From the Masochism Wing

Finally, a business to warm the cockles of Max Sawicky's heart:

Nevada's legal brothels are practically begging the state of Nevada to tax them, hoping that will endear them to the public and give them more political security and, ultimately, more business.

But the politicians are not interested.

Last month, one proposal to impose the tax failed to come to a vote in a state Assembly committee; another was gutted in a Senate committee.

A spokesman for Republican Gov. Kenny Guinn said the idea was "not something the governor is going to waste any time on."

Bringing to mind the old joke, "What did the sadist say to the masochist?"

Bobbi Davis, owner of the Shady Lady Ranch, a brothel about 120 miles (193 kilometers) outside Las Vegas, said paying taxes is the way to go.

"There's a price, sometimes, for legitimacy," he said.

Precious, a prostitute at the Shady Lady Ranch, said that even if the owners pass the tax on to the girls, it won't be a problem."What's a couple extra dollars off? I can waste that on lip gloss or new eyeliner," she said. "That's chump change for what some of the girls make here."

But will it amount to 12% of GDP?