Come As You Are Non-Explicit Feed http://www.comeasyouare.com Come As You Are Facebook Feed info@comeasyouare.com http://www.getmura.com Wed, 19 Jun 2013 02:41:17 -0400 en-us Get Gay! The Pride Sale http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/get-gay-the-pride-sale/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/get-gay-the-pride-sale/#comments 93E297C5-0523-FAE8-469EB52B183B1754 Wed, 27 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0400 You're in luck because today and for the entire weekend, we're celebrating Pride with our annual Pride sale! Whether you're stocking up for the weekend or hanging low and shopping online, we're offering 15% off our entire selection of LGBT books and DVDs! From the educational to the erotic, we've got it here for you and on the cheap too.

Check out our selection of queer and trans educational books and DVDs on sale!

]]> Thank you for the best worst day http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/thank-you-for-the-best-worst-day/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/thank-you-for-the-best-worst-day/#comments A9A3966E-0823-6180-AA558377A553DCAE Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0400 For all of the joy CAYA brings our worker owners, running our little shop can sure be tough sometimes! Even though our co-operative often really doesn't feel like a 'company' to us - Come As You Are feels like a way-of-life, not an incorporated entity! - the administrative side of running a co-op can sometimes be really fun, but sometimes the sheer amount of work involved in running this place can get you down. Such is life!

But here's the thing - you folks transformed today into a really great day for me. Today should have been terrible - it should have been just the worst - but luckily, I got/had to cover a shift in mail order, and I got to email and talk with so many of you and you were all just the nicest, loveliest bunch of people I could've encountered. 

Today could have been a day of heavy breathers and non-consensual telephone jerker-offers, but instead every customer (I hesitate to call you customers, because it isn't really about the buying, right?) I interacted with today had awesome questions or just really interesting things to say - even the fellow (who shall remain nameless for confidentiality reasons) who was having troubles with Canada Post delivering his order was so incredibly courteous and said such nice things about Come As You Are that it truly made my day, and probably my week. Similarly, my email interaction about the legal designations of vibrators (see more here tomorrow on this) was equally flattering and just the nicest. Also, one of our favourite special-order-only customers called today, and I always enjoy those chats.

Anyhow, you folks thank us all the time for doing good work, and I just wanted to thank all of you for making it so worthwhile.

]]> The Internet's Very Own Red-Light District http://www.comeasyouare.com/?LinkServID=A2E9A451-B9C7-1183-F94D7D498CCD928D&showMeta=0 A2E9A451-B9C7-1183-F94D7D498CCD928D Sun, 04 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0400 The Internet is finally getting an officially sanctioned red-light district! The reality of the XXX domain will probably be a cash grab as folks in the sex industry snap up domains to protect their brands, but there's something appealing about the domain too. If folks kept porn only at .xxx domains (much as porn was segregated voluntarily in usenet back in the day) it would be somewhat easier to keep it away from minors at least. It will be interesting to see who winds up using these domains and if they become at all popular - ICANNs last batch of new domains didn't do so well, after all.

]]> Would a queef by any other name smell as sweet? http://www.comeasyouare.com/?LinkServID=9382872E-EEDD-E42D-D541F08D54EEAACF&showMeta=0 9382872E-EEDD-E42D-D541F08D54EEAACF Fri, 02 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0400 We've never gotten our sex tips from Cosmo or Glamour - and we're certainly not going to start now - but we seem to share a similar complaint about the language of sexuality. This list of 'new' names for old sex acts bothers me less than the wave of contrived 'new' sex acts (each designed to be somehow more offensive or just plain gross than the last and suited more for porn and gossip than actually getting off) and there are definitely great sex acts saddled with names that some folks don't like.

While the replacements suggested in this post aren't the sexiest or particularly catchy, and the vocabulary routinely introduced by Dan Savage (Santorum for example) is mostly politically motivated rather than pleasure motivated, both of these 'projects' underscore the need for a new language of sex.

]]> The Oh-Oh Canada Day Sale http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/the-oh-oh-canada-day-sale/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/the-oh-oh-canada-day-sale/#comments 8AC2FC5E-A992-A28B-3C5BD953FF71FB0B Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0400

If sex in a canoe isn't quite your thing, but you are looking to have some great Canadian sex, here's your chance to get in on the action and do something great for your local sex toys makers at the same time! In addition to our usual awesome free Canadian shipping, we're giving you three made-in-Canada sex toys for the price of two!

Here's how it works: add any three made in Canada sex toys, books or DVDs to your cart and one will be automatically discounted to $0.  

As is the case with these things, the lowest priced item is free!

Not sure if the vibe you're coveting is Canadian? All products on our website are marked with a handy maple leaf to let you know it was made in Canada. Also, check out our page of Canadian sex toys, books and DVDs.

]]> This Way to Your Sexuality http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/this-way-to-your-sexuality/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/this-way-to-your-sexuality/#comments 85733C3C-ECCD-B095-6002C4E87DE67EAF Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400 Come As You Are was at the Guelph Sexuality Conference last week, being held at the University. I drove our awesome outreach & co-op purchasing program co-ordinator Charlotte down, only to find that the campus was a mess of arrows pointing every which way to get to registration. I almost lost it (no pun intended), until I found this hilarious sandwich board which I interpreted as either a) which way to take my sexuality, or b) how to find my sexuality. If only it were that simple.


]]> Getting it on during the G20 - Our G20 Sale http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/getting-it-on-during-the-g20-our-g20-sale/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/getting-it-on-during-the-g20-our-g20-sale/#comments 66A4DF0E-D374-6AA5-34C8FD04CB92A1EF Fri, 25 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400 If you're not spending this weekend protesting the G20 meetings in Toronto, you may be planning on spending your weekend as far away from Toronto as possible!  Well, either way, we're always working harder to make sex easier and we'll be open all weekend as usual. Rest assured! The only barriers we'll be helping folks erect will be of the latex variety!

With The New Yorker and the world's attention on Canada this weekend, we thought we'd take the opportunity to introduce the world to 20 of the best sex toys Canada has to offer and at the best price we have to offer! Even better, for everyone staying in or out of the security zone this weekend, we deliver!

]]> Butt Magazine Beach Towels http://www.comeasyouare.com/?LinkServID=6632429A-A90C-95E0-8742AA67E7D2B01A&showMeta=0 6632429A-A90C-95E0-8742AA67E7D2B01A Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400 I would summarize this myself, but Fleshbot did it so much better than I could:

Our favorite hipster gays have joined forces with our favorite misogynist hipster scumbags and are releasing a special line of five special edition beach towels for gay pride weekend. We don't know who came up with this idea, but they ought to start getting paid a hell of a lot more.
]]> Buck Angel Uncensored http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/buck-angel-uncensored/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/buck-angel-uncensored/#comments 66190DB9-ACFA-8522-275E16C8A017C59B Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400 Join us on Sunday, June 27th for Buck Angel's totally uncensored workshop! Buck Angel will discuss the ups and downs of ushering a new genre of porn into the adult entertainment industry. How he started in the business and then the pitfalls, obstacles, and joys along the way. This is a rare opportunity to hear Buck Angel speak about his rise to fame in the porn film industry, his work as a pioneer in the adult entertainment world and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of sexuality everywhere.

Learn more about Buck, register for Buck Angel Uncensored or view our selection of Buck Angel DVDs

]]> Position of the Month Club - Spooning http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/position-of-the-month-club-spooning-sex-position/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/position-of-the-month-club-spooning-sex-position/#comments 384236C0-0F13-C315-57DDC6EACD0CA4E3 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400 Welcome to the Come As You Are Sex Position of the Month Club! This month we'll take a closer look at the spooning sex position - a kind of side-by-side sex. Demonstrated beautifully by the talented, gender-ambiguous couple "A + B", the spooning position is a really great position to get close to your lover, and can be less physically strenuous than partner-on-top style positions.

Here's how to do it: Lying on a spaceous surface like the bed or the floor, both partners should be lying on their side with the partner doing the penetrating spooning their partner (pictured).

Although this position allows for a lot of physical contact between the partners, movement can be limited, and moving in concert with your partner can allow for more active penetration.

The Spooning sex position is ideal when a wide range of movement isn't ideal, and can be very comfortable during pregnancy (although consider avoiding lying on the right side after the first trimester).

Additionally, the spooning position causes less strain on the body, and is also a nice option for folks looking to change-up power dynamics during sex!

]]> 'Walk of Shame'? http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/walk-of-shame/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/walk-of-shame/#comments 4C958E6A-AE2A-D90D-E0805DD36AE79899 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400 Check out this cute comic that one of our staff members found today:

 

It’s interesting to think of the ‘morning after’ as something that is shameful. Personally, I feel like it’s kind of an awesome thing – there are many good things tied to it (I’m thinking caesars and bruch). Even though we all have our fair share of what might feel like regrets, the walk of shame should, in fact, be more of a walk of accomplishment. I’m a big fan of notches in bedposts.

]]> What do Seinfeld and Annie Sprinkle have in common? http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/what-do-seinfeld-and-annie-sprinkle-have-in-common-this-weeks-dvds/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/what-do-seinfeld-and-annie-sprinkle-have-in-common-this-weeks-dvds/#comments 380994F3-F3C7-A2FD-99AFC2FC6E9FBE75 Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400 There's something for (almost) everyone this week in DVDs. No matter how you look at it, Annie Sprinkle has had one of the most remarkable sex careers of the modern era. With the uncut and remastered release of Annie's classic Deep Inside Annie Sprinkle her true fans can revel in 3 full discs of Annie bliss.

We haven't been able to resist the wave of XXX parodies that have flooded the market lately, and Seinfeld XXX was no exception - it has a good home amongst the Scrubs and The Office porn parodies. Porn Wars has gone well beyond the parody and is a phenomenon in it's own right and the saga continues in Porn Wars Episode 2. Don't miss Courtney Trouble's Roulette or Penny Flame's new Expert Guide.

Deep Inside Annie Sprinkle Uncut Edition Deep Inside Annie Sprinkle Uncut Edition DVD
The deluxe version of Deep Inside Annie Sprinkle is here! 3 discs featuring a digitally remastered version of the original film including the cut "golden shower" scene not available to the public until now. Also included is a full length commentary by Annie, Q&A interview, bonus scenes, the original trailer, a 24 page colour booklet, and last but certainlty not least, an Annie Sprinkle finger puppet. What more could you ask for? $45 | more

Expert Guide to Rough Sex
contains BDSM		 Expert Guide to Rough Sex DVD
Sometimes the best way to spice things up in your sex life is to learn how to push your sexual boundaries while respecting each other's limits, and Penny Flame does just that in the newest edition of the Expert Guide series. In the same style as other DVDs in the series, the upbeat way that information is presented makes learning fun--you might even forget that you're watching an educational movie! Learn different types of slaps, what parts of the body to hit (and parts to steer clear of), hair pulling techniques, bondage, communication including dirty talk, establishing safe words and boundaries and much more. Three sex scenes follow, demonstrating a variety of power play situations and even games couples can play together. Heterosexual focus. $35 | more

Porn Wars Episode 2 Porn Wars Episode 2 DVD
Love the first episode of Porn Wars and just want more? Porn Wars 2 is another installment of great sex and great graphics, with a feeling that the actors are really enjoying what they are doing. Big budget and high action infused with sex and CGI equals a "force" to be reckoned with. $29 | more

Roulette Roulette DVD
Queer sex is as hard to define as it is to ignore. Roulette is a series of sex scenes, music videos, short art films, and more. Each short is directed by a different person, yet everything seems to fit quite nicely together. No rules, just real sex with a very diverse cast. From Courtney Trouble and the folks at nofauxxx.com. $35 | more

Seinfeld XXX Seinfeld XXX DVD
With a bang-on set, ridiculously cheesy jokes and a perfect cast, Seinfeld XXX is another gem in the porn parody genre. It really couldn't have been done much better. A great variety of different sex acts and intensity abound. $35 | more
]]> Mad About American Apparel's Hiring Practices? Call Dov! http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/mad-about-american-apparels-hiring-practices-call-dov/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/mad-about-american-apparels-hiring-practices-call-dov/#comments 388C6E91-ED44-64DF-52021F9D9786C9A6 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400 Once upon a time there was so much to love about American Apparel. Well, there was the seemingly sweatshop-free cotton goods, and the... oh maybe that was it. Well, after years of accusations of sexual harassment and often over-the-line creepy porny advertising, American Apparel is, of course, being accused of discrimination in hiring. Shockingly, Dov Charney and company are said to hire store employees based on beauty and this is evidenced in former employee testimonial and the company's requirement for job applicants to submit a full body photo with their application. Sigh.

Initially, there was something kind of appealing about American Apparel's outward and explicit sexuality - possibly because it is so totally opposite to the co-operative culture at Come As You Are. Come As You Are is all about boundaries. My favourite CAYA inside jokes are about our parties ending promptly at 9:30PM before anything inappropriate could possibly happen, and about how we tend to wave at each other more than we hug or shake hands. Well, sometimes we high-five too!  We're really not into the professional come on.

American Apparel says that they hire based on personal style and that's not discriminatory. I'd like to think that labour policy works a little differently in Canada (and I'm probably mostly wrong in my idealism here) but it strikes me that what AA does is perfectly compatible with how labour rights and anti-discrimination works in the US. That is, how does Hooters even exist in the face of anti-discrimination law? If Hooters is any indication, AA is merely typical in their hiring practices.

In a press release, AA gave our CEO's Dov Charney's phone number, but there is no answer and voicemail doesn't work, but I would keep trying. The conversation to be had could be awesome. Ultimately, I don't think AA thinks there's anything wrong with how they do business and they probably think they're actually groundbreaking in making sex part of their corporate culture, but really, they're actually just reverting to the model we're all trying so hard to break.

Be sure to check out the American Able ad series Jes Sachse did a little while back.

More info: [American Apparel] [American Able]

]]> Skip the rest and go for the best... erotica! http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/skip-the-rest-and-go-for-the-best-erotica-new-books/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/skip-the-rest-and-go-for-the-best-erotica-new-books/#comments 38031773-0650-6D48-61A3516158C70F20 Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400 Selecting erotica that's right for you is as difficult as choosing a new toy. Reviews are always subjective, and novels are pretty hit or miss. Fortunately, our favourite erotica editors know what its like, and our shelves are always packed with best of the best anthology collections. Erotic anthologies come in a variety of flavours: some focus on a particular sex act or type of sex (like BDSM or anal erotica); some collections are grouped loosely around orientation or gender (like the 'Best Women's Erotica' series); and then some erotic anthologies are thematic (like Cowboys).

This week, we're so pleased to present the 2010 editions of The Best Lesbian Erotica and The Best Women's Erotica 2010 which are both excellent additions to both long running series, and The Best Sex Writing 2010 which isn't strictly erotica, but also isn't strictly un-erotic either - it is one of our favourite books in our 'brain sex' collection. We've finally posted Original Plumbing #2 online and #3 should be out soon too, so keep your eyes peeled!

Here's what's new in books this week at Come As You Are:

Best Lesbian Erotica 2010 Best Lesbian Erotica 2010
Perhaps the best collection of today's outstanding lesbian erotica. Stories of a seductive cupcake-shop femme, two lovers producing classic pin-up porn for each other, one-off trysts between two butches, and a deliciously dirty text message relationship that ends up being more than the participants bargained for make this edition definitely one to pick up. A great collection of a bunch of different types of stories, all written well and impossible to put down. $19.95 | more
Best of Best Women's Erotica 2 Best of Best Women's Erotica 2
A great collection of well-written erotic tales written from a women's perspective, Best of Best 2 illustrates deep, dark desires including blowjobs on trains, dirty talking with strangers, and much more. A variety of different types of stories to satisfy anyone's taste. $19.95 | more
Best Sex Writing 2010 Best Sex Writing 2010
Best Sex Writing falls in line with previous years' editions - throught-provoking, entertaining and educational essays on 25 topics directly relating to sex. This year's topics include first-time swinging experiences, the sexual aspect of the Twilight saga, teen sexting, a straight man obsessed with having sex and relationships with lesbians, and much much more. Always a great read. $18 | more
Best Women's Erotica 2010 Best Women's Erotica 2010
Back again with the newest edition, Best Women's Erotica promises to be the most racy volume yet. Juicy tales of vegetable garden sex, a female cop forcing a flirty male collegue to strip in the line-up room, a sexy shoe shine from a stranger and much more. Dirty and explicit without being too raunchy. An excellent collection of 18 great erotic stories. $19.95 | more
Original Plumbing Issue 2 Original Plumbing Issue 2
When we heard the there was going to be a new zine created for, and made by, FTM trans guys, it caught our attention to say the least. When we finally had a chance to take a look at it, we were absolutely thrilled with the results. Original Plumbing features hot, full-colour photos of diverse models, witty, humourous and interesting interviews, and much more. This zine is flying off our shelves, and for very good reason. Published quarterly. $8 | more
Sometimes She Lets Me Sometimes She Lets Me
You know what they say about how opposites attract, and sometimes the strongest attraction can be between butches and femmes. Sometimes She Lets Me is a collection of the best butch/femme erotica out there on the market. Stories include "Tag" where two lovers play the game naked in the woods and find eachother by scent; "Homecoming Queen" in which members of different high school cliques meet up by chance for a little role play; and the super-charged "Roulette", which tells of a powerful, manipulative femme schooling patrons at a rough butch bar. $18.50 | more
Transgender History Transgender History
Written in an informative yet extremely readable format, Transgender History traces back the ups and downs of trans rights and movements over the last half century. Discusses underground scenes, political changes, stand-out figures, health care battles, acceptance in different communities, and much more. A great intro to trans studies for anyone! $19.95 | more
]]> New Fleshlight, Fun Factory and more http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/new-fleshlight-fun-factory-and-more/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/new-fleshlight-fun-factory-and-more/#comments 27E1C16F-ACBA-C6EB-A5EF49224F3511FB Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400 We're constantly striving to bring you the best of the best new sex toys available in Canada and across the world! A long, long time ago, Fleshlight was known not only for their superior men's masturbation sleeves, but they also made a line of silicone dildos before it was fashionable to do so. Much to our pleasure, Fleshlight has dipped their collective toe (and other various extremities) and have brought us a new silicone replica of one of the Visconti triplets of porn fame. Very exciting. Check out the new stuff from Fleshlight and more below!

FleshJack Boys Visconti new item FleshJack Boys Visconti
We don't usually go in for the pornstar replica dildos, but for Fleshlight FleshJack we made an exception. Made of firmer silicone for a more intense experience, Fleshlight has modeled this particular dildo after Jason Visconti (of the Visconti triplets) and my-oh-my, does it ever look realistic. This dildo could be used in conjunction with a harness, but it isn't ideal for harness use due to its large base. | more
Fleshlight FleshJack STU
waterproof phthalate-free		 new item Fleshlight FleshJack STU
Something nice, new and shiny for the guys who like guys who want to like guys longer! Previously only available in 'lady' style, the Fleshlight FleshJack STU (Stamina Training Unit) is an extra bumpy Fleshlight sleeve intended to help fellows train to maintain an erection for longer and to help guys get sensitized to different kinds of stimulation. Great fun too! | more
Fun Factory Spring
waterproof phthalate-free		 new item Fun Factory Spring
Bursting onto the scene like Spring itself, Fun Factory's Spring rechargeable vibrator features Fun Factory's Click-N-Charge magnetic charging technology to provide a full waterproof vibrator experience. Finally, you can fully submerge your silicone vibrator for versatility in use and ease of cleaning! Oh, yeah, it also has total variable speed vibration with push-controls and multi-mode vibration just like the battery operated version. The Fun Factory Spring is an excellent clitoral vibrator, but with a little maneuvering, can also provide some great internal stimulation too! | more
Fun Factory The Boss G3
waterproof phthalate-free		 new item Fun Factory The Boss G3
Show 'em who's boss with one of the strongest Fun Factory battery-powered vibrators! Part of Fun Factory's G3 series, The Boss is made of soft, velvety silicone and it is a really lovely semi-realistic toy with curves in all of the right places. Fully waterproof, The Boss is hypoallergenic, phthalate-free and easy to clean too. | more
Fuze Halo
waterproof anal compatible phthalate-free		 new item Fuze Halo
With a great bulb-to-stem ratio for awesome stay-putted-ness, The Fuze Halo is a larger version of the Fuze Whirl. The Halo features ridges through the toy's bulb for a more textured experience. Not only are all Fuze plugs made of hypoallergenic silicone, but their handy-dandy base ring can serve as a handle or can hold your favourite mini vibe (not included). Comes complete with re-usable storage tube! | more
Gay Sex Deck new item Gay Sex Deck
The Gay Sex Deck is here! Cards are divided into three sections: foreplay, full sex and sex play, and illustrate and explain positions, new fantasies to try and how to go about acting them out, massage techniques, and much more. Great for new couples, those who are looking to expand their sexual repertoire, or just those looking to open up a healthy dialogue about their sex life. Cute illustrations as well as text on the opposite side that breaks it all down for you. | more
Glyde Vegan Condoms 12 Pack
best seller phthalate-free		 new item Glyde Vegan Condoms 12 Pack
Our favourite vegan condoms are back, and they're here to stay! Glyde condoms are famous amongst vegans and vegetarians, but they're also super popular because of their form-fitting condoms. Glyde vegan condoms come in Slim Fit, Ultra or Maxi for a good fit where other condoms just don't. For a snugger fit, try Glyde Slim fit (49 mm), or Glyde Ultra (53 mm). If you're looking for something a bit roomier, try Glyde Maxi (56 mm). | more
Lil Teaser new item Lil Teaser
Lil Teaser definitely does more than tease! This smaller g-spot vibrator is fully waterproof, silicone and phthalate-free. Single speed, the Lil Teaser has a larger switch with loads of possibilities for folks looking for an easy-to-use and easy-to-adapt vibrator. Good for g-spot or external play! | more
]]> Tell Me What You Want Workshop with Laura Antoniou http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/tell-me-what-you-want-workshop-with-laura-antoniou/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/tell-me-what-you-want-workshop-with-laura-antoniou/#comments 1F01DACE-FF25-BD2C-5B702C16305AF21A Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400 What You Really, Really Want
With Laura Antoniou
Often, when we try to tell our partners what we like or want, those words are filtered through things like expectations, projection, fear, shame and verbal shortcuts. Expand your creativity and verbal skills beyond "I like flogging" or " anything you want" through an interactive game and exercise. Learn how creative communication and courageous risk-taking can make your relationship and play more intimate, satisfying and fun. Say what you mean, and mean what you say - and make it flirtatious and seductive!

Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 7:30 – 9:30pm (People of all genders welcome.)
Where: Come As You Are
Cost:$30/person (Sliding Scale Available)



[more info] ]]> On Being Trans and Topless in America http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/on-being-trans-and-topless-in-america/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/on-being-trans-and-topless-in-america/#comments 0E7FF5A3-9466-51E7-02CBB9859E019C5C Sun, 06 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400 Oh the complications of post-modern life. Apparently, some trans-identified people on a Delaware beach were questioned by authorities after some fellow beach-goers complained about their toplessness.

Unfortunately, the only thing more problematic than various archaic laws regarding public nudity is the media coverage this story has received.

Mostly disappointing is that these trans people are being consistently identified in the media as 'transmen' with breast implants. Now, I'm all for folks breaking with gender norms, but generally, folks who transition genders have surgery or take hormones to achieve an appearance consistent with the gender they identify with - in this case, these folks would most likely be transwomen.

I know that many of you would already know this, but the error in the original article and all subsequent articles suggests that at least in the media nobody understands trans people and even fewer know how trans folks identify.

From reading internet commentary on this matter, I know that some would see my pleading for accuracy as a request for 'sensitivity' from the general populace - some kind of demand for political correctness - but truly, if the mainstream media is going to comment on trans-identified people at all, they ought to be correct in their terminology at the very least.

If you're not trans yourself, or don't know anyone who is, it is understandable that this stuff might be confusing, but in not trying to understand, the coverage of this thing has just become a mess of misinformation.

Next time, we'll tackle archaic nudity laws :) Fortunately, someone in Toronto must have foreseen the practical difficulties in enforcing topless laws by gender, so I hereby invite all transmen and transwomen with or without breast implants to sun themselves on our beautiful beaches.

[AP]

]]> Pee Free - Finding Accessible Washrooms with Foursquare http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/pee-free-finding-accessible-washrooms-with-foursquare/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/pee-free-finding-accessible-washrooms-with-foursquare/#comments FE266850-FE24-F259-521DFFA7B60B4549 Fri, 04 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400 Pee FreeHas anyone else noticed how difficult it is to find a public washroom in Toronto? This may seem like an odd question for a sex shop blog to be asking, but it may surprise you to know that aside from our great customer service, high-quality toys, and educational approach to sex retail, we're also well known for our washroom at 701 Queen Street West.

So, what's so special about our washroom?

Well, before you get any racy ideas about the Come As You Are washroom, I should tell you that our washroom is primarily known as being one of the only truly public washrooms on this stretch of Queen West (that is, we don't make you buy something to use it) and further, it is the only public gender-neutral accessible washroom on West Queen West. Wow.

I hope I don't sound like I'm bragging because mostly it is just terrible that we're the only one. This is kind of like when Good Vibrations privatized and we became the world's only co-operative sex shop by default - I mean, it sounds nice, but it is not like we did anything extra to earn the title.  In fact, we wish there were more co-op sex shops AND public accessible washrooms!

So, what do you do when you're not hanging around Queen West in Toronto and you need to find a washroom? Well, as is the new norm, there's an app for that! Using the information submitted by users to Foursquare, folks have built an app to help you locate washrooms near you. Even better - when they have the information, they indicate whether the washroom is accessible.

I know it seems like I'm giving a lot of attention to Foursquare lately - despite my obvious privacy concerns - but as with all technology, sometimes the usefulness can be more important than the sacrifice. In the case of the Pee Free app, you don't have to be on Foursquare to use it, and you don't need to give a lot of information about yourself - just where you're looking for a washroom.

There's a free, ad-supported version and a paid version available for Android currently, and it should be coming to the iPhone soon.

Has anyone had a chance to play with this new app? Please do let me know what your experiences with it have been like!

[Pee Free]

]]> Art Opening Tonight - Annanda DeSilva http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/art-opening-tonight-annanda-desilva/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/art-opening-tonight-annanda-desilva/#comments FF6C35C5-03D3-B2AD-DEA5252F3BE4482F Thu, 03 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400 Join us this evening at Come As You Are for the opening of Annanda DeSilva's Indelible Femme art show!

Annanda DeSilvaLust, daydreams, voyeurism, self-defense and period stains; Fishnets, dazed pigeons and the ever-revered bushy mons all come together in a spicy stew of vivid colours, layering the glitter and grime of our city lives. Indelible Femme lays out all the sass, lumps, bedroom eyes and megaphone-moans for your eyes only, rendered in a mixture of acrylic, oil pastel, collage and sequins.

June 1 - June 30
Art Opening: June 3, 2010, 7 - 9pm.

]]> McDonald's Come As You Are spot http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/mcdonalds-come-as-you-are-spot/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/mcdonalds-come-as-you-are-spot/#comments EE937723-AC1F-7F8F-C1B0F986F6BF6870 Mon, 31 May 2010 00:00:00 -0400 I'm sure embedding anything having to do with McDonald's in the Come As You Are Blog is contrary to most of our core values, but I couldn't help myself.

There's a lot of 'Come As You Are' out in the world - from dobermans to Christians to Nirvana to this lovely co-operative sex shop I've heard of - but this McDonald's ad has something we don't share with others: Venez tels quels (or Venez comme vous êtes, as it were.)

When we launched our website and retail store en français, we agonized over our French name almost more than anything else. We really didn't want to be one of those anglo retailers who forces others to speak English if you wish to refer to them at all, and it was important that our work in Quebec be available and easy in both languages.

Years later, we no longer have that sweet little shop on St-Laurent, but we're still able to offer workshops and support in Montreal, and we still offer customer service, educational and erotic books, and a French website at www.veneztelsquels.com. Speaking of which, look for a new, revamped Venez tels quels in the months to come.


]]> Masturbation on TFO http://www.comeasyouare.com/?LinkServID=EF1A3A4B-F2F1-0455-3702478A62B72BA9&showMeta=0 EF1A3A4B-F2F1-0455-3702478A62B72BA9 Mon, 31 May 2010 00:00:00 -0400 Check out this segment from TFO's Volt about masturbation. This video features our favourite sex and bondage expert, Midori and a nice tour of Come As You Are's masturbatory offerings courtesy of TFO's Fabienne L'Abbé. Yes, apparently today is sexe en français day at CAYA.

]]> Chris Ablett Photography - Sitting http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/chris-ablett-photography-sitting/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/chris-ablett-photography-sitting/#comments D1251DE8-CE90-F517-BEF9A84B7CA1A9B0 Sat, 29 May 2010 00:00:00 -0400 Chris Ablett SittingCome As You Are friend, frequent visitor and almost in-house artist Chris Ablett has been sharing his erotic art knowledge and skill with the CAYA community for years with his erotic photography workshops and his packed Erotic Blender shows. Parts of his new series of self-portraits have graced our walls in the past, and now his series has its own website and Chris has a accompanying Facebook page for his fans and admirers of his work.

Read more about Chris Ablett or view his collection "Sitting" on Chris' website.

]]> In Penis Pokey, YOU are the star http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/in-penis-pokey-you-are-the-star-new-books/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/in-penis-pokey-you-are-the-star-new-books/#comments D1112184-EC12-1524-D0E897C4FA8309C5 Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 -0400 Maybe we're being nit-picky, but has the best erotica of 2010 even been written yet?!? If they called it The Best Women's Erotica 2009 it would be confusing and wouldn't feel current, but still... In any case, we've got a couple of new Best Of 2010 collections this week - because anthologies are still the best way to get your erotic feet wet - and a new version of a "book" near and dear to the hearts of many at Come As You Are (because in Penis Pokey, YOU are the star - which is what we've been saying for years.)

]]> Local co-operative seeks mayor http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/local-co-operative-seeks-mayor/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/local-co-operative-seeks-mayor/#comments D0F43B81-D927-3FD9-0CB894F087786E22 Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 -0400 FoursquareIf you ever wanted to be part of a worker-owned co-operative, but weren't so much into the 'work' part of worker-owner, here's an opportunity to experience all of the pride of ownership without all the pesky work! In conjunction with the now-available-in-Canada Foursquare, Come As You Are is offering rewards for checking in at our Toronto store, and an even better treat for the Mayor of our fine establishment!

Love it or hate it (I won't say which side I'm on) social networking exists and can sometimes be pretty awesome. If you've read my flurry of posts about internet privacy here, you probably already know that Come As You Are is all about being worthy of trust, and we genuinely think all businesses (and governments!) have a similar obligation to their patrons - whether they observe that obligation or not. Since we mostly can't trust organizations to keep our secrets, we need to do everything we can to protect our own privacy, right?

With that disclaimer in place, Foursquare is a smartphone-dependent app that allows you to 'check-in' at the places you visit and lets you let your Foursquare 'friends' know where you are. The more places you check-in at, the more 'badges' you receive and if you check-in somewhere more than anyone else, you are proclaimed Mayor! Fun!

We like fun! And even more, we like when you have fun! So, if you happen to be on Foursquare, check-in next time you come to visit us and we'll hook you up with something good.

]]> Get Good Clean Love...on the Cheap http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/get-good-clean-loveon-the-cheap/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/get-good-clean-loveon-the-cheap/#comments B14AEDFC-BCE8-0325-71B032408962D9C2 Wed, 19 May 2010 00:00:00 -0400 If you're already a big fan or if you've yet to experience the genuinely all-natural, independently manufactured awesomeness that is Good Clean Love, now is the time to stock up! Good Clean Love will soon look a little different: new packaging and a slight change in ingredients is coming down the line, and we've got to make a little room on our shelves before it arrives. Get your cheap thrill on, and check out these incredible deals on Good Clean Love lube, massage oil and massage candles!

good clean love at Come As You Are

Good Clean Love Lube
phthalate-free 		On Sale Item Good Clean Love Lube
Even the filthy dirty can use a little Good Clean Love from time to time! Made from organically sourced ingredients, this paraben-free lube comes in unusual, but delicious flavours. Good Clean Lube water-based personal lubricant is totally condom compatible, vegan and free of petro-chemicals.

Ingredients: de-ionized water, agar, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, xanthan gum, organic flavour, organic vegetable glycerin, glucose, glucose oxidase, lactoperioxidase, benzoic acid
| more

| $12.00 , Reduced from $18.00

good clean love at Come As You Are

Good Clean Love Massage Candle
phthalate-free 		On Sale Item Good Clean Love Massage Candle
Give (or receive) a hot oil massage the natural and easy way! Good Clean Love Massage Candles melt at a lower temperature than regular candles so you can use the melted oil for a hot massage without worrying about getting burned. All of Good Clean Love candles are made with soybean oil, coconut oil, hemp-seed oil, avocado oil, apricot oil, jojoba oil, vitamin E and exotic blends of essential oils. Non-toxic and vegan. | more

| $12.00 , Reduced from $18.00

good clean love at Come As You Are

Good Clean Love Oil 4oz
phthalate-free 		On Sale Item Good Clean Love Oil 4oz
Made of pure and often organic essential oils, Good Clean Love Oil is a particularly sensuous and natural way to decrease friction between bodies, and to help heal and nourish skin. All Good Clean Love oils are made with apricot kernel oil, organic jojoba oil and Vitamin E.

Ingredients: apricot kernal oil, organic jojoba oil, vitamin e antioxident formula, exotic blend of essential oils
| more

| $14.00 , Reduced from $20.00

good clean love at Come As You Are

Good Clean Love Oil Gift Kit
phthalate-free 		On Sale Item Good Clean Love Oil Gift Kit
Made of pure and often organic essential oils, Good Clean Love Oil is a particularly sensuous and natural way to decrease friction between bodies, and to help heal and nourish skin. All Good Clean Love oils are made with apricot kernel oil, organic jojoba oil and Vitamin E. Sample all three flavours with this gift kit. One 1oz bottle of each of Origins, Indian Spice & Caribbean Rose.

Ingredients: apricot kernal oil, organic jojoba oil, vitamin e antioxident formula, exotic blend of essential oils
| more

| $18.00 , Reduced from $25.00

]]> Thanks for coming out to our recruitment party http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/thanks-for-coming-out-to-our-recruitment-party/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/thanks-for-coming-out-to-our-recruitment-party/#comments A6BD5E7F-BF06-2C52-A06CEEF7E9081293 Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 -0400 Why We Love Our JobsWow! You folks sure know how to rock a job fair! Thank you so much to all of the folks who came out last night for Come As You Are's first recruitment party. Big thanks to the current hiring committee for putting the whole thing together and for spending their weekend making beautiful cupcakes for us to enjoy.

Annanda collected some of what the current workers and worker-owners had to say about their work here at Come As You Are, and did an awesome job writing out our blurbs, and put them together so nicely in the store. Come by today to check them out, or take a look at the photos we posted.

We'll be sorting through all of the applications we received and we'll get in touch with potential interviewees soon! If you came by last night but didn't get all of the information you needed, or all of our answers about co-operatives provoked more questions, get in touch.

Thanks again to everyone who organized the evening and everyone who came to see us!

]]> Come As You Are’s Cooperative Recruitment Party http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/come-as-you-aree28099s-cooperative-recruitment-party/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/come-as-you-aree28099s-cooperative-recruitment-party/#comments 879CC90A-9F3D-E17F-82B9C7ECC69ABEEE Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 -0400 Spring Showers Contest http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/spring-showers-contest/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/spring-showers-contest/#comments 699AD266-DC5D-75DB-FAFE9B9604A84991 Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 -0400 Lelo InaPut some air in your tires and a spring in your step because it's springtime and we all know April showers bring...talk of female ejaculation! That much talked about and often debated phenomenon has the birds and the bees a buzzin'. Email us your favorite technique or ejaculation success or failure story to contests@comeasyouare.com by May 15th. We’ll share the stories (anonymously) on our blog. The winning entry will win the Lelo Ina and the DVD Tristan Taormino’s Expert Guide to the G-spot. ]]> Spring Newsletter http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/spring-newsletter/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/spring-newsletter/#comments 699413B6-D8C1-E728-ED9FEACD43AD1CDB Wed, 05 May 2010 00:00:00 -0400 Come As You Are Worker-Owners

This newsletter marks the beginning of our co-operative’s 13th year in existence. In some ways it seems like only yesterday that we first opened our doors (and six months later launched our first website). But it also feels like a long, long time ago. Much has changed and much has remained the same. When you’re a member of a co-operative every part of doing business is a little different than when you work at a regular undemocratic business.

With undemocratic businesses they’re always trying to project some corporate identity. Often it’s a projection of the oversized ego of the owner. Sometimes it comes directly from a marketing brain trust. But a co-op is its members. We’re regular folks who are lucky enough to, at least in our work, control our own destiny. It makes the co-op feel more like a human being than a brand identity. And this means that, just like other humans, we’re always changing and growing.

And now we’re a teenager! We’re not looking forward to the reduced sexual rights and respect that we know is coming our way during our teen years, but we are looking forward to seven years of intense introspection, wild imaginations, and discovering so many new things about ourselves and all of you.

We’re now half way through sharing our core values with you, and this newsletter we’re featuring the two that may be most descriptive of who we are.

Core Value #3: No Come Ons

We value information over sales, so we don’t come on to our customers. We believe you can talk about sex without resorting to titillation or hucksterism. While we appreciate sleaze as much as the next sex shop, it’s not what we do at Come As You Are. To make good decisions -- healthy decisions -- we all need accurate information and freedom from pressure and social expectation. That's why we don’t do cheesy marketing ploys or fake come ons. What we do do is honest, up-to-date information.

Oh, and we promise not to hit on you and ask that you don't hit on us. We guarantee that the only sex objects in our store are the products on our walls.

Core Value #7: Create Nerdy Fun

At Come As You Are, we love that sex can be nerdy, silly, and a whole lot of fun.

Creating nerdy fun means not taking ourselves too seriously. With so many social restrictions and taboos around sexuality it's easy to forget that sex is a wonderful kind of adult play. We're all self-identified sex nerds and working in a sex shop offers limitless opportunities to make nerdy fun. We can't think of anything more fun than getting to spend our days talking, thinking, and writing about sexuality.

At the same time we're mindful that for most of us sex is complicated, and we never make fun, or use humour to diminish diverse sexual experiences. When it feels like someone's being left out, we know we're on the wrong track and it's time to start again.

Learn more about our co-operative values and CAYA culture on our website, www.comeasyouare.com.

]]> Anonymous sex blogger discovered by boss, then fired http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/anonymous-sex-blogger-discovered-by-boss-then-fired/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/anonymous-sex-blogger-discovered-by-boss-then-fired/#comments 6551F18E-A810-78DA-3F82410F91F98807 Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 -0400 The internet: the solution, and cause, of all of life's problems! Recently, an American sex blogger - of the anonymous, but personally explicit variety - who had managed to keep her blog anonymous and secret to her employer, was fired when her employer discovered the blog. Apparently concerned about 'bad press', the non-profit fired the blogger and let her know that the blog was the reason. The firing isn't unusual in the world - people have been fired or denied employment for actions in their personal lives since employment was invented - but it is particularly interesting that the blogger was explicitly fired for keeping an anonymous sex blog.

The folks at Jezebel have covered this nicely, mostly focusing on whether the firing was actually a judgment of the worker's lifestyle. I'm not sure if the employer was actually concerned with PR or was just freaked out by the worker's sex life, and I'm not sure it matters that much.

I don't want to freak folks out, but it almost goes without saying that anything posted online or sent in an email has the potential to be made public. Between Facebook's ever changing privacy policies, occasional accidental public revelations of users' private data, the proliferation of hackers, and people's terrible password choices, it doesn't seem that anything online can ever been absolutely secure or private.

Our current moment in time may one day be recalled by history ebooks (or even nano-mind-books) as 'the age of the internet' but perhaps it will be recalled as 'the great coming out'. Queer folks are coming out voluntarily more than ever, and the sex secrets of mostly straight politician are also been pulled (less voluntarily) into the open, and if the secrets of everyday folks are at risk of exposure too, well, they can't fire all of us for having a sex life, can they?

]]> Anti-Pirate Porn Stars http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/anti-pirate-porn-stars/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/anti-pirate-porn-stars/#comments 54F1EC06-BBDC-D009-1A4497EF86B33202 Sun, 02 May 2010 00:00:00 -0400 Pirates DVDConcerned about the rising popularity of Pirates and Pirates 2, America's porn stars have joined together to created this decidedly non-pornographic video discouraging the public from viewing pirate porn. There are growing concerns that the roaming masses of naked, unemployed Johnny Depp look-a-likes may resort to plundering and pillaging Silicone Valley. Hm, that doesn't sound quite right - maybe I ought to actually watch the video.

In all seriousness, these porn star PSA-style video features some of our favourite porn stars (from Joanna Angel to Ron Jeremy, but alas, no Belladonna) speaking out against the downloading of pirated porn. Put together by the Free Speech Coalition in the US, their message is essentially identical to the arguments put forward by the music industry over and by the cable/satellite providers in the pre-internet era.

As a retailer, it feels like we should be vehemently against the pirating of porn, but the ethical arguments are complicated, and it seems that there is a tangible different between theft (i.e. taking an item from someone, thus depriving them of that item) and copying (i.e. taking an item from someone, but not depriving them of that item). However, it is also easy to argue that copying deprives the creator (usually of money).  If this is the argument the porn industry wants to rest on, they should also be speaking out against DVD rentals which similarly deprive the creator or producer of the funds that would be generated by a straight out sale of the DVD.

In any case, whether or not you think that downloading pirated porn is right or wrong, the porn industry is uniquely positioned in this fight. Porn popularized VHS back in the day (and DVDs more recently) mostly due to the ease with which one could copy porn illegally, but also because of the proliferation of adult video rental shops. Porn and sex most certainly played a huge role in popularizing the internet too, so it is odd to see the porn industry coming down hard on the media it basically created and popularized.

Watch the Free Speech Coalition videos. Via Wired

]]> New Sex Toys - Fun Factory, Tenga & More http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/new-sex-toys-fun-factory-tenga-more/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/new-sex-toys-fun-factory-tenga-more/#comments 4F2F2339-9FD6-B144-5BF47AE18817401F Sat, 01 May 2010 00:00:00 -0400 Come As You Are's Spring newsletter has sprung, and along with it comes lots of brand new offerings from some of our favourite sex toy makers from around the world! Check out our selection of men's toys from Tenga, two new rechargeable vibes from Fun Factory and a whole mess of plugs from our friends at Fuze!

]]> Contact Photography Festival - Bird's Minute by Idios http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/contact-photography-festival-birds-minute-by-idios/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/contact-photography-festival-birds-minute-by-idios/#comments 56751E85-096B-BDB0-3D01CD3034E0D1D3 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0400 Idios - Bird's MinutreBird's Minute, a photography exhibit in collaboration with the Contact Photography Festival.

Idios’ simultaneously sexy and disturbing portraits, of people who might be mistaken as feminine, mirror his respect and desire for them. He gives the viewer a glimpse of the performance and put-on involved in presenting femininity. In moments of lust, exclusion or rebellion, the dividing line between pride and shame, beauty and ugliness, strength and weakness becomes blurred.

Show runs from May 1st to 31st.
Art Opening:  Saturday, May 1, 2010. 7pm - 10pm.

]]> The Big Binder Sale http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/the-big-binder-sale/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/the-big-binder-sale/#comments 4B8FFF24-9AC0-4D6A-79025150E049505F Fri, 30 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0400 Looking for a binder, compression vest or some great trans-focused porn? Boy, have we got a deal for you! We've got some major binder overstock happening in our basement (not to mention the occasional bumblebee!) and with summer close at hand, Come As You Are would like to encourage you to slip into something more comfortable. We're offering 15% off all in-stock binders and compression vests, and 15% off all items we've arbitrarily marked as 'trans' or FTM relevant.

We know binders can be expensive, and we want you to know that we honour value 9 (be generous) by bringing binders to you as inexpensively as possible by applying a robin hood-style approach to our pricing (you know, except for the 'stealing from the rich' bit) and much to our accountant's chagrin, we don't take a cut on the binders we carry. Even better, if you bring us your used, but wearable binder, we'll give you $10 in Binder Bucks that you can spend on anything at Come As You Are - except workshops (one of the many other things we do for free).

As an added bonus, because our website takes an all-or-nothing approach to discounts, we're offering 15% off all products we've somewhat arbitrarily marked as 'trans' or FTM relevant. The sale includes books, dvds and even packers! Remember folks, this is a while-supplies-last kind of sale and it ends May 15th, 2010!

Check out our selection of binders and packers and trans-focused DVDs and books.

]]> Vegan Love http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/vegan-love/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/vegan-love/#comments 4B798D69-FD3A-8914-13F1A06361C815A4 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0400 It has never been easy being green, and condom manufacturers haven't made being vegan any easier, until now! If you've been in or around CAYA over the past few years, you may remember those blissful days when our condom selection was bountiful, and vegan condoms were easy to come by (anyone remember those awesome tri-coloured condoms? how about the beloved, and still missed Pleasure Plus? Sigh. Those were the days...)

With big thanks to those brave souls who tackled the Health Canada condom registration process to bring these condoms into our fine country, we're incredibly happy to bring Glyde Vegan Condoms to the CAYA community in Toronto and all through Canada!

You may remember Glyde from their awesome latex dams (can I offer you something in cola?), but they're also known for making condoms that aren't manufactured using a milk protein, making them totally vegan. Perfect for the animal-lover in your life! Wait, that didn't come out right: Perfect for the person who loves animals, but not in that way.

In any case, Glyde condoms rock our proverbial house with their sizing options too!  They offer a snugger fitting "slim fit" style, regular fit "ultra" and roomier "maxi" style.  Additionally, the "ultra" style is available as a flavoured condom (sorry, no cola, but we do have licorice, strawberry, blueberry, wildberry and vanilla available).  The unflavoured Glyde condoms are available in singles or packs of 12; Glyde flavoured vegan condoms are available in singles.

Check out our selection of Glyde Vegan Condoms.

]]> New Men's Toys - Super Head Honcho and Vibratex Duet http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/new-mens-toys-super-head-honcho-and-vibratex-duet/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/new-mens-toys-super-head-honcho-and-vibratex-duet/#comments 1CF07A67-E630-3B0C-4A63664DA307739B Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0400 This week we have a mini web update to catch up the folks online with what's been going on in store lately. We'll have a veritable party of new sex toys (including some gems from Fun Factory and Tenga), books and DVDs for you next week when our spring newsletter comes out, but in the meantime, here are a couple of new toys designed for men to tide you over!

The Sue Johanson endorsed Super Head Honcho has a lot going for it that comparable men's toys just don't have - especially at this price! We've tried hard to not hit you over the head with eco-sex marketing, but ever since we began discontinuing phthalate laden sex toys, it has become difficult to find suitable men's toys. Remarkably, the Super Head Honcho is a phthalate-free masturbation sleeve for men. With a textured interior and "suction compartments" provide good stimulation, and unlike a lot of similar sleeves, the Super Head Honcho has good deal of length and isn't capped at the end for ease of cleaning and use.

Vibrating rings are a ton of fun solo, but if you're looking for more, the Vibratex Duet will hit just the right note! With two built in vibrators, the Duet brings a whole world of vibration to everyday lovemaking. One vibrator can be set to vibrate on contact, while the other provides continuous vibration via an off/on switch. The non-toxic and phthalate-free elastomer ring and vibe-holder is completely removable for easy cleaning and battery replacement.

Check out the Vibratex's Duet ring and the Super Head Honcho sleeve.

]]> Does your website have a gender? http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/does-your-website-have-a-gender/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/does-your-website-have-a-gender/#comments 132FD3B4-CF0B-CBA9-C2E706689405C2DB Sun, 18 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0400 Like many folks out there, we rather resent having binary gender imposed on us, but sometimes gender can be an interesting (if narrow) tool for analysis. And sometimes, it just make for a fun web-based tool.

If you're someone who finds internet (and facebook!) surveys to be completely irresistible, you may get some enjoyment from this. The folks at uClassify (known for their web text classifier) have developed a text analyzer that proports to determine the gender of a particular website based on the text on the site. Much to our pleasure, comeasyouare.com was considered to be 'quite gender neutral' and was 53% 'female'.

To be fair, because we're a worker-owned co-operative and all of the worker-owners (and staff!) contribute co-operatively to our website and shop, it makes a ton of sense that our site reflects a variety of perspectives (gender and otherwise). Also, we've always consciously sought to include people of all genders and sexualities in our shop (and website) so I'm especially pleased that some arbitrary web-based gender analyzer has recognized this. As have many of you!

Gender Analyzer ]]> Accessible Erotica: Tactile Mind http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/accessible-erotica-tactile-mind/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/accessible-erotica-tactile-mind/#comments F907AE82-E84F-07EB-870084C697F2AE4F Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0400 We're thrilled to see this book getting so much mainstream press (CNN, BBC, Toronto Star, and the funniest, the NY Post). Photographer Lisa J Murphy came to us almost two years ago to introduce us to her tactile erotica and we fell in love with it. We think you will too. | more about Tactile Mind

]]> Keeping Your Privates Private - EXIF Data and You http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/keeping-your-privates-private-exif-data-and-you/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/keeping-your-privates-private-exif-data-and-you/#comments F371F088-058C-5100-732E6079530B0F51 Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0400 Pauly D - Guys With iPhonesThe internet has a way of making everything seem so anonymous - you can leave comments on blogs using a pseudonym, post a personal ad on Craigslist or get an email account with a fake name in mere moments. On some level, I think we all know that these online interactions aren't completely private since websites routinely log the IP address of users and internet service providers log the activity of their subscribers. I'm often comforted knowing that the data trail I leave online is most likely lost in the massive amount of data collected, and unless I do something that attracts the attention of authorities or someone wants to steal my identity, no one is going to pay much attention to what I personally do online.

In the world of online dating (and online hooking up) photos have clearly become mandatory, and cruising any personal site you can see the variety of photographic techniques employed to keep the subject of the photo obscured. This results in a lot of photos of headless people, disembodied penises and the like, but it isn't clear that simply removing identifying features from photos is going to keep your identity (or location!) private.

In the good old days of digital photography before every device on your person contained a camera, digital cameras only collected a few bits (er, bytes) of data along with the photo. This data (called EXIF data) contained information about your camera, a thumbnail of the photo and the date and time. Unless you didn't want folks to know about your new expensive camera or when you took the photo, you didn't have to worry about your photos violating your privacy.

The proliferation of phones with cameras and the popularity of geotagging on Flickr and Picasa changed everything. If your phone (or camera) has any kind of GPS in it, for your convenience your photos may also embed your latitude and longitude along with your money shot. This of course makes geotagging your photos easier, but it also means that anyone with a computer and a tiny bit of technical knowledge can find out exactly when and where you took that photo.

Lots of dating sites do seem to strip EXIF data from the photos you post with your profile, but this is far from standard and generally, we just can't expect every website to be worthy of trust So, if you're someone who cruises the internet for sex or love or you just like to post photos online, what can you do?

Well, actually, it is pretty simple to remove EXIF data from your photos and unless you find automatic geotagging particularly useful, it is a worthwhile endeavour. In Windows XP, you can view and edit the EXIF data by right clicking on your photo and selecting 'properties' and then the 'summary'. If you've got a Mac, you can view and edit EXIF data by selecting your photo and then 'get info' in the Finder.

If you take your privacy extremely seriously, you can use a meta-data removal tool like Exifer or JPEG & PNG Stripper. If you're feeling nosy and want to snoop on other folks' EXIF data, check out this handy Firefox extension.

]]> Consent and the Supreme Court of Canada http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/kinky-sex-at-the-supreme-court-of-canada/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/kinky-sex-at-the-supreme-court-of-canada/#comments E8622F55-0BD0-26C0-D9E1C98546B781D5 Sat, 10 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0400 Unfortunately, no actual sex (kinky or otherwise) will be happening among the supremes - or none that we know of - but it seems that the Supreme Court of Canada may have to decide whether an unconscious person can give consent. Yikes!

An Ottawa man was charged and convicted of sexual assault for penetrating his partner with a dildo while she was unconscious. Apparently, the couple was hot-and-heavy into asphyxiation and according to The Globe and Mail, their relationship soured and a few weeks later, the 'top' partner was charged. As it stands now, the conviction has been overturned by the Ontario Court of Appeals and almost inevitably, that decision will be appealed, and this will probably wind up in front of the Supreme Court of Canada.

This case is seriously problematic, and I'm probably being far too optimistic in hoping that this decision leads to some legal clarity for folks who participate in BDSM. I'll leave the asphyxiation warnings (auto-erotic and otherwise) to Dan Savage (he feels more strongly about this than I do), but in a country where the government does not meddle in our bedrooms, people who play with power and sex don't have any protection against accusations of sexual assault. Similarly, folks engaging in BDSM play who are violated or assaulted, will have a difficult (if not impossible) time explaining to authorities how consent works in their relationships.

I know the Canadian media and courts are framing this as an issue of whether a person can consent to acts performed while they are unconscious, but I'm not sure that consciousness is even relevant here. The Globe article used some nice touchy-feely analogies - eg. snuggling your lover while they're asleep - but I think that establishing consent while someone is bound-and-gagged is equally problematic and is almost equivalent here. Of course, millions of Canadians work out these issues every day on their own without the help of the government, but the question remains - what happens when things do go wrong and the cops are called?

I guess we'll find out soon enough...

]]> Doin' it Daily - all Vibrators on Sale http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-all-vibrators-on-sale/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-all-vibrators-on-sale/#comments B1F71885-0A56-6916-13DA748DC65362F6 Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400 Doin it Daily - Come As You Are Vibrator Sex Toy Sale

vibrators Doin' It Daily Deal: 20% off all Vibrators!
It is hard to believe, but the month of March is almost over and today is the final day for our Doin' it Daily deal of the day. Remember, each deal is only valid for one day, and today, receive 20% off all vibrators! Battery-powered or rechargeable, silicone or elastomer, we've got them all and they're all on sale | view our selection of vibrators!

]]> Doin' it Daily - Anal Toys on Sale http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-anal-toys-on-sale/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-anal-toys-on-sale/#comments A7A1E716-A77D-7F56-E1C678C59D3D4A31 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400 Doin it Daily - Come As You Are Sex Toy Sale

Doin' It Daily!
It's hard to believe, but the month of spring is upon us. To celebrate we're offering daily specials for the rest of March. Each day we'll post a new product on our home page at a dangerously sexy new price, good for one day only. We've got a little bit of everything, vibes, lube, dildos, porn, anal toys, erotica, and more. You can also click here to sign up and receive a fresh special every day. So sign up and save, and before you know it, spring will have sprung!

Anal Toys Doin' It Daily Deal: Anal Sex Toys!
Anal sex toys offer a wide range of sensations and possibilities for exploring anal play by yourself or with a partner. There are three main kinds of anal sex toys - plugs, beads and prostate massagers - and they're all on sale for one day only! | view our selection of anal toys Doin' it Daily Deal: 25% off all anal sex toys!

]]> Doin' it Daily - Silicone Sex Toys on Sale http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-silicone-sex-toys-on-sale/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-silicone-sex-toys-on-sale/#comments ACAC5752-BC2A-49B8-6D97DB5D3E642937 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400 Doin it Daily - Come As You Are Sex Toy Sale

Doin' It Daily!
It's hard to believe, but the month of spring is upon us. To celebrate we're offering daily specials for the rest of March. Each day we'll post a new product on our home page at a dangerously sexy new price, good for one day only. We've got a little bit of everything, vibes, lube, dildos, porn, silicone sex toys, erotica, and more. You can also click here to sign up and receive a fresh special every day. So sign up and save, and before you know it, spring will have sprung!

silicone sex toys Doin' It Daily Deal: All Silicone Sex Toys!
Silicone is an ideal material for sex toys - it is hypoallergenic, non-porous and easy to clean - and for today only, it is also on sale! All of our silicone vibrators, dildos and silicone sex toys are 20% off! | view our selection of silicone vibrators, silicone dildos and silicone anal toys!

]]> Doin' it Daily - Pack Man http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-pack-man-on-sale/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-pack-man-on-sale/#comments 92742E4E-FA3C-0920-DD0F5F4C54B0362A Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400 deal of the day!

Doin' It Daily!
It's hard to believe, but the month of spring is upon us. To celebrate we're offering daily specials for the rest of March. Each day we'll post a new product on our home page at a dangerously sexy new price, good for one day only. We've got a little bit of everything, vibes, lube, dildos, porn, anal toys, erotica, and more. You can also click here to sign up and receive a fresh special every day. So sign up and save, and before you know it, spring will have sprung!

Pack Man Doin' It Daily Deal:
Pack Man
Is that a new packer in your pants, or are you just happy to see us? Maybe it's both, since there's definitely a new packer in town. We were feeling a need for a more affordable but still durable packer, and one that would give us a colour selection, so we turned to our local dildo manufacturer, Happy Valley and asked them to turn our dreams into reality. | more info about Pack Man

Regular price: $40
Doin' it Daily Deal: $30

]]> Doin' it Daily - LifeStyles Skyn Condoms http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-lifestyles-skyn-condoms-on-sale/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-lifestyles-skyn-condoms-on-sale/#comments 8D879114-0B54-B7E8-901A06215937F400 Wed, 24 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400 deal of the day!

Doin' It Daily!
It's hard to believe, but the month of spring is upon us. To celebrate we're offering daily specials for the rest of March. Each day we'll post a new product on our home page at a dangerously sexy new price, good for one day only. We've got a little bit of everything, vibes, lube, dildos, porn, anal toys, erotica, and more. You can also click here to sign up and receive a fresh special every day. So sign up and save, and before you know it, spring will have sprung!

LifeStyle Skyn Condoms Doin' It Daily Deal:
LifeStyle Skyn Condoms
At long last, a non-latex condom that's affordable and provides protection equal to latex. Let us introduce you to LifeStyles SKYN, condoms made of stretchy polyisoprene to provide a more comfortable and custom fit than traditional polyurethane non-latex condoms at half the cost. | more info about LifeStyle Skyn Condoms

Regular price: $15
Doin' it Daily Deal: $12

]]> Doin' it Daily - Elastomer Cock Ring http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-elastomer-cock-ring/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-elastomer-cock-ring/#comments 8884B7A8-CC3C-F15E-7C736DD0CDB03D53 Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400 deal of the day!

Doin' It Daily!
It's hard to believe, but the month of spring is upon us. To celebrate we're offering daily specials for the rest of March. Each day we'll post a new product on our home page at a dangerously sexy new price, good for one day only. We've got a little bit of everything, vibes, lube, dildos, porn, anal toys, erotica, and more. You can also click here to sign up and receive a fresh special every day. So sign up and save, and before you know it, spring will have sprung!

Elastomer Cock Ring Doin' It Daily Deal:
Elastomer Cock Ring
This super-stretchy cock ring is easy to get on and off, but is elastic enough that it fits nice and tight. Made of elastomer rubber so you don't have to worry about latex exposure or those pesky phthalates! | more info about Elastomer Cock Ring

Regular price: $18
Doin' it Daily Deal: $14

]]> Doin' it Daily - Fun Factory Delight http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-fun-factory-delight/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-fun-factory-delight/#comments 83159EDE-C9F1-F5DF-B1324A41AD5DE694 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400 deal of the day!

Doin' It Daily!
It's hard to believe, but the month of spring is upon us. To celebrate we're offering daily specials for the rest of March. Each day we'll post a new product on our home page at a dangerously sexy new price, good for one day only. We've got a little bit of everything, vibes, lube, dildos, porn, anal toys, erotica, and more. You can also click here to sign up and receive a fresh special every day. So sign up and save, and before you know it, spring will have sprung!

Fun Factory Delight Doin' It Daily Deal: Fun Factory Delight
It's delicious, it's de-lovely, it's delightful... Fun Factory brings vibe design to a ultimate new height with Delight. Made of non-porous and phthalate-free silicone and hard plastic, this rechargeable, simultaneous external/internal vibrator charges in its own sexy, discreet case. The convenient handle accommodates both solo and partner play, and also helps to make the g spot and clitoral zones accessible at once. Featuring a wide variety of intensities and pulsations, Delight has to be seen--and tried--for yourself. | more info about Fun Factory Delight

Regular price: $172
Doin' it Daily Deal: $150

]]> Doin' it Daily - Nexus G-Play Medium http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-nexus-g-play-medium/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-nexus-g-play-medium/#comments 7ECBDC32-A78E-E6B7-BC8DAA5FBDAEF28C Sun, 21 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400 deal of the day!

Doin' It Daily!
It's hard to believe, but the month of spring is upon us. To celebrate we're offering daily specials for the rest of March. Each day we'll post a new product on our home page at a dangerously sexy new price, good for one day only. We've got a little bit of everything, vibes, lube, dildos, porn, anal toys, erotica, and more. You can also click here to sign up and receive a fresh special every day. So sign up and save, and before you know it, spring will have sprung!

Nexus G-Play Medium Doin' It Daily Deal: Nexus G-Play Medium
We love Nexus for their innovative silicone prostate toys, but we love them even more now that they're spreading the love to folks of all genders. The Nexus G-Play is a multi-function and multi-speed silicone vibe that works as well working the prostate as it does for g-spot play. The sleek, slender shape and variable speeds make it ideal for prostate and penetration play for newbies and anyone who likes a small but mighty vibe. Comes in three sizes. | more info about Nexus G-Play Medium

Regular price: $43
Doin' it Daily Deal: $30

]]> Doin' it Daily - Aslan Leather Jaguar Harness http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-aslan-leather-jaguar-harness/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-aslan-leather-jaguar-harness/#comments 795B46EF-A848-F2FD-BA3FAF8FD166D13F Sat, 20 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400 deal of the day!

Doin' It Daily!
It's hard to believe, but the month of spring is upon us. To celebrate we're offering daily specials for the rest of March. Each day we'll post a new product on our home page at a dangerously sexy new price, good for one day only. We've got a little bit of everything, vibes, lube, dildos, porn, anal toys, erotica, and more. You can also click here to sign up and receive a fresh special every day. So sign up and save, and before you know it, spring will have sprung!

Aslan Leather Jaguar Harness Doin' It Daily Deal: Aslan Leather Jaguar Harness
Aslan's Jaguar was an instant classic when it was revealed a few years ago. This is the Jaguar that started it all. Made from soft and supple garment leather, the Jaguar's D-rings allow for easy leg strap adjustment and comfortable wearing. Best of all, this harness is sexy-as-hell. Medium fits approximately 29"-45", large fits approximately 32" - 52". | more info about Aslan Leather Jaguar Harness

Regular price: $95
Doin' it Daily Deal: $80

]]> Doin' it Daily - Hitachi Magic Wand Massager http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-hitachi-magic-wand-massager/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-hitachi-magic-wand-massager/#comments 73B60074-D7C1-8CE8-B5BA7130FE4C7012 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400 Deal of the Day

Doin' It Daily!
It's hard to believe, but the month of spring is upon us. To celebrate we're offering daily specials for the rest of March. Each day we'll post a new product on our home page at a dangerously sexy new price, good for one day only. We've got a little bit of everything, vibes, lube, dildos, porn, anal toys, erotica, and more. You can also click here to sign up and receive a fresh special every day. So sign up and save, and before you know it, spring will have sprung!

Hitachi Magic Wand Doin' It Daily Deal: Hitachi Magic Wand
One of the few "brand names" in sex toys, the Hitachi Magic Wand is our bestselling vibrator. With a soft, tennis-ball-sized head and pulsating vibrations, this toy is a favourite for both solo and partner play. Two speeds: strong, and stronger.| more info about Hitachi Magic Wand

Regular price: $70
Doin' it Daily Deal: $60

]]> Doin' it Daily - Slippery Stuff http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-slippery-stuff/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-slippery-stuff/#comments 69B2E685-0473-06C0-99A039B1D75515E4 Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400 Slippery Stuff It goes on thick, but is silky when used, this stayput gel contains no sugar. Many find it easier to use for anal play. Very little taste and no glycerin. Slippery Stuff 4oz and 8oz on sale today!| more info about Slippery Stuff

Regular price: $11 - $16
Doin' it Daily Deal: $8 - $12

]]> Doin' it Daily - Liberator Throws http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-liberator-throws/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-liberator-throws/#comments 64649863-EED0-A3C2-180BF86EC57C8C3D Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400 Liberator Throws Want the throws of passion without the messy clean-up afterward? Looking for some hot kitchen floor sex without the bum crumbs? This brilliant little throw from Liberator provides an ideal barrier between your love-making and the rest of the world. These totally absorbent throws are machine washable and full reversible so you can have sexy satin next to your skin one hot night, and soft, snuggly microfiber the next. | more info about Liberator Throws

Regular price: $80
Doin' it Daily Deal: $60

]]> Dr. Feelgood or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Butt Plug http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/dr-feelgood-or-how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-love-the-butt-plug/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/dr-feelgood-or-how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-love-the-butt-plug/#comments 63B54E3E-BDAD-D003-C8AE5EBB876A6E61 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400 I really hate to ‘poke fun’ at other websites (or wait, do I really love it?), but being on the receiving end of a ton of strange emails, I do like to share with the rest of the world that may not be as lucky as I am to receive such gems. And in this case, I’ve learned so, so much about just who uses sex toys in this day and age. That is, only single people who are way too ugly and busy to get a partner. See the third paragraph – but really, read the whole thing. Here it is: www.doctorfeelgoodtoys.com

 

This website emailed me to suggest a link exchange, which I didn’t respond to, but found they had put www.comeasyouare.com up on their site anyway. I doubt we’re going to get much increased traffic from this exposure, but oh well. I can tell you that our values are definitely nowhere even close to being in line with theirs.

 

I’m also missing the whole point of this website. I’m guessing it might be some type of vessel for something else, I’m not really that internet smart. But it did provide me with a couple minutes of hilarious reading.

]]> Doin' it Daily - Fleshlight STU http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-fleshlight-stu/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-fleshlight-stu/#comments 5EA5222C-DF70-8C3C-AEA26190489A462C Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Get ready to master the fine art and science of brinksmanship with the Fleshlight Stamina Training Unit! Similar to the classic Fleshlight SpeedBump insert, the Fleshlight STU has exaggerated textured bumps all through the length of the sleeve. The idea behind the STU (and many masturbation programmes designed to help guys 'last longer') is that you masturbate to almost the point of orgasm, and then stop, and repeat. The extreme bumps of the STU just make the challenge a little more challenging! Comes with gold coloured case. Regular price: $85

Doin' it Daily Price: $65

Order Fleshlight STU at this price today only! ]]> Doin' it Daily - Master Han's Daughter http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-master-hans-daughter/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-master-hans-daughter/#comments 4FADE992-CE64-5AE6-40C0EC5EEA5C9A29 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400

One of our favorite sex educators and bondage teachers, Midori, brings us her newest fiction offering--and it was worth the wait! Master Han’s Daughter vividly describes the world of NeoToyko where cyberpunks, pharmaceutical companies, sex workers and Japanese traditions collide to create explicit erotic stories where sex is everything but simple. At times dark and tormented but always with a dash of humour, these characters offer up an erotic pallet both beautiful and violent. A distopic future brimming with sexuality and new erotic possibilities! Regular price: $13.99

Doin' it Daily Price: $10.50

Order Master Han's Daughter at this price today only!

]]> Come As You Are Blog - Eye Weekly Fleshlight Love http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/come-as-you-are-blog-eye-weekly-fleshlight-love/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/come-as-you-are-blog-eye-weekly-fleshlight-love/#comments 534AD5E7-D4E5-5EFD-43D68F07D16F0BEF Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400
Here's the link.
]]> Doin' it Daily - Red Hotz DVD http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-red-hotz-dvd-on-sale/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-red-hotz-dvd-on-sale/#comments 4FA79843-9816-B3E9-9745FBBC1AE219A6 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Got a thing for redheads? This DVD will be just the thing to spice up your evening! A collection of scenes featuring sexy cinnamon babes and their hot partners. All natural bodies. Best scene: the 2 girl light power play scene featuring a red haired pin up domme and her sexy sub, including smoking, soft spanking, flogging and toys. Regular price: $29

Doin' it Daily Price: $15

Order Red Hotz DVD at this price today only! ]]> Doin it Daily - Nexus G-Play on Sale http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-nexus-g-play-on-sale/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-nexus-g-play-on-sale/#comments 4533D955-03D5-4B8F-91A9E87581060A62 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400 Nexus G-Play 3 PackWhether you're feeling indecisive or just want everything all at once, the Nexus Range's G-Play vibrator satisfies both impulses. The G-Play series is a silicone, multi-mode vibrator perfect for g-spot play or anal play. This three pack includes the Small, Medium and Large G-Play vibrators at a nice discount! Regular price: $110

Doin' it Daily price: $90
More about Nexus G-Play

]]> Celebrating International Women's Day with a Little Old Fashioned Male Chauvinism http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/celebrating-international-womens-day-with-a-little-old-fashioned-male-chauvinism/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/celebrating-international-womens-day-with-a-little-old-fashioned-male-chauvinism/#comments 43ED659E-D00E-2854-03C870684C23DFFB Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400 Yesterday, as we rang in another International Women's Day, one of our staff members stumbled upon (or, ran into head-on) this ad on the front of the Metro daily newspaper. If anyone needs a reminder of why we still celebrate the fight for gender equality the ad is a good place to start.

 

 The Docker's khaki pants ad (yes, khakis of all things) attempts to evoke some sort of nostalgic reminiscing of those 'lost days' when patriarchy ruled supreme –“men took charge because that's what they did". According to Dockers, the threat to their glorious rule is not women (though now women are stuck with the chief challenge of opening their own doors), but rather androgyny, non-fat lattes and salad. Who knew a healthy diet had such influence?! 

 

The problem, as they see it, with this "genderless society" (a feat I myself thought we were an awfully long way from accomplishing), is that "the world sits idly by as cities crumble". Why is it that I don't think the advertisers are referencing Port-au-Prince or Concepcion? Yet, what seems like propaganda intended to make young men join the army is instead a call to khakis. Soft, light pants that stain if you get them dirty. This makes me smile and recall ... the rising of the woman is the rising of us all!

Happy (belated) International Women's Day!
(First image - Cover page of newspaper taken out as ad space. Second image - Inside front cover full-page ad and original front cover. Third image - text from "man shaped" ad)

dockers1dockers2

]]> Doin' It Daily - White Latex Gloves On Sale http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-white-latex-gloves-on-sale/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-white-latex-gloves-on-sale/#comments 3FD29002-A0A6-2577-F7B49E8E88AC7B92 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400 Latex GlovesPowder-free, latex gloves. Box of 100. Regular price: $24

Doin' it Daily price: $18
Get your hands on a box of Latex Gloves today!

]]> Doin' It Daily - NobEssence Linger Wood Dildo On Sale http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-nobessence-linger-wood-dildo-on-sale/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-nobessence-linger-wood-dildo-on-sale/#comments 3AB5BAAB-D04B-330E-7F522A6EF1285E69 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400 NobEssence LingerMake your love life sustainable with NobEssence wood dildos. The NobEssence Linger is the ultimate in luxury beads. With an ergonomic finger hold, Linger's smooth beads are ideal for either g-spot or anal play. Non-porous, waterproof and made of sustainable wood. Regular price: $160

Doin' it Daily price: $120
Find out more about NobEssence.

]]> Doin' It Daily - Bondage Tape On Sale http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-bondage-tape-on-sale/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-bondage-tape-on-sale/#comments 29DD3745-AEEA-40ED-263F271C6B284FF0 Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400 Bondage TapeLet your imagination loose with this incredibly versatile toy. 30' feet of re-useable tape that sticks to itself but not to you. Great for anyone who has a hard time with knots, and it looks sexy too! Regular price: $12

Doin' it Daily price: $8
Learn more about Bondage Tape.

]]> Doin' It Daily - Love Bumper Love Lounge http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-love-bumper-love-lounge/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/doin-it-daily-love-bumper-love-lounge/#comments 29D2D34C-E570-5C4E-586E1583157D6CC0 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400 Love Bumper Love Lounge Experience sex furniture that makes sex more fun and looks great doing it! The Love Bumper Love Lounge is a complete sex furniture system all-in-one. Open up your sex life to a whole new range of position possibilities with the ergonomically designed Love Lounge. Cover is removable, washable and waterproof. View Love Lounge sex positions on the Love Bumper website. Regular price: $300

Doin' it Daily price: $200
Learn more about Love Bumper Love Lounge.

]]> New Stuff! http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/new-stuff/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/new-stuff/#comments D871953D-E897-99EA-F108D4F44B7E252E Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0400 We've got some awesome new products around Come As You Are that we wanted you to check out. Even if you spent a little too much dough enjoying your Valentine's Day to the fullest, these new top-of-the-line toys won't disappoint, and won't break the bank. 

bSwish bCurious

bCurious – This awesomely shaped external vibe is an affordable option for those looking for a great multi-functional rechargeable vibe. http://www.comeasyouare.com/default/index.cfm/shop/product/bSwish-bCurious-Rechargeable-Vibrator/

Fleshlight Vibro – For years, we’ve had customers asking for a Fleshlight that combines vibration with it’s already excellent design. The new Vibro comes with three multi-speed one-touch vibes that are inserted into the sleeve to take this Fleshlight to a new level. It’s also a deal - $100 for sleeve and case, plus the vibFleshlight Vibrorators – and it comes in it’s own sexy tin.

http://www.comeasyouare.com/default/index.cfm/shop/product/Fleshlight-Vibro-Pink-Lady/

Lelo Mona – Lelo’s got a new design out – they’ve upgraded their traditional control pad with easier to use push buttons, as well as streamlined the design of the body of the vibrator. Check out Mona – a total steal on sale at $110. LELO Mona

http://www.comeasyouare.com/default/index.cfm/shop/product/Lelo-Mona-Vibrator/


]]> Meet the Minx http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/whats-new-in-store-and-online/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/whats-new-in-store-and-online/#comments 8AC6DFA8-1517-0AA5-64B8567615CC26F4 Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0400 The Minx Harnessminx harness black

This new harness from Aslan Leather is the epitome of sexy, comfortable, and functional. Similar to the ever-popular Jaguar, the Minx features a stunning, corset-style, lace-up back. Available in black ($165), leopard ($180), and as just the back as an addition if you already own a Jaguar ($65).

Click the image to view all new products from Come As You Are!


]]> Sexuality, Disability, and Attendant Services Survey http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/sexuality-disability-and-attendant-services-survey/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/sexuality-disability-and-attendant-services-survey/#comments EB4AECB5-1517-0AA5-64D7CF14FEBE1BEF Sun, 03 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0400 The Sexuality and Access Project is a Trillium funded community research project that is looking into the ways that folks who use attendant services and their attendants deal with negotiating sexual requests.

If you need attendant services you probably need your attendant to assist with some aspects of sexual expression (whether that’s dressing up the way you want, going out to a strip club or bar, a sex party or sex store, etc….)

But attendants receive no training and little guidance on what is and isn’t part of their job, and if you use attendant services you’ve probably never had any training or guidance on how to talk with an attendant about sex.

This project is an initial effort at addressing these lacks and developing training and resources for both attendants and people who use attendant services.

If you use attendant services, they want to hear from you. You can fill out a survey here (you’ll have to cut and paste the URL, sometimes the link doesn’t work):

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/6TPRSRR

If you need assistance in filling out a survey, or would be able to participate in a phone survey, please contact the project coordinator, Fran Odette, at the information below.

There is also a survey for attendants.  If you know of attendants who you think would be interested in completing the survey, they will have to cut and paste that survey address below and paste into their server. It should take them directly to the attendant survey:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/V7TSFYD

To learn more about the project or to receive a version of the online survey in alternate format, contact 

Fran Odette, Project Coordinator at 416-968-3422 Ext. 30 or at f.odette@gmail.com

This project is done in partnership with the Centre for Independent Living in Toronto, Niagara Centre for Independent Living, and Independent Centre and Network

]]> The What You Really Wanted Sale http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/the-what-you-really-wanted-sale/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/the-what-you-really-wanted-sale/#comments CC131320-1517-0AA5-6409ECCDAE1F032E Sat, 26 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0400 We can't help but love any tradition that encourages giving to others, but we're even bigger fans of self-love and firmly believe that one should do unto oneself as good as or better than one does on to order!

In the spirit of giving, we're making self-pleasuring less painful with our boxing week sale. In store, check out our wheel-o-deals for your chance to win prizes and discounts! Online, save 5% when you spend $50, 10% on $100, and a whopping 20% on $200!

]]> 12 Days of Sex Toys - A Partridge in a Pear Tree http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/12-days-of-sex-toys-a-partridge-in-a-pear-tree/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/12-days-of-sex-toys-a-partridge-in-a-pear-tree/#comments 758A1398-1517-0AA5-64F2226F235341D0 Thu, 24 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0400 When you work in retail it’s impossible not to get every holiday song stuck in your head at least once. The 12 Days of Christmas is a particularly pernicious one, so we decided to stop fighting it and make it our own. If you’re thinking of doing a little sex toy shopping over Christmas or the holidays, and you’re not sure where to start, let the 12 Days of Sex Toys be your guide.

In some versions of this classic song, the last day is also for “true love”. Our suggestion for today isn’t something you buy at all. It’s just that you spend some time today, and hopefully over the rest of the holidays, doing something to take care of yourself and give yourself a little bit of pleasure, however you define it. The holidays aren’t always a time we remember to take care of ourselves, but taking time out of your day to show yourself a little love and pleasure can go a long way toward making the holiday season more manageable.

Happy holidays from all of us at Come As You Are!

]]> 12 Days of Sex Toys - Two Turtle Doves http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/12-days-of-sex-toys-two-turtle-doves/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/12-days-of-sex-toys-two-turtle-doves/#comments 75883D80-1517-0AA5-64D4C347DD162663 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0400

When you work in retail it’s impossible not to get every holiday song stuck in your head at least once. The 12 Days of Christmas is a particularly pernicious one, so we decided to stop fighting it and make it our own. If you’re thinking of doing a little sex toy shopping over Christmas or the holidays, and you’re not sure where to start, let the 12 Days of Sex Toys be your guide.

Migrate away from heteronormativity (because turtle doves migrate…get it?) and surprise the man in your life with a turning of the tables. Also known as Bend Over Boyfriend or pegging, more and more straight-identified guys are discovering the pleasures of being penetrated by their female partners. Let your fears fly away and glide into this comfy harness and dildo set designed just for this kind of play.

Bend Over Beginner Kit

]]> 12 Days of Sex Toys -Three French Hens http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/12-days-of-sex-toys-three-french-hens/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/12-days-of-sex-toys-three-french-hens/#comments 75848D69-1517-0AA5-64691813EAD70215 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0400

When you work in retail it’s impossible not to get every holiday song stuck in your head at least once. The 12 Days of Christmas is a particularly pernicious one, so we decided to stop fighting it and make it our own. If you’re thinking of doing a little sex toy shopping over Christmas or the holidays, and you’re not sure where to start, let the 12 Days of Sex Toys be your guide.

Domesticated or not, we know how French hens love their independent cinema, and we know if they could watch porn, they’d be clucking their way through the ever growing genre of alt and indie porn. Satisfy your craving for something different...

Alternative and Indie Porn

]]> Last Day for Free Holiday Shipping http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/last-day-for-free-holiday-shipping/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/last-day-for-free-holiday-shipping/#comments B3E008F6-1517-0AA5-647073EA615F5FA9 Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0400 Stuff this in your stocking!Wrap it up! Today is the last day all Canadian orders get free Canada Post XpressPost shipping, and orders over $100 also receive a special gift which you can keep for your self or stuff in someone else's stocking! XpressPost orders must be placed by Tuesday, December 22 at 9AM to ensure holiday delivery, Next Day orders can be placed anytime up to December 23rd at 3PM EST. | more ordering information

]]> 12 Days of Sex Toys - Four Calling Birds http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/12-days-of-sex-toys-four-calling-birds/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/12-days-of-sex-toys-four-calling-birds/#comments 75803DB6-1517-0AA5-64E2B8E07D1AECA9 Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0400

When you work in retail it’s impossible not to get every holiday song stuck in your head at least once. The 12 Days of Christmas is a particularly pernicious one, so we decided to stop fighting it and make it our own. If you’re thinking of doing a little sex toy shopping over Christmas or the holidays, and you’re not sure where to start, let the 12 Days of Sex Toys be your guide.

We couldn’t decide which Calling All Angels song to reference here (Train, Lenny, or a little CanCon Jane Siberry?), but the point is that these calling birds are clearly calling out for one angel in particular, the Earth Angel. And why not, it’s a vibrator that cares as much about the planet as it does about your pleasure. Birds love it, we think you will too.

Earth Angel

]]> 12 Days of Sex Toys - Five Golden Rings http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/12-days-of-sex-toys-5-golden-rings/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/12-days-of-sex-toys-5-golden-rings/#comments 757CA184-1517-0AA5-646F820901851A73 Sun, 20 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0400 When you work in retail it’s impossible not to get every holiday song stuck in your head at least once. The 12 Days of Christmas is a particularly pernicious one, so we decided to stop fighting it and make it our own. If you’re thinking of doing a little sex toy shopping over Christmas or the holidays, and you’re not sure where to start, let the 12 Days of Sex Toys be your guide.

This one’s almost too easy. We’re not sure you need five golden cock rings (unless you have five fellas on your shopping list) but rings can offer men a completely unique way of experiencing sex and rediscovering their genitals. Ring in the holidays right.

Penis Rings

]]> 12 Days of Sex Toys - Six Geese A-laying http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/12-days-of-sex-toys-six-geese-a-laying/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/12-days-of-sex-toys-six-geese-a-laying/#comments 7574AD04-1517-0AA5-6469C119EC65D887 Sat, 19 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0400 When you work in retail it’s impossible not to get every holiday song stuck in your head at least once. The 12 Days of Christmas is a particularly pernicious one, so we decided to stop fighting it and make it our own. If you’re thinking of doing a little sex toy shopping over Christmas or the holidays, and you’re not sure where to start, let the 12 Days of Sex Toys be your guide.

All these geese getting laid got us thinking--if your goal is specifically to get laid, as opposed to just feeling sexual pleasure or getting turned on--what would we recommend? Since getting laid to us means sex with at least one other person, we’d have to go with our library of books written for two or more people. There’s no guarantee they’ll get you there, but if you get yourself there, they’ll help with what to do next!
Sex Books for Two or More

]]> 12 Days of Sex Toys - Seven Swans A-swimming http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/12-days-of-sex-toys-seven-swans-a-swimming/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/12-days-of-sex-toys-seven-swans-a-swimming/#comments 7543A216-1517-0AA5-64C02989B767025C Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0400

When you work in retail it’s impossible not to get every holiday song stuck in your head at least once. The 12 Days of Christmas is a particularly pernicious one, so we decided to stop fighting it and make it our own. If you’re thinking of doing a little sex toy shopping over Christmas or the holidays, and you’re not sure where to start, let the 12 Days of Sex Toys be your guide.

If we had to choose the single greatest, yet possibly the simplest, innovation in sex toys over the past twenty years, we’d have to choose the waterproofing of vibrators. Waterproof sex toys are always a better choice, they’re easier to clean, more difficult to break, and you can use them in the snow!

Waterproof Sex Toys

]]> 12 Days of Sex Toys - Eight Maids A-milking http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/12-days-of-sex-toys-eight-maids-a-milking/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/12-days-of-sex-toys-eight-maids-a-milking/#comments 754030FB-1517-0AA5-64B780AA0A4EE8C1 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0400 When you work in retail it’s impossible not to get every holiday song stuck in your head at least once. The 12 Days of Christmas is a particularly pernicious one, so we decided to stop fighting it and make it our own. If you’re thinking of doing a little sex toy shopping over Christmas or the holidays, and you’re not sure where to start, let the 12 Days of Sex Toys be your guide.

We weren’t the ones to come up with the term “prostate milking”, but we couldn’t pass up a double entendre like this one. Forget about the g-spot analogies, the prostate is a unique pleasure centre for many men, and these prostate massagers were built for the job, and built to last.
Prostate Massagers



]]> Help Save the Toronto Women's Bookstore http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/help-save-the-toronto-womens-bookstore/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/help-save-the-toronto-womens-bookstore/#comments 9994E5A2-1517-0AA5-640A20F3B8A8CBEE Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0400 Toronto Women's Bookstore.

Dear TWB community,

The Toronto Women's Bookstore is in crisis and we need your help!

Independent businesses and bookstores have been closing their doors this
year, and after 36 years it is possible that we will have to do the same if
we are not able to raise enough money to survive. TWB is one of the only
remaining non-profit feminist bookstores in North America, but despite all
of the events, courses, workshops, community resources and additional
services we offer, the fact that we are a store means that we do not receive
any outside funding and rely entirely on sales and the support of our
customers to stay in business.

Over the past few years, our sales have not been enough to sustain us and
this is why we are coming to you, our community, for help. If every one of
you donated $10 we would raise enough to keep going for 3 months, $20 each
would keep us in business for 6 months, and $30 each would be enough for us
to keep our doors open, hopefully for good. All donations will go directly
towards covering the bookstore's costs, and are a part of a larger plan of
action and structural change to make the business sustainable in the current
economy.

In the past, when feminist bookstores were closing down all across North
America, the support of the community is what kept TWB alive. You are the
reason that we are still here today, and we believe that with your help we
can once again work together to save this organization where so many of us
as readers, writers, feminists, artists, and activists have found a home.

You can make donations over the phone, on our website
www.womensbookstore.com (paypal link available soon), or in person at the
store. As a non-profit store we are not eligible for charitable status and
cannot offer tax receipts, but we are hoping to be able to offer tax
receipts for donations over $100 in collaboration with a non-profit charity
who shares our mandate, and we will have that information available on our
website and in store as soon as possible.

You can also help by spreading the word to your friends and community,
contacting us if you know of any funding we might be eligible for, promoting
this fundraising drive in your paper or on your blog, website or radio show,
organizing your own save the bookstore fundraisers or just passing the hat
at your holiday parties, giving a TWB donation as a gift, and of course,
coming in and bringing all your friends to the store for some holiday
shopping!

Thank you all for your support,
The Toronto Women's Bookstore Board, Staff & Volunteers ]]> 12 Days of Sex Toys: Nine Ladies Dancing http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/12-days-of-sex-toys-nine-ladies-dancing/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/12-days-of-sex-toys-nine-ladies-dancing/#comments 752D56DF-1517-0AA5-64BD8F46262812CB Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0400 When you work in retail it’s impossible not to get every holiday song stuck in your head at least once. The 12 Days of Christmas is a particularly pernicious one, so we decided to stop fighting it and make it our own. If you’re thinking of doing a little sex toy shopping over Christmas or the holidays, and you’re not sure where to start, let the 12 Days of Sex Toys be your guide.

Dance to the beat of your own choosing with OhMiBod’s innovative vibrators, powered by music. Their newest toy, the Freestyle, is the first wireless music massager, dance, and orgasm cord-free at home, at the clubs, or, if you want to live dangerously, at your office holiday party.

OhMiBod: Music Directed Vibration

]]> 12 Days of Sex Toys: Ten Lords A-leaping http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/12-days-of-sex-toys-ten-lords-a-leaping/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/12-days-of-sex-toys-ten-lords-a-leaping/#comments 75283025-1517-0AA5-64865A75E0614407 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0400 When you work in retail it’s impossible not to get every holiday song stuck in your head at least once. The 12 Days of Christmas is a particularly pernicious one, so we decided to stop fighting it and make it our own. If you’re thinking of doing a little sex toy shopping over Christmas or the holidays, and you’re not sure where to start, let the 12 Days of Sex Toys be your guide.


Our anal sex toys are exciting enough to inspire a hop, skip, and maybe jump. But add a little vibration your favourite butt plug, prostate massager, or dildo, and we promise your lord will be a-leaping with delight. 
Vibrating Anal Toys



]]> 12 Days of Sex Toys: Eleven Pipers Piping http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/12-days-of-sex-toys-eleven-pipers-piping/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/12-days-of-sex-toys-eleven-pipers-piping/#comments 75220142-1517-0AA5-647F76541B0AA825 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0400 When you work in retail it’s impossible not to get every holiday song stuck in your head at least once. The 12 Days of Christmas is a particularly pernicious one, so we decided to stop fighting it and make it our own. If you’re thinking of doing a little sex toy shopping over Christmas or the holidays, and you’re not sure where to start, let the 12 Days of Sex Toys be your guide.

With all the erecting activity our products inspire, sometimes we feel like we should be wearing hard hats to work.  We don't have one favourite way to our lover's pipes a-piping, but we want to single out the impressive number of educational books and videos that offer oral sex tips, guaranteed to arouse and engorge genitals of all styles.
Oral Sex DVDs and Oral Sex Books

]]> 12 Days of Sex Toys - Twelve Drummers Drumming http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/12-days-of-sex-toys-twelve-drummers-drumming/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/12-days-of-sex-toys-twelve-drummers-drumming/#comments 751B9E50-1517-0AA5-64847038779CD785 Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0400 When you work in retail it’s impossible not to get every holiday song stuck in your head at least once. The 12 Days of Christmas is a particularly pernicious one, so we decided to stop fighting it and make it our own. If you’re thinking of doing a little sex toy shopping over Christmas or the holidays, and you’re not sure where to start, let the 12 Days of Sex Toys be your guide.

Nothing keeps those cheeks rosy in the winter like a little playful percussive love (aka flogging, spanking, caning, whipping). Check out our selection of pleasure implements that will help you set the rhythm of your passion all year long.

Floggers, Paddles, and Crops

]]> Synergy and Rhythm: OXFAM/ArtCorps Fundraiser http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/synergy-and-rhythm-oxfamartcorps-fundraiser1/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/synergy-and-rhythm-oxfamartcorps-fundraiser1/#comments 7E55EB27-1517-0AA5-6437F760F68CDBDA Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0400 From Toronto-based, Columbia-born artist Monica Gutierrez: 

THE CAUSE:  In El Salvador, one out of every three women is a victim of violence. Young women between the ages of 15 and 29 years are most often targeted, typically by male relatives and teachers. Despite growing awareness about the problem of violence against women in Latin America, public policies still lack a gender perspective and police, prosecutors and other authorities continue to use discriminatory terms and practices in cases of murdered women and violence against women.

In response, ArtCorps is initiating a new partnership with Oxfam America and the Gender-based Violence Prevention Campaign in El Salvador. ArtCorps is sending Colombian-born, Toronto-based artist Monica Gutierrez to fill a volunteer position in order to empower communities in building stronger, more peaceful societies by using participatory arts as a strategy for education and engagement. Monica will also strive to perpetuate the use of participatory art as an innovative tool for empowering and educating communities among non-governmental organizations.

OXFAM/ArtCorps Fundraiser
WHEN: Sunday, December. 20th, 2009
WHERE:  Teranga African Bar & Restaurant (159 Augusta Ave), 5:00PM
PWYC, suggested $10.00 donation payable at door.

Performing:
- "The Resolutionaries" Zimbabwe Marimba band led by Chaka Chikodzi with Africville Productions (http://www.africville.net/)
- Jadea Kelly (http://jadea.ca/)
- Capoeira dance performance (Open roda)
- DJ Soulquest

]]> December 17th Speakout - Toronto Event to End Violence Against Sex Workers http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/december-17th-speakout-toronto-event-to-end-violence-against-sex-workers/ http://www.comeasyouare.com/blog/december-17th-speakout-toronto-event-to-end-violence-against-sex-workers/#comments 5B2705B8-1517-0AA5-64B6CA817977BF2E Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0400 Maggie’s: The Toronto’ Sex Worker’s Action Project is hosting an event on December 17th,  the 7th International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers.  From the flyer:

Join Maggie’s Toronto this December 17th 2009 – the 7th International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers for an open mic/speakout to share our experiences as sex workers who have faced violence and demand an end to the ongoing criminalization and other forms of violence in our work.

When: Thursday December 17th
Time: 7pm to 9pm
Where: Innis Town Hall, 2 Sussex Avenue
 
Opening remarks and Aboriginal Elder teachings will precede the speakout. This will be a facilitated speakout to ensure the safety and dignity of sex workers.

This is a sex worker positive event.
ALL ARE WELCOME

http://www.maggiestoronto.com/ ]]>