Sex & Politics

J.C. Penney Will Not Fire Ellen DeGeneres
Penney's has an upstanding reputation as a member of the business community and in February they reached out to one of the most outspoken advocates for happiness to be their new spokesperson---Mrs. Ellen DeGeneres. This, naturally, brought them under fire from an anti-gay group, One Million Moms. Yet, the corporation refused to back down. What do you think of J.C. Penney's decision to stand behind Ellen and their campaign? Has Ellen ever inspired you to be your true self in the face of adversity? Leave a comment and tell us all about it!

Your Monthly Santorum Quote
Rick Santorum has Foot in Mouth Disease when it comes to the rights of women. And I quote: "The right to privacy is not the right to a common good. It’s a me-centered right, that obviously started in the sexual revolution with contraception and obviously quickly evolved to abortion, and now has found its way into the marriage debate." What do our forward-thinking, sex-positive Edenites have to say on this?

Brett Ratner works with GLAAD
If only he'd done it to begin with, he might not be in this position. Brett Ratner was the producer for the Oscars celebration this year until he overstepped and unleashed a homophobic slur during a junket for "Tower Heist" when he exclaimed "Rehearsal is for fags". The campaign features celebrities "coming out of the closet". Good idea, bad idea? Is he just placating GLAAD to get them to go away?


Sex & Religion

Pope Benedict Says No to Condoms in Pornography
Don't get the message mixed up, he isn't saying that pornography is okay. But if it exists, His Holiness would prefer the performers not wear condoms. After all, if there's even a slight chance a female can become pregnant in the process, he's all about it. Should the Pope have a right to weigh in on what happens in the American Sex Industry?

Seminaries Include Training on Sexuality
The Religious Institute, a Westport, Conn.-based organization, stated Wednesday that there are now 20 seminaries that the organization considers sexually healthy and responsible as a result of the Religious Institute Seminary Project. That number is up from the ten seminaries that met the institute's standards in 2009. For those who attend church regularly, do you feel confident that you could speak to your clergy members and receive honest, open answers that are not shaming or judgmental?

Sex and Science

[bold|Love Really Is a Drug
Experts have said that romantic love is one of the most powerful emotions a person can have. Humans' brains have been wired to choose and win over a mate, sometimes going to extremes to get their attention and affection. Have you ever been addicted to someone?

Men Fall in Love Faster
Fisher, author of "Why We Love" and a Rutgers University researcher, is criticizing popular beliefs about men as she uses her survey of 6,000 men and women to back up her theories. Her survey has proved to be myth shattering and shows that men are more likely to want to move in and are also just as eager to get married. In your relationships, how true do you find this to be?

Medical Treatment of Trans* Kids - Ethical or Not?
Parents are sometimes astonished when their female-bodied child exclaims she's "a boy" or when their male-bodied child plays with Barbies instead of Tonka trucks, and psychologists and medical professionals are paying attention when parents bring their concerns to them. Methods to delay puberty are utilized to prevent traumatic breast or adam's apple development which can in turn prevent the need for top surgery later in life. Is it ethical to inhibit hormonal and developmental milestones for the protection of the child's self-image?

Sex and Technology

Wii Goes Erotic, Sort of...
The Mojowiijo is a motion2vibration enabled device that can be connected to an existing Wii remote where users can control the other person's device via Skype. It can also be used in the same room or as a standalone vibrator and has both female and male attachments. Pretty neat huh? How many Wii users would be interested in something like this for Eden?

PETA Has a Porn Site
And they're using it to educate you about the horrible things humans to do unsuspecting and undeserving animals. Lindsay Rajt, a spokesperson for PETA, has promised explicit images that will shock some and leave "lasting impressions on others". Are they grasping at straws, is this way over the top, something else entirely?

Android Users More Likely to Have Sex on a First Date
According to a Match.com survey of 1,000 users, that is. However, Blackberry users were more likely to consume alcohol on a first date...so Are you a Blackberry user or an Android user? Do you think the stats in the article are genuine?

What's New on EdenCafe

...About Sex Toy Reviewing by Jessie Beth
As many of us already know, reviewing toys is a lot of fun but there are times when it seems more daunting than necessary. Jessie Beth gives us a run down on the "light side, the dark side and the neutral side of reviewing toys from her own prospective. What are some of the things you've run into with toy reviewing that fall into the "light, dark and neutral" aspects?

AgePlay Comes Out of the Closet by Angel Propps
Daddy/Daughter, Mother/Son, Daddy/Son, Mother/Daughter...inci te very intense feelings in people regardless of their affiliation with AgePlay. For those who truly understand the dynamics of this type of relationship, this article by Angel is merely a refresher course. But, for those who are unfamiliar in general it's a great guide to understanding what is just another "kink in the closet". Are you involved in AgePlay? Know anyone who is? What are your thoughts on the matter?

Sluts Are Human, Too by Ms. Spice
Yes, yes they are. Ms. Spice examines the issues women face in today's society while trying to exert the empowerment our foresisters worked so hard to achieve for us. It's a terrible thing when a man is congratulated on his conquests while his female counterpart has to hide her love of sex and willingness to take part in it, no strings attached. Have you been shamed for your sexual proclivity? Do you hide your true "number" out of fear of being tossed to the wolves?

Polymonogamy by AndroAngel
"I'm right!" "No, I'm right!" --- How about you're both right. There is nothing that can derail a conversation about polygamy, polyamory and monogamy like an epic war on what's unnatural. AndroAngel takes on both sides of the argument and play's devil's advocate. There are so many aspects to relationships that it begs the question "why can't we all just get along?" Will there ever be a time when people are willing to live and let live without putting their two cents in when it comes to how to organize a family or relationship?


Your Fantasys - Eden Style

Are You Watching? by WomanChina
WomanChina writes things better than you've ever felt them. This fantasy will leave you begging for more of her work (which you can find in EdenLit's forum). Maximus lubricant, SinFive Akmeo, and the Emerald Explorer share the spotlight with WomanChina in a way that is sure to drive you wild!

Teasing My Breath Away by Sleeping Dreamer
Power-play and delayed orgasms are already a delicious combination, but when you throw in yummy flavored Lubricant Lickeurs, the Fascinator Posh Throe, and Trojan Ultra Thin condoms the heat is almost too much to bear.

My Little Girl Needs a Spanking by Sir
The Hearts Leather Whip and Leather Vampire Gloves deliver delicious licks and hits to a submissive just learning her way with her new master. A real treat for those who enjoy BDSM play in their lives.


It's Weird, But It's News

Woman Captures Rapist
Moments after exiting a club, a woman noticed another woman being assaulted in the car next to hers. What happened next would make a believable plot point in a Hollywood blockbuster! This woman has a set of balls on her, that's for sure. Would you have done the same if you were in her shoes?

A Different Kind of Shuttle
After saving a friend from facing the dreaded walk of shame for the umpteenth time, a college co-ed remarked that she should start paying for her services and thus a business was born. Kellyann Wargo tells Jalopnik that $5 will get you a ride and a bottle of water so the students at the University of Michigan can avoid those embarrassing moments of facing staff and peers while wearing last night's club outfit. Do you think this is something that every city could benefit from?

When Fantasy and the Law Collide, a Suburu Ad Is Made
There are those who take role-playing to heart, never shattering the illusion while in a scene and then there are these folks. Meet Nikolas Harbar and his girlfriend, Stephanie Pelzner. The couple were arrested on Valentine's Day for living out a fantasy while driving around town in Portland, Oregon. A woman noticed Pelzner tied up, blindfolded and naked in the backseat and immediately called 9-1-1. The were immediately arrested upon returning home and booked on disorderly conduct in the second degree. Is the charge too much? Just right?

Contributor Articles on Sexis

The War Against Gay Marriage by Roland Hulme
It's no secret that conservatives are against gay marriage, but are they trying their hardest to make sure that no one wants to get married in the first place? Roland dishes about how politicians and celebrities are destroying the desire to marry by destroying their own marriages in the face of the public. “Our philosophy is simple: We will be why America can’t have nice things.” Do you find any truth in Roland's argument? Is the sanctity of marriage being threatened by the behaviors of those in the limelight?

On Being Out...I Pass by AndroAngel
Sure, those of us who converse frequently in the forums here at Eden know a little more about each other than if we were co-workers or neighbors but we are given that opportunity through the nature of the site itself. But what about the other areas of our lives? Are you open about your identity in all areas of your life or do you hide things from certain people? Do you feel cowardly in doing so?

You Say Tomato, I Say Designer Toy Fetish by Biancajames
Are designer toys the new designer shoes? Biancajames examines her collection and the orgasmic bliss provided by a $10 bullet and a $500 trio of toys and reflects on how Kate Moss made vibrators cool. Do you own designer toys? Are they your favorites or do you prefer a toy from a more budget-friendly line? What is the most expensive toy you own?

The First Wet Dream by Chris Corrigan
Chris explores the goings-on and experiences of transitioning from one gender to another and in this particular piece, he talks about his very first wet dream and his first erection during class. Cisgender males know all too well what those experiences felt like, but this is an entirely new and unique perspective on the matter. How brave is Chris for sharing his experiences with the community at large?


The More You Know...

• Everyday, 200 million couples around the world have sex, which is about over 2000 couples at any given moment.

• Rats may have sex up to twenty times in one day.

• An Archives Of Sexual Behaviour study found that after looking at sexy images, most women showed physical signs of arousal but didn’t feel aroused.


EdenLit - Contributor Writing Club

Daffodils by Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama
Most, if not all of us, have a favorite flower. I happen to love stargazer lillies but HNSTM has an affinity for daffodils. Take a walk down memory lane as she talks about those precious memories and moments of joy those gorgeous flowers brought to her life.

Heart and Mind by Amelia Stone
Do you enjoy free-verse poetry? Amelia's internal dialogue spills across the page as heart and mind collide. How do you distinguish between fact and fiction? Are anger and pain different or one and the same?

Loss and Redemption by Destri
A gripping first-person narrative tells the story of lovers separated, one gone forever and the pain and guilt of the one left behind. This is a critical review assignment and comments are welcomed and appreciated. (As is the case with all of the contributor entries for EdenLit.)

Monthly Love Horoscope from Tarot.Com

ARIES (March 21 - April 19th)
Mental Mercury turns retrograde in Aries on March 12, initiating a three-week period of complicated communications. A tendency to say the wrong thing or misunderstand others increases, requiring more careful attention to avoid these problems. Read the complete horoscope here...

TAURUS (April 20th - May 20th
Passionate Mars is still in your 5th House of Romance, adding more points to your desirability quotient. This energetic planet, though, is still moving retrograde, which can stir up interest in lovers from your past. Read the complete horoscope here...

GEMINI (May 21st - June 20th)
Taking care of domestic issues is important with the Full Moon in fastidious Virgo and your 4th House of Home and Family on March 8. Minor matters can turn into major crises if you don't take care of business now. A commitment to being more careful and putting your place in order is appropriate then. Read the complete horoscope here...

CANCER (July 21st - July 22nd)
Organizations and being with friends can be especially rewarding on March 13, when astrology's luckiest planets, Venus and Jupiter, join in your 11th House of Groups. Spending time with people who share your values and goals helps you to relax and have a good time without having to convince someone to see things the way that you do. Read the complete horoscope here...

LEO (July 23rd - August 22nd)
You're generally more at ease when you are in the driver's seat, but learning how to step back and receive is a valuable lesson now. Appreciating yourself is a key to getting the love and approval you desire, so put making yourself happy at the top of your to-do list. Read the complete horoscope here...

VIRGO (August 23rd - September 22nd)
Romance could be rocking for you this month, but doing it gently is the key to making this magic happen. March starts with the Sun in sensitive Pisces and your 7th House of Partners, which is likely to increase interpersonal activity in your life. Read the complete horoscope here...

LIBRA (September 23rd - October 22nd)
The heat is on this month, so the relationship ride is likely to get intense. It could be exciting, but also filled with contrasts that can make it hard to find your comfort zone. Communicative Mercury zips into impatient Aries and your 7th House of Partners on March 2, possibly triggering verbal fireworks.Read the complete horoscope here...

SCORPIO (October 23rd - November 21st)
The life-giving Sun is in poetic Pisces and your 5th House of Amour until March 19, opening your heart and allowing you to share your feelings more easily. Compassion and forgiveness (of yourself and others) is very important, so don't get hung up on what you're missing now or what may have gone wrong in the past. Read the complete horoscope here...

SAGITTARIUS (November 22nd - December 21st)
Caution is particularly important when Mercury turns retrograde on March 12, starting a three-week backward period when it's easy to stumble over words, leave out essential details and misunderstand others. Read the full horoscope here...

CAPRICORN ( December 22nd - January 21st)
There could be some deliciousness in your personal life this month. The source is Venus, the planet of love, which is entering sensual Taurus and your 5th House of Romance on March 5. Enjoying yourself in an easygoing manner is a great way to get attention without seeming like you're looking for it.
Read the full horoscope here...

AQUARIUS (January 22nd - February 18th)
Your energy should be high with the Sun in your sign until March 19. Taking the initiative and coming on stronger with people is a good way to use this power. Generally, though, your mind is your most desirable asset, and you'll have a chance to work it out with new people or in new ways as of March 2.
Read the full horoscope here...

PISCES (February 19th - March 20th)
Sweet Venus, the planet of love, enters slow and sensual Taurus on March 5, which is good for enjoying life's physical pleasures. This transit occurs in the communicative 3rd House of your chart to make you more sociable when you're sharing some good food. Read the complete horoscope here...

Click here to find out what your Zodiac sign says about your love life.

Do-It-Yourself Projects

Cheap But Convincing Masquerade Masks
This project is great for rainy days, role-players, kids and adults alike. Simple, easy to follow steps help you create a unique mask for wear or just to hang on the wall. All you need are a few tools, some epoxy and your imagination!

Perfume Filled Locket
If you have a favorite scent that you adore so much that you want it close to your heart at all times, then this is the project for you. It's completely up to you how strong you want the scent and ingredients to be.

Snowflakes!
This is along the same lines as rock candy except you probably don't want to eat a stick of borax that's been left out over night. But for those who love snowflake ornaments this is a really fun and fast project when you're stuck inside. You just need pipecleaners, borax and food coloring!


Recipe of the Month

Mama Pritchetts Grilled Pork Chops and Apple-pear Topping

Ingredients
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup spicy brown mustard
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 8 pork chops, 1/2 to 1 inch thick
• 1 lime, juiced

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 4 large green apples - peeled, cored, and cut into eighths
• 4 Bartlett pears - peeled, cored, and cut into eighths

Directions
• In a large bowl, mix together 1 cup brown sugar, soy sauce, orange juice, brown mustard, honey, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and cumin until thoroughly combined and the sugar has dissolved.
• Place the pork chops into the marinade, and spoon marinade to cover the chops. Let stand at room temperature for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat, and lightly oil the grate.
• Remove the chops from the marinade, and discard marinade.
• Shake any excess drops of liquid from the chops, and grill until they are browned, no longer pink inside, and show good grill marks, about 8 minutes per side.
• Squeeze lime juice over the chops as they grill. An instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a chop should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).
• Melt butter in a large skillet over high heat, then stir in 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and cinnamon; bring the mixture to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
• Stir in the apple and pear slices, and cook, stirring often, until the fruit is coated with the butter mixture and softened but not mushy, about 5 minutes. Transfer the apple and pear slices to a grilling basket.
• Grill the fruit on the outdoor grill until the slices are browned, about 5 more minutes. Serve grilled fruit with pork chops.

What is your favorite deceptively simple meal to make that friends, family or paramours rave about and beg you to make for them? If the recipe isn't a guarded family secret, jot it down here for others to try!

Chronicle Crossword

Chronicle Sudoku

Feel free to submit your solved puzzles! And if there's anything you'd like to see added or you've stumbled across an article you think should be included, go ahead and leave that here as well!

Let's kick of March with a bang! Here's the latest edition of the chronicle! I hope everyone enjoys it, I know I had a blast putting it together!

Eeee! So wonderful! Can't wait to read everything, but let me just say: the Pope is just as entitled to his opinions as anyone (whether you agree or not), Santorum should really just keep his mouth shut (just my opinion, you asked), good on JC Penny, my boy definitely wants to get married just as much as I do, and he is very excited for us to move in together when we save up enough, I love designer toys and they are truly worth the investment for me.

All personal opinions of my own of course. Can't wait to see what other Eden folks think. Happy reading and great job Stormy'!

Holy jumping banana's Stormy! I am loving reading all the articles in these Community Chronicles!!!

Thank-you for sharing!!!!

Another wonderful job Stormy'. I know what I'm going to be busy reading this weekend!

Awesome job!

Looks fabulous! Great work!

WONDERFUL When I visit EF I usually start with shopping, now I find myself here first. I like that it gives me direction instead of letting the points lead me.

This is awesome. You did a great job Stormy'.

I love the new Chronicle!! Great job and thank you !!

Nope because I are ooooooooh soooo shy!!


Great Chronicle! I love the "surprise" of Sudoku since I enjoy doing those! It's a pity though that game is limited and couldn't be made sexy! (That I know of)

I see that pork chops recipe, my goodness it sounds delicious I will probably have to try that one out. I love that kind of stuff, I often make pineapple cranberry pork chops in the slow cooker. Omnom! These weren't the chops that didn't work out so well on V-day were they Stormy? *evil grin*

Hmm how odd on the Horoscope, being a Sagittarius it seems already like I have been acting this way. Stumbling over my words etc, at least the other week I was. Although I am about to publish a review that just came out and flowed good.

Well I have to head into work shortly, I will have to check more of this out later Also should I just upload an image of the completed Sudoku here or send you the link Stormy? Again, great work on this, lots of time and effort put into it

The chronicle is fantastic! And thanks so much for including my story, I am so honored to be a part of this!!!

Ah I'm in love with the Chronicle! I'm new to the community but I'm so happy this exists.

Is the Chronicle new? This is fantastic!

Do we have any completed puzzles as of today? Or any attempts to complete the puzzle? Is it too easy, so-so, too hard? Maybe, it's just right?