Photo: David Demic

The art of foreplay is not an easy task to achieve, but with the right coaching you can turn your bedroom into a sweltering sauna.

Unlike men, women are not immediately raring to go. They need to run their engines a while to, you know, get their juices flowing. Foreplay is the perfect opportunity to accomplish just that. Before putting your key in the ignition, try to talk and tease. Dirty talk can be a great way to enhance the sexual content and it is a sexy way to let him or her know exactly how you like it. As you whisper sexy nothings into their ear, focus attention toward erogenous parts of the body, which can really raise sexual desire, such as their mouth, neck, inner thighs, lower back and ears.

Another great way to amp up the action before the magic happens is to provide your company with a strip show. Attention all men: stripping is not just for women anymore. We want to see you remove those suspenders and unbutton that shirt. First things first, though. Don’t forget those socks. Nothing is more of a turn off than eyeing your flavor of the week up and down to notice they are worried their feet will get cold.

Don’t hesitate to get your hands dirty – or your mouths for that matter – metaphorically speaking.

A great way to know what appeals to your partner is by reading their body language. If they look as though they are in pain or are uncomfortable, stop immediately. Here is a great time for dirty talk if that does happen. Try something like, “Where do you want me to rub” or “what do you want me to do to you?” Yes, surprisingly, communication is very sexy and makes sex that much better.

It’s important to get in the mood and there is no better way to get there then letting one’s imagination run wild. Adult entertainment (yes, you heard me right, porn) provides both partners with the perfect opportunity for arousal. Lie naked with one another and keep in mind, anything is up for grabs in this situation. Pay attention to one another and the steamy sex scene on screen.  Take notes of experiences you wish to try and express those interests to your partner. Judge your partners response before diving in head first. The desire here is to simply let your imagination flow freely. You do not need to try all of these suggestions tonight when you meet up with your sex kitten. Mix it up. Try one tonight and a different one next week or if you’re like me, try a different one in the morning.  Just remember to be sure things stay pleasurable, vigorous and erotic. The struggle with foreplay is that everyone is different and it takes time to make find those niches, but as long as you are attentive, you will bring much pleasure and success.

Reverse Cowgirl

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Flour Tortillas | 18 ounces All Purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 2/3 cup lard or vegetable shortening 1 cup cool water Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl. Work the lard or shortening into the flour until the texture is somewhat like sand. Then stir in the water and combine until the dough just comes together (it will be a little sticky). Sprinkle the extra flour onto a clean counter surface and knead the dough until it’s no longer sticky. Cover and allow to sit at room temperature for one hour. Once the dough has rested divide it into ping pong or golf ball sized balls, to roll them out use either a floured rolling pin or you can press the balls of dough between 2 plates lined with plastic wrap. Don’t worry if they’re not exactly the same size. Use a griddle heated to 375 degrees or a saute pan on the stove heated over low to medium-low heat. Cook the tortillas until they are lightly browned and begin to bubble, then flip to brown on the other side, about 2-3 minutes on each side depending on how hot your pan is. Makes about 16 medium sized tortillas. /// Steak Fajitas | 1 large bell pepper, any color; sliced 1 large onion; sliced 2 thin cut sirloin steaks, or 1 pound Fajita seasoning, use your favorite store bought mix or your own home blend Heat the pan over high heat and add a few tablespoons of oil. Season the steaks with salt, pepper and some fajita seasoning. When the oil is hot add the steaks to the pan and sear to the desired temperature (I prefer medium-rare or medium). When they’re done, remove them from the pan and cover with aluminum foil to rest while you sauté the vegetables. Sauté the pepper and onion until tender and sprinkle with more fajita seasoning. To serve, slice the steaks thin and against the grain and return to the pan with the vegetables. Serve right out of the pan or serve on a platter for a nicer presentation. Serve with lime wedges, cheese, sour cream, chopped lettuce and tomatoes. PHOTO: David Demic

Some recipes, like a baguette for example, can use either bread or all-purpose flours because the main goal of this type of bread is gluten development. Baguettes are chewy with a thick, crunchy crust and large air pockets; much different from a soft dinner roll with a thin crust and soft, dense crumb texture.

Then there are pies and pastries. These doughs usually have a high fat content because of butter or shortening which is the source of their leavening.  When you incorporate butter into flour and then form the dough with water you then have little bits of butter throughout the dough, when the heat of the oven heats the water molecules in the butter it turns them to steam which is what creates the rise.

Different kinds of flour also mean different flavors. Whole-wheat flour makes whole-wheat bread or it can be used in addition to white flour to add nutrients and fiber to chocolate chip cookies. There is also rye flour, spelt flour, barley flour and wheat berry flour which all make excellent breads, just make sure to follow the recipe precisely as these flours are different from the standard wheat flours.

If one feels really adventurous, they can try making their own sourdough starter at home or a friend has some already, ask them if they would be willing to part with some of theirs.

Before yeast came in a jar at the store this is how you kept natural yeasts around for baking.  A sourdough starter is also incredibly versatile – one is not limited to a single loaf of sourdough bread, sourdough pancakes, muffins, sourdough biscuits or just add different flavors to that loaf before you stow it in the oven. Cinnamon and raisins are welcome additions to a loaf of sourdough, or add multi-grains or flaxseed for an extra boost of nutrients.

Making bread at home can feel like a daunting task, but try and have fun with it.  What’s the worst that can happen? Your dough doesn’t rise or you accidentally kill your sourdough starter because you forgot to feed it? That’s okay! Make a few mistakes, it’s just bread, not a life or death scenario.

Kendra Shamley

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Last year’s loyal Reverse Cowgirl fans (I’m looking at you, UW Memes page) know that she graduated from the university in May. Well, meet your new RC 2.0. Last year’s RC was an amazing columnist full of witty, open minded and helpful advice and I had the privilege to work with  her. With that said, don’t think that I will provide you a break from her spunky, steamy and honest input about sex and hopefully address some of your interests and appetites about what happens under the sheets.

I am back from vacation and I have quite a few stories, which I am dying to tell. While vacationing, I met a hunk of a gentleman. With all the sparks between us, I was certain it was July 4 already.Unfortunately, that summer fling faded just as quickly as my summer tan will in October. But for now, during my next strip tease he’ll still have clear borders for “offside” and “Gooooooal!”

“Hunky” and my frequent endeavors on the scorching beach sand eventually had to come to an end though, leaving us only the option of texts and talking.

My short romance really got me thinking about friends with benefits. I have had back home, since that was exactly what we were holding true to – an unspoken agreement to have sex in the sand, without any commitment and no desire to pursue a romantic relationship. Unfortunately, not all friends with benefits relationships end as kindly as my recent one and I have had plenty end in disaster.It can be hard to decide if the potential consequences are worth the risk. Sure, you are getting laid, but navigating the awkward morning after can be tricky. Luckily, I am here to help my “friends.” I will explain how to initiate a friends with benefits relationship, how to handle the dreaded fall out and that a lot can be great about having a friends with benefits. However, if something goes wrong, it can be incurable.

I admit that I have pulled a “secret x-ray” on a friend, undressing them slowly with my eyes. While imagining a steamy moment wrapped in the bed sheets with him, I am rudely interrupted by him shrugging my shoulders to call for my attention about the level he just beat in his video game. Let’s see how to sail out of the “friend zone” without entering the hazardous waters of dating.

First, initiate some flirty contact. Mention to him or her that they look snazzy. Go fishing for compliments; it might pull out a huge bass. While dropping a one liner, amp up the physical contact with a smooth pick up line to match. This will be the defining moment, and I suggest learning how to read into people. If he or she pushes an awkward giggle and turns their back or pretends to text someone (yes, we all have done it), then chances are as slim as the contestants on “America’s Next Top Model.” If they show some interest, such as a genuine smile or an attempted flirty comeback, the coast is clear.

Once, on the road to sex without strings, decide if this is a one night stand or a vigorous sex parade. If both partners decide to march in line, put forth the effort to maintain the friends with benefits relationship.

The master key to a successful “FWB” is honesty. Be forward and blunt. Tell them the only expectation is sex. Beforeugoing and raisine your right hand swearing to abide by the guidelines of your “FWB,, be sure that no emotions will arise. If they do, cut the cord.

Keep in mind not all great things last forever. That booty call routine might eventually run dry. Whether someone develops feelings, either of you finds another, want a serious relationship or you simply get bored of your friends with benefitB be prepared to be able to move on.t that is the beauty of a friends with benefitB anyway – being able to do some hanky panky without the courting or the months of singing Alanis Morissette in the shower after it’s done.

With these bare bone tips to engage in your own friends with benefitB adventures, don’t forget that you don’t have to be MacGyver to always be prepared. Especially in a non-monogamous situation where your friends with benefitB could be your sloppy 15th that week. use contraceptives to avoid any unwanted “remember college” surprises during alum reunions.

Reverse Cowgirl

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While the popularity of the company led many to believe that releasing stock in the company to the public would reap large earnings for the company and stockholders, the actual numbers look nothing like the steady increase in its users.

Facebook released its stock to the public on May 18 in the NASDAQ market with the expectations of a historic opening day price. The stock finished the opening day on the market just 23 cents higher than the 38 dollars it was released at. Early this week, the stock continued to drop in price.

One hypothesis, published in an article on moneymadness.com, states the Facebook stock debacle could be attributed to the uncertain future of the company.

Since its creation, millions of profiles have been created, allowing friends to keep in touch and businesses to market their products to these users.

But Facebook can actually become an addiction. So much so that Facebook Addiction Disorder is now a recognized disorder by some psychologists from the American Psychology Association. The condition is described in a list of criteria ranging from hours spent on the site, to withdrawal issues, to adding complete strangers to increase one’s friends list and timeline activity.

For the immediate future, the company seems secure because of the continued popularity among social media enthusiasts. Whether the investors will find fondness in the stock or not is still to be determined.

Rage Geringer

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So, I took out my silverware—disguised as a pen—and mentally prepared to pick apart this entirely student written, directed and produced play into its tiny pieces.

But what does the gluttonous act of being a critic to do with watching the play ‘Cannibal?’ Oh, but everything.

The plot is too delicate to be explained in its details. In its most basic elements the audience can look forward to characters, who find themselves in various complicated and restrictive predicaments.

Opening the play, we have Olive Warren (Bri Cordova), or as her thousands of pop music fans know her, “Karina Glass.” Whichever way that might be spelled. Olive poses before a photographer, half-naked and with a fan blowing in her face. The struggle the pop icon shows to act sexy before the glass eye, is then deepened when she is confronted by the media’s ruthless deconstruction of her musical capability, success and creative veracity.

Adding complexity, the scene alternates over to Erin Muscarelli (Amber McNew), who is preparing special dish for her equally “special” and completely imaginary cooking show.

What does a sandwich have to do with a sex symbol? Everything.

The two worlds finally intertwine in the most outlandish way possible and will present the characters and audience with a garish meal arrangement of suicidal plans for fame, Freudian-style self worth complexes and the deadly hunger for approval.

With a core cast of only six actors, choosing who in this play is the “juiciest” is practically impossible.

Taking the proverbial cake is McNew in her role as Niedbalski’s sister. Their complicated relationship with their parents drives both characters into a life of a desperate need for approval, and while one measure it in numbers, another tries to emulate it with a cam corder.

McNew grows through the play to be the most multi-layered and intriguing character with a stomach churn for a twist. Her acting goes beyond blocking and lines and delves deep into the complexity of a character that can only be described as magnetically delusional.

Cordova, who plays the sexy songstress,  might not lead in ways of plot twists, but accepts the acting challenge by exploring every rise and fall of emotion the character can offer to its fullest potential.

Niedbalski, who plays Erin’s equally ill-fated brother, shines in his usual confident command of character, not shying away from lightening the plot with an appropriate level of foolishness, while still presenting an interesting persona.

Loren Davis’ (Sean M. Coyle) character brings in an interesting love tangent, which actually does not distract from the underlying message of the play. Coyle does a great job looking and acting the part of a New York City coke-head hipster ex-boyfriend to the burnt-out Olive.

Finally, Media (James Chestnut) addresses the meaning of the play point blank by giving certain scenes a surreal “reality TV” feel, underlining the importance of Chestnut’s job well done.

The only thing that left me wishing for me was the actual length. Parts seemed rushed, or at least having more potential.

Munck’s critique of media’s often cruel dissection of a person is something that has left me with a deep admiration for the play. Warning: However, if you decide to go, you might just feel like you are “tripping balls.”

David Demic

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Photo: Courtesy

I have to admit that this is my first Mission Impossible movie. Ever. So I a few “Mission Impossible-isms” may have been lost on me. Just fair warning.

The fourth installment in the Mission Impossible movies features Impossible Mission Force Agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) as he leads a team of ragtag misfits (just kidding, they’re all badasses) in an attempt to stop bad guy Kurt Hendricks (Michael Nyqvist) from starting a nuclear war in his quest to rid the world of the weak, which is such a bad reason to start throwing nuclear weapons around. I’m not saying there are good reasons, but that specific one has to be pretty low on the list. (I assume giant spider infestation is at the top of the list.)

Ghost Protocol was directed by Brad Bird and was Bird’s first film with live-action. This is very obvious at times. From a purely structural standpoint I think Bird had trouble finding pace and urgency in the slow, emotional, and expositional scenes. Moments with any real acting value tended to drag.

That being said the action sequences were good. I mean really good. Grab-your-face-or-the-face-of-someone-next-to-you-and-squeeze good. Each action scene had its own specific rhythms.

Oh, and if you know someone who is afraid of heights, take them to this movie. You will have so much fun.

The supporting cast was pretty good. Paula Patton (Precious, Hitch) as Jane “takes her heels off to fight” Carter and Simon Pegg (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz) as Benji “funny accent” Dunn were both memorable and likable additions. Jeremy Renner (The Hurt Locker) as William Brandt was different enough from Ethan Hunt that he was able to bring his own appeal to the team. And I loved Tom Cruise. I know people have issues with him but as far as I could tell he didn’t bring up Scientology and he was a lot of fun to watch. He was like a short Hercules. Or a short Adonis. Or a male version of Megan Fox if she was older and had won an Oscar and maybe gotten a little better at acting. In conclusion, I have to say that I support Tom Cruise and his shaggy hair. Creepy enough? Let’s move on.

Maybe it depends on your experience with the other Mission Impossible movies, but I did not love this film. It was what it was and when it was over I was left with a little less money and some confusing Tom Cruise dreams. Overall, not an ideal situation.

There is one thing I can to say for these IMF guys though: They can wear sunglasses, indoors, during the day and not look like douche bags. I find that both impressive and alarming.

Erin Rooney

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UW Friday Night Fever has a solution for students who need a break from the monotony of cramming for exams. FNF is hosting its end-of-semester event, Destressor, at 9 p.m. Friday in the UW Union. 

The event features a cornucopia of activities, from riding a mechanical bull to getting a free massage. If that isn’t interesting enough, there will be a photo booth, belly dance and yoga classes, Xbox and Wii. For refreshments, cotton candy and popcorn will be provided at no charge. 

Kat Nicola, FNF marketing chair, said the purpose of the event is to help students “feel relaxed and stress free.”

 For the past few weeks, FNF has been giving away stress balls, glow-in-the-dark silly putty and llama bookmarks in the Union breezeway. This event is the culmination of the effort that FNF has put into helping students cope with stress during this time of the semester, Nicola said. 

More than 1200 students attended the event last semester and Nicola said it was a great success. Another purpose for hosting Destressor is to thank students for attending FNF events throughout the semester, she said. 

At every FNF event this semester, students have been given the opportunity to fill out raffle tickets for a prize. Students were allowed to submit one raffle per event by putting their name and number on a piece of paper, Nicola said. The winner of the prize will get a new iPod touch, and that will be announced at 11:30 p.m. during the Destressor event. 

FNF is also showing “30 Minutes Or Less” on Friday in the Classroom Building, room 129. The movie is about two criminals who kidnap a pizza delivery man and force him to rob a bank by strapping a bomb to his chest. The movie will show at 6:30 p.m., 9 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. 

Nicola said there are a lot of great events planned for next semester as well. She is especially excited for the annual UW Idol competition, Nicola said.

The contest is similar to “American Idol” and will run for three weeks in the spring. The first week will be an open call for auditions and then the next two weeks will be used to narrow the competition down to three winners. Two college dating coaches will be attending UW next semester as well, Nicola said. 

For more information about FNF or Destressor, contact FNF at 307-766-6340 or fnf@uwyo.edu.

David Knight

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For students getting ready for finals, many will be thrown off their normal sleep schedules as they are studying for their exams. Sleep can be valuable for concentration and optimal brain performance. 

Wyoming Sleep Disorder Center Administrative Assistant Karen Rue said sleep hygiene is very important for students. 

She recommended students get at least eight-nine hours of sleep a night if possible. She said it was important to relax at least an hour before to sleep to calm the mind down. She said this included no texting, television or video games. Relaxing before sleep would also include no homework for at least an hour before sleep, she added. 

Rue said she would recommend students eliminate caffeine eight hours prior to sleep. She also said cigarettes, alcohol and over the counter drugs can alter a person’s sleep habit. 

Rue said a consistent routine is vital for keeping good sleep hygiene. She suggested students become habitual in their pre-sleep rituals. 

If a person does not fall asleep after lying down for about 30 minutes, Rue said she recommended the person sit up and remain in the dark until they are tired. Although, it may sound strange, she said your body will be confused if you begin an activity such as television. 

As far as exercise goes, Rue said she would recommend people work-out before 2 p.m. to give the body enough time to relax. 

She said the human body is naturally accustomed to taking a nap around 2:30 p.m., which is good news for those students who miss sleep, they may want to opt for a nap. 

Rue said naps could be beneficial for those who have a sleep deficit.

Rue cautioned those who choose to nap to make sure they do not interfere with their normal sleep cycle. 

“Naps are only beneficial if they are around 30 minutes,” Rue said. Naps after 45 minutes begin the deep sleep cycle, which can confuse the body’s natural circadian rhythm, Rue said. 

Rue said she thought many students would alter their sleep schedules for finals, but highly recommended they focus on starting a healthy sleep routine as soon as they can. Rue said warm showers or baths are a great way to begin relaxation. 

Seneca Riggins

Seneca Riggins is the Editor-in-Chief for the 2011/2012 Branding Iron.

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Dreams are something that all of us have though, very few follow through on them. However, two University of Wyoming students are tackling the risks of pursuing their dreams of stand-up comedy. 

Craig Erpelding and Ben Fairfield are theatre students at UW, and the two of them will be moving to Chicago at the end of this semester.

Erpelding grew up in Cheyenne and had a little bit of a problem finding his performance path at first.

“I wanted to be a paleontologist for a long time, and then I found out dinosaurs were extinct,” Erpelding said. “So, I wanted to be a biologist, and then I found out that they’re not in the field and usually cut up dead things.”

Erpelding really found his roots in junior high when a math teacher would come over to do improv lessons at his school.

“Just as a story-teller, I’ve always been the most outspoken in my family,” Erpelding said. “Hind-sight is always 20/20, so, looking back, it’s easier to see that I was bound to do something performance-related.”

Fairfield ended up realizing his aspirations for comedy even earlier than Erpelding.

“I was a really shy and quiet kid growing up, and what happened was one of the teachers wanted me to interact more with the other kids,” Fairfield said. “It became doing these improv sketches in front of all these guys in third grade.”

After “This Just In…” improv troupe was started by a student at UW for a class, Fairfield took over to make it a permanent installment.

“Ben Fairfield took the reigns and turned it into a club kind of thing, and he’s been the commander-in-chief since,” Erpelding said.

Erpelding said that improv and stand-up comedy are the types of performance that he wants to pursue as a career.

“The more I do stage stuff where the audience is right there with you, the more I like that feeling of almost instant gratification,” Erpelding said. “Ya know, if you tell a funny joke, you don’t have to go through the whole film process and then wait for the release to find out if it’s funny or not.”

After success on both the campus and in local venues, these two comics decided to take their talent to Chicago this spring. 

“Chicago is really the Mecca of stand-up comedy,” Fairfield said. “Just reading about all the guys back in the 70s, Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi—those guys all came from Chicago.”

The two plan to audition for improv troupes in Chicago while also trying to do performances around the bar scene.

“There are always more bars in a town than theatres,” Erpelding said. “Doing improv at a theatre will be like eating out at a really nice restaurant, ya know? And we’ll do that, but usually we’ll go to subway bars.”

Davis Bonner

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According to Alcohol Wellness Alternatives, Research, & Education at UW, people who engage in social drinking can reduce health risk by using a variety of techniques. 

“Although lifetime abstinence from alcohol and drugs may be the goal for particular individuals, it is not the goal for the majority of college students we see. We see students with various goals for their drinking, such as decreasing amount consumed per occasion, decreasing the frequency drinking occurs, or changing personal factors increasing safe behaviors,” according to the AWARE webpage.  

AWARE also recommends that people switch between alcohol and non-alcohol beverages to slow down intoxication. For some an approach may be to set a number of drinks in advance and make sure not to consume more than the limit. 

It is advised to eat before and/or during drinking.

Aaron White, an assistant research professor in psychiatry at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C told MSNBC that “Alcohol itself increases acid secretion in the stomach and that can make you feel nauseous. Having food in your stomach will help minimize impact of that acid, and will help buffer the effect of alcohol.” 

AWARE advises to use a form of a buddy system where a person will let you know when you have had enough and you tell them the same. AWARE also advises to never drive intoxicated. They suggest having a designated driver at or call Safe Ride (766-RIDE), driving while intoxicated is highly dangerous and illegal. 

Branding Iron

The Branding Iron is a Student Media project. Student Media gives University of Wyoming students valuable experience in writing, editing, advertising, sales, graphic design, photography and production through its publications with the guidance of professional staff members. If you find a mistake in an article, e-mail us at bi@uwyo.edu. We will make sure to torture the poor soul until it's corrected. Just kidding. We probably won't do anything, since we're busy studying for finals.

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