How we make our girlfriends like us?...Click to read it

What is the causality of sex right now?
"A sexual activity where those involved do not define it as romantic or their partner as boyfriend or girlfriend."
• This could be a definition of casual sex but many people have many different definitions of what casual sex might be. Here are some terms for casual sex that you might come across:
• No strings attached F*ck buddy One night stands Chance encounters
• Hook-ups Anonymous sex Sociosexuality Friends with benefits Booty call
It's easy to give casual sex lots of different names, but at the end of the day it's all about doing the same thing. It is about one off sexual encounters with strangers or agreements that can stretch over a longer period of time between two people who have sex together.
What links them all is that the sex is normally conducted by people who tend to focus more specifically on the physical satisfaction rather than the emotional. Casual sex also doesn't necessarily mean heterosexual intercourse; it can involve any sexual act with anyone. The point is that it is done in the context of an agreement where the sex is an activity that mainly satisfies a sexual desire or physical attraction.
Casual sex lacks the emotional ties that come with relationships, and sex without any commitment or ties may sound very appealing, and it can be for any number of reasons.
The reason for a lot of people though is more often than not simply because it can seem attractive.
What's attractive about casual sex then?
"It was like heaven. When he was done, he simply rolled over next to me and hugged me." - Grace
Firstly it's important to make the point that casual sex is not for everyone and there are many who would say it is wrong or simply don't want to do it. Agree with it or not, this is not the point.
"I didn't really know who I was and found myself craving the company of men and having sex with them without knowing their name or who they were. Sex with them gave me a momentary fill." - Chris
Whatever you think, it is a fact that casual sex is very popular and for a lot of people it's something that either satisfies a desire or serves a purpose. It is therefore an issue that affects many young people today.It could be said that because we are often brought up to see sex outside of a long term, serious relationship as wrong, we develop a sense of casual sex being more exciting, a feeling that it is naughty or an act of rebellion that can be very appealing.
The excitement of mystery and unfamiliarity can add to the appeal of casual sex and, as often there is a low chance of meeting again, inhibitions can be cast aside. It is also made easier by the fact that the majority of the time both parties are aware that the sex is not going to lead to a relationship and are therefore more likely to be able to relax and just have sex for the pure pleasure of the actual act.
No matter how much we analyse the reasons why though, if you were to ask most people they would simply say that casual sex is attractive simply because it can be a bit of enjoyment.So, what's the worry?
There is nothing wrong with thinking that sex should be fun. Due to the nature of casual sex though it's quite likely that you won't know the sexual history of your partner and what Sexually Transmitted Diseases they could potentially have. It could also be the case that they are unaware themselves of any infection they might have or, possibly, are just not going to tell you.
"I thought I was invincible and that nothing could ever go wrong. I was aware of the risks, but sometimes during the act I didn't care enough to stop." - Sincerely, Resilient
Sex should be enjoyable for all concerned, whether it be in a long and loving relationship or in a one off drunken mistake with some vague face from your college. What's important is to remember that just because you may approach the situation as 'just a bit of fun' it doesn't mean you don't need to think about what you are doing.
You have to be realistic and unfortunately there are these diseases and infections around and if you are going to have casual sex then you are as likely to get them as anyone else.
But everyone's doing it "Before i knew it i was on top of her with a condom on. I asked her if she was sure that she wanted this. She said yes. I knew that i wasnt ready, but i didnt want to look like a pussy to all my friends, so i did it." - Jeremy
There is probably a very strong chance that either directly or indirectly there has been pressure to have sex from those around you.
When there is a lot of pressure around you to have sex it's very easy to just do it because you think everyone else is and it's the normal thing to do. It can take a lot of will power and a strong sense of self-respect to not give in to peer pressure and there is strong evidence around to support the view that it is often better to wait.
It's also quite often not true that 'everyone is doing it' and even if everyone is 'doing it' it doesn't mean you have to. A lot of people don't want casual sex and will make a point of abstaining from it.
This can be for moral or religious reasons, or for the fact they simply prefer sex in a loving relationship and want to wait for that.So what if you are someone who has casual sex?
Love it or loath it, either way what's important is that if you are going to go and have casual sex you approach it in the right way.
As a young person exploration and experimentation can be very appealing and you have a right to have fun when you're young and to experience things that are unfamiliar and different. The key to doing this though is to go into these situations prepared. Being prepared will also allow you to carry on enjoying yourself and not have to stop due to some horrible STD, or becoming infected with HIV. Quite often casual sex is a result of being drunk or doing drugs, or it could just be that you are on holiday, at a party or at university and just generally feel uninhibited and care free. Whatever the reason for having casual sex, just make sure you protect yourself.
Being responsible doesn't mean being boring!
But if we use a condom, there's no problem right?
It's very easy to go on about the very real physical consequences of casual sex such as pregnancy, STDs and HIV but casual sex can also have emotional repercussions. People often think that as casual sex doesn't have the emotional ties that a long-term relationship does, there is less chance of getting hurt emotionally.
With casual sex you need to think not just about physical harm but emotional harm also.
Casual sex offers only a moment of emotional intimacy. It does not provide the trusting and meaningful ties that you get with someone from being in a serious relationship.
It has been seen in various studies that not having these close emotional bonds and only pursuing casual encounters with various partners can lead to signs of depression and low self-esteem, especially amongst young women.1
Important skills are not developed, like trust and communication. There is security and less anxiety in long term relationships, where each partner makes the other feel more valued.
If you wait until you are in love, it will be a much better experience." - Dawn
After a while people who have been in casual sex relationships may not feel worthy of being loved in long term relationships, they are used to being abandoned or moving on after a short period of time and therefore can lack the skills and faith in themselves that are needed to have a long term relationship.2
Take this into consideration - in a recent study by the condom makers Durex, they found that while Norway was the country that had the most casual sex in the world, they were also the nation least satisfied with their sex lives. This could be a coincidence but there is a lot of evidence to suggest it's not.
"It was the worst experience of my life. I felt like I was missing a part of me. I didn't love her. Not at all. It was horrible." - Jeremy
A look at our 'first time' stories will give you an idea of what some of the emotional consequences can be when you're just having sex for the sake of it. A lot seem to echo a general feeling of emptiness and regret, something that applies to not only first time experiences but also casual sex in general.
Have Confidence. Have Respect.
These are some useful things that would be worth thinking about if you want to remain active, healthy and having sex!
Respect yourself and respect your body
• Only you can do this.
• Unprotected sex will put your body at risk.
• The risks involved can have very serious consequences
Respect others you meet
• Make sure you are in it for the same reasons as each other.
• Make sure all involved are happy with the situation.
• Think not just about your emotions but the other person's also.


Have the confidence to make the right choices
• Don't do anything that you don't want to do.
• If you're not comfortable with something don't do it.
• Protect yourself; be confident enough to suggest using a condom.
If you follow these simple suggestions you are more likely to be able to continue having fun and enjoyment.
You make the choice
This page is not here to dictate to people how to live their lives, but is here to provide information.
Casual sex can be risky, to not only a persons physical health but to their mental health also. People who have casual sex need to take these things into account when making decisions regarding their sex lives

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Sex is important for teenagers?..Click to read it

Many people have questions about how to have sex, but it isn't always easy to get good advice. This page aims to answer some of the most common questions that people ask about how you have sex. It principally focuses on sex between men and women, but you can find more information on sex between same-sex partners in our gay and lesbian section.
How to have sex
It depends what you mean by having sex. Sexual intercourse is sometimes called making love or having sex. The most common definition of sexual intercourse is an act that involves a man putting his erect penis inside a woman's vagina. Sexual intercourse might also be used to refer to sex acts between two men or between two women.
Sexual intercourse between a man and a woman starts with them both getting sexually excited. This is sometimes referred to as foreplay, and might involve kissing and cuddling, touching each other and other sexual activities. Foreplay is important as it means a woman's vagina begins to get moist and a man gets an erection. If the woman's vagina does not get moist enough, then having sexual intercourse could be difficult or painful for her.
If a man and woman are having sexual intercourse, then using a contraceptive properly, every time, will prevent the woman becoming pregnant. There is more information on the contraceptive page.
If two people have sex (sexual intercourse) and one of them has a sexually transmitted disease (STD) then they could pass it on to the other person. Using a condom is the best way to prevent any infection from being passed from one person to the other.
If a couple are going to use a condom for protection against pregnancy or infections, they should put it on the man's penis as soon as he gets an erection. Some men say they worry about using condoms in case they lose their erection or have difficulty putting the condom on. You could get some condoms and practice beforehand. Condoms come with instructions in words and pictures which show exactly how to use them.
After the condom is on, the man or woman can guide his penis into her vagina. The couple then move their bodies so that his penis moves up and down inside her vagina. This usually rubs the penis and makes the man sexually excited so that he has an orgasm. The movement might also rub the woman's clitoris (or sensitive areas inside her vagina) so she can have an orgasm. But this depends on the position the couple are in when they have sexual intercourse.
Does having sex hurt?
The best way to ensure pain free sex is for both partners to relax and take their time.
Having sex does not usually hurt, though first time sex may be a bit uncomfortable for a woman because her hymen (a thin layer of skin that partially covers the entrance to the vagina) may be stretched or torn. This may cause a little bleeding, but it does not usually last long. Sex is not usually painful for a man.

After the first time, sex should become more comfortable. The vagina is very stretchy and will usually accommodate a penis (even a large one) with ease. However, a woman may experience pain when having sexual intercourse if her vagina does not produce enough natural lubrication. Extra vaginal fluids are usually produced when a woman becomes sexually excited to allow the penis to enter the vagina easily. If a woman is tense or rushing when she has sex, her vagina may not become moist enough to allow the penis to move in and out smoothly. Stress can also cause the muscles in the vagina to involuntarily tense up, making penetration difficult and painful. The best way to ensure pain free sex is for both partners to relax and take their time.
Extra lubrication might also help, and can be bought from many chemists and some supermarkets. When using a condom, it is very important that a water-based lubricant (like KY jelly) is used, as oil-based lubricants like Vaseline can cause the condom to disintegrate.
What 'counts' as losing your virginity?
Different people have different opinions on this, and some say there are different types of virginity. But most people generally agree that if a man has had penetrative sex with a woman then he (or she) is no longer a virgin.
You can find more information about having sex for the first time on our first time page.
Which position is best for having sex?
There are quite a lot of different positions for sexual intercourse. One of the most common is the missionary position, where a woman lies on her back and a man lies on top of her. A man and woman might also lie on their sides, the woman may sit on top of the man, or she may kneel on all fours while the man puts his penis into her vagina from behind. If a couple are in a position where the woman's clitoris is not being stimulated, they can do this with their fingers.
Can a woman become pregnant even if she doesn't have sexual intercourse?
Yes. Pre-ejaculate (pre-come), the lubricating fluid that leaks out of a man's penis when he's sexually excited, can sometimes contain sperm. If pre-come or semen (come) get inside or around the entrance to the vagina, this can lead to pregnancy. They can also pass on a sexually transmitted infection.
Semen and pre-come can be transferred to the vagina on fingers or sex toys, so it's important to make sure they're clean and washed before they go anyway near a woman's vagina.
What does sex feel like?
Similar things happen to most people's bodies when they have sex - they get sensitive and warm and excited and may have an orgasm. Enjoying sexual activities with another person is possible whether you have an orgasm or not. Not being able to have an orgasm with another person doesn't mean that you don't fancy them or love them. Your emotions might be different each time you have a sexual experience, depending on the circumstances. Having sex can be one of the most intense and pleasurable physical and emotional experiences a person can have. But it won't always be wonderful.
How do you have an orgasm?
When sexual excitement builds up and reaches a peak a person might experience an orgasm, also called a climax, or 'coming'. The sexual excitement might start from someone masturbating on their own, or through kissing, masturbating or having sex with another person.
Sexual excitement usually grows gradually and a person feels more and more pleasure and a kind of exciting tension. All the feelings of tension then disappear when the orgasm happens, and the person experiences feelings of intense pleasure. The feeling can be so strong that a person might not be able to see, or hear or think about anything for a moment. They might even groan and call out with the pleasure. Orgasms usually last only a few seconds but the feelings might last a lot longer.
When a man has an orgasm he ejaculates. This means that sperm mixed with semen comes out of the end of his penis in a sticky white fluid. After a man has ejaculated he loses his erection and usually needs to stop for a while. When a woman has an orgasm, her vagina often becomes very wet, but she can continue being sexually aroused as long as she likes. Some women can experience more than one orgasm without stopping.
If a person doesn't have an orgasm, it doesn't mean anything is wrong. In fact, worrying about reaching an orgasm or being nervous is quite likely to make it hard for a person to relax enough to have one.
What is anal sex?
Anal sex (also known as anal intercourse) is when a man puts his penis into the anus and rectum of another man or woman.
Some people might have strong objections, especially religious or moral objections to anal sex. Others may feel uncomfortable about the idea of anal sex simply because it's not something they think they will find enjoyable or want to try. For others however, anal intercourse is a very enjoyable way to have sex.
If a couple do decide to have anal sex, they should think about using a water-based lubricant, like KY Jelly, and a good quality condom.
Anal sex is often portrayed as something that only gay men do. This is not true. Many straight couples engage in anal sex, while many gay men have never tried it.
Anyone wanting to try anal sex should make sure that their partner really wants to do it. If one person wants to try it but the other doesn't, it is better to stick to other forms of sex that both partners enjoy.

If a couple do decide to have anal sex, they should think about using a water-based lubricant, like KY Jelly, and a good quality condom. They should also take it slowly. The lining of the rectum is delicate and easily damaged during vigorous thrusting, particularly if the receiving partner is not relaxed.
There is a popular misconception that anal intercourse between a woman and man is a good way to avoid pregnancy. Anal sex does carry a lower risk of pregnancy than vaginal sex, but pregnancy can still occur if any semen leaks out of the anus and into the vagina. Using condoms is a more reliable way of preventing pregnancy, and they will also protect against sexually transmitted infections.
How long does sex last?
It depends what you mean by sex! The time people devote to doing sexual things can last from a few minutes, to several hours, or even a whole day! The actual act of sexual intercourse will often last until a man has an orgasm (ejaculates or comes), although there's nothing wrong with stopping before this point.
A man might find he comes very quickly the first time he has sexual intercourse. Usually sexual intercourse lasts longer as people get more experienced and know what to expect. But with a new partner it can take time for people to get used to each other. Sex will usually be different every time - it depends on how a couple feel and what they want.
Is sex noisy?
Only if you want it to be! Some people do make noises when they having sex. They might moan or groan with pleasure or even cry out. Some people talk to each other. Others don't speak or make any noises. But your body might make noises that you can't help - squelching and squishing. These might be embarrassing or funny, but they are perfectly normal.
How often do people have sex?
Sexual appetite is entirely a matter of personal taste. Some people have sex once or twice a day and others once a month. It probably varies for most people depending on whether they are in a relationship, how busy they are and how they feel. Most people think about sex far more often than they do it.
How do you have oral sex?
Oral sex is when one person licks or sucks another person's penis or vagina. When oral sex is done to a man it is sometimes called a blow job. When it is done to a woman it is sometimes called licking out. If two people have oral sex with each other at the same time it is sometimes called a 69 because of the shape their bodies make. A woman cannot get pregnant from giving oral sex to a man, even if she swallows his sperm.

Oral sex can be a very intense and intimate experience. Some people enjoy giving oral sex or having it. Other people feel uncomfortable about the idea and don't want to do it. Sometimes people feel pressure to have oral sex when they don't want to. It is very important to think about what the other person really wants if you want to have oral sex. Some sexually transmitted infections can be passed on through oral sex. There are flavoured condoms available that you can use when having oral sex. These are to stop any infections which might be passed on.
How do you masturbate?
A woman usually masturbates by rubbing, stroking or squeezing her clitoris. The clitoris is the most sensitive sexual part of a woman. She might also touch her breasts and other sensitive areas of her body. A man usually masturbates by stroking, rubbing or 'pumping' his penis, and may concentrate particularly on the tip, which is the most sensitive part. Masturbation is sometimes referred to as playing with yourself, or, especially with men, jerking off, a hand job, or wanking.
There is no physical reason why you should or shouldn't masturbate. It is not true that you'll go blind if you masturbate.
People don't necessarily begin masturbating when they reach puberty. Some people hardly ever masturbate, and others masturbate a lot. It varies according to how a person feels. Many people masturbate even when they are in a relationship with someone. Masturbation can last as long as you want, but generally people masturbate for between a few minutes and half an hour.
There is no physical reason why you should or shouldn't masturbate. It is not true that you'll go blind if you masturbate, or that you will become weak or lose your health. It is not possible to masturbate too much, though you should stop if you start to make yourself feel sore. Some people think that if a man doesn't masturbate his testes will fill up with sperm. This is not true; the sperm are just absorbed into his body. It is also not true that women who think about sex or masturbate are 'easy'.

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can I have sex during pregnancy? Click to read more

If you're pregnant or even planning a pregnancy, you've probably found an abundance of information about sex before pregnancy (that is, having sex in order to conceive) and sex after childbirth (general consensus: expect a less active sex life when there's a newborn in the house).
If you're having a normal pregnancy, sex is considered safe during all stages of the pregnancy.

But there's less talk about the topic of sex during pregnancy, perhaps because of our culture's tendency to dissociate expectant mothers from sexuality. Like many parents-to-be, you may have questions about the safety of sex and what's normal for most couples.

Well, what's normal tends to vary widely, but you can count on the fact that there will be changes in your sex life. Open communication will be the key to a satisfying and safe sexual relationship during pregnancy.

Is It Safe to Have Sex During Pregnancy?

So what's a "normal pregnancy"? It's one that's considered low-risk for complications such as miscarriage or pre-term labor. Talk to your doctor, nurse-midwife, or other pregnancy health care provider if you're uncertain about whether you fall into this category. (The next section of this article may help, too.)

Of course, just because sex is safe during pregnancy doesn't mean you'll necessarily want to have it! Many expectant mothers find that their desire for sex fluctuates during certain stages in the pregnancy. Also, many women find that sex becomes uncomfortable as their bodies get larger.

You and your partner need to keep the lines of communication open regarding your sexual relationship. Talk about other ways to satisfy your need for intimacy, such as kissing, caressing, and holding each other. You also may need to experiment with other positions for sex to find those that are the most comfortable.

Many women find that they lose their desire and motivation for sex late in the pregnancy - not only because of their size but also because they're preoccupied with the impending delivery and the excitement of becoming a new parent.

When It's Not Safe

There are two types of sexual behavior that aren't safe for any pregnant woman:

* If you engage in oral sex, your partner should not blow air into your vagina. Blowing air can cause an air embolism (a blockage of a blood vessel by an air bubble), which can be potentially fatal for mother and child.

* You should not have sex with a partner whose sexual history is unknown to you or who may have a sexually transmitted disease, such as herpes, genital warts, chlamydia, or HIV. If you become infected, the disease may be transmitted to your baby, with potentially dangerous consequences.

If your doctor, nurse-midwife, or other pregnancy health care provider anticipates or detects certain significant complications with your pregnancy, he or she is likely to advise against sexual intercourse. The most common risk factors include:

* a history or threat of miscarriage

* a history of pre-term labor (you've previously delivered a baby before 37 weeks) or signs indicating the risk of pre-term labor (such as premature uterine contractions)

* unexplained vaginal bleeding, discharge, or cramping

* leakage of amniotic fluid (the fluid that surrounds the baby)

* placenta previa, a condition in which the placenta (the blood-rich structure that nourishes the baby) is situated down so low that it covers the cervix (the opening of the uterus)

* incompetent cervix, a condition in which the cervix is weakened and dilates (opens) prematurely, raising the risk for miscarriage or premature delivery

* multiple fetuses (you're having twins, triplets, etc.)

Common Questions and Concerns

The following are some of the most frequently asked questions about sex during pregnancy.

Can sex harm my baby?

No, not directly. Your baby is fully protected by the amniotic sac (a thin-walled bag that holds the fetus and surrounding fluid) and the strong muscles of the uterus. There's also a thick mucus plug that seals the cervix and helps guard against infection. The penis does not come into contact with the fetus during sex.

Can intercourse or orgasm cause miscarriage or contractions?

In cases of normal, low-risk pregnancies, the answer is no. The contractions that you may feel during and just after orgasm are entirely different from the contractions associated with labor. However, you should check with your health care provider to make sure that your pregnancy falls into the low-risk category. Some doctors recommend that all women stop having sex during the final weeks of pregnancy, just as a safety precaution, because semen contains a chemical that may actually stimulate contractions. Check with your health care provider to see what he or she thinks is best.

Is it normal for my sex drive to increase or decrease during pregnancy?

Actually, both of these possibilities are normal (and so is everything in between). Many pregnant women find that symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, breast tenderness, and the increased need to urinate make sex too bothersome, especially during the first trimester. Generally, fatigue and nausea subside during the second trimester, and some women find that their desire for sex increases. Also, some women find that freedom from worries about contraception, combined with a renewed sense of closeness with their partner, makes sex more fulfilling. Desire generally subsides again during the third trimester as the uterus grows even larger and the reality of what's about to happen sets in.

Your partner's desire for sex is likely to increase or decrease as well. Some men feel even closer to their pregnant partner and enjoy the changes in their bodies. Others may experience decreased desire because of anxiety about the burdens of parenthood, or because of concerns about the health of both the mother and their unborn child.

Your partner may have trouble reconciling your identity as a sexual partner with your new (and increasingly visible) identity as an expectant mother. Again, remember that communication with your partner can be a great help in dealing with these issues.

When to Call Your Doctor

Call your health care provider if you're unsure whether sex is safe for you. Also, call if you notice any unusual symptoms after intercourse, such as pain, bleeding, or discharge, or if you experience contractions that seem to continue after sex.

Remember, "normal" is a relative term when it comes to sex during pregnancy. You and your partner need to discuss what feels right for both of you.

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The Democrat party's Apirak Kosayodhin won

The Democrat party's Apirak Kosayodhin won a sweeping victory in yesterday’s Bangkok governor election, polling more than 991,000 votes and bettering his result of four years ago.

He won nearly twice as many votes as his rival Prapas Chongsa-nguan of the People Power party.

Mr Apirak was seeking a second term and was re-elected for another four years. Four years ago, he won the race with 911,441 votes.

Unofficial voting results late last night showed Mr Apirak gained 991,081 votes, representing 45.93 per cent of voters who went to the polls, followed by Mr Prapas with 543,488 (25.19 per cent), Chuwit Kamolvisit with 340,616 (15.79 per cent), Kriengsak Charoenwongsak with 260,051 (12.05 per cent), and Leena Jangjanja on 6,267 (0.29 per cent).

Turnout for the election was 54.18 per cent or 2,214,320 votes out of 4,087,329 eligible voters, according to the Election Commission. The EC earlier expected turnout to be about 70 per cent. In the previous election four years ago, turnout was 62.5 per cent.

Mr Apirak is the second governor after former Bangkok governor Chamlong Srimuang to be elected for a second consecutive term.

Mr Apirak yesterday claimed success as governor in pushing for the 2.2km extension of the skytrain to be built across the Chao Phraya river with City Hall money.

He said his victory resulted from his work in the social and environmental area.

Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva called on the government to work closely with Mr Apirak despite the Democrats being an opposition party. "I hope the government would be broad-minded," said Mr Abhisit, adding that Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat had promised to give financial support to the Bangkok governor no matter what party he came from.

According to surveys by Suan Dusit Rajabhat University, voters hope he will carry on with many projects he has introduced in the past four years as Bangkok governor.

They also want the next governor to solve Bangkok problems including traffic congestion.

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Obama rejects terror link 'smear'

Obama rejects terror link 'smear'

Barack Obama says his opponents are trying to "distract with smears"
US Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama has hit back at claims by his Republican rival that he associated with "terrorists".

Mrs Palin said Senator Obama had been "palling around" with an ex-member of 1960s US-based militant group.

Mr Obama said the Republicans were out of touch and trying to distract voters from the real issues.

Alaska Governor Palin has defended the remarks, which she made several times, saying it was "fair to talk about".

At campaign stops in Colorado and California over the weekend, Mrs Palin attacked Senator Obama over his link to Bill Ayers, a founder of the Weather Underground movement.

The radical movement waged a violent campaign against the Vietnam War during the 1960s when Mr Obama was a child.

Mrs Palin described Mr Obama as someone who saw the US "as being so imperfect... he is palling around with terrorists who would target their own country".

In the 1990s, Mr Ayers hosted a Democrat campaign event at his home, attended by Mr Obama.

Mr Obama accused the McCain campaign of engaging in "swift boat" politics - a reference to a campaign of attacks on John Kerry's military record during the 2004 presidential campaign.

'Out of ideas'

Mr Obama once served on a charity board with Mr Ayers but the White House hopeful has denied having any close association with him or his views and has denounced the Weather Underground group.


Mrs Palin said the issue was fair to talk about

He has described Ms Palin's comments as offensive and false.

The Illinois senator told his supporters at a rally in North Carolina that John McCain was "gambling that he can distract you with smears rather than talk to you about substance".

"They'd rather tear our campaign down than lift this country up," he said.

"That's what you do when you're out of touch, out of ideas, and running out of time."

The party has accused the Republicans of gutter politics.

Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown said that the last few weeks had seen Mr McCain "morph into a desperate angry candidate" and that it made him sad that the McCain campaign was "resorting to these tactics".

Commentators say Mrs Palin's attack forms part of a broader Republican strategy to attack Mr Obama's character.

Turnout vital

The Obama campaign responded with a new advertisement, which will air nationally on cable TV stations, claiming Mr McCain has behaved erratically during the Wall Street meltdown.




Weathermen: Home-grown radicals

The commercial says Mr McCain is attacking Mr Obama personally to distract voter attention from the loss of 750,000 American jobs this year and continuing financial turmoil.

"And John McCain?" the advertisement asks, before answering: "Erratic in a crisis. Out of touch on the economy."

Mrs Palin has defended her comments, saying they were "about an association that has been known but hasn't been talked about".

"I think it's fair to talk about where Barack Obama kicked off his political career, in the guy's living room."

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, a Republican, said the issue was a test of Mr Obama's character.

"It goes to the issue of what kind of judgment would allow an unrepentant domestic terrorist to host a political event for you in his home," he told ABC News.

The row has dominated the media over the weekend and came ahead of a Monday deadline for voters to register in more than a dozen states, including Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Florida.

The latest polls put Barack Obama ahead of John McCain but voter turnout could be vital in deciding the outcome of the 4 November presidential election.

The BBC's Rajini Vaidyanathan in Washington says that with a month to go until polling, the politics on both sides are expected to get much more personal.

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Germany clinches bank rescue deal

Germany clinches bank rescue deal

Hypo's problems should have been revealed earlier, a minister says
Germany's finance ministry has agreed a 50bn euro ($70bn; £40bn) plan to save one of the country's biggest banks.

The deal, reached with private banks, to save Hypo Real Estate is worth 15m euros more than the first rescue attempt, which fell apart on Saturday.

Germany earlier announced an unlimited guarantee for all private savings, a move followed later by Denmark.

Meanwhile, French giant BNP Paribas has confirmed it has agreed to take over parts of ailing Fortis bank.

The Icelandic government, meanwhile, has been working through the night to try to shore up its entire banking system.

The country's banks have now agreed measures to stabilise its financial system, where last week the currency fell by a fifth against the dollar.

We tell all savings account holders that your deposits are safe. The federal government assures it

Angela Merkel

Germany's finance ministry said that with the "mutually agreed solution" Hypo Real Estate would be stabilised, and "Germany strengthened as a place to conduct finance in difficult times".

Earlier, German Chancellor Angela Merkel moved to reassure German savers that all their deposits would be safe.

Similar unilateral guarantees issued by the Irish and Greek governments last week were criticised in Berlin and other European capitals.

But after an emergency meeting with the central bank earlier, Ms Merkel said: "We will not allow the distress of one financial institution to distress the entire system. For that reason, we are working hard to secure Hypo Real Estate.

"We tell all savings account holders that your deposits are safe. The federal government assures it."

BBC business editor Robert Peston said the UK Treasury was attempting to clarify the details of Germany's guarantee to savers.

If the move does amount to a 100% government guarantee of all German savings deposits, other EU states - including the UK - would have to follow suit, says our correspondent.

The British chancellor, Alistair Darling, has said he is ready to take "pretty big steps that we wouldn't take in ordinary times" to assist the British economy.

Banks strained

On Saturday, leaders of Europe's four biggest economies - Germany, France, Britain and Italy - decided against a co-ordinated US-style bank bail-out, while vowing to stabilise markets.

The problems of Hypo Real Estate have put further strain on other financial institutions, which are struggling against a crisis of confidence in the global financial system.


Ms Merkel said bank managers had to be held accountable

Late on Sunday, French bank BNP Paribas confirmed that it had agreed to buy 75% of Belgium and Luxembourg holdings of the giant Fortis financial group, creating one of Europe's biggest savings banks.

The governments of Belgium and Luxembourg will in return take a minority stake in BNP Paribas.

The Dutch arm of Fortis has been nationalised by the Netherlands government.

Iceland's government is also reported to be considering a $14bn (£8bn) injection into the banking system, having bailed out the country's third largest bank, Glitnir, last week.

'Irresponsible'

Ms Merkel said that managers at financial institutions should be held accountable for "irresponsible behaviour".

Finance Minister Peer Steinbrueck accused Hypo Real Estate's managers of misleading the government over the true extent of bank's troubles.

European governments are as dazed and confused by the mayhem in the global banking system as most of the rest of us

Robert Peston
BBC business editor


Peston's view: Lost in translation
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Iceland shores up economy
But he said Berlin would do all it could to prevent the bank's collapse, to avoid "incalculably large" damage to Germany and financial services providers in Europe.

The BBC's Tristana Moore in Berlin said that the German move would be an undoubted relief for investors and sends an important message to the German public that banks will not be allowed to go under.

Analysts say the question remains as to how the markets will react when they open on Monday morning.

The initial signs were not encouraging as share-trading in Australia and New Zealand opened in decline.

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Russia removes Georgia checkpoint

Russia removes Georgia checkpoint

About 12 EU patrols began operating on Wednesday
Russian troops have removed a key checkpoint from Georgian territory near the breakaway province of South Ossetia, European Union observers say.

The checkpoint, near the town of Gori, a gateway to the separatist region, is the first taken down by the Russians under a withdrawal pledge.

Russia has agreed to pull out troops from two buffer zones within Georgia by 10 October, under EU observation.

Russia and Georgia fought a 10-day conflict over South Ossetia in August.


See a map of the region
Russia has kept troops in South Ossetia - and Georgia's other breakaway region, Abkhazia - since ousting Georgian forces during the conflict.

Moscow has boosted security in South Ossetia in recent days following an explosion in the region which killed eight Russian soldiers and three civilians.

The chief of staff of what Russia calls its peacekeeping operation in the region was among those killed, Moscow said, accusing Georgian secret services of arranging the blast. Georgia denied the accusation. EU OBSERVERS IN GEORGIA
More than 200 unarmed observers from 22 EU nations
HQ in Tbilisi, with additional four field offices
Oversee Russia's pullout from "buffer zones" by 10 Oct
Deployed under a French-brokered peace deal
Mission's initial duration is 12 months

Some 200 EU observers from 22 nations are now on the ground overseeing the military's compliance, or otherwise, with pledges made by leaders at the Kremlin.

They reported the first signs of progress on Sunday morning at a checkpoint previously manned by 20-30 Russian soldiers.

"Our observers went to the checkpoint in Ali, north-west of Gori, and saw that it has been dismantled," and EU spokesman told the AFP news agency.

"This is the first dismantled checkpoint."

A regional police chief told Reuters the checkpoint was in the village of Nabakhtevi.

Tensions

The Russian pull-back was agreed in the ceasefire deal brokered by French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

But Russia plans to keep nearly 8,000 troops in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which it has recognised as independent states.

Western leaders have condemned both the buffer zones and Russia's recognition of the two regions.

The EU wants its observers to have access to the breakaway regions, but Russia has repeatedly refused to guarantee that.

The fighting in the region began on 7 August when Georgia tried to retake South Ossetia by force after a series of lower-level clashes.

Russia launched a counter-attack and the Georgian troops were ejected from both South Ossetia and Abkhazia days later.

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