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Articles by Michael Powers
A Dark Path
Two new executive orders were issued by President Trump earlier this week. One executive order was titled “Strengthening and Unleashing America’s Law Enforcement to Pursue Criminals and Protect Innocent Citizens” (The White House, 2025a), while the other one was titled “Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens” (The White House, 2025b). We have been inundated with executive orders in President Trump’s 2nd term.
The Educational Benefits of Madden
I have spent a lot of my life playing Madden. Like…a lot. The thing is….that time spent may have actually been productive and helpful cognitively. Video games have been found to have cognitive benefits (Belsky, n.d.). Beyond that, they also provide emotional, social, and practical life skill advantages. Madden is no exception.
Old Blog Post from Colombia
After I graduated college in May 2012, I spent July and August of that summer in Colombia. I wanted to spend the summer I graduated traveling, and Colombia was the best destination for a few reasons: I spent the Spring 2011 semester studying abroad in Costa Rica — I love Spanish culture, so it was a natural fit to go to another Spanish speaking country. Upon returning to ODU, I signed up to have a Spanish conversation partner — who, as it turned out, was from Colombia.
Between the Church & Me
My first Medium post! I am excited to utilize this platform. I was trying to figure out an outlet where I could write, and a friend brought up Medium — and this definitely seems to be a very apropos means to share my thoughts. So, this first piece is something I wrote a couple of years ago, shortly after leaving a church I called home for about 11 years. I felt, and still feel a lot of things after leaving that church.
Abortion or Adoption
Introduction In today’s Gospel we have Jesus reading scripture to the people and telling them good news. And they loved it and they loved him. In fact, Luke 4:22 says, “All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips.” Then he went on and pointed out some cold hard truths to them and they changed their tune. “All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this.
The appeal of “new-urbanistic” developments
As many of the malls that dominated physical retail for decades close or attempt to reinvent themselves, retail real estate developers are exploring and executing new ideas and designs for the brick-and-mortar centers that will define the marketplaces of the 21st Century. One movement called “new urbanism” development harks back to the Euclidean Zoning established in the 1920s, a system influenced by a lawsuit in Euclid, Ohio, that separated residential zones from commercial zones.
How COVID-19 Remolded Tuscan Village
Brick and mortar retail was battered and beaten when COVID-19 struck in 2020. Patterns of Americans life were re-arranged, perhaps for good. Work weeks are now commonly composed of two or three days in the office and two or three days at home. Consumer demand is now heavily oriented to the value of time. The less time people spend commuting or driving back and forth for the goods and services they desire, the better.
Tossing and Turning
When she’s sleeping, my girlfriend is an asshole. I love her when she’s awake. But at night, under the cover of darkness and a black silk sleeping mask that says “on my way,” she becomes a demon. You see, my girlfriend snores. It’s not her fault, I know, but it feels like a personal attack, because I have insomnia. And when you’re sleeping with an insomniac, snoring is a real asshole move. Her every breath rattles me awake and at the same time reminds me that she is sleeping just fine.
Mistress Eva Guests on 'The Deep' Podcast
Aug 19, 2020 10:01 AM PDT BALI, Indonesia — Dominatrix Eva Oh (aka Mistress Eva) is the latest guest on Zoe Marshall’s “The Deep” podcast. In new episode “The Mistress,” the lifestyle domme explores the roots of her profession, and how Eva’s strong, supportive familial environment influenced her adult personality.
Svakom Joins NGO Drop In the Bucket in Water Access Charity Effort
LOS ANGELES — Pleasure products company Svakom has announced it is joining forces with international aid NGO Drop in the Bucket to assist community development by constructing water and sanitation facilities at schools and communities. Svakom will donate 10% of its sales from August 20 to August 30 to Drop in the Water.
Jessica Drake Guests on Fleshlight's IG Live Series 'FleshLive'
LOS ANGELES — Jessica Drake will be the latest guest on Fleshlight’s ongoing Instagram Live series, FleshLive, hosted by Joanna Angel. The 18+ program features virtual interviews between Angel and other “Fleshlight Girls.” “I have been a Fleshlight Girl for quite awhile and it’s such an important part of my relationship with fans to be able to share myself so personally,” explained Drake, who is also a noted sex educator.
Dreamgirl Sold to Current CEO, Partners
LOS ANGELES — Dreamgirl’s CEO/President Barry Revzen has acquired the Lingerie brand from Chinese investor Frank Chen for an undisclosed price, partnering up with long-time employees Alma Canjura and Fernando Garcia. “Over the past three years, my team and I have worked hard to bring Dreamgirl back to profitability and position it for growth,” the new majority shareholder told industry trade Body Magazine. “Despite the challenges of the pandemic, we have more than accomplished that goal.
Sweetheart Video Streets 'Lesbian Stepsisters 9'
MONTREAL — Mile High Media’s all-girl studio Sweetheart Video has announced the DVD release of “Lesbian Stepsisters 9,” starring Charlotte Stokely. 2020 XBIZ G/G Performer of the Year Stokely co-stars with Charlotte Cross, Jezabel Vessir, Karlee Grey, LaSirena69, Karla Kush and Jill Kassidy. Ricky Greenwood helmed the production. “We are pleased to present this ninth chapter of ‘Lesbians Stepsisters’ on DVD with the stunning Charlotte Stokely,” said Mile High Media Vice President Jon Blitt.
Sara Jay Guests on 'The Lisa Ann Experience' Podcast
Aug 19, 2020 8:38 AM PDT LOS ANGELES — Sara Jay recently appeared on Lisa Ann's podcast "The Lisa Ann Experience." "There are special people we cross paths with in life and Sara Jay is definitely one of those for me,” Ann said. “It was an absolute honor to have her on my podcast, 'The Lisa Ann Experience.'" To listen, click here. “It was so much fun to catch up with Lisa on her excellent podcast,” Jay said. “I think our fans will enjoy this special show.” Follow Ann on Twitter and Jay on Twitter.
TransSensual Touts 'TS Cheaters' With Natalie Mars, Reagan Foxx
JC Adams Aug 19, 2020 8:13 AM PDT MONTREAL — The opening installment of TransSensual's new "TS Cheaters" series, starring Reagan Foxx and Natalie Mars, the reigning XBIZ Trans Performer of the Year, is now available in all formats following a delay due to the coronavirus pandemic. Besides Foxx and Mars, the cast includes Melanie Brooks, Foxxy and Eva Paradis with Dante Colle and Dillon Diaz under the direction of XBIZ Trans Director of the Year Ricky Greenwood.
Charlotte Sartre, Lydia Black Are 'Gangbang Devils' for Evil Angel
JC Adams Aug 19, 2020 7:55 AM PDT LOS ANGELES — "Unabashedly freaky" director Proxy Paige bring "extreme, underworld thrills" to "Gangbang Devils" for Evil Angel. The title is available now in all formats and will debut online August 27 and 28.
Emily Willis to Livestream Holly Randall Photoshoot Today on CamSoda
Aug 19, 2020 7:30 AM PDT LOS ANGELES — Emily Willis will take fans behind the scenes of a photoshoot with Holly Randall on CamSoda today at 1 p.m. (PDT). "This is going to be a fun look for fans to see what it’s actually like behind the scenes of a professional shoot with a photographer the caliber of Holly Randall," said Daryn Parker, CamSoda VP. The Motley Models-repped Willis expressed excitment about the livestream.
Lance Hart to Guest on Podcast 'Adult Site Broker Talk' Today
Aug 19, 2020 7:00 AM PDT PATTAYA, Thailand — Performer, director and content creator Lance Hart is the featured guest on today's episode of "Adult Site Broker Talk," the new business-oriented podcast from AdultSiteBroker.com. "Lance is one of the most prolific stars in adult. He can master any role, and has done it all from gay, straight, fetish, bi, trans and everything in-between," a rep explained. "His current studios are ManUp Films, Sweet Femdom and Lance Hart Studios.
How to Create Branded Experiences in Retail Stores
Creating a branded experience in your store can do more than boost sales. It helps build credibility to stand out against other retailers, and boosts confidence among consumers that want to know that they are buying from an established business that has invested not only in supporting themselves, but their associates as well.
Digital Beefcake: Gay Vintage Magazines' Immortalizing of Classics
We are far enough into the 21st Century and the transformation of the adult industry into a fully digital endeavor, that the popular media of decades past has achieved a golden, nostalgic glow. But for gay, bi and queer men and women, particularly those of a certain age, the beefcake books and magazines they treasured and bought with cash at brick-and-mortar adult bookshops and newsstands often served as a literal lifeline to a desperately needed sense of camaraderie and community.
Split Appeals Ruling Against AMA in International Copyright Case
SAN FRANCISCO — A three-judge U.S. Courts of Appeals panel unusually issued four separate opinions yesterday in a copyright enforcement case involving AMA Multimedia in the U.S. and the Poland-based owners of upload site ePorner.com, highlighting the complex intricacies of trying to enforce digital copyrights across international jurisdictions The 2-1 majority decision ended up favoring Marcin Wanat, the Polish owner of ePorner, over the plaintiff, U.S.-based copyright holder AMA Multimedia.
Pineapple Support to Host Free Workshops for Virtual XBIZ Miami
JC Adams Aug 18, 2020 2:53 PM PDT LOS ANGELES — Pineapple Support will host a number of workshops and a presentation across three days at next week's Virtual XBIZ Miami trade show. All of the events are free to attend and will be held in the Pineapple Support Company VIP Lounge; space is limited.
NakedSword Releases 20th Anniversary 'Sexy Devil' Tees
JC Adams Aug 18, 2020 2:35 PM PDT SAN FRANCISCO — Pioneering platform NakedSword continues its yearlong 20th anniversary festivities with a limited-edition commemorative T-shirt "designed in-house, especially for fans." The design is printed on "black, slim-fit, soft and breathable 50/50 poly blend American Apparel shirts," a rep explained, "featuring the 'Sexy Devil' graphic on the front and the [slogan] 'NakedSword: A Devilishly Good Time' on the back." The shirts are available in Small...
Girlfriends Films Celebrates Multiple NightMoves Noms
Aug 18, 2020 12:40 PM PDT VALENCIA, Calif. — Girlfriends Films is celebrating several NightMoves Awards nominations for their titles, associated talent and distribution partners. Girlfriends Films contract performer Prinzzess Felicity Jade is nominated Best G/G Performer, as is Girlfriends’ newest writer/director and G/G vet Serene Siren. Siren’s original Girlfriends Films production, “Please Make Me Lesbian 20” has received a nom for Best All-Girl Release.
Siri Dahl Hosts Lotus Lain on 'After Adult' Podcast, Touts New Scene Work
Aug 18, 2020 12:44 PM PDT LOS ANGELES — Siri Dahl welcomes Lotus Lain, performer and Free Speech Coalition talent relations advocate, as guest on a new episode of her podcast "After Adult." She is also touting new self-produced scene work for several top studios.
Jay Mann Productions to Release 'Uber XXX 3' Next Month
Aug 18, 2020 12:31 PM PDT SAN DIEGO — Director and performer Jay Mann is prepping for the release of "Uber XXX 3: Blacked" from his own Jay Mann Productions label, which is set to street in September. The title features cover models Gorgeous Aphro, Sarah Lace, Marley Moore and Nina Rivera taking on Jay Assassin (Mann). "Jay is proud to release 'Uber XXX 3: Blacked,' where he picks sexy black sluts and gives them a different kind of ride," a rep explained.
Brandi Love Showcased in Adam & Eve's Latest 'Wife' Comp
LOS ANGELES — Brandi Love stars in Adam & Eve Pictures’ latest compilation release, “The Wife Next Door." “A number of extremely popular scenes, from different productions, has been put together for this latest movie,” said a rep, “and the one and only Brandi Love graces the cover with her perfect MILF body!” Love was ecstatic about the choice of cover image. “I absolutely loved the box cover!” she said. “I think this is going to do very well in sales.
Catjira to Perform 1st Feature Show on CamSoda Wednesday Night
Aug 18, 2020 11:56 AM PDT LAS VEGAS — Award-winning cosplay cam model Catjira, the 2018 XBIZ Web Star of the Year, is set to perform her first feature show for CamSoda show Wednesday at 5 p.m. (PDT). "She’ll be playing one of her infamous cosplay characters, 'Harley Quinn,'" a rep explained. "Catjira will be interacting with her fans via live video chat, and they can tip her with tokens.
Larkin Love Announces 'Amateur Auditions' Promotion
Aug 18, 2020 11:54 AM PDT AMSTERDAM — Larkin Love has announced she is holding an “amateur auditions” promotion via her OnlyFans. “Do you think you have what it takes to be an amateur adult star?” asked a rep. “Larkin can help you with that, and she’s searching for the best dick her fanbase has to offer.” Larkin’s Cock Auditions is limited to 100 entries.
ImBesharam.com Shares Highlights of 'Great Indian Sex Survey'
MUMBAI — ImBesharam.com recently conducted its “Great Indian Sex Survey” online amidst the COVID-19 lockdown. Indian sex-positive content creator Leeza Mangaldas analyzes the results in an Instagram video that’s available here. “While it is near impossible to make generalizations about such a large and diverse nation, one thing becomes clear: Indians are far more curious and open-minded than they can publicly give themselves credit for,” the company said.
Jessica Drake Discusses Porn, Shame-Free Sex Ed With UCLA Class
LOS ANGELES — Jessica Drake appeared virtually as a guest speaker discussing pornography and shame-free sex education with a UCLA Human Sexuality class. The event, which took place on Zoom, followed a week of lectures and readings about porn’s impact on culture, and gave Drake the opportunity to further discussions on the topic in a shame-free environment. Prior to Drake’s appearance as guest speaker, the students learned about many facets of pornography in society.
Carmen Valentina to Stream Live This Wednesday on Adult Time's 'Super Horny Fun Time'
Aug 18, 2020 11:08 AM PDT LOS ANGELES — Carmen Valentina will be going live during AdultTime.com's "Super Horny Fun Time" streaming series at 6 p.m. (PST) on Wednesday, August 19. "I've done my live shows for my website members before and they are always a hit," Valentina said.
June Ann of Sssh.com Featured on New Podcast
Aug 18, 2020 10:48 AM PDT LOS ANGELES — Sssh.com actress June Ann joined Sherrod Small on her podcast's annual "Birthdaysode." “We loved having June Ann ... and I especially loved discovering Sssh.com, it opened a whole new erotic world for me," said the podcast co-host Keren Margolis, who a rep described as a comedian. “The yearly all-adult star episode ... is always a blast and she made it all the more unique.” To listen to it, click here.
Squren Launches Non-Intrusive 'Sticky Tabs' Ad Format
LOS ANGELES — Squren Ad Network has announced the launch of its non-intrusive "sticky tabs" ad format. The sticky tab is an adhesion ad that sticks to the side of the webpage. “It glides along and fits in place almost naturally within the site,” offered a rep. The ad can be placed in eight positions on the edge of the site. Whenever the user engages the tab, an advertisement shows. The user can easily close the ad by clicking the close button.
Nalpac Features Sportsheets in Latest 'F*ck COVID-19' Campaign
Aug 18, 2020 10:55 AM PDT FERNDALE, Mich. — Nalpac has partnered with Sportsheets for week sixteen of its "F*ck COVID-19" campaign with daily social media giveaways, webinars and other prizes. This week, Nalpac will turn the spotlight on Sportsheets' Em.Ex. Active Harness Wear with "email blasts, including detailed videos of the products," noted a rep. The companies are also offering "a fantastic promotion" on Sportsheets bundles through September 17.
Erik Everhard Releases Book on How to 'Unleash Your Sexual Superpowers'
Aug 18, 2020 9:59 AM PDT LOS ANGELES — Prolific male talent Erik Everhard has released his first book, “Unleash Your Sexual Superpowers: A Porn Star’s Guide to Sexual Mastery.” The book, a rep said, “aims to be a source and ultimate guide for men to become skilled and confident lovers.” “I want all men to know they can hone the right skills to be experts in the bedroom,” said Everhard. “So many guys are either too shy to ask the tough questions or overly confident in skills that aren’t working.
Op-Ed: When Adult Performers Go M.I.A.
LOS ANGELES — Covering adult entertainment much of the time is no different from covering mainstream entertainment, but occasionally there are situations that highlight the differences between both industries and cultures. Reporting on the whereabouts or well-being of performers who have deliberately walked away from the adult industry — explicitly telling their porn agents, friends and associates they wished to return to “civilian” life — sometimes brings up such a situation.
New Documentary 'Skin' Charts the History of Nudity in U.S. Movies
LOS ANGELES — A new documentary, “Skin: A History of Nudity in the Movies,” premieres today on VOD through Amazon, iTunes, Apple, Vudu, Fandango Now and other streaming services. Produced by Mr. Skin’s Jim McBride and industry vet Paul Fishbein, the film begins with the silent movie era and runs through present day, examining the changes in morality that led to the display of nudity in films, while emphasizing the political, sociological and artistic changes that shaped this history.
Small Hands and William October Star in Porn's Not Dead's 'Poolside Pounding'
Aug 18, 2020 8:29 AM PDT LAS VEGAS —Small Hands and William October (formerly Jane Way) star in Canadian independent studio Porn’s Not Dead’s new scene, “Poolside Pounding.” “Poolside Pounding” was filmed in Las Vegas and features October’s first ever creampie scene in a seven-year porn career. “I had so much fun with this scene! It was a dream come true to have Small Hands as a co-star,” October said.
Xgen Now Shipping Expanded Range From Baci Lingerie
JC Adams Aug 18, 2020 7:47 AM PDT HORSHAM, Penn. — Xgen Products is now shopping an expanded range from Baci Lingerie, including two new thong styles available in three colors and six styles. "Sexy, soft and comfortable, [our] new thongs will be your new go-to pieces with their all-over sheer lace and thick-cut waistband. The thongs are available in regular or low-rise cut, and come in pink, neon blue or orange," a rep explained.
Jay Slayher Celebrates 2020 NightMoves Awards Nomination
Aug 18, 2020 7:56 AM PDT HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Jax Slayher is touting his 2020 NightMoves Awards nomination for Best Male Performer. His latest career laurel follows a string of nominations and awards over the past few years, including three 2020 XBIZ noms and a win for Best Gonzo Sex Scene for "Bridgette B: Gonzo Fuck Doll" (Evil Angel). "According to IAFD, Jax is closing in on 600 scenes since his career kicked into gear in 2016," a rep enthused.
UPDATE: Confusion About Reports of Performer Anastasia Knight's Death
Update, 6:14 p.m.: The Facebook accounts from friends and relatives of performer Anastasia Knight that had confirmed her death to press and members of the industry connected to her career this morning, by this afternoon posted other messages contradicting those reports and claiming the performer has not, in fact, passed. XBIZ will continue reporting the story with updates. LOS ANGELES — Performer Anastasia Knight has passed away, industry sources familiar with her career have confirmed.
Brandi Love Nabs Best MILF Performer Nom From 2020 NightMoves Awards
Aug 17, 2020 2:21 PM PDT VENICE, Calif. — Brandi Love is celebrating her Best MILF Performer nomination from the 2020 NightMoves Awards. She previously won said trophy twice in a row: in 2018 (Fan’s Choice) and 2019 (Editor’s Choice). She also won the NightMoves Editor’s Choice award in 2013. “I know how competitive this category is and I know whoever wins will be a great performer. It’s a very exciting prospect to win three years in a row when back-to-back was like a dream," said Love.
Podcast 'Shameless Sex' Celebrates 'Anal August' With Booty Contest
Aug 17, 2020 5:13 PM PDT LOS ANGELES — The "Shameless Sex" podcast hosts Amy Baldwin and April Lampert are continuing to beat the drums for their monthlong "Anal August" promotion that occurs every Wednesday on the program's Instagram page.
Entrenue Now Shipping Latest Products From Tenga, Iroha
JC Adams Aug 17, 2020 4:47 PM PDT PHOENIX — Entrenue is now shipping new "visually stunning" Geo and Crysta sleeves and strokers from Tenga and rechargeable Temari vibes from Iroha. The "penis pleasure experts" at Tenga, a rep enthused, have produced the Geo and Crysta "stretchy and transparent strokers amplified by unique internal textures.
Industry Pioneer, Philanthropist Eddie Wedelstedt Passes at 78
DENVER — Adult retail industry founding figure, philanthropist and First Amendment champion Eddie Wedelstedt passed away today at his home in Denver, Colorado. He was 78. An Air Force veteran, Wedelstedt founded Goalie Entertainment Holdings, the parent company to distributor M&M Sales and the Romantix adult retail chain. Wedelstedt was also known as a First Amendment activist, working early on to galvanize the adult industry for self-protection around the issue of free speech.
Tina Kay Directs 'Jasmine Jae: Sex Addict' for Harmony Films
JC Adams Aug 17, 2020 4:21 PM PDT LONDON — Performer and director Tina Kay is touting the pending release of "Jasmine Jae: Sex Addict" from Harmony Films. "I am extremely proud to announce my best creation of 2020 as a director: international superstar Jasmine Jae's first-ever British showcase. This collaboration is very special, as I was able to fulfill my creativity, visually and sexually," Kay told XBIZ.
John Price Makes SeeHimFuck Debut Opposite Veronica Leal
Aug 17, 2020 4:01 PM PDT HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — John Price marks his SeeHimFuck.com debut, opposite Veronica Leal, in a new 44-minute hookup titled "Latinas Love Eating Ass." The site produces B/G content focused primarily on the male performer. "On the face of things, it seemed a day like any other day. John showed up looking dapper with his tie, smart with his eyeglasses and ready to go with the bulge in his pants," a rep explained. "The clothes didn’t last long, but the bulge may never go away.
Charlotte Stokely Aims to Defend NightMoves 'Best G/G Performer' Crown
Aug 17, 2020 3:43 PM PDT LOS ANGELES — Charlotte Stokely is celebrating her 2020 NightMoves Awards nomination as Best Girl/Girl Performer, a title she has held since the category was introduced in 2018. A NightMoves win for the third consective year would be Stokely's 10th G/G category career win from all major adult industry awards ceremonies, including two consecutive XBIZ trophies. "Being recognized with nominations and awards for doing what you truly love is a great bonus,” Stokely enthused.
Dacotah Red Inks Exclusive Contract With Next Door Studios
JC Adams Aug 17, 2020 3:28 PM PDT SAN FRANCISCO — "Giant ginger stud" Dacotah Red has joined the stable of Next Door Studios exclusives, marking his return to adult after a brief hiatus. "I'm very, very excited to be going exclusive with Next Door," he exclaimed. “This was my very first home a couple years ago, and I’m ecstatic to be with the company for a long time. Lots of good things to come." Director Walden Woods praised the company's newest leading man.
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