Cosmetics

Some are calling it the "botax" - five percent tax in the Senate's health care bill that targets elective cosmetic surgery, like botox. But is it fair? Critics call it sexist.  

An Edmond man will stand trial on allegations he embezzled funds from a child advocacy organization, Attorney General Drew Edmondson announced Friday. Eugene M. Naukam III, of Edmond, waived a preliminary hearing and will stand trial on one count of conspiracy to commit a felony and 41 counts of embezzlement for his alleged role in a scheme to steal funds from the Court Appointed Special Advocate Association. Naukam worked as a special projects coordinator at the association while his wife, Anna Marie Naukam, of Edmond, served as its executive director.  

Peruvian police said on Thursday they had broken up a gang that allegedly killed dozens of people and sold their fat to buyers who used it to make cosmetics. Four Peruvians were arrested on suspicion of kidnapping, murder and trafficking in human fat. The group stored the fat it collected in used soda and water bottles, which police showed reporters.  

Right now, nutritional supplement company NBTY ( NTY ) is benefiting from a strong industry group move. The Cosmetics/Personal Care group was rated No. 15 among 197 groups as of Friday's IBD. NBTY's earnings have made a nice recovery from the recession.  

A straw poll suggests that nearly 90 percent of Korean women would have plastic surgery to feel better about themselves. The Chosun Ilbo asked 232 women in their 20s and 30s who visited the website of matchmaking specialist Duo during Sep. 8 to 17 whether they had ever thought about getting plastic surgery. Some 86.6 percent answered yes.  

Medical experts expressed doubt about an international black market for human fat, though it does have cosmetic applications. A dermatology professor at Yale University, Dr. Lisa Donofrio, speculated that a small market may exist for "human fat extracts" to keep skin supple, but she said that scientifically such treatments are "pure baloney."  

With no margin for rebellion, Senate Democratic leaders pushed ahead Friday toward a crucial weekend test vote on their sweeping health care bill amid indications the rank-and-file would stand together on President Barack Obama 's signature issue. "We are not assuming a thing. We are working hard to bring all Democrats together for the 60 votes necessary to proceed to this historic debate," said Dick Durbin of Illinois , the No. 2 Senate Democrat. "I'm hoping that we can muster our ranks."

We are not assuming a thing. We are working hard to bring all Democrats together for the 60 votes necessary to proceed to this historic debate   -Dick Durbin

 

If Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has his way, his chamber will vote Saturday to proceed with debate on its version of the health care bill. If he's successful, Senate Democrats can breathe a sigh of a relief momentarily -- but it's too early for them to celebrate. The road to final passage of health care legislation is still long and bumpy.  

Food and Drug Administration, HHS. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency.