Sex Toy News

Sensual Products For Women Go Mainstream

2006-04-06T11:08:00.000-07:00

The selling of sexual satisfaction to women has gone mainstream. Companies are cashing in on what some health experts are saying is women’s desire - demand, even - for better sex, and more of it.

You need only look as far as the feminine-care aisle in the grocery store to find condoms that promise women extra pleasure, lubricants that claim to heighten sensation and novelty items such as flavored intimacy creams. Log onto venerable amazon.com, and you’ll find a "Sex & Sensuality" section, where thousands of sex toys - most geared toward women - are for sale. Or tune into a daytime soap opera and count how many times commercials for products like "feminine warming gels" air.

When Trojan took direct aim at women last fall, it was officially a trend. Inspired by female focus groups, America’s best-known and most profitable condom maker began wooing women during reruns of "Sex and the City" and in the pages of "US Weekly" with a sleekly packaged line called Elexa. Women can choose from a variety of condoms, a warming gel, even a vibrating ring that is against the law to sell (except as a "novelty item") in the state of Texas. A brightly colored female silhouette pops off every shiny black box, making it appear softer, more feminine, more like cologne than condoms.

And Elexa has some company on the shelf: A new line of Lifestyles condoms called "4PlaybyLifestyles" pairs condoms with pleasure-enhancing novelties such as warming massage lotions, edible body paints and body shimmer. K-Y Brand’s lubricant called "Touch Massage 2-in-1 Warming," also introduced last year, is described as "the world’s first and only body massage oil and personal lubricant in one."

Portsmouth Herald Health News

UNLV Hosts Sex Workshops

2006-03-28T12:26:00.000-08:00

UNLV recently hosted a series of workshops for women on a variety of topics, including "Sex Toys 101". Sybrina Bernabei led the workshop by introducing attendees to a wide variety of vibrators and sex toys. She encouraged them to feel the toys not only with their hands, but also with the tips of their noses, an area with a large amount of nerve endings. Further discussion led to the female orgasm.

The workshops are the product of recent moves by feminists to increase topics on women's history and women's health.

Sex Toys in the Movies

2006-03-10T12:20:00.000-08:00

Upcoming National Lampoon Film Pucked gives liberal use to sex toys, videos and dvds throughout the telling of the fictional establishment of the first women's professional hockey league. Starring Jon Bon Jovi and David Faustino, the story follows an unlucky lawyer through the process. Adam & Eve, a 35 year old toy company, gets lots of product placement throughout.

Denver's First Sexpo

2006-02-28T16:38:00.000-08:00

The Sex and So Much More Show hit the Denver convention center to rave reviews and lines of eager shoppers over the past weekend. With Jenna Jameson and Ron Jeremy on hand signing autographs, live belly dancers, plenty of scantily clad women and rows of delightful adult merchandise, the atmosphere was electric through it's climax on Sunday.

Billed as "An upscale consumer trade show that brings both mainstream and sensual based businesses together under one roof in a safe and comfortable environment.", the show delivered on all fronts, leaving locals with devilish smiles as they rushed home to try new toys and techniques.

Despite poor weather, long lines snaked into the convention center with many of the attendees being groups of women. Promoters expected the total turnout to exceed the 15,000 that visited when the show was in Minneapolis.

George Michael Drugs and Sex Toys Binge

2006-02-27T12:18:00.000-08:00

Early Sunday morning, London police were startled to find former Wham frontman George Michael slumped over the wheel of his car close to Hyde Park Corner. "Controlled substances" and a variety of sex toys and masks were found in the car along with a clearly exhaused Michael. Always know for his hedonistic lifestyle, it appears that old George got a little too carried away this time.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman in London says: "A search of the man revealed what was believed to be controlled substances. He was arrested on suspicion of possession of controlled substances of category C and on suspicion of being unfit to drive."

All Headline News

Nicole Lenz Bags Paris

2006-02-24T12:14:00.000-08:00

On a lurid, sex drenched Vegas night, Playboy sexpot Nicole Lenz alleges that she and Paris Hilton hooked up in a swanky suite at the Bellagio. The action started playful but heated up quickly as Paris brought out an extensive collection of sex toys. "We just pleasured each other for hours, recording it all. Paris had brought all kinds of sex toys - to make sure we didn't miss out on anything simply because there was no man in bed with us!"

She paints a scintillating picture of the horny platinum heiress. "The moment we were in the room, Paris had only one thing on her mind - sex. We lay on a king size bed and took it in turns to play with each other. It wasn't long before we were naked and rolling around together."

The brunette bombshell responded with vigor and in the end, the produced the "horniest videotape of all time", according to Lenz.

Pictures of Nicole Lenz and Paris Hilton

Katrina Sex Toy Binge

2006-02-15T15:58:00.000-08:00

Detailed audits released over the past several days reveal shocking items and services purchased with Katrina aid. Sex toys, swedish massages, tattoos and jewelry were among the items listed. I suppose handing out $2000 ATM cards would tempt some to indulge, especially given the fact that they were completely uprooted from their homes and unable to go back. Emergency situations call for emergency measures.

Half of Britian Owns Sex Toys

2006-02-07T12:19:00.000-08:00

Sex mad Brits have blown their supposedly prudish image with two-thirds watching porn with their partners while over half own sex toys, according to a new poll.

The sexy survey revealed that the majority of couples today indulge their fantasies and enjoy the pleasures of the adult entertainment industry.

Researchers found that 69 per cent of adults are willing to give approval to the porn industry with 58 per cent actually owning sex toys, erotic films or magazines.

Although lusty lovers are reluctant to shout about their bedroom preferences outside of our relationships, 85 per cent no longer bother to hide their treasure troves of porn from their partner preferring to get permission first before indulging.

Erotic movies are the biggest favourite with 64 per cent of people admitting they watch them with their partner and more than 40 per cent use them to tease themselves into foreplay. One-in-four of the 1,200 people who took part in the survey to mark the UK launch.

Holiday Gifting

2005-11-23T06:30:00.000-08:00

Every year, we go out of our way to give gifts that will be remembered and enjoyed. Many of these gifts end up returned, buried in a closet or, worst of all, "regifted" to other people. So this year, why not stuff something a little spicier into that stocking, something that will most certainly be used again and again on those cold winter nights.

Our friends at EroticShopping.com have been generous to provide us with a special coupon number that allows you to save 15% on your entire order, including shipping! You can use the coupon as many times as you like and may also pass it along to anyone you know.

15% Coupon: 1225002 (enter it on their secure order form)

Have fun shopping this holiday season and remember that even Santa lets you be a little bit naughty...

Hustler Heats Up Miami

2005-11-21T06:30:00.000-08:00

Hustler Hollywood -- the upscale, softcore version of your typical sex shop -- is opening its doors in South Beach Friday, a year after pornography mogul Larry Flynt launched his Fort Lauderdale location amid controversy.

Plans for the Fort Lauderdale store, which opened in July 2004, sparked a nasty fight with city officials last year and a threat to change zoning laws. But in the end, the city backed away from tightening restrictions after Flynt threatened to sue.

The new store comes at a time when Hustler is expanding steadily, from its launch in Cincinnati in 1996 to nine locations nationwide. So far, in Miami Beach, the road ahead appears clear for the retailer with the erotic twist.

Hustler Entertainment, whose parent company Larry Flynt Publications publishes a magazine raunchier than Playboy, says it's discreet about in-store collections of sex toys and adult DVDs. They are kept at the back of the store and restricted to customers 18 and older.

Sex sells, but clothes sell more. Jimmy Flynt, Larry's brother and Hustler Entertainment president, says 80 percent of business comes from clothing and accessories as opposed to erotic products. He declined to give revenues for the private, family-owned company.

Hustler markets the store as a sophisticated erotic boutique rather than an adult store. More than 50 percent of customers are women, Jimmy Flynt said.

The Sex and so much More Show Minnapolis

2005-11-11T06:30:00.000-08:00

You can thank our neighbors up north for one of the hottest shows to hit Minneapolis in recent memory. A Canadian firm is hosting Minnesota's first ever sex show, featuring a wide variety of sex toys, adult movies, dvds and sexy lingerie. Provacative billboards have already created quite a buzz.

The International Sex and So Much More Show launched a $250,000 advertising campaign with the goal of attracting a total of 40,000 people. If initial response surveys are accurate, they may far exceed that figure. Not necessarily known for their sexual proclivities, Minnesotans are proving that there's plenty going on under the flannel sheets on those cold winter nights.

Showcase Productions is excited about opening up topics such as sex in the mainstream conscious. Approaching it from a healthy, loving aspect, they hope to enrich lives through better sex.

The show is open to attendees 19 and older.

New Zealanders Having Wild Sex

2005-11-09T06:30:00.000-08:00

Results from a global sex survey indicate New Zealanders are a randy bunch, use sex toys, and don't take safe sex too seriously.

According to the annual Durex world sex survey, New Zealand ranked the second highest in the world for one-night stands and the average Kiwi had sex 114 times last year - ahead of the global average of 103.
Australians had sex 108 times during the same time.

Some New Zealanders just can't get enough with 3.4 per cent of men and 1.7 per cent of women claiming one day is too long to abstain. A small percentage - 1.1 per cent - revealed they wanted sex at least once an hour.

New Zealand men seem to get more frisky with age as 28 per cent of 35 to 44-year-olds claim one week is too long to go without any action, while only 18 per cent of women in the same age group agreed.

Some 31 per cent of New Zealanders said they used sex toys, 37 per cent said they owned a vibrator, 8 per cent used love balls, and 10 per cent admitted to having purchased penis rings.

However, New Zealanders ranked fourth highest for unsafe sex, with 65 per cent admitting to having unprotected sex with a partner without knowing their sexual history.

New Zealand women were the ones taking the greatest risk, with 66 per cent admitting to having had unsafe sex compared to only 45 per cent of their global counterparts.

Family Planning Association executive director Dr Gill Greer said she was concerned by the number.
"The results from this survey should be a wake up call for Kiwi women that they need to start taking responsibility for themselves and their sexual health," she said.

About 18 per cent of New Zealanders admitted to having contracted a sexually transmitted infection - higher than the global average of 13 per cent - and 11 per cent of women under 18 said they'd had an unplanned pregnancy.

New Zealanders - who, on average, lose their virginity at 16.4 years - also ranked third highest for the number of sexual partners.

Elsewhere in the survey, Queenstown was voted New Zealand's sexiest city, Daniel Carter its sexiest male, Nicky Watson took the female award, and two thirds of NZ women admitted faking an orgasm.

Canadian Women Having Better Sex

2005-11-08T06:30:00.000-08:00

A survey shows Canadian women are more satisfied with their sex lives than men, use sex toys more often than men and include the toys in their travels.

The 2005 Global Sex Survey by Durex found 47 percent of Canadian women vs. 37 percent of men said they were confident asserting their sexual needs with their partners.

Women also reported being more open minded about their sex lives by a 60 percent-53 percent margin, and 60 percent of women are willing to experiment with sexual aids compared with 32 percent of men.

However, more than 40 percent of women report using vibrators with their partners and more than 20 percent of women have taken their vibrators with them on vacation.

Those figures could account for why more than 50 percent of Canadian men said they wish they had sex more frequently, compared with 41 percent of men worldwide.

The 2005 Durex Global Sex Survey revealed that people around the world are having sex an average of 103 times a year, and Canadians are a little above the average at 108 times per year.

Grown Up Slumber Parties

2005-11-04T06:30:00.000-08:00

When I was a little girl, slumber parties were a special treat. They meant that anywhere from five to fifteen little girls got to stay up late, eat snack food, play with toys usually fresh from a birthday celebration, and generally have a blast. I haven't been to one since I was about thirteen.

A few weeks ago, I was invited to a slumber party at UMBC, but the invitation read, 'Not an actual sleepover' no overnight guests please!? Slumber Parties, actually, turns out to be a registered trademark of a company that promises you will leave sexy, confident and ready to be satisfied. Like a Mary Kay party at a strip club, these slumber parties invite a "sexpert" into a woman's home to sell to the woman's friends and, like a Mary Kay party, the homeowner gets free stuff when her friends spend money. Always willing to help a friend in need, I packed up my wallet and left for my friend's "sex toy party".

I don't really know what I was expecting, but what I saw when I entered "Megan's" apartment (names will be changed to protect the sexy) wasn't it. It looked more like a football party, with snacks, drinks, and people everywhere. The only difference was, no boys allowed! Though the name of the game is sex, the intrusion of men into the party disrupts the intimate, open atmosphere between the guests.

Like a Mary Kay party, there were samples. Like a Mary Kay party, different girls talked about what works for them and what doesn't. As a Slumber Party associate walked the room spraying scented this and squirting self-warming that into everyone's hands, the guests talked about their own experiences. I thought this was a pretty liberated group, but it turns out there were a lot of things we each previously thought were weird that we also all do. There were plenty of times I heard Megan's guests say, "I thought I was the only one who did that!" But as the guests grew bolder, we went from discussing general quirks and embarrassing moments to graphic techniques all without being tacky, trashy or gross.

Plenty of the guests boyfriends felt intimidated that their girlfriends were going to buy sex toys. I think they should be counting their lucky stars that their girlfriends are cool enough to bring them home breast-shaped cake pans, edible body frosting, or any number of other cool toys besides the original Rabbit that are available at Slumber Parties.

For the more adventurous, the vibrating Rabbit made famous by HBO's Sex and the City is for sale, and it comes with a hefty price tag. There are also aromatherapy lotions, bubble baths, and other items that get women in a snuggly mood without screaming for sex.

The Slumber Party is a lot more than just a trashy excuse for a bunch of women to buy sex toys without leaving the comfort of their kitchen. It is a forum for women to talk about their escapades and their boundaries, to contrast and compare, and to feel like they have a right to enjoy sex as much as men supposedly do. And when I host my Slumber Party, I'm going to post it in the paper, because who wouldn't want free stuff?

Orgasm Awareness Festival

2005-11-02T06:30:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Anna Potter of Feminist Students United (FSU) sent out an email that should make us all want to sign up for the list serve of this UNC-Chapel Hill student organization. The email provides an update on the Orgasm Awareness Festival that FSU is co-sponsoring later this semester.

In case you haven't heard about this exciting event, it is focused on the female orgasm and dispelling myths about masturbation, sexuality, orgasm and other important topics.

The orgasm festival is going to take place on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill on Thursday, November 10th. There are going to be "pin the finger on the clitoris" and “locate the g-spot” games followed by contests to see how quickly and properly people of both sexes can put condoms on bananas.

There will also be a "vibrator museum" showcasing various sex toys including - but not limited to! - an antique vibrator from 1924. And there will be a vibrator raffle and lots of information on masturbation, orgasm and contraception.

Big Penis Desires

2005-10-31T06:30:00.000-08:00

For thousands of years, our art, literature and folk medicine have chronicled the many attempts at enlarging the male penis. The Egyptians, Mesopotamians, Romans, Phoenicians and Victorians all tried an impressive variety of supplements/solutions but none found the cure. Today, modern man continues the search, but the research is better documented, well shared and increasingly effective.

Perhaps the simplest thing a male can do is to shave his pubic hair to create the illusion of a bigger penis. Surgery to inject fat or other compounds can make it look bigger for a while, but this must be repeated every 4-6 months as the fat dissolves away, leaving the member looking smaller and more flaccid than ever. Others have the ligament that holds the penis to the abdomen cut, resulting in hefty gains but losing the upward erection that so many desire. Of course, you have to be willing to withstand someone cutting up your penis for results that are not entirely guaranteed.

The funny thing is that is does not seem to be driven by demands or desires of women. Women always seem to want more attention, kissing, cuddling and foreplay but rarely is the size of their partner's member mentioned. Of course, this may be because women are afraid of traumatizing their partner by requesting something that they can't have anyway. But overall, an extra inch doesn't seem to be on most women's most wanted lists.

In the end, the desire for a bigger penis may reflect desires for other things which are readily available, such as greater confidence, better sex, better relationships and more sex. But it seems men in general would be better served by funneling their attention, time and energy away from penis enlargement and into things that could make them considerably better lovers, such as oral sex, foreplay and smooth talk.

Sex Plaza: Mexico City

2005-10-28T06:30:00.000-07:00

One of the most stunning new attractions in Mexico City is the new sex plaza featuring over 80,000 square feet of sex toy stores, strip clubs and adult movie theaters. Owner Alberto Kibrit, a 24 year old entrepreneur, hopes it will help end taboos in Mexico by drawing in a wide variety of men and women. The stores, skylights, marble floors and beautiful decor make the sex plaza feel more like an upscale shopping mall. Over 100 shops line the well lit corridor and a sex museum which shows sexual practices throughout the world.

The many boutiques offer top line lingerie, exotic oils and a wide variety of playtime costumes. Exotic dancers perform in the food court - needless to say there are few complaints about waiting for food! And after your meal, they hand out condoms instead of mints.

Originally a high tech mall full of computers, cell phones, televisions and other electronic hardware, the plaza has succeded where others have failed.

"There are a lot of people who say, 'Thank you for permitting a plaza where we can buy sex toys.' They say it is not a sin, that there is nothing wrong with commercializing sex," he said. "They think that we are on the way to becoming part of the First World, and that we ought to be mature citizens and accept this kind of plaza."

"The good thing about this industry is that sex is for everyone, whether you're rich or poor, fat or skinny, young or old," he said. "And sex is for every day, it's not just for special occasions."

There aren't any official numbers on Mexico's sex industry, but Kibrit estimates Mexicans spend $1 billion a year in adult-movie theaters and sex shops and on telephone hotlines and erotic cable programming.

In sex shops alone, Kibrit said sales surged 10 percent in the past year. His survey found only 60 sex shops in a country with enough demand to support 600.

"The mentality has changed a lot in Mexico. It is opening, opening, opening," said Sadovich, 41, who owns Sexy Burger restaurant and an underwear shop in the sex plaza. "Young people are changing the way we think. Sex, love and rock and roll are overtaking Mexico."

The Everything to Do With Sex Show

2005-10-27T06:30:00.000-07:00

Toronto is sex to sizzle at the Everything To Do With Sex Show. Held at Exhibition Place, more than 50,000 visitors are expected to be teased, tantalized and tittilated by burlesque shows, fake orgasm contests, seminars on tantric sex and the art of erotic shaving.

Don't miss The Red Storm Burlesque as they kick off the show at 10:00 PM with their legendary props, costumes and sexy routines. For the ladies, Canadian Men International strut their stuff starting at 7:30 PM. You can't miss the men, but their barely there attire can easily be overlooked. Especially in some cases.

But don't think it's all fun and games. The show also features seminars that provide expert education on a variety of sex related topics. Explore the exciting world of swingers, voyeurs, exhibitionists and groups. Find other groups that have the same interests and sex partners that are looking to broaden their horizons.

Don't miss the Nectar of the Goddess seminar on Saturday. Delving into the mysteries of the g-spot orgasm and female ejaculation, they focus on bringing lasting and intense orgasms to women who may not have had this type of experience before.

And you can cound on plenty of exhibits with all of the latest sex toys and gadgets. From bungee swings to bondage rooms and sex dolls, you're sure to find something to tickle your erogenous zone.

World Erotic Art Museum

2005-10-26T06:30:00.000-07:00

Just in time for holiday visitors, Naomi Wilzig has the World Erotic Art Museum ready to go at her trendy location in South Beach, Miami, FL. Finally realizing the fruits of over 13 years of labor, Wilzig, 70, has amassed over 4,000 pieces that include items from all over the world.

"I have a sexual version of almost every type of object you can imagine," said Wilzig. "I go for the more explicit pieces."

You can visit the museam in it's second story space at 1205 Washington Ave and take a journey throughout history to examine our fascination with the erotic.

The earliest pieces, oil lamps with worn carvings of entwined bodies, reach back to 100 BC. From there, the collection ranges from kitsch to high culture. A wall tapestry depicts Leda and the Swan, a mythological saga of seduction. Anatomically correct Foo dogs guard the Asian room, where 1,000-year-old jade sex toys and delicate ivory figurines nestle in rows of lighted cabinets. Demure Art Deco nudes and naughty turn-of-the century French engravings luxuriate on cream-coloured walls.

Exploring Your Kinky Side

2005-10-25T06:30:00.000-07:00

Amost everyone has a side to them that leers to the kinky, bawdry and exotic. This is the side where they let their inhibitions run wild, becoming excited over the idea of sex toys, unusual positions, bondage or any of the innumerable other personal fetishes. Sadly, most people have failed to grasp certain tricks of the trade that can tremendously enhance your sex life. That's because most people have never been properly enducated in the wonderful variety that sex can offer.

For example, if you like to spend long erotic hours with your parter, either in bed or around a private space, try incorporating edible massage oils. They come in many different flavors and many turn warmer when you blow on them. The act of blowing to stimulate an area can be extremely erotic as it does not involve dircect touch although it holds the promise of it. They are great for introducing yourself or your partner to the joys of oral sex and can keep them down there for seconds if you should require.

Further, don't be afraid to try out different toys - on different parts of your body. Take your time and explore the full range of your existence. Handcuffs are another great toy. Make sure they're not on too tight, then tease and tantalize your partner until they beg for release. When you finally give in, attack with as much sexual fury as you can muster as your deprived partner will likely experience a powerful orgasm. Do everything you can to enhance this experience and you will be rewarded in kind many times over.

A Load of Cock

2005-10-24T11:05:00.000-07:00

Cultural Healers across the globe are increasingly offering their alternative services to men seeking to enlarge their penis through extraordinary means. Some even go so far as to claim to be able to do it without the man's direct knowledge. Others offer promises of greater vitality with quicker, harder erections.

Those who have taken the time to learn a bit about the subject offer insights on natural penis enlargement techniques and help to create an exercise regimen to buff up the boner. But most simply offer a variety of overpriced penis enlargement pills, most of which do nothing.

Given the Internet's overexposure to penis enlargement advertising, marketers are coming up with newer, better and edgier taglines to draw in your attention. Afer all, who wouldn't want a load of cock?

Vikings on Sex Toys Cruise

2005-10-13T11:56:00.000-07:00

The party was initially designed to fulfill what is an annual obligation by a first-year player to throw a social event for any players and any friends and family members who want to attend, Doyle said. The cruise was to end at midnight.

Almost immediately after boarding, crew members noticed partially disrobed women walking around, Doyle said. One employee opened a galley and three nude women popped out, he said.

Then the crew – about five people on each boat – saw women giving lap dances for money.

The players started to become more aggressive, wanting to pour their own drinks and screaming at the bartenders, he said. Naked women walked around without hesitation. They performed oral sex in the open, he said.

Sex toys were strewn about, he said.

Trojan's Quiet Launch

2005-09-21T11:13:00.000-07:00

Condom manufacturer Trojan is expecting good vibrations as their new line of sex toys goes mainstream into Wal-Mart stores and on EroticShopping.com.

This month, Trojan is shipping subtle black boxes containing so-called intimacy care products, including a warming gel, vibrating ring and vibrators, destined for the feminine-hygiene sections of major pharmacies.

Competitors Durex and Ansell are also on the bandwagon, the New York Daily News said Monday.

In their ads and packaging, the companies are looking to bring women of all ages into their typically young, male customer base, said Stephen Mare, brand manager for Durex's Play line.

Has it been a long time coming? I suppose you could say that, Mare said.

Irish Sporting Healthy Sex Appetites

2005-09-15T06:30:00.000-07:00

INSATIABLE Irish lovers are buying twice as many erotic toys at Ann Summers as the fun-loving British.
The saucy store's boss has revealed that 'Rampant Rabbits' and open-crotch knickers are among the big sellers in the O'Connell Street shop.

Jacqueline Gold said sales in Ireland are double what they are across the water at the staggering 1,000 Ann Summers parties which take place every month.

Despite highly publicised protests at the opening of the city centre shop, the Irish are stocking up on toys, lotions and undies.

Ann Summers' party turnover is now over €4m a year, and over 300 party organisers are doing a booming business.

Ms Gold admitted she was "surprised" by the former Dublin Corporation's negative attitude to the opening of the shop.

The corporation took her to court, claiming the shop was not appropriate on Dublin's main street, but she won the case.

"I'm used to controversy but I never imagined it would be like this," she said.

"I think it was down to one or two individuals who were against Ann Summers and had never been in one of our shops."

Over 10,000 customers visited the flagship shop on the first day of business five years ago.

Since then, the huge sales in sex toys shows the voracious libidos of the Catholic nation.

Organisers get a quarter in commission for sales at the parties, each of which makes about €360 in sales.

"Not bad for a couple of hours of fun," said Gold.

Dueling Dildos

2005-09-06T12:28:00.000-07:00

Thanks to an Internet contest soliciting stories about bizzare firings, we have become privy to the details of a story of furniture movers who were fired for dueling with a customer's sex toys.

It seems that while moving a customer's bedroom items, several drawers slid open to reveal an extensive collection of vibrators, dildos, anal beads, probes and massagers. Carefully selecting two of the larger items, the movers began vociferously dueling to the grave embarassment of the customer's wife.

She had just walked up the steps to retrieve some additional items and stood horrified at the top of the steps. Despite numerous apologies on the part of the movers, the entire group were sacked on the spot, giving way to a more docile group of movers.

Whispur With Delight

2005-08-30T16:18:00.000-07:00

Kelly Crislip wanted to be available to volunteer at her children's school. So she started a home-based party business, WhisPur.

Unlike Tupperware and Amway, Mrs. Crislip's products have a very specific niche - married women and those in long-term relationships. She sells adult sex toys which she stores in her basement.

"I'm not embarrassed or have moral issues with what I do," Mrs. Crislip said. "It's not just about sex. It's about romance, and knowing yourself and your body and your partners.'

"She estimates that nearly all of her customers are women age 25 to 50. They, tocan order online. But Mrs. Crislip also does home parties, and has independent contractors doing the same.

"I started it two years ago because I got tired of working for other people and making them lots of money," she said.

Last year, WhisPur turned a profit.

Visit Wholesale Adult Toys for information on supplying your home party business.

Singapore Women Embrace Their Sexuality

2005-08-25T06:40:00.000-07:00

The New Paper reported last week that some Singapore professionals are holding adult novelty parties in their home a la the more common and docile Tupperware parties.

The party host? Well, no surprise that it's a woman.

Oohtique!, which organises and hosts the parties that feature sex toys, provocative lingerie and other erotic trinkets (albeit presented in a non-sleazy educational manner), was started by a woman entrepreneur.

Perhaps most telling of all is the movement of these shops into a non-traditional domain - the HDB heartland.
The New Paper reported this two weeks ago.

Both the experts and those in the adult novelty industry have noticed this opening up of women's attitudes towards sex.

Said Mr Ben Goh, 36, owner of U4Ria, an adult novelty shop in Peninsula Plaza: 'Not only has there been an increase in female customers, they are also less shy.

'They usually ask me about the vibrators and how they work, and are quite open about their needs.'

He has been in the business for five years and is among the pioneers in the industry.

He estimates that there are about 14 or 15 such businesses in Singapore now, compared to five or six when he first started.

Amazon Offering Sex Toys

2005-08-24T10:38:00.000-07:00

As quietly as a peeping Tom, Amazon.com has amassed quite a collection of sex toys in its Health & Personal Care store.

That's right -- they've got vibrators, lube, leather harnesses ... 38,990 items to be exact, contained within the Sex & Sexuality subcategory.

Most, if not all, of those seem to be listed by third-party sellers, though the magnitude of Amazon's offerings made a complete check rather cumbersome. And Amazon never advertised this one in a press release.

A quick look, though, turned up some real winners.

Forget that old classic, the Rabbit. Here comes the adult virtual girl, a solid sex-doll retailing for just under $700. She seemed surprised at showing her wares so openly, but hey, this is the Internet, right?

With nary an age check, Internet surfers can peruse what appears to be one of the largest selection of sex toys on Earth next to the fine selection at EroticShopping.com, of course.

High Taxes Curb Sex Toy Profits

2005-08-15T11:20:00.000-07:00

Beate Uhse AG, Europe's largest chain of sex shops, said second-quarter profit slumped 65 percent because the company paid more taxes.

Net income fell to 553,000 euros ($685,582) from 1.6 million euros a year earlier, the Flensburg, Germany-based company said today in an e-mailed statement. Pretax profit gained to 2.07 million euros from 2 million euros and sales climbed 10 percent to 62.3 million euros.

Beate Uhse, which sells videos, magazines and sex toys in its stores and through catalogs, plans to add outlets in Eastern European countries such as Poland and the Czech Republic and expand its mail-order business.

Consumers in the retailer's home market have curbed spending in the face of unemployment that's near a post-World War II record and record oil prices.

The company still expects pretax profit to advance 15 percent this year as sales climb 5 percent. Beate Uhse aims to accelerate growth and sell more Pabo mail-order catalogs in Europe after expanding into France and the Benelux countries.

Sex Toys For Safter Sex

2005-08-12T08:11:00.000-07:00

Sex toys offer a great opportunity for sexual pleasure with less risk of getting sexually transmitted infections.

But there are still steps to take to avoid infection.

Wash your toys with soap and warm water after use.

If you share a toy with your partner, make sure you each use a new condom everytime you swop.

Softskin toys should be washed and then dusted with cornflour before storage. Wash the cornflour off before the next use. Do not use talc as you may have a reaction to it.

Anything that is used for anal insertion must have a “butt plug” (like a disc at the base of the toy) to stop it disappearing up the rectum.

Without a stopper, the peristaltic action of the rectum will suck up anything that it can and you will be making an embarrassing journey to the emergency room.

Always make sure that you remove your tampon before sex. It seems obvious but many women forget and the tampon then gets pushed too high up in the vagina and may cause an infection.

Whenever you engage in any kind of anal play, use three times the amount of lubricant you think you may need.

The anus does not self-lubricate and the surrounding skin is extremely delicate and tears easily.

When using fingers for penetration, use a condom, latex glove or finger condoms for protection against germs and to avoid being scratched by sharp or jagged fingernails.

Oils, petroleum jelly and lotions all perish and weaken latex condoms and may cause them to break. Only use purpose-made lubricants. Popular choices include K-Y Jelly and Assegaai.

When engaging in vaginal and anal intercourse, make sure you use a new condom before moving between the two to avoid causing any form of infection.

(more)

Taste Testing Edible Sex Toys

2005-08-11T15:09:00.000-07:00

Aside from my thing with vibrators and those adorably fuzzy cuffs, I don’t have much to do with sex shops. It’s not that I don’t enjoy naked-fat-lady birthday cards—and those “Friends Don’t Let Friends Fuck Ugly Girls” T-shirts are certainly very charming—it’s just that most run-of-the-mill sex shacks appear to be teeming with the lame, the overpriced and the screamingly obnoxious. I love a sense of humour about sex but too often in these places I encounter the tired, frat-boy variety of jokes that inevitably fail to induce anything more than a rolling of the eyes.

(more)

Sex Toys the Safe Option

2005-08-03T16:17:00.000-07:00

A little big city style is coming to the Bow Valley in the form of a fundraiser and sexual awareness event being put on by AIDS Bow Valley.

The event, called Arousal, will give people a chance to put on their favourite attire and sip martinis and wine while learning about alternatives to intercourse -- namely sex toys.

Coined as a red-tie event at Fuze in Banff, the event will feature “sexy, yet tasteful entertainment with some good advice about staying safe and having fun,” says Mark Fraser, a summer student and advocate working for ABV.

He makes it clear no strippers will be in attendance.On top of the sex toy presentation that will provide an opportunity for those who desire to order the toys, there will be a silent auction with chances to buy spa packages, artwork, restaurant packages and bath products from Banff and Canmore.

There will also be a door prize draw and a raffle.

(more)

Women Peaking Later Sexually

2005-08-02T11:16:00.000-07:00

If you're over 40 and female, you're gonna like this.

A new survey says that women over the age of 40 enjoy better sex!

Oh, yes! Yes! Yes! Love those sex surveys -- gimme more!

This latest survey interviewed 1000 women over 40 for Good Housekeeping magazine .

The results showed that more than two-thirds of women aged between 40 and 50 give their sex lives a positive seven out of 10.

Also, just under half had sex two or three times a week and 70% had it at least once a week.

These results may come as a shock to all the married men over 40 who write to me complaining about the lack of sex in their marriages, and the lack of interest in sex by their wives.

But, then, I wouldn't be hearing from those who are busy bopping each other frequently and with enthusiasm, would I?

(more + pictures)

Brits Love Internet Rabbit Vibrator

2005-07-29T11:54:00.000-07:00

Right, let's get down to business - you've warmed yourself up with the vibrating knickers, plugged the iPod into the Muff Dock and slipped into the backless thong, but there's still something standing between you and an earth-shattering climax...

Ah yes, your boyfriend is at a data networking conference in Birmingham. But while this would previously have been an insurmountable barrier to sexual intimacy, distance can no longer keep the tech-savvy rumpy-pumpyists from enjoying a private moment together.

Indeed, while less connected couples would have to make do with a bit of solo flying, those with a broadband connection and £79.95 to spare can now avail themselves of the Highjoy Internet Enabled Rabbit, 10.5 inches of non-toxic vinyl rubber net joy which "invites couples to join the online sexual revolution".

Yup, praise be once again to the internet. Here are some of the bangs you get for your bucks:

With your purchase you receive a free membership to HighJoy, the website that enables you to watch and control a partners sex toys from any PC, anywhere in the world!

Whether you spend time away from each other for work, or you just want to meet other like-minded people for true cybersex then this great new innovation is for you.

Naturally, there has to be an IT angle to all this, so here are the system requirements: "Windows 98 or later, serial or USB port, healthy sexual appetite!" Furthermore, those with a purely technical interest in how the Internet Enabled Rabbit actually works are invited to peruse HighJoy's comprehensive user interface tutorial (PDF).

Sexpo Australia Draws Record Crowds

2005-07-28T10:52:00.000-07:00

Porn star Silvia Saint says she can't take it any more.

"Since the year 2000, I don't shoot hard-core movies, just the soft [porn] - like not with the man, just with the woman," said Ms Saint.

The 29-year-old Czech-born actress, who can't recall how many people she has slept with over her 10-year career, was in Sydney today to open the Sexpo adult lifestyle exhibition.

Ms Saint said she needed a rest from the hard work of being an erotic film star.

"Even if you like to have sex, it's difficult to work in front of the camera behind 100 people watching you," Ms Saint said.

"I decided to get out of it when I was on the top," she said, with a remarkably straight face.

Sexpo organisers say they expect 60,000 visitors in Sydney this year.

"Sydney loves sex, and the event just keeps getting bigger," Sexpo founder David Ross said.

Featuring live erotic dance performances and a sprawling adults-only marketplace, Sexpo hopes to meet every desire.

But what on earth was a mobile dog grooming company doing at a sex show?

"Educating people on doggy-style," Christian Amos, at the Hydro Dog stall, said.

Almost half the patrons are expected to be women, many of whom accepted free glow-in-the-dark mini-vibrators as part of Ladies Day today.

And it's not just would-be premier Carl Scully who wants to add some "sparkle".

Stephanie, a first-timer at Sexpo, said the exhibition offered the opportunity to add sparkle to her sex life without going to a "seedy shop".

"When you are married nearly 20 years you have just got to keep the excitement in the bedroom," she said.
The event runs until Sunday at the Hordern Pavilion and Royal Hall of Industries at Fox Studios.

Jenna's New Virtual Sex Game

2005-07-27T11:56:00.000-07:00

Jenna Jameson seems bored. I am sliding a cucumber in and out of her pixel-perfect vagina, and her "oohs" seem a little forced. So I ask Sunny, a bronzed male model with just enough body hair to appear realistic yet groomed, for a hand. I put him on "automatic" mode and settle back to enjoy the view.

VirtuallyJenna is the newest evolution in the adult gaming market: a PC game available online ( http://www.virtuallyjenna.com/ ) in which players produce their own pornography scenes starring Jenna.

"We're changing the face of adult gaming," says an ebullient Brad Abrams, president of production company XStream3D, while at the E3 conference in L.A. "Jenna's the biggest in the business right now," he says, with a fan base of ranging from housewives to hardcore connoisseurs.

The object of the game is to bring Jenna and some of her Vivid friends to orgasm. You have at your disposal everything from carrots to anal beads, as well as various lingerie attire and some unexpected gear like an army helmet. The ladies, plus token male Sunny, are equipped with Mortal Kombat-like arousal metres, which inch upwards toward orgasm when you use a toy or position they like. A nice feature is the ability to be able to shift views, from the gaze of the camera to a first-person view of the action.

Full Body Dual Orgasms

2005-07-26T10:54:00.000-07:00

(PRLEAP.COM) Festiva Publishing LLC, announced the publication of it’s book “Recipes for Better Sex: 75 Delicious Ways To Spice Up Your Love Life,” by authors Lance Russell and Rebecca Smith.

The book reveals the discovery of the Full-Body Dual Orgasm Technique™ along with 75 other sexual, romantic, and foreplay skills for both men and women. The Full-Body Dual Orgasm Technique™ method gives women simultaneous, multiple clitoral and g-spot orgasms.

Women have described the intense sensations delivered from this method as: “…a wave of pleasure filling my entire body…” “…a bed grabbing, scream out loud, out of control orgasm…” “…the most intense pleasure I’ve ever experienced…”

Co-authored by a man and a woman who have lectured to Human Sexuality classes at Universities in California, the book gives insight into heightening passion in the bedroom from the perspective of both sexes.

“Recipes for Better Sex” is not simply a list of romantic ideas or a by-the-numbers sex manual,” said Rebecca Smith, author. “The book offers a complete menu of erotic knowledge for couples. It starts with romantic appetizers, then foreplay ideas to arouse your lover’s appetite, and ends with main course feasts of advanced sexual techniques including many oral techniques and sexual skills for both men and women to add variety, intimacy and heightened orgasms to their relationships. Fantasy roll playing, massage, erotic games and adult toys are also covered; plus, many famous and humorous quotes on romance and sex are featured in the book, as well.”

“Recipes for Better Sex” addresses a number of sexual issues for both men and women.

“Many women have told us they no longer need to ‘fake orgasms,’” said Lance Russell, author. “Also, they experience extreme vaginal lubrication, and some even report female ejaculation, when a man uses the Full-Body Dual Orgasm Technique™, and other sexual methods in the book, on them. This both excites their lover and overcomes any issues of uncomfortable sex caused by vaginal dryness.

In addition, women tell us the techniques they learn to please a man give them a great sense of confidence in the bedroom.” “For men, the issues of performance anxiety and concerns over penis size disappear from the confidence gained seeing the woman experience such an intense orgasm when using the techniques in the book,” said Russell. “It’s incredible to see a woman grabbing the bed and trembling out of control with pleasure.”

“Recipes for Better Sex” sells for $9.95 and it is available at Amazon.com.

Home Parties for Pleasure

2005-07-25T10:52:00.000-07:00

At-home product parties get a bad wrap. Think about it. Tupperware containers, Party Lights candles, Stampin’ Up scrapbooking supplies: these are not things husbands usually get excited about their wives spending money on. But there’s another kind of at-home party out there - a pleasure party - where women can pick up more desirable wares like lingerie, spa products and even sex toys in their own homes.
The customers at these parties aren’t strangers - they’re ordinary moms, daughters, wives and even grandmas, according to “romance enhancer” and Morgan Hill resident Cyndi Danen, who has been bringing spice back into homes around the South Valley for the last 18 years.

At 54, Danen is an everywoman to her customers. She’s been married for 34 years and has raised two children. At a size 16, she’s not an unapproachable spokesmodel, but someone who reminds her customers of their mothers or grandmothers. At least, until she starts talking.

In a relaxed and educational format, Danen lays out her wares - everything from comfortable pajamas and sea salt bath crystals to lacy lingerie, edible body chocolate and vibrators - for women or couples 18 and over. It’s not a new idea, but it is one that’s catching on in the area with a new generation of women discovering companies like Danen’s California UndercoverWear, an independent division of Mass.-based UndercoverWear, Inc, which posted $35 million in sales last year, according to Thompson Gale Competitive Intelligence. The average pleasure party in the South Valley attracts working women in their mid-30s, and generates $700 or more in business, she said.

“It’s a very non-threatening, very informative and educational way to look at buying products,” said Danen. “I’m like your mom. I just sell a different product.”

Danen’s direct and earthy instruction has won her a cadre of devoted customers like Jennifer Jenkins, a 31-year-old Redwood City woman who has already hosed two pleasure parties since meeting Danen in 2003 and plans on hosting her third next year.

“A friend of a friend had one, and I went,” said Jenkins, who has been married for eight years and operates a roofing company with her husband. “I thought it would be an interesting idea. I was a little nervous, and at first everyone was a little embarrassed, but the second time around everyone was excited. They kept calling and asking when I would do another one.”

As hostess of the successful party, Jenkins received a treasure trove - some $400 worth - of free lingerie, spa products and massage oils.

“I had no idea that those kinds of parties existed before I went to one, but now I’ve tried just about everything,” said Jenkins. “Everything I’ve gotten is really good quality. The lingerie is beautiful, and it’s quality, and when you go to order your stuff, it’s private. She sets up in a separate room, so if you want to be discreet, it’s perfect. The youngest at my party was 21 and the oldest was 70, and even the 70-year-old ordered some things.”

That’s one of Danen’s main selling points for the line, which she joined after her then-teenage son told her about a promotional piece he’d seen for UndercoverWear on television. Originally just a side income she got into for fun, the company has now become her main job, keeping her busy four nights a week and generating $100 to $200 per night.

“I got into it for fun, but I stayed because I was having a good time and making money,” said Danen. “All of the products are edible, non-staining and aren’t tested on animals. Eighty percent are made in the U.S.A., and I like them because you can just go to bed when you’re done. They’re not sticky. You don’t have to get up and change the sheets or take a shower.”

For more information on suppliers for home sex toy parties, visit Wholesale Adult Toys.

Sarah Michelle Gellar Wants To Take It All Off

2005-07-22T11:10:00.000-07:00

Sarah Michelle Gellar wants to strip off for her next film role.

The sexy actress admits she is desperate to bare all on the big screen before she hits 30 so her fans can see her in her prime.

Gellar, who shot to fame in the hit US TV series 'Buffy The Vampire Slayer, hopes her naked ambition will convince directors to cast her in more racy roles so she can shake off her teen star image.

When quizzed on the subject, she said: "I am approaching 30 and I need a change. The sort of roles I would like are not being offered, so this way might just shock people into choosing me."

Rumours are rife Gellar is currently being lined up to play a porn star in new movie 'Southland Tales'.

The 'Grudge' star will play an X-rated actress who is trying to quit porn to develop her own reality TV show.

Sex Columns Set Campuses Abuzz

2005-07-21T11:26:00.000-07:00

PHILADELPHIA — Ursinus College sophomore Lane Taylor is often referred to as a sexual Sherpa, queen of the obscene.This “dictionary of sin,” is spending her summer researching and writing about sexual healing, the dangers of douching, and how to get the most fulfillment from a sexual experience.

In preparation for fall semester and the continuation of her extracurricular vocation, the one that has caused her headshot to be plastered on dorm room walls.

The one that has caused her to be stopped frequently and asked questions about orgasms, urinary tract infections and contraception, even once while she was in the student center giving blood.

The nicknames, intimate inquiries and attention she’s received are not in respect to her achievements as a student, researcher or athlete, but for her work as a columnist for the student newspaper, The Grizzly.

Her column’s topic: sex.

Taylor, 18, is one of a growing number of college-age “sexperts” writing regular opinion and advice columns on any and all issues related to undergraduates and sex, from traditional treatises on the art of the first date, foreplay, phone sex, oral sex and long-distance relationships to more eccentric exposes on nudism, funny fetishes, using food in sexual activities, and even the difficulty of opening bras with front clasps.

Since the student newspaper sex column was pioneered in 1997 in a regular feature called “Sex on Tuesdays” in the Daily Californian at the University of California-Berkeley, such fare has become as common on campuses nationwide as Livestrong bracelets and cell-phone text messaging.

Buying Sex Toys at the Local Drug Store

2005-07-20T13:43:00.000-07:00

ME (hypothetically, although I know millions of people buy them every day and it's perfectly normal): Hi, just this please.

CASHIER (17 year old lad, many pimples): Okay ... (beep) Um, it's not scanning ... (beep) Nope, definitely not scanning. I'll need to get a price check.

ME: Oh for the love of Masters and Johnson, NO!!

CASHIER (on really loud intercom): PRICE CHECK ON 2 ON THE "HAPPY JIGGLER PERSONAL PLEASURE MACHINE", THE ONE WITH THE...is that a hedgehog?

ME: ... no ... it's a rabbit.

CASHIER: ...THE ONE WITH THE RABBIT.

And what about returns?

ME: Um ... hi ... um ... I need to return this, it doesn't work.

CASHIER (woman, nearing retirement): Okay ... what is this?

ME: ... ahh ... it's a hand blender.

CASHIER: ... oh ... is that a hedgehog?

ME: No! It's a rabbit!

CASHIER: Say, didn't you used to be on television ... Hey! Where're ya going? What about your hand blender?
No, no, no. If I'm ever going to purchase one of these items (and I know trillions of people do every day and it's perfectly 110 per cent normal) I'm afraid I'll need it delivered directly to my door in a package wrapped with many layers of thick brown paper.

A darkened room. The internet. Now that's progress.

Jack Breaks Out the Dildo

2005-07-19T11:13:00.000-07:00

Martin Scorsese doesn't let every actor rewrite his movies - but then, not every actor brings so much life experience to a role as Jack Nicholson.

Word is the two-time Oscar-winner has been tinkering with the script for Scorsese's "The Departed" - including the sex scenes.

"Jack didn't feel there was enough Jack in his character," a spy tells us.

So Nicholson, who plays a Boston Irish gangster named Costello, called for a polish to William Monahan's script.

"Jack actually did some of the writing himself," says our spy.

But we're told it wasn't a pen he used for revising a scene in which he gets busy with two women.

"Jack suggested using a dildo," adds the source. "He also wanted to dust the cheeks of one of the actresses with cocaine. Marty said, 'Go for it!'"

A Warner Bros. rep would say only, "It's not at all uncommon for dialogue to be fine-tuned during production. Everyone is extremely pleased with the way this shoot is proceeding."

Builder Steals Sex Toys

2005-07-18T15:20:00.000-07:00

A builder from the Isles of Scilly has admitted that he stole women's underwear and sex toys from islanders for 15 years.

Andrew Stephan, 42, formerly of Telegraph Street, St Mary's originally denied 14 charges of burglary, six of theft and one of witness intimidation.

But on Monday he admitted 10 of the charges at Truro Crown Court.

The Crown decided not to pursue the other cases. Stephan will be sentenced next month on 22 August.

He was released on bail until sentencing.

Judge Philip Wassall warned Stephan his fetish could lead to a jail sentence.

He said: "The matter is serious and custody cannot be ruled out.

"The court needs to see a pre-sentence report to know how serious your offending is."

Eleven woman were called to court to identify their underwear and sex toys at Stephan's first trial.

Prosecutor Iain Leadbetter said the Crown had consulted the women in deciding not to pursue other charges of burglary and witness intimidation. He said it would save them having to give evidence again, which they would prefer not to.

The jury at the earlier trial were told that Stephan's estranged wife's boyfriend had found a 160 pairs of knickers hidden in the house when he was attempting to trace hot water pipes in January last year.

More underwear, sex toys and photographs were found over the next few days in the house and under the garden shed.

When word about the finds spread around the island, several women went to the police station to identify their knickers and other items, the court heard.

Lifestyles Swinger Convention

2005-07-14T12:21:00.000-07:00

At first glance, the midnight pool party at the Stardust seems relatively tame. Hundreds, if not thousands, of people are hanging out, ordering drinks at the bar and mingling. A few are dressed in revealing outfits, but there really isn't anything shocking going on. The same was true at the "Bikes and Babes" party in the Stardust Pavilion that just let out. Feeling pretty comfortable, and perhaps a bit disappointed, I make my way to one of the ground-floor poolside rooms.

"You have to take your clothes off to come inside," a guard at the door tells me.

My wife and I look at each other quizzically. We'd been prepared for someone to enforce a "couples only" policy. After all, this is Lifestyles West 2005, one of the larger swingers conventions in the country, if not the world. Individuals aren't even allowed to register unless they're part of a couple, which is why my wife has agreed to accompany me on this particular assignment. But neither of us is prepared to disrobe simply to enter a hotel room. We decide to pass, and check out the rules a few rooms down -- which prove to be a bit more flexible.

"All we ask is that if you decide not to participate, you don't hang around watching all night," the next guard requests.

Inside the suite, we find a living area with a bar, several air mattresses thrown on the floor to accommodate the half dozen or more naked people having sex. The scene is pretty much the same in one of the bedrooms, except that they're using a pair of queen-sized beds (about three or four people to a bed).

Having been advised of the rules, we don't stay long. Besides, there are a few more poolside parties to check out, and several penthouse-floor high-roller suites hosting similar events.

Scenes like these are what people expect when they hear about 4,000 people attending a swingers convention on the Las Vegas Strip. But Lifestyles West, which ran from July 6-9, was considerably more than a four-day string of orgies. There were educational seminars on everything from "orgasm mastership" to the legal issues involved in swinging. A large convention hall hosted a huge "adult expo," where couples could shop for everything from lingerie to sex toys. There were buffet dinners for several thousand people, and four theme parties at which nearly everyone -- regardless of age or body type -- dressed in something fabulous and revealing. And despite what went on in the hotel rooms, sex and nudity were strictly prohibited in public places.

Canadians Abuzz Over Vibrators

2005-07-13T11:00:00.000-07:00

Canadians are well known for their obsessions: hockey, curling, and beer, to name a few. But are Canadians also obsessed with vibrators? According to the 2004 Durex Global Sex Survey, the answer is a resounding yes. In fact, 39% of Canadians, both male and female, report already owning a vibrator. The ownership rate throughout the rest of the world is 27%. Interestingly, it seems that sexual exploration increases with age. Ownership jumps to 51% among Canadians 25-34, and tops out at 61% among respondents aged 44-55. Clearly, there is a substantial demand for these products in Canada.

To meet this demand, Durex(R) has launched a new line of personal massagers under the brand name Play(TM). These massagers are now available in London Drugs stores across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, markingthe first time that personal massagers have been available in mainstream retail drug stores. Stephanie Mitelman, a certified sexuality educator and president of Sexpressions, which offers sexual health prevention workshops across Canada, thinks that's good news for couples. "We seem to be increasingly more open to exploring our sexual desires and experimenting with having a little more fun in the bedroom," said Mitelman. "The availability of these massagers on mainstream retail shelves is an opportunity for men and women to connect in new ways and celebrate the freedom to enjoy personal massage."

Angelina Jolie's Spicy Sex Life

2005-07-12T11:10:00.000-07:00

Angelina Jolie has been spicing up her sex life with X-rated underwear and toys, amidst claims Brad Pitt has moved in to her home.

The sexy actress has splashed out £1000 on an array of saucy goods from London sex store Coco De Mer.

Angelina was also spotted flicking through books on sexual positions and picking up blindfolds and feather ticklers.

A source revealed: "Angelina bought sexy, lacy underwear and sex books. She loves looking at underwear and loves anything that's made of leather.

The source added to Britain's Mirror newspaper: "Her most recent trip here a couple of weeks ago is the most she has ever spent.

The Roaring 40's

2005-07-11T10:47:00.000-07:00

It seems that reaching 40 is no longer the "over the hill" milestone that it once was. In fact, sex in your 40's can be better than ever.

According to a survey in Good Housekeeping magazine (an improbably frisky publication that recently made headlines by applying its famously stringent Good Housekeeping Institute test procedures to sex toys. Sex toys crop up again in the survey: 41% of over-forties use them, we’re told). Anyway, according to the magazine’s research, more than half of women in their forties are having better sex now than they did in their twenties, with more than two-thirds giving their sex lives a rating of seven out of 10.

History of the Vibrator

2005-07-08T10:58:00.000-07:00

Great slideshow with detailed history on vibrators, their early applications and future potential.

http://slate.msn.com/id/2121835/?nav=ais

Lisbon's International Erotic Fair

2005-07-07T10:52:00.000-07:00

Lisbon - Portugal's first-ever "international erotic fair" wrapped up on Sunday after drawing about 40,000 visitors, double the anticipated crowd, prompting organisers to plan a repeat of the event next year.

"Our expectations were vastly exceeded," said Manuel de Jesus, one of the organisers of the four-day event held at Lisbon's riverside convention hall.

Visitors could catch a retrospective of "classic" pornographic films, shop for sex toys, pose for pictures with the dozens of scantily-clad porn stars at the event or watch strippers twirl around greasy poles.

Porn stars in the making

One of the most heavily attended shows was a live casting for a chance to star in a porn movie.

"I was so surprised by how many people came, they recognised me and it really moved me," Spanish porn star and event spokesperson Bibian Norai said.

Most of the visitors were men, many who brought along their digital cameras to preserve their memories of the event, but couples of all ages strolling hand-in-hand and groups of women could also be seen.

Tickets cost 20 euros in a country where the minimum wage hovers around 360 euros per month with entry restricted to those 18 and over.

For many in attendance the success of the event was a sign that staunchly Roman Catholic Portugal is gradually shedding its conservative social values, especially those that apply to women.

"Slowly, slowly things are improving. Events like this can only help," said 31-year-old office worker Ana Pereira after she shared the stage with a male stripper who was dressed — briefly — as a police officer.

Slowly but surely changing mindset

Unlike neighbouring Spain which experienced a revolution in social values after toppling a right-wing regime in the 1970s, the legacy of the dictatorship which ruled Portugal for nearly five decades until it was ousted in 1974 has eroded more slowly.

Sex education is still virtually non-existent in public schools in the nation of just over 10 million while the law forbids the establishment of sex shops within 300m of a school or church.

But over the past decade television has become more daring with the arrival of two private stations in 1992 while the first sex shops opened at around the same time, with many obtaining licences by disguising the nature of their permit requests.

Among the over 60 stands representing sex industry firms were businesses which saw the event as an opportunity to tap into a little developed market which is beginning to grow.

"The response has been fantastic, many people want to licence our films," said Serge Smagge, the publicity and sales manager for Germany-based Eurocreme, which bills itself as Europe's biggest gay adult movie studio.

Organisers said the fair already being planned for next July will occupy double the space and feature even more daring events.

Scarlet Magazine Promises to Titillate Females

2005-07-06T10:48:00.000-07:00

Scarlet Magazine, the magazine that 'turns women on' will hit WHSmith's newstands 21st July. After over a year of attempting to get onto the WHSmiths news stands, watching new sex based men’s weekly’s sail straight onto Smith's shelves, Scarlet has made it, making it the first sex magazine for women to be stocked by the retail giant.

There is no-one who epitomises the Scarlet woman more than its editor, the infamous Sarah Hedley. It has been her expert knowledge of the global sex industry combined with the iron will determination of Scarlet Magazine's entrepreneur publisher Gavin Griffiths that has put the magazine on Smith's shelves. Seeing the massive success of Sex and the City and a new, frank, sexual openness in society as heralded by such retailers as the unstoppable Ann Summers, Gavin saw a gap in the market for a confident and sassy magazine that voiced itself in the way women actually speak to each other when men weren’t around.

Publisher Gavin Griffiths, who at times has felt like he has been up against a brick wall launching Scarlet, says - 'like so many industries consolidation has created these cash rich giants which are almost impossible to compete against. They throw off so much money when bringing new titles to market that it creates an extremely tough environment to launch as an independent. It seems most magazine retailers are now expecting significant promotional budget which is pricing the small guys out. Its refreshing to be accepted and to be finally allowed to play with the big boys.'

Gavin Griffiths spent 10 years working in the city as a shipbroker before leaving to join an internet start-up during the dotcom boom. He joined eyestorm.com in 2000, a groundbreaking and pioneering online art gallery representing such luminaries as Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons and Helmut Newton. He was in charge of setting up galleries in London and New York and was head of sales for Europe. While exploring possible opportunities in the erotic art arena he spotted a near-bankrupt magazine called The Erotic Review and purchased the infamous title and supporting business for the princely sum of £1. He left the art business to concentrate on running the magazine full time. After raising funds to turn around the title he sold it 18 months later to, Dennis Publishing, one of the UK’s top publishing houses.

Sarah Hedley is one of the UK’s leading and most respected sex writers. Before taking up the reins of Scarlet, Britains first ever sex magazine for women, Sarah resided as sex editor and columnist for three of the world’s largest publications – Cosmopolitan magazine, Maxim magazine and The Sun newspaper- as well as gracing the sex pages of just about every english speaking media publication across the globe. Sarah is the writer, narrator and consulting director of the new Modern Loving sexual inspiration video series, and has had the pleisure of testing over 200 sex toys in her role of ‘Dr Love’ for AnnSummer.com. The combination of her expertise and impeccable presenting skills has seen Sarah appear as a social commentator on a wide variety of radio and TV shows including Richard & Judy, The Oprah Winfrey Show and the Channel 4 News. Sarah has also resided as TV agony aunt on several series inlcuding T4’s Dirty Laundry and Trouble’s Fancy Me Island, and has co-presented pilot shows with Anthony Cotton (Coronation Street) and Dermot O’Leary (Big Brother’s Little Brother).

Wicked Weasel

2005-07-05T08:10:00.000-07:00

Some of the hottest bikinis in the world come from the fabulous Down Under laboratories at Wicked Weasel. They are able to use the finest materials available to make the bikinis, simply because there is very little actual material to the bikini. Mini and microkinis, thongs, strings and the slightest hint of sheer or mesh material to partially obscure what's underneath it all.

Eve Hunts Sex Clip Shadow

2005-07-01T08:08:00.000-07:00

Rapper/actress Eve has hired a private investigator to find out who leaked a 30 second clip of her having sex with ex-boyfriend, producer Stevie J.

Representatives for Eve, who was just 21 years-old when the video tape was recorded, said she was devastated and that couldn’t figure out how the tape found its way to a general viewing audience.

Stevie J., who is featured in the tape pleasuring Eve with sex toys, has already denied being the culprit.

A nude photo of a woman that appeared to be Eve surfaced on the net a last year.

Eve, who used to strip, didn’t deny the authenticity of the picture at the time, but stated she was being blackmailed by an unknown perpetrator.

An unidentified man approached several media outlets last year with photos of the actress/rapper for sale.

“This guy, whoever he is, has tried to blackmail us with this photo,” Eve told the New York Daily News last year. “He's called all these radio stations telling them about the photo. I mean, he's the type of guy who wakes up every morning to do this."

Dr. Drew to Discuss Penis Enlargement

2005-06-30T09:10:00.000-07:00

He's made talk radio essential for teens for more than 20 years with his nationally syndicated show, "Loveline," which he hosts with comedian Adam Corolla. Now Dr. Drew Pinsky has his own television show on Discovery Health Network.

Pinsky takes on the role of talk-show host in "Strictly Sex With Dr. Drew," which deals with everything from penis enlargement surgery to phobias.

"This is not a fluffy, glossy show," Pinsky said. "We are guiding (our guests) into discussions that you don't hear on other shows. We get into stuff that's well beyond the usual gloss."

Each episode will have co-hosts that deal with that show's topics. "Good Day L.A." co-host Jillian Barberie will talk about her childhood sexual abuse.

"(The goal of the show is) to educate," Pinsky said. "I think our culture is very screwed up about sexuality, and (the goal of the show is) to shine a new light on sexual issues."

Sex Toy Boom in China

2005-06-29T11:00:00.000-07:00

With a glazed look in her eyes, the bored production line worker dips her hand into a bag full of short and curlies, peels off a strip of double-sided transparent tape and applies the furry finishing touch to a plastic vagina.

On the table behind, three young migrant workers from Hubei province are a picture of tedium as they fix studs and chains on a red rubber bondage outfit.

Nearby, a more experienced worker inserts small electric motors into giant pink vibrators and then buzzes them briefly into action to make sure the connections work.

The Shaki adult toy factory in Shenzhen, in southern China near Hong Kong, is an orgy of production. And though nothing could seem less erotic to the workers, their output is testimony to the growing passion of consumers for China's latest boom industry: sex.

The country now provides 70 percent of the world's sex toys.

While the bulk of the equipment is destined for export, a growing share is now being sold domestically, to a population that has never had as much money and freedom to experiment.

The ``Eromatique,'' an automatic dispenser set up in February outside of a bar in the Dutch southern city of Tilburg. It's the first vending machine of its kind in the Netherlands.

Thanks to a sharply expanding economy and the liberalization of many aspects of private life, attitudes towards sex have undergone a sea change.

During the cultural revolution men and woman were often segregated, overt sexuality in dress or behavior was frowned on, and kissing in public could bring condemnation.

Today, conservative values remain strong in the countryside, but in the cities young people canoodle openly on park benches and try out the alternative sexual behavior they see on the internet and on pirated western DVDs.

"I feel my business is standing on the front lines of a sexual revolution. I believe all adults have the same right to enjoy sexual pleasure. There should be no difference between the orient and the west on this point."

Fang Hong, owner of the sex shop ShakiA survey by the Family Planning Agency found that almost 70 percent of Chinese were not virgins when they married, compared with 16 percent at the end of the 1980s.

Prostitution, the target of a fierce and successful crackdown during the Mao Zedong (¤ò¿AªF) era, is once again a huge business. In places like Shenzhen, brothels are so tolerated by the authorities that street upon street of massage parlors and karaoke bars display a selection of girls in their shop windows.

On weekends, gay and lesbian bars, once unimaginable, draw packed crowds in Shanghai, Guangzhou and other large cities throughout China.

The sex toy industry is also going from strength to strength. In Beijing, it was not until 1993 that the first adult health retailer, as such outlets are euphemistically named, opened.

Now the capital is estimated to have 2,000 such shops.

Most of the early establishments were dowdy and staffed by matrons in white laboratory coats, offering potency pills to a largely male clientele.

But increasing competition is pushing retailers to be more imaginative in their presentation. Public advertising is forbidden, but managers are displaying a more colorful array of products on their shelves and expressing a wider range of ideas about their role.

"I feel my business is standing on the front lines of a sexual revolution," Meng Yu, who runs the G-Spot, told the domestic media.

"I believe all adults have the same right to enjoy sexual pleasure. There should be no difference between the orient and the west on this point."

But achieving recognition has been a hard slog. Before he was able to open Shaki in 1995, the owner, Fang Hong, said it took him years to acquire the necessary permits from 36 different government agencies.

His business, which has since grown at the rate of more than 20 percent per year, now employs 300 people during the peak season before Christmas.

At the company's factory in the People Love Technology Park in Shenzhen, products are tailored to meet the different demands of major buyers in Japan and the US.

Casting an expert eye over a range of blow-up dolls, he said westerners preferred large realistic figures with lipstick and wigs, while his Asian customers tended towards petite inflatables with cartoon faces.

"I think Asians emphasise the fantasy element of play, while westerners think more in terms of realism and utilization," he said.

Given China's 1.3 billion population, he said domestic sales were relatively small, but were growing fast.

At a sex toy fair last year in Shanghai, the organizers estimated that the business was already worth 100 bn renminbi (US$12.1 billion) and expanding at the rate of 30 percent per year.

"It takes time for people to accept such toys," said Fang. "But Chinese people are like any other human beings. When consumption levels rise, so does the interest in things like this. I think Chinese people are having more fun."

Sociologists, health workers and sexologists all agree that China is becoming more promiscuous, although sex education at schools and universities is rudimentary or non-existent.

According to a 2004 study quoted in the People's Daily, only 21 percent of Chinese men knew where to find the clitoris.

Last year the most rapid increase in new HIV cases was among teenagers, many of whom were unaware of how the disease was transmitted.

Among China's most notorious bedroom activists is the blogger Mu Zimei, whose online revelations about 70 lovers, many married or famous, became so popular that the authorities shut her site down, because they saw it as a threat to social morality.

But Mu Zimei (real name Li Li) said woman were leading the trend towards not only more sex, but more pleasure.

"Traditionally, the sexual role of Chinese women was too passive. But now they take the initiative. Sex is no longer only for reproduction. Women regard it as a source of pleasure, so they put more emphasis on the quality of their sex lives."

In its industrialized form, however, excessive sex does have its drawbacks. At the Shaki factory, there is no excited talk about sexual revolution, nor even the slightest titillation or shocked giggles.

The workers labor in near silence for eight hours a day for US$80 to US$100 per month, knocking out so many cheap thrills for the world that they become numb to what they are doing.

"For the first few days, this job felt a bit strange," said one woman. "But after that you forget what you're holding. It becomes just another object."

California Gigolo

2005-06-28T09:59:00.000-07:00

Set amid the lush backdrops of 1970's Beverly Hills and Palm Springs, John Holmes gives arguably his best performance as a stud offering himself to the high class women of Southern California in California Gigolo.

You haven't seen hot until you check out the California beach babes in the age of free sex. One by one, they are seduced by Holmes and his giant member. Each leaves thoroughly exhaused, fulfilled like never before. Holmes was horny as hell, reportedly going several weeks without sex prior to the shooting. He holds nothing back in an epic performance.

Highly recommended for the conisseur, but equally good for the beginner.

Sex Doll Creates Bomb Scare

2005-06-27T11:09:00.000-07:00

Thats bizarre: Bomb squads in Germany were scrambled after a box of vibrators were mistaken for a bomb.

Terrified German postal workers called in the crack team after a package waiting to be shipped out began vibrating and making a strange buzzing noises.

Police brought the sender of the package to the post office to explain himself - but when the package was opened they found a life-size female sex doll with an electrical vibrating device deep inside an undisclosed location.

The embarrassed man later told police he was returning the doll because it kept turning itself on at the wrong moment.

Jenna Jameson in Forbes

2005-06-24T11:36:00.000-07:00

Kids, forget about grad school, law school and med school — there's serious money to be made in becoming a personality. And if that doesn't work out, you can always become a talk-show host. Or better yet, become a porn queen and make big bucks selling your moans of love as a cell-phone ring tone.

Jameson didn't make the Celebrity 100 this year, but she did so well that Forbes published a story on what it calls "her holding company." The company runs a Web site — accessible only to members who pay $35 a month — that sells Jameson's unique line of souvenirs. "Her fans can rent her digital moan as the ringer on their cell phones," Forbes reports, "and buy Jenna sex toys, action figures — and even a piece of herself, molded in soft plastic, anatomically accurate and priced to move at $200."

Blowin' Glass

2005-06-23T12:00:00.000-07:00

There are glass masterpieces to be found in your local headshops' swirl of stale incense and spacy Pink Floyd music.

Check it out, back there behind the racks of tie-dye classics.

That wall of glass pipes is more than just a toker's eye candy. It's a hot item for stores and an even hotter product for glassblowers who consider their products to be works of art.

Most head shops in Fort Collins claim that 90 percent or more of customers purchase glass art. Pendants, jewelry and even adult toys, such as giant glass dildos, are among the glass artworks in local stores.

Yet the combined profit from these accessories is minor compared to the countless number of glass pipes and bubblers sold weekly.

"There was only one case with pipes when we opened in 2003," says Brandon Finke, owner of Kind Creations: Head Shop and Custom Glass Design. "Art glass just didn't make any money. People weren't buying. I slowly added more pipes. Now it's all pipes."

Kind Creations and High Country Gifts are two head shops in Fort Collins with in-store glass studios producing glass pieces.

Three other businesses, Rock 'N' Robin's, Higher Education and the 25-year-old Mellow Yellow, rely on local glassblowers as their suppliers.

A business relationship between a glassblower and head shop is simple: The artist sets up an appointment with a store buyer who purchases the artists' pieces. The sticky part comes in agreeing upon a price to buy and sell.

A store manager who declined to be identified said a fair amount of ego is involved in such transactions, just as with artists trying to sell paintings.

Deciding the retail and wholesale prices on glass pipes varies with its characteristics. Besides the obvious consideration of length and width, the time, skill and the amount of glass materials needed to create the many colors can beef up the price, despite its size.

The store manager also noted if a customer pays $40 for a easily broken lightweight piece, they're actually paying for the artistic skill necessary to create the detailed designs. Something twice as thick might be half that amount, but the customer is paying for the thickness, instead of the skill it took to make a not-as-intricate design.

Such products can range in price from $8 to $840.

Most glassblowers rely on their positive reputation with stores to create a steady income. Servicing different stores in Fort Collins once or twice a month can gives artists an ample amount of work. Some shops in town do business with 40 to 50 different blowers.

"It's easier to sell pipes on a regular basis than other glass art," says Carmen Schultz, a 21-year-old professional glassblower in Fort Collins. "Most art shops want you to sell on consignment. With pipe shops, you make it, they buy it and it's done."

Schultz, who has been blowing glass for four and a half years, depends on her artwork as her main source of income while she attends Colorado State University.

From a money-making perspective, many glassblowers feel an important business aspect is to favor quantity over quality.

Schultz agrees with focusing on high-demand pieces and deciding if benefits outweigh costs of labor and materials will bring more profit than, "making insane, intricate pieces and selling them for lots of money."

"People can't really afford huge and expensive pieces. They want to spend 10 to 15 bucks. Artists realized that production work -- making a bunch of units at a really cheap price -- makes more money," says Schultz.

Competition between local glassblowers is stiff, she notes, but the demand for pipes will always be a reliable source of income for glass artists.

"You can always make a living off it. That's one thing I take pride in is that my pieces are priced very well."
One opinion Fort Collins‚ glassblowers and businesses agree on: Glass pipes still project a definite artistic edge.

"It's functional art," says Schultz. "Every pipe on a display case is functional art; it's the same as using a glass vase or lamp."

Made in China

2005-06-22T10:32:00.000-07:00

The bionic penises are baked for around one and a half minutes in a kiln at 220°C.

Men shovel the dough-like jelly rubber into charred moulds that resemble sausages, and then thrust them into the kilns. The baked bionic penis shells or sheaths are set out on a long table to cool down.

Batches of two different vibrators are being manufactured at the adult-toy factory of Shaki Industrial in Shenzhen, in Guangdong Province, close to Hong Kong: there are battery-powered dildos in the shape of animals or cartoon characters for the Japanese market and ones that look just like "the real thing" for consumers in the land of Coca-Cola.

"Europeans and Americans want them to be authentic-looking. The Asians are more conservative. There the toys should be more discreet and disguised", says the factory's owner and general manager Fang Hong.

The dildos headed for Japan resemble dolphins, caterpillars, and girls from Anime adult comics. The clitoral stimulator at the root of the device is often shaped into a kind of long-nosed fantasy animal, apparently climbing up the trunk of the dildo.

More than half - according to Chinese officials the figure is around 70% - of the world's sex toys are manufactured in China these days. For the most part they are hand-crafted, and getting this kind of work done in China is cheap.

The number of factories making adult toys and "pleasure kits" has exploded into the thousands after these devices were freed from the watchful gaze of China's health authorities (the National Medical Supervisory Bureau) in 2003.

The Shaki factory employs 350 people and is one of the country's largest plants.

It manufactures around 1,500 different products from butt plugs through love beads, dildos and vibrators for women and men alike, all the way to the blow-up "Sexy Sharon" doll and a comprehensive range of masks and restraint gear for bondage and S/M fans.

In the factory hall, the air is thick with the smell of silicone and baking rubber. For all that, they are going at it hammer and tongs, baking vibrators like they were breakfast muffins.

There are no dust masks or respirators to be seen on any of the staff.

The cooled dildo sheaths are hung up on lines from special clothes pegs, and 30-year-old Fang Hongkun pours silicone inside the shells. She leaves around one-third of the shell empty for the insertion of an electric motor.

On another floor of the plant, the tables and workbenches are awash with pale green and pink bionic penises into which young women are installing AC or battery-powered motors. Gu Zhiying, 24, tests that each completed toy operates the way it is supposed to.

"I haven't actually told my parents precisely what it is I do for a living here", she says, with a rotating, vibrating rubber member clutched in her hand.

Although China has a long and illustrious history - dating back to ancient times - of making sexual aids and adult toys, for generations sexual matters have been a taboo subject in schools and in the home.

In recent years the attitudes have loosened up somewhat, but young people still find it excruciatingly difficult to discuss the subject with their parents, who regard sex as "dirty".

Fang Hong says that Shaki was China's first sex-toy manufacturer.

Around a decade ago, when Fang got the idea of making adult toys after travelling abroad, erotica and pornography were banned by law in China (see the linked ThingsAsian article).

In order to get the factory up and running, Fang Hong had to get permits signed and returned from 36 separate authorities within the Chinese bureaucracy.

There are already believed to be around 8,000 sex-toy retailers in China, and the country has even started to arrange "adult health product" fairs.

The manufacturers' appetite for the branch is whetted by the large margins that can be made on these products and by the relative reluctance of customers to come forward to complain about poor quality. Fang estimates that the market is enjoying annual growth of around 10%.

"The most promising prospects are in items for women, because in this male-oriented society the women do not find it easy to get satisfaction", says Fang.

According to a 2004 study quoted in the People's Daily, just 21% of Chinese men had any idea where the clitoris might be located.

For now, however, only around a tenth of Shaki's production goes into the domestic market. A third goes to the United States, a veritable promised land for sex-toys. Australia and Japan are also important export markets.

The factory makes products under licence for a variety of brands, for instance the U.S.-based Penthouse Collection. Shaki has its own design team, but in most cases the product suggestions come from the customers.

Some of the most innovative ideas emanate from the United States. It is to that market that they export such items as blow-up sheep and pigs, for instance.

"The sort of quite small inflatable animals with a hole at the rear end", is the modest description offered by Fang Hong.

Pash Home Parties a Hit in Australia

2005-06-21T10:29:00.000-07:00

There's money in selling sex toys to women if it's done the right way, writes Janine Perrett.

Take two couples trying to find a business opportunity, three of them professional management types, and you wouldn't immediately think sex toy parties.

But imagine Sex And The City meets Tupperware and you have Pash.

The four friends behind the colourful new company are former nurse and public relations agent Jo Karabin and her husband Nigel, who runs a brand development agency, and management consultant Phil White and his wife Mimi, who sold Nutrimetics.

"We all came from professional business backgrounds and we often talked about getting together and starting up a business, but when we looked around the market it was hard to find something where there was a great opportunity," Jo explains.

It was about two years ago, when she was having a "girlie" chat with Mimi, that they saw their chance.

"We thought there was really nothing in the market geared towards women.You've got these horrible Kings Cross sex shops which are really intimidating - we wanted something you see, touch and feel and talk about with other females," she says.

"We looked at the TV program Sex And The City and thought they've got it right, they can talk about things, so we'd love to create something with a female skew - a product which was non-threatening or disgusting."
Once they began doing the research, their partners agreed.

In the UK, for example, the Ann Summers adult product stores turn over £85 million ($202.8 million) a year.
In Australia the industry is worth about a quarter of a billion and the party plan business more than half a billion dollars. The direct selling industry is worth between $1 billion and $2 billion and growing.

The four spent another year developing Pash until the business was finally launched one year ago. After only five months it needed larger premises and is now located in inner Sydney in a large office warehouse with trademark bright pink colours and a cheeky logo.

Phil says the business has quadrupled and is continuing to grow by a compound 28 per cent per month. It has already gone national with more than 100 sales consultants, and the rapid growth presents plenty of challenges, including finding equity partners to fund further expansion.

Initially it was difficult enough to convince the major banks to provide basic merchant services because of the nature of the business. Other suppliers and manufacturers had the same reservations until they saw the classy catalogue.

The principals had to adjust too - among other things, to attending Sexpo.

"When we set up we didn't want to be a small business - we always wanted to be a big business," Phil says.
"One challenge has been that we are used to dealing within our profession and a certain element of sophistication and thinking big, and we've had to scale that down."

Phil and Jo now work for Pash full-time while their partners are part-time.

"We'd invested so much emotion, time and hard cash, we thought, in for a penny in for a pound," says Phil of their decision to quit their jobs and build the business.

While there are other party plan businesses in the adult product market, Pash has positioned itself firmly at the upmarket end. From the crucial catalogue to the signature satin bags for all the products, the image is quality, not tacky.

"What females are looking for is not just about sex but sensuality and we've got to feel good about who we are in order to feel sexy," Jo says.

Toys make up only about 30 per cent of the total business, with about 20 per cent dedicated to sexy lingerie and another 20 to pampering products, from bath products to massage oils, scrubs and body butter.

Of course there's the usual array of accessories "to add spice", such as fluffy pink handcuffs and leather collars, and Jo and Phil point out the quality of the soft white leather that they make themselves.

There is also a range of informative and fun books on sex and relationships, including the Good Orgasm Guide and the Little Book Of Pash, which Jo wrote.

"Part of our marketing strategy is to change perceptions and to show that going to a Pash party is about a range of sensual products," she says.

The company's main point of difference, however, is the system behind the carefully constructed brand. Indeed, Phil estimates 20 per cent of the business is support for the sales consultants.

"The most important thing is the infrastructure we developed," he said.

"Because we're direct selling, it's all about sales team and commissions, but whereas other players pay a flat 20 per cent on what you sell, we've actually designed a model that's similar to Nutrimetics or Tupperware, with seven different tiers.

"To run those models, you have to invest quite significantly in new technology and IT systems and that's what makes us different, as we adapted our own and outsourced that to be developed for us."

While they are now happy with the systems, Phil says suppliers are a constant issue for the business, particularly in the technology area, where they often fail to deliver what's expected on time. For example, after three less than successful attempts, they are hopeful their latest web development company has produced the perfect website.

When discussing other challenges ahead, the pair cites issues from managing their time effectively to cash-flow issues because of the unexpectedly large amount of stock they were forced to carry initially.

While they do manufacture some goods locally, they also need to look at where they can get volume discounts and source product easily and regularly.

"We are a distribution business and we are supporting our sales network," Phil says, pointing out that they distribute all product from the warehouse to maintain control of the quality.

"Cash will always be a problem, and if we had another few million dollars, we have the ideas lined up. That's why we are looking at the private investor equity route."

Jo agrees with Phil that taking the business to the next level is the biggest challenge they face.

"When we started Pash the strategy was always to launch the company with our own investment, test the market, test the product, test the way in which we run the business and once we've got it to the point where we feel really comfortable, take the step and grow the business substantially," she says.

"That's why we waited, because we think it's got such potential."

In fact, they are so confident about the systems behind Pash, they can't see why it can't be expanded into other businesses - children's toys, for example.

Indeed, they could follow the example set in the UK, and instead of setting up their own retail outlets, sell "love toys" in a department store such as the giant Selfridges.

Missy Elliot Sings About Sex Toys

2005-06-20T10:30:00.000-07:00

Nope! Missy Elliot isn't remaking Q-Tip's 1999 crossover hit. She's making a tune of her own. Missy recently revealed that she had sex toys on the mind when she wrote The Cook Book's "Toyz." "

Yeah, they were called the Rabbit and, oh God, the Mega Blaster," Missy told Femalefirst regarding her two vibrators.

Missy also took the opportunity to touch on longtime lesbian rumors.

"When people see how strong I am and there's not a man around, it's like, 'what is she doing?' But I don't need a man to make me happy. I need to make myself happy first," Missy stated.

Talk Sex Royal Debut

2005-06-17T12:36:00.000-07:00

Sue Johanson, known to millions of television viewers as the star of the Sunday Night Sex Show & The Oxygen Network’s Talk Sex, will be introducing her new “Talk Sex” Royal toy line to consumers and the media this month, manufactured by California Exotic Novelties.

“We believe Sue’s new line of Silicone toys will be a big hit”, said Managing Partner, Ron Jacks.

“Sue's international appeal as a top sex authority through her television and radio shows and as an author will add credence to this quality line of sex toys. We expect these toys to become very popular because of their quality, value and unique attributes.”

These Johanson “Talk Sex” vibrator toys are made of silicone for superior hygiene, as they can be sterilized unlike most sex toys which are made of latex/rubber. Silicone toys also offer an alternative for users with allergies to latex, as they are non-alergenic. Many of the toys are waterproof as well, for fun in the bath, shower, or hot tub. The toys come in bright, fun colors.

Sex Advice Books Steamier - and Better - Than Ever

2005-06-14T11:20:00.000-07:00

By RUTH LA FERLA, New York Times News ServiceJune 14, 2005

At the Barnes & Noble on Union Square in Manhattan, just a few steps across the aisle from "Self-Improvement" and "Relationships," the bookshelves groan with that venerable publishing genre, the sex manual.

But to pull a recent example from its perch is to enter a world of steamy provocation that readers of a previous generation could not have imagined.

There is, for instance, "The Lowdown on Going Down," with a sharp-focus photograph of a naked woman on the cover, thighs raised suggestively. Between the covers are 144 pages of explicit instructions for oral gymnastics.

"Lowdown" is a title from Broadway Books, a subsidiary of the publishing giant Random House. The book is one of dozens of new entries published in the last year in the growing and increasingly racy genre of how-to sex books, which employ provocative titles and slang — sometimes vulgar — to capture new readers.
At least since 1972, when "The Joy of Sex" by Dr. Alex Comfort was published, with its self-consciously literary tone and section headings like "Mouth Music" and "Playtime," sex books — or marriage manuals, as they were once euphemistically called — have spiced up their contents to keep pace with the times.
Now the old textbookish tomes like "Joy of Sex," which invited readers to expand their horizons beyond the face-to face missionary position have been replaced by shiny paperbacks extolling the excitement that could come from oral sex, anal sex, fetishism and S&M. Couples who were formerly portrayed in a modest embrace are now shown to reveal full penetration.

Careful, scholarly, sometimes clinical language has been replaced by chatty girlfriend-speak that might have been ghostwritten by Samantha Jones, the outspoken and sexually ravenous publicist of "Sex and the City."
Those in the business of publishing such books say the evolution has accelerated, fueled by the need to seem relevant in an increasingly sexualized culture.

"The generation we're publishing for today is much more open about terminology and much more forthright," said Bryce Willett, the sales marketing manager of Ulysses Press in Berkeley, Calif.

"They're used to hearing 'Sex and the City' dialogue and aren't scared or squeamish about language and topics that in an earlier era would have caused them to drop their voices or switch to a really careful tone," Willett said.

Even "The Joy of Sex," an indisputable franchise, which spent years on the New York Times best-seller list after it was published and was so racy for its time that it was banned in libraries in some cities, has had to adapt. While the current edition, fully revised in 2002 by Crown Publishers, still retains the allusions to Darwin and Freud originally written by Comfort (a trained biologist), some references to the female anatomy are now rendered as slang. In addition the charcoal drawings of intertwined couples are more erotically charged.

"People are a lot more accepting of a broader range of sexual vernacular now," said Steve Ross, the publisher of Crown, about the updated version, which he said was edited to be more colloquial and direct than the original.

The revival and boomlet of sex guides owes a debt in part to Judith Regan of ReganBooks, the publisher of "How to Have a XXX Sex Life," "How to Make Love Like a Porn Star" and "She Comes First" (2004), a sprightly treatise on cunnilingus, which has been successful enough to spawn a sequel, "He Comes Next," due out in February.

"She's gone out and found edgy people and had them write more mainstream stuff," said Charlotte Abbott, the book news editor of Publishers Weekly. "She opened the door to a more explicit kind of sex book." Regan, describing an earlier generation of sex manuals as "tame and antiseptic," decided to do better. The latest books, while still providing much the same information as their forebears, she said, are "more outrageous and candid and at the same time more fun and friendly, like Las Vegas."

Thanks to the anonymous nature of Internet shopping, publishers say, the latest sex how-to books have found an expanding readership.

"Sex guides are the subject of perennial and reliable interest," Ross noted. "But now that consumers can buy them without the traditional embarrassment, their growth has been explosive." He said that "203 Ways to Drive a Man Wild in Bed," for instance, has sold 325,000 copies.

Women are the primary consumers of the new manuals, which, like "She Comes First," emphasize their enjoyment. "A lot of these books are about evening the score," Regan said. "They're saying, 'Hey guys, we need pleasure, too.'" Publishers say there is no specific target demographic for the books, although feedback suggests that readers range from their 20s to their 60s.

And though the books are written by both men and women, the women who write them tend to see a cause in what they are doing. Debra McLeod, co-author with her husband, Don, of "The French Maid: And 21 More Naughty Sex Fantasies to Surprise and Arouse Your Man" (Broadway), a collection of erotic fantasies published this year, said she wrote it mainly for women "because sex is now the domain of women," adding, "It is a woman's role to ensure a couple's sex life remains satisfying."

Despite contents that seem to be ever pushing taboos — even including bestiality, in some volumes — publishers maintain that these are service books at heart, maybe even beneficial. "We're not publishing to shock," said Kristine Poupolo, a senior editor at Doubleday Broadway, whose current hits include "The Many Joys of Sex Toys" by Anne Semans. "I like to think we're improving peoples' lives."

Some experts are skeptical. "You can promise the greatest sex in the history of the world, but that is not what most people want," said Dr. Marty Klein, a marriage and family counselor and a sex therapist in Palo Alto, Calif.

Most couples, Klein continued, would happily settle for the simpler pleasures of closeness and affection. "A book called 'How to Get Your Wife to Hug You a Little Bit More' or 'How to Get Your Husband to Slow Down and Caress Your Hair and Love Doing It,' now those are books that would change people's lives."

But the new sex manuals give relatively short shrift to intimacy and lasting connection. While "The Joy of Sex" includes an introduction asserting that it is above all about love, and also has a section on tenderness, its descendants stress experimentation and proficiency. "Try going through each others' wardrobes; why not see what you'd look like in each other's clothes," suggests Paul Scott, the author of "Mind-Blowing Sex." Then there are certain calisthenics for the mouth that seem to require as much practice as learning to play the oboe.

One manual from Ulysses Press, whose title itself is vulgar, inducts readers into the arcana of sadomasochistic games, complete with props like paddles, handcuffs and video cameras. "If you want to make a Victorian porn film, simply turn the dial to sepia," the author, Flic Everett, suggests.

Little is known about whether the new sex books have altered attitudes and approaches to human sexuality.
"With the earlier manuals there was some research," said Dr. Julia Heiman, the director of the Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction. "We had some evidence at least that they effected changes in sexual functioning." Heiman added that no similar studies have recently appeared. "But that's what deserves to happen if we are to figure out whether these things have a positive impact on sexual health," she said.
To some readers, sexual health may be beside the point. Willett of Ulysses Press said that titles like "The Wild Guide to Sex and Loving" sold better in the Bible Belt than in markets like New York. The books are "explicit but not pornographic," he said. "In areas where people have a limited access to pornography these books satisfy a need."

As the sex books become ever more steamy, some publishers, even the more venturesome, are already thinking of backing away. "There are still places you can go with these books," Regan suggested, "but I don't want to go there."

"Social regulation, courtship, flowers, romance, those are things that seem newer right now," she added.

"Maybe the only place to go is to get prudish again."

Male Masturbators Reviewed

2005-06-08T12:09:00.000-07:00

Sticking It To Male Masturbators
by Emily Pepper

So, whenever I go down to the sleaze-marts in Chinatown, I see these male masturbators. These tube things that you lube up and stick your cock in and have a grand old time. Now, maybe it's penis envy, maybe it's my own boredom with vibrators-I don't know-but I'm fanatically curious about these things. But I haven't got no cock, goddamnit. So I have to ask around.

After the penis-pump fiasco of a couple months back, my usual guinea pig, Mike, is dubious about trying out new toys. Luckily, Kerry Denvir (one of our Work Jerk heroes from two weeks ago) had the good luck to unexpectedly receive an Ecsta-Sleeve in the mail. What can I say besides: Some of us have better friends than others. He dutifully experimented with his Postal Surprise, and gave me his thoughts.

“It's a totally fascinating material-super stretchy and soft and pliable. Fun to play with, even without whipping out your shit. It reminds me of those toys from our youth that were filled with water or gel, and you could slide them up and down your finger, etc. Emphasis on etc.

“A fake vagina basically demands lube. I don't want to imagine the cock-shredding that would occur from trying to force-fuck this toy dry. [It's] actually nice to push my hard dick into a lubricated and reasonably tight opening and feel it “give in” and open in that way.

“Though I probably put a little too much lube in-the excess flowed out the blowhole. The nice thing about this error is that it caused me almost immediately to play around with sticking my finger into the top end. Closing off the end creates suction during each exit stroke, [closing] the canal more tightly around your piece [and] allowing you to feel the ingenious ridges they built into it even more. The thing feels pretty good.

“Difficulties: 1. This tube is not attached to a body. I like to tease myself [with] small thrusts of the head, [and] this fucker will just slip right off. A real pelvis holds the pussy in place.

“2. There's no getting around it, [it's] a touch loud. Ain't no sneaking this thing in when you're a teenager sharing a bedroom with your brother or sister-when you need it most!

“3. Cleanup. Cleanup sucks. How many guys that you know want to beat off and then whip out the Brillo and the Endust? That's right. Zero. Ain't nobody really wanna be cleaning out a lube-drenched fucktoy with jizz leaking out the back end right after they just fouled it. They insist you clean the shit out of the thing. Fuck, they even admonish you to “dust” it with cornstarch when you're finished. Cornstarch? Shit, I WAS planning on making muffins after this, that'll be no problem. What about chickpea flour, isn't that less coarse? I mean, shouldn't I at least sieve it first? In other words: TOO MUCH WORK. I'm thinking I'm gonna experiment with busting a nut in this thing at night, and cleaning the fucker out in the morning. See what really happens. It's not gonna get a goddamn roach colony in it.

“4. The ridges in the canal are definitely nice, but in a real pussy the ridges start closer to the opening and really fucking rule, and in this bugger they didn't quite start them early enough.

“Anyway, I experimented with this thing for about 30 minutes before deciding to bust one, and I know that equal time with my right hand will always leave me not remotely sore. Well, since this is the way the toy should be, this really shouldn't be listed under difficulties; rather, say, exigencies. I'll probably fuck around with it a couple times a week for a while, unless the cleanup thing throws me off. I can see this being awesome for those mornings when I wake up mad horny and I'm gonna take a shower anyway. Cleanup is cake then ... it's [really] only fun to make a mess when a woman is there to share the mess with. Break out the cum towel, dear!”

So that's the word from our friend Kerry. I encourage all you brave readers out there to send me your own thoughts and opinions on sex toys. I don't have nearly the time or equipment to try out everything on my own, so I always love to hear from y'all about what works, what doesn't and what you hate yourself for in the morning.

Ludacris Drops XXX DVD

2005-06-03T10:01:00.000-07:00

Ludacris is following the fast growing circle of rappers dipping their hands in the porn industry by dropping an adult DVD titled "Red Light District."

The Atlanta native has teamed up with the Amsterdam company, InterClimax, to release a brand new DVD that follows him throughout the Netherlands city.InterClimax owner, Claudia Van Lubek, met the rapper when he attended one of their Red Light District parties.

Upon meeting, the two discussed teaming up, and later turned the idea to reality."Ludacris and his crew were fantastic," Van Lubek told AVN.com.

"Ludacris is a very professional artist and took the time to take some pictures with the girls and me after we finished the work."

"I have already had the honor to see a preview of the DVD, and I must say it is something different than what normally is produced. It gives you an impression of what Ludacris experienced here in Amsterdam and in the [city's] Red Light District," Van Lubek added.

According to a Def Jam spokesperson Peter Bittenbender, "Red Light District" is being kept under tight surveillance, but is rumored to be unlike anything "you've ever seen.""[The DVD gives] you an exclusive VIP pass to all the behind-the-scenes antics of Cris's latest trip to Amsterdam," Bittenbender explained.

The all-access "Red Light District" DVD is slated to go on sale June 14.

Big Brother Contestant Crazy for Toys

2005-06-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

SEX-mad Sam Heuston scored with five lads from her university to fuel her lust for men, pals revealed yesterday.

The 23-year-old — who admits being addicted to sex — snared the fellas after meeting them at a nightclub where she worked as a “spank girl”.

She would sell shots of spirits to clubbers while dressed up in stockings and suspenders.

But even when she scored with the boys they were not enough to satisfy her and she turned to sex toys.

Pal Lee Parish said: “Sam worked her way through the guys like it was a game.

“She would dance provocatively for them and really get them worked up — then she could just take her pick.

She went home with at least five of them but moaned they could not satisfy her. That was when she got into sex toys. At one point she boasted about having seven of them.”

Eva Longoria Bombarded by Sex Toys

2005-06-01T14:24:00.000-07:00

Eva Longoria has been bombarded with hundreds of vibrators by obsessed fans. The 'Desperate Housewives' star confessed that ever since she mentioned sex toys were fun, her post box has been flooded with parcels of sex toys.

The striking brunette, who says starring in the TV show has changed her life, revealed: "I get boxes and boxes of vibrators sent to me just because I happened to mention I thought they were fun.

" The actress also confessed she would love to date George Clooney and Johnny Depp, both unfortunately spoken for.Eva, who plays cheating Gabrielle Solis in the show, has already been linked to a number of men, including singer JC Chasez and basketball player Tony Parker, added in an interview with Britain's Night and
Day magazine:

"What can I say? I love men and I love romance.

I'm never going to be one of those girls who says they don't have time for romance.

Thieves Steal Sex Toys

2005-05-27T11:01:00.000-07:00

Thieves broke into the historic Dumas Brothel museum here and stole what the owner described as irreplaceable items, including rare, historic sex toys.

Owner Rudy Giecek said he believes at least two thieves entered through the museum's back door, disabled an alarm and looted rooms. They dismantled beds, stole antique lamps and artwork and emptied glass cases full of brothel artifacts.

Police are investigating the thefts.

The brothel, dubbed one of America's longest-running, enjoyed 92 years of risque business until it closed in 1982.

Giecek ran it as a museum for 15 years, but closed it earlier this month because of his health, safety concerns and lack of money.

"I just can't do it anymore by myself," he said.

The burglary compounded his problems, but Giecek is determined to recover artifacts. He said he will distribute photographs of missing items to police, pawn shops and antique stores in the area.

Erotic Expo New York

2005-05-26T11:52:00.000-07:00

Sex tech, titillating toys and porn stars featured in a seedy carnival of carnal pleasures across the street from Madison Square Garden on Saturday at New York's first Erotic Expo.

More than 50 exhibitors set up shop next to the Hotel Pennsylvania to strut their stuff in a ragged, flea market setting one flight up from the street and grab a piece of what organizers say is a $40 billion worldwide sex market.

Tera Patrick, Britney Rears and Tiffany Mynx were among the popular sex stars posing for pictures with fans in the two-day event that ended Saturday, while product innovators flogged everything from patented condoms to art object dildos, and an exercise program devised to make a man's private parts bigger.

In sizing the sex industry market at $40 billion, the organizers include topless clubs, exotic dancing, sex toys, party goods, books and adult movies.

A crowd of mainly young- to middle-aged men shuffled by the stations to ogle hard-core movie stars and sex accessories.

Mynx, showing off her features in a scanty costume, flexed her muscular derriere and encouraged a woman who asked to pose for a picture with her to "go ahead, grab it, squeeze it."

On the counter were copies of her films including "Tales from the Crack," and "Weapons of Ass Destruction."

The Orgasmatron

2005-05-25T11:30:00.000-07:00

MARY Clegg, 52, a businesswoman from Andover in Hampshire, had an electrode implanted into her spine in her quest for an orgasm

I WAS anorgasmic - in other words, couldn't climax - for most of my life. I was married to my first husband for 18 years - we were very happy and had two lovely daughters together, but had virtually no sex life. I just wasn't interested and never got aroused.

Eventually we split up and, in 1998, I met my second husband. With him, I felt comfortable enough to buy a vibrator and then I finally had an orgasm - and it was amazing. So when the chance came to take part in an American trial for the Orgasmatron, a device that's implanted into the base of your spine to stimulate the nerves that trigger orgasm, I jumped at it.

The operation felt a bit like having an epidural. Then I was given a remote-controlled dial for the device, which I took home with me and fiddled around with.

On its own, the device didn't help much, but when my husband got into bed with me I had my first multiple orgasm - it was incredible.

The Orgasmatron was only a trial so I had to have the electrode taken out. But it made us realise what was possible, and since then my husband and I have put lots more effort into our sex lives, discussing openly what arouses us both.

The best thing I've found recently is the Eros - a vacuum pump that draws blood to the clitoris - this guarantees orgasms.

Sex Toys on the Interstate

2005-05-24T11:05:00.000-07:00

From as far south as Texas to as far north as Iowa, drive any interstate and you're likely to see billboards advertising hard core pornography. It's the latest trend in adult entertainment. Dozens of new porn shops opening in rural America, all of them just off an interstate.

And now you can add South Dakota to the growing list.

In fact, Sioux Falls could soon be home to one of the largest adult stores in the country.

It's true! Sex really does sell. And a Sioux Falls businessman hopes to get a small cut of this multi million dollar industry.

David Eliason, who has helped open 10 other adult book and video stores across the country, has crews in Sioux Falls sawing, ripping, and scrambling to get ready to open Annabelles this Friday.

"Annabelles is really designed to gear toward women and couples."

But Eliason says this won't be just another porn store. He says this will be an adult supercenter, open 24 hours a day selling everything from x-rated videos, lingerie, gag gifts and sex toys.

It's just off interstate 229, at an old gun shop. Eliason calls it the perfect location.

"We found a lot of people might not go into their local shop to buy a novelty item or lingerie, but a couple that travels often times as they're on the road or staying at a hotel away from their kids for the weekend may go in and make a purchase."

Eliason says when it opens it'll be home to 2,400 square feet of love. But he may expand, adding viewing rooms and small private theaters.

Gold, Platinum and Steel Vibrators

2005-05-22T11:01:00.000-07:00

ONE IS NEVER quite sure what goes on behind some closed doors in kinky San Francisco. But behind the doors on a dingy corner of Potrero Avenue and 15th Street is Jimmyjane (415-864-3474, http://www.jimmyjane.com/), a style-oriented company that has designed a diverse product line of jewelry, perfume, and blindfolds for women who "live sexy" but is rapidly becoming known for its collection of luxury vibrators in steel, gold, and platinum.

With one look at and, yes, feel of a Jimmyjane vibrator, you might reconsider before letting a pink plastic unicorn approach your nether region again. The flagship product, Little Something, is a satisfying 4.4 ounces and is 5.25 inches long. The prices may be even heftier and harder to take than the size – from $195 for the Little Steel to $475 for the Little Platinum Limited. Jimmyjane's products are completely waterproof and are the picture of discretion, with their barely audible buzz and sleek cigar size. Besides the obvious aesthetic reasons, gold, steel, and platinum were chosen because they are nontoxic, nonreactive, and body-safe for most people, which many plastic vibrators aren't. And chichi shoppers can have their name or an inscription engraved on their purchase ("Princess"? "Bitch on wheels"? The possibilities are endless.)

Just who are these women stashing $325 personalized gold vibrators in their purses? Sophisticated and loaded women in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s, the manufacturer says, and collectively they have propelled this neighborhood business into an estimated $1 million in sales this year. Not bad for a vibrator maker on the Mission-Potrero Hill border.

Currently, sexual accessories are mostly tools that do the job, not match the jewelry. Many vibrators teeter between novelty, like brightly colored plastic rabbits, and the somewhat clinical "marital aid/personal massager" that looks and feels like a power tool, with good odds that your neighbor can hear its telltale buzz. Ethan Imboden, a local award-winning industrial designer, launched the company in an attempt to bring some class and craftsmanship to this overall design-bereft category.

His background includes work for industrial design firms in New York (Ecco Design) and San Francisco (Frog Design) on projects such as toothbrushes for Colgate and furniture for Herman Miller. After founding his design firm, Plink, he was approached by three clients keen on developing sex toys. After an investigative trip through the Adult Novelty Manufacturers Expo in Los Angeles, he realized sex toys were the last frontier.
"Most manufacturers are not making products that speak to the tastes and needs of this ever growing market," Imboden says. "I strongly feel this area of our lives, arguably the most intimate, deserves to be supported with the same attention to quality, aesthetic, and health that customers demand in other facets."

Kassie Benham, spokesperson for the company, thinks it makes perfect sense that Jimmyjane should come from San Francisco, a city renowned as an, ahem, hotbed of sexual liberation, new ideas, and entrepreneurial spirit. The act of pitching investors was initially a little blush-inducing for her, but she quickly overcame that, and now Silicon Valley angel investors are on board. In addition to being sold locally at Alla Prima (539 Hayes, S.F. 415-864-8180) and online at Jimmyjane's Web site, some products are selling in London, and the local company has further international goals. Upscale retail environments where customers go to relax and indulge – such as high-end department stores, boutique hotels, and spas – are the perfect outlets.

"Each person's sexuality is as unique as a fingerprint. There is no 'one size fits all' solution, nor should there be. Designs in this category must reflect rather than ignore this," Imboden says. A Little Platinum Limited complete with your name on it – that's about as personal as you can get.

Filipino Women Don't Use Many Sex Toys

2005-05-20T10:56:00.000-07:00

What do Filipino women want in sex – and in their men?

The men’s magazine Esquire claims to have the answers. An online survey of 11,000 women from 15 countries revealed that Filipino women are not too coy about sex and not too far behind their Western counterparts either.

“Global Survey of the Female Species” published in April revealed that most Filipino women:

1. think of sex quite a lot
2. have slept with an average of six men
3. love tender cuddling and hugging (46 percent), but would be more than ready to jump into bed with the right partner (54 percent)
4. find unshaven men sexy
5. think penis size is important
6. lose their virginity at age 17

The same survey, however, ranked Filipinas low in the area of self-gratification and the use of sex toys.

Perla Daly of www.NewFilipina.com, a website for Filipino women, said the survey may be reflective of a growing maturity among men and women.“Men and women do mature and mellow and get better,” she told Philippine News.It is important, she stressed, for love to be present in a marriage.“Love in a marriage is a great ingredient for helping things improve when you get older.

Older folks might also tend to get more adventurous, that is, if either one started out more conservative and prudish in the beginning,” she added. Community leader and journalist Bing Branigin echoed Daly’s view about sexual expression being integral to a woman’s evolving maturity.“Women as they get older get more comfortable with their bodies,” Branigin said.

Educated and financially independent women are more open and expressive about their sexuality, and wouldn’t mind a little flirtation as they socialize. “They have careers and they have their choice of men,” she said. “We tend to be a little flirty, which explains why we want to look good when we leave the house. It’s a case of hmm, let’s see what’s out there.” she admitted with a good laugh. Personally, said Branigin, she prefers cuddling to down-and-dirty sex to start off a relationship. “I was brought up that way.”

The survey showed that European women obsess about sex more than American women, with 83 percent of Italians preferring to go right down under the sheets than to cuddle. When it comes to dating, Swedish and Australian women have sex after 4 and 4.4 dates, respectively. Filipino women wait longer, after 6.6 dates.

Filipinas scored low (20 percent) on the use of vibrators and other sex toys.

Sixteen appears to be the average age to lose one’s virginity in countries, including the United States, Australia, Germany, Britain, the Netherlands, and Sweden. In the Philippines, Spain, Italy, and Russia, ceding womanhood usually starts at 17. Indonesian women appear to be the most conservative, losing their virginity at 21, and sleeping with two men on average.

But while women in Jakarta tend to wait longer, the survey showed that Indonesians – together with British, Israeli, and Brazilian women – tend to masturbate more frequently than American women do at 33 percent.

Indonesian women find President George W. Bush sexy, while women from Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands seem unimpressed with the commander of the only Superpower in the world.

Penis size is important to Israeli (7.4 percent), Italian (6.5 percent), and Brazilian (6.3 percent) women. Americans gave it a 6.2.As it turns out, said the Esquire survey, “American women are not the most sex-minded women in the world.”

Harvard Hosts Female Orgasm Lecture

2005-05-19T10:14:00.000-07:00

Certain topics seem to strike a chord with Harvard students—human rights, politics, and female orgasms.

Last night, over 200 students of all genders and sexual orientations lined up outside a jam-packed Adams Lower Common Room to attend a seminar on female orgasms.

Matie E. Fricker—a representative from the “sexuality boutique” Grand Opening—arrived with two plastic tub-fulls of sex toys, books, and safer sex supplies.

“You’re going to hear a lot about fucking tonight,” she announced to the crowd.

During her two-hour presentation, Fricker criticized negative social perspectives on female orgasms and said there is a scarcity of terms for female masturbation in contrast to the hundreds for male self-pleasure.

“If you’ve never felt one, do it,” Ficker said. “Some people say it feels better than the Red Sox winning.”

Alexander J. Tennant ’08 said after the meeting that the taboo surrounding the female orgasm is problematic.
“It’s a shame that our society looks down upon female orgasms,” he said.

Holding a puppet vulva in one hand and a dildo in another, Ficker described the different parts of the female genitalia and demonstrated different ways to give the female body pleasure.

She also emphasized the importance of protection, introducing the students to a variety of equipment such as male and female condoms, and dental dams.

“Safer sex is hot sex,” said Ficker, who has been a safer-sex educator since 1996. “Once you get over the hump of incorporating safer sex in your life, it’s worth it,” Ficker told the crowd. “Empowerment is sexy.”

With her uninhibited talk about female orgasms, students soon became comfortable with the topic and started freely tossing out questions.

One student asked what female ejaculation tasted like, to which Ficker answered that it is a sweet, thin liquid.
Another student asked her advice on condom brands, and Ficker suggested using Japanese condoms because they are thinner and safer.

“We could all use a little schooling on this stuff,” Virginia L. H. Schnure ’05 said. Tennant said that he “learned a lot of techniques that will be very helpful in the future.”

One of the organizers of the seminar, Jenna M. Mellor ’08, said that females also need to learn about the topic.
“There are a lot of girls who aren’t orgasming,” said Mellor, who is also the special events coordinator for the Radcliffe Union of Students (RUS).

“Female orgasm is something that affects everybody. It’s a great way to procrastinate, to relax, to get to know people, and yourself,” Mellor added.

“All women should orgasm as much as they can,” Max J. Warren ’08 said. “A sexually satisfied world is a peaceful world.”

The event was co-sponsored by the Association of Black Harvard Women, the Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Transgender, and Supporters Alliance, Latinas Unidas, and RUS.

Fingertip Vibrator Saves Her Sex Life

2005-05-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

LUCY Crook, 28, from Lewes in East Sussex, works in a bar. She found that a clitoral stimulator was the way to get her sex life back on track.

I'VE been with my boyfriend for two-and-a-half years and, at first, our sex life was great. But after about nine months, the excitement wore off. We'd both started new jobs so we were very tired and tended to fall asleep as soon as we got into bed.

When we did have sex, I had trouble reaching orgasm. It really worried me as I love my partner and didn't want it to reach the stage where we were arguing because we didn't have enough sex.

We tried everything to get sex back on track, including vibrators and other toys, but they didn't help much.

Then a friend mentioned Vielle, a clitoral stimulator, that just slips over your finger.

I didn't think such a tiny thing would make much difference, but it's completely revolutionised my sex life.

Using the fingertip vibrator, I have really long, intense orgasms and actually look forward to going to bed with my boyfriend again. We're back to having sex at least twice a week. I'm so relieved - we're much more open with each other now.

2005-05-11T11:52:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK, May 11 /PRNewswire/ -- PLAYGIRL, the leader in adult entertainment for women since 1973, has taken the brand in a new direction. Certain that women's interest in adult entertainment is growing steadily, PLAYGIRL has entered new consumer venues and partnered with established industry leaders to introduce the brand to a wider, more contemporary audience beyond the traditional newsstand.

"PLAYGIRL is a valuable commodity so we thought strategically about how to develop each venture," said Mark Graff, President of Trans Digital Media LLC, PLAYGIRL'S parent company and founder of Spice Channel.

"To sustain our reputation as a favorite among women worldwide, our goal was to expand into new media outlets and to form new partnerships that would reach as many women as possible --- in as many forms as possible. In just one year we've tapped into many new markets and predict continued expansion."
Cable TV and Home Video

In July 2004, PLAYGIRL TV launched the first adult entertainment programming for women, featuring erotic vignettes, "how-to" segments, sex advice and programs based on already popular features from the magazine.

Major cable systems and hotels worldwide are already airing PLAYGIRL TV. It is available 24 hours per day in over 8 million homes and hotel rooms via video- on-demand and pay-per-view. This spring, PLAYGIRL TV will be available in Europe and South America.

PLAYGIRL TV is planning a series of pay-per-view specials for 2005. The first, PLAYGIRL TV'S CENTERFOLD
SEARCH LAS VEGAS has already had a successful run on iN Demand Pay-Per-View, distributed nationally to nearly 40 million homes. Three additional specials are currently in production and will be distributed later this year.

Partnering with leaders in adult entertainment has also been a key element in PLAYGIRL's business plan.

PLAYGIRL HOME VIDEO will be distributed by Wicked Pictures, one of the largest distributors of adult videos in the world. "The Playgirl brand is one of the strongest names in adult entertainment," said Steve Orenstein, President and Owner of wicked Pictures. "PLAYGIRL HOME VIDEO will satisfy the increasing demand for adult entertainment for women." Wicked will distribute feature programming from the TV channel in addition to new material shot just for this market. The DVD collection will be available worldwide in early summer.

PLAYGIRL is partnering with Pipedream Products, the leading international manufacturer of adult toys, to create and manufacture a fun, sophisticated line of adult playthings and novelties. "The PLAYGIRL name is known worldwide," said Nick Orlandino, COO of Pipedream. "It's a natural to create a line of adult novelties under the PLAYGIRL banner." The PLAYGIRL SIGNATURE COLLECTION, available in retail outlets worldwide this summer, will offer a full range of products including massage oils, vibrators, and lubricants.

PLAYGIRL.COM re-launched this spring and features streaming video, enhanced content, shopping and an online dating service. The site's unique format and breadth of content will enable PLAYGIRL to offer women one-stop shopping for all things erotic, including products, movies, erotic fiction, and more. In addition, PLAYGIRL will utilize the site to learn more about the wants and needs of the target audience. Future plans include an expansive video vault, an erotic fiction library, weekly podcasts, and thousands of pictures of the most beautiful men in the world.

Mobile technology enters the mix with PLAYGIRL MOBILE, a package of streaming video, mobile games, wallpaper, and hot images featuring great- looking guys all designed to appeal to the PLAYGIRL woman. "Playgirl Mobile is a fantastic brand to offer mobile subscribers," says Adi McAbian, Managing Director of Waat Media, Playgirls' mobile partner. "We have seen a near complete absence of any kind of mobile content for women and Playgirl fills this niche perfectly." PLAYGIRL MOBILE is currently available throughout Europe, and will be available in the United States by the end of 2005.

On a grassroots level, there are plans to partner with popular hometown clubs for a series of Playgirl's NITE OUT events. This strategy is twofold; it offers PLAYGIRL the ability to showcase their range of products and services to women and helps gauge reaction from a key demographic. The first "Nite Out" debuted in February, at the iconic New York City nightclub, Webster Hall. This free weekly event features exotic male dancers, prizes and giveaways. In addition, PLAYGIRL has partnered with one of the leading nightclubs in Las Vegas, the Sapphire Club, to produce PLAYGIRL PRESENTS: THE MEN OF SAPPHIRE. In less than six months, the show has already become one of the most popular all male revues in Las Vegas.

The cornerstone for all PLAYGIRL activity is the publication that has been redesigned and fine-tuned to reflect the ambitious business plan. Today's PLAYGIRL Magazine showcases the best in erotic photography, fiction and editorial features by leading writers and sex experts across the world. The new style is provocative, bold and loaded with information. Design changes call attention to a newer, crisper, contemporary look that makes a strong statement on newsstands. All together, the revamp has been a key factor for building subscription base and reaching a new readership. In addition, PLAYGIRL is publishing a series of books including erotic fiction collections and "how to" sex guides.

Trans Digital Media, LLC (TDM) is a privately held, brand management firm that develops original content for video-on-demand and pay-per-view. It aggregates and distributes content for private networks and licenses leading entertainment brands for a range of consumer products and services.

TDM licenses out partner brands to strategic partners in retail, consumer products, and services. By introducing partner brands into new mediums, TDM is able to build on existing brand affinities, while also creating additional cross promotional opportunities.

The company is headquartered in New York City.

Pumps for Pleasure and Enlargement

2005-05-10T10:00:00.000-07:00

Though there is no evidence to suggest that women achieve better orgasms with men who have bigger penises, it is widely accepted that women are "turned on" by the sight and feel of a bigger penis. You'll know it the first time a woman says "Wow!" when she first feels your erect penis. Knowing that your penis is bigger than it used to be will only make you a more confident lover.

Top Pumps:
Dr. Joel's Pump
Professional Titan Enlarger
Deluxe Pleasure Pump

All penis enlargement pumps operate on essentially the same premise. If you increase blow flow to the shaft and tip of the penis and maintain continuous flow to the area for a period of time each session, you will build up the size and width of the penis.

Each pump is comprised of several parts: the cylinder, the valve and the bulp or hand piece that allows you to pump. At the lower end, the cylinders are cheap plastic, the valves are poor quality and the bulbs are flimsy rubber. Better pumps feature glass or durable plastic cylinders, air-tight valves, metal hand pieces and industrial release hosting. Top of the line models come with a pressure gauge that allows you to monitor the increase in pressure inside the cylinder. Many feature quick release openings for safety and comfort.

Whether you're pumping for penis enlargement or simply pumping for pleasure (to achieve orgasm), you start with a full or 3/4 erection. The shaft of the penis is inserted into the cylinder. The base of the cylinder is then pressed firmly against the body to create a seal (no air gets through). Squeezing the bulb or hand piece on the pump creates an increase in pressure inside the cylinder, causing increased blood flow to the shaft.

By keeping the penis in a heightened state of arousal and pulling blood into the shaft, the muscles of the penis are enlarged and strenghtened. The muscle tissue expands to the maximum, breaks down, and then rebuilds into larger and stronger muscles, similar to body-building.

Virtual Vibrators

2005-05-05T11:03:00.000-07:00

Would you have cybersex with someone you met through an online dating site? Would you go on a date with someone you met through a cybersex chat room?

HighJoy is betting that you will.

HighJoy melds a dating database, a proprietary chat client and teledildonics to form what the founders call "the complete HighJoy experience." It launched a few weeks ago, and because its offices are in Southern California, I was able to stop by for a demo.

I spent more than an hour with the team. Lynn Borne, the director of marketing, asked me to hold the Doc Johnson iVibe Rabbit (Blue, Purple, Green, Red and Orange) while he walked me through the chat client and the online control panel for the toy. Amir Vatan, the CEO, retreated to his office so he could be on the other end of my virgin HighJoy chat. Derek Bacon, the CFO, handed me a masturbation sleeve cast from a porn star's pudenda. (It works with the iVibe bullet.)

Amir describes the company as something between AdultFriendFinder and Match.com.
"Just online dating? Or online dating and these tools?" he says, gesturing to the array of vibrators on the conference table. He sees HighJoy as the logical next step for those who enjoy making connections online. Now that we're used to the idea of meeting people through personal profiles and internet communities, "people are looking for an increased level of interaction," he says.

"With us, you can do everything you would expect at an online dating site," says Lynn. Members fill out profiles, in varying degrees of detail. You download a proprietary chat client that supports text and video.

You can search the database by characteristic or member name, contact people through anonymous e-mail and have private chats. A favorites list lets you keep track of people you're most intrigued by; a blacklist lets you block others from contacting you anywhere in HighJoy.

And, of course, you can invite someone to control your vibrator while you control theirs.

"Everyone has some concept of what virtual sex means," Lynn says. "Is it 3-D goggles and a porn star? Is it virtual-reality helmets? But this is it -- the first step toward remote sex."

If you read my Sinulator column, you know I'm a big fan of teledildonics. The ability to relinquish control of my vibrator to someone else over the internet appeals to me. A lot.

It's a way to nurture intimacy when you're apart, especially for military couples or those who travel often.

For the monogamous, HighJoy offers a "one-on-one" membership that lets you sign on to chat privately with each other and control each other's toys, without access to the community rooms and profiles. You can't contact people through their profiles, and they can't see yours. In other words, if you sign on for this membership level, no virtual cheating.

Internet-enabled sex toys also add another level of sophistication to cybersex. In fact, teledildonics is the only reason I would bring a webcam into virtual sex. If you're going to control each other's toys, you want to see what you're doing.

Man Enraged By Botched Penis Enlargement Surgery

2005-05-04T14:55:00.000-07:00

A man unhappy with the results of a penile enlargement surgery allegedly sought revenge with a letter bomb.

Police say Blake R. Steidler made an explosive device and mailed it to his plastic surgeon after he was unhappy with the results of a recent penis-enhancement operation. He mailed the package, made out of a model-rocket engine igniter, to his Chicago surgeon from Ohio, then turned his car around and returned home to Philadelphia. On the way home, he had a change of heart and allegedly called police to confess and tip them off.

A Federal Grand Jury charged Steidler with using a weapon of mass destruction and several other lesser charges. A court date is yet to be set.

If convicted, Steidler will have many years full of opportunties for fellow convicts to judge for themselves if the operation was botched.

Jenna Jameson Launches New Video Game

2005-04-28T15:22:00.000-07:00

Jenna Jameson, the world's most popular adult actress is about to become one of its most popular online 3D video game stars. With the launch of "Virtually Jenna: The Official Video Game of Jenna Jameson," the sultry sex icon's technical partners have devised a way to simulate control of her sexual activity and even decide when she reaches a state of bliss. The game is available at virtuallyjenna.com.

"Jenna is the central figure and star in her own virtual universe," according to Brad Abram of xStream3D Multimedia Inc. of Vancouver, BC, which developed the game for ClubJenna, Inc., Jameson's production and merchandising company. "After downloading Virtually Jenna from the Internet, players can interact with virtual Jenna however they want, whenever and anytime they want through their browser on their PC. They can pose her like a centerfold, dress and undress Jenna and her friends and let their imaginations control the outcome."

"What I like about it is that everything within the game is completely user-controllable," said Ms. Jameson.

"It's amazingly realistic and the player gets to manage every scene change, every camera angle, every zoom, pan, or tilt of the free-style cameras. One of the great things is that little VJ is always full of energy and ready to go 24/7. Plus, the player gets to decide how excited I get and can direct the action in every scene. It is very personal, very cool, and people are going to have a lot of fun."

Mr. Abram said, "The game allows users to 'role play' and control how Jenna and her Club Jenna Girls react, what setting they are in, which sex toys they use, and what kind of sex they will have with ultra-realistic soft-core or hard-core scenes. It's like being there and being able to create your own movie." Favorite gaming moments can be saved in a private digital snapshot image gallery. This fall Virtually Jenna, the world's first celebrity based interactive online 3D adult computer videogame, will also let users put an image of themselves and even their name in the game, then control a realistic sex simulation with the world's leading adult entertainer 'Jenna Jameson' starring themselves!

"It was stunning," wrote AVN Online Tech Editor Kathee Brewer after playing the game. "It was fascinating to watch the play of 'light' over her skin, eye movement, facial expressions, the bounce of her bosom." In addition to the graphics, it is "realistic in a Sims-ian sort of way." Brewer also noted that the game "incorporates the ability to capture 'snapshots' and 'video clips' from within the action. Sending the images and streams to friends and rivals with the message 'Guess who I partied with last night' (especially coupled with digitally enhanced anatomical features on the user) ought to generate a few laughs." The full AVN review of 'VirtuallyJenna' article can be found at virtuallyjenna.com/review.html.

Visit virtuallyjenna.com website to view "Virtually Jenna: The Official Videogame of Jenna Jameson" video trailer and download a free preview of the game. VirtuallyJenna will be promoted at E3, the annual videogame tradeshow to be held in Los Angeles May 18th-20th. A contest in Fall of 2005 will allow players to enter to win and appear as a personalized character in Jenna's game!

Desperate Housewife Uses Sex Toys

2005-04-27T12:33:00.000-07:00

'Desperate Housewives' star Teri Hatcher claims she's too old to have one-night stands.

The 40-year-old actress - who plays single mum Susan Mayer in the hit show - says she's more interested in having a loving relationship than a night of passion.

Teri, who has been single since splitting from husband John Tenney, said: "I feel like I'm too old to just have sex. I mean, I want to have sex, but with somebody who really loves and gets me. The irony is, I could go out and screw anybody. I mean legally available! I didn't mean anyone would sleep with me." However, the sexy star says she's wary of dating again - because she's worried she's going to get her heart broken.

She told America's In Style magazine: "It would be nice to share something with a man that you can only share with a man. But it doesn't consume me.

I'm not looking to fill some empty spot. I'm scared, though, because the possibility of someone breaking my heart is a risk, and there's no room in my life now to have to lie in bed and pull the covers over my head with a big box of Oreos."

Despite her lack of a man, Teri recently said she keeps herself satisfied with sex toys.

She revealed: "To be honest, I don't know what I want a man for - I have some fabulous electronics to use instead."

Prince Charles Discusses Sex Toys

2005-04-26T15:20:00.000-07:00

Pop diva Kylie Minogue has revealed that she swapped raunchy anecdotes about sex toys with Prince Charles when she was seated next to him at a fundraising dinner.

"He had me on one side and the Vogue editor on the other. He spent the first half of the dinner talking to her and then the second half I had him to myself," Femalefirst quoted Minogue, 35, as saying.

"I told him this story about how I once performed with Dame Edna creator Barry Humphries. I duetted with him and he chased me round the stage with a large prosthetic penis.

"The Prince laughed and then told me his Barry Humphries story, which was just as good."

Kylie said the prince made her feel so comfortable, she only realised what she had done when the meal had finished. "Only when I got home I though to myself, 'Not many people discuss that kind of subject with Prince Charles'."

Alternate Uses for Condoms

2005-04-25T15:25:00.000-07:00

NEW DELHI - People in India are making good use of their condoms, but not in the way you might think.

Only a quarter of condoms made in India are used for sex. The Economic Times newspaper reports the rest are used to make saris, toys and bathroom slippers.

Sari weavers put the condoms on their thread spools. The lubricant on the prophylactics rubs off on the thread, making it move faster through the sewing machines.

India manufactures more than a billion condoms a year, which are supposed to be used for disease prevention and to curb population growth.

Operation Sex-ucation

2005-04-19T10:51:00.000-07:00

Sex Education Activists (SEA), a student group, held its first major promotional event, “Operation Sex-ucation,” at Ida Noyes Hall Saturday evening. The event, which featured informational booths, free food, and live music, drew roughly 60 students, mostly women, who wanted to learn more about sex education.

Student groups such as Women and Youth Supporting Each Other (WYSE), Feminist Majority, Resources for Sexual Violence Prevention (RSVP), and the campus chapter of the National Organization for Women, as well as outside groups such as the Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health, the Chicago Women’s Health Center, and the Lab School’s U-High Feminist Club distributed pamphlets and gathered signatures for petitions.

SEA addressed how federal funding for sex education programs in Illinois public schools is currently restricted to abstinence-only programs. Keynote speaker Jonathan Stacks of the Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health argued that such programs fail to protect teens by not providing information about contraceptives and sexually transmitted diseases and infections. “We have to hold our legislators accountable for the health and well being of our youth,” Stacks said. “Even if they’re not sexually active until they’re 40, they’ll still need that information.”

The Sex Party in British Columbia

2005-04-18T14:50:00.000-07:00

British Columbia, Canada offers voters the opportunity to create political parties around almost any theme. One of the recently registered groups is the Sex Party, whose platform includes requiring all public parks and beaches to have nudist areas, a promise that "sex-positive sex toys businesses could operate in any municipality" and founding an institute for the advanced study of sexual policy.

We applaud the efforts of these forward thinking individuals and look to see great things - at least greatly plesaurable things - in the future.

Pure Romance Plies the Bridal Market

2005-04-13T12:02:00.000-07:00

CINCINNATI, April 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Planning fun-filled, memorablebachelorette parties is made easy once Cincinnati-based Company Pure Romance is involved. Pure Romance is one of the largest party- plan businesses in its industry. With revenues reaching the $50 million mark in 2005, it's no surprise that a big chunk of sales are attributed to women throwing bachelorette parties and planning for successful, intimate marriages.

Pure Romance consultants offer a line of more than 100 private-label andbrand-name bedroom accessories, books, games, adult toys, as well as an exclusive high-quality line of sensual lotions, gels and scents. A large percentage of Pure Romance products are geared specifically toward bachelorette parties, with a wide array of humorous and fun-loving products available.

"The bottom line is harmless fun," said Patty Brisben, CEO and Founder of Pure Romance. "We want women to really enjoy themselves and have a great time with our products; after all, there is a lot to celebrate during such a turning point in one's life." Pure Romance products are normally sold at parties organized by volunteer hostesses and are available for customers to take home on the night of the party.

Products are developed by Pure Romance and produced by major manufacturers. Pure Romance parties are also ideal for women preparing for marriage because the Consultant brings a wide variety of products into the comfort and privacy of the bride-to-be's home. In this situation, the bride-to-be and all of her friends are able to learn about the wide range of products and how to bring more intimacy into their current relationships.

Founded in 1993, by renowned sexpert and entrepreneur Patty Brisben, PureRomance is the fastest growing woman-to-woman, multi-level marketing company -expanding at an annual growth rate of 67% over the past four consecutive years. Specializing in lighthearted and informative in-home parties, PureRomance gives women over the age of 18 the opportunity to achieve financial and emotional independence.

For additional information on this type of business, visit Wholesale Adult Toys.

The Accommodator

2005-04-12T14:27:00.000-07:00

I once heard about a girl who just didn't care for being on the receiving end of oral sex. Men and women were flown in from around the world - experts all in the field of lady licking - but all she was interested in was penetration.

The accommodator is the answer. It allows for penetration during cunnilingus via an attractive and confortable strap-on dildo that protudes from the lickers chin. This way, the lady gets the best of both worlds - a good licking and a good sticking. If only the girl who demanded penetration had access to this tool!

The dong itself is made of pliable latex - so watch out those of you who are latex intolerant.

One of the most interesting features is that the natural movement of cunnilingus causes the dong to move as well, giving stimulation on top of stimulation. You can also slide it down into the anus for some anal stimulation while performing oral!

Londoners Get the Vibe

2005-04-11T11:20:00.000-07:00

Taking its cue from naughty knickers pioneers Agent Provocateur and Myla in London, Paddington's Miss Amour Boutique is a lingerie shop with a little extra buzz. That would be the vibrators, of course, which are discreetly partitioned off at the rear of the boudoir-esque lingerie section.

Miss Amour sells luscious lingerie lines such as La Perla, Argentovio, Bas Bleu, Aubade and Australians Elle Macpherson, itsybitsyundies, Julianne and Venuss Envy, right. Soon to launch are British label Demaris, Pleasure State and Miss Amour's own brand. But the Scala vibrators - including the Pearl Rabbit, a version of which starred in a Sex and the City episode ($149) - have, well, hit the spot, says owner Sarah Acres.

She says Miss Amour is "a store completely about women" but without the sex shop vibe or prices (she should know, her parents operate sex shops in Britain). April 16 would be a good time to visit: Acres is staging a promotion with 10 per cent of proceeds going to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

College Girls Experimenting

2005-04-08T11:15:00.000-07:00

After talking to a friend of mine, I started wondering about sex toys and people. How many of us have them or tried them? How much would you spend on one? Why get one? And how do you go about purchasing one?

Lately on and off campus women have been having sex parties. I've been to a sex party at my friend's house and I know a sorority had a party in the P.U.B. awhile back. We even now have a Sex Club (for learning) on campus. Now, if you haven't been to one of these parties you need to go. These are fun parties, and they empower women in their sexuality.I'm sure plenty of college women have sex toys or at least tried it once.

Sex toys are good for everyone. They spice up the love life and the best part is that it empowers your sexuality.There are plenty of kinds of toys ranging from vibrators to butt plugs to penis rings to massage oils to sex games. These products can be cheap, but they may be expensive. The prices vary. For a vibrator you can get one for $10 to $150, but then you can buy a penis ring for just $3 or so.So why get a toy, and yes, I say toy, because toys are fun, and these can be fun, too. I suggest trying some out or at least, look at them.

This may change your opinion about yourself and the way you think of sex.Another reason to try a toy is that women can have a hard time reaching an orgasm, and this might assist her. Trying a toy can help you learn about your body's erogenous zones and what brings you pleasure.Also, toys are a safe way of having sex (as long as you clean them).

A vibrator can't get you pregnant or give you a STD.A good way to go about seeing and touching these toys is by going to a sex party. But if you can't find a party, go to a website or to a porn shop; we have quite a few in this area. Trust me the store clerks won't care. They have seen a lot of weird things, and you're not one of them!

Now if you decide to buy a toy, don't spring this surprise on your partner. Surprising them can scare them away from trying it. So take it slow. Tell them what you bought. Maybe even show them how it works; it will probably excite your partner. It's known that partners get excited watching their partners masturbate.If you don't have a partner, then you don't need to worry about any of that. Just do it; you'll love every minute of it!

Sex Help Books

2005-04-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

Quick reviews of recent sex-help and relationship books:

• Zen Sex: The Way of Making Love by Philip Toshio Sudo (Harper; $12.95). Sudo, author of "Zen Guitar," "Zen Computer" and "Zen 24/7," explains how familiarity, surprise, scent and touch can lead to enlightened intimacy.

• Sexy Yoga: 40 Poses for Mind-Blowing Sex & Greater Intimacy (Ulysses Press; $14.95). If you and your partner are in search of the third eye, you can find it together.

• The Cosmo Kama Sutra: 77 Mind-Blowing Sex Positions by the editors of Cosmopolitan magazine (Hearst Books; $17.95). Filled with colorful graphics of men and women in positions with names like "The Passion Pretzel" and "Backstairs Boogaloo."

• The 100 Simple Secrets of Great Relationships: What Scientists Have Learned and How You Can Use It (Harper; $11.95). Each chapter reveals a secret to a great relationship.

Indian Women Adore Pleasure Parties

2005-04-06T11:00:00.000-07:00

Remember a time when kitty parties meant trading recipes and comparing diamonds? Well not anymore! Dildos have replaced diamonds and rubber inflatable dolls instead of recipes are being traded amongst suburban housewives today.

Dubbed as ''passion parties'' or ''pleasure parties'', the traditional sex soiree involves a group of 5-7 middle aged affluent housewives getting together over hot samosas and even hotter discussion topics while discovering a new sex-toy each week.

The toy is usually sponsored by a sex-toy manufacturer. The hostess either invites a distributor of the company or does the honours herself. The women have a chance to try the product and if satisfied, (pun intended) can purchase the product - enabling the hostess to make a cool commission. As for the unorganised lot who can''t get their tools sponsored by a company, they personally buy these toys from their pockets. Checkout some tantalising toys!

While some companies sponsor tacky looking dildos with product details that read "This Dong measures 18cm x 4.5cm. Can you handle it?", there are others that sell them under the garb of "personal massagers for aristocratic women." Reminiscent of ''tupperware'' parties, women who attend these do's claim them to be good clean fun and a great way to become financially independent. Says a resident of a posh Gurgaon apartment complex on the condition of anonymity, "When a neighbour told me about these sex-toy parties, I was completely scandalised. But on her insistence I attended one and discovered that it wasn''t the sleazy orgy I was expecting it to be.

In fact, I quite enjoyed it and felt quite liberated! First a distributor gave us a talk on the product and we got a few samples. Some of the racier women went in the other room and even tried them on! Needless to mention, they came back rather satisfied!" However, she is quick to add that sex-toys are just one aspect of the party. "We also discuss sexual matters of concern, what we like, don''t like - stuff that we would anyway discuss with close friends. I find these parties emotionally satisfying - and have discovered a number of physically satisfying gadgets too," she quips.

The trend first began in 2002 in the US, with former Playboy Playmate Marlene Janssen who began a company called Temptation Parties for middle aged women who wanted "to spice up their boring sex lives". The so-called tame parties claimed to have a distributor from the company come over and talk about the products. The idea gave birth to an entire industry with websites like Wholesale Adult Toys popping up into cyberspace offering an opportunity to make money with an orgasm thrown in for good measure!

So will sexual satisfaction for the Indian upper class women come through toys now? For many, this new trend raises an eyebrow at the relevance of the Indian male today.

Sex Toys Outsell Washing Machines in Britain

2005-04-05T11:30:00.000-07:00

50 per cent of all women in Britain own a sex toy, a sensational new survey has revealed.

According to The Sun, the survey shows that these sex toys are all set to outsell washing machines, with 2.4 million girly gadgets being produced every year.

Ann Summers has just announced a 10 per cent rise in the sale of sex toys and a survey by Durex shows that more than half of couples use an aid to spice up their love life.

They found that the North Eastern part of Britain has 55 per cent of couples owning a toy, after questioning some 10,000 couples.Couples in Yorkshire are stand next with 51 per cent. The survey also revealed that the most popularly used sex toy is a vibrator with 53 per cent using them.

"The further North you go the naughtier people get. Our Manchester shop has been our top-seller for years", the report quoted Jacqueline Gold of Ann Summers as saying.

Retailer Challenging the French

2005-04-04T11:17:00.000-07:00

Oh the sauce! Myla, the purveyor of luxury scanties and designer sex toys from its Knightsbridge and Kensington boutiques, is challenging the greats of French lingerie in their very boudoir - Paris.

"Well, at first we did think: who are we Brits to impose by selling lingerie to the French? But it seems we can offer something their designers can't," says Charlotte Semler, Myla's co-founder, who has secured a space for her stall in the ritzy Gallerie Lafayette, Paris's most famous department store.

"Whereas the French and Italian designers do, well, veer towards the pouty, we are more romantic and a bit more girlie."

Taking on the Frenchies in this way is surely the stuff of which trade wars are made. So it's no surprise the Myla Misses have fallen victim to what smacks of a dirty tricks campaign by the French tax authorities.

Five months ago, Semler's French-speaking co-founder, Nina Hampson, applied for a VAT number for the Paris store. "We've had our inventory in Paris for eight weeks and we haven't been able to sell a stitch because they hadn't given us the number," Semler says.

Does she suspect foul play? "Oh, I'm convinced of it," Semler smoulders.

The vital forms finally came through last week, allowing Myla's Paris boutique to open this week.

"Unbelievable bureaucracy," Semler fumes. "We thought it would never come. We had a war dance in the office to celebrate."

A rendition of the cancan à l'anglaise, we hope.

Inside Deep Throat

2005-03-31T22:39:00.000-08:00

Oral sex was invented on June 12, 1972, the day the iconic porn film Deep Throat opened in Times Square.

That, at least, is the burden of Inside Deep Throat, a boyishly entertaining documentary that looks at the cultural, legal, sexual and philosophical implications of a $25,000 film that was based on the fiction that a woman was born with her clitoris in her throat, necessitating an act that until that time, according to the commentators gathered here, was thought of simply as an unspeakable perversion, if at all.

Deep Throat -- which went on to gross $600 million, making it the most profitable film ever -- came along at just the right time: it helped spin an ongoing sexual revolution that was a confluence of sexual equality, birth control and a go-go revolutionary spirit. As Camille Paglia, no less, tells the camera, Deep Throat was an epochal moment in that it brought middle-class women to the porn theatre. Many were drawn by a New York Times article that declared the movie part of a new "porn chic," although Hugh Hefner's theory was that it simply had a gimmick.

As Norman Mailer put it -- the roster of droppable names is part of the oddly high-low tone of Inside Deep Throat -- we'd sell our souls for a giggle.

Deep Throat starred a newcomer named Linda Lovelace (nee Boreman) as the woman with the sexual problem and burgeoning porn star Harry Reems as the doctor who helps cure her. It was directed by Gerard Damanio, a former New York hairdresser who parlayed the stories of female sexual dissatisfaction he heard at the salon into a career as a maker of naughty movies.

Hustler Signs Exclusive Deal

2005-03-30T09:01:00.000-08:00

LFP Broadcasting LLC, parent company of Hustler TV, today announced an exclusive deal with Sex-Z Pictures. Under the agreement Hustler TV will have exclusive rights to Sex-Z Pictures titles for use on the Hustler TV PPV and VOD services. The company will join the other top providers, including VCA Pictures, Hustler Video and Red Light District, that are already providing a broad selection of adult content to the wildly popular Hustler TV PPV and VOD networks.

Sex-Z Pictures, a division of east coast LGI Digital, entered the adult movie industry in early 2004, producing feature based movie titles directed by such veterans as Roy Karch and Skye Blue. The company's adult titles frequent the top of the AVN DVD sales and rental charts with 4 to 6 new movies released per month on DVD.

"The Hustler TV Networks have shown such an amazing quick growth and popularity for a new rising service," said Sex-Z Pictures owner Bo Kenney. "Our library of dazzling and well-liked titles will only strengthen the variety of superior adult programming on PPV and VOD available exclusively through Hustler TV."

"We are thrilled with the success that we have had in making Hustler TV one of the leading adult entertainment networks in the US and Canada," said Michael H. Klein, Executive Vice President, LFP Broadcasting. "This latest addition of Sex-Z Pictures programming validates our commitment to offer our operators the exclusive, high quality adult entertainment they have come to expect."

Since its launch in both the US and Canada, Hustler TV has delivered some of the industries top buy rates in adult PPV and VOD. With over 30 years of experience in delivering adult entertainment through various different mediums, the Hustler TV networks continue to expand and grow at a rapid pace with new system launches every month.

ABOUT LFP

LFP is the leading distributor of Adult Video/DVD, Print Publications, Internet and Adult Retail Stores. Hustler TV brings the top performing movies and original programs from some of the best adult film companies under one of the best brands in adult entertainment to pay per view and video on demand. Tremendous cross promotional opportunities through the numerous Hustler properties help to ensure some of the highest buy rates in the industry.

Hot Selling Store Items

2005-03-29T10:47:00.000-08:00

Male items of choice are C-rings, or cock-rings. Frequently worn by male exotic dancers, the rings are popular for sustaining erections. Women seek lubricants like the water-based Astroglide or SystemjoH20 that have smooth textures like silicone, says Brooks.

Most sex toys are made from latex but some come in silicone. Others are constructed with “cyber-sex” material akin to human skin. Lover’s Lane offers “home parties” and a leopard-with-fur-stirrups pleasure swing.

“The swing was first introduced in the Orient during World War II,” said Brooks. Reflecting on the war’s outcome as a potential result of the swing’s diversionary influence, she adds: “I don’t know if that contributed to their loss or not, but they did have OUR guys over there, too!”

Popular men’s products are condoms, Rock Hard Power Spray and the Kama Sutra all-natural lubricants. Phallic-oriented partyware includes penis pinatas and Glow-in-the-Dark-Sipper water bottles. Hot-sellers for women are dual vibrators called “rabbits,” popularized by HBO’s “Sex in the City.” Fashioned from latex, a large phallus massages the interior vagina while miniature bunny ears vibrate against the exterior clitoris. Enclosed pearl beads rotate against the vaginal mouth for added stimulus.

Made in China where adult toys are forbidden to look like human body parts, the “rabbit” frequently resembles cartoon characters or animals. Also in demand are creams to swell the vagina for tighter sexual experiences and glass dildos. The double-ended dildos are sought after for G-spot or prostate massage. Royal Oak’s Noir Leather sells numerous versions of the rabbit, as well as Pyrex dildos, says salesman Gordon Shephard. The Pyrex versatility allows it to be baked or frozen for varied effects and is even dishwasher-safe.

“Both the rabbit and glass dildos received a huge boost after exposure from ‘Sex in the City’and HBO’s ‘Real Sex’ shows,” said Shephard. Noir’s biggest sellers are C-rings, lubricants, clitoral stimulants, butt plugs and strap-ons. Calling it a “cutting-edge fetish boutique,” Noir’s owner Keith Howarth also creates public street “art.” His Bra Tree was festooned with lingerie, and the Vagina Tree adorned to cover a natural feature resembling female genitalia. It wasn’t long before city employees removed the items or trimmed the trees, says Howarth.

“The red polka-dot dress on the Vagina Tree lasted for two days in July before the police arrived,” Howarth said, laughing. He’s owned Noir for 20 years and changed business locations three times in that span. Remakes of vintage slave/master items are also available at Noir, including replicas of 19th-century padlocks and chastity belts. Nipple and thumb cuffs, leather riding crops, lamb’s wool spanking paddles and bondage tape are also on hand.

“Our bondage tape is better than duct tape because it has no adhesive,” Shephard said. “It works on the same principle as Saran-Wrap does — it’s also washable and re-usable.” Mouth ball-gags, head harnesses and pony bits combine traditional fetish play with new technology. One metal chastity belt even eludes sensitive airport detection equipment, Shephard says. A spanking bench, cages, platform boots and spiked shoes as well as perfume oils and seductive clothing round out Noir’s atmosphere. The highlights of experimental history, new technology and imagination are waiting to be had in the Detroit area, where bedroom boundaries and pleasure are only limited by the players.

Do You Like to Watch?

2005-03-25T10:44:00.000-08:00

Cut ahead 10 years to Edmonton's Taboo ... Naughty But Nice Sex Show earlier this winter, where torpedo-sized neon pink dildos and S&M bad boys roaming the aisles didn't hold a light to the most astonishing object of my hapless gaze. Couples, average couples from the floor, were getting hot and heavy onstage in a race to win best make-out session. I don't know what first prize was, but I think it's safe to say most of them were in it for the sheer titillation of stepping into the limelight and being seen getting down and dirty.

Undoubtedly, the whole no-holds-barred vibe at the sex show had dropped their inhibitions like pants on the living-room floor. The crowd was even loosening its collective collar and removing its tie.

We sipped politely on our J.D. & cokes, eyes glued to the groping, sucking couples, perspiring and clutching our opaque bags filled with vibrators, exotic massage oils, paddles and edible panties, and praying not to run into anyone from the office. Before we knew it, herd mentality and voyeuristic desire had taken over and we were cheering rowdily like ring-side spectators at a wrestling match.

Oh, we tried to look away. We failed miserably.

Toys on the Room Service Menu

2005-03-24T09:34:00.000-08:00

Many of today's top hotels offer facilities and services that embody their home bases to such an extent that guests need not leave the lobby to experience the best of what a destination has to offer. In true Big Apple fashion, for example, the V.I.P-only rooftop bar at 60 Thompson is frequented by the hippest locals -- as well as anyone with a room key. The Rib Room bar at New Orleans' Omni Royal is known not only for its Mardi Gras-friendly Washbucket martinis, but also for its clientele of Southern literary and political greats. And as befits an over-the-top hotel in the world's capital of excess, the Venetian in Las Vegas duplicates Venice landmarks such as St. Mark's Square (complete with live pigeons).

All this allows you to relax and enjoy your surroundings without feeling as if you're missing the city, because its highlights are just outside, and sometimes inside, your room. Hotels are introducing a bevy of on-site attractions from yoga instructors, butlers and spas to galleries showing the work of local artists. Room service at Toronto's Drake Hotel will even deliver goodies like sex toys, vibrators, velvet blindfolds and how-to manuals.

Big Business Ahead For Mobile Phone Porn

2005-03-23T10:15:00.000-08:00

"Unlike the Internet, there is virtually no free adult content available via mobile wireless devices," said Juniper Research's Windsor Holden. As a result, anyone who acquires the materials must engage in a commercial transaction, and these transactions can be traced.

One reason the Internet gained as much interest as it did in its early days was the convenience that it offered individuals interested in pornography. No longer did they have to visit adult bookstores in person; with a few keystrokes the materials were delivered directly to their personal computers.

Now, convenience is helping to spawn a new market for pornographic materials on mobile devices such as cellular phones and personal digital assistants. In fact, Juniper Research Inc. estimates that worldwide revenue from this market segment will jump from US$500 million in 2004 to $2.5 billion in 2009.

"Along with games and infotainment, adult content will be one of the leading content types driving the initial use of mobile entertainment services," said Windsor Holden, an industry analyst with Juniper Research.

While the topic of pornography often generates heated debate, there is no disagreement that it is a significant business. Juniper estimates that the annual revenue generated from adult content ranges from $31 billion to $75 billion worldwide, depending on which items are included. Offerings range from strip clubs to magazines, telephone sex lines and sex toys.

Handheld devices are already among the channels used to deliver adult content. Companies such as Dirty-Text Inc. have been offering pornographic chat services, in which salacious simple messaging services messages are sent to mobile devices for a fee. These services are cheap to produce but relatively expensive to the end consumer, making for a lucrative business model.

Technical advances are now enabling delivery of new services. Recently, handheld devices have gained more processing power, cellular networks increased the volume of data they support, and phones now include cameras and high-resolution displays. That means multimedia services are possible. "The ability to download images to handheld devices has made pornography more attractive to some users," Neil Strother, an industry analyst with In-Stat/MDR, told TechNewsWorld.

Companies such as Hotphone, Pornforyourphone, Private and Voooyeur started out offering still images to mobile phone customers but have recently been moving to video clips and video streaming. Available content now ranges from models disrobing to hard-core pornography.

European Sex Shops Thriving

2005-03-22T15:08:00.000-08:00

Central and Eastern European politicians sweetened enlargement to citizens and entrepreneurs by extolling the virtues of a common market and rise in wages. But if there is one sector that has really profited from the opening up of borders it is definitely pornography and prostitution. The European sex industry makes huge profits and is even gaining respectability. A host of companies - some listed on major stock exchanges - are entering the normal economy. Sector turnover is up, thanks to pornographic videos, DVDS, sex toys, and special erotic events.

Other profitable branches of the so-called adult industry are mobile telephone content, swingers' clubs, Internet, and even e-mail spam. Some estimates suggest that as much as 70% of the EUR 365 million that Europeans spent on the Internet in 2001 went on porn. Leading providers of such on-line adult content, like Barcelona-based Private Media Group or Germany's Beate Uhse, are now listed companies and provide accounts worthy of blue chips. "We are very satisfied with the results," said Otto Christian Lindemann, chief financial officer at Beate Uhse. The multinational adult entertainment specialist had sales in 2003 of around 260 million euro and earnings before tax at 18.8 million euro. The company is currently developing a line of shops to win over women as a clientèle. The aim is to change the image of sex shops, and the wider adult industry, from being the preserve of aging and lonely males, and victims of human traffickers.

The underside of the trade in sex, and links to human trafficking, has stirred some politicians into action. Former Member of the European Parliament, Marianne Erikson, in report last year called for measures to curtail adult entertainment. "The production of pornography is now a multi-billion worldwide activity. It is a well-known fact that the industry has been one of the most powerful forces in the development of the Internet because of the porn consumer's demands for discretion and security when paying for material."
Franco Frattini, European Justice Commissioner, also fears that elements in the sex industry have fueled the selling of sex with children and women: "Most victims come from Eastern Europe and are usually between 18 to 30 years old. But there are also much younger girls and even boys," said Frattini. All EU countries are affected, according to the Commissioner, either as countries of origin, transit or destination. "Trafficking in human beings is one the most horrible forms of crime and a resolute EU response is necessary." Frattini points the finger at Ukraine and Moldova, now set to profit from the EU's European Neighbourhood Policy, as the major countries of origin. But also EU accession countries Romania and Bulgaria - to join in 2007 - will have to improve national laws on for the prevention of trafficking.

The links between 'legal', or non-forced prostitution, and illegal human trafficking have always been blurred since the regime changes in Eastern and Central Europe allowed for heavy Western European demand for sex workers. Women from countries like the Moldova, Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine, provide the largest contingent of prostitutes but also victims for trafficking. Countries like Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina serve as bases for smugglers to enter the EU.

The Commission will issue a set of proposals in 2005 for common standards, best practices and mechanisms in EU Member States to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings. The proposals will be drawn up on the basis of a report issued late in December. The EU report highlights human rights aspects and specific issues related to child trafficking. But the Commission has come in for criticism as being ineffective: "A lot has been done over the past few years. But the attention has been on crime prevention and punishment," said Marjan Wijers, the president of the expert group that presented the report. "In our opinion victim assistance is lagging behind. That should be a priority in the coming years. In this sense the Commission directive should be seen as a start. Up until now states have primarily concentrated on crime and immigration control."