The Week magazine, which my colleague Letisha refers to as "only the best magazine in the world," recently wrote:

"The Swedish agency that monitors gender equality has begun an investigation of the state-run pharmacy, Apoteket, for allegedly selling 'sex toys' suitable only for women. ...One complaint stated that Apoteket had bought into the 'misguided view on sexuality where a woman with a dildo is seen as liberated, strong and independent, whereas a man with a blow-up plastic vagina is viewed as disgusting and perverted.'"

So what do you think? Vote, then explain below... Also related: Why sex toys are a win-win, a guide for men

I just received a press release with the subject line: "Pleo, Boyfriend Alternative?"  So I opened it, expecting something along the lines of the Sasi sex toy. 

Ummm, not so much.  Introducing... Pleo:

Yes, because when my single friends are talking about wanting a boyfriend—and, frankly, they're usually too busy—what they really want in the meantime is a "LIFELIKE" ROBOTIC TOY DINOSAUR.

But Josey...

• Pleo is a great cuddler, no sex required!
• If you get tired of his shameless ploys for attention, you can just turn him off.
• He’ll always listen to you vent about your feelings, your day, or that fabulous pair of shoes you just bought.
• Pleo will never make you wait by the phone or starve you for affection.

[Cue buzzer.]

But Josey...

• He won’t get jealous of your other boy toys.
• He’ll even watch your favorite chick flicks with you!
• He’ll never leave you or ask you to change.

[Cue buzzer.]

[Cue buzzer again.]

But Josey...

The ladies love Pleo, even celebrities like Julia Roberts, Diane Sawyer and Jennifer Jason Leigh.

Impressive!

[Cue buzzer.]

Who is sending Britney Spears sex toys in the mail?  What does the Church of England have to say about sex?  What did one man have sex with that's made a lot of people laugh... including me?  (And yes, you read that right: I said "what" and not "who.")  In this week's Sex on My Desk video, I'll explain all that and more!  Watch the video now:

UPDATE: Misty, one of our very favorite all-star iVillage community leaders, just told the Sex Toys message board: "I could be stalked like that! Someone is sending her sex toys in the mail—why can't we all be so lucky!"

Customize your Web page. Customize your car. Customize your shoes. Customize your candy. Customize your laptop.

Customize your... sex toys?

Yes! And this is much better than merely adding Swarovski crystals (which, let's face it, just sounds dangerous). Introducing... Sasi:

"SaSi has two modes. In Natural Mode SaSi does what it is told. It comes pre-programmed with 5 movements, which are easily selected by navigating left or right."

But here's where you should pay attention:

"In Learn Mode SaSi gradually morphs from one movement to another, trying new sensations. If you dislike a particular movement simply skip to the next one. SaSi will remember this and is less likely to use it again. If SaSi creates a sensation you really like, press the “don’t stop” button. SaSi will remember and use it again next time. Just like a good partner, SaSi gives a different experience every time whilst still incorporating the movements you like best."

A "don't stop" button?? Tracey Cox has always preached that men should not be intimidated by vibrators, but that was until Sasi came along... Intimidated? At this rate boyfriends may become altogether obsolete!

what's this?

Ang just sent me this story from Yahoo News:

A Swedish bomb squad called out to disarm a suspicious package on Wednesday did not find a ticking bomb. But they did find a vibrating sex toy. The package was humming and vibrating suspiciously, so police took no chances and sent out a team of explosives experts. After having cordoned off the area, they opened the package with bomb disposal equipment, only to find the battery-operated device inside.

So many questions. Where to begin? Let's start with... Since when does a vibrator sound like a ticking bomb?