I know the idea of men talking about men puts people off and fair enough but give Menkind Podcast a shot.
Mark Watson and Michael Chakraverty discuss what it really means to be a man and how harmful many of the standard accepted traits of men are. There are lengthy discussions of sexuality, gender identity, and social norms that offer rarely seen perspectives. As well as when they, and their guests, felt the idea of masculinity and what it means to be a man was introduced to them and how they feel about that now.
With build a bear analogies, laughing, and crying it's a brilliant podcast that can help you see things in a different light lead by some brilliant, open minded and accepting hosts.
I’ve been meaning to write a review of what may be (to me, at least) the greatest stim toy ever invented for a few weeks now. Seeing your recent post about your Stimtastic one reminded me to actually do so. Klixx are segmented fidgets which you can manipulate in various twisty turny sort of ways but also make the most satisfying clicking sound as you do so. It moves much more rigidly than a tangle or twiddle but this also allows you to make more definite shapes such as rectangles if you wish to. It does however still have enough flexibility for you to run it through your fingers and scrunch it up. The clicking sound is about as load as a typical clicking pen to my ears and I find it incredibly pleasing.
There are a couple of bad points, it’s really not stealth at all. This particular brand are all bright translucent colours (the third colour I’ve found, not pictured, is translucent orange and green) as well as being somewhat large, they’re an inch or two longer than a stretched out Tangle Jr. The clicking sound as well makes it not stealth as well as not suitable for environments where quietness is necessary such as a library.
The biggest issue I’ve found with the Klixx is that it can hurt my hands depending on how I’m using it, and I don’t have any joint or mobility issues with my hands. I’m fairly certain that the issue is that the segments are fairly angular and chunky and the edges are digging into my hands (I like to scrunch it a lot).
Those in the UK will probably know that Klixx type fidgets are all but impossible to get a hold of, so I’m happy to say that I purchased both of these in retail shops for less than £5. I have found these in two different places so far. One was found in a shop called Menkind and was £4.99 but the second was found in a large Tesco Extra in the toy aisle for £3 so I would recommend checking Tesco first if you are able to. There is no online link I can find for Tesco, unfortunately.
Menkind online: link. (The website lists related products and for me these include gifs with very fast moving flashing lights.)
Amazon UK: link. £5.99 with free delivery, not prime eligible.
My apologies as well for an incredibly long post but hopefully this will be of help to people. I’ve also chosen to only include UK links as I’m not sure if there are any differences between this and the Stimtastic klixx.
@jellymadchester, the sound I made when I saw this post is beyond the ability to reproduce in text. Let’s just say it was loud and long, okay?
I may have been checking out the 48 link Wacky Tracks at US-based store Fidget Club this evening (which is yet a third branding name for the snap and click and Klixx-style fidgets). Lo and behold, this timely submission appears, and these ones are translucent!
(The Stimtastic Snap and Click is a shorter version at 24 links. While it is more portable, I have already been longing for a bigger one that allows for more folding, scrunching and clicking. I’m unsure about other differences, though; I’d love to compare it to a Klixx-branded version to see how differently they feel.)
UK folks, if you’re longing for these, this is the ultimate post. Thank you so much for this superb submission!
I’ve tucked the image description under a read more cut for length:
[Image Description: A pale minty blue pillow with two klixx fidgets laying on top. The klixx on the left is not in it’s packaging. It is translucent purple and green and is arranged in a rough coil which almost resembles a bow in its shape. It is composed of alternating green and purple segments which are approximately one and a half centimetres long.
The klixx on the right is in it’s retail packaging. It is translucent orange and blue. The packaging is neon orange and black. The top part is black and lists the manufacturer (Zing). The title text reads KLiXX The original fidget widget and also says EDP #every day play. The packaging also says click and crunch as well as snap click and bend. The klixx is arranged in an angular snake like shape with a small end with three segments protruding allowing you to test the item whilst in it’s packaging.]
I am suuuuuuuuper regretting not picking up this adorable piggy mason jar. The pork scratchings are “Naga Jolokia Chilli” flavour so fuck that. BUT THE JAR. HAS A PIGGY TAIL.
Online Discussion - No Homo No Hetero: Being Black, Bisexual, & Male in America
When seeking answers to questions regarding healthy identity development and overcoming multiple, intersecting oppressions, Black Bisexual Men have Very Few options.
Join us online on Saturday June 24th 2017 from 11 AM to 1 PM (NYC time) explore the impact and challenges of this particular work by discussing identity, race, biphobia, manhood and the intersecting oppression of being Black and Fluid with a panel of MenKind organizers, members, supporters and allies.
We will discuss the ever evolving nuances of the Black male bisexual experience: identity, racism, biphobia and media representation; manhood, masculinity, myths, HIV and the overall health, well being and liberation of Black bisexual men.
Unexpected buy: the stuff of legend, the actual #crazycatlady figure 😂 I thought it was a meme for years but I came across it yesterday at #Menkind 🐱. I also confessed to the cashier that I'm 1 cat short from being identical to the figure. @zsamofficial says I look like her, colour palette and all. They should make a Crazy Cat Guy for men too 😁. _ #crazycatladyfigure #archiemcphee #lehappy #cat #cats #catinfluencer #electrorock #heavyrock #electrometal #electronicmetal #trancemetal #alternativemetal #femalefrontedmetal #femalefrontedband #alternativemetal #popmetal #emo #metalgirl #gothicgirl #SeasonOfGhosts #SophiaAslanides (at Reading Town Ctr) https://www.instagram.com/p/COqe_U9tF3S/?igshid=cuvouhccs1vm
