The sex o'clock news

GIRL WITH THE WANDERING EYE
Most women have had the pleasure of conversing with a bloke who directs most of his comments towards her breasts, but the truth, according to scientists, is that a woman is more likely to check out her companion’s body than a man. Using eye-tracking technology to pinpoint exactly what people looked at when shown a series of sexy photos, scientists were surprised to find that men were more interested in faces than women. While both sexes spent about an equal amount of time zoned in on the genital area, men spent more time looking at faces than women, who liked to examine the whole package. It’s just that we’ve learnt to do it discreetly, boys.

SKINNY AND HORNY PILLS
Scientists from the Medical Research Council Human Reproduction Unit in Edinburgh are developing a pill to boost women’s libidos and reduce their appetites. So far, the pill has been tested on female monkeys. These monkeys displayed more mating behaviour and reduced their food consumption by a third. Scientists believe a human version could be available within a decade. It’s all sounding a bit Stepford Wives to me. What’s next? Perhaps a pill to increase your breast size and your desire to iron shirts?

GIRLS FOR GEEKS
Geeks of the world, help is at hand. A Dutch escort agency, Society Service, is launching a special virgin service for computer nerds. Zoe Vialet, who set up the service noted that she had a lot of demand from virgins, many of whom worked in the IT and computer industries. Each booking lasts at least three hours and includes a bath and sensual massage as well as sex. The aim is to give virgins a crash-course in how to pleasure a woman. According to Vialet, “Some men need a little bit of help. There is nothing more terrible than dying as a virgin.” Quite.

WEB
GRACE AND BEAUTY
I love nude photography so it’s always great to find a site that does it well. Grace and Beauty is the site of photographer Jay GreenMan whose aim is to provide beautiful, erotic nudes in contrast to the brash and harsh offerings that can be found all over the web. These photos are all about celebrating feminine sensuality. Visitors to the site can access some full-size images, a downloadable screensaver and a video clip, while members have access to all the galleries, with weekly updates. There is a lot of stuff here – nearly 12,000 photos featuring over 80 different models, all original material. Membership costs $19.95 for one month, non-recurring or $17.95 for the first month and $14.95 thereafter. See www.graceandbeauty.com

This issue's top sex tip: A little romance
You could learn all the sex tips and techniques in the world, but sometimes what women – and men – need to turn up the passion is a little romance. Flowers, dinners and dates all get people in the mood for sex, but these may not always be practical – or affordable – so here are some simple tips to try.

• Studies show that when women mentally rehearse for sex, they show quicker and stronger responses once the action actually starts. A sexy email, phone call or note left for your lover describing all the wonderful things you plan on doing to her later should get her mind working in overdrive.
• Setting a particular time aside for sex or scheduling a ‘sex date’ may not seem very spontaneous, but if both partners are busy, stressed and tired, it’s a good idea. Try doing something special such as dressing up or opening a bottle of champagne to make it more of an event.
• Share a warm bath. Heat helps get rid of tension and bathing together helps couples to connect in a sensual way. Grooming techniques are used by animals to bond so try washing each other’s hair or shaving one another.
• Spend time on foreplay. The Kinsey Institute found that when women received over 20 minutes of foreplay, nearly 93% of them experienced orgasm. If you can devote some of those twenty minutes to a sensual body rub, even better!
• Couples who have been together long-term know one another’s ‘hot’ buttons and sometimes tend to concentrate on these while ignoring less obvious erogenous zones. Try slowing down the pace initially and spending time exploring your lover’s entire body.
• Women often complain that their partners don’t touch them unless they are initiating sex. Bad move, boys. Studies have shown that couples that engage in non-sexual touching as well have better, more fulfilling sex.
• Lie naked together, arms wrapped around each other with your stomachs and thighs touching. Harmonise your breathing. After about half and hour you should feel a warm rush from the centre of your body. Don’t try this if you’re tired – chances are you’ll fall asleep before you get to the good stuff.
• Couples in long-term relationships often stop kissing. A mistake: long sensual kisses are one of the simplest ways to get your partner in the mood.