High up on a hill overlooking a blazing hot (and horrifically humid) San Fernando Valley sits the Sheraton Universal Hotel, site of the 1999 ANME. Not so high up, at the top of the Sheraton's escalator, sits the Auditions Bar, site of the refreshing (it was gloriously air conditioned and heck, the drinks were gratis) Sportsheets party.
Guests were encouraged to grab a cool frosty one, as well as a few Fantasy Ticklers displayed at the bar. These have proven to be among Sportsheets' best-selling items, and can even be found in gift shops at a mall near you.
Among the more notable guests milling about was Dr. Betty Dodson, sex educator, author and masturbation teacher. Sporting a brilliant shock of purple hair, Dodson - a lively sort if ever - offered to adopt editor Ellen Thompson. Tod Hunter fared similarly well, as Dodson signed his shirt with his own trusty chrome pen and then lovingly grabbed his crotch for posterity.
"Things have never been better; we're amazed at the growth the company's experienced," said Julie Stewart, vice president of Sportsheets. "Sportsheets has gotten widespread acceptance, notably more mainstream, which is where we want to be."
One of the company's newest items is called the Romantic Restraint kit, which includes a soft leather eyeshade, velcro wrist restraints, and a short rubber tickler.
"Our market is directed towards couples wanting something different to enhance their relationship," concluded Stewart. "We are delighted in how it's going, and pledge to keep making better products."
