I wonder what Missy would think of Cruella De Vil? Cosplay by the lovely and talented Princess of the North.
Human by S.M. Carrière – Recommendation Thursday
I can count on one hand the Vampire novels I’ve enjoyed. Most of the time they are filled with angst ridden, brooding, Lestat clones. It’s obvious that S.M. Carrière has done research on the history and mythology of vampires. These vampires are cursed and deadly, not huggable puppies.
The romance in this novel is intriguing in its lack of cringe worthy moments and highly enjoyable for its blush worthy sex scenes.
The story is a wonderful mix of political intrigue, monsters, romance, mystery, and action. It seriously has something for everyone. S.M Carrière has a strong, clear, and concise voice that is laced with wonderful prose.
Be warned, a side effect of vampires being monsters is a high death toll and the author doesn’t pull any punches. Be prepared to bawl your eyes out at least four times.
Go pre-order the book now at the Author’s website or join them and Renaissance Press at a huge book launch event at the Royal Oak (161 Laurier St., Ottawa) on Sunday October 25th, 2015, at 1:00 PM.
What kind of Vampires do you prefer?
Éric
Blush: Hymens
So far we have received almost three digits worth of questions, but I’m greedy, and I want more! Ask us your anonymous questions here!
I have heard a lot of misinformation about hymens in the past. Why is it there? Why does it tear? If it’s torn, does that mean I’m no longer a virgin? (Virginity will be covered another day.)
Allow me to educate you about hymens.
The purpose of a hymen: doctors are uncertain, but they have postulated some theories. Leftover skin from embryonic development, protective layer to help prevent germs and dirt from entering the female infant’s vagina and causing infections, and to help prevent accidental insertion of objects when the girl is young.
The life cycle of a hymen: The hymen appears (and sometimes disappears before birth) during genital development (but sometimes there won’t be one at all). By the time of the girl’s first period, there should be an opening, or else the menstrual fluid will back up inside the vagina, causing problems. A doctor should be seen if there is a case of imperforate, septate, or microperforate hymen! The natural degradation of the hymen will vary depending on the girl. What is left over is called the hymen ring, and is made up of scar tissue.
“Breaking” or “tearing” the hymen: Rigorous activity such as horseback riding, dancing, etc can break or tear the hymen, and the girl may not even notice that it happened. (Or, in my case, you can be pulled, badly, into the pool. I noticed.) However, some hymens are flexible, and even after penetration by tampon, menstrual cup, etc, may not break or tear. Breaking or tearing happens because the hymen hasn’t degraded “fast” enough. For example, a girl with a hymen that still partially covers her opening decides she would like to use tampons during her period. The tampon tears the hymen a little upon removal. She doesn’t really notice, because the hymen doesn’t have many nerve endings, and any small amount of blood mixes in with her menstrual blood.
Why do I keep hearing about “pushing past the barrier” and “the breaking of the hymen” with regards to sexual intercourse?
Great question. This brings up the cultural concept of virginity, which is a whole post by itself (and more of an opinion than factual at this point) and that the first time a husband penetrates his wife there should be pain and blood. Sounds horrendous.
To quickly answer this question, this comes back to communication with your partner about sex. If the woman is anxious about having sex, her body is more likely to be tense, which will make intercourse painful and might cause bleeding (and possibly tearing of the hymen). This can happen the first time, the second time, or even the fiftieth time she has intercourse. The physical barrier in this case is muscle, not the hymen. The attribution of bleeding and pain to the breaking of the hymen is a myth that can sometimes become true, like a self-fulfilling prophecy.
UNLESS the woman has a imperforate, septate, or microperforate hymen! There will likely be pain when inserting a tampon, let alone having intercourse, and they should go see a doctor immediately. They will help you.
My opinion (not fact) on this matter: We have been culturally trained to believe that the women’s first time having intercourse will be painful. We have also been told that women traditionally don’t enjoy (or aren’t supposed to enjoy) having intercourse. (Thank goodness this opinion is changing.) We are also taught to believe that any blood is from the tearing of the hymen, which we are told will be painful. A woman who is about to have intercourse for the first time has all these thoughts/beliefs running through her head. What do you think she might be feeling? Anxious and nervous! She thinks her first time will be painful, and she’s mentally preparing herself for that, and her body is tensing. There is a physical, as well as an emotional, barrier in place. (Again, assuming she has a normal hymen. If she has any of the other types, she should see her doctor.)
Let’s look at the male now. It is entirely possible that this male knows exactly what to do to put the woman’s mind at ease. He may know how to get her to relax physically. But what if he doesn’t? It’s likely he’s nervous, too. He’s been told the same things about the woman’s first time being painful. Presumably, he doesn’t want to hurt her, but he doesn’t necessarily know how to help her, either.
On top of the woman being nervous about pain, we’ve now got the male being nervous about causing her pain. If she doesn’t relax, and he isn’t gentle, then yes, the first time she has intercourse will have been painful, fulfilling the prophecy that women’s first times are painful. And the cycle continues.
How do we break this cycle? Educate yourselves! Learn about not only your own body, but that of your partner. Relax and trust your partner. And communicate with each other!
References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hymen#Development_and_histology
http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/purpose-hymen
http://www.sexualityandu.ca/faqs/single/if-you-use-a-tampon-will-it-hurt-less-the-first-time-you-have-sex
http://www.sexualityandu.ca/faqs/single/does-it-hurt-a-woman-the-first-time-she-has-sex
http://www.sexualityandu.ca/faqs/single/does-every-woman-bleed-when-having-intercourse-for-the-first-time
Back from Vacation
Hello My Imaginary Friends,
Feels like it’s been a long time. Hope you enjoyed A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to my Funeral and are enjoying the Serial Story Only Human.
The family and I had a great time in Disney World, which has given me an interesting idea for a series of short stories. Travelling has always given me inspiration, last time I went to Disney I got a great idea for a supernatural fight in an airport that I added to A Memory of Faust, the second Elizabeth Investigates book.
A Study in Aether
Speaking of Elizabeth Investigates, I’ve finished my first pass through the multiple comments from a bunch of Beta-Readers for A Study in Aether. They were super helpful but a little discouraging. The book was written 5 years ago and over 400,000 words ago. (I know right? I’m almost halfway to mythical Million Word rule.) If you want to discourage someone who creates things, show them their first few tries. Ok so a bunch of people who I respect have told me it was good. It just needs a little polishing. Next phase is to fix the large structural issues and then to do a line by line clean-up. Final phase will be to do some re-writing of the prologue, epilogue, and a few clunky scenes. I’ll hopefully be done by Christmas. Sigh.
Conventions
Cap-Con
I’m feverishly roasting coffee for this weekend when we’ll be selling at Cap-Con, Ottawa’s premier model building competition and convention. Come check us out if you have a chance. I’ll have the following Flavours available in limited quantities.
Pop Expo
We’ve also added another event to our plans. We’ll be selling at Ottawa Pop Expo in November. YAY!
FADDS
We finished our summer long playtest and I’ve ironed out a lot of the kinks in the main system and created a kickass enemy system.
The magic items unbalance the game a little and the creation is overly arcane (pun intended).
I’m currently building a story for my next campaign and I’m considering using FADDS. I get more work done on it when I’m testing it.
How was your summer?
Éric
Nanny
I loved this episode of Doctor Who. And honestly, if the Adipose babies only came from excess fat tissue and then the necklace didn’t work any longer, this would have been fantastic! Humans lose weight, Adipose babies are born, everyone is happy. 🙂 And then Miss Foster ruined everything.
This costume was a great idea! 😀
Only Human (Serial Story) Part 6
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5
“You told him?” Rachel looked incredulously at Ginny and Ronnie standing in her dorm room door.
“He’s my brother. He knew I was lying when I said I had a date.” Ginny shrugged and Rachel failed to supress a giggle. Ginny was dressed in a pink camo patterned tank top and black yoga pants. She had a ring on each finger and her red hair was tied up in a bun.
“I’m not surprised he figured it out. Neither of you are coming with me.”
“Like hell we’re not.” Ronnie puffed up his chest and tried to look intimidating. The whole effect was ruined by sadness and worry in his crystal blue eyes. “We’re your friends and we’re coming with you.”
From behind Ronnie came Tim’s voice, “Where are we going?”
“Nowhere,” replied Ginny.
“The Karloff. Rachel got a letter from the Huntress and she’s going to meet her. We’re going as backup,” Ronnie explained.
“No, you’re not. No one is going with me.”
“Oh, and she’s human, not a demigod,” added Ginny.
“I’m in. Hope it’s not poetry night.” Tim hesitated and finished, “I wouldn’t want them to bore us.” When everyone looked at him with confused expressions, he added, “Bore us, Boris. You know Boris Karloff? The original Frankenstein’s Monster from the movies?”
“You aren’t coming.”
“Oh. Mom never let us watch old monster movies. She said they were insulting and racist,” Ginny said.
Sitting on the bed, Rachel shook her head and said, “Fine, you can come. Just stop ignoring me.”
“Yay!” exclaimed Ronnie jumping up and down a little. When he wasn’t being an ass, he was kinda cute. Like a large puppy.
Standing back up and looking Ronnie directly in the eyes, Rachel added, “But I’m not some damsel that needs your protection. I can take care of myself and I don’t need to worry about you at the same time.”
“But you’re human. No human can stand up to a vampire and live.” Ronnie might have been joking, but Rachel chose to make sure he didn’t believe what he was saying. Grabbing him by the neck she picked him clear off the ground and tossed him into her room. He sat there with wide eyes as she took out a throwing knife and a hawthorn stake in the other.
Throwing the knife an inch away from his crotch she used the distraction to come in close and point the stake at his heart.
“Ok, Ok. You’re fast.” Ronnie was a paler shade of white. Even his freckles seemed to dim.
Pulling the knife out of the floor she looked at the other two. “Either of you want to argue?” The surprise and shock on Ronnie’s face was mirrored on Ginny’s.
“I’m driving,” deadpanned Tim. He was the only one with a vehicle and it was designed for him to drive without the use of feet.
* * *
The Karloff was an interesting cross between a country bar and a fifties monster movie museum. There were posters, busts, and glass cases filled with original props. The patrons were a mix of humans dressed as monsters, normal looking people, and monsters being themselves.
It had taken the entire ride there and another twenty minutes in the parking lot to convince her friends to stay outside. They forced her to call them and leave the cell call active while she was inside. That way they could rush in if needed. Rachel had rolled her eyes but she genuinely appreciated it.
The nights were getting colder and that gave Rachel the excuse to wear her old brown leather jacket. It was a loose world war two bomber jacket with lots of room to hide weapons. She’d sewn hidden pockets into the liner for weapons. She paired it with a fitted pair of blue jeans, black leather boots, and a bright red cowl neck sweater.
On her person she had two blades per boot, several up her sleeves and a short machete concealed on her back. She had also taken out her Sig-Sauer 9mm pistol in case she needed more power.
The bar was near empty at 2am, and the bar tender looked like she’d had a long night. She was a handsome woman in her fifties with a bright purple pixie cut. She stood with her left hip popped out and her eyes unfocused.
Most of the patrons were either drunk or asleep. No sign of the Huntress.
“Breakfast isn’t served until five and it’s too late to serve alcohol, but we have coffee.”
“I think I love you,” Rachel said with a smile. The older woman gave a polite chuckle and poured her a coffee into a large mug with Boris Karloff’s face on it.
Drinking the coffee black, Rachel was surprised. It was pretty good coffee.
A drunk took notice of her as she sat at the bar. “You like it dark, sweetheart. I like my women like I like my coffee—”
“If you’d like to keep the last of your teeth you’ll shut up and go away.” Rachel cut him off and gave him her best murder face. The man stumbled back and left the bar.
“You got my message then,” said the bartender.
“What?” Rachel asked surprised. The woman’s stance had changed and she was walking around the bar. She had to step over something that was hidden from Rachel’s view.
“Don’t be coy. It’s not becoming.”
“What do you want?”
“I’ve been watching you since that first night. You’re impressive. You even pass as human.”
“I am human,” Rachel said indignantly.
“Prove it.” The woman challenged.
“How?” Rachel stood up and found she was only a little taller than the other woman. They both looked each other over. The woman held a sword in her left hand and an ornate ceremonial dagger in her left.
“Bleed for me.” The woman put the dagger on the counter.
Moving forward Rachel picked up the dagger and used its tip to prick her thumb. She showed the red globule of blood to the woman and waited expectantly. The woman said nothing until the blade started glowing bright blue.
With a disappointed sigh she said, “You’re Only Human and now you know too much.” Without hesitation, the woman attacked.
Seattle, Portland, and everything in between
It takes just under three hours to drive between Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon, but I decided to combine that area together, because I am Canadian, and that’s short – it’s longer than that from Ottawa to Toronto!
Seattle, WA
There are a lot of geeky things to do and see in Seattle! The EMP Museum should be top of your list, though, and there’s an exhibit going on right now (it will be closed Oct 5 – 16) that I would love to see: Fantasy: Worlds of Myth and Magic. There are numerous authors, film makers, and others who have been inducted into their Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame. The museum itself is, to quote directly, “…a leading-edge nonprofit museum, dedicated to the ideas and risk-taking that fuel contemporary popular culture.” Tickets are approximately $22/adult (prices may change).
From my research, there are many bars and shops that have pin ball games, arcade games, table top board games, and/or card games available to play while you drink a pint. Here is a list of some places you can check out, and here is a list of more! I do have to warn you: the AFK Tavern is located in Everett, thirty minutes North of Seattle. The reviews vary between 3 to 4.5 stars out of 5. Food can get expensive, but they have drinks like Polyjuice Potion…I mean, come on!
Lastly, I want to talk to you about the views you can see from some of the tallest buildings in Seattle. There are two options: The Space Needle and The Sky View Observatory. They each have their pros and cons. The Space Needle is a two minute walk from the EMP Museum, so it would be easy to see both in one day. However, The Sky View Observatory, which is located in the Columbia Center, is a short nine minute drive away, so it’s not unreasonable to visit it either. They are approximately equal in price (around $13-15/adult), and they both have a restaurant on the observation deck. The Sky View Observatory has two pros that The Space Needle does not. One, you can take a picture of The Space Needle, and two, it is much higher: soaring at 902 feet compared to 520 feet. Either way, you are in for a spectacular view!
St Helen’s, OR
Did you know that Halloweentown was filmed in St Helen’s, Oregon? I didn’t, until a Facebook post popped up a couple of months ago, and I found out that the entire month of October is dedicated to Halloweentown in this city. How incredibly cool is that?
Portland, OR
There is a pretty awesome arcade that becomes a bar after five pm: Ground Kontrol. They have their own version of Geeks Who Drink! Super fun game.
There are some great bookstores and comic book shops in the Portland area, which are always fun to check out!
The Portland Geek Community is also super organized when it comes to their online community. They have a website for all the events that go on in the city, and a Geek Council!
There are tons of events that happen throughout the year that are rather…unique…in Portland. So if you find yourself in the Northwest, check out the possible events that could be happening in the area!
There is so much to do and see in the Seattle/Portland area!
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to my Funeral – Part 6 (Final)
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5
The transporter was set to drop me into the middle of the funerary celebrations. I had planned to land on the stage next to the priest giving my eulogy. I missed, even being a prophet isn’t fool-proof and I’m certainly more of a fool than I like to admit.
Instead of the stage, I materialized front and centre on the casket. Standing and looking over the crowds I said, “Closed casket was a good idea.”
The priest on the stage blanched, kneeled, and said, “But you’re supposed to be dead.”
“The reports of my death were exaggerated.” As I spoke, I looked around. We were in the anti-grav stadium, the only structure on Venus large enough to hold several million viewers. It was home to the Venusian Vultures, the greatest anti-grav team in the solar system. I’d snuck into more games here as a child than I could remember. I hadn’t seen the playing field this close since I’d first become Sun-Speaker. There were large thrones set up around the stage and casket for each Solar-Monarch. The Venusian Empire had two delegates, their king and queen. I nodded to their queen and my ex-best friends. The Martian thrones were empty and I shook my head. The independent Republic of the Asteroid belt had their president and her wife. The Jupiter Protectorate had their monarchs, and the Uranus Confederate had their current warlord. I did a double take when I saw that the Trans-Neptunian Parliament had sent two of its representatives. The androgynous TNP members nodded at me and were cheeky enough to wink at me.
The crowd had started to applaud quietly when I appeared. Unsure if they should be celebrating or booing. “Friends, Venusians, Countrymen,” some openings for speeches were classic for a reason, “I am alive and I have come here for an explanation. Why have I been declared dead when blood still rushes through my veins?” I paused, turning away from the crowd I spoke to the centre chairs holding the Venusians, “Why?” a few seconds and I repeated, “Why?” The crowd got the idea and soon I had near two million voices chanting with me. It was pretty amazing.
Rising from her chair, Gwindolyn, whom I’d always known as Gwin, the high Queen of Venus and protector of the inner planets lifted her hands silencing the crowd.
“Sun-Speaker, this is not a funeral, this is a trial. We knew your ego would force you to come and face us.” The casket sprouted arms and clasped itself to each of my limbs and my neck. You shouldn’t have come. You knew it was a trap. Gwin spoke to me in my mind, her limited telepathic powers and more than a decade with me allowed her that.
“What are the charges?” I demanded.
Sighing she said, “You are charged with impersonating a Sun-Speaker and abusing the holy rights of that office.”
Dramatically I threw my head back and laughed. “Did you need proof of my office?” I started collecting heat around me slowly preparing for a blast of pure energy.
All the delegates are shielded from heat based attacks.
I know Gwin but it’ll startle the smug little jerks.
“We all know you are powerful. That is not in question. The church of Sol has repealed your status and it is the opinion of this council that you are a fraud.”
“The only frauds I see on sitting on thrones,” I spat out the words with contempt. The crowd cheered, unfortunately they didn’t decide my fate.
“Your contempt for authority of all kinds is well documented.” The Venusian King laughed, sitting as if he were at a show and not a trial.
“Hal, formerly known as the Sun-Speaker, on the charge of impersonating a Sun-Speaker, how do you plead?”
“Not guilty, but you’ve already made up your minds.”
“Had you pleaded guilty we could have shown mercy. Since you deny the obvious, your sentence is immediate death.” I’m sorry Hal. I tried to stop them.
I know Gwin, I smiled up at her. Turning to the crowd I said, “I have acted as the Sun-Speaker for twenty-three glorious years. I regret only that I couldn’t do more.” I took off my official garb and revealed a simple Venusian’s peasants outfit. “Let me die as I was born, one of the nameless, faceless mass, of glorious Venusian people.” I paused. “You are the empire; you are its lifeblood, its strength, and its beauty. Long live the Venusian People. May they someday taste freedom.”
I heard the plasma gun a moment before the searing pain passed through my back and exposed my chest. In my last few moments of life I heard two-million voices rising up in anger chanting, “Freedom.”
***
When my eyes opened again I saw grey ceiling tiles and smelled antiseptic. “If this is the afterlife it needs more interior decorators.” My chest hurt, but when I looked down, the hole I’d seen was gone.
Standing around my bed, Janet, Suzie, Travis, Adric, and Caro smiled down at me. Even dead, they didn’t laugh at my jokes.
“You’re not dead Hal. I used my blood to synthesize more of my serum. You’ll live.” Janet, with the prophetic powers of Caro, had worked up a serum that could heal me.
“I was supposed to die. The revolution…”
“Is twice as strong with a martyr that rose from the grave in front of them,” Caro’s voice echoed in my head.
“What about Sol? Do I…” Sol interrupted me with a huge dump of information, but it only hurt a little. Nothing like it had before.
“Hal, your body reacted oddly to the serum, instead of making you younger it has boosted your natural healing ability to amazing levels.” Janet’s mouth was open.
Sitting up and feeling a phantom ache in my chest I said, “Since I’m not dead, we might as well do some good. Who’s up for saving the Venusian Royal family from an angry mob?”
