Category: Perfectly Normal, Natural Things
Templeton

Templeton

My whole life, I’ve been a bodacious babe, a curvy girl, a “thick ‘en,” or – if you’re a small-minded bigot – a “fat bitch.” No matter what label you chose for me, the point is that from a young age, I was marked as “different” because I had more meat on my bones than other children, especially in the chest area. It’s a reality I had to realize and cope with as a child, and, thankfully, it was something I came to terms with rather quickly because I was taught my size is nothing to be ashamed of.

In fact, the benefits of being big have, in general, outweighed most of the downers. Ever hear the phrase, “more cushion for the pushin’?”

What might surprise you is that it was never my waistline that caused me any inner turmoil. Instead, it was my breasts. I’m not going to share my cup size in print (not until Playboy rings me up, anyway), but let’s just say the girls are large enough to form their own website…and just one cup covers the entire top of my head. Let that mental image soak in for moment.

But having large breasts is not all it is cracked up to be. Growing up, my boobs held me back. In sports and P.E., I had to wear at least three different bras just to be able to run; today, it’s five. Volleyball is almost impossible for me because I cannot adequately position my arms around my chest to pass the ball. Hand-me-down bras from an older sister with boobs even-bigger-than-your-own lacked any support after her wear and tear. At lunch, classmates used to make a game of trying to land tater tots, carrots, raisins and any other random food item in my adolescent cleavage. Prom dress shopping was a nightmare because even when I did find a dress that fit in all the right places, I still had to call in reinforcements (thanks, Grandma) to sew in extra support in the boob area.

My point is, even through all the trials and tribulations of being a chesty girl, I never, even for one second, resented my breasts. Why? Because my breasts are a gift. Because there are too many women in this world who would give anything to have even half of what I have. Because, despite offending a feminist progressive, my breasts are a source of power, motherhood and life. And, for me, they are a sign of my heritage, as big-breasted women are a staple in my family tree.

To think that some women don’t share my views on their own chest is, frankly, a depressing thought. Whether you’re convinced they’re “too small” or “too big,” you have to remember that, like snowflakes, no two breasts are alike, and no two pairs of breasts are comparable. To compare yourself to another woman is the most counter-productive thing you can do for your self-esteem.

Over time, I’ve learned to accept and love my chest for what it is – big. It’s how it’s always been, and it’s how it will always be unless tragedy strikes, and I fall prey to breast cancer or another unthinkable disaster.

Do I think my boobs are superior because they are so gargantuan? No. I would love to be able to shop at Victoria’s Secret (let’s be honest, her bras are pretty) instead of Lane Bryant, but the fact of the matter is that I can’t. But let me tell you, Vicky, you’re sitting on a goldmine of plus-size lingerie if only you would expand your thinking past those “ideal” angels who flutter across your runway in “normal” size undies.

Breasts come in all shapes and sizes, just like our sexual preferences. No doubt a portion of male readers are horrified by the prospects of feeling me up after reading that my bras can fit around my whole head, which is fine by me. Where one guy is turned off, another has a raging boner right now (call me).

And if you’re one of those girls who grew up with (and maybe still has) next-to-nothing boobs, it’s okay. There are plenty of potential partners out there for you, male and female alike. Not everyone wants a handful in the bedroom, if you know what I mean.

If you’ve had crappy luck in love thanks to your chest, whether it’s their size or proportion or how big your areolas are, know that you’re more than likely just fishing in the wrong pond because every single variation of our breasts are something to be regarded as beauty, and if your partner(s) can’t appreciate that, then send them packing. They don’t deserve you or your beautiful tits.

 
Templeton

Templeton

I’m all for equality when it comes to intercourse, genitally speaking. I believe my partners have just as much a right to get their rocks off as I do, and yes, I am as equally concerned with their satisfaction as I am my own.

As a woman, I’m proud of my vagina and all that she stands for, but that doesn’t mean I value my snatch as the superior sex organ. In fact, I find male genitalia quite fascinating, balls and all, an enigma of sorts that never ceases to surprise and amaze me. For women like me, your junk is a work of art, a labyrinth we are more than willing to solve for however long it may take…if you catch my drift.

But as a hot-blooded young female with a libido that some say rivals the size of the Washington Monument, I’m quite appalled by a trend I see not only in my own sex life, but also in those of almost every woman on campus with enough gumption to talk to me about it—the selfish lover.

If you’re one of those guys who bangs a chick, comes, rolls off of her and then retreats to the bathroom to tidy up, I’m talking about you. So pay attention.

I cannot stress to you enough how incredibly disappointing it is to be mere thrusts away from actual vaginal orgasm, only to have you blow your load before the big shebang.

As you collapse sweaty and panting on top of me, a cramp begins to twitch in my leg. At first, I have hope. I think perhaps you’ll be a gentleman and help me along my own way to nirvana, but I am an optimist. Instead, you peel yourself up and swagger to the bathroom al la John Wayne, and I’m left to wonder, Is this what I came here for?

No. It’s not. I came here for the same reasons you did, and where I succeeded, you, my poor boy, failed—and yes, it is your fault. If you have an orgasm, you sure as hell better see to it that she has one, too (or he, or they, or whoever) because let me tell you something, you’re a complete prick if you don’t, and I don’t mean the good kind of prick. And while we may not be in high school anymore, we are not yet above swapping sex stories, and we probably never will be. I try not to condone kissing and telling, but am I guilty of it? You bet.

Let me make something clear. I’m not saying I want someone to do all the work and be solely liable for my satisfaction, and to be honest with myself, I’m also to blame for not being vocal and assertive enough about my own needs. It takes two to tango. But it’s a matter of common courtesy.

How would you like it if I came first and then called it a night, leaving you to, quite literally, handle the throbbing situation between your legs on your own? Because that’s what I have to do when you decide you’re done, and if I wanted to have sex with myself, I wouldn’t have brought you home.

I am neither pro-monogamy nor otherwise, and the same goes for casual sex. To each his own, and if you want to hook up with someone without any commitment involved, go for it. Just make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into, and I don’t mean the potential for an emotional attachment (while I agree that this is a legit risk, I like to think that we’re all smart enough and have enough self-respect to protect ourselves physically and emotionally).

Realize that, chances are, you aren’t going to have mind-blowing sex, but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t, at the very least, expect to get off. All orgasms are not created equal, and although it might not be an “earth-shattering, show-stopping, every-other-cliché-adjective” orgasm, it should still be an orgasm, nonetheless.

This isn’t to say that a casual sexual encounter can’t be a memorable one (the good kind)—I’m just saying it’s not as likely as the alternative. But fellas, let me tell you something—if ain’t makin’ making me come, you ain’t ever getting a piece of the treasure trove that is my vagina ever again.

Ladies, if you suffer as I do, don’t make my mistakes. Speak up. Let your partner, regardless their sex, know what you want. Failing all else, get on top and take control. Or, find someone with a broader skillset than that of a 15-year-old boy.

 
Templeton

Templeton

When winter comes, this campus sleeps. Scores of students pack up and move home for the duration of holiday break. Those of us who are left feel the icy sting of abandonment.

But with the dawn of a new year, the spring semester begins. The horny Hornets are back to school, and the residence halls are abuzz once more with young freshmen and experienced grad students alike, all eager to break the cycle of winter’s dry spell.

A busy campus and warmer weather means many things, not the least of which is an increase in students’ libidos. And while the free condom bowl in the Student Health Center dwindles, the facts and figures of safe sex may not be at the forefronts of our minds. Even the most precautious and educated student can forget (or ignore) the simple basics in the heat of the moment. Others are simply ignorant to the realities of coital bondage, thanks to the pathetic excuse Kansas’ public schools pass as “sexual education.”

So, compiled here are the most common sex myths and misconceptions that plague our generation.

For instance, how many of us believe that if we got the Gardasil vaccine, we’re safe from HPV (human papillomavirus)? Wrong. While it’s recommended that both males and females between the ages of 11 and 26 get the vaccine, it’s still relatively new, and not everything is yet known about this wonder drug. There’s a possibility the vaccine’s effectiveness can wear off over time, but Mary McDaniel, assistant director of Health Services, said it’s believed the vaccine lasts at least five years.

“With any kind of vaccine, not everybody gets 100 percent protection, which doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get it – it just means you also need to be smart and safe,” McDaniel said.

There’s also the possibility that you could have been exposed to HPV prior to getting the vaccination if you were already sexually active. The bottom line: don’t assume you’re good to go sans traditional protection (i.e. a condom) just because you got the Gardasil stick.

Sexual diseases and infections are not something to take lightly, but no matter what your mama says, you won’t get any STDs/STIs from toilet seats. Most of the organisms that cause these types of sexual blunders cannot survive for long on a cold, porcelain surface.

“The reason it continues to be a concern is because some organisms can survive for quite a while on an inanimate object, like the herpes virus, as long as it’s on a moist surface,” McDaniel said. “But if you think about it, the part of you that touches the toilet is not typically where you find the herpes virus, so it shouldn’t be a legitimate concern.”

What you should be worried about, however, is, say, a roomie with pubic lice (krabs) who likes to sit on your shared furniture while also going commando. This can leave behind unwanted little critters who are just biding their time until they can latch onto your own warm, unsuspecting, moist crotchal region.

On that note, you should also keep in mind that even dry humping with your undies on isn’t safe sex. It may reduce your chances of contracting an STD or infection if the area in question is covered, but if one (or more) partner/s ejaculates on or around the other’s genitals, there’s a chance (albeit small) the semen could cause an infection, or even lead to pregnancy.

“Your underwear is not a moisture-proof barrier, and those tiny organisms (sperm, bacteria, viruses, etc.) travel pretty easily through a moist barrier,” McDaniel said. “(Underwear) greatly reduces the chance of something like that happening, but it’s still possible.”

The odds are small, but you do need to beware of chafing.

And then there’s the classic delusion that you can’t get an STD if you’re in water. False, again. According to Women’s Health, your chances of catching something are actually greater when you’re getting wet and wild.

“Water washes away the body’s natural lubricant, creating more friction, which increases the risk of tears in the vagina, where bacteria and viruses can enter,” according to a Women’s Health article by Erb Middleton.

Condoms can help facilitate extra lubricant, but they are easily weakened by chemicals in the water. A silicone-based lube is your best bet if you’re determined to get some aqua action.

Next, don’t let Aunt Flo fool you – it’s possible to get pregnant even when you’re having your period, so it’s best not to ditch the contraceptive, but this doesn’t apply when you’re on The Pill.

“The hormones in The Pill keep you from ovulating,” McDaniel said. “When you’re having your period, you’re only bleeding because of that withdrawal of hormones. (But) if you don’t start the new pack on time, it could allow you to begin ovulating.”

While it’s unlikely period sex will result in pregnancy, it’s still a possibility for women who have periods that overlap with the beginning of ovulation. Be cautious on your voyage through the Red Sea, and use good judgement.

Finally, contrary to what Asher Roth so ignorantly thinks, two condoms are not better than one.

“In fact, ‘double-bagging’ as it is sometimes called, can increase the friction between the condoms during intercourse, making them more likely to rip or tear… The same goes for using a male condom and female condom at the same time,” according to Go Ask Alice, a peer-reviewed online health resource produced by Columbia University.

So remember, only a douche double-bags.

 

Templeton

After a long and stressful study session, nothing takes the edge off like a good orgasm. As we prepare to dive head first into Dead Week and finals, days become longer, nights get painfully shorter and the limits of our endurance and mental stamina are stretched to the max. Academic stress is a cruel mistress. But there’s a solution – the big O.

Orgasms are known to relieve tension and pain, help induce sleep and, sometimes, reduce stress. Studies have also shown a correlation in how ejaculating more often – either solo or with a partner(s) – can lead to a lower risk of prostate cancer in adult men, according to Go Ask Alice.

As students, it’s simply in our nature to procrastinate. If you’re anything like me, you promise yourself that you will study. You write it down in your planner or on a calendar as a reminder of what needs to be done by when. But, inevitably, something more intriguing than studying and homework will come along, and academic endeavors are pushed to the backburner. Don’t deny it – we are all guilty.

The frenzy that is Dead Week and finals testing is a direct product of our scholarly shortcomings, among other factors. Think about it. The campus library will be open 24/7 during Finals Week because some of us are so behind on semester projects or have such intense tests coming up that we need access to the library at any time of the day or night to make it through. But wouldn’t these last two weeks of the semester be much more pleasant for everyone if we were all just a bit more mellow? Doesn’t it make sense to charge forward with all the same strength and determination, but to do so with a more positive, relaxed sense of well-being?

I don’t dare suggest the tradition of Dead Week and finals change. It may be hell, but there’s a tremendous sense of accomplishment and overall content when you walk out of that last test and realize you are, officially, done with the semester. The hoopla is part of the college experience, but it’s hard to appreciate anything when you’re a bottle of Xanax away from having an emotional meltdown. Sure, alcohol and other chemical remedies might provide some sort of relief, but then you’ve got to worry about a hangover or other repercussions that detract further studying. Why not rely on a good, old-fashioned, natural solution like an orgasm to take care of the stress?

It’s important to note, however, that not everyone enjoys sex, alone or otherwise, so getting your rocks off might not be the best solution for those with any sort of apprehension about sex.

“Sex can be stress-inducing for some,” said Mary McDaniel, assistant director of Health Services. “We have students from all backgrounds and experiences. Some may have had a history of sexual abuse, some may be in abusive relationships or unequal relationships, or may be in relationships where sex is used as a punishment or reward. It may seem difficult to imagine that something so effortless and fun for most can be downright terrifying to others and not relaxing at all.”

But for others who enjoy sex and all it entails, the benefits of orgasm may be a better, healthier way to deal with stress in these last two weeks. McDaniel said there is no “one size fits all” prescription for stress release, sexual or not, so there isn’t an ideal frequency of orgasm that will help students maintain stress. Still, students should make time for any activities that help manage stress.

“It is a good idea for students to plan a way to manage stress during this busy time of year,” McDaniel said. “Holiday stress adds to the stress of finals and deadlines, so students really need to take care of themselves.”

If having an orgasm works for you, make time for it, but don’t feel obligated to follow through if you simply aren’t in the mood. Having sex or masturbating when you really don’t feel like it is frustrating and can be more of an annoyance than a help. Plus, I’d be willing to bet your chances of actually getting off are slim to none. Most likely, you’ll become too irritated halfway through and give up anyway.

In addition to physical benefits, experiencing orgasm might also help you score higher on tests. Of course, studying, being well rested, well hydrated, well fed and relaxed are all factors that affect test-taking, but “if orgasm helps with any of those key issues, then it seems logical that academic performance could be helped as well,” McDaniel said.

“I don’t know of any studies done that specifically measure this, though,” she added.

So as we prepare for the roughest two weeks of the semester, remember to make time for a different kind of extra-curricular activity, too. If you find yourself in a rut while studying, if the tips of your fingers are forming blisters, if you’re about to crack under the pressure, please, do us all a favor, and take a sex break.

 

Templeton

Thanksgiving is a holiday for celebration, for over-indulgence and football, for awkward conversations with your Great Aunt Sally as she probes your love life, asking when you’re finally going to settle down and pop out a few offspring. We gather ‘round the table to give thanks to our Heavenly Father and to those first pioneers who braved the harsh conditions of the New World to build the America we know and love today. And as we stuff our stomachs full of all the traditional fixings—turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes—sex is probably the furthest thing from our minds.

But if in between the belly aching and cold sweats from an afternoon of decadence that rivals even that of the Roman Empire you begin to feel the familiar tingling of lust in your nether regions, fear not. Chances are that turkey leg you downed an hour earlier is working its aphrodisiacal magic.

Throughout history, people in all corners of the globe from all walks of life have turned to certain foods, beverages and drugs in hopes to procure some sort of libido-boosting powers. And even though, according to the Food and Drug Administration, no alleged aphrodisiac has yet been scientifically proven as effective, certain foods, including those found in the typical Thanksgiving smorgasbord, are believed by some within the scientific community or otherwise to help put us in the mood when ingested.

“Named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, aphrodisiacs are substances that supposedly elicit sexual desire and arousal, enhance sex drive and sexual ‘performance,’ and extend sexual energy,” according to Go Ask Alice, a peer-reviewed online health resource produced by Columbia University. “The fact that some well-known aphrodisiacs look similar to men’s and women’s genitals, or are derived from animal sex organs, was no accident.”

Typically, when we think of aphrodisiacs, oysters and chocolate come immediately to the mind, but apparently even the archetypal holiday get-together with its run of the mill, average Joe dishes can make us feel a little naughty.

The scent of cinnamon and the history of its use as an aphrodisiac dates back to Biblical times. In the book of Proverbs in the Bible, it, along with myrrh and aloe, was used to perfume the bed of lovers. Cinnamon was also employed in the Queen of Sheba’s seduction of King Solomon. And in a 1994 study done by the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago, researchers found that the smell of cinnamon buns had the greatest impact on sexual arousal, as measured by penile blood flow, in male participants.

In the 1995 follow-up study, the penile blood flow increased by an average of 40 percent in male participants between ages 18 and 64 after they smelled a combination of lavender and pumpkin pie. So feel no shame in hitting the dessert table this Thanksgiving. You can always work those extra calories off with some sexercise.

Continuing the trend of sugary goodness, according to Men’s Health Magazine, sweet potatoes are high in potassium, which helps reduce stress and is a “great way to curb performance anxiety.” But the sweet potato has a long history as a supposed aphrodisiac. In his 1597 “Herball or Generall Historie of Plantes,” John Gerard wrote about the sweet potato, and along with a description of the plant and how it is eaten, he also wrote that it “comforts, strengthens, and nourishes the body,” and produces “bodily lust,” according to the Library of Congress’ website.

Celery is a staple that can be found in most stuffing recipes, and, according to modern science, it contains androsterone, a human pheromone naturally produced in males that apparently stimulates sexual arousal in females. It’s still unknown whether or not the androsterone in celery has the potential to affect the body, but what’s there to lose? If nothing else, at least you can find comfort in the fact that you’re eating something healthy.

And what would Thanksgiving be without some good ‘ol cranberry sauce or salad? In addition to tasting like a spoonful of tart heaven, these little red dew drops are chock full of nutrients beneficial to sexual health, so says Eatsomethingsexy.com. Cranberries are a good source of Vitamin C, “which has been clinically proven to keep sex glands running,” and they also contain Vitamin A, which is “important for reproduction,” according to the website.

To round it all out, the ever-faithful holiday turkey is sure to send us straight to bed, but it might be for reasons other than the notorious sleep-inducing Tryptophan. “Turkey and other lean meats which are rich in zinc encourage blood flow and are thought to boost your libido,” according to Holidaydish.com. “Tryptophan is the added bonus because it produces serotonin, usually causing that blissful contentment experienced right after taking your last gravy drenched bite.”

Regardless of whether aphrodisiacs really do work, sometimes the power of suggestion is all you need to ignite a sexual spark. In any case, celebrate with all the vigor of the American spirit this Thanksgiving, and if an engorged belly doesn’t stop you from scoring some holiday booty, you’ll have even more to be thankful for.

 

Templeton

It happens each year like clockwork. When the leaves change colors and hoodies and light jackets are replaced with thicker, warmer winter coats, razors and hair removal products are pushed to the backburner. This is No Shave November.

Alternative Spring Break is hosting for the second year in a row the no shave competition. Participants were asked to show up in the union “clean and shaven” last Thursday to take before photos of either their faces (the beard category) or their legs. It cost $5 to enter, and the money raised was donated to Habitat for Humanity.

But while November has been long-revered as the no shave month, it’s common knowledge that not everyone keeps a hairless canvas throughout the other 11 months of the year. In fact, I was initially asked to do this column by two gentlemen with rather substantial amounts of facial hair; I’m talking full-on William Fitzsimmons beards—those bad boys take well over 30 days to accomplish.

Before I go any further, let me say that I have never been physically intimate with a guy (or gal) with a significant amount of facial hair, but that’s not because I am necessarily opposed to it. I just haven’t had the opportunity yet. That being said, I did, in fact, interview both men with beards and women and men who’ve either dated or slept with men with beards.

The most important thing men should keep in mind if they have beards or are thinking about growing one is that you’ve got to keep that sucker clean. I may not have ever been with a man with a beard, but I have had plenty of guy friends with one—let me tell you, a smelly beard is not a sexy beard. Of course, preferences will vary from person to person; that’s a no-brainer. Someone might find beards and/or facial hair in general physically appealing, while for others it’s a turn-off. Either way, you’ve got to remember that no one, regardless of their preference, is going to be attracted to badly groomed patch of hair that smells like a dirty armpit…and in some cases, a fishery.

Mary McDaniel, assistant director of Health Services, validated the importance of a clean beard, which can be accomplished by shampooing it with a mild shampoo.

“Some use conditioner as well, but blow-dryers are probably best avoided (because they are too drying to the skin),” McDaniel said.

It depends on how full or long your beard is, but it’s probably also a good idea to comb it, or something along those lines, to keep it looking neat and not like you’re harboring a nest of baby birds.

When it comes to being physically intimate, you’re going to get mixed reactions from your partners. Most of the students I talked to said kissing isn’t usually a problem unless the facial hair is at the “prickly-sharp” phase, in which case, it can be kind of painful. I’d suggest either keeping your face totally shaven or staying off the tonsil hockey until it’s grown out a bit more. When it gets a little longer, it can also get a little softer, which is a pleasant surprise for everyone and can make for an erotically unique experience, like an unexpected sensation.

I also asked students how facial hair affects oral sex. One female student said she enjoys the extra stimulus facial hair can provide, but in her experience, her male partners often get tuckered out quicker because they tend to use their neck muscles more; more chin action is incorporated. Facial hair can also provide an extra little tickling sensation, which apparently feels amazing on your genitals. And remember, if you are going down south with an arsenal of hairy soldiers, again, this is more than enough reason to make sure you properly and thoroughly clean up afterward.

As with all things in life, there are pros and cons to all aspects of facial hair. If you’re looking to spice up your love life this month or if you just want to try something different, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take part in No Shave November because you never know what doors your hairiness might open. And who knows—you may just find you have a new fetish.

 

Templeton

If you’re like me, politics aren’t exactly a turn-on. But one thing is certain – our Commanders in Chief all have/had at least one thing going for them in the bedroom: they are/were the freaking leader of the Free World! Sure, a good portion of our nation’s presidents were not exactly “lookers,” but if nothing else, the fact they are or were the most powerful men in America at one point or another should score them some points in the desirability department.

And let’s be honest with ourselves. Who wouldn’t shag a president of the United States if given the opportunity? Forgive me being so blunt, but hey, perhaps I’m simply lacking morals. Or maybe I’m just one of those good ‘ol fashioned gals who likes a man with power (I don’t mind women with power either, but this is America – the country where anyone can be the president as long as you have a general and two colonels between your legs).

So as a seemingly heterosexual, hot-blooded, young female, I’ve scoured the history books in search of our nation’s most boner-worthy presidents in honor of the upcoming election. From their politics to their track records, these hunks of democracy each have one thing in common—they are all totally bangable.

Abraham Lincoln (1861-1865)

What’s there to say about our 16th president’s lust-worthiness, other than the fact that he ended slavery and was one hell of a public speaker (i.e. the Gettysburg Address)? Oh, right. He was also born in a log cabin and was basically raised in the wilderness among bears and other vicious forest creatures…like vampires. So he undoubtedly also had what we might call an “amazing bod,” forged in the fires of hard, physical labor, like chopping down whole trees in one swing with an axe and slaying bloodsucking creatures of the night.

Theodore Roosevelt (1901-1909)

Oh, Teddy, you Rough Rider, you buster of trusts; you truly are the embodiment of every schoolgirl’s burgeoning sexual fantasy –a real American cowboy. I believe this quote sums it up perfectly: “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” From a historical standpoint, I don’t know if we can safely conclude that Roosevelt did, indeed, speak softly given his political track record, but as for that big stick…that’s something we will have to leave to speculation.

Woodrow Wilson (1913-1921)

Like any good president, Wilson ruled the Free World with his fair share of screw ups (like implementing a policy of racial segregation for federal employees), but, for the most part, he made up for it in what I would consider some pretty stellar legislation, including a law that prohibited child labor and another that limited railroad workers to an eight-hour workday. He also concocted the idea for the League of Nations after WWI to help prevent future World Wars and promote world peace. What a guy.

Herbert Hoover (1929-1933)

Herby, you’ve made it to this list for one reason, and one reason only. Despite the fact that Hoover was somewhat of an economic bad luck charm (the Stock Market crashed less than eight months after he took office) he was still, according to the records I could find and the remnants of high school history lessons stored in the dark recesses of my mind, a humanitarian. When WWI began in 1914, he helped 120,000 Americans overseas return to the U.S. After the war, he organized shipments of food for millions of starving people in central Europe, including famine-stricken Soviet Russia in 1921. Criticized for aiding Bolshevism, Hoover argued that, “Twenty million people are starving. Whatever their politics, they shall be fed,” according to Whitehouse.gov. Few things get me going like bleeding heart compassion.

Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933-1945)

Roosevelt pulled America out of the depths of the Great Depression with his New Deal, and it was the fruits of his first “hundred days” in office that continue to serve as a model benchmark for how we rank our contemporary presidents. He gave us Social Security, heavier taxes for the wealthy, more control over banks and public utilities and a work relief program for the 13 million-some unemployed Americans when he took office. And even though the guy had polio (or Guillain-Barre syndrome, take your pick), he refused to be limited by his disability or to let it affect his charisma. Perseverance is sexy.

Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953-1961)

Despite his views on nuclear deterrence and other questionable foreign policies, Ike did some other pretty great things for this country. As a native Kansan, I would be remiss to exclude Eisenhower from this list. He may not have been born here (he was, in fact, born in Texas), but he was raised here (Abilene, to be exact). When desegregation of schools began, Eisenhower sent troops to Little Rock, Ark. to guarantee cooperation. He also established complete desegregation of the Armed Forces, and according to Whitehouse.gov, he wrote, “There must be no second class citizens in this country.” Endorsement of civil rights: the ultimate panty-dropper.

John F. Kennedy (1961-1963)

I have nothing to say other than, “Oh baby.”

James “Jimmy” Carter (1977-1981)

Jimmy was a champion of the environment. His expansion of the national park system included protection of more than 100 million acres of land in Alaska, thus saving countless baby seals and polar bears, no doubt. For the humans, he created the Department of Education, and to top it all off, he even helped foster harmony between our good friends Egypt and Israel during the Camp David Accords. Hot.

William “Bill” Clinton (1993-2001)

I’m just going to come out and say it: Silver Fox. Can we really blame Monica for losing herself in those piercing, blue-green eyes? They’re hypnotic. End of story. Personally, I could care less about Clinton’s supposed infidelity, especially since Hilldog stuck by his side. That’s more telling than anything. But other than positively oozing sex, Clinton is arguably one of the greatest presidents in U.S. history. He achieved lowest unemployment rate in modern times, the lowest inflation in 30 years, the highest home ownership in the country’s history, dropping crime rates and reduced welfare rolls. And he also proposed the first balanced budget in decades and achieved a budget surplus.

Barack Obama (2009-?)

Whether you love him or hate him, the fact remains that President Obama is the first African-American president in the history of the U.S. Let’s put politics aside for a moment and just relish in that fact because it’s a pretty damn big deal given our “great” nation’s history with blacks and other minorities. Obama broke the racial glass ceiling, and that’s something no one can ever take away from him. Plus, I’ll be honest with you –I love the gays. Any sitting president who declares their support for marriage equality has my vote…along with my inappropriate fantasies.

 

Templeton

Homecoming weekend conjures to the mind three things – football, fundraisers and fornication under the influence. Amidst the hoopla that comprises this year’s gambling-themed festivities, one thing is a constant in the backs of our minds: just how many keg stands will we do when our football team secures that seventh consecutive victory against Lindenwood University?

As much as we might like to tell ourselves that we are all good little boys and girls with an unshakeable grasp on our own self-control, the fact of the matter is that a large portion of us who stay in town for the annual celebration of our school’s rich history will, inevitably, overindulge at the after-party. We will become bumbling fools with faces painted black and gold, chanting, “Fight on, Emporia, for the right, Emporia!” And with so much excitement and school spirit in the air, coupled with a bellyful of Jell-O shots and Natty Light, some of us will also feel a certain degree of excitement happening in our pants.

The effects alcohol can have on our bodies are unpredictable. We may become slobbering, incoherent messes, develop violent tendencies, visit our “dark place” and thus sob uncontrollably, and often, we get a little horny. The phenomenon known as “beer goggles” makes people more attractive, and as result, we might find ourselves making out in the corner with someone whom we might not even give a second glance while sober.

“Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, which explains a lot of the effects,” said Mary McDaniel, assistant director of Health Services and my personal go-to guru for all things sexual health. “Specifically, the question of lowering inhibitions can be explained by this, as the part of the brain that filters ideas is depressed and not functioning up to par. So if your filter typically would say, ‘Better not do that; you’ll look like a fool,’ and it is not working, you will go ahead and act on the impulse and not care.”

McDaniel said this can also explain the feeling of being “turned on” while intoxicated, but this effect may be as much psychological as it is physiological. And it makes sense. How many of us feel a certain sense entitlement to completely let go and just roll with the punches, so to speak, when we drink? We tend to use alcohol as an excuse for unbecoming behavior.

But being drunk as a skunk is no excuse for engaging in any sexual activity that you would otherwise be ashamed of while sober. I’ll be completely honest because I believe honesty is the best policy – I’d be a hypocrite if I didn’t admit that I’ve used intoxication as validation for acting, frankly, like a trollop. But thankfully, I have caring friends who have, on several occasions, stopped me from making some fairly terrible mistakes.

That being said, I do believe that liquor can sometimes serve as a “magical” sort of liquid courage, if used correctly. It should be a performance enhancer, not an excuse to let your private parts run wild. There’s nothing wrong with having a drink or two before approaching someone you’re interested in because, let’s be honest, this can be a little daunting. Alcohol, sweet, sinful nectar that it is, can give you that extra boost of confidence you need.

On the flipside, male readers need to be wary. Consume too much, and you run the risk of developing, pardon my vernacular, whiskey dick.

“Sexual performance is hampered by alcohol’s effect of decreasing testosterone,” McDaniel said. “Anything that lowers testosterone impairs sexual function; therefore, alcohol misuse can have a profound effect on libido, the ability to achieve and maintain an erection, and (the ability to achieve and/or the quality of) orgasm.”

Is there really anything more disappointing than being ready to get down to business, and lo and behold, your hardware has crashed?

Another thing to consider before engaging in drunken sex is Kansas’ rape law. One definition of rape is knowingly engaging in sexual intercourse “when the victim is incapable of giving consent…because of the effect of any alcoholic liquor, narcotic, drug or other substance, which condition was known by the offender or was reasonably apparent to the offender,” according to Kansas Statutes Annotated 21-3502. So even if your partner gives consent, if, when sober, he or she claims it was not consensual, you could be faced with criminal charges, a grim realization indeed.

Taken everything I’ve just said into account, it’s essentially “O.K.” to fornicate under the influence as long as all parties are aware of and comfortable with what’s going on. To quote Go Ask Alice, a peer-reviewed online health resource produced by Columbia University, “Sex, expectations, values, and desires can get mixed up, especially when alcohol is involved –sometimes in fulfilling and exciting ways, sometimes in unsettling, unclear, or even scary ways.”

The takeaway? Get your freak on this weekend. Flaunt your Hornet Pride, raise your stingers high, and when it comes to having sex, do it like a mature, intelligent student of higher education.

 

Templeton

Nothing ruins an erotically good time quite like the realization that you’re lacking protection – namely, condoms. We see it all the time in commercials and movies: a couple is in the middle of foreplay, primed and ready to go, and then, someone asks, “Do you have a condom?” They can run to a store and buy a box, have sex anyway sans latex, or they can simply call it night.

But let’s be honest; in the heat of the moment, it’s a struggle to put the action on hold so you can hurry to a convenience store and purchase some rubbers. And with hormones coursing through your body, I doubt many would simply take sex out of the equation. Unfortunately, people often say “screw it” and do the deed anyway, which is one of most irresponsible decisions you can make regarding your sexual health.

As college students, we need to accept the fact that we exist within a hook-up culture. Sure, there are students who believe in and practice monogamy because, let’s face it, we live in the Bible Belt, and being monogamous is the “norm,” what society at large expects of us. That being said, just because you’re in a monogamous relationship doesn’t mean your sexual exploits are any “safer” than your non-monogamous counterparts, especially if you haven’t been tested for STIs and such.

While other students remain celibate, either by choice or circumstance, the reality is that for many of us, college is a time of exploration and experimentation. Sometimes, we decide to break with tradition and sleep around or have multiple sexual relationships at once, and there’s no shame in that – as long as you’re being smart about it. By smart, I mean taking the steps necessary to protect yourself and your partner(s) from unwanted pregnancy and STIs.

So why the hell are we still asking our bedmates if they have a condom? Shouldn’t we expect each other to be equipped with the basic necessities at all times? Even if you’re on the fence about hooking up, common sense dictates you be prepared because you never know whose bed you might find yourself in at 1 a.m. If you do decide a one-night-stand is for you, it’s a choice I hope you’ve considered in depth. Making the decision to hook up, regardless with whom, is not something you want to decide in the heat of the moment. You should be aware of and comfortable with your own boundaries.

But say you’ve never thought about it before and find yourself in a situation you hadn’t even considered a possibility because it does happen. People surprise themselves all the time. You tell yourself you want a meaningful relationship before you engage in intercourse, but then you meet a knock-out at a party and wind up going home together. What happens when neither of you has a condom? Luckily, we live in a town where Wal-Mart is open 24 hours a day, but like I said earlier, good luck putting your libido on hold. If you’re low on cash, the Student Health Center provides male latex condoms, primarily Trojans and the ONE brand. Often, there is a fishbowl in the waiting room so students can help themselves to a few while they’re there, and they are also available in each of the exam rooms. If you want more than “just a couple,” you can get 20 condoms for $2 plus tax.

Mary McDaniel, assistant director of Health Services, said they also special order flavored or scented varieties, non-latex male condoms and female condoms for event giveaways.

And then there’s the age-old question of just who exactly is responsible for providing protection. As far as heterosexual relationships go, there’s a cultural belief that men should be the sole provider of the condom. But ladies, you simply cannot depend on your male partners to provide the rubber because there’s always the possibility that he doesn’t have one…or two, or however many you’re going to need if, say, you’re shooting for multiple rounds.

You’ve got a few options. You can either buy a package of male condoms yourself, or you can opt for a female condom. In any case, you’ve got to be able to protect yourself. Female condoms come in one size only and are a good option for some, especially those who don’t always know what size of male condom they might need.

As for my non-heterosexual friends, the same basic concept applies to people of all sexual identities, regardless of what hardware you have between your legs. If you’re in for some male to male action, you both need to have a condom that will fit your own penis, even if you’re not planning on doing any penetration. I’ve already covered the importance of making sure your junk is clean before you perform oral sex (The Pregame Sniff), but no amount of soap and water will ward off a sexual infection.

If you both have vaginas, you still need a condom if you’re planning on implementing toys, produce, etc., or even if you’re just using your hands. If you’ve got a wound on your finger, it can get infected. And as for oral sex, use whatever you prefer, be it a dental dam or a piece of saran wrap.

The bottom line is, you are responsible for girding your own loins, no one else.

 

Templeton

Sexologists Joni Frater and Esther Lastique are my kind of women – intelligent, attractive and entertaining as hell. If you were lucky enough to attend Sex Ed Boot Camp Monday night, you know what I mean. I sat down for a one-on-one with Frater Monday afternoon. This is what she had to say:

How does one become a sexologist? What sort of training is involved?

The training that we chose to take is a school in California called the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality. You must have a bachelor’s degree first, and then you can take varying levels of sexology degrees, anywhere from being a health educator all the way up to having a Ph.D in sexology. We’d already taken psychology and sociology courses, so we had that background. I do suggest that you have that background to do sexology.

What made you want to create a program like Sex Ed Bootcamp?

We found out that young people were not being given any information on sexual health in many states because of abstinence-only before marriage education. Before college, students were not allowed to talk about anything other than “just say no,” and as a result of that, the STD rates started going crazy, and as a prior dentist, that affected me tremendously. There are other people doing what we do, but we do it our own way with our own spin because we want accurate information. We give a tremendous amount of information, and that’s why it’s called Boot Camp. We have to catch people up really fast because we know that there are up to 75 percent of sexually active students on a college campus, which means they’re sexually active without information on how to protect themselves against diseases that can hurt and kill them. And the 25 percent that are abstinent need to know what a relationship means. It’s not all about sex, although sex has a lot to do with it.

Is there an appropriate age for people to start learning about sex?

I think people should start learning about sex as children – the basics of appropriate touch versus inappropriate touch, who can touch you where and how, learning the words of your own anatomy. Then start to talk about sexual acts as early as 10 years old because by 10 and 11, their hormones are there, and young women are getting their periods at 11. So you need to be having that talk early.

What’s the most frequently-asked question you get?

The two most common topics of conversation are about oral sex, and inevitably, if you can pardon my vernacular, to swallow or spit, especially with oral sex on a male. And then we also get a lot of questions about female ejaculation, G-spots, and a lot of questions about anal sex.

Are there any taboo subjects you won’t discuss?

No. We pride ourselves in having no taboos. Once in a great while, there’s topics that we choose to not go in to in great depths because we don’t have the time to give it it’s due, and that’s really the only way we won’t go into something.

There’s a societal belief, especially in states like Kansas, that sex should be kept behind closed doors and not discussed in frank terms. Why is that?

There’s a whole complex situation going on, and we could get into a religious and political debate on this, but there’s kind of a war on sexuality. It’s really unfortunate because what we’re doing is a total disservice to the young people in our country by not giving them any information. We think that you’re going to figure it out on your own or get it through osmosis – it doesn’t work like that. We have to be as open and honest and blunt as possible and give you everything we think you need to know to get you started. Take what you need and leave the rest.

How can students protect themselves emotionally in a hook-up culture?

It’s really hard because people do have emotions, and you can’t help them; you can’t stop them. If you interview the person you’re going to be with a little bit and figure out where they’re coming from and if they’re in the hook-up culture and if that’s where they want to stay, then you can kind of prepare yourself. The hook-up culture is exactly what it is, and we’re not saying that it’s a bad thing or a good thing. People should have different experiences before they settle down with somebody just so that you know what you like and don’t like, what turns you on and turns you off, and sometimes experimenting with different people helps you along that path. Then there’s people who want to be in love with someone before they share their body, and that’s great, too. You should still have that pre-sex talk to make sure they’re on the same page as you.

What’s the secret to becoming a great lover?

Pay attention. Ask a lot of questions. Watch their body language, and watch the look on their face. Ask, “Does this feel good? Does this feel better when I do this, or when I do this?” Sex isn’t just a one-way street; it’s kind of hills and valleys. You need to constantly check in and say, “What can I do to make you feel better? What will work for you tonight? What will turn you on? What can I do to you? Your body’s my temple.” There are lots of ways that you can entice someone to come forward and let you know what they need and what they want so that it becomes a mutually satisfying experience.

What’s the most common misconception college students have about sex?

They think, “We’re not going to get diseases because we’re better than that. We’re clean, we’re good, we’re in beautiful Kansas where things like that don’t happen to us,” and that’s not true. STDs don’t care where you’re from, they don’t care what color you are, how much money you make or what your education is. It’s just looking for a warm body to grow in. Also, the withdrawal method does not work. There is semen in pre-cum, so this is the reason why we constantly scream, “Condoms, condoms, condoms,” because there are no methods other than a physical barrier that will keep someone from becoming pregnant and/or getting an STD.

Can you sum up the most important thing that students need to know?

The most important thing students need to know is how to protect themselves for every situation and to be empowered about their own body so that they can say “no” at any point, even if they’re in the middle of an act. If something isn’t feeling right, or the hair starts to stand up on the back of your neck, you have every right to stop and say, “No. I’m done.” And that power is huge. We have to empower people to say, “This feels good. That doesn’t, and I don’t want to do that again.” So, the power of “yes” and “no” is really the most important lesson people need to know and how to protect yourself.