Pope Benedict XVI's a curious fellow. No, not curious like queer, but curious as in that he likes to know about new fangled inventions, like condoms. Thus, he approved of a U.S Embassy/Vatican collaboration to look into the utility of condoms in curbing HIV. Groundbreaking stuff, that.

As you probably know, the Catholic Church officially condemns the use of condoms, insisting that sex must be used for procreation, rather than that blasphemous recreation. The aforementioned study took a closer look at married couples in which one person carries the virus. It's unclear whether or not the Vatican will release a report on the study. What is clear is that it's broken no new ground:

Fidelity in marriage and premarital abstinence from sex are the key weapons in the fight against AIDS, a senior cardinal who prepared a study on condom use for Pope Benedict XVI said Wednesday.

What's most notable about this adventure into the known unknown is that Pope Benedict XVI's making a concerted effort to address one of the world's biggest problems: HIV. International Herald Tribune reports: .

..The request for the study "shows the desire of the pope" to battle AIDS, and demonstrates that "he is not indifferent to this difficult problem."

We don't know about Benny's hearing or eyesight, but we're pretty sure he's not braindead. That was the last pope.

One thing the conservative French party Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) does not have in common with American Republicans is an obsession with abstinence. In fact, the UMP is handing out condoms with the party logo on them to students currently on August vacation. The party is also giving away flip-flops that leave the UMP logo on the sand as you walk.

We find it odd that the conservative party would spend so much money trying to attract students and young people, as they generally are a demographic less receptive to conservative ideals. However, we do give props to the UMP for handing out condoms, and hope that the trend of conservative politicians encouraging safer sex will spread to the rest of Europe and across the Atlantic.

France Campaign Trail Paved With Condoms [AP]

When we're shopping for condoms, the most important thing is definitely that we find the cheapest ones around. These Durex condoms in the "variety pack" are less than 50 cents each once you factor in the three bonus vibrating cock rings that come with them. What a deal! Cheaper is always better, especially when all that stands between you and HIV infection is a thin piece of very inexpensive latex. Oh, did we mention they come in a chic metal storage box?

Durex Condom Variety Pack With 3 Vibrating Rings ($20) [Details via Uncrate]

Yet another advantage of practicing safe sex: if you're lost in the wilderness and you need to start a fire, use a condom filled with water! Take a clear condom (opaque condoms become clear when stretched), wrap the end over a water bottle and squeeze the water in. The sphere becomes a lens, which you hold a few inches above your tinder. The next time someone catches you with condoms in your pocket, just say "I was going hiking." Apparently the same will work with balloons and latex gloves, although those aren't as much fun to have around. Question: if you don't have any water bottles handy, can you fill it with pee? Gross, yes, but perhaps it would work...

Via Sexoteric, a Not Safe For Work (NSFW) site.

• Two out of every three Spanish citizens support the Prime Minister's decision to legalize gay marriage. Maybe when God didn't send a tsunami to punish them, they decided it was okay. [365 Gay]

• The Pope says that condoms are okay (for straight, married couples where one partner is HIV-positive). Thanks, Ratzy. [N-TV via Random Good Stuff. Source is in German]

• Despite previous statements to the contrary, Muslims in Britain in fact do hate the gays. [The Guardian]

• Elton John will have none of George Michael's blame game. [Pink News]

• We love New York. We love sex. We love condoms. Finally, the perfect souvenir for our out of town tricks. [Jossip]

• Rich finally gives us his Project Runway recap from last week. [Four Four]

• Yet another attack at a gay bar. This time the victim, Sal Vonatti, of Windsor Ontario Canada, is in a coma after being shot heading into a gay bar. Thanks Jordy. [WXYZ]

• Visit Phoenix. Get beat with a bat! [Towleroad]

• Why not look for an inmate to date this Valentines Day? Our friend Matt is at it again. [Tha Punk-Code]

In the new issue of Cargo, you know the magazine for shopping that’s sooo not gay, many condom brands are rated and reviewed in categories like “Best Standard,” Best Extra-Large,” and “Best Warming.” We were most excited however to find out about Condomania.com’s TheyFit condom line.

The world's first Sized-to-Fit condom line in 55 custom-fit sizes. The custom tailored fit makes these condoms safer, while significantly increasing comfort and pleasure for a more natural experience. Before ordering, you will need to use our Fit Kit™ to measure the Johnson in question.

Measuring your pecker will be very valuable in several ways. Not only does a snugger condom feel better, but you’ll also be able to list your true measurements when cruising online.

TheyFit [Condomania]

Condoms aren't all that difficult to use, right? Still, news like this make us think now would be a good time for a refresher on all things rubbers. We want all of you to be safe so you can keep reading your favorite fag blog.

We’ve all done it in the heat of passion but don’t use your chompers to tear open the condom wrapper. You might just render it useless. Take it easy. That twink you just brought home isn’t going anywhere. Use your hands.

Then make sure your stiffy’s a full stiffy. Ain’t nothing gonna happen if you’re at half mast. Next hold the condom by the tip, leaving enough room for those anticipated love juices and then roll the rest all the way down to the base.

For those of you who prefer visuals, those uninhibited Aussies provide a graphic demonstration of the process. Careful, kiddies, this link is SO not safe for work.

Some don’ts: don’t use oil based lubes with latex. This will only cause tears. Stick to water-based lubes. Don’t store them in your wallet where it might get crushed faster than a D-List celebrity couple's engagement. Put them in your pocket.

We’re strong proponents of recycling, but come on. Don’t try to reuse a condom. Just so wrong.

In one fell swoop, the Guanzhou Rubber Group in Southern China put itself on the map by marketing Clinton and Lewinsky condoms. A company spokesman said: “The names we chose are symbols of people who are responsible and dedicated to their jobs.” Would that be dedicated to their blow jobs? The release of the condoms comes among swirling rumors that if Monica were a drag queen, people would think she looked too masculine.

The Chinese, of course, are reminding us of our own glorious history. What makes a president impeachable? Not starting an unnecessary war. Not rampant cronyism. Not proposing a constitutional amendment to trample the rights of gays. No sireee! What makes a president impeachable is a juicy mamada with a juicy mamita intern.

Those of you who want to go as Bill and Monica on Halloween need not despair. Slickwillycondoms.com claims to have a supply of Clinton and Lewinsky rubbers on hand. According to Guanzhou, the Clinton model is top of the line and Lewinsky is a lesser order of thing. Talk about prophylactics imitating life!