Phaedrus

[B][URL="http://www.core77.com/blog/object_culture/the_one_handed_condom_wrapper_an_extreme-user_story_23223.asp"]The One Handed Condom Wrapper: An "Extreme-User" Story[/URL][/B] Man and condom have been locked in a bitter struggle of begrudging codependency since the beginning of time (or sometime in the 1920's). Latex may have got tougher, lubricant may have got lubricantier, but we have seen surprisingly little noteworthy product or packaging innovation, short of the occasional rubbery ridge or a mildly disconcerting flavouring. 'The One Handed Condom Wrapper' â?? brainchild of London based designer Ben Pawle â?? could be the long awaited answer to fumbling lovers' cries across the globe, and is, perhaps, the biggest coup for seamless love making since the days of bra burning. Taking aim at the impractical impenetrability of contemporary condom packaging, Ben's foil wrapper redesign imagines the contraceptive being applied with the use of a single handâ??opened, quite literally, with a click of the fingers. Interestingly, Ben's concept was not the result of a sudden flash of designerly inspiration, nor was there (we are sure he would be keen to add) any Eureka moment following awkward personal experiences. The easy open condom wrapper was, in fact, one outcome of a lengthy user research project at the Glasgow School of Art, exploring the difficulties faced by semi-parlysed hemiplegics and is, perhaps, an archetypal example of how insights gleaned from the experiences of 'extreme users' can inform innovation for the mass market. Ben admits his concept still needs some serious development and detailing before we see it on pharmacy shelves, but reflects on the value of his work lying largely in the strategic and conceptual "crafting of experiences" that can lead to future product developments. Ben's prototype will be on show at the V&A during the upcoming London Design Festival, as part of a showcase of progressive British design.

Finding out that the sinkhole is on Twitter.

Happy Birthday, Shortcake!

I see no reason why not, although it's the sort of thing that comes under, "You'll never really know unless you try it". It's not clear to me that being a SP is inherently better or worse than being an accountant or a teacher or a politician or... whatever. That would depend. If she was up-front about it, then see above. But if we'd been together for a while and that bombshell was dropped, I'd have issues with it; not because of her occupation, but because of the dishonesty.

I don't know how often the ladies "rotate" - IIRC most of them used to work at both locations, and now it seems that many stick to one or the other for some reason. But if you get in touch in advance and ask, you may find that she'll be happy to work at a particular place on a particular day... :)

Filling in on the missing Z... Zoolander. Okay, --now-- someone can go with C :)

Happy Birthday!

I like Angela because she organizes parties for us! Edit: Okay, I like MF because he keeps us all entertained

Speaking of which: being called "baby". Babies are not sexy. Not in the least. I don't want to be thinking about them when I'm having fun.

Sheena Easton - For Your Eyes Only

You know you're tempted... More here.

Paradise would be an obvious choice (and if the scheduling works out, you could probably see Kennidi again there, but there are many other lovely ladies to choose from). Sensual Erin is indy and pretty close to where you'll be. ALO has a place in the west end too. Other than that, I think you're probably looking at south end or downtown...

Who knows? I really have absolutely no clue what might have happened if I'd turned right instead of left. Perhaps I'd be a millionaire by now; perhaps I'd have been hit by a bus. There are so many unknowns and variables that I'm afraid I consider speculation to be a waste of time, and one that tends to lead to sadness and regret when it isn't necessary....

"Don't worry. After this visit, you'll never use a condom with me again!" Which has the advantage of being true :)

Sorry to hear that. Get well soon, OD!

Ypres, Belgium

Really. It has been known for a long time that the Amazon rainforest has poor soil that shouldn't be able to sustain the amount of life that it does. And this is how...

Thanks for posting! Yes, I have no doubt that these things are here to stay...

Dead Poets Society