boobie hugs, Jennifer
Jennifer ... Vancouver's Sex Educator, Sexuality Coach and Activist. The content of this blog is not suited for those under the age of 18. What you'll find here is a written account of my personal journey in sex positive culture both personally and professionally.
Friday, December 07, 2012
Birthday Celebration in Disneyland
Today my baby boy turned three years old, this officially makes me the mother of a toddler. We are away for this birthday celebration in Disneyland California for a holiday.
boobie hugs, Jennifer
boobie hugs, Jennifer
Friday, November 16, 2012
CTV Morning Show Edmonton
While in Edmonton, City TV invited me onto their set (Live) for the morning show to discuss ethical non monogamy and my work with Taboo. Here is the link to the archived interview.
Friday, November 09, 2012
The Calgary Journal
Before heading off to work my ass off teaching 22 classes for the 2012 Taboo Sex Show Calgary and Edmonton editions, I was interviewed briefly by phone as part of this lovely little article. Enjoy!
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Alternatives to monogamy - Vancouver Sun Article
Last month a lovely woman by the name of Erika Thorkelson contacted me and asked if she could interview me on non monogamy. Before agreeing to talk further with her, I checked in to see what angle her story was coming from as I wanted to ensure we were discussing "ethical" non monogamy. Seeing as Erika was writing a small article on such a juicy topic, I found myself willing to give her some of my time.
"From her office in Coquitlam, Skrukwa counsels couples on ethically opening up their relationships. She advocates keeping lines of communication open to a partner’s desires without judgment."
Read the rest of this interview here.
The article was written for the entertainment section and led to my being offered a new job contract discussing open relationships in the Post Secondary School System.
Read over what was written and if after reading you become inspired to want to talk with me about your relationship style, non monogamy, opening up a pre existing relationship, or how to move forward to find a partner, this would be a wonderful time to make contact.
Skrukwa counsels couples on ethically opening up their relationships. She advocates keeping lines of communication open to a partner’s desires without judgment.
Currently I am offering 60 minute phone calls for only $50 for Relationship Talk. We can talk alone, or you can have your partner on the line as well.
Deciding to do anything other than monogamy can be daunting, however with a little sexpert help, I can assist you in making the process easier to navigate and understand.
Write: jennifer@libidoevents.com
"From her office in Coquitlam, Skrukwa counsels couples on ethically opening up their relationships. She advocates keeping lines of communication open to a partner’s desires without judgment."
Read the rest of this interview here.
The article was written for the entertainment section and led to my being offered a new job contract discussing open relationships in the Post Secondary School System.
Read over what was written and if after reading you become inspired to want to talk with me about your relationship style, non monogamy, opening up a pre existing relationship, or how to move forward to find a partner, this would be a wonderful time to make contact.
Skrukwa counsels couples on ethically opening up their relationships. She advocates keeping lines of communication open to a partner’s desires without judgment.
Currently I am offering 60 minute phone calls for only $50 for Relationship Talk. We can talk alone, or you can have your partner on the line as well.
Deciding to do anything other than monogamy can be daunting, however with a little sexpert help, I can assist you in making the process easier to navigate and understand.
Write: jennifer@libidoevents.com
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Celebrate Pride Vancouver 2012 w/ Amazing People
Celebrate Pride with These Amazing Weekend Events ....
Saturday, August 4
Sultry Pride
8:30-11:30 PM
Libido Events celebrates Pride in a colorful playful fashion at our monthly sexy bathhouse party. Sex-positive 19 + play party featuring water, massage, "Fluffers", along with plenty of spontaneous laughter. (alcohol, drug and smoke free)
Tickets: jennifer@libidoevents.com
Sunday, August 5
34th Annual Pride Parade
@ Robson - Denman - Beach - Pacific - 12pm
The 34th Annual Pride Parade will flood downtown Vancouver with over 700,000 spectators in the City's largest and most colorful festival. Vancouver is home to the 5th largest Pride Parade in the world and is only event in the world that has spectators and participants outnumbering the host City's population. Join us as 150 floats and thousands of people march through a parade as diverse as our City. Starting on Robson Street in the heart of Vancouver's boutique shopping district, continuing down Denman into the Westend, a stones throw from the Davie Village, finishing along the beachfront with an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean. This is truly one of the most beautiful and diverse parade routes in the world.
Pride Festival and Market
@ Sunset Beach - 11am to 6pm
The Festival and Market is a great place to be, before, after, and even during the Parade. Join us in the park and listen to live music by local performers, and check out the Market. Packed with over 150 booths with a great mix of products, services, and community organizations, the market is a great place to support the people and organizations that support your Pride. Kick back and enjoy an ice cold pint of Vancouver Pride's very own distinctly delicious Golden Ale, G'ALE, at one of Vancouver's only waterfront beer gardens.
Saturday, August 4
Sultry Pride
8:30-11:30 PM
Libido Events celebrates Pride in a colorful playful fashion at our monthly sexy bathhouse party. Sex-positive 19 + play party featuring water, massage, "Fluffers", along with plenty of spontaneous laughter. (alcohol, drug and smoke free)
Tickets: jennifer@libidoevents.com
Sunday, August 5
34th Annual Pride Parade
@ Robson - Denman - Beach - Pacific - 12pm
The 34th Annual Pride Parade will flood downtown Vancouver with over 700,000 spectators in the City's largest and most colorful festival. Vancouver is home to the 5th largest Pride Parade in the world and is only event in the world that has spectators and participants outnumbering the host City's population. Join us as 150 floats and thousands of people march through a parade as diverse as our City. Starting on Robson Street in the heart of Vancouver's boutique shopping district, continuing down Denman into the Westend, a stones throw from the Davie Village, finishing along the beachfront with an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean. This is truly one of the most beautiful and diverse parade routes in the world.
Pride Festival and Market
@ Sunset Beach - 11am to 6pm
The Festival and Market is a great place to be, before, after, and even during the Parade. Join us in the park and listen to live music by local performers, and check out the Market. Packed with over 150 booths with a great mix of products, services, and community organizations, the market is a great place to support the people and organizations that support your Pride. Kick back and enjoy an ice cold pint of Vancouver Pride's very own distinctly delicious Golden Ale, G'ALE, at one of Vancouver's only waterfront beer gardens.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Test for HIV in the Privacy of Your Home
I know I would use a home HIV test and I know that people, many many people, would also welcome this. Finally, a chance to take further responsibility for ones own health and for access to be even more possible to others. A home HIV test is to be celebrated and I am clapping madly right now.
News like OraQuick, the HIV test that was recently unanimously approved by the FDA for over-the-counter use.
OraQuick, produced by the Pennsylvania-based pharmaceutical company OraSure Technologies, is the first rapid HIV testing product available in the United States for receiving instant results at home. Traditionally, to get an HIV test, one would have to go to a doctor’s office or sexual health clinic, have their cheeks swabbed for saliva samples or have a blood sample taken, or else purchase a kit to take their own sample at home and send the results into a lab for testing. Results, depending on the procedure and the sophistication of the laboratory interpreting the results, could take anywhere from sixty seconds to several weeks. OraQuick, however, utilizes similar measures taken in a clinical setting—the test itself is one of the rapid tests used by medical professionals in their offices—but without the visit to the doctor.
To take an OraQuick test, individuals swab their upper and lower gums and insert the sample into a vial of test fluid, all provided by the test. If they test positive for HIV, two colored lines develop on the test strip—similar to a home pregnancy test—after 20 to 40 minutes. Also included in the package is an information booklet that directs test-takers to call the OraQuick HIV support center (available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and bilingual in English and Spanish) for counselling on their test results and referrals to further medical services.
The test has a high rate (99.98%) of specificity, meaning that it accurately produces a negative result when the test taker is HIV-negative almost 100% of the time; its sensitivity—the number of cases where the test will show a positive result when the individual is HIV-positive—is less high with a percentage of 92.98%. In practice, the FDA estimates that this means that the test would come back positive for one person out of 5000 who was actually HIV-negative, while it could show as many as one out of every 12 HIV-positive test-takers as negative for the virus.
While the rate of false negatives is not insubstantial, the FDA reported in their approval that they did not believe this was a reason not to approve the test. They believed that its over-the-counter availability would make the test much more accessible to individuals who might never otherwise choose to get tested, and so could still substantially contribute to determining previously unknown cases of infection.
As a product that could soon be available in such mainstream locations as CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart, this new test has the potential to remove a number of the barriers that currently exist to prevent individuals from getting tested. For many, these include an inability to visit the doctor for a variety of reasons—lack of health insurance, cannot take time off of work, cannot find childcare—and the stigma of visiting a sexual health or HIV clinic.
At the same time, however, there are still a number of challenges individuals might face in attempting to access OraQuick over-the-counter. Because of the intense stigma that individuals with HIV/AIDS are burdened with, and because of the fear and misunderstanding of the conditions and methods of transmission, asking for or even being seen with an HIV test might be too large a feat for many individuals. As well, there are financial issues to consider as the home test is more expensive than the one that is sold to medical professionals; while the latter costs $17.50, the former is expected to be higher in price, up to $60. Though this price increase is stated by the company to pay for the additional costs of the trained, around the clock hotline, it may still be too costly for many of those most in need of the tests.
Additionally, though this point has appeared nowhere in the discussions of this over-the-counter test development, it should be noted that it is conceivable that, as has happened with the over-the-counter availability of emergency contraception, pharmacies might attempt to use “conscience clauses” as a means of not offering the test. Because of HIV’s link with sexual activity and intravenous drug use, as well as its stereotypical ties to the gay male community, religious or conservative providers may decide not to carry the test, thus further limiting individuals’ abilities to access HIV testing.
The OraQuick test is not perfect: the higher rate of false negatives is concerning in that individuals may believe themselves to be uninfected and go on to become sick or infect more people through their ignorance, and the access issues are real. However, if this test can be used to bring more individuals into the doctor’s office, and if it can open conversations between patients and their providers or individuals and their partners, it will be performing a great service. If its availability can normalize this aspect of sexual health even a little bit, or can make individuals less afraid of doing what is healthy for them because they are concerned about who might find out, it will be an important moment in the history of sexual health in this country. Testing is one of the primary means of fighting HIV infection, and this test’s ability to bring more people more knowledge about their status has the potential to identify thousands of additional cases of HIV each year, bringing people towards the proper safer sex and health-promoting strategies they should practice to keep themselves healthy.
To read more about OraQuick and the FDA’s approval, visit the Huffington Post article or see Medpage’s announcement.
News like OraQuick, the HIV test that was recently unanimously approved by the FDA for over-the-counter use.
OraQuick, produced by the Pennsylvania-based pharmaceutical company OraSure Technologies, is the first rapid HIV testing product available in the United States for receiving instant results at home. Traditionally, to get an HIV test, one would have to go to a doctor’s office or sexual health clinic, have their cheeks swabbed for saliva samples or have a blood sample taken, or else purchase a kit to take their own sample at home and send the results into a lab for testing. Results, depending on the procedure and the sophistication of the laboratory interpreting the results, could take anywhere from sixty seconds to several weeks. OraQuick, however, utilizes similar measures taken in a clinical setting—the test itself is one of the rapid tests used by medical professionals in their offices—but without the visit to the doctor.
To take an OraQuick test, individuals swab their upper and lower gums and insert the sample into a vial of test fluid, all provided by the test. If they test positive for HIV, two colored lines develop on the test strip—similar to a home pregnancy test—after 20 to 40 minutes. Also included in the package is an information booklet that directs test-takers to call the OraQuick HIV support center (available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and bilingual in English and Spanish) for counselling on their test results and referrals to further medical services.
The test has a high rate (99.98%) of specificity, meaning that it accurately produces a negative result when the test taker is HIV-negative almost 100% of the time; its sensitivity—the number of cases where the test will show a positive result when the individual is HIV-positive—is less high with a percentage of 92.98%. In practice, the FDA estimates that this means that the test would come back positive for one person out of 5000 who was actually HIV-negative, while it could show as many as one out of every 12 HIV-positive test-takers as negative for the virus.
While the rate of false negatives is not insubstantial, the FDA reported in their approval that they did not believe this was a reason not to approve the test. They believed that its over-the-counter availability would make the test much more accessible to individuals who might never otherwise choose to get tested, and so could still substantially contribute to determining previously unknown cases of infection.
As a product that could soon be available in such mainstream locations as CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart, this new test has the potential to remove a number of the barriers that currently exist to prevent individuals from getting tested. For many, these include an inability to visit the doctor for a variety of reasons—lack of health insurance, cannot take time off of work, cannot find childcare—and the stigma of visiting a sexual health or HIV clinic.
At the same time, however, there are still a number of challenges individuals might face in attempting to access OraQuick over-the-counter. Because of the intense stigma that individuals with HIV/AIDS are burdened with, and because of the fear and misunderstanding of the conditions and methods of transmission, asking for or even being seen with an HIV test might be too large a feat for many individuals. As well, there are financial issues to consider as the home test is more expensive than the one that is sold to medical professionals; while the latter costs $17.50, the former is expected to be higher in price, up to $60. Though this price increase is stated by the company to pay for the additional costs of the trained, around the clock hotline, it may still be too costly for many of those most in need of the tests.
Additionally, though this point has appeared nowhere in the discussions of this over-the-counter test development, it should be noted that it is conceivable that, as has happened with the over-the-counter availability of emergency contraception, pharmacies might attempt to use “conscience clauses” as a means of not offering the test. Because of HIV’s link with sexual activity and intravenous drug use, as well as its stereotypical ties to the gay male community, religious or conservative providers may decide not to carry the test, thus further limiting individuals’ abilities to access HIV testing.
The OraQuick test is not perfect: the higher rate of false negatives is concerning in that individuals may believe themselves to be uninfected and go on to become sick or infect more people through their ignorance, and the access issues are real. However, if this test can be used to bring more individuals into the doctor’s office, and if it can open conversations between patients and their providers or individuals and their partners, it will be performing a great service. If its availability can normalize this aspect of sexual health even a little bit, or can make individuals less afraid of doing what is healthy for them because they are concerned about who might find out, it will be an important moment in the history of sexual health in this country. Testing is one of the primary means of fighting HIV infection, and this test’s ability to bring more people more knowledge about their status has the potential to identify thousands of additional cases of HIV each year, bringing people towards the proper safer sex and health-promoting strategies they should practice to keep themselves healthy.
To read more about OraQuick and the FDA’s approval, visit the Huffington Post article or see Medpage’s announcement.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Couples & Women: SULTRY Bathhouse Party Sat. March 31
This summary is not available. Please
click here to view the post.
Thursday, February 02, 2012
Polyamory Study Needs Your Input
I met the young woman doing her thesis awhile ago and strongly encourage all poly people to take a few minutes out of your day to make a difference and to really be heard in this study.
Are you currently involved in a polyamorous relationship? Would you be interested in a survey about your relationships?
The goal of this research is to increase our understanding of relationships with multiple partners. The online survey will take about 20 minutes to complete. This study has been approved by the Simon Fraser University Department of Research Ethics.
This survey is anonymous and you will not be asked any identifying information. You must be 19 years or older to participate.
To participate, go to: https://cgi.sfu.ca/~couples/cgi-bin/rws5.cgi?FORM=polysurvey.
Participation will be open until February 21st, 2012.
Please feel free to forward the link to your friends in polyamorous relationships!
Thank you so much!
Melissa Mitchell
Department of Psychology
Simon Fraser University
Friday, December 09, 2011
Thursday Highlights
Yesterday was an unusual day of sorts. Jason who is rarely sick enough to take a day off, spent the day in bed being rather unwell. Of course with my husband home bound my day of work was shot, I just never get anything completed when he's around as he is such a handsome distraction.
In the evening I headed to the Lounge to see a coaching client and then Deviant Dining, a great group gathered to eat and to laugh their asses off. The odd humor we shared last night is partly what made the event so wonderful indeed.
After dinner and late now, at 9, my friend Marilyn packed me into her car and drove me into the city for the grand opening of a new adult store. We arrived to Sweet around 9:30 and it was packed with people eating, drinking and making purchases from the new place. While there we ran into a fantastic bunch of people that we both know so we hung out with them and plotted future kinky encounters.
With luck obviously on my side, I won a huge gift basket as well and even managed to buy a swanky new pair of panties from their new line of clothing the store is carrying thanks to my pal being their buyer.
In the evening I headed to the Lounge to see a coaching client and then Deviant Dining, a great group gathered to eat and to laugh their asses off. The odd humor we shared last night is partly what made the event so wonderful indeed.
After dinner and late now, at 9, my friend Marilyn packed me into her car and drove me into the city for the grand opening of a new adult store. We arrived to Sweet around 9:30 and it was packed with people eating, drinking and making purchases from the new place. While there we ran into a fantastic bunch of people that we both know so we hung out with them and plotted future kinky encounters.
With luck obviously on my side, I won a huge gift basket as well and even managed to buy a swanky new pair of panties from their new line of clothing the store is carrying thanks to my pal being their buyer.
Thursday, December 08, 2011
Sexy Acronym
In an email I received today from a man who was describing to me the sort of woman he and his wife would like to meet for a threeway, he wrote that the woman should be "KVBW".
Unknowing what that acronym stood for, I just had to inquire.
KVBW is short for Kinky Versatile Bi Woman
And that my friends was news to me.
Unknowing what that acronym stood for, I just had to inquire.
KVBW is short for Kinky Versatile Bi Woman
And that my friends was news to me.
Wednesday, December 07, 2011
Participants Needed!
An Anonymous Online Survey on Women’s Online Porn Habits and Masturbation
Sex Educator Jamye Waxman, M.Ed and History and Women’s Studies Professor Hugo Schwyzer, PhD are conducting a short, anonymous survey on online pornography and its impact on women’s masturbation habits.
The survey will take between 10 and 15 minutes to complete, and will be the initial part of what they hope will be a larger study. The answers obtained from this survey will help them determine where to take their research and which aspects to focus on (e.g. body image, self-pleasure, etc.).
To take the survey click here.
Sex Educator Jamye Waxman, M.Ed and History and Women’s Studies Professor Hugo Schwyzer, PhD are conducting a short, anonymous survey on online pornography and its impact on women’s masturbation habits.
The survey will take between 10 and 15 minutes to complete, and will be the initial part of what they hope will be a larger study. The answers obtained from this survey will help them determine where to take their research and which aspects to focus on (e.g. body image, self-pleasure, etc.).
To take the survey click here.
Sunday, December 04, 2011
Glitter In The Air a NYE to Remember
DECEMBER 31, 2011
9 PM - 1:30 AM
DRESS CODE ENFORCED
COST: listed below
Tickets: jennifer@libidoevents.com
9 PM - 1:30 AM
DRESS CODE ENFORCED
COST: listed below
Tickets: jennifer@libidoevents.com
Put on your red shoes and come celebrate the end of 2011 with a bang. Ring in the New Year with a sizzle. Enjoy a saucy evening of sexy party games and just plain old sex games. Our human dessert platter is back and filled with delicious treats all night long, perhaps while watching our provocative slide show. Bring your toys, bring your party hats, be an exhibitionist or be a voyeur. Just be ready to experience a night of glitter, glitz and glamor like no other. Tickets are limited, so book now and guarantee you don't miss out.
(this event does not have alcohol EXCEPT for a toast drink at midnight and we are a smoke free facility)
DOOR PRIZE FOR THE MOST GLAMOROUSLY DRESSED MAN AND WOMAN
Ticket Prices
December 1- 15
members: $40
non members: $50
December 16 - 31
members: $45
non members: $60
Life Time Members $15
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Liberator Products Sale
I just LOVE Liberator Products, so much so that I own oh about eight or so. And you should own a couple as well, they offer something for everyone.
Happy Holidays from me to you. Go shopping with this sweet deal...
25% off Entire Site - Enter gift code “JIVE49” when you checkout.
Liberator Website
Happy Holidays from me to you. Go shopping with this sweet deal...
25% off Entire Site - Enter gift code “JIVE49” when you checkout.
Liberator Website
Monday, November 21, 2011
and life continues on
Wow time flies, it seems I have been negligent in posting for three whole months. Tsk tsk, this was not intentional on my behalf. It happened more due to my being caught up in life, you know how that goes I am sure.
So let's bring you up to speed on where life has taken me, I'll keep it brief and just hit the high points. Then as I start to blog again more often, you'll have some frame of reference for things.
Currently I have a head and chest cold and Jason is over due for his post vasectomy cum in a cup appointment.
Last month I turned 39 years old and celebrated with a trip to Las Vegas. While in Vegas, Jason and I finally were married, it was all previously planned and we even did it live on the internet. The ceremony was progressive and exactly what we wanted it to be for us. Want to watch it, write me and I'll send you the link.
The end of this month Pickle will be two, its rather remarkable how fast he is growing up. My daughter will be eighteen soon and the difference between raising them both is just night and day.
The Lounge turned four this month already, it's kinda crazy. Over 2000 members at this point, this next year is a time of great change for my professionally.
My relationships continue strong and steady. Allena's cancer has been kicked and she made the decision to forgo augmentation and during it all she met someone super special to her. Amy remains a spit fire and so not one to fit into a label and the rest of the tribe are quite seriously more of a handful than I am.
Ben makes me laugh and reminds me to give myself a break now and again, I admire his outlook on life. Marilyn is the friend I wish I had twenty years ago, she has wisdom that I cherish. Sheryl shows me that one woman is capable of so much on her own. Victoria's struggles are an obvious reminder to me to take the time to listen to others, she is a source of strength. Judy is proof that regardless of age, love and a reshaping of ones life is always possible. Lisa has shown me a steady relationship of friendship based on respect. Clive hears me and always has the time, his family values are admirable and his advice is sound.
My health has been on a slow climb out of the depths of hell thankfully, but not without much suffering, piles of money spent on drugs and a lot of medical professionals helping me. To be fair, Jason carried me through the worst of it, and when he was unable to do it any longer, the hospital was there for me to be admitted to.
We did a complete remodel on the outside of our home as well and the renovation process was enough to make me feel like running away. But it's done now and damn, does it ever look fantastic. Both Jason and the companies we hired did a way better job than I ever could have hope for.
My Taboo Sex Show touring schedule for 2011 - 2012 started last week with a four day teaching gig in Calgary. Later this week, I head off to Edmonton to do it all over again, then no more shows till January with Taboo.
It has been a time of great introspection for me these past few months, I feel as though I am coming out of a fog. The rat race had kept me busy for so long, that slowing long enough to check in with me and take care of my family and priorities was just suddenly a must do item for me.
So let's bring you up to speed on where life has taken me, I'll keep it brief and just hit the high points. Then as I start to blog again more often, you'll have some frame of reference for things.
Currently I have a head and chest cold and Jason is over due for his post vasectomy cum in a cup appointment.
Last month I turned 39 years old and celebrated with a trip to Las Vegas. While in Vegas, Jason and I finally were married, it was all previously planned and we even did it live on the internet. The ceremony was progressive and exactly what we wanted it to be for us. Want to watch it, write me and I'll send you the link.
The end of this month Pickle will be two, its rather remarkable how fast he is growing up. My daughter will be eighteen soon and the difference between raising them both is just night and day.
The Lounge turned four this month already, it's kinda crazy. Over 2000 members at this point, this next year is a time of great change for my professionally.
My relationships continue strong and steady. Allena's cancer has been kicked and she made the decision to forgo augmentation and during it all she met someone super special to her. Amy remains a spit fire and so not one to fit into a label and the rest of the tribe are quite seriously more of a handful than I am.
Ben makes me laugh and reminds me to give myself a break now and again, I admire his outlook on life. Marilyn is the friend I wish I had twenty years ago, she has wisdom that I cherish. Sheryl shows me that one woman is capable of so much on her own. Victoria's struggles are an obvious reminder to me to take the time to listen to others, she is a source of strength. Judy is proof that regardless of age, love and a reshaping of ones life is always possible. Lisa has shown me a steady relationship of friendship based on respect. Clive hears me and always has the time, his family values are admirable and his advice is sound.
My health has been on a slow climb out of the depths of hell thankfully, but not without much suffering, piles of money spent on drugs and a lot of medical professionals helping me. To be fair, Jason carried me through the worst of it, and when he was unable to do it any longer, the hospital was there for me to be admitted to.
We did a complete remodel on the outside of our home as well and the renovation process was enough to make me feel like running away. But it's done now and damn, does it ever look fantastic. Both Jason and the companies we hired did a way better job than I ever could have hope for.
My Taboo Sex Show touring schedule for 2011 - 2012 started last week with a four day teaching gig in Calgary. Later this week, I head off to Edmonton to do it all over again, then no more shows till January with Taboo.
It has been a time of great introspection for me these past few months, I feel as though I am coming out of a fog. The rat race had kept me busy for so long, that slowing long enough to check in with me and take care of my family and priorities was just suddenly a must do item for me.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Weight Loss Linked To Increased Sexual Function in Men
A recent article published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine presents research done by Professor Gary Wittert of the University of Adelaide that shows a very interesting relationship between weight and sexual function. The study looked at 31 obese men with type 2 diabetes, providing them with a reduced calorie or low-fat diet to induce weight lose. The results showed that after 8 weeks, when most men had lost a meager 5-10% of their body weight, the participants reported a rapid improvement in their sexual and urinary problems. The men continued to report improvement for the next 12 months. This evidence leads researchers to believe that erectile function and urinary tract symptoms are related to cardio-metabolic risks.
By now you would think we would have figured out that everything in the body is connected. Being healthy in one way, physically, mentally or emotionally, can often have unexpected effects on other parts of the body. By going on diets and trying to lose weight these men experienced the expected results of weight lose and easier management of their diabetes symptoms, but also got the more unexpected result of improved sexual function. Even a small weight decrease led to rapid sexual improvement. This shows that men who experience erectile dysfunction do not necessarily need to rush out to buy drugs and pills to improve their sex lives. Making a lifestyle change can be just as effective and can improve other health issues.
There are many reasons for people to lose weight, whether it is to become more healthy or to fit into one’s bathing suit. Some of these reasons are much more trivial than others; I’m sure most of us could discuss body image and weight for hours. Regardless of one’s reason for losing weight, this research shows that the relationship between weight and sexual function is more complicated than we had assumed.
Read more here in Science Daily
By now you would think we would have figured out that everything in the body is connected. Being healthy in one way, physically, mentally or emotionally, can often have unexpected effects on other parts of the body. By going on diets and trying to lose weight these men experienced the expected results of weight lose and easier management of their diabetes symptoms, but also got the more unexpected result of improved sexual function. Even a small weight decrease led to rapid sexual improvement. This shows that men who experience erectile dysfunction do not necessarily need to rush out to buy drugs and pills to improve their sex lives. Making a lifestyle change can be just as effective and can improve other health issues.
There are many reasons for people to lose weight, whether it is to become more healthy or to fit into one’s bathing suit. Some of these reasons are much more trivial than others; I’m sure most of us could discuss body image and weight for hours. Regardless of one’s reason for losing weight, this research shows that the relationship between weight and sexual function is more complicated than we had assumed.
Read more here in Science Daily
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Vancouver Queer Film Festival - 23rd Annual
Vancouver's second largest film festival presents 106 bright and diverse films from 18 countries, August 11–21. Enjoy the best of queer cinema with bold documentaries, vivid dramas and vivacious romances. Join in our outrageous parties and help paint this town pink!
The GLBA is a proud to support the 23rd Vancouver Queer Film Festival. Check out The Wise Kids on August 20, 9:00pm at Empire Granville 7 Cinemas.
In a Baptist church community in Charleston, South Carolina, three teenage friends contemplate the next stage of life. The Wise Kids surpasses the typical standards of the coming-of-age genre; this film is neither cute nor precious. Instead the young protagonists transport us to a world of rare authenticity, depth and compassion.
There's Brea, an introspective pastor's daughter experiencing debilitating doubt; the hyperactive Laura, Brea's best friend and a devout believer; and Tim, the open-hearted son of a single father, confronting his homosexuality for the first time. Weaving comedy, drama and gentle-handed philosophy, The Wise Kids premiered at Outfest this July and took home two Juried awards: Best Screenplay and Best US Dramatic Feature.
"During my teenage years I also began grappling with faith and doubt and sexuality," director Steven Cone (the son of a Baptist minister himself) told The Advocate. "I know that there are millions of church youth out there right now, just trying to find their own way, this led me to make The Wise Kids."
For tickets, previews and more, visit our website.
The GLBA is a proud to support the 23rd Vancouver Queer Film Festival. Check out The Wise Kids on August 20, 9:00pm at Empire Granville 7 Cinemas.
In a Baptist church community in Charleston, South Carolina, three teenage friends contemplate the next stage of life. The Wise Kids surpasses the typical standards of the coming-of-age genre; this film is neither cute nor precious. Instead the young protagonists transport us to a world of rare authenticity, depth and compassion.
There's Brea, an introspective pastor's daughter experiencing debilitating doubt; the hyperactive Laura, Brea's best friend and a devout believer; and Tim, the open-hearted son of a single father, confronting his homosexuality for the first time. Weaving comedy, drama and gentle-handed philosophy, The Wise Kids premiered at Outfest this July and took home two Juried awards: Best Screenplay and Best US Dramatic Feature.
"During my teenage years I also began grappling with faith and doubt and sexuality," director Steven Cone (the son of a Baptist minister himself) told The Advocate. "I know that there are millions of church youth out there right now, just trying to find their own way, this led me to make The Wise Kids."
For tickets, previews and more, visit our website.
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
she's always at my side ...
and I love her for it.
Not a real kiss, more like "how you blow a trumpet". Taken in my kitchen by Jason and in front of all of our kids, hers included, hence the pucker. XOXO
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Bondage Classes & Dungeon Party - June 2011
Start Spreading The Word....
Max of Seattle is returning to the Lounge to teach another four intoxicating bondage classes and to be our guest of honor for our June Dungeon Players Party. Max's classes have a price increase at the end of this month and his classes are all pre sale tickets only, to save yourself money and to ensure you make the guest list, you'll want to write me for ticketing information ASAP. Information on each class, what to expect and what to bring can be found by reading further along for the event descriptions.
Max's last round of classes at the Lounge were all 2 hours and due to their popularity, this time round all of his classes are 2.5 hours long, giving you even more skill set development time with this guru. Come alone or be partnered up, it will all work out.
Max's classes are:
1. High Security Rope Bondage
2. Bondage For Sex
3. Bondage 201
4. Mean Rope for Sadists and Masochists along with an evening party
5. Plus, an evening play party "Dungeon Players"
QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, TICKETS: jennifer@libidoevents.com
=======================================
=======================================
Description
Reservations and prepayment are mandatory, no tickets will be sold on the day of the event. Tickets are non refundable and non transferable.
Questions, Payment, Reservations: jennifer@libidoevents.com
Ever had someone "escape" from your bondage? Have you ever managed to get away - or not get away - from someone else's bondage? Whatever your orientation, bondage is all about escape, and this workshop focuses on playing with that "escape energy".
If you're a rope top, you'll learn - and see - a wealth of techniques you can use to make your bondage more secure. If you're an aspiring escapee, you'll get a chance to add to your "tools and tricks" repertoire. And if you just want a good show, come watch us pit those two skills against each other.
Most of our time will be spent using people from the audience to demonstrate ways to make rope bondage more escape-proof.
Bottoms will have an opportunity to wriggle their way out while we analyze their technique. We may have opportunities for tops to test their mettle too. And there's a handout you can use as a reminder when you're practicing at home.
Since the class will be structured as a demo, there's no need to have a practice partner, to bring rope or to have any prerequisite skills. If you're interested, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to participate. If you'd rather just watch, there will be plenty of entertainment. Rope Bottoms - this is a great chance to get tied up and to showcase your escape skills.
As always, the emphasis is on learning and having fun.
This workshop is appropriate for all skill levels and all genders / orientations.
=======================================
=======================================
Description
Reservations and prepayment are mandatory, no tickets will be sold on the day of the event. Tickets are non refundable and non transferable.
Questions, Payment, Reservations: jennifer@libidoevents.com
Bondage for sex isn't as simple as you might think. It's easy to make mistakes - resulting in a perfectly nice bondage scene and no ready way to make the sex part work. We'll help you avoid this frustrating experience.
This workshop will get us right into the "what is sex" debate, and we'll be using a pretty liberal definition. Rest assured that we're NOT limiting the workshop to boy-girl penis-vagina sex here. As with all of Max's workshops this workshop is appropriate for all genders and orientations.
Topics to be covered include general considerations, a few useful knots and a variety of interesting positions.
We'll have instruction. We'll have demos. And yes - we'll have plenty of hands-on practice. Sorry - the demos and practice won't include actual sex -you'll have to stay for the party to practice the sex part.
Much of the class will consist of hands-on exercises so you'll have plenty of time to practice and enjoy what you've learned. And, as always, the handout distributed at the workshop will help you when you practice at home
If you can, come with a practice partner. If you don't have a partner, come anyway and we'll make sure you get a chance to practice the basic techniques. Rope Bottoms - this is your chance to meet some rope tops - come learn and get tied up!
Some rope will be provided for the workshop, but bring the following if you can
• (4) 10-foot pieces of 5/16" (8mm) or 3/8"
• (2) 30-foot piece of 5/16" (8mm) or 3/8"
This workshop assumes no previous bondage experience, and is appropriate for all genders and orientations.
=======================================
=======================================
Description
Reservations and prepayment are mandatory, no tickets will be sold on the day of the event. Tickets are non refundable and non transferable.
Questions, Payment, Reservations: jennifer@libidoevents.com
Many of us like rope bondage because it's pretty, sensual and intimate. Tops often like demonstrating their technical skills and bottoms often enjoy the firm, snug caress of the rope.
And some of us like being mean with our bondage - or like being tied up in mean ways.
Come learn more about using rope to produce powerful scenes and intense sensation.
We'll cover motivation, technique, safety and some style elements which complement this type of play.
Most of our time will be spent on demonstrations and discussion but there will be a few opportunities for hands-on practice.
If you're a top and part of your kinky repertoire is SM-based, you'll want to see how you can use rope to facilitate your scenes.
If you're a bottom and you crave the intensity of physically demanding scenes, you won't want to miss these demonstrations and discussions. You'll have opportunities to add to your skill set and mingle with a bunch of mean tops. And - Max will be looking for demo bottoms during the workshop.
A practice partner will be useful for the hands-on portions of the workshop but you'll also get lots out of this workshop if you come alone.
As with all of Max's workshops, there's a handout you can use as a memory aid when you're practicing at home.
Please bring two 30’ lengths of 6mm or 8mm rope and a few 15' lengths of 4mm if you can.
This workshop is appropriate for all skill levels and all genders / orientations. The emphasis is on learning and having fun.
=======================================
=======================================
4. ROPE BONDAGE 201
Max of Seattle at Libido Lounge
Sunday, June 19, 2011
4:00 PM to 06:30 PM
where: Libido Lounge
address: members have our address, non members can email for it map
cost: $30 members, $35 non members / June 1 price increases by $5 for each class
dress code: no dress code - comfortable clothing advised
Description
Reservations and prepayment are mandatory, no tickets will be sold on the day of the event. Tickets are non refundable and non transferable.
Questions, Payment, Reservations: jennifer@libidoevents.com
So – you've learned the "fundamentals" and now you're ready for more.
This workshop helps you get to the next level by addressing the subtler topics which are applicable to most rope bondage scenes.
We'll talk about rope – types, diameters, strength – and we'll have plenty of rope on-hand to feel and evaluate.
We'll talk about resources for rope bondage – where to find rope, hardware, and information.
We'll talk about knots, and we'll practice some of the basic knots you'll use in your bondage scenes.
We'll talk about bondage positions - for fun, for pleasure, for pain, for sex, and for aesthetics.
And we'll talk about the "soft" parts of a bondage scene – things like rhythm, pace, connection, and showmanship. These are the things they never tell you in the books or on the web.
Much of the class will consist of hands-on exercises to help you get familiar with the material in a friendly, low-pressure environment. The emphasis is on learning, having fun, and building confidence.
If you can, come with a practice partner. If you don't have a partner, come anyway and we'll make sure you get a chance to practice the basic techniques. Rope Bottoms - this is your chance to meet some rope tops - come learn and get tied up!
Some rope will be provided for the workshop, but bring the following if you can
• (2) 10-foot pieces of 5/16" (8mm) or 3/8"
• (3) 30-foot piece of 5/16" (8mm) or 3/8"
This workshop assumes no previous bondage experience, and is appropriate for all genders and orientations.
=======================================
=======================================
5. DUNGEON PLAYERS PARTY, Saturday June 18
“with guest of honor, Max"
Saturday, June 18, 2011
9:00 PM to 01:00 AM
where: Libido Lounge
address: members have our address, non members can email for it
cost: $30 members, $35 non members / $25 if attending all 4 classes
dress code: risque, fetish, kinky, fetish, lingerie, leather - no street wear, no jeans
Description
Libido Lounge is pleased to present our June Dungeon Party featuring Max from Seattle as our guest of honor.
Seeing as Max is presenting FOUR bondage classes over the weekend, we just knew all our guests would welcome the chance to party alongside him, send in your reservations and payment now.
Come take part, we welcome you.
DUNGEON PLAYERS PARTY
SATURDAY JUNE 18, 9 pm - 1 am
Members $30 / Member Couples $50 / Guest $35
Reservations: jennifer@libidoevents.com
SPECIAL GUEST THIS MONTH: MAX
Please note that you must also have your $25 cash renewal cost on you if your member number is PRE 850. And your renewal is good for 12 months.
Dungeon Players is a Naughty party with darker tenor. Of course everything you expect and are used to will be there -- the suspension rack, spankers, gyno table, red rocket, set of stocks, cage, sex machines, bondage table, A-frame and bondage chair -- but there'll also be an area set aside for needle play, and there may be a few surprises.
Spankings, Bondage, Floggings, Needle Play, D/s, a plethora of styles of play.
Wear your leathers, bring your slave or your top; come meet someone new or play with someone different -- either way you'll have an evening to remember.
Snacks and beverages are included in your ticket price.
Dress code: You MUST make an effort to dress up. No street clothes, no business suits, no blue jeans, no running shoes, no athletic wear, no camouflage pants, no flannel robes, no sunglasses, and no face masks. Bar/Dancing clothing is not acceptable.
This party is open to men and women, couples and singles. Any type of sex is of course permitted at this event.
Max of Seattle is returning to the Lounge to teach another four intoxicating bondage classes and to be our guest of honor for our June Dungeon Players Party. Max's classes have a price increase at the end of this month and his classes are all pre sale tickets only, to save yourself money and to ensure you make the guest list, you'll want to write me for ticketing information ASAP. Information on each class, what to expect and what to bring can be found by reading further along for the event descriptions.
Max's last round of classes at the Lounge were all 2 hours and due to their popularity, this time round all of his classes are 2.5 hours long, giving you even more skill set development time with this guru. Come alone or be partnered up, it will all work out.
Max's classes are:
1. High Security Rope Bondage
2. Bondage For Sex
3. Bondage 201
4. Mean Rope for Sadists and Masochists along with an evening party
5. Plus, an evening play party "Dungeon Players"
QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, TICKETS: jennifer@libidoevents.com
=======================================
=======================================
1. HIGH SECURITY ROPE BONDAGE
Max of Seattle at Libido Lounge
Saturday, June 18, 2011
1:00 PM to 03:30 PM
where: Libido Lounge
address: members have our address, non members can email for it map
cost: $30 members, $35 non members / June 1 price increases by $5 for each class
dress code: no dress code - comfortable clothing advised
Max of Seattle at Libido Lounge
Saturday, June 18, 2011
1:00 PM to 03:30 PM
where: Libido Lounge
address: members have our address, non members can email for it map
cost: $30 members, $35 non members / June 1 price increases by $5 for each class
dress code: no dress code - comfortable clothing advised
Description
Reservations and prepayment are mandatory, no tickets will be sold on the day of the event. Tickets are non refundable and non transferable.
Questions, Payment, Reservations: jennifer@libidoevents.com
Ever had someone "escape" from your bondage? Have you ever managed to get away - or not get away - from someone else's bondage? Whatever your orientation, bondage is all about escape, and this workshop focuses on playing with that "escape energy".
If you're a rope top, you'll learn - and see - a wealth of techniques you can use to make your bondage more secure. If you're an aspiring escapee, you'll get a chance to add to your "tools and tricks" repertoire. And if you just want a good show, come watch us pit those two skills against each other.
Most of our time will be spent using people from the audience to demonstrate ways to make rope bondage more escape-proof.
Bottoms will have an opportunity to wriggle their way out while we analyze their technique. We may have opportunities for tops to test their mettle too. And there's a handout you can use as a reminder when you're practicing at home.
Since the class will be structured as a demo, there's no need to have a practice partner, to bring rope or to have any prerequisite skills. If you're interested, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to participate. If you'd rather just watch, there will be plenty of entertainment. Rope Bottoms - this is a great chance to get tied up and to showcase your escape skills.
As always, the emphasis is on learning and having fun.
This workshop is appropriate for all skill levels and all genders / orientations.
=======================================
=======================================
2. BONDAGE FOR SEX
Max of Seattle at Libido Lounge
Saturday, June 18, 2011
4:00 PM to 06:30 PM
where: Libido Lounge
address: members have our address, non members can email for it map
cost: $30 members, $35 non members / June 1 price increases by $5 for each class
dress code: no dress code - comfortable clothing advised
Max of Seattle at Libido Lounge
Saturday, June 18, 2011
4:00 PM to 06:30 PM
where: Libido Lounge
address: members have our address, non members can email for it map
cost: $30 members, $35 non members / June 1 price increases by $5 for each class
dress code: no dress code - comfortable clothing advised
Description
Reservations and prepayment are mandatory, no tickets will be sold on the day of the event. Tickets are non refundable and non transferable.
Questions, Payment, Reservations: jennifer@libidoevents.com
Bondage for sex isn't as simple as you might think. It's easy to make mistakes - resulting in a perfectly nice bondage scene and no ready way to make the sex part work. We'll help you avoid this frustrating experience.
This workshop will get us right into the "what is sex" debate, and we'll be using a pretty liberal definition. Rest assured that we're NOT limiting the workshop to boy-girl penis-vagina sex here. As with all of Max's workshops this workshop is appropriate for all genders and orientations.
Topics to be covered include general considerations, a few useful knots and a variety of interesting positions.
We'll have instruction. We'll have demos. And yes - we'll have plenty of hands-on practice. Sorry - the demos and practice won't include actual sex -you'll have to stay for the party to practice the sex part.
Much of the class will consist of hands-on exercises so you'll have plenty of time to practice and enjoy what you've learned. And, as always, the handout distributed at the workshop will help you when you practice at home
If you can, come with a practice partner. If you don't have a partner, come anyway and we'll make sure you get a chance to practice the basic techniques. Rope Bottoms - this is your chance to meet some rope tops - come learn and get tied up!
Some rope will be provided for the workshop, but bring the following if you can
• (4) 10-foot pieces of 5/16" (8mm) or 3/8"
• (2) 30-foot piece of 5/16" (8mm) or 3/8"
This workshop assumes no previous bondage experience, and is appropriate for all genders and orientations.
=======================================
=======================================
3. MEAN ROPE - Rope Skills for Sadists and Masochists
Max of Seattle at Libido Lounge
Sunday, June 19, 2011
1:00 PM to 03:30 PM
where: Libido Lounge
address: members have our address, non members can email for it map
cost: $30 members, $35 non members / June 1 price increases by $5 for each class
dress code: no dress code - comfortable clothing advised
Max of Seattle at Libido Lounge
Sunday, June 19, 2011
1:00 PM to 03:30 PM
where: Libido Lounge
address: members have our address, non members can email for it map
cost: $30 members, $35 non members / June 1 price increases by $5 for each class
dress code: no dress code - comfortable clothing advised
Description
Reservations and prepayment are mandatory, no tickets will be sold on the day of the event. Tickets are non refundable and non transferable.
Questions, Payment, Reservations: jennifer@libidoevents.com
Many of us like rope bondage because it's pretty, sensual and intimate. Tops often like demonstrating their technical skills and bottoms often enjoy the firm, snug caress of the rope.
And some of us like being mean with our bondage - or like being tied up in mean ways.
Come learn more about using rope to produce powerful scenes and intense sensation.
We'll cover motivation, technique, safety and some style elements which complement this type of play.
Most of our time will be spent on demonstrations and discussion but there will be a few opportunities for hands-on practice.
If you're a top and part of your kinky repertoire is SM-based, you'll want to see how you can use rope to facilitate your scenes.
If you're a bottom and you crave the intensity of physically demanding scenes, you won't want to miss these demonstrations and discussions. You'll have opportunities to add to your skill set and mingle with a bunch of mean tops. And - Max will be looking for demo bottoms during the workshop.
A practice partner will be useful for the hands-on portions of the workshop but you'll also get lots out of this workshop if you come alone.
As with all of Max's workshops, there's a handout you can use as a memory aid when you're practicing at home.
Please bring two 30’ lengths of 6mm or 8mm rope and a few 15' lengths of 4mm if you can.
This workshop is appropriate for all skill levels and all genders / orientations. The emphasis is on learning and having fun.
=======================================
=======================================
4. ROPE BONDAGE 201
Max of Seattle at Libido Lounge
Sunday, June 19, 2011
4:00 PM to 06:30 PM
where: Libido Lounge
address: members have our address, non members can email for it map
cost: $30 members, $35 non members / June 1 price increases by $5 for each class
dress code: no dress code - comfortable clothing advised
Description
Reservations and prepayment are mandatory, no tickets will be sold on the day of the event. Tickets are non refundable and non transferable.
Questions, Payment, Reservations: jennifer@libidoevents.com
So – you've learned the "fundamentals" and now you're ready for more.
This workshop helps you get to the next level by addressing the subtler topics which are applicable to most rope bondage scenes.
We'll talk about rope – types, diameters, strength – and we'll have plenty of rope on-hand to feel and evaluate.
We'll talk about resources for rope bondage – where to find rope, hardware, and information.
We'll talk about knots, and we'll practice some of the basic knots you'll use in your bondage scenes.
We'll talk about bondage positions - for fun, for pleasure, for pain, for sex, and for aesthetics.
And we'll talk about the "soft" parts of a bondage scene – things like rhythm, pace, connection, and showmanship. These are the things they never tell you in the books or on the web.
Much of the class will consist of hands-on exercises to help you get familiar with the material in a friendly, low-pressure environment. The emphasis is on learning, having fun, and building confidence.
If you can, come with a practice partner. If you don't have a partner, come anyway and we'll make sure you get a chance to practice the basic techniques. Rope Bottoms - this is your chance to meet some rope tops - come learn and get tied up!
Some rope will be provided for the workshop, but bring the following if you can
• (2) 10-foot pieces of 5/16" (8mm) or 3/8"
• (3) 30-foot piece of 5/16" (8mm) or 3/8"
This workshop assumes no previous bondage experience, and is appropriate for all genders and orientations.
=======================================
=======================================
5. DUNGEON PLAYERS PARTY, Saturday June 18
“with guest of honor, Max"
Saturday, June 18, 2011
9:00 PM to 01:00 AM
where: Libido Lounge
address: members have our address, non members can email for it
cost: $30 members, $35 non members / $25 if attending all 4 classes
dress code: risque, fetish, kinky, fetish, lingerie, leather - no street wear, no jeans
Description
Libido Lounge is pleased to present our June Dungeon Party featuring Max from Seattle as our guest of honor.
Seeing as Max is presenting FOUR bondage classes over the weekend, we just knew all our guests would welcome the chance to party alongside him, send in your reservations and payment now.
Come take part, we welcome you.
DUNGEON PLAYERS PARTY
SATURDAY JUNE 18, 9 pm - 1 am
Members $30 / Member Couples $50 / Guest $35
Reservations: jennifer@libidoevents.com
SPECIAL GUEST THIS MONTH: MAX
Please note that you must also have your $25 cash renewal cost on you if your member number is PRE 850. And your renewal is good for 12 months.
Dungeon Players is a Naughty party with darker tenor. Of course everything you expect and are used to will be there -- the suspension rack, spankers, gyno table, red rocket, set of stocks, cage, sex machines, bondage table, A-frame and bondage chair -- but there'll also be an area set aside for needle play, and there may be a few surprises.
Spankings, Bondage, Floggings, Needle Play, D/s, a plethora of styles of play.
Wear your leathers, bring your slave or your top; come meet someone new or play with someone different -- either way you'll have an evening to remember.
Snacks and beverages are included in your ticket price.
Dress code: You MUST make an effort to dress up. No street clothes, no business suits, no blue jeans, no running shoes, no athletic wear, no camouflage pants, no flannel robes, no sunglasses, and no face masks. Bar/Dancing clothing is not acceptable.
This party is open to men and women, couples and singles. Any type of sex is of course permitted at this event.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)