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There is a simple solution. We ask the MOD to kill the poll/thread/award... NOW. Ask yourself, "Is it worth risking the continued health of this community for such a trivial matter?" Take a few steps back. Hold the poll in December, January... whenever. Clearly define the attributes of a "Member's Choice Candidate" or a "CERB Valued Member" in the interim. If a candidate does not meet the merit criteria, they can't be nominated. The key contributors will STILL be the key contributors. The most deserving candidates will be nominated, and the eventuality is that someone will get a fancy banner on their profile. In the meantime, EVERY member is a VALUED member; EVERY provider is a VALUED provider. Let's let this go... book with each other and enjoy what everyone brings to the table. After that, we can all go out and buy me a beer.

Ok. Here goes. (wincing) I'm going to do something I've been really scared to do since it's happened. But I'm going to brave and speak up. The fact that true contributors to this board are neck and neck with Erotic Emily is negating the whole point of the Poll and Award. In no way am I attacking you Emily. You are obviously a sweet, friendly, sexy and enthusiastic member here. But to win this award, it needs to go to someone who publically shares their thoughts, musings and opinions so that we all benefit. That was this award is about. To honour the people on here who have put in the time to share with all of us, their struggles, triumphs or even just questions. From my understanding, you haven't been on here long enough to have had time to do any of this. Your private flirtings and advertisements should not, in my opinion, garner as many votes as some of the women on here who we feel we know and can trust from their time here with us. This could certainly come for you with time, but perhaps your nomination should have been held over until you've allowed yourself the time to get to know all of us, not just potential clients. Make sense? We all welcome you to cerb with open arms Emily, but to bear the seal of Favourite Service Provider, you deserve more time to truly earn it. :)

Miss Emily took the time to participate in the thread to explain her contributions to the CERB community by posting the following: Originally Posted by Erotic Emily I know I may not have been on and in the cerb community for long, and my contributions may not be public, but i spend hours upon hours every single day speaking to so many amazing curious people. Men and Women, whether it be to come see me, ask questions and the more the better, or to communicate back and forth with people i would never have had the pleasure of having a cerb-ship with I am not at in the least bit asking for this nomination, just want to clarify that although my contributions cant be seen by EVERYONE, I take the the time to reply to and get to know absolutely everyone, 1 person at a time. I give everyone an equal part of me. I am sure someone else will graciously accept this award, but i am forever grateful to Cato for thinking I was worthy and deserving enough....even for a split second! Thank you, xoxoxoxo I think what is being overlooked here and feels "unfair" is that ALL (most) other CERB ladies (including myself) do just that: We spend countless hours responding to private messages on a regular basis (you can also add emails and phone calls for the independent ladies), we provide our potential clients with information about ourselves and about everything else you gentlemen are interested in fiding out (it's what I call being a responsible and effective business woman in order to generate business- I certainly do not see this as a contribution to the community), we give the gentlemen an unselfish equal part of ourselves in many ways, we also spend multiple hours corresponding with gentlemen whether we are going to meet with them or not (I know I do), etc... I think the general feeling is that the voting guidelines were not respected. It has nothing to do with the beautiful and sexy Emily ;) Hang in there Emily! :)

Guys, it's all pretty clear... The award rules mention that this is "a recognition award for the ladies who take time to participate and contribute in the forums and chat areas." Forums and chat are both public areas. This isn't about community-building anywhere else. Clearly, what's happening here is a problem with the members not bothering to vote for the SP who fits the description of who this award is meant to honour (based on the award description itself). I was going to recommend that the mods make the rules a bit more clear, but now that I've read that line, it's clear as day! Additional Comments: No no, it's got nothing to do with you. :) Honestly, it looks like it's just a misinterpretation of what qualifies a person for the award. The guys likely really appreciate your private contributions but the issue at hand is that award is meant for public participation. But in the end, who knows. Maybe it's a clear indicator that the members want private contributions included in this. So in a way, this is a good thing - it's either an evolution or it will require clarification for the next one.

Okay I am taking a little break. Quite a bit of reading here since I went to work !!! Many valid points by many great Cerb members and everyone that has read this thread I hope has learned something from this. As one of the members said, I think Pete, it makes this community stronger. Now I think it is time for everyone to just ponder this and move on to the vote and the fun part of this annual event. For the sake of the beautiful lady that is going to eventually win this well deserved honor....:) This guy is smart ;) George Bush once said "a low voter turnout is an indication of fewer people going to the polls" deep thought George !

I respectfully hear and understand all sides to this debate and believe me when I say I truly didn't want to start a shit storm. I love being a part of the community here and I did not want to alienate myself as someone who sounds like she's got sour grapes towards Emily. Not at all. I know I won't win, I don't deserve to. My contributions haven't come close to others who have been nominated, but the fact I was nominated tickled me pink all over anyway! And I sincerely wish Emily the very best and applaud her for her time and effort towards those who have communicated with her. I just wanted to clear the air and I mean no disrespect whatsoever to Cato for nominating Emily, and certainly not to poor Emily for being thrown into the middle of this. I really do apologize to you Emily. I realize you did not ask for all this controversy to be surrounding your nomination. But as someone already said, any publicity is good publicity! Perhaps this has all gotten too serious. Anyway, I still stand by my own opinion, but I have a much better understanding of the opposing side and have to agree on many points. In the end, may the best and most valuable SP cerb member win! That's it from me. :)

I have to agree 100%. I believe we need to take a step back because this has turned in to a total disaster and feelings are being hurt and this in not the CERB way. I too hate drama and this is suppose to be a positive and fun thing that we do as a community and I'm very saddened by the way the direction this has gone. It just plain sucks!! I hope this poll gets closed and redone in a few months. The fun has been destroyed and that's not good.

Here's a suggestion. And I'm being serious. How about instead of this whole voting business the awards be based on rep points and post nominations instead. For example at 1000 rep points you get a special little "value member" or whatever icon. At 5000 another little icon thingy and the highest award for 10,000 rep points. Something like that anyway. It seems to me that would be a much fairer, less biased system. And would effectivly avoid this kind of squabbling. Just my 2 cents for the mod. Posted via Mobile Device

Remember Hun there is no such thing as bad publicity, I guarantee that this discussion has made many people take notice of you......that's a great thing!

As one of the people who nominated Emily, I should probably intervene here, though I do so reluctantly, not wanting to stir up more controversy. As WIT's very insightful posts says, there are many ways to contribute to a community, and it's up to the community as a whole to judge what it deems most useful. That's the point of this exercise, after all. It's also a feel-good exercise, to thank and congratulate all the nominees, all of them. It was in that spirit that I originally proposed Emily's name, to acknowledge her spectacular entry into cerb and the positive, galvanizing effect she had had in a very short time, winning approval and friendship from many members, and having a huge network of correspondents. That took time, effort, and caring on her part, communicating with members and establishing the personal rapport which, as it turns out, has given her a substantial number of votes. I hoped by nominating her that she would win some public acknowledgement for her efforts, recognition as a nominated valued member that was, I thought, merited. She deserves to be among the nominees. Whether she deserves to be poll leader is not for me or any individual other member to decide. Again, this is intended as an activity that strengthens the community, not one that divides it. My thanks to all on the list of nominees. Your contributions, different as they are, are what makes cerb a valued community.

Awwww crap! After reading all the drama in the ladies' vote I was hoping for the male equivalent here! I have my popcorn ready and everything! I feel totally jipped now.... Posted via Mobile Device Additional Comments: WTF??! How the hell did the Archduke of Crossover get as many votes as ME?? Pfft! This vote is total BS!..... (There....that ought to get the ball rolling)... :p Posted via Mobile Device

From what I see, there is no stipulation on how long an SP should be an sp here on the board before she is nominated for the award( other than 10 posts??) It is about involvement, which I would think it should be publicly. It is the impact we have to be a positive influence and a safety net for each other as well. Through sound advice, or cheering someone up what have you. I can see, from the little I know on Emily, that she must have made a wonderful entrance to us here on cerb, even being a new member, she defiantly has our attention. She seems to be bright, well spoken, kind and that is a good representation of our community here. I do hope to see more involvement to have a better sense into her beautiful mind. however, for her to have been nominated, that would suggest to me that she has these great qualities that would deserve such an award, otherwise people would have not nominated her.....as for the votes as well. The math speaks for itself here. Admitingly....for those who have spent so much effort in publicly being involved, perhaps it may sting just a bit, but you know....at least you made a difference here! Our efforts are not lost if we have helped someone through tough times, or to help them learn etc... I am so thankful for all the members here for what I have learned form each of you!

I don't think any of the posts where made to "bully" anyone. The way I perceive it is that Soliel is simply posting her opinion. I know her well and she is as far from someone that would bully albeit thru a post as anyone could be. I'm proud of her for posting what I think many girls where thinking. Does that mean feeling this way is right or wrong I don't know. But if people cannot politely post their opinions then the point of Cerb is lost. Cato and Wit have gotten me thinking....I'm nominated and I think it's more from my helping girls behind the scenes or in the lounge rather then a high post count. We are all nominated for various reasons and from what Cato has said clearly she has touched members behind the scenes since joining, perhaps like I have with ( or think I have lol) I'm thankful to Cato for speaking up as we would not have known this otherwise. Good luck to everyone!

It is sad to see this thread and voting going this way but we are all human with our own opinions and views. This award is suppose to be something positive and go to someone who deserves it and there are so many that do. This is not high school or a popularity contest. It's an award given to a Service Provider who does exactly what the statement below says. Best of luck to all that have been nominated!! Just my thoughts and views on this situation. This is not an award for best service (that is what the recommendations sections are for) this is a award to recognize the service providers who join in the conversations, help answer some questions and give you a little view into the other side of the business! Additional comments: My post was about how negative this thread has become and not about any single person, that just not my style and then to be singled out for what the award is about when I was not the only one to post it and my whole wording on it being sad to see how this thread and voting is going and my positive words were left out. That is fine because I'm a very positive and kind person and was not saying anything mean or wrong. It was an attempt to say stop the negativity and just get on with it. I still stand by my words that "This is not high school or a popularity contest", it's suppose to be a positive thing and award. So best of luck to all!! Positive and Big Hugs All Around, Lexy

WIT, I'm sticking my neck out here but I respectfully disagree. I've been here since Jan. and am surprised I made it to the nominees. I'm very thankful and humbled but my presence here lies on the integrity, humor and support I have known of this board since I have joined. I'm still not seasoned enough to step up to the plate of a few ladies I know in this poll. If it wasn't for the ladies that participate in the forums, it would have taken me much longer to have my questions answered. Many of the ladies voted here are selfless and help direct both the hobbiests and providers in the right direction. This award should go to the ladies that contribute as a whole in the forums and from what I have experienced, welcome the new ladies in and give their seasoned advice. Emily looks like a great girl. I welcomed her here as a fellow MA and wish her so much success. In time, she will know the other ladies as well and share recommendations and advice. However, what about the ladies who answer a question you may have in the SP, MP, General forum? This is a board where public questions are answered by these members with the experience to help the one's that need advice. That is what this award is about in my eyes, publically and privately. Not everyone privately messages and if someone has a question about a particular request, these members are there to help. I feel this award is earned in time and experience. My last two cents. ; ) This is not an award for best service (that is what the recommendations sections are for) this is a award to recognize the service providers who join in the conversations, help answer some questions and give you a little view into the other side of the business!

I thank Soleil and WIT for their posts. This is a very difficult situation to comment on as emotions can easily run high. I will also attempt to make a comment without offense intended to anyone involved. One of the great features of CERB is that we, as a community, have embraced a culture of positivity. No reviews are allowed, only recommendations. No ratings are permitted, only positive experiences. I say this because, on the whole, the CERB community is a place without judgement. Yet, this one time of year, we are essentially judging each other. It remains in the spirit of positivity, but the result is that we are judging who makes the best contribution to the culture. As WIT outlined, there are many ways to contribute to the community. In an effort to be democratic, the nominations and voting are open to all members of this board. Under those guidelines, there is nothing to stop any member from winning a poll, and it is difficult to say that it is not in the spirit of the rules, when the rules are being followed. If the community as a whole feels the rules need to change, then that is a separate discussion. Lastly, I want to say that I think some anger or frustration has been directed at Erotic Emily. I feel that is unfair. She did not nominate herself, nor did she repeatedly vote for herself, nor did she, to the best of my knowledge, court or encourage anyone to directly vote for her. If you are upset with the results, the "blame", so to speak, falls directly on the voters, not the person they voted for. I wrote this message with a positive mind and I hope it will be received as such. I intend no disrespect nor offense.

Ever wonder why people who post complaints about CERB and the policies of the board keep coming back, reiterating their gripes in threads.... Why do they come back? Because it's a good board. They get something from being here. If that weren't the case, why would they log in, read threads, disrupt and moan... Far be it from me to say that these people are anything less than intelligent or reasonable... They just have different opinions. My point is not to insult them at all - simply to point out that even despite their opinions, they're here... A lot. Assuming they're sane, it's because they get value from logging in, reading, etc. So clearly, CERB is doing something right. Right?

CERB is dynamic. It is understandable that as the players change, some of the older members and even some of the newer members will find that the content and conversation is not to their particular taste or sensibility. This isn't new nor is it likely to change; all boards go through growing pains. We go through phases of widespread jocularity, of community unity and of community compassion. We also go through phases of community discord, politicization and polarity. Some members, like an old guy at the bar or that old-timer at work, will spend their time pining for the good old times; others will go with the flow and adapt. There is absolutely nothing wrong with either stance. We do need to find a middle ground. People need to be able to express themselves without fear of being ostracized for something that was acceptable yesterday, last week, last month or last year. We have all seen it - someone says something and within hours there are flames all around them. It has become the fashion of late to pile on people who disagree with our political mindset. It sucks. CERB is a place where industry women, and men who are clients, can meet, liaise, chat and have a little naughty fun. It's important to get the issues that the industry faces out there so that everybody understands the pressures that providers are facing. It's also important to understand that CERB is about sexuality, sensuality and the packaging thereof - if you need a plain brown wrapper to separate yourself from that fact, maybe this isn't the right place for you. So in answer to your question, no, I do not ever wonder why people come back and gripe. They miss the days when CERB was fun for THEM. They miss the days when they could look at a CERB provider, see her beauty and make a comment without worrying about accusations that they were objectifying her. The CERB they knew was about connecting with a woman that tickled their fancy, and not so fancy parts. It was an escort recommendation board, first and foremost. My legs are getting a little tired... I am getting off the soapbox now.

Well I am glad to know that. For me, my criteria for voting is for those who make real contributions to the board: lounge posting, thoughtful comments, funny stories, passion for this industry, classy, commited, and also very very supportive of those of us involved in providing. It's because I get to "know" them that i want them to know I appreciate what they have done to help make this such a nice place to visit. I am sure that that is what this kind of voting is all about, yes? To acknowledge the real contributions of the ladies, rather than say a popularity contest or just a pretty face? Nice to give thanks to someone who takes the time to share their thoughts, is what I'm getting at here, lol.

I just wanted to imput my two sense in thinking that it is extremely WONDERFUL that emily has made enough of an impact here on CERB that she had enough love from all to be nominated in the first place ( should that not count for something)...I think she is wonderful for someone so new and from what I am seeing she is trying her danged hardest to be a big contributer on here!!! It's a shame the road this thread has taken considering all the wonderful women on here in the first place :)......

I hate drama...but I like boobies! and each and every lady on this thread have nice boobies:D Additional Comments: if I buy you a beer at the social, will you shut up asking people to buy you a beer? and you call me Pinky if that make you happy:)

It is what it is, a popularity contest and that's always sure to heat things up a bit!

Every single one of us ladies knows this vote is total bullshit. No offense to Emily herself, as this has NOTHING to do with her personally, but she should not have been nominated, her so-called contributions are the exact same contributions the rest of us make on a daily basis. She has not contributed to the public forums IN ANY WAY. She has not gone out of her way to post or contribute to the public forum discussions and as the rules clearly state, to be nominated you must have contributed in the forums and in chat. Posting ads is not a meaningful contribution, no matter how you want to slice it. Paint me however you want, at the end of the day, I still stand by what I've said. This forum has completely devolved into an "us vs them" mentality with a few members derailing important conversations (such as this one) by either completely disregarding our concerns or by trying to paint us as "bitchy" or whatever else. But let's face it guys, you don't come here to wank off with other guys, you come here so you can interact with all of the wonderful ladies who make up a part of CERB. Keep pissing us off, and many of the wonderful ladies you see here, won't be here anymore.

To be honest, I am mortified with this whole thing. I understand most peoples views and opinions, but really, does there need to be this much discussion regarding my relevance here? Do I need to ask to be removed from the poll? I apologize to the voters out there who have voted for me and are being penalized for doing so. somebody said "this is not high school....." yet, it sure is starting to look that way. I am at a loss for words with this one. But I do want to thank everyone for repeatedly saying my name! Keeping saying it! Erotic Emily. Not bad for 6 weeks of learning on here, but I do spend more hours on cerb then anything else in my life. I will keep doing what I do, it makes me happy and those in contact with me happy. Have a sexxxy September! xoxoxoxo

Here's my take on it as a new member to CERB. When I first started out posting in the forums or in private convos, I noticed the Member's Choice graphic next to some of them. Without having any idea what that meant, I assumed that these women had won some sort of award for being highly respected by CERB members. It was natural for me to assume that I could trust them more or that they were veterans here on CERB. Now that I'm seeing what's happening here, I'm thinking that the guys are shooting themselves in the foot. New members won't know that someone has been voted in because of private participation or because they somehow got some publicity through discussions like this. They'll likely be like me and see that badge as evidence that this person has garnered the trust and respect of members through long-term community-building. I would personally prefer to see this kind of award going to someone who engages the community publicly rather than privately. Otherwise, it's no longer a community - it's email.

I think we should agree that all of the nominees do this in one way or another. Let's leave this now to the voters, please.

There is having sex, which is one thing, and being pounded for an hour--which is something totally different. Sadly, the latter is not a fun experience for anyone but the guy and frankly, I'm not a blow-up doll. If that's all you want, please just wank off. We are human beings and just because you are paying for my services doesn't mean you get to do whatever you want. I offer the services I am comfortable offering, and I do not view full service or sex as simply being pounded. As I said in my original post, I am aware that you are paying for a service, but you must remember that you will be satisfied within the boundaries of the service provider. Paying gets you in the door, what the two of you get up to is still largely determined by the provider. So let's not forget that.

Emily, As you are a new member and also as someone who has been nominated on this poll, I do hope this will inspire you to make some contributions to cerb on your journey and will follow in the footsteps of the other ladies here. We all look forward to reading your future posts. Best of luck! Nicki

ladiitrill: For the record, I would wholeheartedly recommend you, and have no problem telling the world. When I commented on you in one thread the reaction was "we don't know you, so your comment does not count." I completely understand the desire to not be "taken in" or allow negative changes to the board's tone to happen by making it easy for someone to intentionally manipulate things. Blocking the instant results/instant gratification from attempts to deceive helps keep things in good order. So all in all I believe it to be good overall, but it does make it difficult for me to help you out. I did not write you a recommendation even though I am allowed now because I was worried it would hurt your reputation by virtue of me not being one of "the guys". My worry is if my recommendation is the first, someone will point it out and then someone else will point out I am not one of the regular circle and then all of sudden suspicion is cast upon it and by extension you. If you still want me to write one, I will. Otherwise I will wait and when once one of the accepted members writes a recommendation to get the ball rolling in a credible way, I will write one as well. BTW, several people sent me private messages asking about you. I said good things and sent them your way.

It is a slow process and that can be good and bad. I have watched people join Cerb, take the board by storm only to fade away quickly. If you take your time and eek away at growing your buisness it will happen. Its a combonation of you keeping your own personal standards high and then a little luck perhaps of getting a strong recommendation from a well known hobbiest. If you stick with it you will have many recco's before you know it. This has been my experience at least. The most important thing is to deliver the highest level of service you are able to and let the rest take care of itself. All the best!

"How many times a day?" is more like it for this gal over here :)

WOW!!!!!...well I told everyone my post count wouldn't be so high except for the jokes and this, quite obviously now, addictive thread. Thanks to all the participants in this game And especially thanks to Berlin for making up the game in the first place Closest song I could think of, under the circumstances Stengerinc (he posted the youtube video)-1000 Bottles Of Beer On The Wall Don't listen very long, or at all RG

I agree 100 percent!!!! I think people are too quick to make judgements and form 'opinions' that are not based on fact or reality, but rather myths and misconceptions... Wait a minute... this sounds familiar... Cough... Prostitution/Client myths and misconceptions!

I have read through this entire thread and see no anger or hostility from the ladies? I'm commenting on a reputation points comment made. I have seen the facts though. I feel terrible this has happened again. What has happened to us all as a positive community? WIT brings up a good point. Perceived: to recognize, discern, envision, or understand: This vote is not to be argued over or become angry over. I haven't seen any hostility here. Perhaps it should have been written in the guidelines that the award go to who the members vote for with no prerequisites? That is what I take from this debate. Again, perception, and again this thread is taking on a whole new direction than it's original intent. This isn't fun guys and I see the impact it has made in general on this entire board.

We are not bullies and I find that comment offensive. We are women who are not afraid of speaking up our minds and who care enough about this community to not want the essence that has today to change. We want cerb to remain the characteristics that make it the succesful site it is and we want the people who will 'represent' it (valued members) to have those characteristics which is why Nicki invited Emily to show that side of her. We have nothing against Emily we just don't want the site to go in a different direction where a good marketing, good looks and good service is all that matters. I know I'm speaking 'we' here because that's what I sense from the other ladies too but girls feel free to correct me and I will make it an 'I' :)

May be it's time for her to see a physician, if she already hasn't. I know they are doing testing on women with Viagra but that can be a dangerous drug to some. There could be underlying issues that she may not have shared with you and a sex therapist can also be very helpful. If you only get that one special night make it romantic and memorable. Take her out, turn your bedroom in to a love making nest. Pull out all the tricks flowers, the whole lot. I would suggest on this special night that you leave and ring or knock on the door and have her welcome you in and take her out, come back to the love nest and pamper her, focus on her and what she likes and her needs. Make it all about her.

Any publicity is good publicity. Who's this Emily girl and when can I see her?

As always, Katherine, class advice!

The year was 1936... Nazis were threatening Europe... Roosevelt was President, Mackenzie King was Prime Minister... people were still doing the Lindy Hop.... prohibition had been repealed... and the girls... oh the girls... here they were... the first women of CERB... Ethel the Unready, Myrtle the Minx, Mildred the Manitoba Manhandler, Sheila the Shy and up front Harriet the Harlot... ohhh those were the days.... Ohhhhh and here is pic of the first trio.... Martha, Clover and Esther....

That is where i disagree with the cerb rule. A stolen photo is a stolen photo regardless of where it is stolen from why is a stolen text only a stolen text if it is stolen from a cerb ad?

I remember when I joined CERB (Feb 2010) Harper was Prime Minister in a minority governent Liberals Official Opposition Bin Laden was still alive I had yet to see a SP (that would come in July 2010) I knew nothing of proper etiquette when it came to seeing SP's. But through CERB and experience, I learned the right way to have an encounter with a lady...and the stereotypes mainstream society, for lack of a better term, have of SP's/Gentlemen is nothing close to the truth CERB is a great board, a great community with great ladies and gentlemen RG

All this discussion of a special touch just wants to make me put a chocolate mint on the pillows at my incall. lol.

Bad dog !!! Bad bad Dog !!!! I suspect you are already sitting so....Lay down boy !!! I most certainly am not buying you a more than one or two drinks now !!

Solomon Burke - Everybody Needs Somebody To Love Damn you are quick RG XTC - Mayor of Simpleton

Hey DotheDoo, I've been a server in Winnipeg and let me tell you the benefits of prairie living! 1.) There are more restaurants per capita, in Winnipeg, than other city in Canada. 2.) Winnipeggers like to eat out, and they tip. 3.) You could rent a 2 bedroom apartment downtown for $750 all included! 4.) Practically no matter where you work, you can walk, ride your bike or take the bus and be there in 30 minutes. 5.) Food in the grocery store is super cheap in Winnipeg. 6.) You can easily buy a little starter home for about 150,000-200,000 with only 5% down. 7.) There's lots to do, especially in the Summer. 8.) If you want to buy a car, we have the cheapest car insurance in the country. 9.) There's an IKEA coming in 2012!!!!! lol I'm sure you're not even considering Winterpeg, but it definitely has its own advantages over other cities. Food for thought, at least? ;)

No need to worry about posting publicly Emily...bashfulness isn't a trait often found here on CERB LOL Seriously, if you have an opinion on something posted, please post...all opinions/posts, as long as keeping in the guidelines of "if you don't have something nice to say...please don't say it at all" are welcome. And you don't have to start a thread. Looking forward to reading posts from you RG

I just wanted to take the time to thank everyone who did and continues to welcome me to this amazing site ;) And of course the shocking nomination as a valued member, although new. It is greatly appreciated and beyond flattering. I do hope we were all nominated and voted for- with the right intentions. regardless of the outcome I will be forever flattered and appreciative for this. In just 6 short weeks I have met and made friends with a ton of very amazing people. Thank you for this. I look forward to my continued journey here on cerb with all of you! xoxoxoxoxo

My thoughts exactly. Rassilon if you wish to be one of the guys simply be one of them. Start posting, become involved and there you are, in the middle of it all. Hopefully having a great time and enjoying yourself. :icon_smile:

Eva Adore has a great website, with an amazing photo gallery. http://eva-adore.info/

Several recent threads in different places have raised questions about sexual health and sexually transmissible infections (STIs). I thought it might be worthwhile to review and discuss some basic information. 1. Perfectly nice, respectable and trustworthy people can carry STIs without knowing it because they may have no symptoms. They can infect other equally reliable people without intending to cause any harm to them. 2. Everyone is responsible for their own sexual health. Only you can ensure that you are practicing safe(er) sex and that you are not at risk of being infected, actually infected or transmitting infections. 3. Free and trustworthy confidential sexual health testing is available in every major centre in Canada. If you're not comfortable asking your doctor for tests, you can go to a free clinic where you will not be questioned or judged. I do this, myself, every two months. The staff are friendly, pleasant, efficient and easy to work with. 4. STI test results are only a "snapshot" of your sexual health status when the tests were performed. They are not a guarantee that you do not have an STI a few weeks later. In fact, since some STIs incubate for weeks or months before producing symptoms, markers in blood samples or showing up in vaginal swabs, even though your STI test results are clear, you can still be harboring an infection that has not yet made its presence known. 5. STI tests should be repeated for at least six months before you can consider yourself likely to be infection-free, assuming that you have not changed sex partners during that time and that your partner(s) also have not had new partners. 6. Most STIs are easily treated with antibiotics. Some, such as herpes, cannot be cured but can be managed with antiviral medication. HIV/AIDS is increasingly becoming a manageable infection in Canada's larger cities. 7. HIV/AIDS is probably the most-feared STI. It is also a very fragile virus that does not communicate easily. You can't get HIV from doorknobs, sharing a plate or a glass, from kissing or from doing someone's laundry. HIV needs easy entry to one's bloodstream, usually via a cut, a tear in one's vaginal or anal mucous membrane, or a contaminated injection needle. In North America, heterosexuals who do not use illegal injectable drugs are at low-risk for having or transmitting HIV/AIDS. The problem, of course, is that because we cannot be certain about our sexual partners' other partners, it is not safe to assume that there is no HIV risk when having sexual contact with anyone. 8. Condoms offer the best protection against STIs. Condoms are effective for oral sex as well as vaginal and anal sex. Non-latex condoms are available and effective for those who are allergic to latex. Female condoms are not made of latex and are also effective for those who have allergies. Condoms made of sheep intestines and other materials are effective for preventing pregnancy, but not effective for preventing STIs. Sperm are significantly larger than viruses and bacteria, which can slip through the membranes of these "natural" condoms. 9. There really is no such thing as "safe" sex. Things such as condoms, dental dams and gloves can make sex safer, however. Even so, the herpes virus is "shed" by up to 5% of infected people even when they are not experiencing outbreaks. This means that one may transmit or contract herpes unknowingly. 10. Some STIs are more prevalent in some parts of Canada than in others. For example, a syphilis epidemic has been going on in Vancouver since the early 1990s. Syphilis is one of the viruses that can inhabit a human throat for months without any symptoms. Nonetheless, even if you and your companion both live in Saskatoon, it may be difficult to be sure that neither of you has had contact with anyone who may have come in contact with syphilis recently. 11. Common wisdom about STIs is usually inaccurate and untrustworthy. For example, one will hear that "everyone knows" there is only negligible risk in oral sex performed on a man. In fact, giving and receiving oral sex places both parties at high risk of STI transmission for all infections other than HIV, in which case the risks are lower. 12. Sexually active people have a responsibility to ensure that they have the best, up-to-date information about STI risks. Only with accurate information can we make informed choices about our sexual behaviour and infection risk. You can get this information many places including the Health Nurse's Sexual Health Information website and the B.C. Centre for Disease Control's STD Resource website.