BDSM QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"Get in good physical condition before submitting to bondage. You should be fit to be tied."

- Robert Byrne

--'--,--`--<@ --'--,--`--<@ --'--,--`--<@ --'--,--`--<@

THE ROSE & THORN WEEKLY NEWZ

Sunday, May 6^th, 2001

--'--,--`--<@ --'--,--`--<@ --'--,--`--<@ --'--,--`--<@

IN THIS ISSUE:

BDSM Book Recommendations

BDSM Symbol Emblems On Clothing Available

Vermont Resources For BDSM Paraphernalia

The Regional Events Listing

Administrivia (How to get off or on the mailing list, submit articles, upcoming topics etc.)

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

BDSM BOOKS RECOMMENDED BY OUR MEMBERS

[Got more? Send them to me!]

Sensuous Magic, a Guide for Adventurous Couples, by Pat Califia.

Erotic Bondage, Jay Wiseman

The Loving Dominant

When Someone You Love Is Kinky, by Dossie Easton, Catherine A. Liszt

We all know someone we would like to share this book with. It does a really good job of explaining kinkyness in general with sensitivity to vanilla folks, and is even a valuable read for kinky folks. (from under.where@excite.com)

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

BDSM SYMBOL EMBLEMS ON CLOTHING AVAILABLE

Contact Institches4u2@AOL.COM for more information

****A JPEG of this emblem is attached to this newsletter

The BDSM emblem has no "obvious" symbolism because it was created to be enigmatic. To the vanilla observer who would be put off by BDSM, it is merely an attractive design. Thus we can wear it freely as a friendly salute, nod, and wink to other BDSM'ers we should happen to pass on the sidewalks and in the hallways of our daily lives. To the insider, however, the emblem is full of meaning. The three divisions represent the various threesomes of BDSM.

First of all, the three divisions of BDSM itself. B & D, D & s and S & M. Secondly, the three way creed of BDSM behavior. Safe, Sane and Consensual. Thirdly, the three divisions of our community, Tops, bottoms and switches.

It is the third symbolism that gives meaning to the holes in each unit. Since BDSM is at the very least a play style and, at its greatest, a love style, the holes represent the incompleteness of any individual within the BDSM context. However, "together" and "whole" individuals may be, there remains a void within them that can only be filled by a complimentary other. BDSM cannot be done alone.

The resemblance to a three-way variation on the YinYang symbol is not accidental. As the curved outline of Yin and Yang represent the hazy border between where one ends and the other begins, so do the curved borders here represent the indistinct divisions between B & D, D & s, and S & M. The curved lines themselves can be seen as a stylized depiction of a lash as it swings, or even an arm in motion to deliver an erotic spanking. The all embracing circle, of course, represents the overlying unity of it all and the oneness of a community that protects its own.

Kylee has been given permission to stitch out either the rose or the traditional emblem from their respective copyright owners. Quantity discounts are available on orders of 25 shirts (or patches) or more.

Either design can go on shirts, tote bags, or patches. Prices are as follows:

t-shirts = $17

polo shirts = $20

sweatshirts = $25

patches (approximately 4") = $10

small tote bags = $15

large tote bags = $20

There ARE quantity discounts, so please e-mail for further details. Various colors available upon request.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

VERMONT RESOURCES FOR BDSM PARAPHERNALIA

Due to popular demand, I'm running this list again. For those of you who like to "Spend Locally," here are the Northern Vermont BDSM businesses that our members recommend. Please send me any additions or corrections to the list.

Happy shopping!

Sadie

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

BDSM Bedroom Paraphernalia

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

IMAGO

Colchester

802-893-2977

Imagos has recently expanded and now has one aisle of low cost BDSM items, mostly under $35. I'd describe them as "entry-level" play items, good for beginners or Doms on a budget. There are a few more interesting items like the purple rubber stranded floggers - but nothing high-end like deerskin floggers. It's a very low key store in a semi-residential area - no neon or garish signs. A very friendly place. DIRECTIONS: From 89 north. Take exit 17, proceed west on rte. 2 until the first right, which is Jasper Mine road. Take a right onto the connector which turns into Jasper Mine. Continue west less than 1/2 mile, the store is on the left. It has a large but sedate sign out front, and just looks like a big residential house.

PLANET ROCK ADULT STORE

Main Street, Barre

They have some BDSM stuff but it's a bit more expensive than Imago's and its not as friendly as them either. It's upstairs over the Inferno Dance club and the Planet Rock strip club.

TONY'S TACK SHOP

Hinesburg Road, Williston

802-862-9448

Carries Coventry Crops (among other things). One of our subs had this to say about those crops: "Did not break even on my bottom. 150 swats so far - oh my what a red bottom I had! Ouch-ouch-ouch!"

THE HORSE WORKS

Rte 2A by the farm supply store just east of the shopping center, Taft Corners, Williston

802-879-8935

Nice crops for less than 10 bucks, fur mitts, hard rubber massage scrubbers and a good variety of leather conditioners to keep toys supple.

** One of our members commented that the cost is typically lower if sold as tack, rather than as BDSM paraphernalia, and reminds you to use discretion when shopping at tack shops. They also note that "it is embarrassing to get caught with a horse collar strapped around your waist!" :)

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Clothing & Jewelry

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

HOT TOPIC

University Mall, Dorset Street, South Burlington

802-862-0879

Hot Topic which has a large variety of inexpensive gothic/BDSM type clothing and jewelry. They have a lot of collars, nipple rings, and PVC clothing. (women's clothing in sizes to 3x - although it runs small)

OLD GOLD

180 Main Street in Burlington

802-864-7786

Old Gold carries a lot of BDSM clothing and collars and gothic and such. It's a favorite "second hand" clothing place for many of our members - lots of cool and sexy accoutrements.

CHAMPLAIN LEATHER

144 Cherry street next to Fire and Metal

802-864-0198

Owner is named Jeremy and he has made leather chaps, vests, and slings for some of our members. He also can get leather in bulk, and black leather roses. (I have one of these and they are way cool!)

MASTER JOEL

LordShandefour@aol.com

Joes does custom Native American and 18th & 19th century clothing, as well as custom leather work.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Tattoos & Piercings

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

IN LIVING COLOR TATTOOING

85 Margaret Street, 2^nd Floor

Plattsburgh

518-562-8224

Kristen - is the tattooist

One of our members highly recommends Kristen for tattooing. He says her work is very detailed and reasonably priced.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Misc Equipment

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

HIDE'S PRIDE

Five corners, Essex

Some very nice bulk leathers, and are friendly.

LAKESHORE HARDWARE

Mallet's bay

Has a decent selection of stainless steel hardware, like double ended snaps and some good prices on entry level rope.

THE ALL MIGHTY WALL-MART (Our own Master Bruce's favorite store!)

The all mighty Wal-Mart has a lot to offer to the BDSM community if you so wish to look. For those who wish to know.

CRAFT DEPT. ribbon for bondage, small craft size clothespins, leather lace, Velcro, wood beads with holes in them (think about it people). craft glues and starter pin wheels (OK, they think they are for pattern transfer).

PHARMACY DEPT. cane replacement tips.(suction cups), lubes. KY etc. latex gloves enema kits, condoms of course and in season personal vibrators. So they look like bugs…

HARDWARE DEPT. chain, rope, black lights, locks, etc.

SPORTING GOODS DEPT. snake bite kit, weight belts (see D rings etc in the craft dept. to make into bondage belt) 3lb weights to build up the flogging arms, sports gloves, paddles, practice golf balls (with ribbon for gags) small funnel (for white gas)

AUTO DEPT. Mix miser ***(combine with snake bite kit and small funnel for suction) hold down straps for, well you figure it out. bungie cords

TOY DEPT. Cheap no key needed hand cuffs, bike gloves and water guns.

JEWELRY DEPT. Leather strap watch bands.(add D rings) Intimate appeal.

FOOD DEPT. Hershey topping etc. Dare I say it. the wooden spoons etc. what would the Attleboro cops think. not to mention the "personal massagers* in house wares.

WATCH DEPT. "The band" pre-made Velcro wrist restraints (and small

ankles) ass D rings from the "La Button" rack in crafts. If you want light duty leather there are leather watch bands as well some with metal accents that also will take the D rings.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

REGIONAL VT & NEW ENGLAND BDSM EVENT LIST

What's here? Scroll down for listings from us and our sister organizations throughout New England. There's TONS of BDSM stuff going on!

SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT SCREENING:

Several people have asked about the very different screening procedures that each BDSM group has.

For example, the UVMunch allows anyone to come because it's in a public place, so there is a low risk of problems.

Rose & Thorn is in the middle with phone-screenings because while we don't have play at our events, there are demos and other events happening that can be considered problematical by authorities, even though they are completely legal and consensual. It was precisely because of the issues surrounding these problems that R&T decided not to allow any play at our events. We just plain aren't willing to take the risk with people we don't know.

On the higher end, PENE requires several face-to-face meetings before inviting anyone to a play party. There are several reasons for this. The biggest one is that they are taking a big risk, both legally and personally, in having a play party in their home - so serious screening is absolutely necessary. A pain maybe, but a fact of life to protect themselves. In addition, not only are their parties hugely popular, but there are, as always, too may single men to allow everyone.

So… please be patient in getting information on the screening procedures for each group, and understand that they are doing it for your protection as well as theirs.

ROSE & THORN BDSM SOCIAL EVENTS

For more info contact me: BurlVTSub@aol.com

UPCOMING DATES:

Saturday May 12th - (Burlington) This is a combination R&T and housewarming party for Michael who just closed on his new house, and has been very generous in offering his home to us for summer events.

Saturday June 2nd - (Burlington) *specially scheduled interim event.. Entertainment: The BDSM "Question Box" circle discussion.

Saturday June 23rd - (Richmond) - This is our SECOND ANNIVERSARY BASH! Come celebrate with us! This is a "Show & Tell" Theme party. Several of our guests make their own BDSM toys and will be bringing them in to show you how to create cool and inexpensive stuff. This website also has some great ideas: http://www.frugaldomme.com/ Please do also bring your own cool and interesting BDSM accoutrements - from purple bendable dildos to sibian machines, it's all welcome! (be sure to mark all your items with your name just in case things get mixed up)

Due to the outrageous success of the holiday gift swap, we'll be having an Anniversary BDSM Gift Swap. Please bring in new unwrapped BDSM paraphernalia that you don't want (maybe you got it as a gift, or don't like it or whatever) or used but in excellent condition pieces that are not too intimate - such as handcuffs, nice silk scarves, and that sort of thing. Please do not bring anything that was used in relation to any bodily fluids such as dildos, used whips etc.

You can also purchase something if you wish, but please don't spend more than $15. Imagos in Colchester has recently expanded and now has one aisle of relatively low cost BDSM items. You can call them for directions at 893-2977. We have a list of local BDSM vendors as well - just write Sadie for a copy.

Need some ideas? How about: Small floggers, whips, or paddles, Lingerie, Scarves, A box of latex gloves, Velcro handcuffs, Blindfold, Fabric Mask, BDSM Jewelry or keyrings, Sexy foods such as truffles, a can of whipped cream, etc. (non perishable items), Variety of colored/scented/flavored condoms, Lubricants, Books.

Saturday July 14th - (Barre) - BDSM Bathing suit summer theme.

Saturday August 4th - (Burlington) - 3 PM + all day Bar-B-Q & beach party. R&T party starts at 6 PM for dinner.

Saturday August 25th - (Richmond) Outdoor evening Dinner Picnic & stars viewing - 6 PM. (bring blankets, lawn chairs, bug spray, citronella, mosquito coils etc)

Saturday September 15th - Tentative Date. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

OTHER GROUPS & EVENTS NEARBY

****This data is for informational purposes only. It does not imply endorsement by Rose & Thorn of any organization listed here, nor does R&T accept any liability for activities held.

THE POWER EXCHANGE OF NEW ENGLAND (PENE - formerly LEATHERBOUND NORTHEAST)

For more info contact: trishnh@hotmail.com

http://welcome.to/PENE

Munches every 2nd Tuesday at the Elm City Brewery

In the Colony Mill Marketplace

222 West Street

Keene NH. 7-9 PM

Group night out the last Friday of each month

Rainbow Cattle Co. Rt. 5 E. Dummmerston VT (exit 3 from the south, exit 4

from the north) off I-91. From 8:30-? Come and meet fellow kinksters!

Upcoming events:

June - Waxing Demo

July- Fetish Flea

August - Kinky Toy Auction

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

WEST LEBANON, NH BDSM MUNCH

For more info contact: UVMunch@valley.net

Munch is at the Powerhouse Mall in West Lebanon from 2:00 to 4:30 PM.

May 20th.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

North Shore Munch, Peabody MA

North Shore Mall

4th Wednesday of every month

6:30 pm to closing

For more information contact: heather@bfp.com

www.bfp.com

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Alexandra Boyd ~

Executive Director, WMPE

Email MsAlexandra@wmpe.org

413-782-8829

The WMPE meets twice each and every month. A non-fetish meeting is held the first Wednesday of every month at the Hu Ke Lau restaurant in Chicopee, Massachusetts beginning at 6:30 PM. There is no charge for attendance at the Massachusetts meetings. Business issues, topics of great interest, decadent and useful raffles, companionship, and an occasional burst of good fun are standard practice at these functions! On the third Saturday of every month, the WMPE gathers at the BDSM club La Chateau in Meriden, Connecticut at 7:00 PM (until ???). Admission to La Chateau is $30.00 per person, but members in good standing of the WMPE, arriving between 7:00 - 9:00 PM for the meetings, receive a discounted admission price of only $10.00 per person. After 9:00 PM, admission for all is $30.00 per person, though even at that time, the La Chateau does continue to offer a 10% discount to WMPE members off that regular admission prices. These meetings are typically business-free, often include invaluable hands-on demonstrations and always feature a play party.

WMPE meetings are always open to our members and their guests alike as well as newcomers with genuine lifestyle interests. Visit our website at http://www.wmpe.org/ for more information.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Leather Retreat 2001 June 6-11, 2001

Imagine a BDSM conference where you don't have to run from workshop to workshop, crowd into overheated lecture rooms or find a fast food joint because you haven't eaten in 9 hours. Wouldn’t you love to have 4 meals a day prepared for you, lounge at the pool making friends, (not just acquaintances in the elevator) or play in one of 5 dungeons almost anytime day or night … at no extra charge?   Welcome to Leather Retreat 2001.

http://www.communityties.com/LR2K.html

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

The Eulenspiegel Society - Full Three day weekend BDSM Conference with education, vendors, and social events. August 10-13, 2001. In New Brunswick New Jersey. (they are the biggest and oldest BDSM society in the country)

Register online at www.tes.org or

http://206.20.176.253/home/tes30.htm for that specific page

email tes30@tes.org

Largest single indoor dungeon/play space ever assembled in North America. Parties on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights 8pm - 4am. Expo Center has approx. 75,000 square feet. Vendors, workshops. 1st Class Hotel within walking distance. Rates are 89.00 per night + 6% tax. Special events including Fantasy Auction, Bondage Contest, Meet and Greet, Silent Merchandise Auction, Charity Wrestling, Men and Women's Dinners, and more.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

New England Leather Alliance

PRESENTS FETISH FAIR FLEAMARKET #17 June 30th, 2001 at the Boston Center for the Arts 539 Tremont Street, South End, Boston

For updates call the NELA hotline phone number (617) 661-NELA, or check our web site at http://www.nla-newengland.org

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

ADMINISTRIVIA

WANT TO BE OFF THE MAILING LIST?

Just let me know, and off you'll be. No hard feelings. (Please remember that we only have one mailing list, so if you don't get this weekly mailing you won't get anything)

WANT TO BE **ON** THE MAILING LIST?

Are you getting this newsletter forwarded from someone else? Just e-mail burlvtsub@aol.com and we'll put you on the mailing list. It's FREE!

HOW TO SUBMIT

Send your stuff to me today! BDMS quotes, gossip, articles, poetry, etc. all welcome. Please note if I can use your name and e-mail address so readers can respond to you directly. I won't be editing your pieces, so be sure they are spellchecked etc.

SHARE THE WEALTH

Feel free to forward this newsletter to any BDSM folk you know.

UPCOMING TOPICS

1^st Sunday: Resources for BDSM stuff (local stores, websites, books, videos etc)

2^nd Sunday: Articles & columns by local writers (Sadie, Amber, etc.) Please send your stuff in!

3^rd Sunday: Educational pieces (Legal commentary, how to's)

4^th Sunday: Columns by other writers in the BDSM community nationwide

5^th Sunday: Poetry and other related artsy stuff