Latest news with #Lelo
The Guardian
13 hours ago
- Health
- The Guardian
The sex sabbatical: could taking a break from intimacy improve your life?
Name: The sex break. Age: Perennial. Appearance: Surprisingly frequent. Taking a break to have sex? You mean like at work? This is taking a break from sex. What? Who wants to do that? Er, 24% of American adults, according to a new survey. Why? Reasons vary, from 'wanting to learn other forms of intimacy' to favouring 'emotional closeness over physical connection'. All I'll say to that is: be careful what you wish for, survey respondents. In addition, 52% of the 2,000 adults surveyed said they had previously taken an extended break from sex, lasting six months on average. So? I've managed that – and then some. I think they mean on purpose. Everybody says it was on purpose afterwards. Who commissioned this survey? The sexual wellness brand Lelo. What does 'sexual wellness' mean? They sell vibrators, mainly. Sounds as if they have a vested interest in these survey results. 'Taking breaks from sex or focusing on other forms of physical intimacy can actually enhance a sex life,' says Lelo's chief marketing officer, Luka Matutinovic. Oh yeah? How? 'By reducing pressure and fostering exploration, as well as introducing new additions to your routine, like sex toys …' I knew it. In any case, most of those who had taken a sex sabbatical were very positive about it: 53% said it helped them appreciate sex more. It will tend to do that. But it's not all good news. None of this is good news so far. According to the survey, 30% of Americans believe romance is dead. I'm not surprised – what's the point? Fortunately, 69% of those not in relationships said they were happy being single. Good for them. What about the ones who are in a relationship? Forty-seven per cent of them said it can be healthy for a couple to have a sex break. Oh my word. On the other hand, 44% said their relationship wouldn't last a year without sex. Oh, naive respondents – you might surprise yourselves. Indeed. So if Americans are taking sex breaks and sabbaticals intentionally, does that mean they're having less sex than they used to? The latter assertion seems unquestionable – the percentage of American men and women not having sex has risen by every measure since 1982. That's quite an alarming statistic. Not if you own a vibrator company. Do say: 'Oh look, Newsnight's on.' Don't say: 'Could we try taking a break from taking a break?'
The Guardian
3 days ago
- Health
- The Guardian
The sex sabbatical: could taking a break from intimacy improve your life?
Name: The sex break. Age: Perennial. Appearance: Surprisingly frequent. Taking a break to have sex? You mean like at work? This is taking a break from sex. What? Who wants to do that? Er, 24% of American adults, according to a new survey. Why? Reasons vary, from 'wanting to learn other forms of intimacy' to favouring 'emotional closeness over physical connection'. All I'll say to that is: be careful what you wish for, survey respondents. In addition, 52% of the 2,000 adults surveyed said they had previously taken an extended break from sex, lasting six months on average. So? I've managed that – and then some. I think they mean on purpose. Everybody says it was on purpose afterwards. Who commissioned this survey? The sexual wellness brand Lelo. What does 'sexual wellness' mean? They sell vibrators, mainly. Sounds as if they have a vested interest in these survey results. 'Taking breaks from sex or focusing on other forms of physical intimacy can actually enhance a sex life,' says Lelo's chief marketing officer, Luka Matutinovic. Oh yeah? How? 'By reducing pressure and fostering exploration, as well as introducing new additions to your routine, like sex toys …' I knew it. In any case, most of those who had taken a sex sabbatical were very positive about it: 53% said it helped them appreciate sex more. It will tend to do that. But it's not all good news. None of this is good news so far. According to the survey, 30% of Americans believe romance is dead. I'm not surprised – what's the point? Fortunately, 69% of those not in relationships said they were happy being single. Good for them. What about the ones who are in a relationship? Forty-seven per cent of them said it can be healthy for a couple to have a sex break. Oh my word. On the other hand, 44% said their relationship wouldn't last a year without sex. Oh, naive respondents – you might surprise yourselves. Indeed. So if Americans are taking sex breaks and sabbaticals intentionally, does that mean they're having less sex than they used to? The latter assertion seems unquestionable – the percentage of American men and women not having sex has risen by every measure since 1982. That's quite an alarming statistic. Not if you own a vibrator company. Do say: 'Oh look, Newsnight's on.' Don't say: 'Could we try taking a break from taking a break?'
LeMonde
5 days ago
- Politics
- LeMonde
Georgia jails opposition leaders as crackdown on dissent intensifies
Three Georgian opposition leaders were jailed on Monday, June 23, in a mounting crackdown on dissent. The country has been in political turmoil since the Georgian Dream party won parliamentary elections last October. The opposition disputed the results and mass protests erupted, which only intensified after the government shelved EU membership talks. Demonstrators accuse the ruling party of sliding into authoritarianism and steering the country closer to Moscow – accusations the government denies. Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze, joint leaders of the opposition Lelo party and staunch government critics, were each handed eight months in prison and barred from holding public office for two years. The court in the capital, Tbilisi, convicted them of refusing to testify before a parliamentary commission investigating alleged abuses under jailed ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili. Zurab Japaridze, leader of the opposition Girchi party – who has been in pre-trial detention since May 22 – was handed seven months in jail and barred from holding public office for two years under similar charges. Saakashvili has been sentenced to more than a decade in prison on various charges, which rights groups have denounced as politically motivated. Khazaradze, who boycotted the trial, condemned the case as a "political witch hunt," accusing the government of "using its repressive machinery to silence and break the opposition." "Terror in Georgia: the government is intensifying its repressions," former president and opposition leader Salome Zurabishvili said after the verdict. Opposition figures and rights activists are being targeted in a wave of arrests and prosecutions. The politicians have refused to cooperate with the parliamentary inquiry, denouncing it as illegitimate and a tool to outlaw dissent. Ahead of last year's disputed elections, Georgian Dream announced a plan to ban all major opposition parties.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Georgian opposition leader jailed amid crackdown
AI- Generated Image TBILISI: A court in Georgia on Monday sentenced a prominent opposition leader to eight months in prison, in the latest case critics say is part of a mounting crackdown on dissent. Georgia has been in political turmoil since the ruling Georgian Dream party won parliamentary elections last October. Its results were disputed by the opposition and sparked mass protests which only intensified after the government shelved EU membership talks. Demonstrators accuse the ruling party of sliding into authoritarianism and steering the country closer to Moscow -- accusations the government denies. Mamuka Khazaradze, leader of the opposition Lelo party and a staunch government critic, was sentenced by a Tbilisi court to eight months in prison and barred from holding public office for two years. He was convicted of refusing to testify before a parliamentary commission investigating alleged abuses under jailed ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili. Saakashvili has been sentenced to more than a decade in prison on various charges, which rights groups have denounced as politically motivated. Khazaradze, who boycotted the trial, condemned the case as a "political witch hunt," accusing the government of "using its repressive machinery to silence and break the opposition." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 마지막으로 2025년 최고의 좀비 게임을 무료로 즐기세요 경복의 바다 플레이하기 Undo "Terror in Georgia: the government is intensifying its repressions," former president and opposition leader Salome Zurabishvili said after the verdict. Khazaradze's jailing comes amid a wave of arrests and prosecutions targeting opposition figures and rights activists. Another Lelo leader, Badri Japaridze, is due in court later Monday. Earlier this month, courts ordered the pre-trial detention of three more opposition leaders on similar charges. They have refused to cooperate with the parliamentary inquiry, denouncing it as illegitimate and a tool to outlaw dissent. Ahead of last year's disputed elections, Georgian Dream announced plan to ban all major opposition parties.
Cosmopolitan
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
Lelo Sex Toys and Vibrators to Snag During Lelo's Summer Sale
The first time I tried a Lelo vibrator, it was the Sona 2 and it worked so well that it became the only vibrator I used for months. I'm not going to lie, I had high expectations. As an avid Cosmo reader, I already knew Lelo toys were top-of-the-line, and I'd read enough reviews to know that the Sona 2 really is That Girl when it comes to clitoral suction toys. The thing is, I've tried a lot of suction vibes; they're my absolute favorite type of sex toy, and one of the many perks of being a sex and relationships editor is more free vibrators than you could ever possibly test yourself. But Sona 2 really stands out, and it's still heavily active in my rotation. If it isn't a part of yours yet, you're in luck—Lelo's summer sale is happening right now. Until August 31, Lelo is offering 15 percent off site-wide. Which means, hi–not only can you get the Sona 2 for less, you can also apply the discount to anything on Lelo's site using the code HELLOSUMMER15. And trust, there's a lot worth testing. Lelo toys are consistently high-performing and last for years, not to mention they come with a soft storage pouch for discreet pleasure on-the-go. Lelo is a luxury brand, so you can expect to spend more than you would on a drugstore vibrator, but the quality pays for itself—you can rest assured every piece of tech is high quality and made with body-safe materials. But don't just take my word for it—the Dot and the Sona 2 are consistently some of the most popular toys on our site, meaning thousands of readers just like you are adding to cart and indulging every day. And lest you forget, the benefits of masturbation are plenty. A good toy can help you figure out what you like during sex, info that you can and should communicate to your partner so that you're both having the best experience possible. Masturbation can also lower stress levels, boost your mood, relieve period cramps and headaches, help you fall asleep…the benefits are literally endless! There are no cons!! Now that we've (obvi) convinced you, you might be wondering where to start. That's why I put together this handy—pun intended—list of the very best options available on Lelo's website right now. Treat yourself! In this case, it's literally good for you. Clitoral vibrators are specifically designed to directly stimulate the clitoris, and can come in a few different styles. Clitoral suction toys do exactly what it sounds like—apply suction to your clitoris that's meant to mimic the sensation of oral sex. Does it feel exactly the same as a skilled partner's tongue action? No, but some toys can get pretty damn close (see: the aforementioned Sona 2 + a little water-based lube). Other clit vibrators—like bullets, wands, and pinpoint vibrators—provide targeted stimulation by rumbling at various speeds and patterns. Wands are designed to cover larger surface areas (and can be used to massage anywhere on the body), bullets are smaller and meant for clitoral, vulva, or nipple stim, and pinpoint vibrators like the Dot do the same, just with a teeny tiny point for ultra-targeted pleasure. Internal vibrators are designed for stimulation of your internal hot spots, sometimes known as the g-spot (which isn't a technically-correct term since it isn't one singular spot and not everyone feels pleasure there—it's more like a g-area, if you will). They're usually long and sleek for easy insertion and controlled via a set of buttons on the handle end. Some internal vibrators have bulbous heads to stimulate the head of a penis, and cover a larger surface area inside. Others thin out at the tip for more targeted stimulation. Dual-stimulation vibrators are meant to provide both internal and external stimulation; clitoral and vaginal at the same time. Rabbit vibrators are a perfect example, like the Soraya Wave below. The long end vibrates inside you and the short end vibrates outside and stimulates your clitoris. Dual-stim vibes can be a little intense, so if you're new to sex tech, you might want to opt for something simpler like a clit-only vibe or an internal toy to get used to the sensations. Then, when you're ready, graduating to a dual-stim can feel second nature—and absolutely mind-blowing in the best way possible. Truth? Any vibrator can be a couples vibrator if you use it with your partner and you're both enjoying it, whatever that looks like for you. But some sex toys are specifically designed for the simultaneous pleasure of both partners during sex. Wearable vibes (sometimes called C-vibrators because they're shaped like the letter C) like the Tiani 3 and the Tiani Harmony are designed to be worn by the receiving partner during penetration and felt by both partners. Couples rings (aka penis rings or cock rings) are designed to be worn by the penetrating partner and feel amazing pressed up against the receiver during sex. And any remote-control powered toy is great for power play. Think: You're wearing a panty vibe like the Lyla 2 during dinner while your partner controls the functions. Sexy!
