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(613) 789-4646
VenusNews » Ottawa
issue 3 . Summer 2002
Workshops
All workshops are held at the store, located at 110 Parent Ave. in Ottawa. Please pre-register by calling 613-789-4646; the workshop fee is $5 per person unless stated otherwise.
Sex Toys 101: An Intro to the Wonderful World of Toys
For everyone
Monday June 3 at 6:30 pm
br>"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. One hour, plus time for questions and discussion.
Sacred Sexuality: An Introduction
For everyone
Monday June 24 at 7 pm
br>Sexuality and spirituality are two aspects of who we are as whole human beings. It is through the experience of the body that we come to know these parts of self. An experiential workshop using breathwork, dialogue and movement to connect with inner sexual energy as our creative life force strength. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a blanket. No nudity. Two hours.
G marks the Spot
For everyone
Tuesday June 25 at 6:30 pm
Everything you've always wanted to know about the not-so-elusive G-Spot! We will cover history, anatomy, ejaculation and practical g-spotting tips. One hour, plus time for questions and discussion.
Sex Toys 101: An Intro to the Wonderful World of Toys
For women
Tuesday July 9 at 6:30 pm
"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. One hour, plus time for questions and discussion.
Knotty Fun: An Introduction to Rope Bondage
For everyone
Monday July 22 at 6:30 pm
Learn to tie knots and, more importantly, how to untie knots. We will also discuss safety, buying tips, and teach you how to tie enough knots to keep your friends tied up tight. This is an interactive workshop, and a six-foot length of rope will be provided for practice. One hour, plus time for questions and discussion.
G marks the Spot
For everyone
Tuesday August 6 at 6:30 pm
Everything you've always wanted to know about the not-so-elusive G-Spot! We will cover history, anatomy, ejaculation and practical g-spotting tips. One hour, plus time for questions and discussion.
Up Yours!: Anal Pleasure and Health
For everyone
Monday August 19 at 6:30 pm
Learn how to make friends with your butt! We'll be dispelling some of the myths and cultural taboos surrounding anal play, as well as chatting about anatomy, safety, lube, toys, and general anal health. One hour, plus time for questions and discussion.
Sale!
That's right! Come on out and celebrate Pride Weekend with us. Saturday July 13 and Sunday July 14, you'll get 20% off toys (vibrators, dildos, butt toys, cockrings) all weekend. And enter to win a fabulously prideful prize.
Summer Hours
Starting June 1st , we'll be changing our hours a little to match the long summer days.
Monday 11-6
Tuesday 11-6
Wednesday 11-8
Thursday 11-8
Friday 11-8
Saturday 11-6
Sunday 12-5
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.
New Toys!
Wee Ring
vibrating cockring, latex and plastic, colour: transluscent
$34.95
Cosmo
vibrator (6 1/2"x 1 1/2"), silicone, colours: peacock, fuschia, midnight purple
$79.95
Techno
vibrator (7" x 1 1/4" long), silicone, colours: peacock, fuschia, midnight purple
$79.95
Epicurean Rose
dildo (6" x 1 3/4"), silicone, colours: red, purple
$49.95
Cat
whip, 9 x 24" braided leather tails, colour: black
$249.95
French Curve
paddle (16" x 5 1/2"), white ash with walnut oil stain
$36.95
Art and the Artists
June: CENTERING by KAt Biljan.
This is a series of reflective works, based on chakras and various yoga poses. KAt calls her work (Abstract) Colourism because she approaches her work with a thought and an eye to colour before anything else.
July and August : sarah marshall - linocut prints.
Bold, expressive lines, handprinted from carved linoleum, explore humanity, urban disaffection and quirky women. A graphic designer by day and printmaker by night (and weekend!), you can also see Sarah's work as part of the annual Pontiac Artists Studio Tour: check www.pontiacartists.com for more information.
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