Newsletter No. 18: SUMMER 2002

The Queen Is Coming

We can’t believe it’s been four years since our favourite educator, performance artist, and sex-positive raconteur graced our fair city, but after much scheduling and planning she’s finally coming back, and bringing her partner in sex-fun with her.  We’re thrilled to announce that Drs. Carol Queen and Robert Morgan Lawrence will be coming to Come As You Are for three days of workshops and one phenomenal evening of performance (see inside for workshop details).  

We know that not everyone who gets this newsletter will be able to make it to Toronto (but if you’re already planning a trip, why not skip the CN tower and take a workshop on anal play instead?).   One day, perhaps, there will be co-op sex stores across the country, and we can have national tours, bringing the best and brightest of sex to Powell River, Iqaluit, and Summerside.  But until that time (and while we can dream, we shouldn’t hold our breath) you can still bring a piece of Carol and Robert home.

With their best-selling Bend Over Boyfriend video series, Carol and Robert present the information that everyone has been waiting for.  The first instructional video to reveal the  fact that male anal pleasure is being enjoyed by both men and their female partners everywhere.  BOB is an instructive guide that features real couples demonstrating strap-ons and dildos on each other. BOB 2, the sequel, includes more great performances by real people plus one of our favorite porn stars, Chloe and some of the best ever over the top scenes of realistically good sex.  You can also catch Carol teaching and coming in her expose on vibrators, called Great Vibrations, in which several toys are demonstrated in a wholesome no-holds-barred sex-education style.  

We don’t have enough room to mention all, or even most, of Carol’s book credits.  But for starters, check out Exhibitionism for the Shy, an educational tour through voyeurism, dressing up and acting out fantasies for those who thought they could never do it. 

For those of you who can make it to Toronto we are kicking off Carol’s visit with an evening of  performance at Tallulah’s Cabaret. Carol will perform Peep Show, a solo performance based on her experience inside the private booths of San Francisco’s Lusty Lady Theatre.  To give the evening that Canada-loves-the-US feel (but no flags, we promise), two of our favourite Canadians, Mirha-Soleil Ross and Mariko Tamaki,  have agreed to grace the stage (and us) with performances.  To top it all off, profits from the evening will be going to Hassle Free Women’s Clinic.  Peep Show will be held October 4th , doors will open at 7pm, show starts at 7:30pm and tickets are $10 sliding scale. The location is Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander St and the space is accessible. Advanced tickets at Come As You Are. For more information call 416-504-7934.

 
Bend Over Boyfriend
Oct. 6, 7:30- 10:00 pm
The stars of our best-selling video on male anal pleasure for couples will guide you through the basics of safe, comfortable, and pleasurable penetration for guys.  Learn the ropes about choosing the right dildo & harness, communication, and much more.
Cost: $25.00

Advanced Anal Play
Oct. 7, 7:30 pm -10:00 pm
Learn to give yourself or a partner exquisite and intense sensation through penetration (including large toys and lots of fingers), enema play, SM, and more.  Covers advanced techniques and plenty of info on health, safety, anatomy and more!  
Cost: $25.00

The Big(ger) O for Couples
Oct. 8, 7:30 pm- 10:00 pm
Couples of all genders and orientations are invited to learn how to make orgasms stronger and more pleasurable.  Covers anatomy, arousal, partner communication, and overcoming sources of sexual dissatisfaction.
Cost: $50.00 per couple

Other Very Exciting News!
The biggest news of the summer for us is that our co-op has grown again.  We have a brand spanking new worker-owner among us, the charming and talented Chantele Martin.  Chantele has been our store manager and book buyer for the past year and we were tickled pink when she agreed to buy in and saddle up for a life of selling dildos and fighting the good co-op fight.    

Finally we will be making our third return to this year’s Everything To Do With Sex Show.  The show has always been something of a whirlwind for us.  We get to meet tens of thousands of people, see some of our favourite porn stars, and drink a lot of girly drinks, all in the name of capitalism. As if seeing our smiling faces wasn’t reason enough to come to the show, after October 1 we’ll be giving away free tickets to the show when you drop by the store. When you pick up your free tickets you will also automatically be eligible to win exciting prizes including a free Everything To Do With Sex Show jacket, and sweatshirt.  Is there anything better than a bribe that won’t get you arrested?  The show runs from October 31 to November 3.  

Toys

Silver toys of glitter and excitement are sure to attract a crowd. An assortment of toys that are both cleverly designed and aesthetically pleasing.

The Lady of the Lake is certainly pleased with this vibe, named after the famous Excalibur, inspired by tales of knights and goddesses.  Long silvery shaft, smooth and seamless, with a great handle.  Two speeds and a strong vibration.  $29.00

Waterproof Dagger is a silvery beauty of a toy.  Perfect for cavorting in moonlight and late night skinny dips.  The Dagger is a quiet, slender and very powerful treat! $22.00

If you love both the look and feel of metal, the stainless steel Heavy Metal is what you’ve been looking for. The grooves on this vibe are great for Kegel exercises, and the tip is pronounced enough for great g-spot stimulation.  Our heaviest vibe, with a wicked strong vibration provided by 2 'C' batteries. $72.00

As well as the artistically pleasing toys, we have some new lovies for anal pleasure. These toys are affordable, good for both the novice and the experienced, and extremely cute. It’s a great time to celebrate anal play, join the makers of Bend Over Boyfriend and buy a jelly treat. 

Jelly Ripple is made of glorious smooth soft shimmering pliable purple jelly that provides waves of pleasure, getting bigger as you go.  $18.00

The new Jelly Beads are made of a semi-soft jelly that is soft enough to be comfortable, but firm enough to be noticeable.  Perfect if you're looking to work your way up, and great for dual-penetration too.  $14.00

The Purple Pleaser is made full of sparkly good looks and great for maneuverability. Also made with a suction base that makes use with a condom very easy. Firm with an arrow shape that is sure to please. $36.00

Books

Erotica and educational values are often seen as two separate functions. Yet, often people are inspired by the erotica writings to try new things at home or to expand a fantasy that has been waiting in the wings. As well, educational books can lead to new erotic horizons never before explored.

In Wet, the exciting new follow-up to the best-selling Aqua Erotica, a new group of writers explore the themes of love, lust, and water. And of course, this collection is also waterproof and fully submersible, for avid bathers of all erotic appetites. $24.00

The Best of Friction is an excellent collection of graphically juicy gay tales. From the boy next door to the group encounter in the alley, all the classics are here as well as some new favorites. $27.00

The classic, from the Kensington Ladies’ Erotica Society, has now been re-printed after critical acclaim. The volume, Ladies’ Own Erotica, was originally published after a group of women over forty gathered to write down their erotic ideas. Thus was born the society and the result was a collection of funny, sensual, and often endearing stories of sexual experimentation. $23.95

The newest collection from the group (who are now in their late 60’s and 70’s) deals with themes of getting older and dying. Sex Death and Other Distractions is a fabulous collection of witty well-written stories full of heroines and sexual mavens. A definite acknowledgement that sexuality is a life-long adventure. $24.95

On the educational side, The Ultimate Guide to Cunnilingus is the newest edition to the ultimate family of educational books. A technical play-by-play of all aspects of oral play including negotiating with partners, shaving and waxing, women’s anatomy, and female ejaculation. $24.95

Videos and DVD’s

An exciting new collection of educational videos and DVD’s that feature explicit demonstrations and real information. Learning that is fun with a little bit of excitement.

The Better Sex Series is the educational series that set the standard for explicit instruction without the porn. All three volumes are packed with tips and discussion by sex therapists and educators with demonstrations by actors. Heterosexual focus.VHS $45.00, DVD $45.00 each volume.

The Joy of Erotic Massage is a delightful demonstration by two couples of all the different hand strokes needed for a full body massage including eroticism. Great step-by-step explanations as well as information on setting the mood, learning to take time, and skills for exploration. A diverse cast. VHS $55.00, DVD $55.00

The Tantric Guide to Better Sex features real couples explaining the skills they have learned through tantra. A thorough and tasteful demonstration of positions, breathing, meditation and touch. Heterosexual focus. VHS $55.00, DVD $55.00

Taoist Sexuality contains a great blend of basic information with erotic motivation. Shot in beautiful outdoor sequences with information covering breathing, positioning, and stretching exercises. At the same time, this title is sexually explicit and promises to arouse while it educates. VHS $50.00, DVD $50.00

Please Don’t Stop features a group of women discussing pleasure and the power of experimentation. Explicit scenes of sex follow with lots of lube and toys. Features an all women of colour cast and crew, explosively real orgasms, and a spectacular off-the-charts female ejaculation scene. Lesbian focus. VHS $65.00

Workshops

Tantra and the Kama Sutra
September 4, 11, 18, 25, 7:30-10:00 pm
This four week course is divided into two parts: the philosophies and practices of Tantra and the Kama Sutra, an ancient Indian text, that has enjoyed a resurgence of popularity for its perspective and instruction on sex. With Sudharshan Duraiyappah. Cost is $65.00

Bend Over Boyfriend October 6 7:30-10:00 pm
Advanced Anal Play October 7 7:30-10:00 pm
Big(ger) O for Couples October 8 7:30 –10:00 pm
A selection of workshops with Drs. Carol Queen and Robert Morgan Lawrence. See inside for more details.
Cost is $25.00 per workshop.

Sexual Ecology: Safe Play and SM Survival
October 29 7:30-10:00 pm
A workshop on erotic health and psychological safety. Discussion will focus around relationship dynamics, sexually transmitted diseases, safer BDSM, negotiated power play, and polyamory. With Dr. Ian C. Boulton. Cost is $15.00

Girl Parts & the Big O
November 13 7:30-10:00 pm
Learn about the what and where of women’ sexual anatomy and the why and how of orgasm – in its myriad forms.  For those with girl parts.  $20.00