Wednesday, June 3, 2009

101 Sex Positions

There's a video from Jamye Waxman that was recommended to me, so I was searching her site and stumbled across this really neat 3D animated catalog of sex positions. The animation is really well done and the analysis of the sex positions is thorough. Check it out!

Now, I have to go back to searching for that other video...

Monday, June 1, 2009

Brain Dump!



I've been buried under mountains of work and completely neglecting both this blog and Twitter, but I ran across a laundry list of interesting, thoughtful and funny blogs and products worth publishing here.

I'm not going to comment much on these things because that would be an extremely long blog, and my brain is really drained, but please feel free to add your own two cents!

Thoughtful stuff first:

While I remember the March Madness over the Pope's statements regarding condoms increasing the problem of AIDS in Africa, Cory Silverberg's About.com blog is the first I've read about "research" that has been done involving circumcising adult Africans to find out if it reduced their risk of contracting HIV. As if that wasn't repugnant enough (hey, they volunteered, right?), the recommendations that came out of the studies led to a call to circumcise as many men as they could get their hands on. Is that *really* preferable to teaching people to use condoms and practice safe sex? Really?

Then, Cory Silverberg rocked my world a second time today with his coverage of a vibrator use survey. Numbers, beautiful numbers.

Finally, I find out (courtesy of Early To Bed's blog) that Mr. Silverberg wrote the Ultimate Guide to Sex and Disability. This tidbit blows my mind because I had just had a conversation 24 hours prior that stumped me where someone asked me if I knew of any books, videos or other resources servicing the disabled community. I wasn't even actively looking for the solution to my problem, and it fell into my lap. Now, the book is speeding to me from Amazon.com. No more stumping me on that subject.

Eventually, I clicked away from the fabulous Cory Silverberg, and I stumbled upon a blog at Jezebel that addressed the other aspect of Primrose Path's business: lingerie. With regard to the lingerie that Primrose Path will eventually carry, the plan has always been to accommodate a larger cross-section of women than, for example, Victoria's Secret does. This is the Midwest, and the average woman is not a size 4, but she still wants to wear sexy lingerie that fits and makes her feel good. It seems even more critical to address the needs of Fatshionistas after reading Jezebel's summation of the downsizing of the plus-size industry.

Now, here's the funny stuff:

Just when I thought I'd seen it all and could no longer be surprised, this guy is selling chocolate hats for penises. And, apparently, it's not a joke. Make sure to read the FAQ section. The questions and answers discussing hat size had me laughing out loud. One of my friends suggested a yarmulke as a new addition; I'm thinking maybe one of those beanies with the spinner on top.

One last piece of mindless amusement (although premature ejaculation is not a laughing matter for couples who struggle with it): Jizz In My Pants.

Now, my brain dump is complete.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Women and the Technology of Sex: Ada Lovelace Day


I initially read about Ada Lovelace Day about one week ago, so I didn't have a lot of time to research and throw something together. However, inspiration struck me yesterday. Thankfully, I'm not so old yet that the synapses just fizzle instead of firing, and I was able to retrace my footsteps from two months ago to single out a woman who is making a difference in technology one sex toy at a time.

Susan Colvin is the President and Founder of California Exotic Novelties, an industry leader in the adult novelty market. What struck me most about her story is that she used her business expertise combined with her perspective as a woman to make waves in the boys' pool. She introduced packaging and products that would appeal to women instead of men and revolutionized the adult novelty industry.

Have you heard of (or used) the Jack Rabbit, the vibrator made famous on Sex in the City? Colvin's predominantly-female team dreamed that up, and they continue coming up with ideas today to titillate a crowd that's easily jaded.

In fact, the impact that California Exotic Novelties has had on the industry is such that the company is being recognized for its pioneering role in an exhibit at the Erotic Heritage Museum (a non-profit cultural and educational project) in Las Vegas.

Three cheers for women excelling in technology, setting new standards within their respective industries and paving the way for other women to follow!

P.S. I completely and unabashedly grabbed the above photo from Colvin's alma mater's newsletter. All credit to them and none to me!

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Brainy Woman Seeks Partner...


Is dating more difficult if you're smart (say, in the top 5% of the population, intellectually)?

Author Dr. Alex Benzer says yes - for lots of reasons. Blogger Melissa Noble says no - no worse than for anyone else. I'll let them argue it out, but...

This question puts me in mind of the one good piece of advice that my mother gave me when I was an adolescent who was struggling with social awkwardness:

Find someone who is skilled socially. Study that person. Emulate their behaviors.

Contrary to what some people say (particularly the first respondent to Dr. Benzer's article), it isn't about changing who you are (i.e. you don't have to play the dumb bohunk or airhead bimbette), but rather acquiring a new skill, one that takes study and practice. It's like learning a new language or a new game. Smart people like learning new things, right? Well, I do.

I feel I have to mention, though, that one of the things that isn't addressed in either article is the difference between dating and being "in a relationship." Developing better social skills may help you to make connections that lead to dates. However, transitioning from dating into a full-blown relationship is yet another skill to be mastered. Where's the book on How To Manage a Long-Term Relationship For Smarties? Subtitle: How To Set Aside Your Ego and Let Your Partner Be Smarter Than You Sometimes...

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Reality Check, your Papalness

What world is the pope living in?  Preaching on abstinence to the HIV-plagued African continent?

Here are my random, scattered thoughts on this:

Abstinence? Really? This isn't just a problem among wild, crazy teenagers who don't understand the dangers of unprotected sex. What about the wife who is at risk of contracting HIV from her philandering husband? Is she also encouraged or even allowed to abstain from sex in her marriage bed? My guess is... probably not, since she is expected to "submit" to her man in all things. (Don't even get me started on *that* double standard.) Wouldn't it be nice if she could use a condom to protect herself when she suspects that her husband is engaging in risky behavior?

So, pope, how about addressing the way people actually are and dealing with reality instead of pretending the problems would all go away if they just all did as you said? My problems, too, would all disappear if people just did as I said, but it ain't gonna happen.

Good to see other bloggers agree.

Four Types of Sex Every Girl Should Have Part 2

Four Types of Sex Every Girl Should Have Part 2

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Friday, March 13, 2009

Progress Report

We are now officially an LLC! Hooray for Primrose Path! We've also made arrangements for our first trade show (in Vegas, baby), and we're developing a logo that brings it all together.

Step by step...

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Gratification

When we decided to pursue the idea of opening an adult boutique, Leah and I were admittedly nervous. It's fun and titillating to discuss such an idea between yourselves. However, consider flashing your friends and family with that same idea, and one gets a bit tongue-tied. I imagined horrified stares, uncomfortable weight shiftings and long pauses before the inevitable, agonized, "Why would you do that?"

I'm happy to report that I have yet to experience that scenario, and I've discussed Primrose Path with a few dozen people. The reactions so far have ranged from curiosity to outright enthusiasm. Let me give you an example:

I went to church this past Sunday. Seated in the pew with me was a beautiful, well-dressed woman who had accessories I coveted (it's a Unitarian Universalist church, so I'm not obligated to adhere to the Ten Commandments). She was exactly the sort of customer that we want to attract to Primrose Path.

After the service, I introduced myself and worked the conversation around to occupations. When I told her that my business partner and I are aiming to open an adult boutique for women in the fall, her whole face lit up! She gave me her business card (which I happily accepted) so that I could contact her.

We knew that we had a good idea, but it's extremely gratifying to find that other people feel the same way. That is what will make us successful!

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Now I Need To Learn How To Twirl Them


Last weekend, I road tripped north to Milwaukee to The Tool Shed for a skillshare workshop on making your own pasties.

I have a sort of fascination with pasties. It's probably because I'm small-breasted. I can't manufacture cleavage without feats of engineering being involved, so the exhibitionist Sex Goddess in me would prefer to run about nearly bare-breasted, just covering the important bits to avoid indecency charges.

Plus, it's a way of dressing up your tatas that doesn't require underwire. The best part about being able to make them yourself is that you can change them up for the holidays or match a new pair of panties. You can give them tassels, sequins, embroidery, beadwork, etc. so that they match your personal style. I'm never going to look at Hobby Lobby the same way again.