your heart is racing as your fingers touch your skin

[ink_splotch]

I may have just bought a vibrator.

I blame this on the fact that Jenny and I had a rather animated discussion while having lunch together today about sex shops. It included us complaining about the lack of them in Leicester - all we have is an Ann Summers, which is way to expensive, heteronormative and also full of giggling girls. Not that I really mind that, but it does grate a bit. It's nothing like LUST back in Copenhagen, where I can spend half an hour browsing and just enjoying the atmosphere. I love LUST, it's one of the nicest shops, and it's just so kind of low-key and relaxed. My sex life is predominantly with myself (and will be for a while, 'cause I really, really don't want to rush things with Gemma and fuck them up) and I'm a full believer in enjoying it full out, but more than that - sex amuses me. I like just browsing and getting turned on, or cracking up (seriously? Have you *seen* some of the vibrators they make? I seriously wouldn't be able to get off for giggling). Sex is fun! Plus LUST has freakin' everything you could possibly want.

Also, for some reason in Denmark, despite the fact that we're all more than happy to discuss our sex lives with other people - really, sometimes veering into overshare in public places, and that's even without the addition of alcohol - but we hardly ever talk about masturbation. Which is a shame, because I know I could use tips (seriously, guys? If you ever want to talk about masturbation, I am SO THERE.). For some reason masturbation seems more taboo than sex, and I can't quite figure out why.

However, since I've come to England, I've had discussions with people who are not Sofie or Freya about masturbation, vibrators and sex toys. Granted with Lily, Jenny and Gemma who are more mature than most, but still. Considering Ros can barely talk about sex and Mike can't seem to get over the fact that I can, I'm quite bemused by this. Still, it's good for me, since if there's a topic I enjoy it's sex. We should all talk about it more - in open terms, I mean, not the constant sniggering or hinting that goes on.

Jenny and I also discussed the buying of video pornography, which was an astonishingly liberating thing for me, because it's something I've often been tempted to do, but always felt a bit embarressed about. No longer! Which brings me right back to my point, which is communication.

Anyway, this led to Jenny sending me her favourite online links, and me browsing them, which naturally led to my hopefully soon once again being the proud owner of a vibrator. I am a little amused by the fact it took me all of four clicks to determine which one I wanted - too much time spent in LUST? Too much helping others to buy theirs?

Finally, this post should definitely be seen as an invitation to talk about masturbation. Or sex. Or kinks. Or turn-ons. Or favourite fantasies. Go crazy!

ETA: Incidentally this is the site I used. It's quite cheap and easy, and they have a really good selection. This is the vibrator I ended up buying.

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/trobany__/]

You know, you're quite lucky to at least have *some* people to go about discussing this with. I've only the default person -- the boy, of course -- and don't get me wrong, I absolutely love him even more for being able to talk about sex/masturbation/the like so openly and hilariously, but that's about it. It used to be okay with one of my friends, and then she decided she really, really wanted to make out with me among other things and.. well, I'm really not all that into it myself. So now I can't talk about anything sex-related without her wanting to do things with me. And that's not good.

And the rest of my friends are either prude or it'd simply be awkward talking about such with them.

Sob. It's aggravating as all hell, honestly. It's so much fun to talk about and yet.. nothing. ):

Although, you're spot on with this whole communication thing. It's so, so, so incredibly true. I have particular examples in which communication = best, but, I think I'll refrain for now. Hee. *sly grin*

Unless, you know..

No, no. I'm done now. You're right. And lucky in many ways. I might be going to a sex shop with above mentioned friend that wants to be with me this upcoming Sunday. It'll be our first time, of course, since we both just turned 18 recently. It'll be an event worth talking about, to say the least.

[vampirespider.livejournal.com]

I do realize this and it was more of a general call for everyone to talk about masturbation - sex everyone can indulge in! Heh.

Your friend is kind of over the line. It's okay to say that she's attracted to you, or even that you can't talk about things like that because it turns her on, or whatever, but taking it as an invitation? That's just a no.

See? This makes me sad. It *is* fun! We should be more open about it!

*grins back* Anytime you want to share. As I've said to others - I have little-to-no TMI boundaries. Within reason, of course ;)

That'd be awesome! But you've got to pick one of the good ones - cosy, yet with a sense of humour and an understanding that girls also want to have fun (in bed).

[http://users.livejournal.com/trobany__/]

*slightly delayed response -- my bad*

Yay! You're so open with everything, it's awesome. Truly, truly awesome.

Yeah.. you know, I kinda felt bad, turning her down all the time, because she is ridiculously attractive (see picture of her here: wee!" And hee!) and she admits that I'm the only girl she's ever really felt attraction to, but.. I'm straight. That's really it. And at the time that she really wanted to be with me, I was already long into my relationship with Peter (this was Easter of last year) so she knew and all. But yes. I think she's got the idea now, thankfully.

Well, if it's anything, partly inspired by you, I went into my first porn shop tonight. With a male, no less! My friend Max, Sam, and myself were driving about around 11 tonight and Max was like "hey, wanna go into that 'Adult Boutique' over there?" And I thought about it for a while, cos we always joked that we would, and then I thought about this post, and how we should all just be more open about it, and I went into the next u-turn and pulled in and parked. Unfortunately, my friend Sam is 17 so she had to stay in the car (she thought it was all hilarious, though) and damnit, that place was awesome. Very hilarious, just as I suspected. It was a bit awkward at first, mostly because I felt I was being violated just by *being* there, surrounded by all sorts of nudity, but after a while it was just fun. I think we're going back tomorrow night, but without my friend. I would have stuck around longer if I didn't feel so bad.

Hee.

Well, as far as the other story goes that I could tell you.. it's a tad more personal, personal as in probably-should-not-post-in-an-open-forum, but I could totally email it to you. It's brief, really. And cute. And within your boundaries, I'm assuming. Tell me if you'd like to hear, hun. I'd love to share, but, I've no one to share it with. ):

*hugs hugs hugs* Now I definitely have to find porno shops for me and the boy to go in when we're in England together. I just have to.

[vampirespider.livejournal.com]

Thank you kindly!

*hugs* I'm sorry about that, must be hard for both of you. The girlfriend and I were just talking about our own respective straight-girl-crushes, back in the day, so I feel for both of you. *hugs again*

YAY! I'm so, so glad it was a good experience for you. Sex shops really should be fun and intriguing and just interesting. I have this theory of sex shops as a place of discovery, where you go to explore your own relationship with sex. I think more people should visit them.

Depending on where you and the boy are staying, there are some pretty good ones over here. Particularly in the bigger cities.

Also, yes! Email it to me! *grins*

[phoenixwish.livejournal.com]

I think I may be a little bit in love with you. Especially because you linked to the vibrator you're just bought. That just puts you miles ahead of most people I know in terms of sheer awesomeness. But I digress.

I have actually talked about masturbation with Sabine and I can still remember how relieving and hilarious it was the first time we discussed it. It's a really silly taboo and yet it's everywhere. That said, it's not something I could discuss with many people, but neither is sex. And it's amazing how many people I know who can't even talk about that.

Interestingly, people around here are becoming a lot more open to discussions on pubic hair. I guess that means a change is coming.


I've actually once or twice considered buying one of those small vibrators, but decided against it because I don't think that's really me, not right now at least. I figure, as long as I can still learn new things about my body the old fashioned way, I'd like to just continue doing that.

It could be fun to buy one just to see the horrified look on the boyfriend's face, though. *is evil*


I may have more to say when I've slept (which I didn't do at all last night), but that is all for now. Well, that and oh, good oral sex, how I miss you at times! But I still don't really feel like I can receive it when I can't even give it. Literally, the taste even of pre-come makes me feel like I'm going to vomit. I'm just really sensitive when it comes to bitter tastes, I can't stand them. I wonder, sometimes, if it would be easier with a woman. (Which I really want to try at some point, but all the ones I know are my friends. But hey, if it's meant to happen then it probably will at some point. Also, I've got to stop speaking/thinking as if I were single, but I don't like being in a relationship when I've only begun exploring my sexual identity, you know? But I should have thought of that sooner, I guess.)



I think this turned it to quite a long, rambling post, but I like discussing these things and you asked for it. :-P

[vampirespider.livejournal.com]

Hee, I'm flattered. See, I just figured I'd reccomend it, you never know what people might be interested in *grins*

I know! I remember when I was about 13 or so and thought that, despite all the articles etc. I was the only one who actually masturbated. Which is one of the many, many reasons I'm glad I discovered fandom - suddenly, I had a whole community pretty much saying that sex is good and masturbation is awesome. Still, I think I was 15-16 before I talked to anyone else about it; and I think that was Freya.

Vibrators aren't for everyone, but they are fun. Though, to be fair, I often think that fingers are more interesting - they're more precise, and you can do all manner of fun things with them. But vibrators are great if you want to get off quick, or when you're in the mood for it ('cause the orgasm is actually different, which is kind of amusing. Not better, or worse, just different). Also, I only started using my fingers to masturbate a couple of years back - until then, I had an electric tooth brush. Which may or may not have been a bit of an overshare there.

Hee! *pets the you*

Mmm, god I miss oral sex. Have you tried giving a blowjob with a condom on? It worked for a friend of mine. I'm sorry you don't enjoy it though, since giving is one of my big turn-ons (granted, with women, so I have no clue what it's like with a man). I don't know if it's easier emotionally and taste-wise, but I'm assuming it is, technique-wise ;)

Also, I know the feeling about a relationship; I often felt the same way when with Freya. Still, you know. If it makes you happy most of the time, maybe it's worth it? ;) And your sexuality is unlikely to disappear - my grandmother's still experimenting. Though not with women. As far as I know.

I did, and I enjoyed it!

[phoenixwish.livejournal.com]

I don't think I ever thought that, but then I used to read the sex questions in Vi Unge and they regularly had some poor young girl writing in because she didn't think she was doing it right. (The most common mistake, apparently, was assuming it was all about the sticking things in and not knowing anything about the clitoris.) And yes, I think the fact that it's so rarely talked about is part of the reason why I love it when someone comments on a hot porn fic with the words "I'll be in my bunk" or some variation thereof.

Oh, I've heard about the electric tooth brush thing from other people. Alas, we never owned one. ;-)

Eh, this one has some problems with condoms (caused by, as far as I can tell, a combination of size and the nature of the foreskin, but maybe that's TMI). That's actually the main reason why I went back on the pill again - I could have lived with the pains, but the sex was too damn difficult. But then, this boy isn't so keen to be on the receiving end of it, at least that's what he says, so the problem lies with me. And really, this thinking (sort of quid pro quo or do ut des, you know?) is exactly what I'm trying to get rid of.

I know, it's just hard to be rational about it. It's silly of me to think like this when I'm only 19. I think it also has something to do with the fact that I feel like it's just not in my nature to be in this kind of relationship, especially with someone who wants to spend so much time with me. :-)

Also, does your grandmother talk about that?

Yay! I like this discussion, actually. I've felt like I wanted to talk about these things before but I wasn't sure if the people on my flist would be comfortable with it. I should have just told myself that you never know unless you try and put it behind a cut. Oh, well. I can be silly, sometimes.

[vampirespider.livejournal.com]

See, I did too, but I figured they were *other people*. I think this is because I tried to talk to my best friend at one point about it, and she freaked out. But I remember the whole vaginal vs. clitoral thing - how I laughed at those poor girls ;)

I know! I think that's one of my favourite comments too - or when people talk about printing off hot fics to keep under the bed. I'm all "YAY! I'm NORMAL!" *gets down* Though usually in a quieter way ;)

Hopefully, my parents will never, ever know. (It should be noted I had my own, but my father bought it for me, so, yeah)

Fair enough. And yeah, I see what you mean. I've been in the same situation, and though I love oral sex, trust me when I say, it's more important that the other person is *there* and enjoying themselves as well. Everyone's irrational about sex - a whole interplay of issues I guess (I know that I had the hardest time getting over my shyness once I got naked. It was like my entire dirty mind just disappeared and I was left thinking "sex = shameful". I don't know why.) But I think the biggest thing is that the most fun will be had if everyone's comfortable ;)

It makes sense, though. I mean, there are so many options out there. And I think there are a lot of people who think like you, that they're not really in the mood for a serious relationship ;) *hugs*

Yes. With me, at least. I don't know about her and my mother, or her and my brothers (though with the latter, I'm thinking NO.) But we have fun discussions about it, where she rants about her friends having giving up sex post-menopause. She thinks they're crazy. I love my grandmother.

I like it too! I rather thought that I'd post and maybe one or two people'd leave short comments and the world'd move on, but I've gotten some fun comments out of it, and this discussion's just plain fun.

[phoenixwish.livejournal.com]

I hope they figured it out at some point, or else they're doomed to have lousy sex lives. Poor girls.

Yes, exactly! I love the honesty and humour and really, that's probably one of the best compliments you can give a porn writer.

Oh, that's a horrifying thought. I mean, I just about panicked when my mum started talking to me about contraceptives.

I've been with the boyfriend all weekend, and I'm learning to let go of those worries. ;-) Nakedness is an interesting thing, really. I used to have major problems with PE - I could hardly bring myself to change my clothes in front of the others and always skipped the shower. The last time I was even seen in a bathing suit was when I was 13. When I've had sex with someone, though, I couldn't care less. I could walk around the house naked. If there were curtains and no one else at home, that is. :-)

Now that I think of it, my problems with undressing in front of others were rooted in a sense of insecurity from not conforming to society's ideals - more specifically, not really having breasts. And it's easier, I guess, when you know you with someone who's already seen everything. And it gets easier the more you learn to love yourself.

Oh, I'm sure they're there, I just don't meet that many outside of LJ. And by the way? This is probably the best non-fandom discussion I've had in here. *hugs you back*

Your grandmother sounds awesome, and just the kind of person I want to be when I get older though I don't plan to get children. There should be more people like her. :-)

[vampirespider.livejournal.com]

Or had a friend or significant other show them. (to be fair the only reason I knew anything about the clitoris was because we covered it in sex-ed. Which more schools should do, really)

Too true!

Man, I got that talk from my dad. 11 year old me, all mortified going, "yeah, Dad, I know all this stuff, I knew this when I was nine and jesus Dad, I'm nowhere near to having sex." So, so awkward.

See, my thing is I have no problems in communal, non-sexual situations. I could walk around my girlfriend naked, walk around the beach naked, no big problem. The problem comes when I have to combine talking about sex and nudity. I suddenly become a puritan, which is just plain annoying. I want to be able to be pervy always!

Also, I hear you on the body-which-doesn't-conform. Like I said, I have no problem being naked, but I hate talking about my body. Because there's a little voice at the back of my head which constantly tells me just how *ugly* my body is.

You should meet my high-school class. And I've had a couple of people tell me that no-one's looking for a relationship at university.

She is all kinds of awesome, really. And I forget that sometimes.

[phoenixwish.livejournal.com]

Indeed. At my school, it was the responsibility of the 6th grade Danish teacher to cover those things (I have no idea if that's the standard), along with the yearly trip to the school nurse in groups. We always looked forward to those. She was the one who taught me about the period and tampons and everything, and how roll a condom on to a phallic plastic thing which, honestly, does not prepare you for the obstacle of actual, flexible skin. My 6th grade Danish teacher, however, was deeply religious and chose to ignore the matter. In fact, it was until my 7th grade Biology teacher found out that she'd skipped it that we even knew she was supposed to tell us. He then proceeded to inform us on the mechanics of the act (which we probably already knew at that point), though blushing more than any of us, and was the first one to tell me that men have to heads, but only blood enough for one at a time.

That sounds absolutely horrifying. Luckily, my mum always just assumed I knew what there was to know and really, I was now where near having sex for the first 18 years of my life and by then it was pretty obvious that I could make the right choices. Besides, I think it would have been even more painful for her than for me if she'd ever tried. She's a bit old-fashioned, you know?

You're one step ahead of me, then. :-) There was a thread at Feministe once where everyone was encouraged to list at least five things they loved about themselves and their bodies. It's a good read. It makes you feel proud and generally good to read all of these comments from women of all shapes and sizes giving themselves compliments. I think that if you keep thinking like that, the cruel little voice will eventually die. I hope. :-)

Hell, I've just begun appearing in public without feeling the need to pretend I have breasts! Yay!

I get the feeling I keep ending up in the most conservative classes. Nearly all of the girls in my seminars are the types to move in with their boyfriends and get an apartment and a little dog. Same with high school. *sighs* Sometimes they seem like aliens to me. Thank goodness for the few of them I can relate to! :-)

[vampirespider.livejournal.com]

Due to a mix-up, my class had sex-ed three time; once in 3rd grade, explaining the mechanics (much to my amazement - what, you didn't know this?); then in 5th grade explaining periods and such, and finally in 7th grade, explaining STDs and contraception, a lecture I'm convinced I was the only one awake for, because since then I've been repeatedly surprised at my classmates ignorance (seriously - "can you get herpes/clamydia/AIDS from giving a blowjob?" *headdesk*)

My dad was all cool and groovy about sex until I started *having* it; then it just got awkward. Which makes me a little bit sad, really. Still, I'm glad he gave me the talk and not my mother.

Thank you for the link! Sounds awesome.

Aw, I'm sorry to hear that! I'm one of the most conservative (relationship-wise) of my friends group - it's weird there's such a split, even on a national scale.

[saturnalia.livejournal.com]

Hee! Congrats on the purchase. I'm so with you on finding sex amusing- wish more people saw it like that! I don't own any vibes myself (I've generally been pretty happy with just my own fingers, up to now *grin*) but some of the designs are pretty cool, like the ones that are disguised as a lipstick.

[vampirespider.livejournal.com]

Thanks *grins* I wish people'd stop being so serious and dramatic about sex. Yeah, it can be this whole big dramatic romantic thing, but not all the time. Gotta be having fun as well!

I also like the "personal massager" ones. They're kind of dinky looking and, hey! Multifunctional!

[eska-rina.livejournal.com]

Oh, I'm always up for talking about sex. And masturbation. Especially masturbation while having sex with someone else. Now that is really hot.

I think I'm going to take a look at Lust in a couple of days as I'm planning on buying a vibrator when I get some money. It's such a long time since I have been in a sex shop last time and I've only heard good things about Lust.

but we hardly ever talk about masturbation. Which is a shame, because I know I could use tips
Oh man, me too -_- And it's relaly annoying - you can ask almost everybody "do you think/know if this is fun" conserning sex, but you can't conserning masturbation and that's just D:

[vampirespider.livejournal.com]

Oh, I know! I'm still kind of awkward about it, due to my own body issues, but it's so hot to watch! And just the idea of it...mmm.

LUST is awesome, and if you feel awkward, the women who work there are sweethearts. I first wandered in when I was a wee little 14 year old, and felt so incredibly lost, and they took care of me (and sheltered me from some of the things that at that point probably would have sent me screaming out of the shop)

I know! It's as if we have this preconception that only *pathetic* people masturbate, because they can't get laid, which is just silly. Because, again, FUN!

[shubassdk.livejournal.com]

I love you. One of the reasons is that you post things like this, because while I might feel the same way and not be afraid of talking about it, I will never be eloquent enough to write anything as funny/interesting as this. I'd just post a picture, or something...

But you *KNOW* you can always talk to me about stuff like that. Hell, you helped me pick out *my* vibrator, for God's sake :P I haven't used it for some time, actually. 1/ I don't really need it these days, and 2/ Troels feels intimidated by it. Go figure...

If I were to buy another vibrator it would definitely be the bunny-thingie from Sex and the City. xavantina really recommends it! Orgasms all around.

[vampirespider.livejournal.com]

Aw, thank you! I just wanted to ramble about my vibrator really, and then it turned into this whole big thing. I love how people are responding to it too! Who'da thunk?

Also, love you too. But you knew that ♥

I do know, and I should've added you up there, because as you say, vibrator shopping (it's a bonding experience, I must admit *grins*). I don't understand the intimidation. Well, I do, but logically, if sex with a person is better than sex with your own hand (even if that hand knows what it's doing, and you might have an easier time getting off with yourself), then the same counts with a machine. I don't know *anyone* who'd prefer a vibrator of a guy or girl they like.

Not to mention since you can actually orgasm from pentration, I'd imgine that'd be even more spectacular than a vibrator could ever be.

I do kind of want one of those, but they're expensive and rather advanced. Hm. Maybe next shopping round. Maybe I'll drag you with me next time I'm in Copenhagen. ;)

[lattara.livejournal.com]

LUST is the *best*. I've heard they've opened up a store here in Århus, but I have no clue *where*. Also? I love browsing through sex shops with you! (*sighs* I really, really want those silk ties we looked at, but wow, were they expensive.)

I quite agree. We talk far too little about masturbation - really, we do. In fact, I've only spoken to you and Tess about it, which is. Well. Odd, maybe?

And I'm dying for a real and open discussion about it with someone I trust. I *want* to ask and explain and *communicate* about it, because you get terribly alone with only your own hands to keep you company. (I did not mean that as porny as it came out. *Really*.)

TMI: Every night, when I go to bed, I spin myself a fantasy. Not necessarily sexual. but, um. It very often is. Very often fandom-related, very often with Mary Sue (=ego) galore. It started as a reward for actually going to bed - I could spin myself a deeply self-indulgent story once I laid down in bed with the lights off. I have trouble falling asleep, you see. It often takes hours for me to actually do it. So going to bed very often seems futile, but when you have something to look forward to...

You get my drift.

Video porn. Man, I don't know. I mean, I'm all for it and everything, but from my (admittedly very limited and old) experience, video porn is mostly made for men (dear god, I still have nightmares about those breasts), and the porn that *isn't* is all very gentle and very boring. Feel free to prove me wrong!

[vampirespider.livejournal.com]

It really, really is. We need to find the Århus one! And ditto - you're fun! *grins* (gah! I remember them. Uhm. Man, one day, maybe when get a job...)

We really do, which is bad because as you noted - think of what we could learn! Also, I think there is a sense of loneliness about masturbation, because even though you know other people do it, it still seems almost shameful, like you should be having "proper" sex, rather than just going at it yourself.

Which is just silly, really.

Mmm, I do that too. I've done it forever, telling myself stories to get to sleep, and then, yeah, they turned sexual over the years. I had a period of time where I couldn't get to sleep unless I masturbated - I'm guessing the orgasm relaxed me, and the fantasy distracted me, so I wasn't too tense, or thinking too hard to get to sleep. And I think it's a lovely idea, using it as a "reward", a way to make it fun to go to bed.

See, I have the same problem (except for this one thing that came on one night, where the woman was stunning, and the man quite hot and there was this whole power-play scenario and a lot of teasing and oral sex and man, so fucking hot.), so I'm hoping Jenny will rec some. Apparently some of the lesbian stuff (like, real lesbian stuff, not just male titillation) is pretty damn good, so I'd like to see that.

[lattara.livejournal.com]

Actually, I think I might have cracked it now - I think it's behind Salling. Or do I mean Magasin? Wow, I have exceptional sense of direction.

Yeah. Like, masturbations is what you do when you can't get yourself a partner - so it shows a basic flaw or something. Ridiculous, but still.

Oh, yeah. It can be very nice indeed. *grins*

I actually think you're right in saying that lesbian porn can be quite good - I just, you know, don't think there's quite the same quality out there for someone who wants M/F or M/F/M *without* those damned silly interludes where the girls make out with each other while they wait for the main attraction - read: the men - to arrive. But that thing you're talking about actually sounds... nice.

[vampirespider.livejournal.com]

Hehe. I'm sure we *can* find it, though!

Absolutely ridiculous, since masturbation a) is fun, b) is safe and c) teaches you about your own body.

I feel a paper coming on. Hm.

I'm sure there's stuff out there; apparently some of the light d/s stuff is better than most porn (it seems women are more into d/s than men, which actually makes sense now I think about it) - which corresponds with that one particular showing I saw. And now I'm all intrigued, and want to do, like, research and stuff. I'm clearly not in my right mind.

[lattara.livejournal.com]

We'll wander through all of Århus!

Exactly!

Write it! You know you want to. *grins*

Yum, d/s. If you hear of something good, let me know, okay? In other words, research away!

[vampirespider.livejournal.com]

It is a sacred mission!

I do. I really, really do. I'm pretty sure it's an occupational hazard (I read or watch any kind of text and at least 30% of my mind is going, "well, this could be fun to explore academically, this conforms to post-modernist conventions, this subverts the gothic expectation, I wonder if anyone else has noticed that theme of mirrors, paired with the theme of self-discovery through creation, I wonder what that contrast means, I wonder if this could be a paper." ARGH!)

Honey, you're first on my email list ;)

[lattara.livejournal.com]

Does this mean we have to wear sun glasses? Because I only own the ones that make me look - in your words! - cute as a bug. Will they do?

It's part of what I love about you.

Yay! ♥

[vampirespider.livejournal.com]

Yes! And yes! And yes! I'm always up for you looking cute as a bug.

♥

[lattara.livejournal.com]

♥

[saturnalia.livejournal.com]

Completely apropos of nothing- I've been seriously considering buying one of these, just for the hell of it, and then I remembered this post and figured I'd mention it! (I'm kind of torn- on the one hand, they're pretty damn expensive, but on the other hand it looks like a heck of a lot of fun. Decisions, decisions... *grin*)