(Credit: JLC-Lara Porzak Photography) 

Ellen de Generes and Portia di Rossi to congratulate them on their wedding. (And, wow, I still think it’s amazing and appropriately wonderful of People magazine to treat gay hallmarks in their news pool the same as straight. Here’s to you!)

People wrote: Here come the brides! An ecstatic Ellen DeGeneres, 50, and longtime girlfriend Portia de Rossi, 35 (both in custom-made Zac Posen designs), swapped “I do’s” during an intimate candlelit ceremony held at their L.A. home on Aug. 16. Getting married “is not something we’ve ever taken for granted,” says de Rossi. “That we get to do this, it means a lot.”

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(image from the new Joy of Sex)

Here’s a depressing fact of the day, straight from the Kinsey Institute, a research center for gender, sex, and reproduction.

Contemporary women have less sex than their 1950s counterparts because they have so little uncommitted time.

Come on ladies…let’s make more time for ourselves. When the author of the newly re-released Joy of Sex says she’s glad she’s not 10 years younger because of all the pressure generations X and Y have…it’s time to take a hint and destress. From the Huffington Post:

“I’m glad I’m not ten years younger because there are an awful lot of pressures on young people: to look fabulous; to have a fabulous sex life,” Susan Quilliam, the author, says. “We’re living in a world where it’s important to achieve and whether we have a good sex life has become one of our measures of personal validity. Alex Comfort [the original author of the Joy of Sex] took the emphasis off achievement - that is one of the many things he got right.”

Look for the revised book in January 2009, or order it from Amazon UK Sept. 1.

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(photo source)

In Sydney, Australia, they just set up “homophobia-free” zones and Hallmark, the traditionally conservative greeting card powerhouse, is making cards to celebrate same-sex, well, hallmarks. Seems like this year, gay is more than OK. Will the opposition get on that band wagon already?What will a homophobia-free zone be like?

“The move, passed by a vote of five to four, could allow City of Sydney Council to revoke late-night trading privileges for venues if their patrons commit homophobic abuse or violence, and require venues to include anti-homophobia measures in staff training and patron management.” (Reported by the Australian)

What are Hallmark’s cards like?

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(image of her breasts as altered digitally for “King Arthur”) 

Thank you, Duchess, aka Keira Knightley. She, um, flat out refused to have her body altered in press images for her upcoming movie “The Duchess.” This duchess, like Knightley, was known for her vibrant beauty. So, when Keira put her foot down about digital distractions, small breasted women could let out a victory whoop: oot down.”She has insisted that her figure stay in its natural state,” an insider said [as reported in the UK’s Daily Mail]. “She is proud of her body and doesn’t want it altered.”

Keira  herself said on Britain’s GMTV: “I would love to have [breasts]! I’m never going to get [them]. I’m naturally who I am.”

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Speaking of teen crushes, when do you all think it’s the right time to talk to your teen about sex? My parents were always non-explicit and open about the weird questions that come up. I really appreciated that we never really had a sit down talk, but they took things as they came up and always bought age-appropriate books on the subject. I still laugh when I think of my mom dispelling sex myths like when a girl told me in 7th grade that when men had erections, their penises reaches below their knee and that’s why the upper division boys wore pants. Cue a trip to the bookshop and a book called “What’s Happening to My Body,” with a sub-chapter on boys. At what age did you/will you talk to your kids and how much will you disclose?

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image courtesy curlywurlygurly.files.wordpress.com

Just throwing this one out there. I was browsing the magazines at my local supermarket and BOP magazine caught my eye.  I totally remember the hot, sweaty crushes I had on the young TV stars and boys with slicked hair that smiled at me from torn out posters…Ah, the adolescent thrill and rush! It was the first encounter with true passion I had as a girl…aside from horseback riding. I’m not sure what it can be compared to now: a real crush, breakfast in bed,  a good massage? Sometimes I think today I love my food processor with the same intensity as…Rider Strong back in the day.

What is your earliest heart-pounding memory?

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This is a more practical position of the week…as in it’s not so much a position, but a recommendation in this super season where sex on the beach and pool parties abound. You know, you can always go solo in the water…

Here’s a tip on condoms and water from About.com:

“Typically, condoms will not be weakened by the temperature of the water unless its very hot. Baths, hot tubs, and Jacuzzi’s, can become quite hot, so there is the possibility that this heat may cause some deterioration of the condom which could then increase the chance of it breaking.

Another area under debate is whether the chemicals used in a pool or hot tub affect the reliability of a condom. The general consensus of literature supports the idea that chlorine could cause further weakening of a condom, thereby increasing the likelihood of breakage.

Given this information, Jacuzzis or hot tubs may be even more problematic as the combination of the chemicals in the water and the high water temperature could diminish the durability of a condom.

Though there may not be any specific research confirming this conclusion, a good rule of thumb is to not use a condom in pools, Jacuzzis, or hot tubs as the possibility may exist that the temperature and/or chemicals found in these places may lead to the risk of condom failure.”

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Being a Virgo, I did a little extra reading when researching this month’s Zodiac Seduction post. Guess what I cam up with? Apparently, the belly is the the spot of seduction for us Virgos. No wonder I was so obsessed with bellydancing last year (any maybe why there’s always a little extra, um, “love” on my petitely round belly.) Well, in a quick aside, bellydancing of course is a way to show your belly some extra love and turn it into a center of sensual seduction (that Snoop song, I swear! When will it stop popping up in my head as I write this column?). Yoga also is a form of exercise that’ll give you a toned body, a strong core, but, I’ve noticed, keeps that nice softness of the form.

Yoga sex tips plus more here. 

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For more sex toys click here.

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(My favorite Keanu Reeves!)

August 22-September 23

Ah the moody earth sign! Don’t go for a Virgo unless you did a killer work ethic (Yes, like Dexter), perfectionism, an analytical and critical mind (He will overthink things!). But the great news is, when he’s yours he’s has an incredible sense of duty.

So, talk to your Virgo hottie and overthink things with him sometimes. He’s rather insecure, so be supportive.

Make light of, but NEVER criticize his obsessions, criticism, or tendency towards hypochondria.

They way to his heart when gifting is through practical items and help.

Oh, don’t forget to dress a little crisper, moisturize a bit more thoroughly and smell a little fresher. Well, and don’t forget that you are perfection already.

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