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issue 12 . Summer 2002
Sale!
That's right! Come on out and celebrate Pride Day with us.
Saturday July 20: you'll get 20% off all toys (leather excluded) and all Pride stuff (jewellery, flags, pins, etc.) all day.
Summer Hours
Starting June 1st , we'll be changing our hours a little to match the longer summer days.
Monday 10-6 Tuesday 10-6 Wednesday 10-6 Thursday 10-8 Friday 10-8 Saturday 10-6 Sunday 12-6
Toy Review
Micro Mini
vibrator, hard plastic, $19.95
The first time I turned this toy on, I nearly drooled. Even holding it, I thought, that is some kinda kick. And then it was all iridescent green and purple as it spun on its own vibration in my palm. So pretty and tiny. I bought it. Not a second thought. Not a disappointment, either.
For fans of the Fukuoku, this has a similar kind of vibration. The watch batteries mean that the vibe is at the high, buzzy end of the spectrum; the fact that it uses three of the little suckers means that at top speed, it's a strong strong buzz. For those who like things a little more gentle, the speed control is pretty sensitive, and can be turned so low, you actually need to be careful that you've turned the power off all the way, or you'll waste your batteries. (If you want to travel with it, open the case and put a piece of paper on top of the battery. This will prevent you from tearing apart your vibrating suitcase at the airport, trying to remember where exactly you packed your sex toys.). For those who think the Fukuoku is a good idea, but want more adjustability, this is the vibe for you. Mrowr.
The size is amazing. Great for partered sex- you (or your pal) can just cup it in a hand and hold it wherever the vibe might feel best- it doesn't get in the way at all. It's just as good during alone time, though, especially if you're using ben-wa balls or a dil. Tip: If your hands are all lubey and slick, it can be difficult to hold on to with your fingers, so if you're used to a bigger vibe, expect some adjustment time as you learn how to manouever it.
At $19.95, this toy is a great deal. Or get either the Techno or the Cosmo (our new silicone dil's that come with the micro mini) for the harness compatible vibe of your dreams. Alone or with silicone, it's a great addition to any toy collection. It's certainly leapt to first place in mine.
Book Review
Chia, Mantak and Maneewan Chia; Douglas Abrams and Rachel Carlton Abrams. The Multi-Orgasmic Couple: How Couples Can Dramatically Enhance Their Pleasure, Intimacy and Health. New York: HarperSanFrancisco, 2000. 204 p., $25.95
So it's pretty obvious from the title what you're going to find in this book. If you're looking to expand your orgasmic potential, then this is the book for you; woman or man, the authors have written a whole program for getting in touch with your multi-orgasmic self. You'll find exercises, as well as tips on positions and technique. The excercises are clearly written, and pretty simple (although I did feel a little foolish grinning at my belly button in Exercise 13), and they're set apart from the rest of the text in a way that makes them easy to follow, too. They've got handy illustrations and useful diagrams, and choice quotes are pulled out and highlighted in the margins. The book is divided into two sections: Solo and Duo. The first of these sections is further divided into three chapters: men doing it for themselves, then ditto for women and lastly, orgasm/sexual energy in general; the second section covers the various ways you can incorporate what you learned from the first section into partnered encounters.
The layout and the exercises are good things in a guide book. But that's not why I liked this book so much. It's based (I'm not sure how closely) on Taoist principles, and the way sexuality is treated under those principles is quite different than what most of us are used to in North America. The emphasis here is on sensuality and playfulness, on exploration and experimentation. The authors believe that good sexual health is necessary to overall health; their definition of sexual is quite broad, because they, in line with their spiritual beliefs, are dealing with sexual energy, rather than specific acts. They believe that in North American culture, we don't get enough touch, simple touch, to sustain our sensual selves or enjoy our bodies as much as they should be enjoyed. Over and over again, the authors talk about celebrating your body and appreciating it for the big and small pleasures it gives, rather than castigating it for not being perfect. "A judged and criticized body does not yield pleasure nearly as easily as a body that is loved and appreciated" (p. 29): if my bathroom mirror were big enough, I'd scrawl that in bright red lipstick across my reflected face.
The only thing I didn't like about the book was the unrelenting heterosexism. In the introduction, the authors note that "while the Taoists were primarily concerned with harmonizing male and female sexual energy, the practices are equally valuable for gay and lesbian couples" (xvi). Nice to include the thought, but all the language is man/woman, and any illustration involving two people is a straight couple as well. Now I realize they're are writing for the comfort of a specific audience, but 1) I think the authors are possibly underestimating their audience and 2) I find that kind of conservatism pretty odd in a book that's trying to change something as basic as the way we understand, and do, sex.
Other than that, I'm all for The Multi-Orgasmic Couple. I'd say if you're looking to get more in touch with your own body, the sexual energy that drives you and your physical response to yourself and others, definitely pick this book up and give it a whirl. If the most you get out of it is the understanding that you deserve to enjoy yourself sexually, then I think that's a pretty good read.
Art and the Artists
June: Kim Dawn - water color and pencil on paper
July: Mike Davies - 'Leather To Lace' Photo Art Exhibit.
August: Marguerite Drescher - 'Works Untitled' mixed media with a focus on photography.
Community Events
Ongoing
Pay-What-You-Can Reiki by Josee-Ann Cloutier
Experience deep relaxation and balance through the power of
Reiki.
Wednesdays and Thursdays, 6-9pm
Dal Women's Centre (1229 Le Marchent St.)
Coming Soon
Sunday, June 16th 11am-1pm
The Women Next Door Send-Off brunch, concert and silent
auction.
Pitchman's Pub and Eatery (5287 Prince St.)
Wednesday June 19th, 6-8pm
Wise Woman Herbal Workshops with Dannette Steele
City Weed Walk - identify the herbal helpers that grow wild and
flourish in the Halifax area.
Contact Little Mysteries Books for more info
Monday June 19 2002
Mr. Bad Ass Pride Spring Blow Out
This Pride fund raiser will be at Reflections. 10:30pm. $3 cover
goes to Pride Week activities.
Friday June 21st, 8pm
Gay Cabaret and Dance presented by Pride in Performance
Fun Galore! with Mary Ellen MacLean, the Clones, Kathleen Howell,
Jane Kansas and many more!
McInnes Room of the Dal SUB (6136 University Ave)
Sunday June 23rd, 9:30pm
Get Your Dyke On! Women's Variety Show hosted by Ben Dover
Drag kings, comedy, music and more!
Reflections Cabaret
Wednesday July 10:
Reading and book signing at Venus Envy 6:30-8pm.
Emily Shultz and others will be reading from the brand new
collection "Outskirts - Women Writing From Small Places" Free
admission.
Pride Events - Halifax
For more and ongoing information about any of these events check the Halifax Pride website, http://halifaxpride.org/pride2002.html
July 1-31:
Leather to Lace a photo art exhibit by Mike Davies at Venus Envy 1598 Barrington Street. Free admission. Contact 422 0004 for more information.
July 10th to 24th:
Exuberance! Photos of 300+ LGBT youth from all over North America, at the Halifax Backpackers & Alteregos Coffeehouse, 2193 Gottingen St. Presented by Young Gay America. Contact 4313170 for more information.
Sunday July 14th:
Halifax Pride Ambassador I: the very first search for our newest
spokesperson. Scotia Legion Hall, Cunard St. Halifax 8.30pm -
11.00pm. Tickets $5.00 advance or $8.00 at the door.
Monday July 15th:
Flag Raising at Grand Parade
Opening Party at Pride Grand Sponsor Reflections featuring The 12 Cheeks
Tuesday July 16th:
Halifax Queer History Club Inaugural Meeting at Killam
Library Courtyard, 7.30pm. All welcome! For more info or to
RSVP, call Daniel MacKay, History Club, 902.455.8417
Gay Bingo at Pride Grand Sponsor Reflections
Karaoke with Justin at NRG
Wednesday July 17th:
Queer As Film Night Details: TBA
Thursday July 18th:
Reading Out Loud with host Jane Kansas. What books inspired you?
Jane Kansas leads a crew of prominent authors, activists and
personalities including novelist Linda Little, singer Amy Campbell
and publisher Michael Wile in readings from their favourite queer
works. Co-sponsored by the Halifax Regional Library and Venus Envy.
Books will be available for sale at this event. 7:00pm, Library
Program Room, Spring Garden Road Public Library, free
admission.
Karaoke with Scott at NRG
Friday July 19th:
Bear Pride Dinner 7:00PM Pineaus Cafe 5190 Blowers St.
Halifax
BattleAxe Folk Presents Imitation VII: Show Your Pride! A GLBT Youth Project Benefit at Hell's Kitchen, (downstairs from the Marquee) Gottingen St. Halifax. Advance tickets $5.00, $6.00 at the door.
Exuberance! Opening Reception (see above) Free admission, free food, in honour of Graham Pinsent with special guest Marc Hall and in support of The Graham Pinsent Memorial Bursary Fund 7.00 - 8.30 pm. For more information call Young Gay America at 431.3170
Saturday July 20th: Pride Day
Pride Parade gathers 1.00pm - Maitland St
Dykes On Bikes If you're a Dyke (or a friend of one) and you have a Byke (a bicycle that is!) bring it! We'll have a special place for you.
Venus Envy's 4th Annual Pride Day Sale all day, 10.00am - 6.00pm, at the store. 20% off all toys and pride gear.
Paint Your Burger Tightrope BBQ at Toolbox East 5.00pm - 7.00pm. Proceeds go to "Send a boy to Camp" Fund.
Queen Size S.H.A.G. down home, bluegrass style chick-rock bonanza. The bad-babe good-guitar duo will be joined by special guest Reena Katz, renowned klezmer-punk fiddle player, and Lisa Gamble, Montreal percussionist extraordinaire. 9.30pm, Khyber Club 1588 Barrington, admission $5.00
Women's Dance at the Halifax Civic Worker's Club, Corner of Bloomfield & Isleville, 8.30pm - 1.00am. Tickets advance $8, at the door $10, advance tickets recommended. Tickets available at Venus Envy, NRG & Reflections. Must be 19yrs.
Men's Pride Swim sponsored by Bluenose Bears. 7.00PM Halifax YWCA 1239 Barrington St. Halifax $4 cover (exact change please!) Proceeds go to the Pride Committee; for more information, contact Bluenose Bears at Blue Nose Bears or 902.422.6416.
Steers, Queers & Beers Continuation of the Leather Pride BBQ and Bar Night at the Toolbox East. Leather/Cowboy Wear encouraged. Starts 10.00pm. For more info, call 423.6999 ext. 4, or watch for posters.
Sunday July 21st:
Closing Party - details TBA
Pride Week Family Barbecue Join us for a fun afternoon of food and games for children, youth and families. Noon - 2.30 pm in Point Pleasant Park. For more info, call Maura Donovan 422.8780.
Safe Harbour MCC's annual Pride Service, 7.30 - 9.00pm, 5500 Inglis St, Halifax. For more info, call 453.9249.
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The University of Ottawa's Couple Research Lab is looking for participants for their online study on same-sex couple relationships! This study aims to better understand personal and relationship factors that contribute to well being and distress in same-sex couples.
To be eligible, you must be 18 years old or more, have a good knowledge of English and be in a same-sex couple relationship for at least 12 months. In order to thank you for your participation, you will be entered in a draw for gift certificates to a music store.
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