Follow us on Twitter!

Bay Area Stores: http://www.twitter.com/GoodVibesSF

Brookline: http://www.twitter.com/GoodVibesMA

Q: Who is Twittering at GV?

A: It’s anyone who wants to tweet about the company — everything from a crazy day at the Valencia store, to upcoming events and of course, sales and toys. It’s the marketing department, the web department, the SESAs on the floor, and more.

There are TONS of new features on our new site, and one of them is the much anticipated VOD and PPM. What is Video on Demand? It’s just that — you buy it online and watch it right then! What’s PPM? Pay Per Minute means you can check out a few minutes — scan ahead and browse — or buy the whole discs’ worth of minutes and watch the video in the comfort of your own laptop. Maybe you’re wondering what a studio is like, and want to get a short glimpse before throwing down all your money on a DVD you may not care for when it arrives in the mail.

The Video on Demand (Digital Downloads) and Pay Per Minute (PPM) options we now have are available for quite a few of our DVD films. If you see the little play button, that’s what that is! Why is it not available for all videos? Well, because some smaller studios do not offer their content online like the big budget producers can. And that’s okay, because you’ll probably want to support those smaller companies with a great purchase of their DVD.

Okay, what’s new besides VOD stuff… is international shipping, and a Buyers Discount Club where you can earn points for each purchase. Sweet!

So, log in and take a look!

WWW.GOODVIBES.COM 

There’s an event at the end of May that I think is going to fall under “fun” but could also be totally informational… depending on the information you seek… Here’s the info. I hope you all will mark your calendar, make a mental note or enter into your fancy phone… cause I have a feeling it’s going to be a good time!!!!

Hope you’ll all show up to our store on May 31^st for some afternoon delightfulness!!!

Peanut butter & jelly. Cheese & wine. Oil & vinegar. Jeremy Fish and vibrators? The unthinkable has happened, as Jeremy Fish (www.sillypinkbunnies.com) has joined forces with Upper Playground to create the world’s first* (tighty-whitey wearing) vibrating beaver. Barry The Beaver will be making his debut at Good Vibrations this month and to celebrate, Upper Playground and Good Vibrations are throwing an old fashioned party/beaver signing, with Mr. Fish himself. On Saturday, May 31st, come down to Good Vibrations ( @ 17th St.) for food, DJ’s and Jeremy Fish.

Barry The Beaver will be for sale at Good Vibrations (stores and website) as of 5/5/08, so you’ll be able to pick one up on the day of the event. Good Vibrations will also have the ultra rare Black Barry The Beaver, but they will be gone fast (on the endangered species list…only 200 pieces, worldwide), so pick yours up IMMEDIATELY.

This will all be going down from 3-5 pm, so bring your appetite and something for Jeremy to sign (preferably your beaver).
See ya there…

*May or may not be true.

Need proof? Just check out the Masturbate-a-thon. That’s right, it’s an event to rival all marathons… for those of you training for the AidsLifeCycle right now, I’m sure you’re secretly wishing the event was based on a different kind of pedaling!

Good Vibrations sponsors the event, held at the Center for Sex and Culture on Sunday, May 15th at 3:00PM. For those of you living outside the SF Bay Area, have no fear; you can participate from wherever you are, and, you can even tune into the festivities from the comfort of your own computer. That’s right, this year the even is going to be on the net in real time. Hosted by Nina Hartley and Tom Orr, it’s sure to be a hit so register now! Go to Masturbate-a-thon.

If you need some inspiration, be it vibration or suction, reading materials or a DVD, hit up Good Vibrations for some accessories. Good Vibrations created National Masturbation Month eleven years ago, under the premise that sexual pleasure is a birthright and that masturbation is a powerful source of sexual gratification.

The design team at Good Vibrations is welcoming Graphic Designers for hire! Join our fun team of wacky talented sex positive designers. If you’ve already got a job, don’t worry! You can still join in the fun by submitting to our 3rd Annual Good Vibrations Amateur Film Competition poster contest!

If posters seem a little flat, try your luck at underwear! ISIS (Internet Sexuality Information Services) is hosting a contest for custom panty and boxer patters.

http://www.undiescontest.com/

“For all those things that plug in that you can’t leave lying around your living room without eliciting some awkwardness, head to GOOD VIBRATIONS. The place is a pleasure Mecca, suited to give life to all of your fantasies, you dirty bird. The place truly rocks out with its rubber cock out, offering a buffet of vibrators, dildos, clamps, rings, harnesses, fetish toys, and more. And there are classes! Always wanted to learn how to take it in a different hole? Good Vibes can teach you. Visit online for a catalog and schedule of upcoming classes.”

GOOD VIBRATIONS | 308-A Harvard Street, Brookline | 617.264.4400 | goodvibes.com

…Would the editor of this blurb feel awkward at my home? Yes. Yes they would! … And just to be clear, it’s Silicone cocks that we’re rockin’. ; )

~Kuono

Tristan will be in San Francisco in June to help launch her book – through an After Hours workshop on June 2nd and then through a delicious launch party on June 5th. The party will be celebrating the launch of Opening Up but also of her fourth release of the Chemistry Series. The launch should be a blast and I’d you to stop by as there will be some special guests – besides Ms. Taormino!

Tristan also just launch a new website in conjunction with Opening Up. Here’s the info:

“Author and Village Voice columnist Tristan Taormino has launched a brand new website in anticipation of the release of her new book May 1. OpeningUp.net is a website for people interested in open relationships of all kinds, including monogamy with benefits, nonmonogamy, partnered nonmonogamy, swinging, polyamory, polyfidelity, solo polyamory, mixed orientation marriages, and other relationships styles beyond monogamy. It features a blog, an extensive resource guide, message boards, and the Open List, a list of professionals (therapists, social workers, psychiatrists, psychologists, consultants, relationship and life coaches, doctors, lawyers, etc.) who are experienced and knowledgeable about alternative sexuality, lifestyles, and relationships. Check it out!”

We are thrilled to be a part of the launch and look forward to much success for Opening Up – the book and for the website to continue to inspire and be a reference for folks.

Sex Water™

That’s right — Sex Water™ is the coolest way to replenish your sex drive, hydrate your body’s own lubrication, and satisfy your craving for one of the most natural things we just can’t live without… water!

April Fools! Seriously: Please keep hydrated, as doing so will lead to a healthier body and thus a more vibrant sex life. However, consider the damage plastic water bottles contribute to our environment. With our real products, GV restricts excess plastics used in packaging. From cornstarch packing peanuts to minimally designed clamshell displays, there’s no wasteful plastics here. To read up on this subject:

Plastic Water Bottles Not Being Recycled (CA dept. of Conservation)
National Geographic KIDS article on Plastic Bottles
NY Times article “Unintended Consequences of Hydration”

Twenty-First Century Waterfall Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZbTXDkrD1o

And in my position as Senior Buyer I am always thinking about packaging and waste when I’m reviewing or picking up new items. It’s not always easy and there aren’t a lot of options in this industry right now… but I keep an eye out for those that are more earth-friendly.

Like our wooden toys – the Fling, link to Tryst, Romp and Rendezvous Rings.

With our exclusive line of ME Bath and Body Products we strove to use all natural and, when possible, organic ingredients. We also take into consideration whether the packaging can be recycled or, even better, reused…. which is the case with our all natural Ignite ME Massage Candles.

But even with our efforts, we have to rely on our vendors and manufacturers to do the same.

So it’s amazing when we receive an email like the following:

“Here at Outlaw (Outlaw products at GV) , we care about the environment and the conservation of materials. As you may know, we use every tiny usable piece of leather we can to avoid waste, we buy from local sources, and we are always on the lookout for more environmentally friendly materials.

We are currently working on becoming less dependent on paper and gasoline and moving toward a more friendly, electronic future. ”

I’ve always loved Outlaw’s harnesses – the look, feel, quality and user-friendliness. And these harnesses are hot. They fit great – and fit a variety of body sizes and shapes.

And not only is she constantly thinking of hot new designs, but she’s also thinking about her impact as a manufacturer… that makes it all the hotter!

And it’s not just the small women-owned businesses that are turning their attention to this industries environmental impact. One of our larger vendors, who imports as well as manufactures products in the US, recently proclaimed that they were planning to go green. Not only are they looking at recycling but also at water filtration, solar energy, RoHS and WEEE… and it’s all being done as a way to reduce their impact as a major player in manufacturing.

Fun Factory manufactures in Germany so they are held to the strict rules of the European Union, automatically making their manufacturing practices more earth-friendly.

I think it’s great. And I know there are many more companies out there – large and small – that recycle, reuse and look at ways to reduce.

As an industry that relies heavily on electronics and non-composting materials it’s important we look at the little things each of us can do – as individuals, as retailers and as manufacturers. Keeping an eye on recycling, of packaging, packing materials (including re-using packing materials or using Cornstarch packing peanuts which you can simply put in your sink and wash down the drain… yes, it’s that easy… GV’s been using these for years!), reduce plastics in packaging and start looking at recyclable plastics, cornstarch and other biodegradable materials.

There are many ways each of us can reduce our “footprint” and, as a buyer of goods, it’s exciting to see these changes and a growing awareness happening in our industry!

If this is something that interests you, and if you are local to the Bay Area, help us kick of Earth Day 2008 on April 25^th with our panel Green sex for Earth Day and everyday! An exploration of environmentally sustainable sex products. It’ll be at our Berkeley location (mapquest) between 7-8:00 pm. We’re also offering the earth 15% off everything in the store! So…hope to see you there!

The “Rabbit” vibe gained mainstream popularity from the tv show “Sex and the City”. It is one of the company’s best selling vibrators, partly because of it’s celebrity status, but also because it works for many people. The vibrating bunny ears are angled so they send vibrations to the clitoris when the long shaft of the toy is inserted. Many products offer a variety of speeds and settings, allowing for the user to discern which style they like best.

Sometimes called “Twice-as-nice” (you know, cause you get too great features out of the product) the toy comes in many styles, materials, and most importantly, colors — from pearly pink to lusty purple. Okay, I’m sorta kidding on the colors part, though people DO get VERY particular about their favorite colors!

I have heard from more than a few folks who like to twist the vibe, once inserted, towards their anus and have the rabbit ears tickle the backdoor opening. Sounds exciting. Don’t forget to clean your toys.

Now, the Egg vibes are also called Bullet vibes. (You can take your pick! If you like the Egg shape, if you dig shell covered food or the thought of ovaries turns you on, you can go with “egg”… if you think bullets are smoking hot and dangerously sexy, go with “bullet”). Whatever you call them, they are a round shape, and can be held against whatever body part feels good with vibrations (which is many! but includes the nipples, labia and clit, scrotum/taint, etc…) these vibes can also be used for minimal insertion (possibly deeper with vaginal sex if you have a string or secure way to pull it back out).

A couple of wise SESAs share that you can insert some small egg vibes into the cracks and crevices of toys (like many dildos that are made with holes at their bases) and others like the angelina and aneros which have bends in their design perfect to hold a vibrating friend. Bullet vibes also make cock rings more fun, adding vibration to the sensation.

One note is that it’s important to remember that it’s not safe to insert an egg/bullet shaped vibe into the anus — no matter how thick the cord is, it’s not a fail proof way to remove the toy, and it’s a surefire trip to the ER if you end up with a vibrating, battery operated accident.

It’s not everyday such popular toys are on sale, so get yours before they sell out! With the spirit of Easter egg hunts and this great picture my co-worker sent me below, go shopping!

http://www.goodvibes.com/ItEmSearch–search-spring–srcin-1

The ULTIMATE Peep Show! (Thanks Misty!!!)