Archive for the ‘History lessons’ Category

Condom distribution at 2010 Vancouver Olympics

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010

 

Olympics condom

It started with this news report

 

During 17 days of Olympic Games in Vancouver, British Columbia Centre for Disease Control distributed 100,000 condoms. Then, when a rumor started that there was a shortage, a new shipment of 8,500 additional condoms came from the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research. 

Free condoms were distributed not just among athletes, but also to security, maintenance and volunteers. They were handed out in public bathrooms of the pavilions, when people were attending free concerts. Volunteers participated in the condoms distribution. 

Clay Adams of Vancouver Coastal Health said, “When you’ve got a global audience like this, it’s a huge opportunity to educate the world”.

He also mentioned that 40 000 condoms out of 100 000 condoms were distributed among athletes. 

Adams said, “Indications are that Vancouver topped the podium for Winter Olympics. Although we recently heard that they issued 35 million condoms for Mardi Gras in Rio, so I suppose we all have a long, long way to go to reach that mark.”

The first time free condoms were handed out at the Olympics in Barcelona in 1992. But Vancouver marked this story as the first time getting shortage of condoms in the history of Olympics.

 Thanks Canada for raising AIDS awareness!

The following video gives you a funny summary on the story

Vibrator Play on Broadway

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

In_The_Next_Room_or_the_vibrator_play

Since I am running a sexual novelties web store, it was especially interesting for me to see new Broadway play “In the Next Room, or The Vibrator Play”. It’s performed in Lyceum Theatre on Broadway. This play is about 19th century mentality, intimacy and marriage. It transferes you to a different historical period , but it shows the same human problems as we have now.

What fascinates me is how in a world vibrator came to life? Who created it to begin with? It was introduced at the end of 19th Century. It was created in order to treat Hysteria. In fact, vaginal massage was used for treating those diagnoses back at the time of legendary Hippocrates. Improvement made by a electromechanical vibrator was revolutionary. It was large and difficult to move around the floor.

Finally, handheld vibrator was made in the beginning of 20th Century. Unbelievably, the vibrator became one of the first five electrical home appliance offered to general public. It came out after the sewing machine but earlier than the electric iron and vacuum cleaner.

The old ad for vibrators said, “Vibrate Your Body and Make It Well. YOU Have No Right to Be Sick.”.

It’s interesting, that back than people saw the reason for Hysteria as “congestion in your womb,”  ”if we can release some of that congestion and invite the juices downwards, your health will be restored.”

This play gives us a history lesson at the same time as making us think, how closed we are in our own room and we can only guess what is going on in the Next Room.

Buy Condoms in Russia

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

It was a famous saying in Russia (at the time of Soviet Union), “There is no SEX in Russia”. It was taken out of TV discussion between Phil Donahue and Russian TV audience. Well, what they meant, was  – any mention about sex was completely forbidden in media and public life. Condoms were extremely not popular. STDs were on a rise and then came AIDS.

 

Condom manufacturing started in Russia in 1930s. It was made by the same company that made gas masks. Gas masks were named Product #1 (it was considered a part of Personal Protection Equipment package and was a secret product) Condoms were named Product #2. They were extremely thick and had an awful smell. This is a typical example of Soviet Era Condom

Those days you can buy any brand of condoms in Russia. Prices vary, but they are compatible to the prices in USA.

Aids Awareness Kawasaki style

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009


In Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan, people celebrate the Kanamara Matsuri or “The Penis Festival.” Kawasaki is located within 20 minute train ride from Tokyo, between Tokyo and Yokohama. It celebrated around a local shrine, shaped like penis, where it was common among prostitutes to pray for protection against STD and AIDS. This festival became a tour highlight. It usually takes place first Sunday in April.This  festival raises funds for AIDS research.

Funny Condom Commercials

Wednesday, September 9th, 2009

Do you recognize Bill Gates? Arnold Schwarzenegger? Do you recognize famous love stories from the movies? Do you recognize the character? Do you recognize a condom fairy? Don’t you have one? If you don’t – Protect Yourself. Wear Condom!

AIDS Video + Murderer = Hitler ?

Tuesday, September 8th, 2009


World AIDS Day Ad: Hitler from ANIMALnewyork.com on Vimeo.

A new controversial condom advertisement was recently made public on Internet. The release is dedicated to the coming World AIDS Day on December 1. The message is clear

AIDS IS A MASS MURDERER

However, in the video the disease and unprotected sex is connected to the worst historical demon as Hitler. Is it right? Do you think it will bring the message across? You can review the video and come up with your own opinion about this clip.

Sex discussions in India

Saturday, June 27th, 2009

If you are interested in history of human sexual behavior, you will be interested to read Kama Sutra. Indian philosopher Mallanaga Vātsyāyana wrote this ancient manuscript where he described sexual intercourse from scientific point of view. This study became a standard to the doctors, philosophers, artists and public for practical advice on sexual activities.

However, one question is always on my mind. Why in the country, where such a brilliant script was produced, exists a contradiction toward sexual behavior? For example, sex toys and pornography are illegal in India. Modern Indian society holds on to conservative visions on sexuality. This explains why the condom use is not popular and, therefore, AIDS and STDs are on the rise in India.

Indian Government is trying to promote condom use. One of the recent sponsorships came for a new condom (available in India) named Crezendo. In the pack together with three condoms, there is a battery-run ring device. It started a heated debate in India, because some people consider it a vibrator. The article in BBC News tells us about different opinions on this subject in Indian society.

17th Century Condom shown in museum

Thursday, March 26th, 2009

Antique pieces are very fascinating and educational. By looking at them you realize how our ancestors lived. What kind of problems they had and how did they resolve it? And sometimes you are surprised with human thoughtfulness. Condom is one of the most genius creations of our humanity. It is one of the rare medical remedies what came to us from the ancient history and almost did not change. The following article tells about the surviving condom from 17th Century on display in Austria.