In case you haven’t heard the news, an abstinence-only sex education program was found to be effective. This is the first time a rigorous study has found any abstinence-only program to have long-lasting, measurable effects. The authors were quick to point out that this is only one study and no policies should be based on it, but I have a feeling that the abstinence-only folks are jumping up and down with joy.

Before they hurt themselves, however, it’s important to take a closer look at the curriculum used in this research. Besides advocating waiting to have sex, this curriculum couldn’t be farther from what most abstinence-only curriculum teaches. Sarah Brown of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy pointed out that this curriculum, as opposed to most abstinence-only curriculum “did not advocate abstinence until marriage. The classes also did not portray sex negatively or suggest that condoms are ineffective, and contained only medically accurate information”.

(more…)

Here’s what’s going on in the blogosphere this week – lots of really fantastic stuff:

First, some Babeland press:

Rachel and Claire are in this year’s GO Magazine “100 Women We Love“. We love them too.

Next, some sex ed:

Cory over at About.com writes about sex toy injuries. I’m thinking maybe people need a lot more information about sticking things up their asses, no?

A fantastic article at Alternet about 15 sex laws and their harmful effects on Americans.

Em & Lo have a very timely article covering what our fathers taught us about sex. Happy Father’s Day!

Think you know everything about penises? I guarantee that you’ll learn something from this article on The Frisky.

Brokelyn (very cute name) ruminates on the relationship between sex and money and thinks Babeland might be able to help.

(more…)

The blogosphere has been hopping with interesting things recently. Here’s what I’ve been reading this week:

Are you a sex writer? Help Rachel Kramer Bussel out and submit your writing to the Sexies and the Best Sex Writing 2010

Rachel also has a new book out of hotel erotica. Hot! Check out an interview with one of the authors and a favorite blogger of mine, Urban Gypsy.

Do you know about the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom? If not, you should go check them out. Now!

My favorite doctor, Dr. Kate, takes on vibrators with aplomb and dispenses some fantastic advice.

Em & Lo are looking for your orgasm stories. I can’t wait to see this article.

Want to work for an awesome magazine or get published in it? $pread Magazine is looking for staff and submissions.