Roundup: Veiling, pseudo-science and more!

Including John Travolta on the joys of being groped as a woman.

Published July 14, 2007 12:31AM (EDT)

Diaphragms do not protect against HIV. A study of African women who used a latex diaphragm during sex showed they were no more protected from HIV than women who went without. The San Francisco Chronicle reports, "Researchers are desperately seeking a low-cost method that women could use -- without the consent of male partners -- to protect themselves against HIV." And so, the search continues.

John Travolta reveals well-kept secret: Being groped is one of the perks of womanhood. In fact, Travolta misses all the hands-on attention he got dressed as a woman in his starring role in "Hairspray." Travolta told the UK's Telegraph: "I'm happy to be a man, but I miss being groped. Everybody tried to grope me all day. Suddenly having breasts and a big bottom gained me so much attention. Men and women wanted to feel my breasts and feel my bum. I must be a slut because I didn't care. Men were flirting with me and I was being given power I never had before. I found it fascinating."

Trade in that burqa for prison stripes. A Dutch lawmaker wants women who wear the burqa in public to be sentenced to 12 days behind bars.

Sixty percent of working moms say they'd prefer working part-time, says survey. Understandble, given that they have a second job waiting for them at home! Interestingly, though, this new Pew Research Center survey found that 72 percent of fathers actually prefer full-time work. (Thanks to our reader-tipster!)

Former surgeon general says Bush censored him. "Anything that doesn't fit into the political appointees' ideological, theological or political agenda is ignored, marginalized or simply buried," said Richard Carmona. "The problem with this approach is that in public health, as in a democracy, there is nothing worse than ignoring science, or marginalizing the voice of science for reasons driven by changing political winds." Someone tell that to Dr. James Holsinger, the documented homophobe nominated as Carmona's replacement.

"How to marry a billionaire." CNN finally brings women business reporting they can use. (Another priceless reader tip -- thanks!)


By Tracy Clark-Flory

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