In what' s being called the first research of its kind, a study found that HIV- infected women in Africa are more likely to spread the AIDS virus if they use hormone- based birth control. . . . In what' s being called the first research of its kind, a study found that HIV- infected women in Africa are more likely to spread the AIDS virus if they use hormone- based birth control. The women studied were about twice as likely to transmit HIV if they were on the pill or taking a hormone shot like Depo- Provera, compared to those not on the such birth control. The research is the first to look at this question, according to Renee Heffron of the University of Washington, one of the researchers.

Their research also found that uninfected women were about twice as likely to catch AIDS virus from their infected partners if they were on hormonal contraception, compared to those who were not. That finding echoed a phenomenon seen in earlier studies.

The researchers checked to make sure there were no significant differences in condom use, sexual behavior or other factors that would account for the differences.

The research was presented Wednesday at a meeting in Rome of the International AIDS Soc. . .

Gabriel pulls out of Oscars over 65- second limit, Gabriel pulls out of Oscars over 65- second limit.

Friday, February 13, 2009Print. LOS ANGELES& nbsp; & # 151; & nbsp; Peter Gabriel' s minute in the Oscars spotlight will lack one important element: Peter Gabriel. The Academy Award- nominated singer won' t perform at the Feb.

22 ceremony to protest an apparently revamped presentation of best original song contenders. Gabriel says in a video on his Web site that he objects to the songs being shortened to 65 seconds apiece and made part of a medley. " It' s a bit unfortunate because the songwriters, even though they' re a small part of the whole filmmaking process, we still work bloody hard and deserve a place in the ceremony as well, " the 59- year- old singer said.

Gabriel is nominated alongside Thomas Newman for " Down To Earth" from " WALL- E. " The British musician says he' ll still attend the Oscars, but is hoping a gospel choir will stand in for him onstage. Organizers have warned that this year' s ceremony will be full of new twists, including the way categories are present. . .

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A group of Hindus can sue a New Jersey restaurant that served them meat even though they are vegetarians. EDISON, N. J. - - A group of Hindus can sue a New Jersey restaurant that served them meat even though they are vegetarians. An appeals court reinstated their lawsuit, saying they can seek money from Moghul Express to travel to India to perform a purification ritual in the Ganges River.

A lower court had dismissed the suit. The restaurant admitted it accidentally served the group a meat dish during an India Day celebration in 2009.

The appeals court says the group can pursue a breach of express warranty suit. Pradip Kothari of the Indo- American Cultural Society in Edison told The Star- Ledger of Newark the suit should be dismissed because the group can go to a local temple to seek forgiveness for unknowingly doing something.

Brandon Phillips thought about re- enacting a celebration from the movie " Major League" and rounding the bases with bat in hand. Brandon Phillips thought about re- enacting a celebration from the movie " Major League" and rounding the bases with bat in hand. No need. He' d provided enough drama already.

Phillips hit a two- out, two- run homer off Fernando Salas in the ninth inning Friday night, rallying the Cincinnati Reds to a 6- 5 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals in another wild finish to the NL Central' s nastiest rivalry. Phillips connected on the second pitch from Salas ( 5- 3) for his second career game- ending homer, stopping to wave his arms in joy before reaching first base.

Phillips injected some ill will into the rivalry last season when he called the Cardinals whiners, sparking a brawl. Given the circumstances, the second baseman ranked it as his most memorable homer. " Biggest? Let me go ahead and say yes, " Phillips said. " That' s the biggest one. We' re playing the Cardinals. That' s a great situation for me getting that home run. " The Reds were on the verge of falling five games behind the Cardinals before Philli. . .

Our top moments of the week: 13. No " I" in " Team" Award: On Ice Loves Coco , Coco is pumped to show her hubby her new Licious clothing line at the factory. . . until Ice- T points out something her whole crew had apparently missed: All the shirts are printed with the ( non) - word " licous" & mdash; or, phonetically, " lick- us. " Don' t get too upset, Coco. Beyonce can' t spell it either.

Our top moments of the week: 13. No " I" in " Team" Award: On Ice Loves Coco , Coco is pumped to show her hubby her new Licious clothing line at the factory. . . until Ice- T points out something her whole crew had apparently missed: All the shirts are printed with the ( non) - word " licous" & mdash; or, phonetically, " lick- us. " Don' t get too upset, Coco. Beyonce can' t spell it either . 12. Best Accidental Foreshadowing: Don' t get us wrong, we love Jesse Tyler Ferguson on Modern Family , but maybe in his next lifetime he should come back as a fortune teller!

Less than 12 hours after praising So You Think You Can Dance host Cat Deeley on- air and declaring that she deserves an Emmy nomination, the Brit receives one & mdash; her first! & mdash; for Best Reality Show Host. & nbsp; & nbsp; 11. Best Entrance into the History Books: Derek Jeter ' s arrival at 3, 000 hits was a little delayed, thanks to a pesky calf injury, but when the New York Yankees shortstop reached the big number on Saturday, he did it in a very big way. Not only wa. . .