You are currently browsing the monthly archive for June, 2008.
As many of you know, I’m moving cross country to Colorado, having finished my Master’s degree in Human Sexuality. To make my life less difficult, I packed up these two “relo-cubes,” and have chosen to just drive out with my car, and Kinsey and Athena (my two cats). However, I won’t have access to these cutes until the end of July, beginning of August, AND I’m going to represent Eden at Thunder in the Mountains in July, so I figured that I’d need to take some of my toys with me. Read the rest of this entry »
I’m really torn on this one. I know people who fully embrace the colloquial term “cum” and use it freely. It’s a slang version of an established term, and that alone is perfectly acceptable by my standards. After all, language has to progress somehow. But, ‘cum’ always catches my eye in text, and something about it continues to bother me. Often, one is the action and one is the fluid- “she came on his chest and left cum on him”- though sources vary as to which is which. I continue notice and question the interchangeable use of these spellings. So, this post will be about the meaning of these two words, and how (I think) it doesn’t make sense to conflate them into one term.
‘Come’ didn’t achieve its current sexual use until the 20th century, and popular use not until the later half of the century. Read the rest of this entry »
Without further ado (or any ado, really, since I’m not feeling clever today), this week’s top three picks:
1. LovingBookworm wrote a very detailed review about Pink Plush Ankle Cuffs (to match her Pink Handcuffs, which we also carry!). It’s refreshing and rare to see inexpensive leather cuffs- such an improvement over metal ones.
2. From new reviewer Red Roulette, a good run-down of a basic masturbation sleeve.
3. Good discussion of a Comstock Film offering, Marie and Jack, from Devilbluedress. There seems to be a wide range of opinion on this new documentary-style porn. What do those of you who’ve seen any films like this think?
In case you want more to think about, this story about legal protection for good (read: equal, non-objectifying) sex in Ecuador is interesting. It failed, of course, but what an idea- use the law to demand equal pleasure.
To balance out last week’s word (though the post was sadly lacking the picture I created to compare the Vulva puppet to the small spaces between oil barrels), this week I’ll tell you about the myriad applications of ‘cock’– linguistically-speaking, of course.
- We commonly call roosters cocks, but in fact any avian male may be referred to as the cock. In fact, this usage may also be the best indicator of the roots of this word- it’s thought to be derived from the same root as chicken. Many other historical usages that have fallen out of popularity now arise from the definition of cock as a rooster or bird: “cock of the game” (in the literal sense); “first cock, second cock” and so on as a time indicator; a “weather-cock.”
- A number of different types of taps or valves are named ____cock. Fitting, since taps/valves are used to drain/fill/leak liquid (or gas) from one area to another. “Stop-cock” comes to mind- this is a valve used specifically to stop or restrict the flow of liquid through a pipe.
- Parts of a clock are known as the ____cock- for example, a back cock supports the pendulum. Various other mechanical parts (of a plough or balance, for example) that serve as counterweight or balancing mechanisms are also called cocks.
- Familiar terms indicating people in various positions, like “cock of the walk” for the head of chief (whether real or imagined) of some group.
So, we have male birds, things that liquid flow through– though the OED claims that “the connexion of some of these with this word is doubtful,” I sure see it– and things that stand up or balance in various ways. And it just goes on from there… maybe I’ll do a second installment with some of the less- common phrases that include ‘cock.’
Sex. What is it?
Sounds easy, right? Sex is sex. Everyone knows what sex is.
Except that’s just not true. Think about how you personally define sex. What does sex mean to you? Maybe it is only penis in vagina intercourse; nothing else is sex. Maybe it is anything that involves some semblance of sexuality and another person. Maybe it is very convoluted.
I started thinking about this in high school. Sex (to me, at the time) was insertion of a penis or sex toy into genitals (vagina or anus in my case). Oral sex really grossed me out (I was 15…and missed out on the whole “oral sex is awesome and wonderful” memo), so I never even considered it was part of the “what is sex” equation.
A good sex toy review needs to be thorough, of course, but sometimes simple humor and creative application (so to speak) will really add to the reading experience. In honor of that, this week’s picks:
In his excellent review of the Feeldoe Slim, Jimbo Jones reminds us that toys don’t have to be limited to their intended use, or even gender designation (if they have one…). The Feeldoe may have been designed with women in mind, but anyone looking for a slightly different penetration experience (of any sort) can appreciate this double.
A good review of a mediocre (at least, to her) product by Maria. While this g-spot toy may have missed it’s mark for our reviewer, she told us exactly why, and amused me that morning with the idea of toy-cheating.
Last, but not least, a write-up of Anticipation, erotica designed to appeal to women, by Library Girl. I’ll be honest, it was the comparison of a penis to an out-of-control fire hose that shot this review into the top 3.
Yolanda Turner, MA, Ed.D ABD is a Doctoral student at Widener University (where I’m finishing up my Master’s in Human Sexuality Education), and she is doing her dissertation on online relationships. To be more specific, she’s researching about romantic relationships that are conducted on the internet/chat rooms/email/IM sessions between couples that have never actually met in real life.
To be involved in this particular study, you must be 18 or older (which you should be anyways, if you’re reading this blog!), and be currently involved in, or been previously involved in a romantic relationship with someone you’ve never met in a real world setting.
It’s completely anonymous.
Yeah, I think that pretty much covers it. If you’re interested, Click Here to take the research survey (more information when you follow the link).
Happy Friday!
*Holy moly, there is ONE LAST video blog! Apparently this post remained in draft mode and never went live, so here you go, from the vaults, one last lube post!*
“Thicker is always better when it is in the behind” - Essin’ Em
Watch this video to get the *actual* context.
This is Shazam’s last video with us, as she has sadly decided to leave EdenFantasys, so enjoy the last of it while you can.
And remember, lube is love folks, lube IS love.
Ok, so this is a charged one. Politically, socially, sexually, throwing “cunt” out there always raises some eyebrows and tempers. But I’m just here to offer some interesting history to the meaning and usage of cunt, sans political commentary.
Cunt was, and remains, a term for female genital organs. It has roots in the Germanic word kunta/kunton. There is also speculation about a relationship to the Latin cunnus, which means vulva, and related Latin words such as cuneatus– wedge-shaped. In its original usage, cunt was simply a neutral term for the genitals; derogatory usage did not become common until the 13th century. One of my favorite tidbits from the Wikipedia page:
“Gropecunt Lane” was originally a street of prostitution, indicating a middle ages red light district… In some locations, the former name has been Bowdlerised, as in the City of York, to the more acceptable “Grape Lane.”
I think we’re all familiar with the various colorful applications of this word in colloquial language. More interesting are some off-topic uses of cunt that generally refer to a space:
In nautical terms, a cuntline is the space between two casks.
A cunt lead in the hot-metal printing industry describes a small interline gap.
Cunt hair refers to a very small distance between two points.
I’m seeing a theme here…
As many of you know, I’m a huge fan of Trannywood Pictures and the two movies (soon to be three!) that they have out so far. Moreover, I also really like some of the incredibly hot dyke porn that Pink and White Productions has made available for consumption.
I just got this press release in my inbox the other day; the two studios have decided to team up and talk about queer porn in a whole new (and incredibly awesome) way.
Read below for the press release, and make sure to check out both of these companies, as well as some of the other awesome queer porn we have on EdenFantasys.com.
Queer pornographers Shine Louise Houston of Pink & White Productions and Ken Rowe of Trannywood Pictures find common ground for progressive porn. Read the rest of this entry »
The weekly roundup is back in business, albeit a little delayed.
First, an excellent reminder that BDSM on a budget is possible, and can hold up to rigorous activity: an excellent review from one of our newer contributors on a beginner’s kit.
In a similar vein, this review reminded me of the value of small toys. I generally find myself with size queens, but even those of us who don’t think bigger=better can enjoy the pleasures of a good small silicone cock.
Last, but not least, I want to mention a couple recent reviews of condoms. It’s always nice to hear that condoms are not only effective birth control, but also incorporated into the experience as sex toys themselves. I have yet to use specially-designed condoms on silicone cocks, but it’s something I’ve thought about and these reviews reminded me to pursue that curiosity.
I’m lucky enough to have a doctor who takes everything in stride, from my mundane questions about illnesses to curiosity about a connection between fisting and UTIs to my offhand comments like, “oh, I branded myself there.” I realize this is a rare comfort; this article made me wonder how other people handle those easy and not-so-easy doctor visits and probing questions. What about multiple partners, bdsm play, and the like? It seems these awkward doctor encounters could also lead to some hot fantasy…
Stories, suggestions?
While we’re on the medical subject, check out what this scientist is doing in pursuit of a more clinical understanding of the sex act (hetero PIV, at least). Or, skip that long explanation and just see some cool graphics.
There are a lot of changes happening in the review program, and I know you’re not all up-to-date yet… I will be utilizing the blog more to share news and changes, so check back here! For starters, here are some review guidelines, especially helpful for newer reviewers or anyone who’s not sure if they’re still on the right track.
Before writing: Before you sit down to write about your new toy, you’ve played with it on your own, with a partner (if you have one)- hopefully more than once! Keep in mind the material and associated cleaning concerns.
Title: This is the first place you’ll set the tone for your review. Titles will now be part of the review process (formerly they were automatically generated as the name of the item)- so use it! Make your title funny, serious, whatever you’d like, just remember it adds to your description. Please keep length to six words or less.
Body: What is your favorite quality or feature of the toy?
How well did it work for its intended use? Are there other ways to use it?
What are your sensory experiences of it- look, feel, taste, smell, sound?
How does your body react to it? What part did it play in your sexual experience?
Did you use it in conjunction with other toys?
What material is it made of, and how does that affect use? Cleaning?
A note on materials: please do your research in the toy material (simply click on the material name in toy profile and read about it on our site!) and be accurate in your reviews. For example, if you talk about sharing jelly toys, also mention that you cover them when doing so for health reasons (because you do, right?). If a toy has silicone in it, mention that silicone lube is not safe for use with that toy.
For couples: We love having partner reviews! Keep in mind, though, to speak for your own experience, and have your partner do the same.
These questions are suggestions- a beginning point, if you will. Please don’t feel that you need to write direct answers to them (but do include this information), and don’t be limited by them! And remember, this is an adult site, so feel free to be specific and explicit in your language/descriptions. This review is a chance for you to share (and others to read) about personal experiences with our toys- invaluable information that can’t be found in toy descriptions or elsewhere.
Experience: This is a new (look for it, will be up soon!) optional section of the review. If you have a story to share, or some specific tips on how a toy works best, put it here! This kind of information can also be incorporated into your main review, but feel free to use this section for short, stand-alone stories about an item.
Pros: The best couple points about the toy- physical features and experience-wise.
Cons: What takes away from this toy? What could be improved on? Again, just a couple points about the item.
Summary: Rather than repeating what you’ve already said in your review, give a compelling reason why this item is or isn’t worth it. What was fabulous or disappointing? Or, is it simply not that exciting?
The Summary, Pros and Cons should reflect your overall impression of the item- they stand out in reviews and are influential for readers.
Ratings: Vroom reflects the power/intensity of a toy, while Bee indicates its noise level. Generally speaking, these ratings are only applicable to toys that vibrate/have mechanical parts. Every once in awhile, though, these ratings work for other toys- we just had a review of a masturbation sleeve that got a rating of four bees because of the noise it makes in use (with lube, etc.). If these ratings AREN’T useful, just select N/A.
Enjoy your toys, and share the fun with the rest of us!
Ask questions too, I’ll do my best to answer them.
It’s hard to read any news, anywhere, these days without seeing the out-of-control cost of gas increase mentioned. I’m sure that many of you are wondering how to handle the growing transportation expense; hopefully some of you are already finding ways around it (yay for bikes, and public transportation, and good-old walking!). What’s the point here, you ask? The point is that when choosing between basic essentials, like gas (which I personally don’t consider essential), food, sex toys, clothing, entertainment (which might just be more sex toys), and the like, you get more bang for your buck (literally and figuratively) with a few well-chosen sex toys than a few quickly used-up tanks of gas. To help illustrate this clearly, I’ve provided a pricing chart- see what that extra gallon or five of gas is REALLY worth.
(Estimates based on a modestly-sized car fuel tank. Those of you with SUV’s- shame.)
3 gallons=Buck Shot
From the world of masturbator sleeves (which are ubiquitously flesh-like and hard to clean) comes this comfy little silicone offering.
4 gallons=Vibrating Cock Ring
One of (too few) silicone toys in this category, this inexpensive little guy is well worth it.
6 gallons=Passion Bullets
Small, powerful, sure to do the job (like my all-time favorite car, the Honda Civic).
7.5 gallons=Ryder
A nicely-sized butt plug that will stay where you put it, no matter what else is going on.
1 tank=Hitachi
A classic and still-popular massager-style vibrator, the Hitachi will give you that extra power you’ve wanted, and more.
1 tank=Scrudy
A multifunctional dildo- small enough for anal play, designed to be used by hand, in harness, or even suction-cupped onto a surface- with good aesthetics.
1.5 tanks=Rosebud Rabbit Vibrator
Pure silicone, so it’ll last as long as you care for it to. Comes highly recommended for those who like the double stimulation of a rabbit-style vibe.
2 tanks=Gigi
Multiple speeds and patterns, made of silicone, rechargeable (unlike the gas tank), ’nuff said.
2 tanks=Lone Star
As far as this guy’s concerned, one of the hottest offerings in the Vixskin line.
3.5 tanks=Dual Use S
By far the most expensive item on the list, but it’s made from a renewable resource- wood!- and I think the pleasure to be obtained from this artistic insertable is well worth the price. Not to mention it’s conversational value and possible alternate use as a beating stick (I haven’t tested that idea yet, don’t take my word for it).
You’ll note that these items are all made of silicone or similarly high-quality materials- what’s good for your body is also good for the environment! That said, there are any number of fun toys that you might get for a couple gallons or less, not to mention condoms and lube to accompany them.
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