Suzanne & Autumn deciding the fate of the raffle participants.
Stage kitten Carter chatting with Liza.
The Baronass Von Harmer doing her gender-bendy thing.
Autumn and Ilene, happy that it's over.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Benefit is over, long live the benefit
THANK YOU to everyone who supported us before, during, and after the benefit. It was a lot of fun. And of course we have a zillion pictures, but (a) some of them are somewhat risque and (b) I think we need to put them up on a Flickr page or something to avoid clogging up this blog. In the meantime, here are a few to tide you over:
Suzanne & Autumn deciding the fate of the raffle participants.
Stage kitten Carter chatting with Liza.
The Baronass Von Harmer doing her gender-bendy thing.
Autumn and Ilene, happy that it's over.
Suzanne & Autumn deciding the fate of the raffle participants.
Stage kitten Carter chatting with Liza.
The Baronass Von Harmer doing her gender-bendy thing.
Autumn and Ilene, happy that it's over.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Buy some raffle tickets!!!
Here's the dope: some wonderful, generous people have donated some really groovy stuff to support the Fertility Awareness Center. You can buy tickets online, and/or at the benefit. Winners will be picked at the benefit on 11/27 (see BENEFIT post, below this long one). The great thing about this raffle is that you can enter for just the prize(s) you want to win. If your heart is set on one of those beautiful lucite purses from the 1950's, put all your tickets in that pool. Or, if you can't decide between the bodywork session or the class at Babeland, and part of you just really wants that biscotti, distribute your tickets between all three. Most of the prizes are things that can be shipped, so if you don't live in or near New York, don't fret! You can still participate. And we've made the tickets affordable so that you can buy a bunch:
1 ticket - $3
2 tickets - $5
5 tickets - $10
Prizes are described below. Pick what you want, then go to Paypal and send us some money! Here's how you do it:
(1) 90 minute essential oil restorative bodywork session. Ahhhhhhhh. Union Square area. Expiration date 1/31/07. (New York area only)
(2) $50 gift certificate to Flower Power , an Herbal apothecary, staffed with caring, knowledgeable herbalists offering the highest quality organically grown medicinal herbs. Can be used online or at store.
(3) $30 certificate good for one workshop at Babeland. Workshops cover a variety of topics related to sexuality. Take a class at Babeland University and get smarter in all the right ways! Note: we have 2 of these certificates, so 2 people can win this one. (New York area only)
(4) Yummy hazelnut biscotti from 'n Joy Sweets & Pastries. 24 pieces, will keep for several weeks (right - like you're not going to eat them before then).
Now, are you ready for the antiques? Deco Etc (122 W 25th Street, 212.675.3326) has made an amazing donation of some truly unique & beautiful items.
(5) One of two lucite purses, both from the 1950's. This first one is perfectly clear with a gold-colored clasp. It's about 8.75" long, 4.25" wide, and just over 3" deep, and is in the shape of a long octagon. Lucite is lightweight and easy to care for. And you'll always be able to find your cell phone! Please refer to this as "clear lucite purse" if you're going for it. Antiques are often not perfect - one handle seems to have been replaced and is translucent, rather than clear.
(6) The second purse is also lucite, but this one is red, in an imitation tortoiseshell pattern with what looks like brass trim. 8" long, 4.25" wide, 3" high. Some overzealous fashionista tried to clean this purse with vinegar, and now it has a faint eau-de-salad, mostly noticeable when you open it. Do not clean your purse with vinegar! Plain water will do nicely, or a glass cleaner mixed half & h
alf w/water if you need something stronger. Carry a scented handkerchief and no one will notice. Please refer to this as "red lucite purse" in your entry.
(7) Our last item is a beautiful old desk clock, probably from the 1930's, maybe 40's. Face plate is lucite, with a black dial with gold numbers set against a larger clear panel. The dial itself is a brass-colored metal. This clock has to be wound, and it makes a ticking noise that most of you young'ns are probably unfamiliar with. It has an alarm, which also works, but I wouldn't count on it for anything important. If you win this clock, and you love it, you should take it in to a professional for a cleaning & general tuneup (in particular to get it to run faster). Antique clocks need a bit of periodic maintenance as they work on mechanical bits like springs and gears. But how many of your little electric alarm clock/iPod docking wonders are going to be around & working in 70 years?
1 ticket - $3
2 tickets - $5
5 tickets - $10
Prizes are described below. Pick what you want, then go to Paypal and send us some money! Here's how you do it:
- Go to PayPal.
- Log in (or create account).
- Click on "send money" tab.
- Enter our email address - admin@fertaware.com.
- Specify the amount you want to send, based on prices, above.
- Choose one of the options in the "for" menu - service/other or goods - doesn't matter which.
- Click "continue."
- On the next page you will see "message to recipient." For subject, please put "raffle tickets." For message, here's the important part - tell us what you're trying to win!!! You can say "5 for x, 3 for y," or, if you're feeling lucky, "1 for z." Every bit helps!
- Don't forget to click the "send money" button :)
- You will receive a confirmation from PayPal.
(1) 90 minute essential oil restorative bodywork session. Ahhhhhhhh. Union Square area. Expiration date 1/31/07. (New York area only)
(2) $50 gift certificate to Flower Power , an Herbal apothecary, staffed with caring, knowledgeable herbalists offering the highest quality organically grown medicinal herbs. Can be used online or at store.
(3) $30 certificate good for one workshop at Babeland. Workshops cover a variety of topics related to sexuality. Take a class at Babeland University and get smarter in all the right ways! Note: we have 2 of these certificates, so 2 people can win this one. (New York area only)
(4) Yummy hazelnut biscotti from 'n Joy Sweets & Pastries. 24 pieces, will keep for several weeks (right - like you're not going to eat them before then).
Now, are you ready for the antiques? Deco Etc (122 W 25th Street, 212.675.3326) has made an amazing donation of some truly unique & beautiful items.
(5) One of two lucite purses, both from the 1950's. This first one is perfectly clear with a gold-colored clasp. It's about 8.75" long, 4.25" wide, and just over 3" deep, and is in the shape of a long octagon. Lucite is lightweight and easy to care for. And you'll always be able to find your cell phone! Please refer to this as "clear lucite purse" if you're going for it. Antiques are often not perfect - one handle seems to have been replaced and is translucent, rather than clear.
(6) The second purse is also lucite, but this one is red, in an imitation tortoiseshell pattern with what looks like brass trim. 8" long, 4.25" wide, 3" high. Some overzealous fashionista tried to clean this purse with vinegar, and now it has a faint eau-de-salad, mostly noticeable when you open it. Do not clean your purse with vinegar! Plain water will do nicely, or a glass cleaner mixed half & h
alf w/water if you need something stronger. Carry a scented handkerchief and no one will notice. Please refer to this as "red lucite purse" in your entry.
(7) Our last item is a beautiful old desk clock, probably from the 1930's, maybe 40's. Face plate is lucite, with a black dial with gold numbers set against a larger clear panel. The dial itself is a brass-colored metal. This clock has to be wound, and it makes a ticking noise that most of you young'ns are probably unfamiliar with. It has an alarm, which also works, but I wouldn't count on it for anything important. If you win this clock, and you love it, you should take it in to a professional for a cleaning & general tuneup (in particular to get it to run faster). Antique clocks need a bit of periodic maintenance as they work on mechanical bits like springs and gears. But how many of your little electric alarm clock/iPod docking wonders are going to be around & working in 70 years?
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Lighten Up, Take It Off!
A Night of Comedy & Burlesque to Benefit the Fertility Awareness Center
You are NOT going to want to miss this. Top-notch comedy & burlesque, fabulous food and libations. And did we mention the raffle prizes??
Tuesday, 11/27 at 8PM.
The Living Theatre, 21 Clinton Street, Manhattan
F train to 2nd Ave (use 1st Ave exit, walk East on Houston, make right on Clinton)
or F train to Delancey Street
buy tickets here
Hosted by the incomparable Howlin Vic, as Liza (with a Z), performers include:
(burlesque)
Fetchin' Gretchen
Baronass Von Harmer
JZ Bich
(comedy)
Brooke Van Poppelen
Queefer Sutherland
Giulia Rozzi
Margot Leitman
and sideshow man Sam Conway.
Tickets are $40 advance, $45 at the door. You can do us a big favor by buying your tickets in advance, so we know how much food & drink to get for y'all. And again, here's where you can do that:
Brown Paper Tickets
Now let's talk about those raffle tickets! Note: if you can't attend the benefit, buying some raffle tickets is a great way to support our work. Most of the prizes can be shipped. Please see the RAFFLE post for all the details.
Tuesday, 11/27 at 8PM.
The Living Theatre, 21 Clinton Street, Manhattan
F train to 2nd Ave (use 1st Ave exit, walk East on Houston, make right on Clinton)
or F train to Delancey Street
buy tickets here
Hosted by the incomparable Howlin Vic, as Liza (with a Z), performers include:
(burlesque)
Fetchin' Gretchen
Baronass Von Harmer
JZ Bich
(comedy)
Brooke Van Poppelen
Queefer Sutherland
Giulia Rozzi
Margot Leitman
and sideshow man Sam Conway.
Tickets are $40 advance, $45 at the door. You can do us a big favor by buying your tickets in advance, so we know how much food & drink to get for y'all. And again, here's where you can do that:
Brown Paper Tickets
Now let's talk about those raffle tickets! Note: if you can't attend the benefit, buying some raffle tickets is a great way to support our work. Most of the prizes can be shipped. Please see the RAFFLE post for all the details.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Kudos
Thanks to board member Melissa King for having the idea for this blog and for setting it up. Even though I said I would never have a blog.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Books of Note
On 10/31/06, Toni Weschler somehow managed to come out with two books at the same time.
One was a tenth anniversary, updated edition of her landmark book, Taking Charge of Your Fertility.
The other book was Cycle Savvy, a book about Fertility Awareness for teens (minus the birth control and pregnancy achievement parts).
One was a tenth anniversary, updated edition of her landmark book, Taking Charge of Your Fertility.
The other book was Cycle Savvy, a book about Fertility Awareness for teens (minus the birth control and pregnancy achievement parts).
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Share the Love - FAC’s first benefit leads to projector purchase
On 2/14/07, we held our first benefit, which we called “Share the Love.” Largely organized by FAC’s new board president, Autumn Brown, the event was held at The Stroll, an eco-friendly clothing store located in Ft. Greene, Brooklyn (recycledrejectshop.com). The Stroll is affiliated with the nearby Habana Outpost (HabanaOutpost.com). Habana Outpost is NY’s first eco-eatery, and they really walk the talk. Part of their mission is to facilitate community – hence how we ended up there. Sofia Santana, the manager of The Stroll, was unbelievably helpful; we could not have pulled this off without her.
Despite the inclement weather (remember the Valentine’s Day slush-storm?), we had a full house. We were entertained by Aisling Roche, Amelia, Keith Otten, Onome, and Zahava. Some lucky raffle winners walked away with fabulous prizes, most of which were donated by supporters, including Melissa King, Bluestockings Bookstore, Lagusta’s Luscious, and The Stroll.
We’re very happy to say that as a result of the benefit, we were able to purchase an LCD projector. This is something we’ve wanted for a long time, as having one means that we can now teach our workshops, and give lectures, pretty much anywhere. Most facilities, particularly non-corporate community spaces, do not have projectors, and getting one is often a stumbling block to giving a presentation. While we are lucky enough to have a projector available to us at the Continuum Center, where we currently teach our classes, we are excited about the possibility of teaching in other locations, both here in NY as well as elsewhere.
Thank you so much to everyone who made the benefit possible, and to all of you who came out and supported us, or who made donations We had a great time and are looking forward to our next one.
Despite the inclement weather (remember the Valentine’s Day slush-storm?), we had a full house. We were entertained by Aisling Roche, Amelia, Keith Otten, Onome, and Zahava. Some lucky raffle winners walked away with fabulous prizes, most of which were donated by supporters, including Melissa King, Bluestockings Bookstore, Lagusta’s Luscious, and The Stroll.
We’re very happy to say that as a result of the benefit, we were able to purchase an LCD projector. This is something we’ve wanted for a long time, as having one means that we can now teach our workshops, and give lectures, pretty much anywhere. Most facilities, particularly non-corporate community spaces, do not have projectors, and getting one is often a stumbling block to giving a presentation. While we are lucky enough to have a projector available to us at the Continuum Center, where we currently teach our classes, we are excited about the possibility of teaching in other locations, both here in NY as well as elsewhere.
Thank you so much to everyone who made the benefit possible, and to all of you who came out and supported us, or who made donations We had a great time and are looking forward to our next one.
Film - Power and Passion: The Technology of Orgasm
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HELP US BUILD OUR LIBRARY!
The Fertility Awareness Center would love to have a copy of Passion and Power: The Technology of Orgasm for our library!
Can you help us out? A copy costs $30. Donations received beyond the cost of the film will go toward other library purchases. Just put “library” in the comments section of PayPal, or in the memo line of your check. Thank you!
(1) http://www.paypal.com
Our address for sending donations via PayPal is admin@fertaware.com
(2) or use our snailmail address:
Fertility Awareness Center
PO Box 1190
New York, NY 10009-1190
Can you help us out? A copy costs $30. Donations received beyond the cost of the film will go toward other library purchases. Just put “library” in the comments section of PayPal, or in the memo line of your check. Thank you!
(1) http://www.paypal.com
Our address for sending donations via PayPal is admin@fertaware.com
(2) or use our snailmail address:
Fertility Awareness Center
PO Box 1190
New York, NY 10009-1190
US Statistics re Sex Education
Percentage of teens receiving formal education regarding birth control:
1995 – 87%
2002 – 70%
Percentage of teens receiving abstinence-only sex education (no information regarding contraception):
1995 – 8%
2002 – 21% of females, 24% of males
Percentage of sex education instructors teaching abstinence as only way to prevent pregnancy and STIs:
1988 – 2%
1999 – 25%
Percentage of Americans who believe that students should be taught about both abstinence as well as other methods of preventing pregnancy and STIs:
82%
Source: Alan Guttmacher Institute
1995 – 87%
2002 – 70%
Percentage of teens receiving abstinence-only sex education (no information regarding contraception):
1995 – 8%
2002 – 21% of females, 24% of males
Percentage of sex education instructors teaching abstinence as only way to prevent pregnancy and STIs:
1988 – 2%
1999 – 25%
Percentage of Americans who believe that students should be taught about both abstinence as well as other methods of preventing pregnancy and STIs:
82%
Source: Alan Guttmacher Institute
The Vagina Festival
In addition to the aforementioned benefit, Ilene also participated in the Vagina Festival. The Vagina Festival was a performance and art event that took place February 16-18, 2007, at the Agni Gallery, on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Organized by Alexandra Jacoby, the Vagina Festival was held in conjunction with V-Day, an enormous project born out of Eve Ensler’s Vagina Monologues which focuses on ending violence against women. Two performances of the Vagina Monologues took place at the Vagina Festival. I was one of several presenters who did informational, as opposed to arts, presentations. I gave a short introduction to Fertility Awareness, entitled “Do You Know What’s In Your Underwear?” It was a unique and fun experience to give my talk in the presence of 60 or so V-Portraits, photos of vulvas, taken by Alexandra. She is working on a book of these portraits. For more info about her work, and to learn about upcoming exhibitions, see her extensive website:
http://www.vaginaverite.com/
For info on Vag Fest 2008, visit the website and sign up for the mailing list:
http://www.vaginafestival.com/index.html
(Astute readers of the vaginaverite website will notice that Alexandra often uses the word “vagina” instead of the anatomically correct term “vulva.” We have had extensive & interesting conversations about this and she discusses this on the anatomy page of her website.)
http://www.vaginaverite.com/
For info on Vag Fest 2008, visit the website and sign up for the mailing list:
http://www.vaginafestival.com/index.html
(Astute readers of the vaginaverite website will notice that Alexandra often uses the word “vagina” instead of the anatomically correct term “vulva.” We have had extensive & interesting conversations about this and she discusses this on the anatomy page of her website.)
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