Money,mail and markets: Reflections on direct mail in American politics

Direct mail has become one of the orthodox stage properties of America's campaigns, and its successes include the transformation of Republican contributors from a rich coterie to a broad base of donors. But while its role is acknowledged, it has not been fully explained: rather, the mail is treated as a magical if somewhat erratic panacea.This article attempts to remedy that deficiency. Direct mail succeeds because unlike other media it can deliver a specialized message to distinctive groups, made personal through the agency of new technology and therefore engendering unique loyalties. The mail represents activism for the inactive, bringing political expression and influence to an alienated provincial conservatism, and it works by the diligent discovery of names and personal details of prospective supporters. But success is not inevitable. When time is short, or where obscure local candidates solicit national support, direct mail will give its employers disappointing results.     

Rectal fist insertion. An unusual form of sexual behavior

Rectal fist insertion (fist fucking) is an uncommon and potentially dangerous sexual practice. This is usually a homosexual activity, but can also be a heterosexual or an autoerotic practice. One known death has been reported associated with rectal fist insertion, in which the complications of anal and colonic tears and bleeding had occurred (see Editor's note). The possibility of drug overdose is also probable, as drugs and alcohol are commonly introduced into the rectum to promote sphincter relaxation and to ease the discomfort of anal dilatation.