Floggers in Time Magazine?

You could've knocked me over with a feather when I saw the article. I guess sex toys have finally reached mainstream media, even if the hook was environmental.

Check it out. :-)

peace and passion,

~ Alessia

The Joy of Sex Toys

From AlterNet:

Better adult stores now all take products out of the boxes and putting them right into customer's hands so they'll know what kind of bangs they'll get for their bucks. And the buzz on vibrators, culturally and in real life, has gone from a whisper to a joyous scream.

If Apple's approval of a vibrator app for the iPhone wasn't enough, the embrace of the once-shunned sex aid was recently confirmed by two studies from the University of Indiana (on one men, one on women), which found that 53 percent of women and 45 percent of the men between 18 and 60 have used vibrators and that those who had were more apt to safeguard their sexual health.

Female vibrator users were more likely to have had gynecological exams in the last year or to have performed breast self exams in the last month. Recent male users were more like to have performed a testicular self-exam and scored themselves higher in most of the five domains of sexual function (erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction and overall satisfaction).

There was no significant difference in vibrator use between men who identified as straight and those who identified as gay or bisexual. The study, which queried 2,056 women and 1,047 men, is the first to publish nationally representative data on vibrator use and was funded by Church & Dwight Co. Inc, makers of Trojan products (condoms, pleasure rings, etc).

When you consider the stigmas vibrators held in the past, this rate of use isn't just a jump, it's a shuttle launch. Writing in the New York Times about the Indiana study, Michael Winerip notes that vibrator use was cited as "not appreciable" by an Alfred Kinsey report in 1953 and "less than 1 percent" by Shere Hite in 1976.

A subsequent 1992 survey from the University of Chicago said that only 2 percent of women had bought a vibrator in the past year. Even recognizing that "bought" and "used" are significantly different, for the numbers to shoot that high that quickly represents a significant change in our attitude toward sexual pleasure.

Read the entire article.

This is so ludicrous that we just had to repost it. Apologies if it offends anyone's sensibilities. We've added our commentary in [brackets] ...

Overcoming Masturbation

Masturbation is a quickly-forming habit that can adversely affect both men and women of all ages. Despite what some might tell you, masturbation is not harmless. [On the contrary, masturbation is actually HELPFUL. It relieves stress and provides a burst of oxytocin (the nurturing/trust/bonding hormone). That safety valve may actually prevent sex-related violent crime. For women, the uterine contractions during orgasm help keep the endometrium healthy. Plus, masturbation is the safest form of sex known to humankind.] If you are trying to overcome masturbation, be assured that it is possible (even though, like any habit, it may take some work). If you are determined to do it, you will be able to. This page will give you some tips that can help you along the way.

Determination is the first step. That is where we begin. You must decide that you will end this practice, and when you make that decision, the problem will be greatly reduced at once. [Okay, they're trying to control the most powerful force in the universe here (the compulsion to procreate), and they're calling it a "problem." God complex, anyone?]

But it must be more than a hope or a wish, more than knowing that it is good for you. [Because, silly mortals, you can't possibly know what's good for you. You must be told!] It must be actually a DECISION. If you truly make up your mind you will have the strength to resist temptations which will come to you. [Right now, I'm tempted to argue for eugenics. Stop me, Obi Wan!]

After you have made this decision, then observe the following specific guidelines:

1. Never touch the intimate parts of your body except during normal washing and using the bathroom. [If someone else is handy, let them touch you instead.]
   
2. Avoid being alone as much as possible. Find good company and stay in this good company, especially when you are feeling particularly weak. [Hmm... Good company when "weak" (a/k/a horny) would result in fucking, but at least I wouldn't be masturbating!]
   
3. If you are associated with other persons having this same problem, YOU MUST BREAK OFF THEIR FRIENDSHIP. Never associate with other people having the same weakness. [Personally, I believe you should do it TOGETHER. Mutual masturbation ROCKS. I'm just sayin'...] Don't suppose that two of you will quit together, you never will. You must get away from people of that kind. Just to be in their presence will keep your problem foremost in your mind. The problem must be taken OUT OF YOUR MIND for that is where it really exists. Your mind must be on other and more wholesome things. [Such as? I've no doubt they have suggestions.]
   
4. After you bathe, don't admire yourself in the mirror. [As if.] Stay in the shower just long enough to clean yourself. Then dry off and GET OUT OF THE BATHROOM into a room where you will have some member of your family present. [Oh, like THAT prevents masturbation here in Appalachia. *rolls eyes*]
   
5. When in bed (especially if that is where you masturbate), wear pajamas or other clothes so that you cannot easily touch yourself (and so that it would be difficult to remove those clothes. The time it takes to remove your clothing gives additional time to controll your thinking and overcome the temptation). [Um, since when it is necessary to remove one's clothing to wank? Geez! Have these people never rubbed one off in traffic?]
   
6. If the temptation seems overpowering while you are in bed, GET OUT OF BED! Go into the kitchen and make a snack, even if it is in the middle of the night, and even if you are not hungry. [Oh, now THAT sounds healthy! Better to be devout and fat, I guess.] The purpose behind this suggestion is that you GET YOUR MIND ON SOMETHING ELSE. You are the subject of your thoughts, so to speak.
   
7. Never look at pornography on the internet or elsewhere. [And this makes a difference how, exactly?] Never read about your problem (even on sites claiming to be "educational"). [You mean, like the one where this drivel is posted?] Keep it out of mind. Remember -- "First a thought, then an act." The thought pattern must be changed. You must not allow this problem to remain in your mind. When you accomplish that, you soon will be free of the act. [You mean we'll evolve? Imagine that!]
   
8. Put wholesome thoughts into your mind at all times. Read good books, scriptures, talks of church leaders. [Like the church leaders who molest altar boys, perhaps? Yeah, they really set shining examples.] Make a daily habit of reading at least one chapter of Scripture, preferably from one of the four Gospels in the New Testament, or the Book of Mormon. The four Gospels -- Matthew, Mark, Luke and John -- above anything else in the Bible can be helpful because of their uplifting qualities. [I choose Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31.]
   
9. Pray. But when you pray, don't pray about this problem, for that will tend to keep it in your mind more than ever. Pray for faith, pray for understanding of the Scriptures, pray for members of your family who need help. Pray for your friends, BUT KEEP THE PROBLEM OUT OF YOUR MIND BY NOT MENTIONING IT EVEN IN YOUR PRAYERS. KEEP IT OUT of your mind! The attitude of a person toward his problem has an affect on how easy it is to overcome. [Overcome... over come... such a sexual phrase, innit?] It is essential that a firm commitment be made to control the habit. As a person understands his reasons for the behavior, and is sensitive to the conditions or situations that may trigger a desire for the act, he develops the power to control it.

Wank on, friends! And, please, ENJOY!!!

Toy Care & Cleaning Tips

Information in this post is courtesy of Babeland. Receive 10% off your first online order from Babeland when you enter the coupon code babecat during checkout.

Non-porous Materials

• Glass should be washed with soap and water. Do not expose glass to extreme temperatures.
  
• Pyrex, a heat-resistant glass, can be boiled, put in a dishwasher, or washed with soapy water.
• Silicone is our material of choice because it will clean easily and thoroughly. To clean, wash the toy with soap and water or place it in the top rack of your dishwasher. Immersing silicone in boiling water for 10 minutes will disinfect it. Silicone may be shared safely after disinfection. Never use silicone lube with silicone toys; this will break down the surface of your toys.
• Stainless steel can be boiled, soaked in a bleach and water solution, or run through your dishwasher.

Porous Materials

• Acrylic toys should be cleaned with soap and warm water.
• Cyberskin (also known as Ultraskin and Softskin) is a delicate material; wash it gently with soap and warm water. Air-dry, then powder lightly with cornstarch (do not use talcum powder; it has been linked to cancer). Store the toys in a plastic bag containing a small amount of cornstarch to keep them from getting sticky. Cyberskin may contain some of the same chemicals found in jelly-rubber. We recommend using a condom on Cyberskin toys.
• Elastomer is a soft, phthalate-free plastic. People who wish to avoid contact with rubber softeners can choose Elastomer toys as a hypoallergenic, durable alternative. To clean, wash with soap and water. We recommend using condoms if sharing the toy and for easier clean-up.
• Hard plastic toys should be wiped down with a soapy cloth and warm water.
• Jelly rubber is a soft rubber that cannot be completely disinfected. To clean, wipe the toy with a soapy cloth and warm water. Store it in a cool, dry place away from other objects. Jelly-rubber contains latex and phthalates (pronounced “thall-eights”). Phthalates are chemicals used as softeners or solvents. We do not have conclusive information on the health effects they may have. Because of their porous nature and chemical components, we believe the only way to safely use jelly rubber toys is with a condom, every time.
• Leather will wipe clean with a damp, soapy cloth or with leather cleaner. Do not soak leather. Wiping with a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution (rubbing alcohol) will disinfect leather toys. After cleaning, you may recondition your toy by using a leather conditioner. Protect metal parts from tarnish by applying a coat of clear nail polish. Always let leather air dry and store in a cool, dry place.
• Neoprene is a synthetic, rubber-based polychloroprene. Wash it with warm water and mild soap, then air-dry.
• Nylon can be hand or machine washed.
• Soft vinyl toys have a smooth, flexible surface that is easy to clean with soap and water. These toys typically contain much lower levels of chemicals than those made of jelly-rubber.
• Vinyl will wipe clean with a damp, soapy cloth or rubbing alcohol.
  
• Nitrile safe sex supplies are compatible with oil-, water-, and silicone-based lubricants. They protect against STDs and pregnancy. Masturbating with gloves, condoms, or dams can be a great way to further eroticize them. Buy differently-sized gloves in different colors to make it clear in the heat of the moment which are medium and which are large. To avoid cross-contaminating, use different color gloves for the butt and the vagina or use a marker to put an “X” on the gloved hand you will be using for the butt. Use dental dams or non-microwavable plastic wrap for cunnilingus and analingus. Put an “X” on the outside so when things get good and slippery you can tell the sides apart.

For more about sex toy materials, click HERE.

General Tips for Longer Toy Life

We strongly recommend using a condom with toys that are made of porous material. This will help prevent transference of body fluids that can carry bacterial and/or viral infections.

• Remove batteries when storing vibrators.
  
• Never submerge electrical components in water. Use a damp, soapy cloth to clean electric toys.
  
• Protect your water-resistant and waterproof vibes by making sure the rubber O-ring stays tight around the battery compartment. If the O-ring is missing or broken, the vibe is no longer safe to use in water.
  
• For vibrators with cords, wrap a small piece of electrical tape around the vibrator/wire and wire/ plug connection points to strengthen them.
  
• Rough edges on hard plastic toys can be filed down with a nail file.
  
• If you are using a bullet vibe internally, put it in a condom and use the condom, not the power cord, to pull it out.