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...
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.
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.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Spread the Good Word
A good definition of the sex-positive movement from Chicago-based sex-positive activist, Clarisse Thorn.
Sex Toys News: Does Good Sex Begin in your 30's?
Sex Toys News: Does Good Sex Begin in your 30's?
Hopefully, the answer is "Yes," and it just keeps getting better...
Hopefully, the answer is "Yes," and it just keeps getting better...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)