Photo: Zoe McDonald

For some college students, video games are the much-needed escape from reality. In games, no one works a 40-hour week or has to cram for a chemistry exam.

I started playing video games later than most. I began playing Wii in high school, almost ten years after my friends. I missed out on years of playing classics like Super Smash Bros. for the Nintendo 64 and Sonic the Hedgehog, but I quickly made up for lost time. I am an avid fan of games such as Mario Kart Wii and Star Wars Battle Front, but my true passion lies in the games of the ’90s.

The first game I invested large amounts of time in was Sonic the Hedgehog 2 for the Sega Genesis.

The objective was simple: get to the end of the stage. Sonic then led to Mortal Kombat. These first two games left
out the handy combo blockers; meaning getting backed into a corner was almost certain death.

Twenty years ago, video game graphics could not hold a candle to modern games. The characters and stages were so pixilated it is laugh-out-loud hilarious. It is
even more fun to play old systems on a large high definition TV because the pixels are sometimes the size of a penny.

My twelve-bit Sega boldly claims to have high-definition graphics. It is about as high definition as my graphing calculator. After playing a Sega Genesis, an Xbox looks like a portal into the fourth dimension.

Old games can be surprisingly hard even by today’s high standards. Many do not include the ever-so-helpful save points, so if your character dies on the final level, you have to start over at Level One.

I have noticed that old arcade games are especially difficult. It makes sense because the more you die, the more money you spend.

For a real challenge, try to beat the original Mario Bros. The first few stages are relatively playable—except for someone like me who jumps off the stage—but one mistimed move and it is game over and back to square one.

It is easy to assume that puzzles and cheats would be relatively easy because these games were marketed for kids. Not the case. Programmers are just now going through the code of old games and discovering secret levels and strange characters. On the game 007 GoldenEye for the Nintendo 64, there is a hidden playable island. Even the puzzles on the Legend of Zelda are no cakewalk.

Next time you and your friends log on to Xbox Live for a quick round of Call of Duty, remember that old, dusty system sitting in the corner. It may not look great, but chances are it will give you just as much
of a challenge.

Zoe N. McDonald

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Higher One, a company that provides students with financial aid refunds, teamed up with the University of Wyoming for the upcoming year. What this means is that all refunds will no longer go through the University, but rather through Higher One.

Prior to the agreement, UW would write checks to students or deposit funds into students’ personal accounts.

After dealing with the annoyance and difficulty caused by the Higher One “Cowboy Card”, I find myself wondering why the University would choose to be paid off instead of worrying about students’ convenience and welfare. Without the happiness and well-being of the students, the University would cease to move forward and succeed.

Furthermore, I am curious as to why the University feels it  can dictate and make loopholes in regulations regarding students’ refund money. Last time I checked, as long as all fees were paid to the school, the money belonged to students and not to the college.

Anyone who has tried to receive a refund but did not put the money directly on the Cowboy Card probably shares the same irritation.

Not only does it take two to three business days to transfer the money to another account, but students also must fax or mail forms, which also add an additional few days. When students are in a bind to purchase books and pay rent, waiting a few extra days is not an option.

It is the same process to have a check mailed to your current place of residence. It can take days before it finally arrives.

The “preferred option” is to have the money put directly on the card. Sure, that sounds like a great idea because the money is disbursed to the card the same day the refund is sent out. What they do not say is that there are hidden fees that every student is charged. Fees include a 50-cent charge for every pin-based transaction, and a $2.50 charge for using an  out-of-network ATM, several of which have been placed on campus.

There also is a first time insufficient funds fee of $29, subsequent overdraft costs of $38 and finally a $19 per month abandonment account fee for accounts that have been inactive over nine months.

What it boils down to is that Higher One is taking money from the poorest of college students by charging millions of dollars in hidden banking fees. Unfortunately, there is nothing students will be able to do about it because of the benefits the University receives by teaming up with the company. I guess even UW can overlook its standards if given the right profit for it.

Ashlee Williams

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College is more expensive than I thought. How can I make more money?”

–Bone Broke

Dear Bone Broke,

Money complaints are the great unifier among college students.

Quite frankly, most of us are penny-pinching and taking out student loans just to keep afloat.

It can be hard (and sometimes nearly impossible) to keep bank accounts out of the red when new expenses keep popping up.

How can students afford books, tuition, rent, gas and food, and still have a little left over for a date on Friday night?

A recent report said that the economy is bouncing back, but many students, and even adults, struggle to find a well-paying job.

My advice is to apply for everything.

Many local business and organizations around campus are hiring students right now. Many allow prospective employees to upload resumes and applications online in a relatively painless process.

It is true that most part-time jobs pay about minimum wage, but even working a steady 10 hours per week can make a difference over a semester.

Volunteer opportunities are often over-looked because they are non-paying, but they should not be forgotten. By volunteering, students can gain valuable work experience that looks great on any resume.

Keep a change jar; a few quarters a day can make a difference when rent is due.

Drive less and ride your bike more. Laramie is bike friendly, and, yes, it is possible to ride a bike in the snow.

Make that date night on campus. Go to the free movies or long board around Prexy’s.

It is true that most people are not fortunate enough to have their own super PAC or have a rich uncle, but that does not mean students should have to eat ramen noodles every night or propose using a ring from a vending machine.

Look for job ads in the Branding Iron or the classifieds, find odd jobs around town and remember that taking out a student loan is not the end of the world.

A student’s main job is to study and learn as much as he or she can; college only lasts a few short years.

To submit or answer a
question email, zmcdonal@uwyo.edu.

Zoe N. McDonald

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Illustration: Chelsi Semler

Last week, I sent out a text to my closest friends: “Warning: For the next 24 hours, you will not be able to contact me. I’m reading ‘Fifty Shades of Grey.’”

Before reading it, I was puzzled as to why this book had become such a rave among women. Once I got to the second chapter, my question had been answered.

Readers, non-readers, women and even men (yes gents, I saw you reading this naughty novel in Prexy’s Pasture too) have been frenzied by this erotic novel, which has been described as “taboo” based on the descriptive sexual content. Some find it enjoyable, while others find it degrading. It is up to you to sip and decide if it is your cup of tea.

While there is much controversy about the novel and its sexual content, this literary liberation is much needed among our generation. It is opening discussion and dialogue about sex.

College students are talking about sex, and in the case of this column reading about it. This novel is so great for college student readers, as it encourages us to ask “taboo” questions about sex.

Although the taboo sex scenes in the book are intense and shocking, they provide commanding insight to creating your own great sex life.

Rachel Braun Scherl, president of Semprae Laboratories, (the manufacturer of Zestra), explains, “There are a number of factors that will lower a women’s libido, desire, arousal or satisfaction, many of which are not age-specific. These include side effects from medications including oral birth control and anti-depressants; hormonal changes due to post pregnancy or menopause; the physiological and emotional impact of cancer treatment; realities and side effects of medications for a number of medical conditions including diabetes, obesity and MS; and the all-encompassing stress.”

The novel simply encourages readers to further explore their sexuality with their partner and enables them to create more freedom to explore new things sexually and emotionally.

The one lesson I hope every reader takes away from the novel is the importance of communication during sex.

Communication during sex is naturally thought of to be stiff and awkward. However, the novel proves those views to be a thing of the past.

There isn’t one right way to communicate during sex and it’s imperative that you remember this before you get the ball rolling in the future. Everyone communicates in different ways.

The one thing to keep in mind is to be certain that your communication style is in sync with your partner. You and your partner need to recognize the signals you are sending and receiving during sexual encounters and be certain that your partner is sending those same messages. While this is imperative to a great and healthy sex life, you must be sure these messages you are sending and receiving are intentional.

When you and your partner have become accustomed to this extremely engaged back-and-forth interaction, it becomes obvious when either of you is uncomfortable or not thoroughly enjoying the experience. I dare you to entangle in a descriptive and engaging sexual experience. It’s one thing to do something to someone to turn you on, but it will turn you on even more if you know that they wanted it. If that isn’t sexy, I don’t know what is.

While the sex scenes in the novel are tremendously arresting, they lack something even more important than communication. The ultimate goal for a great sex life is to strive for a relationship that isn’t based on “Can I do sex to you?” but rather “Let’s do sex together.”

Reverse Cowgirl

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My name might sound familiar because I was an ASUW senator for the college of Arts and Sciences. I ran for senate because I like to help others. I am a nurturer by nature and so friends and family have come to me for advice in the past.

I have always thought the Branding Iron needed an advice column and so here it is. I am clearly not a professional, but I would like to help by giving readers who submit questions my help.

Here is how it works: Although I am writing under my real name, question submitters may use pseudonyms. The questions will need to be submitted via university email accounts to my email. Yes, this means I will have your name, but I promise to be completely confidential unless I believe you are about to harm others or yourself.

My qualifications are based on my life experiences. I have been through a lot. I have seen a lot. I have done a lot. I do not judge. Readers can ask me anything. I will answer all questions the best I can and I would like to impart my knowledge with others.

However, I do not expect readers to blindly trust me, so I will give you the gist of my story.

I am a firm believer in overcoming obstacles life throws at you. I am the oldest of three children and my parents were alcoholics. I was not forced to take care of my younger siblings, but it was something I did. I enjoyed hot meals, a clean house and clean laundry so I took care of my family. What I did not realize was that I was actually enabling my parents’ irresponsible behavior. Hindsight is always 20/20.

In ninth grade, I began to realize what was going on. I realized that the reason my parents did not want to take me to my friends’ houses to hang out was because they would be too drunk to pick me up.

My mom quit drinking three years ago when I transferred to UW. I think this happened because I was no longer living at home and someone had to pick up the slack. Coming to college was a pretty easy adjustment, but I have definitely struggled with some personal issues. My parents are getting divorced because they no longer have things in common. My dad wants to drink and my mom has hit her midlife crisis. She wants to get out and do things. I don’t blame her.

Among the typical stresses of collegiate life like worrying about classes, grades, time management and a social life; I have experienced more. I was sexually assaulted over spring break last semester by someone I had once considered a close friend. (Yes, I’ve gotten help from professionals on the matter. I have also discussed it with law enforcement. Something I highly recommend anyone in a similar situation should do.)

At this point in my life I feel as though I can tackle anything. I would like the opportunity to help others feel the same. So if you need advice, submit a question.

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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While July 4 is a date which easily brings people closer, the tight knit community effort to combat fires and support the brave men and women who have been fighting our wildfires for the last weeks has been outstanding.

For those who live close to LaBonte Park, this meant going out and chatting with firefighters who had been sleeping in tents in the park between shifts of fighting the fires. Others still started grassroots organizing support systems, such as the “Squirrel Creek Wish List.”

In the group, residents of both Laramie and other affected communities shared the needs of firefighters in terms of food and beverages, coordinated who was headed to fire stations and where items could be dropped off for transport to these fire stations.

Next to functioning as said support tool for the firefighters, the Facebook group allowed for direct dialog between residents to thank other volunteers or raise concerns about other developments.

“I am from Laramie but live in Aurora Colorado. I want to thank you all for helping the fire fighters and the evacuees,” group member Suzanne Cole-Rice wrote. “My cousins were evacuated. All are home now. All ranches and homes in the family & [sic] extended family are ok. My 2nd cousin is a Laramie fireman but was down fighting the Little Sand Fire in CO. I just found this FB page today & was impressed with how the community came together! This is why I love my hometown & why I love Wyoming! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!”

Perhaps the fires did on the low range of damages cause for some contact lenses to itch and on the extreme end cost residents their homes. In the end, however, it is important to also think and thank those who have been working tirelessly.

Therefore, the entire Branding Iron staff would like to thank and recognize those who have been fighting the fires on the front lines, the residents who were understanding of the fire and fireworks bans in the area and of course all the volunteers and residents who have been working behind the scenes for little more than a few warm words and a handshake.

David Demic

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The advantage of this is that you can have a quick fix meal and you can control what goes into your food. If you cannot eat the premade meatballs from the freezer section because of food allergies or gluten intolerance, making them at home is a great alternative. You can also flavor them any way you want. Stores only carry one or two different flavors but you have unlimited number of flavorings – ranging from as spicy or mild as you want.

Quick dinners are great when you are in college but if you want to try cooking more or just want to be more adventurous with dinner, cooking in a microwave is a great way to get started.

Eating at home also gives you an opportunity to try new foods without paying as much as eating at a restaurant.

Just try cooking at home more too, rather than go out for dinner on a first date try cooking dinner together, it is a great way to get to know one another, or rather than order takeout for that night in with the girls have a potluck and everyone bring something homemade.

Kendra Shamley

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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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Photo: Dyann Diercks

With up to 125 personnel cuts looming over the heads of University of Wyoming employees, it is easy to forget that faculty and staff have been fighting a three-year long battle with the UW administration.

Specifically, university employees have applied and been denied raises in wages over the last few years.

UW President Tom Buchanan and the university administration have not been able to give these raises to employees because of the budget cuts the university has been experiencing, both this year as well as in 2009. In fact, Buchanan requested an additional $9.7 million dollars in January to be allocated to fellow university employees. The state Joint Appropriation Committee stated that it does see the logic in salary raises, because by giving out additional pay raises it would lead to the unemployment of others at the university to make up for the difference.

However, patience among university employees has been wearing thin over the last four years and the budget cuts only worsen the already negative morale around campus.

Employees deserve pay raises for their dedication and hard-work at the university. By denying the staff deserved compensation for the labor they do, the school finds that it is only hurting itself. The wage differences that professors see between UW and another university will deter academic research leaders and innovators from this campus – deteriorating the high level of excellence that our school can still pride itself with. With the many faculty members, who share and educate students in classes and labs, the risk of losing them is something the university and its students cannot afford.

Some general grief felt by employees even translated into proposals for walk-outs among the staff.

During the 2012 spring semester, an email calling for such measures was circulated among staff members. One staff member in the email was Office Associate at the Gender and Women’s Studies Department Wendy Perkins.

“How far are we willing to go to express our discontent?” said Perkins. “I have a faculty acquaintance who has suggested a two-hour walk-out. A walk-out by staff and faculty at the UW campus and other state offices. A show of force by state employees to make a statement of how important we are to the functionality of government entities and our value.”

However, employees were warned that such a walk-out would only be seen as a denial to fulfill their workload, essentially suppressing any notions of protest.

As the student voice on campus, the Branding Iron staff puts into question the logic behind the disadvantageous wages employees at the university are forced to suffer as state revenues severely fluctuate throughout the years.

This dissatisfaction also comes in light of the recently increased salary for Cowboys Football Head Coach Dave Christensen, who is now paid approximately $1.2 million per year – more than any other state official in Wyoming and certainly more than many university employees’ combined salaries.

From a student perspective, investing $1.2 million into a single person for a sports team that has an average winning record at best is not worth the budget allocation. Rather, the university should invest more money into the hiring of top professors and employees for the university to raise the academic bar of our institution to even higher standards.

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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Now that the dust has cleared, let me explain what the ruling means. Three of the four provisions were completely struck down by the high court. First, the provision requesting the arrest without warrant of people suspected of being deported was struck down by a 5-3 margin. Second, the provision making it a crime for undocumented immigrants to seek or hold jobs was beat down by the same margin. And third, by a 6-2 margin, it was declared that it will not be a crime for an immigrant to fail to register with the federal government. These rulings were clear to most of us. The ruling on the fourth provision is where all the hysteria and misinformation came from. Let us clear the smoke.

The “show me you papers” provision was not held up in the manner in which it was meant to function as  written in the bill. It was held up in a way that “leaves it hanging by a legal thread.”  Yes, the police will be required to determine the immigration status of people they stop or arrest if they suspect that they are in the United States without the proper documentation. However, the questioning will be done merely for “report” purposes. Let me be clear, the police will not be able to arrest or detain someone any longer even if they have determined that the individual under questioning or arrest does not have the proper documentation to be in the country. This will still be left up to the federal government. Furthermore, the court was clear: the questioning cannot be justified or even take place if the suspicion is merely based on race, color, or national origin: a victory for the civil rights movement.

The court did not specify what could be considered reasonable suspicion. Many experts say that this is because since the law has not even begun to be enacted, it is hard to determine what would really fall within these confines. However, they believe that once the law goes into effect, those “reasonable suspicions” will be challenged in courts, and it is likely that this fourth provision will essentially be virtually struck down in its entirety.

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer said that “the heart of the bill was upheld.” She is right, the heart of the law is still beating, but it is beating on life support. More importantly, the clock is ticking on the machine, and the plug will soon be pulled.

Alejandro Barrientos

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