| Sunday, July 27, 2008 |
| 40 Years Old and Lookin' Shabby |
They say that 40 is the new 30 and occasionally even the new 20. Forty can still look sexy, vital and just coming of age. Or haggard.
This week Humanae Vitae turned 40. Sources say it hasn't aged a day since 1968 when it was issued by Pope Paul VI, but that's exactly why it looks as it does: anachronistic. Humanae Vitae (On the Regulation of Birth), is the Vatican's rejection of family planning, published to reassert the Church's unwavering condemnation of contraception.
Now at 40, the Humanae Vitae received an open birthday card via the big boss at the Vatican, the dude who inherited responsibility for it and doesn't seem to be making any moves to adapt to the realities that some of his predecessors didn't have to deal with. The birthday letter was written and signed by 60 organization from across Europe, South and North America. The well-wishers begged the Pope to remove the ban on condom use. This ban places Catholics and others around the globe in danger of HIV and STIs, and which is especially disadvantageous for women and people in poor countries, where sexual health tools and accessible family planning is most desperately needed.
The response from the Vatican newspaper, Osservatore Romano,was that this “law” was way ahead of its time. Perhaps there is something to this. It took the Bush Administration decades to catch up and start condemning contraceptive use along the lines of the Vatican and moral purity.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Sunday, July 20, 2008 |
| Neutering Sex Talk |
This must be one of the smartest bits of sex education that you can do in 30 seconds flat. It says a lot of what needs to be said, and ironically, its not even meant to be doing sex ed, just appealing for animal care.
PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, has made another contraversial but hard-hitting statement that has (almost) everybody peeved and bitching. But why the big shock? Could it be because sex education is so sorely lacking that when you see this video you grasp the fact that sex can so easily be misunderstood and ill-informed? Or maybe its scary to be told that those in charge might be more confused over the issues than the recipients themselves.
Have you heard that sex education is not the reason for the sexual revolution or for the rule of porn in the media? Read the research, it's actually the other way around.
In any case, PETA deserves a word of thanks and congratulations on a message that hits the mark, actually, two marks. When the conservatives and religious fronts are doing all they can to block this ad, you know you may be saying something of importance. Now can someone explain why the Christian right has a problem with spaying and neutering animals? I thought it was only women they were against.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Sunday, July 13, 2008 |
| Talk about a Sexy Campaign! Or Not. |
It may seem like the US election campaigns are going on forever, but there is always a hot, new angle, and this time its McCain and Obama condoms. Not only is it proving to be a popularity contest between the two, but its actually promoting something useful, for a change.
The brainchild of Benjamin Sherman of Practice Safe Policy in New York, these condoms are quite ironic, in light of a few comments being made by the respective prophylactic heroes. McCain, it has become clear, is not a fan of sex education, public funding for contraception, or upholding America's commitment to fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa.
Recently, when asked if condoms stop sexually transmitted diseases, McCain replied “I've never gotten into these issues or thought much about them”. Okay, so we're all happy that the Republican leader claims to know nothing of STDs. How about providing your constituents and young Africans with the knowledge and instruments to enjoy that same privilege, huh?
By the way, I personally think that the McCain condom is much safer that the Obama one. It simply relieves me of any sexual urge.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Friday, July 04, 2008 |
| (Forget the porn associations) Watermelon Really is Good for Your Sex Life |
Can you imagine summer without being sticky, red and juicy? Watermelon makes everyone happy and it is just about to make you ecstatic. Prepare for the ultimate marketing pull-off.
As if its not enough that it tastes as sweet as childhood summers but is healthy and can be dietetic, researchers at Texas A&M University (Patil et al.) have just discovered that it is a natural sexual aid.
Watermelon contains a chemical known as citrulline. Actually, it is mostly in the rind, but it is also found in the sweet flesh of the fruit. Once you digest it, it converts into arginine, which triggers nitric acid and therefore relaxes the blood vessels, especially around the genital area. Translation: blood collects in the nether areas, the same effect caused by Viagra and friends, leading to erections in men and lubrication in women. Something to think about on those long, hot mid-summer nights....
And for those who stay away from watermelon because of the sugar, the same experts tell us that citrulline and arginine can be beneficial for obesity and diabetes type 2 (not only because it may lead to sex, but for unelaborated physiological reasons too).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|