VenusNews

issue 13 . September 2002

In-store Events

All workshops are held at the store, which is located at 1598 Barrington St., Halifax. Please register by calling 422 0004. The workshop fee is $5 (+tax) per person.

Sex Toys 101: An Intro to the Wonderful World of Toys
For everyone
"What is it? What do I do with it? Where do I put it?"
Anatomy, vibrators, dildos, lube and other slippery stuff: this workshop will give toy novices a chance to learn about different toys in a relaxed atmosphere.
Monday Sept. 16th, 6:15 pm

Toys for Boys
For everyone
Join us for an introduction to sex toys for men. We will be covering basic male anatomy as well as discussing the joys of masturbators, cock rings, anal play, lube and more!
Tuesday Sept. 24th, 6:15 pm

Up Yours: Anal Pleasure and Health
For everyone
Make friends with your butt! Join us in breaking myths and cultural taboos surrounding anal play. Also learn practical tips about lube, toys, safety and health.
Tuesday Oct. 8th, 6:15 pm

Sex Toys 101: An Intro to the Wonderful World of Toys
For women
"What is it? What do I do with it? Where do I put it"
Anatomy, vibrators, dildos, lube and other slippery stuff: this workshop will give toy novices a chance to learn about different toys in a relaxed atmosphere.
Monday Oct 14th, 6:15 pm

BDSM 101: An Intro to Communication and Power Play
For everyone
An open discussion for those who are, or think they might be, interested in BDSM. We will be discussing some terms and definitions, as well as how to negotiate boundaries. Safety and safewords will also be on the agenda.
Tuesday Nov. 12th, 6:15 pm


BDSM 201: Tips and Tricks
For everyone
This is a beginner-level workshop for those with an active interest in BDSM. We will talk about toys for sensation play, floggers and other spanky stuff, basic knot tying and rope safety, as well as using common household items in new and kinky ways.
Wednesday Nov. 13th, 6:15pm

G Marks the Spot
For everyone
Everything you've always wanted to know about the not-so-elusive G-Spot! We will talk about history, anatomy, ejaculation, and practical g-spotting tips.
Wednesday Nov. 20th 6:15

Bursary Update

The Venus Envy Bursary Society has awarded $1000 bursaries to two women studying in Nova Scotia. The board would like to extend our gratitude to this year’s selection committee for their hard work and dedication.
The bursary society will hold its annual fund raiser, "She’s Funny That Way," in February 2003. Information regarding this event will be posted in the December 1st newsletter.
Applications for next year’s awards will be available online after January 1, 2003.

Toy Review

Atomic Disintegrator
[dildo, silicone (red, purple, silver), $34.95 (small) and $49.95 (large)]
When I first looked at this toy I thought "Ouch! Who would want this bumpy thing inside them?" Then I got one and tried 'er out and -- woohoo! All futuristic silver and sleek molded ridges, the Atomic Disintegrator looks a bit like something from a kinky Star Trek episode (hmmm... fantasy potential anyone??). I find the ridges kind of intense for fast in-and-out motion. But try placing the toy with one of those bumps just at the entrance to your vagina -- gives you a nice ... something... to grip onto as you rock your way to orgasm. Or move it in and out slooooowly -- the most fun Kegel workout ever. And it's got a curve just made for hitting the G spot. Oh yeah.

Book Review

Blue, Violet. The Ultimate Guide to Cunnilingus: How to Go Down on a Woman and Give Her Exquisite Pleasure. San Francisco: Cleis Press, 2002.

Cleis’ fabulous Ultimate Guide series is known for high-quality writing and good information about specific topics laid out in a clear and fun manner. And what a great idea. There are a few really high-quality sex-reference books out there, but what if you’re comfortable with your level of knowledge about, say, safe sex, and all you want are some pointers on giving girls good head? Well, here you go. This book is written by a sex educator at Good Vibrations, one of the first educational sex stores in North America, which makes her pretty darned qualified to write the book on its own, but she’s also done extensive research and surveyed a whole whack of women and men. The quotes from these surveys are great, and present a wider range of experience and opinion than just the author’s. The book is also laid out well, starting with myths that might prevent people from going down, and moving through anatomy and basic techniques to those extras that make good oral sex great. Especially notable is the section on positions for injured or disabled people, a rare thing in most books. It’s a great primer for those new to the sport, or a great reminder for experts.

Violet Blue’s writing is quite chatty, and her personality shines off the page. I found the casual tone grating at times: in talking about the wonders of the human tongue, she writes that without it, "we’d be up the proverbial creek without our little pink paddles." An odd image, to say the least. Later on, she also talks about an "optimal position for parting the furry seas" of pubic hair around the anus. That actually made me cringe, and not because it’s crude or too blunt, but just because it’s a terrible metaphor. Who wants to envision their ass hair as the rolling waves of an ocean? And even though it’s written by a Good Vibrations worker and published by a company well respected in the field of sexuality, it’s best to be cautious about some of the information regarding STIs and anatomy, which was inaccurate, or at least poorly worded, at a couple of points.

Those are fairly small problems, though, when you compare them to the numerous good things about the book, not the least of which are the delicious drawings by comic artist Molly Kielly. Definitely a worthy addition to any sex positive library.

PS – Look for The Ultimate Guide to Fellatio, coming out soon.

New Toys!

Echo
6 " x 1.25": $69.95
Colours: purple, black, iridescent blue, pearl
Deep ridges and a pronounced head make the Echo a wild and bumpy ride. For fabulous g-spotting, use the ridge under the head against your spot. The Echo is harness compatible, quiet, multi-speed and 100% silicone. The mini vibe can be removed to use this toy as a dildo, and it can be easily replaced if it dies. The flared base also makes the Echo a good choice for anal play. This toy comes complete, with the batteries included.

Buzz 1
5.5" x 1.25": $69.95
Colours: black, midnight purple, peacock
Extremely smooth and slightly larger in the head than the shaft, the Buzz 1 is a good choice for those who want good length without much friction. Buzz 1 is harness compatible, quiet, multi-speed and 100% silicone. The mini vibe can be removed to use this toy as a dildo, and it can be easily replaced if it dies. The flared base also makes the Buzz 1 a good choice for anal play. This toy comes complete, with the batteries included.

Buzz 2
6.5" x 1.5": $69.95
Colours: black, midnight purple, peacock
Extremely smooth with generous girth and a head that's just slightly larger than the shaft, the Buzz 2 is a good choice for those who want fullness without much friction. Buzz 2 is harness compatible, quiet, multi-speed and 100% silicone. The mini vibe can be removed to use this toy as a dildo, and it can be easily replaced if it dies. The flared base also makes the Buzz 2 ia a good choice for anal play. This toy comes complete, with the batteries included.

Zing
3.5" x 1.5": $49.95
Colours: black, copper, midnight purple
Finally -- a vibrating, silicone butt plug! The Zing's small neck compared to its wider body gives this plug excellent grip. Small ridges add to the appeal, adding a some texture to a toy that is still very comfortable to use.

Art and the Artists


September: Jennifer Robertson. "What Can I Say" is series of photographs that resulted from a breakdown of communication.

October: Lesley Walters. Photographs, black and white nudes.

November and December: We are looking for artists who would like to show at Venus Envy for the months of November and December. Please contact Shelley Taylor at or call 422 0004.

 

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