Dec 032013
 

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Good Vibrations QUICKIES Erotic Shorts Competition Comes to the Castro

Erotic Film Fest Keeps it Short and Sweet with Sexy Cinema from Around the World

SAN FRANCISCO: Good Vibrations invites you to enjoy some lively loving at the 8th annual QUICKIES Indie Erotic Shorts Competition on Friday, December 6th at the Castro Theatre where filmmakers from around the world show their stuff in 7 minutes or less. Funny, serious, explicit, romantic, straight, queer, kinky, and more, the Quickies celebrates the range of sexuality with a fun and sexy party and screening.

Don your gay apparel and come early for the NSFW debauched holiday pre-party in the Castro Theatre mezzanine where film goers warm up for a night of sexy cinema with festive cocktails, live music by the Undulations, inappropriate burlesque by Red Hots Burlesque, and sexy give-aways from the Good Vibrations Wheel of Pleasure. Then it’s onto the erotic short film competition where the audience decides who gave it best, and the film with the most applause wins $1,500.

This high-quality collection with a comedic bent includes a wide variety of tastes and budgets, reflecting a more diverse and entertaining sexual range than in mainstream media. Awarded SF Weekly’s “Best Place to See Your (Talented and Attractive) Neighbors Naked,” this year’s finalists include neighbors from Denmark, Spain, Australia, Germany, France and the United States with films like “I Fucking Love IKEA,” “Biodildo,” and “After Midnight Bedtime Stories,” exploring everything from sexy furniture assembly to sci-fi three-ways and erotic historical fiction.

A panel of saucy queens MCs this collection of sexy films, including Good Vibrations’ own Staff Sexologist Dr. Carol Queen, and San Francisco drag legends D’arcy Drollinger, Trixxie Carr, and Hugz Bunny, lending insight and laughs to the unusual experience of watching erotic cinema with strangers.

Good Vibrations QUICKIES Short Erotic Film Competition
When: Friday, December 6th
Time: Pre-party 7:00pm – 8:00pm, Screening 8:00pm – 9:30pm
Where:Castro Theatre, 429 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/508203
More details: www.goodvibesquickies.com

Sponsors & Partners:
Good Vibrations would like to thank and acknowledge the following sponsors and partners for their friendship and support: LELO, Stockroom, Pink & White Productions, Leather Etc., San Francisco Bay Guardian, East Bay Express, Bay Area Reporter, Speakeasy Beer, Hot Cookie, The Sausage Factory, Evolution Fresh Juice, the Phoenix Hotel, and the Center for Sex and Culture.

ABOUT GOOD VIBRATIONS
Good Vibrations is the San Francisco Bay Area based retailer trusted for more than three decades to provide a comfortable, safe environment for finding quality products, trusted information and educational materials to enhance one’s sex life. Visit online at, goodvibes.com. Please follow us on Twitter @GoodVibesToys

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Good Vibrations — the women-friendly sex toy store promoting quality sex toys, vibrators, sex education, and pleasure since 1977.
Nov 152013
 

The infamous sex toy reviewer and blogger Epiphora did a fantastic sex toy gift guide on the November 15 episode of Sex Out Loud, so we are sharing it here! –Tristan

Vibrators

LELO Mona 2 vibratorMy #1 pick is the Mona 2 vibrator from LELO. I’ve become so obsessed with this toy lately that I’m pretty sure everyone’s getting sick of hearing about it. But it covers all the bases: it’s rechargeable, strong, fully submersible in water, and the shape is just awesome. It has a bulbous end for great G-spot stimulation, but it’s also sort of tapered on one side, so it sits nicely between the labia when used clitorally. It also has incredible range in terms of vibration, so a person who doesn’t know how much power they need yet can find out.

As a bonus, it comes in a box that’s already perfect for gift-giving. You can literally just toss a bow around it and be done. Which is great because I’m already having flash-forwards to how much peppermint schnapps I’m going to have to drink while I wrap presents this year, just to make it bearable.

We-Vibe Touch vibratorLELO Mia 2 vibrator
If you’re looking for a solid clitoral vibe, my favorite rechargeables are the We-Vibe Touch and LELO Mia. The We-Vibe Touch is one of the most powerful rechargeable clit vibes I’ve ever tried, which, of course, I love, and the LELO Mia is USB rechargeable, so it’s basically the best travel vibe ever.

Pleasure Works Silver Bullet vibratorPleasure Works Diving Dolphin vibrator sleevePleasure Works Wild Hare vibrator sleeve
Pleasure Works makes a couple 100% silicone sleeves called the Diving Dolphin and Wild Hare, and those fit over any vibrator with a diameter of an inch or so. They fit perfectly over the Silver Bullet, which consequently is an excellent starter vibe, and they give it some extra grip, too, which is awesome.

Dildos

Vixen Creations VixSkin dildos

Some of my favorite dildos of all-time are the dildos made by Vixen Creations. They have a dual-density pure silicone called VixSkin that is highly detailed, delightfully squishy, and will last a lifetime. I’m addicted to it, to put it mildly.

Tantus Rocket dildoPleasure Works Siren dildoLELO Ella dildo
I’m also a big fan of G-spot dildos. If your gift recipient is new to G-spot stimulation, a really simple silicone dildo with a good G-spotting head will do the trick. I really like the Tantus Rocket, the Pleasure Works Siren, and the LELO Ella.

njoy Pure Wand dildoNobEssence Seduction dildoJopen Key Comet G Wand dildo
But if they’ve already found their G-spot and want to up the ante a bit — perhaps even learn to squirt — I absolutely adore the njoy Pure Wand, which is stainless steel, the NobEssence Seduction which is made of wood, and the Jopen Key Comet G Wand, which is half-glass and half-silicone. All of them are basically G-spot homing missiles, so you can’t go wrong.

Fun Factory Stronic Eins pulsatorTantus Splash dildoCrystal Delights Crystal Twist
But what if the person you’re buying for already has a hefty sex toy collection? I’d suggest a toy that offers a truly unique sensation, and I would know which ones do because I have a very discerning vagina. I suggest you check out Fun Factory’s Stronic line. These toys do not have traditional motors; they actually contain weights that move back and forth. Yes, like a Shake Weight. Except for your vagina. And a lot more useful. The Stronics are not cheap, but I think they’re worth it. And I don’t say that a lot about $200 toys.

If $200 is a bit much, and I don’t blame you there, look up the Tantus Splash or Crystal Delights Crystal Twist. These two dildos are oddly shaped, yet feel so wonderful because of it.

Anal Toys

Fun Factory Bootie butt plugnjoy Pure Plug butt plugNobEssence Romp butt plug
If your gift recipient has never tried anal play, I would suggest the Fun Factory Bootie, a little silicone plug with a curved tip. It’s cute, small, and it has a great base.

If they’re more well-versed in anal, they’ll love the njoy Pure Plug, which is stainless steel, or the NobEssence Romp, which is wood. Both feel amazing and really have that “wow” factor when you open them because they’re so gorgeous.

Kegel Balls

LELO Luna Beads kegel balls

My favorite kegel balls — and I’ve tried quite a few — are the LELO Luna Beads. These are inserted vaginally and can be worn around, to make mundane tasks less excruciating. Oh, yeah, and they tone the PC muscles, too. But mostly the sensation of the inner balls rolling around is just really fun.

Sleeves

Fleshlight line-up

Fleshlights are awesome. My boyfriend is super picky about sleeves, but he loves the luscious material used to make Fleshlights… as do I (you can sometimes find me casually fingering one). There are about a million to choose from, from basic orifices to extremely detailed porn star vulvas. There’s even a build-your-own option.

Other Stuff

Sportsheets Under the Bed Restraint System

If you want to veer off the traditional sex toy path, there’s always the Sportsheets Under the Bed Restraint System. This thing basically turns any bed into a bondage playground, complete with both wrist and ankle cuffs. And when you’re done, you can just toss the straps and cuffs under the mattress, effectively hiding them away from your kids… or in my case, my cats.

Sliquid lube is the best

And finally, I must mention lube! It’s the best. Everyone should use it. My favorite brand is Sliquid, because all of their lubes are glycerin- and paraben- free. I say get some lube samples and stuff them in a stocking. Plus then you can do a lube flight and find out what both of you like.

Can’t decide?

If you can’t decide, and if I’m overwhelming you with suggestions, see if your favorite sex shop does gift certificates (hint: Good Vibes, Babeland, SheVibe, Early to Bed, Come As You Are, and Tantus all do). One thing you can do is make a list of potential toys to show your partner — you could even put together a sex toy brochure or menu or something — but leave the final say up to them. This shows that you put some effort and research into it, but ultimately you’re giving them the reins. People love having the reins.

Oct 102013
 

Sportsheets logo

 

Sportsheets Signs Sex Educator & Author Tristan Taormino as Brand Ambassador
Award-winning writer & radio show host to promote Sportsheets with multi-media partnership

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. – Oct. 10, 2013 – Sportsheets has tapped award-winning sex educator, author and radio host Tristan Taormino for an expansive multi-media partnership. Through radio spots, product placement, workshops and more, Taormino will showcase Sportsheets soft bondage and sexual positioning accessories to thousands of curious fans and help promote the company’s sex-positive message.

“It’s an honor to have Tristan represent the Sportsheets brand through this exciting new endeavor and work with a progressive writer and educator respected by so many people,” Sportsheets President Julie Stewart said. “This is a unique opportunity for us as we continue to put a special focus on the educational side of pleasure product sales.”

Starting this month, Taormino will help put Sportsheets products in the hands of men, women and couples from all walks of life through a variety of high-traffic channels. On her popular VoiceAmerica radio show “Sex Out Loud,” Taormino will give away a Sportsheets item to one lucky listener each week and suggest branded items to listeners looking to explore BDSM play. Her series of educational films produced by Adam &Eve will feature a variety of Sportsheets accessories, and upcoming college seminars will include free Sportsheets product giveaways.

“My fans appreciate sexual adventure, kinky sex and sex-positive companies that promote education and Sportsheets is a perfect fit,” Taormino said. “The company is made up of great people dedicated to making quality products and promoting them in a sex-positive way. And the team has demonstrated a real commitment to bringing people closer together through sexual exploration. Plus their products actually work and are accessible to and affordable for people from different walks of life.”

Taormino will promote the Sportsheets brand at various public appearances, workshops and lectures inspired by steady demand for more BDSM and kink-themed workshops.

“Students are really hungry for education about this area of sexuality and it’s exciting to be able to give them quality tools to help them explore it,” Taormino said.

Taormino also has been tapped to provide educational content for Sportsheets upcoming website revamp to support the brand’s continued commitment to providing smart sex-positive tools to its consumers.

“This is an exciting time to be an adult product manufacturer as society has never been more comfortable with sexuality and its significance in modern society,” Sportsheets CEO Tom Stewart said. “We’re helping to inspire a whole new way of intimate thinking and partnering with Tristan, an esteemed member of the sex education field, is the perfect catalyst.”

Please email your sales representative or sales@sportsheets.com, or call (714) 698-0877 to schedule yours today!

For more information about Sportsheets, please visit http://Sportsheets.com.

For product information, please email info@sportsheets.com, or call (800) 962-4606.

Sportsheets International has helped ordinary couples find new pleasure and explore new positions together with specialized “relationship tools” since 1993, when the Sportsheet sexual positioning and restraint system broke into the market. The company now offers more than 350 specialty items, including the Sportsheets Premium restraints, sexual positioning products, and strap-on harnesses; redefining S&M with the Sex&Mischief® line; the Manbound collection for gay couples; Naughty Night Out bachelorette line; Tease the Season Christmas novelties; XOXO2U Collection of Sportsheets-inspired romance; and the award-winning Sex in The Shower® collection. All of the company’s brands individually and collectively support its goal of Keeping Couples Connected!®

Sep 202013
 

cnnlogo

Tristan Taormino talks to Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen about the recent HIV scare in the adult industry and her decision to go condom only. Check out the video piece here and the longer written article here.

Sep 112013
 

benevidz

Thanks to Vanessa & Frank for tipping me off to this news story from BetaBeat.com:

The brainchild of two recent Colorado State University grads, Benevidz is an online webcam community where people can practice the old Internet pasttime of performing sex acts on webcam in order to raise money for charity. The site functions akin to other webcam porn enterprises: people pay money for access to a livestream of a man or woman stripping, and can cough up more money to get them to perform specific acts. Only with Benevidz, a portion of that money goes to the charity of your choice (Benevidz says they already have 7 “reputable charity organizations” who have agreed to participate).
Read full article here.

 

If you want to make this project happen, they’re currently raising money here, so you can help them out and soon link your webcam porn pleasure with your social justice causes!

Aug 272013
 

Quickies-Logo-2013

The Quickies!

Good Vibrations Quickies Erotic Shorts Competition

Funny, serious, romantic, cynical, straight, gay, queer, documentary, international, etc. – if it’s 7 minutes or LESS send it our way! (extra points for early entry)

WHO SUBMITS

Independent film makers of all kinds are encouraged to send in their short erotic films.  Whether you’re an established indie filmmaker, an art student, a budding filmmaker, or just having fun with your Flipcam, we want to see your stuff!

WHAT IS EROTIC, ANYWAY?

The term is as broad as the number of people considering it, so whether it’s an arty narrative, stand-up comedy, soft lovemaking, or hard core fucking, if it turns you on, it’s erotic. Funny, serious, romantic, cynical, straight, gay, queer, bring it on.  Animation, documentary, short fiction, music video are all fair game.  See official Submission Rules.  Submissions must be 7 minutes or less.

PRIZE MONEY

Our 2013 Audience Choice Award Winner will receive $1,500.  Finalists will receive VIP passes to the pre-party and tickets for friends and family for a screening at the Castro Theatre in San Francisco on Friday, December 6th, 2013.

Submission Deadline

New Extended Deadline! All films must be received by September 30th by Good Vibrations. Films may be submitted by mail or delivered by hand to Good Vibrations / QUICKIES, Attn: C. Lombard at 1404 Franklin Street, Oakland, CA 94612 or delivered to any Good Vibrations store.

Checklist:

The following documents are required with every Entry (download from the drop-down menu above):

  1. a completed Eligibilityform and Submission App,
  2. and IF THERE IS NUDITY (bare groin and/or breasts): a completed and signed copy of the “2257Release
  3. Format: please send a quicktime file in an NTSC frame rate (24p, 60i, 30p etc) on a DL DVD or thumb drive.
Aug 012013
 

AugustisAnal

Pioneering Sex Positive Retailer Invites You to Get Cheeky with Educational Workshops & Timeline

SAN FRANCISCO (August 1, 2013): August is “Anal Pleasure Month” according to Good Vibrations, the trusted San Francisco-based company that takes pride in providing accurate information on sexuality and toys for grown-ups. In celebration of this theme they have put together an impressive timeline of the history of anal sex, along with a month of workshops and events in California to bring know-how and pleasure to the people.

“While anal pleasure is widely enjoyed, it is still considered taboo, so access to clear and accurate information about it is sadly limited. Good Vibrations declared August to be Anal Pleasure month as a way to illuminate the subject and make information available to interested adults. You can see how the cultural conversation around anal sex has evolved in our anal history timeline –- it’s fun and fascinating!” says Staff Sexologist Dr. Carol Queen.

Good Vibrations has also teamed up with famed sex educator and author Tristan Taormino to celebrate Anal Pleasure Month on her Sex Out Loud Radio show where she’ll be discussing the ins and outs of safe and fun anal play. Tristan directed The Expert Guide to Anal Sex and has her own collection of favorite sex toys at Good Vibrations, including “Back Door Beginner” kit and Beginner Pegging Kit and also contributed to Good Vibrations’ anal history timeline. This and other anal safe toys will be featured in the month of August.

Follow along online as Anal Sex Month highlights useful resources and information, normalizing and celebrating anal pleasure. Good Vibrations’ Social Networks including Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr, Google Plus, and even Instagram and Vine with hashtag #analpleasuremonth.

Jun 282013
 

SAN FRANCISCO (June 28th, 2013): Good Vibrations, the trusted San Francisco Bay Area based multi-channel retail company that takes pride in providing accurate information on sexuality and quality sex toys for grown-ups, is delighted to announce a new partnership with Tristan Taormino. Taormino is an award-winning author, sex educator, speaker, filmmaker, and radio show host.

 

Good Vibrations and Taormino have joined forces, inking a one year deal to collaborate on several projects including Good Vibrations as the exclusive sex toy retail sponsor for the second season of Taormino’s popular radio show, Sex Out Loud.

Taormino will act as a brand ambassador for Good Vibrations for the next twelve months. In this role, Taormino will promote Good Vibrations during public appearances and college events, write original content for the Good Vibrations online magazine, promote exclusive kits and her favorite recommended toys for the stores and website, and spearhead Good Vibrations’ annual campaign about ‘backdoor’ pleasure- Anal Pleasure Month in August.

“Good Vibrations is the original sex-positive sex toy store that dramatically changed the sex education landscape. I’ve recommended them for years because of their commitment to quality products and exceptional customer service. I’m thrilled to have Good Vibrations be the presenting sponsor of Sex Out Loud, and excited to represent such a wonderful company,” says Taormino.

Good Vibrations Executive Vice President, Jackie Strano had this to add: “We are so pleased and elated to be working together. This is a perfect partnership of two brands that deeply care about people’s pleasure and sexual health. Besides being a wonderful human being, Tristan is a powerhouse sex positive feminist mover and shaker. It’s going to be a fun year!”

About Tristan Taormino®
Tristan Taormino® is an award-winning author, sex educator, speaker, filmmaker, and radio host. She is the author of seven books and has edited 25 anthologies. Taormino is the producer and host of Sex Out Loud®, a weekly radio show on the VoiceAmerica Talk Radio Network. She has directed and produced twenty-four adult films that have won more than a dozen awards. She has appeared on Melissa Harris-Perry, Joy Behar: Say Anything, HBO’s Real Sex, The Howard Stern Show, Loveline, MTV, CNN, NBC, MTV, Oxygen, Fox News, and The Discovery Channel.

Sex Out Loud premiered in 2012, and is the top-rated show across the entire network. It airs live every Friday at 5:00 pm Pacific time and 8:00 pm EST.

ABOUT GOOD VIBRATIONS
Good Vibrations is the San Francisco Bay Area based retailer trusted for more than three decades to provide a comfortable, safe environment for finding sex-positive products and educational materials to enhance one’s sex life. Good Vibrations offers its products through its retail stores and website. Stores are located in San Francisco, Berkeley, and Oakland, CA and in Brookline, MA.

Jun 182013
 

A participant practices her electrical play skills during the pro course

“The class was intense, amazing, fun and of course, extremely educational. From new techniques to spirituality, every subject was touched upon and discussed in a comfortable and non-judgemental way. I would highly recommend this class to anyone, from the seasoned pro to the novice.” ~ Mistress Chun Jae-Min, San Francisco (more pro testimonials)

Erotic Dominance Intensives: the Pro Course – Now In its 12th year!

This powerful and intimate three day workshop is for women with personal interest and experience in BDSM who want to hone their techniques and find their very own ethical style as professional Dominas. This Intensive will deepen your understanding of fetishes and appreciation of kink, including your own!

Who Dominatrix Training is For

You may already be a Professional Domme and wish to acquire new skills and refresh your style. Or you may be a private player wanting professional Mistress skills. In this powerful workshop you will learn much, not only from instructors but also from the combined experience of the other participants and the Academy’s seasoned male bottoms.

Major Subject Areas

  • Psychology and physicality of BDSM
  • Finding your authentic professional Dominant Persona
  • Scene dynamics: developing the scene, making it work, and what to do if it doesn’t
  • Understanding fetishes and how to use them as a Mistress
  • Expanding limits: yours and your client’s
  • BDSM play as a path to empowerment for you and your clients
  • Boundaries and ethics
  • Managing your business (legalities, taxes, marketing and more!)

Tuition | What it Covers

$900, covers the following:

  • 3 full days of lectures, demonstrations, hands-on exercises and real time scenes
  • Group and one-on-one instruction
  • Experienced volunteer bottoms
  • Snacks and beverages
  • Seminar and Q/A time for each subject area
  • Comprehensive workbook (100+ pages)

Improve your professional practice as a FemDom with hands-on BDSM skills training and business and marketing strategies that will make you a Domina everyone respects!

Questions?

Visit our FAQ page. Or call Cléo at 650.322.0124.

Next Course

The Dominatrix Training Intensive August 16-18, 2013 will fill up!  Click here to enroll.