Ah, science. Pretty soon we’ll all be flying around with jetpacks, living on the moon and absorbing our contraceptives through our skin. Wait, we can do that last part now?

Almost. Early results look good for a new contraceptive currently under clinical trial. Women report that it does what it’s supposed to do—without typical birth control side effects, like weight gain, mood swings and decreased libido (which kind of defeats the purpose). But the crazy part is that this new contraceptive isn’t a pill—it’s a gel you rub on your body.

Administered once a day, the new gel conveys hormones that prevent pregnancy, just as the Pill does, but it’s safe for breastfeeding moms who usually aren’t allowed any hormonal birth control. And it doesn’t take much—only 3 mg rubbed on the belly, thighs, arms or shoulders does the trick.

Many are already singing the gel’s praises, like Natika Halil, director of information at the Family Planning Association. “Any contraceptive system that increases the choice of methods available to women and helps to prevent unwanted pregnancies is welcome,” Halil said. “Our research shows there are approximately two million women using a contraceptive method that they are unhappy with, so they will benefit from improved choices and options.”

***

Since the disheartening fail of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell repeal last week, some people have started counting, and they’ve discovered that President Obama has appointed more LGBT officials than any other president in history.

Obama’s estimated 150 appointments outstrips even those numbers achieved during the Clinton administration, when about 140 openly LBGT officials were appointed during two terms in office. The numbers reflect the will of the President. According to Denis Dison, spokesman for the Presidential Appointments Project of the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute: “From everything we hear from inside the administration, they wanted this to be part of their efforts at diversity.”

White House spokesman Shin Inouye confirmed the record-breaking streak, adding that Obama is “is proud that his appointments reflect the diversity of the American public.” And there’s also an upswing in the number of LGBT characters on television these days, so it seems that televised America is beginning to better reflect the nation’s own diversity as well.

***

The First Annual Pole dancing...er, Pole Fitness Championships kicked off this weekend at the Manhattan Center in New York City, complete with amazing athletes showing off their strength, grace, and mind-boggling agility.

Men and women were invited to compete in the event hosted by the American Pole Fitness Association, with performances by Guinness World Record holder Dominic “Flag Man” Lacasse. Winners as well as a Pole Artist and Pole Athlete of the Year were announced, giving amateurs everywhere a title to compete for next year—so here’s our chance to install that dancing pole we’ve always wanted in our garage. If the neighbors look at us funny, we can just tell them we’re training for a legitimate competitive sport. Awesome.