you have to make the first move and go out of your way to save them from getting the wrong idea. At some point, though, it’s up to them to grow a pair and act human.

Questions? Comments? Violent Reactions? Email Timaree at sexwithtimaree@gmail.com See more at SexwithTimaree.com

Today’s video of the day comes from MSNBC’s Live, where we discussed the future of Sarah Palin.