S3 - Safe Sex Store - Safer Sex Talk

S3 Team Member in South Africa

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 21:54:21 GMT

We would like to thank Angela, part of the Safe Sex Store Team since 2005, for her work in South Africa where she volunteered for VVOCF: Vumundzuku-bya Vana Our Children's Future. VVOCF's mission is to maintain a children's center in Zonkizizwe that will provide physical and psychological support to children and youth made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS. Young adults run this center with a goal of helping children and youth to reach their full potential.

To support Angela and the mission of VVOF, S3 Safe Sex Store donated $250, to be used for clothing, supplies and teaching materials at the Center.

Pictures!
See photos of VVOCF, World AIDS Day ceremonies and candlelight vigil, Center closing day and Angela's star, Sinethemba.

Learn more and donate: http://vvocf.wordpress.com/

For more information about the student group MRULE (Multi-Racial Unity Living Experience), responsible for the majority of fundraising that allows VVOCF to exist, take a look at: www.mrule.msu.edu

Meefers Review of S3

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 00:48:29 GMT

S3 Safe sex Store was chosen as one of Meefers' Ann Arbor retail stores to review for November 2008.

...The store's wares are not limited to buzzing, gyrating, double-ended sex toys. In fact, the products they sell fall under three essential categories: toys, lubes, and condoms. Within each category is a wide range of price and quality. Safe Sex sales are not reserved for those with luxury and surplus. Right up front are featured economy boxes of condoms for those who wish to stock up for the long haul. Vibrators and other toys await any income bracket. A plethora of lubes stand ready to squirt, costing...Read the entire review

What's Meefers? Meefers connects gay friendly communities through e-commerce, content, social networking, job postings, music and film and aims to promote, advocate, strengthen, unite and connect the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community and its allies.

Communities include Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Chicago, Minneapolis, and Seattle.

Visit www.meefers.com

Angela - South Africa Update #3

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 23:57:56 GMT

December in SA - and World AIDS Day

Sanibonani!! (that was me greeting all of you at once…)
First let me say that things have been a little hectic and so I'm sorry for not sending an update for a while now. A big part of the reason, is that someone stole all 8 computers from the library here in Zonkizizwe. There are now no public computers for the people who live in Zonke. It also means I only use the internet when I go into town, and that is usually once a week for about an hour … so, please forgive me.

Otherwise, we have made some great progress here and are about ready to close the center for 2008. At VVOCF we recognized World AIDS Day with the second annual candlelight vigil. Many of the children came and some brought friends. After a big, healthy meal (filled with LOTS of colorful veggies and chicken), we all started off through the community singing and walking together with our candles. We stopped about halfway to form a circle, and some of the children shared their poems with us. They were beautiful, moving, empowering, and very sad all at once.

Remember that many of the children who come to this center are orphans because of HIV/AIDS. Everyone here in Zonkizizwe knows someone who is living with or has died because of HIV. The candlelight vigil was [more]a beautiful way to remember those who we have lost, and to raise awareness in the community.

If you are able to make a donation, please make the checks payable to: MRULE

mail to:
C-240 Holden Hall
East Lansing, MI 48825

*MRULE is a student group at MSU led by faculty advisor Dr. Jeanne Gazel (co-chair of VVOCF) and they will transfer the funds directly to VVOCF.

We will continue to have activities this week to focus on education about HIV/AIDS, stigma, gender relations and more. Many of the children were tested in July in a community wide HIV testing day. We attempted to organize another testing day this week for the volunteers and children of VVOCF. Sadly, we were told that all of the HIV test counselors were removed from their posts at all of the health clinics in Zonkizizwe until March 2009. We don't know why, but we think their timing is terrible - they should have at least one counselor somewhere in the community at all times, especially around World AIDS Day when many people seek testing (who otherwise may not). So our testing day is on hold.

On Saturday we will have a full day camp for the children as our closing day for 2008. The big activity will be decorating flip flops for with ribbons, sequins, etc. These will also be the parting gift for each child to take after the closing day. There will also be plenty of time for games, singing & dancing. We decided against feeding them cake or candy and instead they will eat another big, healthy meal like the one on Dec 1.

Time is flying by, and I can't believe I've been here 2 months and the center is about to close for the year. I'm still working on a little vacation to the beach in December. Either way I'm not sure how excited I'll be to return to a freezing cold January in Michigan…

Salani kahle! (Stay well!)

Thank You for Coming...

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:50:32 GMT

Thanks for Coming! Perfect Porn 11/25/08

Perfect Porn - A Feminist Alternative to the "Money Shot"
Sex Positive Pornography in Our Changing World

ANN ARBOR - As part of their Women's Studies 240 class at the University of Michigan, a group of students presented a study on the feminist pornography industry in order to educate those in attendance. The mission was to provide a comfortable forum for frank discussion about sexuality to take place.

S3 was excited to provide the venue, where open communication about sexual health topics is encouraged and supported. Cookies and hot chocolate was served, and both the presenters and audience members raised some tough questions about society and our view of sex.

Thanks to WOLV-TV for coming to film the event for the program, "Turned On". Check out the show every Monday, live at 11:30pm where they give you the low-down on the Ann Arbor dating scene and tips for those college first dates.
WOLV airs on Channel 70 in all University of Michigan residence halls. Also, WOLV programming airs nightly on Comcast Ann Arbor Channel 22 from 10pm to 11pm during the fall and winter semesters.

World AIDS Day - Dec. 1st

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:36:49 GMT

On behalf of HARC (the HIV / AIDS Resource Center), S3 Safe Sex Store is collecting donations in honor of World AIDS Week, December 1st - December 7th.

Funds collected will go directly to support free and anonymous HIV/AIDS testing for people living in the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area.

Donate at the Safe Sex Store on S. University in Ann Arbor

- or -

Add a donation to your online order! Just specify the amount you would like to donate in the "additional comments" box during check out, and we will add that amount to your total. As a thank you, we will include a small free gift in your package.

Get tested...

National

Ann Arbor / Ypsilanti

http://www.hivtest.org

A service of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Resources on HIV testing including a national database of HIV testing sites and answers to many questions about HIV/AIDS and testing.
Find an HIV testing location near you

HARC
3075 Clark Rd Ste 203
Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197-1103

Phone: (800) 578 2300
or 734-572-9355
Web: http://r2harc.org

Sexual Health Resources
Get the help that you need...S3 has compiled a listing of STD/STI, HIV/AIDS and pregnancy testing sites and resources. Many provide free or low-cost doctor visits, consultations and supplies. Find a location near you

Angela - South Africa Update #2

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 23:04:25 GMT

Hello Everyone!

I apologize for taking so long to send out another email. The internet is so slow here and that has made me want to just avoid it altogether.

Everything is going fine here. We have made some progress on the NPO paperwork and discovered some new road blocks … in the meantime I'm working on putting together some educational activities for the kids at the center – nutrition, gender equality and HIV/AIDS are the topics we're focusing on.

The most exciting new development here is that last week a local food distributor donated a ridiculous amount of canned foods to the center – almost entirely beans. But, the meal program is one of our biggest expenses, so this is really helpful in cutting down some of the cost when we need to shop for food.

The children finish school in the first week of December, so we are down to about a month left in 2008 for programs and activities at the center. After school lets out we will probably do a short summer camp (yes, it is almost summer here – and it's hot – so you know I'm happy!) before the children all leave to visit their families for the holidays. They'll return in early January and I'll have about another week with them before I come home.[more]

If you are able to make a donation, please make the checks payable to: MRULE

mail to:
C-240 Holden Hall
East Lansing, MI 48825

*MRULE is a student group at MSU led by faculty advisor Dr. Jeanne Gazel (co-chair of VVOCF) and they will transfer the funds directly to VVOCF.

Thank you to all of you who have made donations to VVOCF. Since I have been here, your contributions have helped to buy a new stove to cook the children's food, to buy the food they eat at the center, to get one child to and from two doctors appointments, in addition to helping is run daily activities and such.

For those of you starting to feel the holiday spirit and thinking of making charitable contributions… please consider making a donation to VVOCF. The center runs entirely on individual donations right now. The American dollar goes pretty far here, so every little bit helps. The children are wonderful and they have all kinds of energy. VVOCF helps these children in a number of ways: providing school uniforms, school supplies, food parcels, toiletries, and medical care, in addition to providing meals and meaningful, educational activities at the center.

This amazing program is run entirely by unpaid staff and volunteers. The director lives and breathes VVOCF – 24 hours a day. We hope to give the eleven volunteers a stipend for their hard work at the end of this month, to help buy Christmas gifts, food etc. for their own families and to thank them for helping VVOCF function.

I hope all is well at home! I miss you all and can't wait to see you in 2009. This trip is going by so fast, I'm already a third of the way through my time here… and there's still so much left to do! Thanks for your patience with me as I attempt to keep in touch!

OK bye for now!! - Angela Williams

Breast Cancer 3 Day Results

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 18:45:35 GMT

Breast Cancer 3 Day Success!

Last year, S3 Safe Sex Store and YOU raised money to help Kristi walk in the Michigan Breast Cancer 3 Day. S3 friends pulled through again and were able to raise $150 dollars for Linda in this year's walk.

News from Linda:

I DID IT!
Well the walk was today and the blisters hurt, the feet are asking why did you do this to me? I should be in bed, but I wanted to let everyone know I walked every single mile. Yes it was hard having never done this before but I'm sure not anywhere's near as hard as it is for someone to hear the words we need to check you for breast cancer, or you have breast cancer. I heard a story this weekend about a 16 year old young man who is now a 4 year survivor. This is affecting not only women but men as well. I will update more when I'm not so tired. Thank you everyone for your support and encouragement that got me through this.
Linda
Read more from Linda's Blog

S3 Team Member Volunteering in South Africa

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 23:20:47 GMT

We would like to wish Angela, part of the Safe Sex Store Team since 2005, a safe and successful venture in South Africa where she will be volunteering for VVOCF: Vumundzuku-bya Vana Our Children's Future. VVOCF's mission is to maintain a children's center in Zonkizizwe that will provide physical and psychological support to children and youth made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS. Young adults run this center with a goal of helping children and youth to reach their full potential.

Dear Friends & Family,

Most of you know by now that I am heading to South Africa for 3.5 months. I'll do my best to send regular email updates once I arrive.

I've also attached the newsletter from the end of last year. In the newsletter you will find, again, more information about the center including what progress was made up to that point and more. There is also a great article at the end of the newsletter that serves as an example of how complicated and multidimensional each family's situation is in Zonkizizwe.

Thanks to all of you for your ongoing love and support. :) Angela

We can help...

To support Angela and the mission of VVOF, S3 Safe Sex Store is donating $250, which will be used for clothing, supplies and teaching materials at the Center.

Learn more and donate: http://vvocf.wordpress.com/

For more information about the student group MRULE (Multi-Racial Unity Living Experience), responsible for the majority of fundraising that allows VVOCF to exist, take a look at: www.mrule.msu.edu

Two Worlds

Poem by Fezile Xaba
VVOCF Teen
Zonkizizwe, South Africa

How is that you have and I don't have?
That you can and I can't?

How is that you will and won't?
That you shall and I shall no't?

How is that you have and I don't have?
That you receive, and yet I don't?

How is that you laugh and I cry?
That you eat and I starve?

How is that you are and Im not?
That you live and yet I die?

How is that our worlds are so different,
and yet are so close?

Download the Vumundzuku-bya Vana Our Children's Future Newsletter here

Change Your Style - Increase Pleasure!

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:25:51 GMT

CONDOMS come in essentially 4 different style options. Each style is designed for specific pleasure points and varies between brands. S3 has the breakdown to help you choose the right kind. Mix it up - try something new!

Most Popular Picks:

Kimono MicroThin | Crown | Durex

See more Thinner Latex options...

THINNER LATEX

On average, latex is 20% thinner than standard
NOT more likely to break; equal effective rate
Each person can feel more of their partner's natural contours

Recommended for: Men and women who want a good, basic condom with the least interference.

Most Popular Picks:

Trojan Her Pleasure | LifeStyles

See more Texture options...

TEXTURE

99.9% are textured on the outside for female stimulation
Ribs and Studs are hard to see; can be felt with fingertips
Some women can feel texture, some cannot

Recommended for: Women who need/enjoy additional stimulation or who want to break-up the squeaky, rubbery feeling.

Most Popular Picks:

Inspiral | Trojan Twisted

See more Shaped options...

SHAPES

Generally features an enlarged condom tip to stimulate men
Designed to allow the latex to move around the penis tip
Some women feel extra material as a texture

Recommended for: Men who want a looser fitting condom with more friction at the penis tip.

Most Popular Picks:

Single Flavored | Durex Variety

See more Special Lube options...

SPECIAL LUBES

Usually a standard condom pre-lubricated with flavored, warming, tingling or numbing lubricants
Flavored condoms are not suggested for vaginal use

Recommended for: Men and women who want a specialty lube without purchasing it in a bottle.

Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:11:05 GMT

View the 3 Day Calendar and Cheering Stations

Last year, S3 Safe Sex Store and YOU raised money to help Kristi walk in the Michigan Breast Cancer 3 Day. Since the beginning of June, S3 friends pulled through again and were able to raise $150 dollars for this year's walk. Kristi has already reached her fundraising goal and has passed the generous donations on to Linda. Linda is a Michigan native who currently lives in Texas and is still trying to gather the minimum donation required in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. Read Linda's story...

To: Breast Cancer 3-Day Participants
From: Linda
Team members, any help getting the minimum in donations would be greatly appreciated. Fundraising down here in Texas right now is a little slow. We have just gone through the Hurricane and my neighborhood for some fortunate reason fared well, considering...Still no power at home. I'm from the downriver area and we were transferred here two years ago due to the wonderful job market up there, which I'm sure I don't have to tell you about. Again any help would be greatly appreciated and will help me financially as I have made the commitment to do this and donate at least up to the $2200 in minimum donations.
Thanks for reading - Linda

To: Linda
From: Kristi
Hi Linda - I have just made a donation of $150 to your 3-Day account. Beth Karmeisool, a good friend of mine, owns the Safe Sex Store (S3) in Ann Arbor, MI and she raised the money in her store through donations from her customers. I liked your story in the attached email that you sent out to the team. Last year I was able to help out 5 other walkers. Since I had already made my goal, she said to pass it on to another walker who was short of their goal.
Thank you - Kristi

To: Kristi
From: Linda
Oh my THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH! I don't know how to thank you enough. When I get in town I will continue to do fundraising. I will not sit back and I will continue to go out there and contact my sphere of influence.
THANK YOU AGAIN!! Linda

Read Linda's Story

Sex Education - The Diane Rehm Show

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 18:19:46 GMT

Sex Education
Guest host: Frank Sesno
Broadcast: Sept. 23, 2008 - 11:00 am

Listen here:

Real Audio
Windows Media

The latest teen birth rate figures are up after a 15-year decline, and the presidential campaign has renewed questions over the effectiveness and appropriateness of comprehensive sex education and abstinence-only education. A look at the trends in teen sexuality and efforts to influence young people's decision making.

Visit The Diane Rehm Show

Guests

Sarah Brown, director of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy
Valerie Huber, executive director, National Abstinence Education Association
Debra Hauser, executive vice president, Advocates for Youth
Stan Weed, director and CEO, Institute for Research and Evaluation
Douglas Kirby, senior research scientist, Education, Training and Research Associates

You're Invited!

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:35:56 GMT

We want you to be our friend on:

We are "S3 Safe Sex Store"
See videos, pictures, discussions, other fans and more!

Meet the owner and other S3 fun - watch the introduction video...

Everyone can join...visit our page by clicking here or link to:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/S3-Safe-Sex-Store/23030848630

Left Behind - AIDS in Black America

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 22:39:59 GMT

Left Behind is the latest in a series of reports on the state of AIDS in Black America by the Black AIDS Institute.

While the world wasn’t looking, the AIDS epidemic in the United States refused to go
away. In fact, the domestic AIDS epidemic in the U.S. is much more serious than previously believed. According to analyses of epidemiological data by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the annual rate of new HIV infections is nearly 50% higher than previously believed.

And as America lost interest in its own epidemic over the last decade, the disease became even more firmly implanted in Black America. Nearly 600,000 Black Americans are living with HIV, and as many as 30,000 become newly infected each year. In New York City, Blacks living with HIV have an age-adjusted death rate that is two and a half times higher than for HIV-infected whites.

*Download and read the entire 56 page report in PDF format here

Left Behind: Black America: a Neglected Priority in the Global AIDS Epidemic by Phill Wilson, Kai Wright and Michael T. Isbell is a publication of the Black AIDS Institute
www.BlackAIDS.org

S3 Goes to LA for Top Quality Products

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 23:22:14 GMT

Continuing our commitment to quality and safety, S3 went to LA, California in July to attend the annual AVN Novelty Expo (ANE). The ANE is the industry's premier B2B event, which brought together qualified Buyers and Manufacturers of sexual health products. This event featured over one hundred exhibiting companies offering the latest products and information. View the slideshow...

We had fun along the way and enjoyed meeting directly with manufactures, attending informational seminars and seeing new products and are excited to bring our experience to you! Start shopping...

2008 Art Fair Wrap Up!

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 02:23:22 GMT

Thank you to everyone who braved the heat and rain to enjoy the 2008 Ann Arbor Art Fair. Any time of year, S3 is here to provide safe sexual health products and reliable information...we also have some fun!

Many of our new guests enjoyed our selection of gifts and bachelorette gear, while returning friends stocked up on the latest lubes, condoms and toys. Take a look at a few photos from Saturday!

We had a great week during Art Fair and lots of fun visiting with S3 friends and fans. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to 2009.