True Extent of Irish STI Rates Unknown
The Irish Times reported this month that the true extent of Irish sexually transmitted diseases is unknown. According to the 2003 figures, which are the latest statistics available, STIs were up by 6 percent on the previous year, but it is believed that these figures are not an accurate reflection of the problem. According to health professionals, long waiting periods for testing may be distorting figures. Waiting lists for public screening services in hospitals can be as long as six weeks. Some STIs have symptoms that disappear after a while, but this does not mean the problem has gone away. If you notice anything amiss, please get tested as soon as possible.
Tingling Safe Sex
According to the statistics, nine out of 10 lovers are looking for an extra sparkle between the sheets. With this in mind, Durex has released Tingle, a pleasure-enhancing condom. The Tingle is coated both inside and out with a lubricant that creates a gentle tingling sensation for both partners and heightens sensitivity. The condoms are available in shops and pharmacies nationwide and can be identified by their distinctive metallic green box.
Pleasure, at a Price
Rich girls don’t get their kicks like the rest of us. Vibrators have gone upmarket and if you’ve got the cash to splash, perhaps you’d like to treat yourself to a handcrafted sex toy. Posh ‘sensuality boutiques’ in New York, Chicago and London offer designer vibes ranging from a few hundred to thousands of euro. The designer vibes pay as much attention to form as well as function, so at least if you forget it on the bedside table, your mother may think it’s a piece of modern art.
Small, Crunchy and Hard to Please
Lads across the country should pray to whatever god takes their fancy that they don’t return to this world as a Californian fiddler crab. According to Animal Behaviour, female fiddler crabs are the choosiest lovers in the world. Most animals will sample just a few partners before settling down to mate, but the average fiddler crab will check out around 23 suitors. The fussiest of the species will check out over a hundred potentials before deigning to do the deed.
Movies
Last year I reviewed a site called ClimaxCorner that offered hundreds of downloadable adult movies. VideoBox is the updated version of this great site and it’s better than ever. With 250 full-length titles featuring various types of porn, there’s something for everyone. Picture quality is great and new titles are added all the time. Even better is that there is no download limit and a mere $10 a month allows you to access, burn and share any of the titles available. See www.videobox.com
Famous Bisexuals
According to the San Diego Bisexual Forum, a great number of famous folk have swung both ways. Here’s a selection:
Janis Joplin – Singer
David Bowie – Singer
Skin – Singer (Skunk Anansie)
Brett Anderson – Singer (Suede)
Dave Navarro – Guitarist (Jane's Addiction)
Marlene Dietrich – Actress
Greta Garbo – Actress
James Dean – Actor
Lawrence Olivier – Actor
Frida Kahlo – Artist
Madonna – Singer
Tom Ford – Clothes designer
Michael Stipe – Singer (REM)
Kurt Cobain – Singer (Nirvana)
Anne Heche – Actress
Joan Baez – Singer
Thomas Mann – Novelist
Julius Caesar – Emperor
Socrates – Philosopher
Shakespeare – Playwright, writer
D. H. Lawrence – Author
For more see www.bisandiego.org/famous.htm
This Issue's Top Sex Tip: Using Climax Beads
The anus is full of sensitive nerve endings. Granted the ass does have another function, which makes some people uneasy about anal play. However, anal toys can offer a variety of sensations and are the perfect compromise if you feel squeamish.
Climax beads offer a good introduction to anal toys. They can be soft or firm and generally consist of four to 10 beads.
Whenever you try something new sexually, it’s best to start slowly so start with smaller beads. Lubricate the beads well and insert into your partner ass one by one. Go slowly and make sure they are comfortable and happy. If they are relaxed, insertion should be painless. Generally, the beads are left in until your partner is near orgasm, then the beads should be pulled out one by one to coincide with coming. The sensation can make for a really intense orgasm.
As with any sex toy, always clean before and after use with a sex toy cleaner. Regular detergents may erode the rubber or plastic. Remember that sharing sex toys can spread STIs, so it’s wiser for each partner to have their own. But if you do share, use a condom over them.