the promiscuous economist reader

This week the Economist published an interesting article entitled "Sex and the Citizen'. It showed a detailed breakdown of what countries are the most promiscuous. I found it interesting. They surveyed 14,000 people in 48 countries. Questions ranged from "how many one-night stands have you had?" to" is sex without love acceptable, or sex with casual partners?". Researchers gathered the answers and determined the results. I found the comments on the article to be quite interesting!

It's a bit funny actually. Finland and New Zealand rank highest and Bangladesh and Taiwan are the lowest. I'm pretty surprised that France, Italy and Australia were not closer to the top of the list! Boooya!

Vintage is the New Black

I rented the SATC movie for the weekend and I loved it. It's a real feel good episode and conclusion to a much loved show. I decided to take a peep at www.bagborroworsteal.com. Carrie's assistant, in the movie Louise from St.Luis swears by the site. You can rent vintage and brand new accessories for a week, a month, or as long as your little heart desires. You can also view items featured in the Sex and the City movie. I haven't looked at the site for a while but they totally nave more stuff now that when I last looked at it. All products are 100% authentic and come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. The collection of vintage bags and jewelry are gorgeous. Looking at pricing, it looks like items start around $15/week and vintage stuff, my favorites, start around $150/week. There is also the option to 'steal' which means the item is available for purchase.

FYI: On the cover the French title translates to 'Sex & NY'. he he he

Robot sex! Human + Robot = True Love in 2050 ♥

In 2050, your lover may be a ... robot from PhysOrg.com

Romantic human-robot relationships are no longer the stuff of science fiction -- researchers expect them to become reality within four decades. And they do not mean simply, mechanical sex.

[...]

How To - Of the Day

How to Handle Fame

"I handle fame by not being famous...I'm not famous to me." Bob Marley

Whether you're a celebrity, a politician, a MySpace star, dating someone famous, a well-known author, and even if you look different in a small town, you might be uncomfortable with being recognized wherever you go.
How do you preserve a good reputation while still maintaining your privacy?
(Don't be a Waste-Case!!)

1. Be boring to the public. The best way to maintain the privacy of your private life is to bore people to tears. Unless you're one of those people who believes that all publicity is good publicity, it's better to become famous (and stay famous) through the merit of your work, not because of a rollercoaster relationship, an addiction, a surprise pregnancy, or a glamorous wedding. If you're a naturally flamboyant or free-spirited person, it might be difficult to stifle that, and you need to decide how you're going to strike a balance between uninhibited expression and privacy, which tend to be mutually exclusive when you're famous.
2. Go to major events solo. Even if you're married, the fact that you're there together is bound to result in personal, sometimes totally inappropriate questions like "When are you having a baby?" or "When are you having another?" or even "How is your sex life?" Also, if you're always attending events as a couple, all it takes is one event when your schedules conflict and you don't show up together, and everyone will presume your relationship is on the rocks. If you do ever split up, the last thing you want is people wondering where your date is--talk about salt in the wound! That being said, sometimes being consistently dateless can stir its own breed of gossip, depending on the context--a famous celebrity going solo is understandable; a political figure probably wouldn't be. If you do bring a date, make sure it's someone you're in a long-term, committed relationship with, and who's mature enough to be by your side consistently, even if you have a disagreement right before the event.
3. Refuse to answer any questions about your personal life. This is what some famous and successful celebrities do to keep their private lives private.^[1] That means keeping the details private even when things are going well. Some famous people make the mistake of gushing about their private lives when a new relationship has begun or a child is born, but then suddenly become tight-lipped when the details aren't so glorious.^[2] By making people curious about the good things going on in your life, they'll naturally be curious about the bad things as well. Be consistently silent when it comes to your personal life and no one will be surprised when you say "I want to keep my private life private."
4. Be humble. If you're famous, it's probably because people admire you. With admiration comes a certain degree of idealism and even idolatry, so it's important to remind people that you're not perfect. You're human, just like they are. Talking about little things that you struggle with--like getting the stomach flu, or locking your keys in the car, or bad hair days--can help keep your image in check. One celebrity went as far as to ask a magazine to take pictures of her with no make-up or retouching so that she could show people that the image of perfection is just that--an image, not reality.^[3]
5. Be friendly. Fame is and can be fleeting. People admire you based on what they see on the screen. You can negatively affect that image with one misstep, one harsh word, or one thoughtless action. Take a minute or two to be friendly with a fan (or a group of fans); most will be respectful of your private time if you provide some level of access when you're in public.
6. Go undercover. If you can move to a place where you're not well-known, most of your problems will be solved. But most of us can't relocate that easily, so the next best thing is to avoid public places where you're likely to be seen. For celebrities, it's a matter of not getting photographed; but for most people struggling with fame, it's exhausting to engage in small talk wherever you go, and it can be disconcerting to know you're recognized when you're browsing books or shopping for undergarments. If you do bump into someone who recognizes you, however, handle it gracefully. Commit to the conversation long enough to be friendly and polite, otherwise you might be labeled as a snob, or worse.
7. Use your fame to help people. Take advantage of your "star power" to draw attention to causes you feel strongly about. Take, for example, a ridiculously famous celebrity couple that sells photo rights of their newborn children and donate all the millions to charity.^[4] But you don't have to be one half of a mega-famous couple to do good. Even just spreading the word about a charitable event during those many bouts of small talk can make a big difference. When someone asks "How are coping with the divorce?" or something similar, you can say "Well, I'm focusing on something positive..." and discuss your efforts.

Internet Addiction = Prescription Available??

Posted on Perez:

Obsessive internet use is a public health problem which is so serious it should be officially recognised as a clinical disorder, according to a leading psychiatrist.

"Internet addiction is a 'clinical disorder'

British psychiatrists have previously reported that between five and 10 per cent of online users are internet addicts

Sufferers spend unhealthy amounts of time playing online games, viewing pornography or emailing.

They suffer four symptoms: They forget to eat and sleep; they need more advanced technology or more hours online as they develop 'resistance' to the pleasure given by their current system; if they are deprived of their computer, they experience genuine withdrawal symptoms; And in common with other addictions, the victims also begin to have more arguments, to suffer fatigue, to get lower marks in tests and to feel isolated from society.

Early research into the subject found highly educated, socially awkward men were the most likely sufferers but more recent work suggests it is now more of a problem for middle-aged women who are spending hours at home on their computers.

Psychiatrist Dr Jerald Block said some sufferers were so addicted to the internet that they required medication or even hospital treatment to curb the time they spent on the web.

He said: "The relationship is with the computer. It becomes a significant other to them. They exhaust emotions that they could experience in the real world on the computer through any number of mechanisms: emailing, gaming, porn."

He added: "It's much more acceptable for kids to talk about game use, whereas adults keep it a secret. Rather than having sex, or arguing with their wife or husband, or feeding their children, these adults are playing games."

Dr Block, of the Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, in the USA, first made the claims in an editorial for the American Journal of Psychiatry.

British psychiatrists have previously reported that between five and 10 per cent of online users are internet addicts.

Posted: June 22, 2008 at 3:40 pm

The Vatican's Actions = Gay Gay Gay

This is SO wrong.
Article copied from here.

"It's not everyday that the Vatican is called "grotesque" by mainstream publications. But that's what one of Italy's largest newspapers, La Stampa, labeled the Vatican as the Pope's home tries to block a non-binding proposed UN resolution calling on governments worldwide to decriminalize homosexuality.

The Vatican issued a "slippery slope" argument for their opposition to this measure, saying that it could lead to same-sex marriages throughout the world. Apparently us gay folks are like nuclear weapons that way - you allow one country to have them, and then all of a sudden....

For the Vatican to oppose this measure is not only grotesque, it's the antithesis of Christ-like.

The measure simply calls on governments around the world to (1) stop throwing homosexuals in jail, or in extreme circumstances (2) stop executing them. The resolution has been signed by every country in the European Union, and France is due to submit the resolution to the UN on December 10 - the day that we'll mark the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights." "So instead of aligning themselves with the EU countries on this issue, the Vatican has chosen to line itself up with Iran, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Burundi, Afghanistan, and Sudan and the nearly EIGHTY other countries that punish homosexuality with significant jail time or death. Way to go, Vatican. I think we can also appreciate the Vatican's complete lack of tact in issuing their statement of opposition on World AIDS Day 2008. The criminalization of homosexuality is one of the biggest impediments in fighting HIV/AIDS around the world."[READ MORE...]

SATC - Party time!

I went to the biggest Toronto party for Sex and the City. It was ok. We looked great though!! Tiffany and I went together. She is my BFF from work :)

In spirit of my 40 days & 40 nights...

"An intellectual is a person who has discovered something more interesting than sex."

Aldous Huxley (1894 - 1963)

I already knew it was time to focus more on my intellect.

Remember when Smith Jarred dropped his pants?

How happy the audience was with the performance?

The show was moving and creatively expressive.
It was flowing with emotion and bursting with exuberance.

I felt this way recently.
I was moved. I was inspired. I wanted to dance.

I recently attended show that was graced with American Apparel and bare skin. Sex. Identity. Kettle one. Sweat. Violence. Strength. Dancers moving to elegant sounds and screaming heartfelt emotion. There was pain and love and seeds of anger. It was fierce and touching. It was poignant and personal.

The show ‘BloodLetting and Other Things’ is choreographed by Tony Chong and performed by Dancemakers and the Centre for Creation.

To introduce their exciting 2008/2009 season, Dancemakers and the Centre for Creation, host "DanceGlass" a unique launch event and fundraiser. The event will be on November 26, 2008 beginning at 7pm The Kitchen, 1186 Queen Street West.Call 416-367-1800 or email Marie for tickets or more info. Support the arts community and contemporary dance. I know you all watch DWTS and SYTYCD. This is your chance to take part in an event that supports those type of dancers. ♥

I'm Glamorous. Yes, I am.

Last week I received a package from my friends at Matchstick Marketing once again. This time it was...a L'Oreal Paris Glam Kit!! OOOH YEAH! I was totally surprised by the huge size of the actual mascara unit. It was bigger than any type I have ever tried, resembled a sex toy a little bit! Well, that's what my roommate, sister and I thought.

The kit came with the following jazz:

• 2 x L'Oréal Paris Double Extension Beauty Tubes Mascara
• 1 x L'Oréal Paris Cosmetic Bag
• 1 x L'Oréal Paris Cosmetic Brush Set
• 1 x L'Oréal Paris Eye Shadow Quad in Grey
• 1 x L'Oréal Paris Carbon Black Liquid Liner
• 1 x Guide to Smokey Eyes

I took the liberty of capturing all the steps in using the mascara. I expected it to make me look more like a Glam babe, I'm talking Oscar worthy. I've used it a few more times since this first application and don't mind it, but is not my most favorite. My lashes are actually quite long so it makes them kinda butterfly-eyeish. I think I need more practice or a lesson.

I found it to be kinda chunky. Maybe I didn't follow the instructions right? I do that sometimes. My friend Marie loves it. The mascara retails for $14.99 and I have coupons for $5 bones off the regular price for anyone who wants to try it out! Let me know before you buy your next mascara!!

Be happy, despite not being happy, get that?

Happiness is a state of mind. Not a bank account number or fancy clothes, arm candy, sex, drugs, and all that shit. Being happy is a way of feeling a way of acting and an outlook on life. I live a very happy life despite what happens around me. I make a conscious effort to not let other peoples worries & troubles infiltrate my own feelings and inner thoughts. My message from Yehuda this week is all about Building on a Moment. I share this message and the 72 Name of the Week, my favorite one:

49. Happiness - Vav Hei Vav
(Scan the letters from Left to Right to connect to the energy)
Meditation: I find the strength to restrain selfish longings. Through this Name I ask for what my soul needs, not what my ego wants. I find deep appreciation for whatever life brings me. This brings me happiness in the deepest sense.

"The only thing we can do when faced with chaos and pain is accept things as they are and be happy in that moment. The genius of this logic is one moment is carried into the next. When we put all our effort into seeing the good, to pushing back the darkest doubts and to injecting light and happiness, we go into the next moment carrying that energy.

Switching up the energy, that's what we're doing. Difficult? Yes. Paradoxical? For sure. Doable? Without a doubt.

Lots of people are in the dumper lately, that's no news flash. And I think this idea of building on the moment is especially relevant. It doesn't mean we have to resign ourselves to a bad situation or relationship. I think we have a habit of thinking "I can't be happy now because I have this problem and if I accept it I will never get rid of it."

The energy that goes into being happy, internally ignites change on the external level. That's the beauty of life: everything can change just like that. Even when things aren't as you want them, if you can train yourself to be happy in the moment, then you will see dramatic shifts forward.

On top of that, why be miserable and unhappy? Look back at your life. If you had certain parts to do over, would you do them over with apathy, boredom and fear? Or would you rip into those situations with confidence and verve?

This week, call yourself out on your negative thought loops. Break it in your mind. Pay attention to how often your feeling of desperation and doubt are in control. Practice being excited and happy - even when you're not.

To keep it simple, here's a 3 step reminder for the week:

1. Accept the difficult situation for what it is
2. Be happy, despite not being happy (get that?)
3. Switch the moment, leading to a new continuum of happiness

All the best,

Yehuda"

in the sunshine, smoking cigarettes to pass the time...

The Fall and Rise of Mickey Stardust:
Glam rapper Mickey Avalon knows what it’s like to live and die in L.A.

by Neille Ilel, Izzy Grinspan, November 23, 2006 www.jewcy.com

People like to compare Mickey Avalon to Eminem, and maybe that’s fair: Get rid of Avalon’s Holocaust-haunted family and hand-jobs-for-heroin career track and Eminem’s Detroit trailer-park background, and you wind up with two white guys who both rap about their hard-luck stories. What these people forget, though, is that Eminem would be a total sex god if he weren’t such a homophobe — come on, you saw 8 Mile — and Avalon has no such masculinity issues. And while Eminem has devoted his life to hip-hop, Avalon is more of a hustler, using music as a vehicle to get his life to a better place. Putting his lanky body on display, Avalon rhymes about “sassy little frassies with bulimia” (of which he’s had many), and strung-out male prostitutes on Sunset (of which he was one), single-handedly forging a new genre—call it glam-rap—with every bat of his mascara’d eyelashes. He’s like the product of an unholy union between David Bowie and Run-DMC.

Busting Out: Mickey Avalon goes through the windshield glass


When I sat down with Avalon in late August, I wasn’t expecting him to be an unassuming little slip of a thing, hardly taking up space in the booth at Cantor’s Deli. It’s hard to believe this waif is the same guy who’s been writhing around on top of windshield-blown cars in West Hollywood nightclubs, or that he’s about to become famous. But given his single “Jane Fonda’s” prominent spot in a recent episode of Entourage, his record deal with Interscope, and a much-passed-around LA Weekly profile that’s now been optioned for a biopic, it seems like Avalon is perched on the brink of something big.

Read more from this article HERE