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London: Celebrity 'sexting' scandals is creating peer pressure on young men and women to send each other explicit pictures and messages, according to a new study.
Earlier this year, singer Rihanna was reportedly sending numerous flirtatious texts to bad-boy actor Colin Farrell.
In February 2010, Cheryl Cole finally divorced cheating hubby Ashley after discovering he had been sending racy snaps to other women.
And research suggests this new form of infidelity among the rich and famous is creating peer pressure on young men and women to share sexual images via their mobile phones.
"The phenomenon has become a focus of much media reporting, however research regarding the issue is in its infancy, and the voice of young people is missing from this discussion and debate," the Daily Mail quoted researcher Shelley Walker, at the University of Melbourne in Australia, as saying.
The study involved individual interviews with 33 young people - 15 male and 18 female - aged between 15 and 20.
Preliminary findings revealed young people believed a highly sexualised media culture bombarded young people with sexualised images and created pressure to engage in sexting.
Young people discussed the pressure boys place on each other to have girls' photos on their phones and computers.
They said if boys refrained from engaging in the activity they were labelled 'gay' or could be ostracised by the peer group.
Both genders talked about the pressure girls experienced from boyfriends or strangers to reciprocate on exchanging sexual images.
Some young women talked about the expectation to get involved in 'sexting' after viewing images of girls they knew.
All the youngsters talked about being sent or shown images or videos, sometimes of people they knew or of pornography without actually having agreed to look at it first.
"Sexting is a rapidly changing problem as young people keep up with new technologies such as using video and internet via mobile phones," Walker said.
"Our study reveals how complex and ever-changing the phenomenon of sexting is and that continued meaningful dialogue is needed to address and prevent the negative consequences of sexting for young people," she added.


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Unlike some pundits we could name, we here at Odd Dominion HQ have never discounted the chances that Virginia's rabidly right-wing Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli could somehow weasel his way into the governor's mansion. After all, despite the man's long history of extremist positions and borderline abusive political behavior (like issuing a "Civil Investigative Demand" for the records of climate scientist Michael Mann, who received state funds while producing a widely respected series of climate studies for the University of Virginia), the Cooch has always displayed a particular talent for ingratiation. He may have the burning heart of a zealot, but his ability to appeal to the crazies while simultaneously convincing a sizable swath of swing voters that he's a moderate is what keeps him in office.
But it's one thing to accept that the man has a fighting chance to become Virginia's next governor, and something else entirely to see it splashed across the pages of The Washington Post. And yet there it was, in stark black and white, in the May 4 edition: an official Post poll that showed Democratic challenger Terry McAuliffe trailing Cuccinelli by five points among all Virginia voters, and a disastrous 10 points among "certain" voters.
And yes, all of the usual caveats apply. It's incredibly early in the race; only 10 percent of poll respondents said they were following the race closely; nearly half of all voters still consider themselves undecided. What's more, a more recent NBC News/Marist poll actually had McAuliffe besting Cuccinelli by two points among registered voters.
But still! The fact that Ken "Climate Conspiracy" Cuccinelli is apparently Virginia's gubernatorial frontrunner is enough to make us despair for the future of the Commonwealth. And adding to our despair is the fact that the sole obstacle standing between the Cooch and the Executive Mansion is former Democratic National Committee chair Terry McAuliffe.
Now don't get us wrong—we love the Macker! But unfortunately, the ironic adulation of left-leaning political columnists is not going to help him knock off Cuccinelli. In fact, all of the things that we find endearing about McAuliffe (he once wrestled an alligator in exchange for a political donation! He left his wife and newborn son in the back of a limo to attend a fundraiser hosted by the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters!) are probably the exact things that are exacerbating his current lack of electoral traction.
McAuliffe is a political animal, pure and simple. And while it can certainly be argued that a lifelong dedication to supporting (and raising funds for) a political party is great preparation for political office, the unfortunate truth is that McAuliffe is a largely unknown entity with the reputation of a snake-oil salesman. Pitted against a halfway rational Republican candidate (like, say, Bill Bolling), we wouldn't give him a chance.
But in this race, at this crucial point in Virginia's political trajectory, we can only hope that he has what it takes. Because if he fails, and the Cooch actually ascends the throne?
Well, then—for better or for worse—the joke will finally be on us.

subset: commoncrawl


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Pursuant to my policies, I am reprinting an email, with identifying details redacted. I thought it would make for a nice conversation.
A few comments first. The tone and intent of the letter is, I would say, very nice. The content, however suffers from all kinds of being wrong, and contains great examples of common logical fallacies (don't forget to point them out!). Still, thank you very much for writing.
I don't expect any kind of acknowledgement, actually I frankly expect you'll just hit the delete key with the thought, "another uneducated ".
Now that that's out of the way... (You're still here? Wow.)
As a "layman", I have no "medical" credentials --MD, ND, or otherwise-- and no particular axe to grind either way.
What I do have is logic, a solid grounding in the scientific method, an engineering degree, a knowledge of history of medicine, and a good bit of life experience.
Your original question was plausibly civil, but the ensuing "discussion" --if one may be so charitable as to call it that-- unsurprisingly was hardly inviting to those whom you asked for replies. Why on earth do you think that these people would bother wasting time posting in a clearly hostile room, merely to satisfy your ego?
As I said, I have no axe to grind. If anything, my evolution of thought started from the position of being strongly pro-MD. (My uncle was the founding physician of [insert famous institution here], the largest private hospital in [insert civilized country here]-- and before you dare think "backwater", I'll inform you that he was also the in-country physician for visiting President [insert former US president here]. If you think that the Secret Service would allow that man or his hospital near the President of the USA without having his sh* in one sock, you are a fool.)
With that out of the way, I will also tell you that there are a bunch of MD's who are very open to "natural" treatments. They are quiet about it because they don't care to be mocked (or worse) by the medical profession.
Before you castigate persons choose to seek assistance from outside the "official" medical profession, perhaps you should reconsider the history of your own profession. Were you aware that the physician who PIONEERED WASHING HANDS, was run out of the medical profession as a "quack" because what he was teaching ran counter to the "accepted medical practice" of the age? If you think I'm making it up, please don't take my word for it -- do a bit of history reading.
What makes you think that today's medical practices and regimented thinking is any better than that time?
Those of us who are on the sidelines don't hate medicine. I for one certainly do not.
I haven't chosen sides. I simply have come to understand that the "medical profession" does not have an exclusive lock on knowledge.
What I and many others have come to loathe about "medical professionals", though, is the rampant arrogance and dismissiveness of other perspectives.
There's a big difference between intelligence and wisdom.
Learn some humility, boy.
Then you may gain some wisdom about life.
And your patients will be much better served.
Before you discuss, I'd like to remind folks that it is not myself or my perceived arrogance for which I advocate. It is for truth, and, as my friend likes to say, "A statement of fact cannot be insolent".


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Well just a bit. It could in fact, be worse…but yeah. I didn't tell you guys, but last post I did concluded in me crashing my laptop down onto the hard floor and shattering the screen. Luckily, everything else seems to be ok, but I'm stuck with having to hook up my old monitor to it. The color/saturation is hideous regardless of how many times i adjust it, so I apologize if the color/contrast or anything looks off here.
With all that said, it still hasn't stopped me from shopping and definitely wasn't going to stop me from attending one eleven. I got the ohmai sweater, lamb hair, nordari home (which i'll show you decorated soon), and this wonderful outfit from pig<3
skin: curio – yum
eyes: repulse – thorn crown
hair: clawtooth – could i resist?
make up: la malvada mujer – yes sir
tattoos: aitui – hero stars
jacket: fir/mna – dorset coat
shirt and skirt: pig – atlantic city @ one eleven
garter/upper skirt: maitreya
hose: sheer
digis: visavi – part of shadow faun
horns: illusions – cernwn
piercings: cobrahive


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January 20, 2012
Pure Evil "Pure Evil Goes Pop!" exhibition at Corey Helford Gallery
Pure Evil Goes Pop!
Opening Reception Saturday, January 21, 2012 from 7‑10pm
On View January 21 - February 8, 2012
On Saturday, January 21, Corey Helford Gallery is pleased to present "Pure Evil Goes Pop!" The exhibition features new works by UK artist Pure Evil in the upstairs gallery, alongside Eric Joyner's "It's a Jungle Out There" on the gallery's main floor. Inspired by Warhol, Rosenquist and the 60s, the collection is a departure from the artist's street art work and celebrates Warhol's obsession with capturing beautiful, famous people. Icon Elizabeth Taylor is immortalized in the painting "Richard Burton's Nightmare," created from a palette of strange hues with subliminal meanings.
"I have kept this whole collection of paintings very simple," Pure Evil explains. "The features of the women are simplified down to the most basic lines possible, cut into three stencil layers with a sharp blade, and laboriously sprayed to build up the faces. The eyes drip painted tears, the product of broken dreams of love."
The opening reception for "Pure Evil Goes Pop!" takes place Saturday, January 21 at Corey Helford Gallery. The reception is open to the public, and the exhibition will be on view through February 8, 2012.
Corey Helford Gallery
8522 Washington Boulevard
Culver City, CA 90232


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"We've been focused on the trinity of original beer, original food, and original music since we opened in 1995."
- Sam Calagione,
Founder and President
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
As one of the largest driving forces behind the craft beer movement, it only makes sense that Dogfish Head would have their own festival celebrating their favorite indie music, beer, and food. And fortunately for us here in Wilmington, they have outgrown their hometown of Milton, Delaware and decided to move their festival up north for year number six.
The Sixth Annual Analog-A-Go-Go
This year's Analog-A-Go-Go festival will take place on Saturday, September 17 from 1 pm to 10 pm at Bellevue State Park right here in Wilmington, Delaware.
Between the eclectic lineup of musical acts, the fantastic breweries planning to attend, and all of the food trucks that will be serving, this is going to be the perfect way to close out a great summer and kick off the fall season.
Indie Music
This festival celebrating "all things indie" has its roots in putting together a great mix of indie artists, and the 2016 festival will be no different. One of the biggest acts this year is Built to Spill, who was one of the most popular indie rock groups of the 90's.
Proving that this is more than just an indie rock concert, the festival will also be welcoming the deep lyrics of rapper Talib Kweli and the New Orleans style of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. The musical entertainment will be rounded out by Beach Slang, who are known for their punk and pop influences, and the local power pop band fiancé.
Indie Beer & Cocktails
Just as Analog-A-Go-Go celebrates independent musicians, it is also designed to celebrate independent craft brewers…so you won't find any of those macro brewer conglomerates at this festival.
One of the highlights of the day will be a beer sampling called the Best Firkin Friends Beer Festival - the festival within the festival. Craft breweries like Allagash, Boston Beer, Burley Oak, Dogfish Head, Funky Buddha, Iron Hill, Sierra Nevada, Shorts, and Stoudts will all be bringing some of their most unique cask ales for guests to sample.
As if great beer wasn't enough, there will also be a "Distillery Garden" where guests can try craft cocktails created from Dogfish Head Spirits by a host of guest bartenders. This section will also feature some interactive mixology education so that you can replicate some of the craft cocktails at home.
Keep in mind that the Best Firkin Friends Beer Festival and the Distillery Garden both require additional tickets that are going to sell out fast, so make sure you get yours from the Analog-A-Go-Go website as soon as possible!
Indie Food
With the amazing lineup of music and beer that is going to be at Bellevue State Park for this festival, you can be sure that a simple concession stand just wasn't going to be good enough. And in the food world, it doesn't get much more craft or indie than a food truck, so Dogfish Head has a bunch of them lined up to serve at Analog-A-Go-Go.
The list of participating food trucks includes I Don't Give a Fork, Wildwich, Mojo Loco, Taco Reho, Kapow, Outlandish, Hub Bub Coffee, Local 215, The Cow and The Curd, and the Plum Pit. So everyone is definitely going to be eating good here!
It wouldn't be a true "indie experience" without a record swap, so Dogfish Head has also booked more than a dozen local music stores and vinyl collectors to buy and sell records over in the marketplace section of the park.
In addition to the record swap, there will also be lots of indie artists selling things like art, crafts, jewelry, and other handmade items.
As one of the largest craft breweries in the country, Dogfish Head is known for getting the details right with just about everything that they do. So it doesn't take a huge leap of faith to guess that this year's Analog-A-Go-Go festival is going to be one more amazing experience that the company is happy to stand behind.
Just make sure you get your tickets before it's too late!


text: SVTC Technologies, a commercialization service provider for emerging silicon-based technologies in areas such as CMOS, MEMS, photovoltaics and other related nanotechnologies, announced Bert Bruggeman has been named chief executive officer. Bruggeman was the founder of SVTC and until recently, served as vice president of operations. "SVTC has evolved tremendously since its beginning and has proven to be a valuable, cost-effective and IP-secure solutions provider enabling customers to take their novel concepts from lab to fab," said Bruggeman. "As our markets continue to grow, I look forward to working with our experienced team to enhance our differentiated, value-added solutions for our customers to accelerate innovation in a dynamic and changed economy." Bruggeman has held several leadership positions in technology development, commercialization and operations within the semiconductor industry, including vice president of Solar Wafering Manufacturing at MEMC and senior director of Process Technology Development and Worldwide Foundry Operations at Cypress Semiconductor. He also served as the director of Operations and Product Engineering at Silicon Light Machines, a start-up in the field of optical MEMS devices. He began his career at the IMEC R&D facility in Leuven, Belgium. "With his proven leadership and success in managing SVTC since its inception, Bert is the right person to lead the company into its next major growth and development phase," said Luis Arzubi, a partner at Tallwood Venture Capital. Joe Bronson, former CEO of SVTC, will remain on the company's board. For more information, visit: www.svtc.com