Erotic Altruism On Cult Of Gracie

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Amorous Women On XXBN

Tonight on XXBN, I interview Donna George Storey, the Stanford Ph.D. who authored Amorous Woman.

Amorous Woman is the author's semi-autobiographical tale of an American woman's love affair with Japan.

I just finished the erotic novel ~ and while I can't say I know more about the Japanese language or Japanese sexual customs, Amorous Woman did have me thinking of a cultural exchange program for randy adults. *wink*

You can listen live to Gracie Passette interviewing Donna George Storey ~ and hear an excerpt from the novel read by the author ~ tonight from 9-10 pm central.

As always, you can also join in on chat in the chatroom and call in live at 646.200.3136.

Flox-ing A Dead Horse?

I've been half-dead from the flu (and the other half wishes I was dead) ~ maybe I shouldn't have had that phone sex with Ms Angela when she was so sick herself? Anyway, one person is worthy of crawling out of bed and taking a shower... The fabulous AV Flox of OMG. OMG! OMFG!

AV writes about the weird, complicated entanglements people get themselves into, from hook-ups to marriage, and how these connections are made easier or exacerbated by technology. She's currently working with fellow journo John Bowe on a collection of interviews about American views on love. AV champions understanding materiality, being polite on the internet, acknowledging the historical significance of pornography and erotica, and inviting gonzo back into journalism. She writes smut, overshares about her sex life on Twitter, and has been labeled by critics as a slut with low journalistic standards. She doesn't apologize about sex saying, "Anyway, wasn't Pulitzer also the father of yellow journalism?"

AV also describes herself as a huge information monger and story collector. "I don't think I have any real desire to do anything other than absorb information, lounge and write. Thank god for the internet, right?"

Amen, sister Flox.

Join AV Flox & I tonight, Wednesday November 19th, from 9 to 10 pm (central time).

Rachel, Rebecca & Jane Join The Cult

This Wednesday (November 12, from 9 to 10 PM Central time), the lovely Dr. Jane Vargas and her sex positive feminist daughters, Rebecca of Porn Perspectives and Rachel aka the Pop Feminist join The Cult for the ultimate Everybody Poos, Everybody Screws; Get Over It show.

We'll be discussing how to raise intelligent, talented, sex positive feminist daughters.

You can listen live to the show here, ask questions in chat, and you can join the show live at 646.200.3136.

(The same link can be used to listen/download a podcast of the show if you miss the live broadcast.)

CNBC's Dirty Money Special

I did watch Dirty Money: The Business of High-End Prostitution, which was far better than the witch-hunt Sawyer et all put on ~ CNBC even had my friend Amanda Brooks on. (She did a spectacular job!) We recorded the show, so I'm saving my official review for once we get clips transferred for web viewing.

Sunday Carnival Reading

Because blog carnivals are good for you:

The 11th edition of the Feminist Carnival of Sexual Freedom and Autonomy is up at Fetch Me My Axe.

The 77th edition of the Carnival of The Liberals is up at The Lay Scientist.

Of Cross Dressing & Crossed Lines

Dr. Jane Vargas and I continue the cross dressing discussion tonight next Wednesday, 11/05/08, one half hour earlier to try to pack in all that we were unable to get to on last week's ill-fated show. The show will begin at 8:30 pm central (9:30 pm eastern).

In attempts to alleviate any potential problems, please listen to the show, sign into chat, and await the announcement that the lines are open before calling in at 646.200.3136. We will do our very best to get to each & every caller!

XXBN's Election Night & Prop K Coverage

You are invited to attend XXBN's Election Night Coverage.

When: November 4th, from 10 p.m. to Midnight (Eastern)

Where: On XXBN ~ listen live, talk in the chat room, & even be on-air!

Why: There's this little thing called a presidential election, as well as lots of local elections going on that night and we'll be bringing you the news, results and (fingers-crossed!) the laughs and sighs of relief. (If not we'll be crying, ranting, barfing... possibly renting U-Hauls to cross a border...)

Who: Along with you, of course, Gracie Passette & Jill Brenneman will play host to the always fabulous Nina Hartley, Jessie Daniels, and Prop K Proponent, Maxine Doogan ~ as well as a slew of other sex positive & liberal folks.

What: We'll be talking politics, propositions, and elections ~ on national and local levels.

Please join us ~ no need to RSVP, just be there.

Have something to say, pray, or, if you're really on a rant, spray? You can even join the show by calling in at 646.200.3136.

If you're looking for more info on Prop K, check out Amber Rhea's list of coverage & resources.

Image credits: Sadie Lune I Want You Poster Prop K Poster, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Dr. Jane Vargas Returns To The Cult To Talk About Cross Dressing

Dr. Jane Vargas was my very first Cult of Gracie guest and she rejoins The Cult this week Wednesday, October 29 (from 9-10 pm, central time).

Jane and I will be discussing cross dressing: what it means, the distinctions between lingerie fetishists and cross dressers, how men who cross dress cope with self-image ~ and women's responses to cross dressing.

You can listen live to the cross dressing show here, as well as ask questions in chat. If you have questions or just want to join the show live, you are invited to call-in during the show at 646.200.3136.

The same link can be used to listen/download a podcast of the show if you miss the live broadcast.

UPDATE: Our apologies for the technical difficulties with tonight's (10/28/08) Cult of Gracie show with Dr. Jane Vargas. The show started late and I know that many of you were not able to get through on the air.

We will continue the cross dressing discussion with Jane next Wednesday, 11/05/08, a half hour earlier to try to accommodate you all. The show will begin at 8:30 pm central (9:30 pm eastern).

In attempts to alleviate any potential problems, please listen to the show, sign into chat, and await the announcement that the lines are open before calling in.

Again, we are very sorry for the issues with the show and hope you'll return next week to listen to & speak with Jane & I.

With much affection,
Gracie

The Art (Of Writing) For Art's Sake?

On last week's Cult of Gracie, part of the discussion returned to the issue of the value of writing, especially of adult writing on human sexuality. The lovely Rebecca sent a follow-up email about the talk:

Thanks for having me on the show last night and letting me stay and chat. That was so awesome. Pete listened to it as well, and here are some of our thoughts on writing for creativity vs writing to eat.

In no way am I a writer, so lets get that's straight. But I do consider myself an artist, and I live with an artist, so that's the perspective I am coming from.

Writing is an art form itself and is a creative field. And like most artistic ventures, the people that can support themselves strictly on their artistic vision is .5%. That means that 99.5% of people in that field make no money or not enough money to support themselves.

I think it has more to do with this, than it does the fact that it is the sex industry. Even in mainstream, the majority of writers, poets and painters cannot survive on their vision. And of the .5% that do, most of those people are financially able to carry themselves, but are in no way wealthy.

There are many people that tackle this by writing for commission, and leaving free time to write their passion. For those people, it can work great. Taking the financial stress off the table then allows them to write with clarity, not having to worry about paying the bills and having that interfere with their vision. They may not love the commission work, but it gets them by and relieves the pressure.

For those that choose the road of creating just their vision find that it is easier said than done. Sooner or later, life creeps in, and you find yourself creating for the market and losing the vision you originally set out to explore. How can this not happen? The artist who paints still lifes finds his still lifes with cats are a big hit. Being excited that people respond, he/she creates more paintings with cats. How soon until he loses site of his still lifes and finds himself just painting cats? The odd thing is that once he goes down that road, the cat paintings stop selling. He began to create for the marketplace, and his work lost the honesty and feeling behind it that people were connecting with.

This happens more often when financial milsetones are the road you are following. Money has a great way of pushing our heads in a different direction. To stay on the "honest" path, the milestones can't be financial, but "Is my message being heard?". You then have to trust that
financial gain will follow.

Remember too, that most great works of art were commissions, created within the confines of someone else. Michealangelo did not want to paint the Sistine Chapel. It wasn't his vision, but he needed to create it in order to get the jobs that were to come after. Within the confines of the commission, he was still able to use his talents and create a masterpiece. That I think is the realistic balance. Creating a masterpiece wherever you may be.

And the struggle itself is beautiful and is what I think keeps you honest. Without the struggle, you lose your passion.

I do think that much of the work I see from writers such as yourselves, as well as some erotic photographers is beginning to create new genres of intelligent erotica, intelligent porn and smarter content. I know people have been talking about it and working towards it, and I think it is beginning to grab hold.

Will it happen soon enough for everyone to capitalize on it? Maybe not, but that's the chance (and reward) you take when you attempt to break new ground. At the very least, instead of walking the beaten path, you are walking where there is no path, and leaving a trail.

Rebecca & Pete

I think there are more than a few solid gold points in here about supply & demand, art, and purpose. Add this to my talk about the value of writing (especially on the Internet) and then hit us with your thoughts!

Cult Of Gracie Radio: Marketing Edition

Both Callie Simms & I (wearing my Marketing Whore hat) will be back on Cult of Gracie Radio tonight, from 9-10 PM (Central), discussing mainstream & mature marketing from more of a 'how to' aspect. Tonight's agenda includes the following discussion:

* SEO: application tips (how) & definitions of purpose (why)

* The purpose behind & use of blogs (when to use, what they are for; when blogging doesn't make sense)

* Content: What is, and isn't, content with a purpose, and the issue of "giving it away for free". (somewhat related to both of the above)

* Ethics & 'feelings' about blogging & online user IDs. (When using a pen name feels icky, but is necessary; are there situations to 'out' yourself?)

(Of course, I'm sure we'll still have plenty of lively debate as we defend our reasoning!)

You can join the conversation by calling 646.200.3136

It's Not A Race To The Bottom Everywhere

The latest edition of Carnival of the Liberals is out at Clashing Culture, focusing on "the best ten posts of the 38 submitted this fortnight past, written by people who are trying to apply the brakes as we slide towards the bottom." Go read it.

I'd like to thank Mike, aka Tangled Up In Blue Guy, for including my post at Sex-Kitten.net, titled What does the economic crisis mean for prostitutes?. Mike included it, saying, "she makes a great point of the effects of the economic downturn on the people we don’t want to admit make money from sex. The ones that make a lot of money from sex may be the ones that do well, but in a society that hides sex work because of morality, well, people get hurt."

I'm thrilled to see issues of sex work included in mainstream discussion of the economy and other realities of our time. It gives me hope that not all of us are in a race to the bottom, that some of us are looking at the issues. Thanks, Mike!

The Feminist Carnival of Sexual Freedom and Autonomy #10

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Cult of Gracie Radio With Callie Simms

Wednesday, October 8th, Gracie and guest Callie Simms dish mainstream and adult marketing ~ which, naturally, will hit upon all sorts of goodies (and badies) in our culture, like politics, blogging, and gender.

Callie holds a Masters degree in marketing with a concentration in writing from Northwestern University & owns CS Entertainment, an adult industry writing services firm. Her written works have appeared in Spread and Slate Magazines; film and television credits include head writer for an erotic film studio as well as writing for mainstream television.

Join us on Cult of Gracie Radio from 9-10 PM (Central) on October 8th.

Your Football Fantasy, Two Femmes Talk Football

All work and no play make Ren and Jill dull girls. Join Jill Brenneman and Ren weekly at 930PM Eastern, 6PM Pacific Time for "Your Football Fantasy, Two Femmes Talk Football on

Xxbn

Weekly topics include Ren and Jill's predictions, recap of previous weeks action, update on the Coaching Gallows Pole. Look at the NFL from the whole new perspective of Two Femmes.

September 30th topics,

Lane Kiffin out, Raiders get Cable, Tom Cable, as their new Head Coach.
Scott Linehan out in St. Louis, Haslett in, Trent Green goes back to the bench Mark Bulger gets the starting job back. How awful is Cinci? Derek Anderson says the Browns have their swagger back, Brett Favre with 6 TDs, Kurt Warner keeps both the Jets and the Cards in the game, plus predictions and listener calls.

Call For Sex Positive Carnival Submissions

I'm pleased as pie to be hosting the 10th Edition of Feminist Carnival of Sexual Freedom and Autonomy on October 6th here at XXBN's blog.

This rather new carnival supports the belief that sexual freedom is an essential part of autonomy. Therefore any legal regulation or social control which seeks to supersede the right of the individual woman to exercise her rights to her sexual self &/or body under her own discretion is an attempt to control and regulate women, undermining & infringing upon her human rights and individual freedoms.

As host (quite a subjective position, as noted in my recent duties as host of Carnival of The Liberals), this is what I'm looking for:

* Posts and articles which not only address or battle the barriers directly, but express the practice &/or spirit of female sexual autonomy.

* I don't really care how old the post or article is, so don't let publishing date deter you from submitting or nominating a quality piece.

Please submit your posts/articles ~ as well as nominate the posts/articles of others ~ by sending them to me at Gracie (dot) Passette (at) gmail (dot) com.

Cult of Gracie Radio With Genia Stevens

I've known Genia of SistersTalk for years now. We've been out of touch for awhile, but thanks to the magic of Twitter, we recently reconnected, debating one another on the subject of "smoke free" laws. Since Twitter is a very limited venue, I challenged her carry on the debate, live on Cult Of Gracie Radio.

She agreed.

So join us Wednesday, October 1 (from 9 to 10 PM, central), as Genia battles against Gracie in the ultimate smoking debate

Chime in with your thoughts on smoking, smokers' rights, health issues, smoking addiction assistance, and "smoke free" or similar "fresh air" projects & legislation.

XXBN Special Show: Live Broadcast With Johannes Grenzfurthner From Arse Elektronika Conference

XXBN gets inside the Arse Elektronika Conference, with Gracie Passette speaking live with Johannes Grenzfurthner 9/26/2008 at 9 PM Pacific/11 PM Central (9/27/2008 at 12:00 AM Eastern).

This year's conference theme is "Do Androids Sleep With Electric Sheep?" Critical Perspectives on Sexuality and Pornography in Science and Social Fiction:

Taking up where the successful conference in autumn 2007 left off, this year's Arse Elektronika stands under the motto "future" -- and the ways in which the present sees itself reflected in it. Maintaining a broadened perspective on technical development and technology while also putting special emphasis on its social implementation, this year's conference focuses on Science and Social Fiction.

The genre of the "fantastic" is especially well suited to the investigation of the touchy area of sexuality and pornography: actual and assumed developments are frequently depicted positively and approvingly, but just as often with dystopian admonishment. Here the classic, and continuingly valid, themes of modernism represent a clear link between the two aspects: questions of science, research and technologization are of interest, as is the complex surrounding urbanism, artificiality and control (or the loss of control). Depictions of the future, irregardless of the form they take, always address the present as well. Imaginations of the fantastic and the nightmarish give rise to a thematic overlapping of the exotic, the alienating and, of course, the pornographic/sexual as well.

XXBN's conference discussion will include the Prixxx Arse Elektronika 2008 Awards Ceremony results.

Johannes Grenzfurthner is an artist, curator, director and writer with numerous published essays and articles on contemporary art, science and philosophy. He holds a professorship for art theory and art practice at the University of Applied Sciences, Graz, Austria and is the founder of monochrom, an internationally acting art and theory group.

As always, you are invited to participate in the show; calls welcome at 646.200.3136.

Carnival Of The Liberals, #74

This edition of the Carnival of The Liberals was insane ~ not just because our times and politics are Crazy with a capital 'C' but because I had nearly 70 fabulous entries. Seriously.

They were so good I wish I could have just pasted 'em all in here, but rules being rules for a reason (like will you read them all?) I trimmed as best I could...

You may want to begin with a reality check on your own political views... In The Biology of Politics: Is It For Real? GrrlScientist (of Living the Scientific Life) poses a mind-blowing question: Do we have free will or are we "programmed" by our genes to be "defensive" in our political views?

Laugh yer ass off (then when the reality hits you, toss yer cookies) with Ron Britton's Rorschach Test posted at Bay of Fundie.

Greta Christina's The Obligatory Sarah Palin Column, or, Why I Don’t Care About A Pregnant 17 Year Old (posted at The Blowfish Blog) is already an Internet classic. Read it because years from now people will remember where they were when they read it ~ and ask you where you were. Don't look like a loser.

In It's time to pay your bar tab, sir..., The Whited Sepulchre asks a question oft upon my lips, "Why aren't people rioting in the streets?" Bonus points for the image (and a beer or whatnot if he'll get me one of those t-shirts!)

In Congratulations, Did You Pray Today?, Menstrual Poetry recounts her visit to the Bloomsburg Fair:

I was walking merrily along, minding my own business, trying to catch up with the rest of my family that had obviously grown tired of my collecting process by then, when all of a sudden I hear a woman’s voice squeal with delight “I see you have a rosary! Congratulations, did you pray today?” I, of course, stop and look around because by then my head has been down for far too long trying to organize everything I was carrying and who knows where this woman came from. So I look up from my loot and I am greeted with this middle-aged woman’s face, staring at me with a polite smile on her face and I look up a little more and see little baby fetuses among a table in the biggest pro-life tent I have ever seen in my life.

Is it enough to make you consider being an atheist? Then check out Daylight Atheism's A Voice in the Crowd for a "novel" approach to the movement.

Just who is actually harmed by the Administration's public lands funding cuts? The Birdist, aka Nicholas Lund, tells you in Arizona Park Fees Rise.

Two sides of the same coin:

Jeffrey Stingerstein's When Are People Going Realize that Gay Marriage IS a Civil Rights Battle? posted at Disillusioned Words

and

The Ridger's Heart. Cockles. Warmed. posted at The Greenbelt.

Helene Zemel exposes how health insurance companies are exploiting a loophole in HIPAA and using prescription use databases to exclude people from health insurance in Big Brother Is Watching Your Health Care at Health Plans Plus.

These guys swear in their posts and I like that; politics without passion is far too often a meaningless pile of crap and this stuff should make us all foul-mouthed. But you've been warned:

Montag's The Middle Class of Whatever posted at Stump Lane

and

Jason Buckley's Get Your Union Facts Straight posted at Washington Interns Gone Bad.

Can Idiot/Savant get an "Amen!" for None of their damn business at No Right Turn? I'll say it. "Amen!"

According to yesterday's Herald, an Auckland primary school is concerned that one of their teachers is moonlighting as a prostitute. They shouldn't be. Or rather, if it doesn't affect her work output or pose a conflict of interest (and there's no suggestion of either), then it is simply none of their damn business. Quite apart from the fact that prostitution is not a crime anymore, what goes on in the privacy of people's bedrooms between consenting adults is their own concern, and absolutely no business of their employer.

Since I can barely keep up with my local issues and (I hope) the majority of national issues, these bits from other places were, um, horrific to read.

Ames presents In Colorado, Where an Unconstitutional Constitution is Par for the Course, Life May Soon Begin at Conception posted at Submitted to a Candid World,

Lose your house, lose your vote posted at archy, and

Denise Dennis: Right-Wing Terror Film Delivered To Swing-State NY Times Readers posted at HuffingtonPost.com.

Kudos for scaring me, kids.

Because Free Speech matters, this is the "last but certainly not least!" post: Yoo at at Stochastic Scribbles presents A downward trend for free speech.

That reminds me...

You are invited to attend XXBN's Election Night Coverage.

When: November 4th, from 10 p.m. to Midnight (Eastern)

Where: On XXBN ~ listen live, talk in the chat room, & even be on-air!

Why: There's this little thing called a presidential election, as well as lots of local elections going on that night and we'll be bringing you the news, results and (fingers-crossed!) the laughs and sighs of relief. (If not we'll be crying, ranting, barfing... possibly renting U-Hauls to cross a border...)

Please join us ~ no need to RSVP, just be there. You can even join the show by calling in at 646.200.3136.

The next Carnival of The Liberals will be October 8, 2008, at Clashing Culture; why not submit something?

Cult of Gracie Radio With Amber Rhea

On Wednesday I'll be chatting with Amber Rhea, the pole dancing, sex positive feminist with a Bachelor's degree in linguistics and a Master's degree in internet technology. She's also co-founder of the Georgia Podcast Network, co-host of the award-winning podcast Mostly ITP (which focuses on people and issues in Atlanta), main organizer of PodCamp Atlanta 2007, & organizer of Sex 2.0, an 'unconference' focused on the intersection of social media, feminism, and sexuality.

One of the things that impresses me most about Amber is that she gets sex work ~ despite never having worked 'the game', despite being 'young' and not a crone. She truly has wisdom beyond her years.

You can join the raunchy-fun and the ranty-goodness on Cult of Gracie Radio at 9 p.m. central ~ listen live, hang out in the chat room, and call in at 646.200.3136.

Submit (Your Posts) To XXBN

XXBN's hosting the next Carnival of the Liberals, on September 24th ~ please submit something grande!

You can check the last edition of the carnival at Redonkulous Redundancy.

XXBN Sponsorships & Advertising

Looking to reach sex positive, progressive men and women?

You can sponsor &/or advertise on individual shows or all of XXBN's programming. Options include web display ads (banner), audio ads, & on-air sponsor mentions.

You may also advertise on this blog. (Monthly ~ or longer ~ sponsors receive acknowledgement for their support with mention/link at this blog, so that all listeners know of your continued support.)

Contact Gracie Passette at Gracie (dot) Passette (at) gmail (dot) com to discuss your interests & needs.

If you're an individual or company simply wishing to give kudos, you may donate to the shows/hosts to show your support:

Donate to Up The Hill With Zach & Jill (Jill Brenneman)

Donate to Cult of Gracie (Gracie Passette)

(Please note that donations are wildly welcomed; but as donations, have no promises or strings attached.)

Cult of Gracie Radio With Artist Charlene Lanzel

Wednesday, September 17, Charlene Lanzel will be on Cult of Gracie Radio.

As an artist, Charlene Lanzel has worked with some of the world's top mural painters; with Breast Defense, an exhibition of one-of-a-kind plaster molds cast from the busts of legendary burlesque icons for The Keep A Breast Foundation; and creates some wonderful pin ups.

Lanzel was also a "She-Wolf" a "bodyguard" for The Dead Boys re-union tour in 1988 where she dressed in bondage and whipped the stage divers down from the stage, proof of at least one part in her "Cigarette Girl, Go-Go Dancer, Punk Rocker & Artist" billing. *wink*

It promises to be an eclectic mix of the arts ~ and opinions. Join the chaos!

Cult Of Gracie: Politics & Limericks With Made Kane

Tonight, Wednesday, September 10th, on Cult of Gracie Radio, at 9 pm central, the special guest is Mad Kane. Madeleine Begun Kane isn't just another political blogger ~ not just because she wears many other hats (she's a recovering lawyer, a a musician and has a marriage and somewhat typical life dealing with work, money, etc.), but because she's funny as heck.

And I'm not the only one saying so ~ Bob Newhart recently announced her the winner of the 2008 Robert Benchley Society Award for Humor.

Her Raising Kane columns and other humor about marriage, work, money, travel, and other topics have appeared in numerous publications including Family Circle Magazine, the New York Times and have been carried by the L. A. Times Syndicate and Knight-Ridder/Tribune.

Mad Kane applies her linguistic skills to create more than rants and tirades. She writes clever verses, limericks, poems and verse about politics and current events, making the reading her opinion pieces far more fun ~ and her ire more likely to be remembered.

I'm certain it will be a memorable show. As always, you can participate in the show by calling in at 646.200.3136.

Up the Hill with Zack and Jill, special Friday Night Edition, Tropical Storm Hanna live from Raleigh, NC

Date: Sep 5, 2008 5:01 PM
Subject: Xxbn tonight live from Raleigh, NC, coverage of TS Hanna 9pm
Body: Xxbn Talk Radio,
www. xxbn. net www. xxbnradio. com
9pm Eastern
Please forward to interested parties

Special Up the Hill with Zack and Jill
Topic: Tropical Storm, possibly Hurricane Hanna by time of air bearing down on North Carolina. Xxbn live from Raleigh./Durham, directly in the storm's projected path. Forecasters are calling for high winds, coastal storm surge, inland flooding, tornadoes and very heavy rain. Xxbn Crown Weather Services Forecaster Rob Lightbown with the very latest information. Zacl in Raleigh with closings, delays and cancellations.


Zack will be in the studio, Jill Brenneman from Raleigh, other coverage from DC if possible.

Exclusive Reports on Hurricane Gustav and Tropical Storm Hanna from forecaster Rob Lightbown

Xxbn coverage of Hurricane Gustav's imminent landfall in Louisiana featuring Exclusive Coverage from Crown Weather Services forecaster Rob Lightbown. Forecast track, intensity and potential damage of this very dangerous hurricane from Xxbn.Crown Weather Services and forecaster Rob Lightbown.

With forecasts calling for Tropical Storm Hanna to become a hurricane and threaten the US East Coast this weekend, stay with Xxbn throughout the week for updates.

Here is the latest update
Xxbn August 31, 2008 8PM Show
Closing in on Landfall, Rob Lightbown with the details and listener call in.

Cult of Gracie Radio With Dr. Susan Block

Wednesday, September 3, 2009, at 9 PM (Central) Cult of Gracie Radio has the fabulous Dr. Susan Block, sex educator, cable TV host and author, discusses what we can learn from bonobos, the chimps who have a matriarchal culture and are recognized to have sex play a prominent role in their society. Bonobos also display compassion, empathy, kindness, patience, sensitivity, and altruism. We humans could should learn a lot from these apes so closely related to us.

About Suzy: A familiar face on HBO's late-night programming through her #1 Nielsen-rated specials, Radio Sex TV with Dr. Susan Block, as well as her episodes on Real Sex, she's not only an educated sexologist, but a hot chick with a grand sense of humor to boot.

It promises to be a fun & informative show ~ don't forget to call in at 1.646.200.3136!

A Little Note For Barack Obama

Dear Barack Obama, thanks for a great convention!

And this is the card we send it in:

Burlesque Against Breast Cancer On Cult of Gracie Radio

This week's Cult of Gracie Radio has the wildly talented (and mildly mad) Jeremy Edwards discussing not only his own written erotic works but the Ultimate Burlesque anthology that is part of Burlesque Against Breast Cancer.

The Ultimate Burlesque anthology, edited by Alyson Fixter & Emily Dubberley, is the teaserotic September release (published by Xcite Books) which will help raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Jeremy will be reading a (rather tame, but titillating) excerpt from his story, Laura The Laugher, which appears in the anthology, live on the air!

Tune in to Cult of Gracie on XXBN, Wednesday night, August 27, at 9 PM (Central) for an hour long show.

As always, you can join the fun by calling in at 1.646.200.3136.

If you should miss the show ~ and I don't know why you would, it's on just after Brenneman Airplane's Special Wednesday Flight with Gary Michael Cappetta! ~ you'll find the archived show available for listening & download here.

Buckcherry's Explicit Video

Earlier this week, Buckcherry teamed up with Playboy.com to debut their new explicit video for the band's new single, Too Drunk... The video features the girls from burningangel.com (see Libby's interview with Joanna Angel at Sex-Kitten.Net) ~ and you can see the video here (where you can talk about it), and at TheRockVine.

Too Drunk... is from the band's Black Butterfly album (Eleven Seven Music/Atlantic) available on September 16th.

Buckcherry is currently on tour with Mötley Crüe, Papa Roach, Sixx:A.M. and Trapt for the first inaugural Crüe Fest tour. (DJ Ashba and James Michael of SIXX:A.M. were on Cult of Gracie recently.)

Cult Of Gracie Radio With Shon Richards

On this week's Cult of Gracie Radio (on Wednesday, August 20th at 9 pm central), Gracie Passette talks with erotica author, smut collector, charming cad, & intriguing rogue, Shon Richards.

Factory worker by night, erotica author by day, Shon Richards has described himself as "a strange, tortured soul." Typically his adult stories combine use sensitivity & romance to deal with tough relationship issues ~ and of course, everyone screws like banshees too.

Isn't that how we all solve our tough relationship issues?

In fact, it might very well be banshees ~ or vampires, ninjas, or industrial espionage agents ~ screwing their way to relationship bliss in Richards' stories. Just as long as those females wear spandex. Or leather. Or chain mail. Some sort of kitschy erotic garb straight out of male (and female) fantasies.

Because that's partly what erotica is about, the escapist stuff. If we wanted to just read about relationship issues we'd get Mars & Venus or some Dr. Phil article in O; but we want erotica to be at least partly fantasy. It's through the combination of fantasy adventure and human emotion that we find ourselves getting our lust-thang on.

At least that's my take on it. We'll have to see if Shon Richards agrees.

You can add your two cents to the discussion too. Just call in during the show at 1.646.200.3136.

After the show you can also download the podcast here.

Brenneman Airplane: August 27.2008 9PM Guest: Gary Michael Cappetta!!

Brenneman Airplane, Special Wednesday Flight!

Gary Michael Cappetta (born December 12, 1952) is an American professional wrestling ring announcer, author, voice over artist, screenwriter and stage performer.

Having spent more than 20 years in the middle of the pro wrestling ring he then wrote and self-published Bodyslams: Memoirs of a Wrestling Pitchman. Gary's "Bodyslams!" autobiography was so successful, that it was re-released by ECW Press in 2006 adding 10 more adventurous years to the critically acclaimed book.

Cappetta is familiar to TV wrestling fans who watched him on World Wrestling Federation broadcasts from 1974-1985, followed by stints on ESPN with the American Wrestling Alliance or the AWA and Turner Broadcasting System’s World Championship Wrestling shows. Gary also performed on many prime time specials and pay-per-view productions for Turner Home Entertainment. He can also be found on numerous Ring of Honor DVDs doing backstage interviews. He also was the ring announcer for the 2005 wrestling game Showdown: Legends of Wrestling.

During his career the bilingual announcer has appeared at thousands of events throughout the US, Canada, England, Ireland, Germany, Northern Ireland and the Caribbean. Gary set the stage for the world’s top wrestling stars in both English and Spanish.

In addition to his announcing duties, Cappetta has produced and directed commercials to promote WCW special events and was the Spanish announce voice for World Championship Wrestling programming seen exclusively on KCAL in Los Angeles.

"GMC", as Cappetta has become known to today's wrestling audience, has written a screenplay about the world of wrestling entitled "Fall For The Dream". Gary has also managed careers of up and coming wrestlers, entertainers and models.

Gary wrote, directed and starred in "Bodyslams! & Beyond", a one man stage show based on his professional autobiograpy, Bodyslams: Memoirs of a Wrestling Pitchman.

Previously worked as a fill in Spanish teacher at Manasquan High School in 2003. He is now a Spanish teacher at Christian Brothers Academy in New Jersey. He teaches Spanish III and Spanish for Business. He is also the moderator of the Italian Culture Society.

Brenneman Airplane: On the Air with Renegade Evolution: Looking at troubling trends of those claiming to fight oppression:

Tuesday August 19, 2008 www.xxbn.net www.xxbnradio.com www.brennemanairplane.net

Guest Renegade Evolution

Listener Call in Number 646.200.3136

Brenneman Airplane, Forecaster Rob Lightbown's exclusive XXBN.Crown Weather Services Update on Tropical Storm Fay plus guest Renegade Evolution: Looking at troubling trends of those claiming to fight oppression: Kyle Payne, anti pxrn activist that plead guilty to sexual offenses in Iowa related to a female student, Maggie Hays, owner of the blog "Against Pxrnography", which presents women as victims and members of a resistance movement to the massive conquest of our culture by what she terms the "pxrniarchy", and Gail Dines, anti pxrn activist who presents an anti pxrn slide show depicting very graphic images, ones many state are without consent of those depicted, and presumes to speak for an insult the women in the industry. Are they fighting oppression? Do the ends justify their means? Guest Renegade Evolution looks at these topics. Renegade Evolution, Kyle Payne, I blame the "pxrniarchy website, Gail Dines, XXBN Politics Progressive
Mature 8/19/2008
9:00 PM
60 Minutes

XXBN.Crown Weather Forecaster Rob Lightbown, Live with Latest on Tropical Storm Fay

17 August 2008
Live tropical storm Fay update 10:00 AM today
Tropical Weather Discussion
Issued: Sunday, August 17, 2008 735 am EDT
from Crown Weather Services

Crown Weather Forecaster Rob Lightbown live with an update on Fay 10:00 AM Sunday August 17, 2008, www.xxbn.net www.xxbnradio.comBrenneman Airplane

If you miss the show live, check out the archives www.xxbn.net
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fay is located near the southeast coast of Cuba as of this morning. All indications are that Fay is now tracking west-northwest at a forward speed of 13 mph. The track model guidance envelope has actually spread out with the latest model data as the global models have very different ideas regarding the steering flow over the next two to three days. The European model is forecasting a weaker high pressure ridge and a trough of low pressure dipping south into the northern Gulf of Mexico, which ultimately turns Fay northeastward over south Florida on Monday night and Tuesday before stalling it in the western Atlantic later this week into this weekend. The GFDL and HWRF models also show a path across the Florida Peninsula. Most of the remaining guidance, including the GFS and UKMET turn Fay northward in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico to the east of a mid- to upper-level cutoff low forecast to be over the Southern Plains.

Satellite imagery indicates that the organization of the inner core of Fay is improving. The overall environment around Fay is still very favorable and all indications are that Fay will be near or at hurricane strength when it reaches central Cuba late tonight. Once Fay gets into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico around midday Monday, Fay is expected to intensify some more and is expected to reach hurricane strength before coming ashore. My thoughts on exact strength and where Fay may come ashore are found in the next paragraph.

This remains a very difficult and frustrating forecast as any shifts in the track of Fay has large implications on the exact location of landfall on the west coast of Florida. Basically, the smallest shift in track could mean the difference between a landfall up in the eastern Florida Panhandle or a landfall near or just south of Tampa. I did note that the 3 BAM models do have Fay making landfall all the way up into the western Florida panhandle. That solution will be discounted for now, however, it is definitely in the back of my mind.

At this point, I think Fay will track very near, if not over Key West, Florida on Monday evening as a strong tropical storm or borderline Category 1 hurricane. After that, Fay should parallel the west coast of Florida on Monday night and come ashore somewhere between Taylor and Dixie Counties and Fort Myers sometime on Tuesday as a Category 1 hurricane. Due to large spread in the model guidance, my thinking for a forecast track continues to be low confidence, so it's best to keep track of the latest updates with Fay.

For the Florida Keys: Sustained tropical storm force winds are expected to reach the lower Florida Keys around midday Monday and affect most of the Florida Keys Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning. Sustained hurricane force winds are quite possible over the Florida Keys on Monday evening.

For South Florida: Tropical storm to hurricane force winds peaking in the 50 to 75 mph range are possible along the Collier County coast particularly on Tuesday morning with conditions beginning to deteriorate on Monday evening and gradually improving by late Tuesday. For the Mainland Monroe, Miami Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties, peak winds of 35 to 50 mph are expected from late Monday night into early Tuesday morning with conditions beginning to deteriorate late Monday afternoon and beginning to improve by late Tuesday morning.

Further up the west coast of Florida, hurricane force winds are possible near where Fay comes ashore on Tuesday afternoon or Tuesday evening. This area of possible hurricane force winds currently is in an area stretching from Cedar Key south to Fort Myers. Hurricane Watches have not been issued for this area as of yet, however, I expect them to be issued either later this morning or sometime this afternoon.

Hurricane Watches have been issued for the Florida Keys and parts of South Florida. For detailed information regarding these watches and preparatory advice, please refer to our tropical weather page. All interests in the Florida Peninsula and the Florida Keys should monitor the progress of Fay very closely.

The next tropical weather discussion will be issued by 8 pm EDT This Evening.

Click For Tropical Weather Information

Prepared by Rob Lightbown, Crown Weather Services
Disclaimer: All forecasts herein are made to the best ability of the forecaster. However, due to standard forecasting error, these forecasts cannot be guaranteed. Any action or inaction taken by users of this forecast is the sole responsibility of that user.

Hey, Stooopid Bush Administration, Birth Control Is NOT Abortion

Too lazy to type up more than this ~ and it will be cross-posted "everywhere" ~ but I just signed the emergency message to Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt, whose department is considering this stuoopid rule change and here's the quick cut & paste letter to forward:

Subject: Contraception is abortion?

Hi,

I had to share something with you. Can you imagine living in a place where birth control is considered an "abortion" and health insurers won't cover it? Where even rape victims are denied emergency contraception?

It seems unbelievable, but the Bush Administration is quietly trying to redefine "abortion" to include birth control. The Houston Chronicle says this could wipe out dozens of state laws that protect women's reproductive freedom and protect rape victims. And this proposed "rule change" doesn't need congressional approval.

I just signed a message to Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt, whose department is considering this rule change, telling him: "Contraception is NOT abortion." Can you add your voice to this cause? Click here to sign the message: http://pol.moveon.org/contraception/?r_by=-9950595-JRzmsAx&rc=paste

Thanks!

Sign it, or suffer the horrors.

Tropical Update with XXBN Crown Weather forecaster Rob Lightbown

14 August 2008
XXBN Crown Weather Services Forecaster Rob Lightbown with an important tropical update
Potentially forming tropical storm which would be called Faye with possible intensification and landfall probabilities including the East Coast of the United States is the topic of discussion with XXBN tropical forecaster Rob Lightbown.

Tonight 7PM Eastern 8.14.2008 www.xxbn.net www.xxbnradio.com www.brennemanairplane.net
Posted by Jill Brenneman at 16:52 0 comments Links to this post

www.crownweather.com

UP the Hill With Zack and Jill

Former North Carolina Senator and Presidential candidate John Edwards confesses to having an affair. Does this change your views of him? Should it matter to anyone but his family? Why is his lying to the public about a private matter news when Bush's lies about weapons of mass destruction are ignored?

Also Tara Sawyer with an update from the Mexico City Aids Conference 2008

John Edwards,
Up the Hill, Zack and Jill,
Audience Rating: Everyone 8/14/2008
9:00 PM Eastern
60 Minutes

Thanks, BlogTalkRadio!

Hey, today's Cult of Gracie show (9 pm central) with Nina Hartley is featured on BlogTalkRadio's home page!


Never let it be said that BlogTalkRadio isn't super supportive of adult conversation, issues and programming.

Cult Of Gracie Radio Presents One Of The Foremost Activists For Sexual Pleasure

I've got two words for you for this week's Cult of Gracie show: Nina Hartley.

If you don't know her from the 600+ videos and films she's made, two decades of dance tours, and thousands of personal appearances (including Oprah), then you must have been living under a rock to have missed the woman who is arguably the most enduringly popular star in the history of the adult entertainment industry.

A dedicated student of human sexuality for over thirty years, Nina Hartley is more than an entertainer. She's a sex educator, whose book, Nina Hartley's Guide to Total Sex, was called "the best book written about sex, ever" by Margaret Cho (and several other reviewers). Hartley also co-produces Nina Hartley's Guides, her own line of instructional videos for men and women. As Hartley says to women, "Sex isn't something men do to you. It isn't something men get out of you. Sex is something you dive into with gusto and like it every bit as much as he does."

Hartley wins my admiration and affection for being such a valiant public advocate for sexual self-awareness, sanity and literacy. A leader in sex positivity, during the "porn wars" of the 80's, Hartley became a founding member of the Feminist Anti-Censorship Task Force, and today, among other things, she is a member of the Board of Directors for the Woodhull Freedom Foundation, an organization that works to advance sexual freedom as a fundamental human right by protecting and advancing freedom of speech and sexual expression.

Here's one of my favorite quotes from Nina Hartley, activist for sexual pleasure:

I definitely think that sex is natural and healthy, and that people have the absolute right to pursue their sexual preferences with other consenting adults without government or church intervention. I can do what I do to share my enjoyment of sex with all my viewers out there. If I can help any person or persons have a great sex session, then I've done a good job! I believe that society changes and that we can take what is good from the world's religions and leave behind what isn't so good, and forge a new day. I'm one of the forgers, I like to think!

I know she is ~ and I can't wait to speak with her.

If you'd like to speak with Nina Hartley, live on-air calls will be taken, as always, at 1.646.200.3136.

You can listen to the show live here. (If you missed the show, the same link will let you listen to the archived show & download the podcast.)

Next in line for Departure, Brenneman Airplane, guest Ellen Simonetti Queen of Sky

Brenneman Airplane: On Talk Radio XXBN, www.xxbn.net, www.xxbnradio.com www.brennemanairplane.net Show debut, first guest Queen of Sky Ellen Simonetti Tuesday August 12, 2008, 9pm Eastern Guest Queen of Sky Ellen Simonetti www.xxbn.net www.xxbnradio.com listener call in 646 200 3136 Queen of Sky, the former Delta flight attendant that was fired because of her blog a couple of years back. Meanwhile she became some sort of cyber celebrity. She even has her own theme song (by one of her Irish fans Daniel Prendiville) Check out her blog for more details on her story: queenofsky.net or Google her name: Ellen Simonetti. She has a book based on her blog. Her BOOK IS NOW OUT!!! BUY IT ON AMAZON NOW!!! Diary of a Dysfunctional Flight Attendant: The Queen of Sky Blog, See why people are saying they can't put this book down! IF YOU'RE NOT A MYSPACE MEMBER YOU CAN EMAIL Ellen AT: QUEENOFSKY@GMAIL.COM P.S. Add her as a friend if you haven't already! Ellen will be the first guest on Brenneman Airplane!

The Monolith Of Alternative Media: Thoughts On Blogs & Blogging

Amber Rhea writes of different kinds of blogs:

...this is something I’ve talked about all over the place plenty of times before: how making sweeping statements about “blogs,” as if blogs are a monolith, is pointless because there are so many different kinds of blogs. There are blogs that are online news outlets, many of which break stories. There are blogs that are devoted to political analysis. There are blogs that are focused on a specific topic and definitely write with more of a “for the audience” perspective. And there are plenty of blogs (such as I would class my own) that exist primarily for the blogger, cover a wide variety of topics, but do not purport to be unbiased or “fair and balanced” or objective, etc. etc. etc. So when talking about credibility, citizen journalism, etc., I was thinking it only makes sense to apply those standards to the certain types of blogs that want them.

But then I thought, well, that’s too simplistic, too. With a lot of blogs, there’s not this stark dividing line between one type vs. another type. I would call my blog a “personal blog,” but I also have, arguably, “reported” on plenty of things. So have many other people who write the type of blog I do - and that makes sense, because why should writing about an issue, or posting news, etc., have to be sequestered from writing about one’s life? And really, i think when the two mingle, that’s when some of the most effective political activism can take place - or am I abusing the old adage “the personal is political” again? ;) I just think for a lot of people, putting the humanity into something helps them see why it’s important, and think of it in a more concrete way, and not just as an abstract “issue.”

Her post, as usual, is thought provoking & brings up several good issues... Today, I'll just focus on the matter of blog definitions; something I find both interesting and irrelevant.

Such distinctions are are irrelevant because as the self-published acts of individuals, they are about as varied as the individuals themselves and so warrant no distinctions. Like the paper diaries and journals they digitally represent/replace, they are without need for categorization. However...

As published public displays, they become media; and this is where it gets interesting.

For the most part, individuals themselves categorize the blogs just by the act of selection; they read what they like and eschew the rest. But as blogs are available to all, some feel the need to define, even regulate. Combine this with the fact that many bloggers themselves argue for the same rights, access privileges, & status as "members of The Media", the discussion of definitions (including the side-paths of credibility & legitimacy) will continue.

"Legitimate" is a funny word. It is about as subjective as the "art vs. porn" debate, wherein the I-know-it-when-I-read-it definition of value will be applied to, in this case blogs and bloggers, as each individual sees fit to define it. Even when they cannot articulate it.

From a business point of view, the popularity (in terms of readership, loyalty &/or following) speaks volumes to the issue of legitimacy. Consumption is a bottom line that few can argue with, even if issues such as quality, purpose, and status continue to elude agreed upon definitions.

Many of us simply just act as if we and our blogs are Media. Considering ourselves to be/offer alternative media, we don't worry about the pat on the head which comes from a "legitimate" label. We just do it. And we do it in our own way.

Mark Pickering Interview On Cult Of Gracie

Today, Wednesday, August 6th, on Cult of Gracie Radio at 9/10 PM Central/Eastern, Gracie Passette talks with Mark Pickering, author of Story of the Sand, a novel which delves into the world of post-traumatic stress disorder and the often overlooked struggles that face veterans upon their return home.

Told from the point of view of an Iraq war veteran, Pickering says his novel is "a raw and truthful account of how deeply soldiers are affected by their tours of duty overseas". To prepare for his novel, Pickering conducted in-depth interviews with real-life American war veterans from WWII, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and newly-returned soldiers from the current conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.

While Story of the Sand is a novel, we'll also be using this time to discuss what happens to veterans when they return as well as the issues, concerns, & policies surrounding their return.

On-air callers are welcome at 1.646.200.3136.

You can listen to the show live, online here; and if you miss the show, the same link is where you can listen to the archived show &/or download a podcast.

XXBN Gets Runny, With Lemon Cookie

Lead vocalist, guitarist, and founding member of the band Runny, Lemon Cookie's not only an all-around awesome punk rock guy ~ but as the original impetus behind the benefit for Casa Xochiquetzal, an organization which serves as a community center & housing for aging and homeless sex workers, he's a sex work supporter and an all round awesome guy.

Lemon Cookie will be on XXBN Tuesday, August 5th, at 8/9 PM Central/Eastern. As always, you can listen live, call in with questions & comments at 1.646.2002.3136, and download the archived show/podcast too (at the same link).

Watch Runny's video for I Want To Fuck You And Kill Myself:



More about the band Runny:

Although a full-blooded NYC band now, Runny was originally formed in 1993 in Los Angeles by Lemon Cookie. Originally featuring guitarist Fuji Film, who was dropped due to a bad having-sex-with-hippies habit, it was turned into its current state in 2003 with the release of the album "Uncle Tom's Cracker Factory". Around 2005, Lemon Cookie was joined by DJ Phlegm, who assists in vocal duties and being the Disc Jockey of the band. The live shows are wild and naked, full of awful guitar playing, and holding true to the 60/40 paradigm (60 percent love it, 40 percent leave). A supremely amazing band, they have just added drummer Colonel Cream and bassist Cracker Dap, on semi-permanent loan from the Brooklyn-based deathpunk band, The Whores. They are available for weddings and bat mitzvahs.

Radio's Influence Changing

This post, On the Radio: New listening habits alter playing field, by David Hinckley, is focused on radio's power in terms of music; but the information (not actual numbers) likely represents changes in talk too:

...another survey by Coleman Insights illustrates the changing landscape.

Coleman surveyed 14- to 17-year-olds, who are obviously critical because they're the listeners and consumers of tomorrow, and found 78% listened to radio every day.

That's strong. But it's lower than it used to be, and the survey found 84% listened to music on a computer, iPod or MP3 every day. That's the first time "alternative" sources have topped radio.

In another Coleman study of teenagers, 41% said theiriPods or MP3 players are the first place they go to hear music. About 27% said computers and 22% said FM radio.

So teenagers who all used to listen to the radio now increasingly find new music through Facebook or MySpace or P2P file-swapping. The radio is still important, but now it's just one thread in the fabric.

You may be tired of so many "changes in media" talk, but I'm building towards something; so keep reading.

XXBN's Exclusive Coverage Of 2008 International AIDS Conference In Mexico City ~ Tonight!

Tonight, at 7:30 p.m. (Central), XXBN will be broadcasting live from Mexico City on the eve of the International Aids Conference 2008, presenting a live, exclusive wrap-up of the Sex Work Pre Conference: Universal Action For Sex Work Inclusion.

Tara Sawyer, Robyn Few, and (hopefully) others will be discussing the event at which approximately 170 Sex Workers came together to talk & plan for the Aids conference and sex worker rights.

Please call in with questions, comments and thoughts on things you would like us to say to more than 25,000 guests of the International Aids conference at 1.646.200.3136.

If you miss the live broadcast, you can listen to the archive &/or download the show here.

Sex, Lies & Media Ownership

For those who still can't wrap their minds around the fact that gender & race are still barriers...

In Calling All Women and Minority Media Owners (But Not Too Loudly), Kristal Brent Zook covers the Access to Capital Conference where Democrats had FCC reform in mind ~ and "a desire to highlight ongoing federal barriers to accessing capital and media licenses."

She writes:

Today it’s virtually impossible for an individual woman to buy a full power television station, said [Barbara] Lawrence. The sentiment was echoed by others. Unless one inherits a station, the only real possibilities are in low-power television, and even then, mostly in small and medium sized markets.

“It takes tens of billions of dollars to own a station,” said Lawrence. “There are FCC issues, legal issues, engineering issues, financial issues. It takes a lifetime of work.”

Diane Sutton of ShootingStar Broadcasting said that she was able to become an owner because she had two things, information and access. Sutton, who now does training for potential media owners, says that it’s important to know “how to write a business plan, how to secure equity, and how to get to know the brokers and bankers before you need the money.”

She also spoke about the virtues of the tax certificate, a federal policy incentive that was repealed in 1995 despite the fact that it increased minority ownership by fivefold during its 17 years of existence. Part of a larger Minority Ownership Policy instituted by an innovative young FCC attorney, Frank Washington, it rewarded radio or TV station owners by allowing them to defer capital gains tax if they sold stations to minority members.

Not only should the tax certificate have been preserved, argued Diane Sutton, but it should have also been expanded to include women “which, surprisingly, it did not.”

This explains so too much.