Sex, Drugs, and Rock'n'Roll
by Louisa C. Brinsmade

Sex: It's a Pity
A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that between 25 and 63 percent of women don't enjoy sex as much as they could. We're optimistic this study will change the usual advice from the medical community for their female patients who experience low libido, or even pain during intercourse: Drink a glass of wine and "relax." (Sort of reminds me of the advice former Texas gubernatorial candidate Clayton Williams told the press regarding the rise of rape cases in the state. "Women should just lay back and enjoy it…" He lost to Ann Richards.)

Naturally, no one questions the double standard, that there are potential medical reasons for men losing their sexual libido and who can't get an erection. The pharmaceutical companies raced to their rescue with Viagra. Now women may get similar relief (and respect). There are ongoing studies on how Viagra can be used to help women increase their sexual enjoyment and on the use of hormone replacement therapy to increase libido (i.e. testosterone for women).

Remarkably, a website that is reporting on the AMA sex study, Women.com, provides the "same old, same old" in their response. Their "Sexpert" lists three possible reasons for a woman not enjoying sex: 1) her lover is not "lubing" her up enough prior to intercourse; or 2) she is "fearful" of intercourse and is suffering from a psychological disorder.

Huh? Women.com: A Fifties mentality for the new millennium…

No Napping
The news that everyone under the age of 25 already knew, is out… And it's giving ammunition to lawsuits against online music swapping sites like Napster. A new study commissioned by Reciprocal Inc., a digital rights management company, reveals that downloading music over the Internet has decreased retail sales of recorded music from 4-7% in areas surrounding college campuses. Even though overall retail sales countrywide have risen by 12%, the music industry is concerned about losing their most important customers: college and high school students who tend to spend more money on music than the rest of the population.

The study will likely be used against Napster, a website utilizing software that allows individuals to download recorded music for free. Once you register, you can choose from literally thousands of released CDs and bootlegs and download the music onto your own computer and even burn it onto your own CD. Great service, but it might not be long for this world -- Metallica and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) have sued Napster alleging the company's software allows computer users to trade copyrighted music online without permission. Napster's defense is that they are merely a "conduit" for individuals who want to "trade" music with each other online. Napster's legal team failed last Friday to win a summary judgment in court that would have thrown out the case. This means the case will definitely go to trial.

In a related lawsuit, MP3.com, fared better in their in their defense after striking a licensing deal with BMI to offer around 45 million songs on its site. Since Napster uses MP3 technology in its software, perhaps a similar licensing deal could save the website from court-enforced extinction. No word on whether such a licensing deal is in the works. Our advice? Get it while you can…