What’s that? You think I’m a slut? Oh, okay I thought you were insulting me, because calling me a “slut” does not in any way make me feel bad about my choices in life. Women and girls have been called sluts for centuries, and mainly by other women. Slut and all of its variations: whore, tramp, and ho, just to name a few, is the go to reference when putting a woman or girl down for her behavior, clothes, or attitude. In the eighth grade there were a group of girls who hated me and started rumors about me being a slut. The same thing happened in high school from a group of girls who decided they hated me as well. Slut-shaming is bullying behavior that we have all either been on the receiving end of, or dished out.

So what constitutes “slutty behavior”? Sleeping with multiple partners, sleeping with a married man, being a prostitute or stripper, making a sex tape, or just being overtly sexual? During the 1920s, the era of the flapper was born and women rebelled against the rules of society in which they had to completely cover themselves, have long flowing hair, ample busts, and not display their sexual prowess in public. Flappers cut their hair, drank in public, partied, wore short skirts, and used their sexual wilds in any way they chose. They were often referred to as sluts. In 1957, the FDA approved the birth control pill, but not for contraceptive use. The pill was approved only for severe menstrual issues, and was used secretly as a contraceptive up until the ’70s, and those women who used the medication were often referred to as sluts.

Why are all strippers considered sluts? When you’re at a bar or club with your friends and see a woman dancing provocatively or wearing a tight short dress, why is she automatically put in the slut zone? How does one end up in the “slut zone” anyway? I’ve been put in there by mean girls, and I’ve put women there by judging their behavior or how many people they’ve dated. Let’s take a look at how some other women landed in the slut zone, shall we:

[Image: Shutterstock]

1) Any woman on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter with provocative pics — she resides in the slut zone.

2) Kim Kardashian made a sex tape with her then-boyfriend Ray J and leveraged it into a successful career of literally doing nothing but being herself, has dated a few men before settling down, and she lives in the slut zone.

3) Marilyn Monroe used not only her talent, but also her insane figure and inherent sex appeal to become a star, and again dated and married a few men along the way — she is in the slut zone.

4) Gabrielle Union dated baller Dwyane Wade soon after his divorce and continuously for the past seven years, which culminated in their engagement — she lives in the slut zone too.

5) Rihanna dresses provocatively, and sings about sex and partying — banished to the slut zone.

6) Madonna made a career from shocking us all with her overtly sexual behavior, which has been emulated by pop starts such as Britney, Miley, Rihanna, etc. — again, all of them reside in the slut zone.

7) That woman at church who is single and wears tight dresses with four-inch high heels every Sunday in church — yup, she also lives in the slut zone.

8) Alicia Keys “stole”  Swizz Beatz from his wife, married him, and bore him a son, but, you guessed it — she hails from the slut zone as well.

9) Those girls at the mall, walking around in short-shorts, mini-skirts and crop tops — they always reside in the slut zone.

10) The young girl or teen who everyone at school hates, or who is really pretty and all of the boys like, or had a child at a young age — she stays in the slut zone.

RELATED: Rihanna Goes To Carnival And Americans React With Disrespect

Slut-shaming is not only immature and insecure behavior, but it is literally putting a woman down for being a woman. When women report being raped they are almost always asked had they been drinking, what they were wearing, or if they provoked their attacker. I recently watched an episode of “Dr. Phil,” and there was an 11-year-old girl who had been impregnated by her 13-year-old boyfriend. Yes, that was the topic of the show. During the episode this child (the girl) was vilified by her mom, dad, the boy’s parents, and by Dr. Phil. They literally spent the entire hour of the show slut-shaming her and saying that what happened was her fault because she was so “aggressive with boys” and “peer pressured” him into having sex with her. Really? An 11-year-old child peer pressured her 13-year-old boyfriend into having sex with her, is overly aggressive, out of control, and caused herself to become pregnant? That’s right, it’s all her fault … her and her slutty ways.

Now I know when we see Kim, Miley and Rihanna parading around half-naked and with a different boy on display every few months or so, our natural inclination is to judge them, or see their behavior as … well … slutty. In my twenties I had a lot of fun, like, a lot of fun. I partied a lot, went out with my friends wearing the shortest skirts and highest heels, met guys, dated some, made out with a few, and, gasp, even slept with some. Here’s the thing, my behavior was not followed by TMZ and “Access Hollywood.” There weren’t any cover shots of me in my low-cut top and favorite black mini-skirt on US Weekly, and no entertainment “reporters” counting the amount of dates I’d gone on, boyfriends I had, or bad break-ups. I’m guessing that was the case for you too. How many of us would be considered sluts and shamed by the media if our history were on public display?

The slut-shaming of women in the media is constantly perpetuated by those that buy into it. I have uttered many a words about Kim Kardashian and her “slutty” ways, and have judged other women as well. When we are fed societal rules about what constitutes good and bad behavior we force those rules upon others, mainly out of our own insecurities or jealousy. Can we please put an end to this and stop judging each other based on our outfits, Instagram pics, or number of boyfriends? Unless someone’s behavior is causing them actual physical or mental harm, then let’s keep our opinions and women bashing aka slut-shaming views to ourselves. No, I take that back let us all just eradicate them from our psyche and focus on more important things.

Cassia Jones blogs weekly on her site akwardgirlinthecity.blogspot.com and is a weekly contributor to UPTOWNMagazine.com. She can be found via Twitter @AwkwardGirlLA

[Image: Shutterstock]

“If you were born and your leg was turned this way. You go to the doctor and get it turned right…You know how handicapped people are born. You can’t say because they were born that way, you can’t move that ”

- Evander Holyfield compares homosexuality to being disabled because doctors can fix both on an episode of Celebrity Big Brother UK with housemate Apprentice UK Luisa Zissman and Evander Holyfield discuss whether or not gay boxers should come out. Holyfield’s comments caused Big Brother producers to distance themselves from Holyfield’s opinions.

The Game put up videos of his adorable daughter Cali Dream singing Beyoncé’s “Drunk In Love”.

It was all good until she got to the “surfboard” line and Daddy let her know that she cannot sing that line going forward.

In the video, he simply tickles her and tells her she “Ain’t swerving on nothing,” but he goes into hilarious detail in his caption.

@littlemisscali got mad at me cause I told her she can’t sing the “surfboard” part on @Beyonce & went to get babied by my momma.  #GoodDaddy #Discipline #NOWhoopingsTheKevinHartStareWorksEveryTime #NoBoyfriendZone #JustBoughtMeANewWaterGun #illSquirtYoLittleBoyHeComeNearMyDaughter #GotARealGunTooSoWhenYouLilNiggasOutGrowTheWatergun #SheCantWearNailPolishTilShe41YearsOld #LipGlossEither #SheCantEverSingThatMyLipGlossIsPoppinSong #iShouldWhoopLilMamaForMakinThatSong #Yea #MyNameIsGameButIDontPlayEm #AnyQuestionsBoutNyParenting #Nevermind #SitYoAssDown #ImTheDaddy 

Aw! You have to appreciate an overprotective dad. I can’t wait to see what happens when Cali Dream has her first date.

Saturday Night Live has searched high and low for Black female representation after coming under fire for its lack of diversity. Since Maya Rudolph’s 2007 departure, the show has seen a drag-ful Kenan Thompson in many-a-skit when a simple solution would have been to hire a black female cast member years ago.

NBC announced today that Sasheer Zamata has been added to SNL’s lineup.  Zamata, a Brooklyn native, triumphed over two dozen other hopefuls.

The University of Virginia alum received training from the Upright Citizens Brigade, responsible for such talents as Kate McKinnon and Bobby Moynihan, and has performed at comedy festivals and created videos for College Humor.  Zamata will make her debut on January 18 in this year’s first episode of Saturday Night Live hosted by emo-rapper Drake.  Catch the episode on January 18 at 11pm EST on NBC.

If you shopped at Target in the last few months, you have likely received a new debit card in the mail.  Since confidential credit card information was compromised for millions of Target shoppers, many are second guessing where they shop for fear of identity theft.

Forbes reports that December was a bad month for online security and breaches of privacy with apps such as Snapchat and Skype being hacked. Pat Phelan, CEO of Trustev, one of Forbes’ Hottest Global Start-Ups, and a leading provider of social data, says that mobile transactions have long had big issues with credit card identity security. LexisNexis, a computer legal research service, estimated that merchants were losing over $100 billion a year by 2010. New estimates show that for every loss of $100 due to direct fraud, merchants lose $279 of business from customers who avoid their sites entirely. It is estimated that between 10 and 14 million U.S. customers are victims of fraud each year.

Phelan delivers good news, too, however, explaining that as part of a partnership with e-merchants, customers can shop worry-free. Trustev supports such practices as identification of a customer’s device, an IP address track to ensure security, browser identity, digital footprint to identify fraudulent activity, and entering a mobile number at checkout. Entering such data may seem to be a bit of an inconvenience at first, but can provide a customer with a more pleasurable shopping experience each time.

Source

Despite the freezing temperatures much of the U.S. is facing, with negative lows in the forecast for the upcoming weeks, scientists say that global warming is still a threat and can often make such chills worse.

The Huffington Post puts the current global climate situation into layman’s terms, writing: “Despite the recent bout of subzero temps, global warming can make extreme weather events like the polar vortex even worse.” To make things clearer, “as the planet warms and Arctic sea ice melts, the northern polar region equalizes a bit with temperatures farther south, causing the jet stream that forms a circular band around the northern latitudes to slow down.” The jet stream mentioned retains Arctic air with winds up to 100 mph. Occasionally, cold air pockets escape, resulting freezing temperatures.

During such times it is important to remain inside unless absolutely necessary and to bundle up in layers of clothing, including gloves and head wear, when heading outside for even a short period of time.

[Image: Shutterstock]

Courtesy of CocoaFab

LeToya Luckett is a single lady.

Well, she’s a single woman — yes — but she also is one of the newest castmembers on VH-1′s hit show “Single Ladies,” where she’ll portray record exec Felicia Price. The show comes back to VH-1 tonight and LeToya will show off some pretty impressive acting chops as the deliciously evil boss chick.

But the former Destiny’s Child member – who is enjoying a second season as an actress — gives up the goods for CocoaFab readers and single women everywhere!

Fix yourself before you get into a relationship.

You hear it all the time growing up: in order to love someone else you have to love yourself. That is the truest statement.You gotta clean house. It’s things that you see growing up that you think is right because you saw it that way, that you have to say, ‘Wait a minute, hold on, that might not fit me. I want to change that part, I want to break that generational curse. I want to not be afraid to love. I don’t want to be insecure, I want … like, you literally have to fall in love with yourself before you can give yourself, in a relationship.’ A lot of time we, as women, find ourselves cooking, cleaning, loving, being the therapist, the pastor, the everything. And by the end of the relationship you’re exhausted, left with nothing and you’ve made so many deposits, and there have been so many withdrawals that you have nothing left. And I refuse!

Keep reading …

By Derryck “Nes” Johnson

In an era where reality television has put its stamp on almost every major network, drama-series of the past such as Law & Order and Hill Street Blues have taken a back seat to the point where they’re almost non-existent to the viewers.  HBO has always been at the forefront of presenting its audience with stimulating material like The Corner and The Wire.  I recently had the opportunity to talk with the very talented and seasoned actor Michael Potts from HBO’s True Detective about his craft and the importance of telling a spectrum of Black people’s stories to broaden our impact in the entertainment industry.  The new season of True Detective airs January 12^th on HBO.

HBO obviously recognizes your extreme talents from your stellar performance as Brother Mouzone in The Wire, to your most recent role as Detective Maynard Gilbough in the new HBO drama series True Detective.  How exciting is this role for you?

It’s amazing.  The last couple of weeks I’ve been getting really anxious and excited as the network keeps dropping the trailers and like you know the backstage conversations and things on the set like that.  So I’m really hyped about it, because I know it’s going to be an amazing show.  Yes, I’m looking forward to it.

You’re a very busy actor who currently has a role in the Tony award winning musical The Book of Mormon.  How are you able to successfully juggle the musical with the preparation of your upcoming series which debuts on HBO January 12^th?

(Laughs) Well it isn’t easy, because the whole thing with the musical it goes 6 days a week and it takes a lot of your time.  In this case, the last couple of weeks I’ve been working 7 days a week so it’s rather hard.  But the producers have been real cool from the musical so that when something happens in True Detective, they give me time off to deal with it.  So the producers of The Book of Mormon gave me a leave of absence so that I could work on shooting the series True Detective.  Then the producer’s obligations for True Detective allowed me to step away and they had someone cover for me.  It’s not easy at all!  It can get a little exhausting, but it’s still very exciting.

Was there a major acting influence on your life that made you want to pursue this craft on a professional level?

We’ll there’s two actually. Because I remember when I was a kid I was watching a lot of the Sidney Poitier films because he was it!  He’s the main man who I was watching.  I remember the movies when I was a kid like “In the heat of the night”, so that encouraged me.  Then there was also a British actor named Paul Scofield who I remember when I was in the 7^th grade and saw him in “A Man for all seasons”.  So pretty much those two actors are my idols I try to emulate and pattern my work after.

How important is it for us to have people like Oprah & Tyler Perry that own their own studios to help create opportunities for young aspiring actors?

Oh…it’s absolutely essential.  Because what’s great about it is we’re telling stories about the whole diversity of African-American/Black people and we’re seeing that more & more.  From our particular perspective, nobody knows us like us, so that’s very important.  I was just reading an article in the Hollywood Reporter about how it’s not just Black audiences coming out to see these movies anymore.  The material in film has been so good and there have been so much high quality movies that everyone in general is interested in viewing these works looking at our lives & our stories.  It just opens up the doors for so much.  Amazing talents like Michael B. Jordan from Fruitvale Station I mean, it’s a huge breakout for him or Steve McQueen directing 12 Years A Slave.  It also brings to the forefront that kind of extraordinary talent that we have.  Yeah, it’s got to keep going, internationally as well to sell and make an impact on the world.  We need more material out there for more than what they know of our people from the past too.

How long does it take for you to get into and out of character?

Yes, I’m really serious about the roles I take on and play.  It can be different.  There are some characters you get into and identify with right away and you can kind of jump into it with the writer and what they’re going for.  Then there’s the stuff you can read and execute what the tone of the piece is about before you jump in and see what fits with the character.  There’s also situations where you meet a role that’s right for you & you’re right for it.  The Wire character was easy because I knew what the producers were going for and the tone of the The Wire itself, so I just went with that.  It was also easy to step out of that character when it was done because I was shooting in Baltimore and traveling back and forth from New York, so I had that nice Acela train ride to kind of decompress and get in and out of that role.  It differs from character to character.  Some take longer and are harder to step away from.

You’ve appeared in various films such as The Piece Maker & Conspiracy Theory.  Can we expect to see Michael Potts in some more feature films in the near future?

I hope so man (laughs).  I’m working hard at it and hopefully with True Detective and the rest of my body of work, some people will start taking more notice and give me a shot at some of this good stuff out here film wise.  I know there are opportunities out there, so yes I’m looking forward to it.  I would say yes, you’ll be seeing more of me.

What do you want the viewers to take from your character & the series True Detective?

What they should take from my character is he’s a really smart, very conscientious complex kind of guy.  He’s into his job and believes in what he does.  He’s not crazed or your typical or conventional sort of detective.  He’s very cerebral and deep about what he’s doing.  He’s constantly thinking about things and figuring out all types of angles.  Chasing down evidence and chasing down leads, finding out who’s responsible for certain crimes.  So I hope I’m successful in putting that forward to the viewers.  As far as the show, I’m hoping people get the notion of the novel quality of this piece.  It was unusual because it’s one director for 8 episodes.  So it’s really an 8 hour movie that the audience will be looking at on television, which already makes it something unique in television.  I’m hoping the scope of the story telling, image and visuals catch their attention.  Just the statement of the entire piece unified as one so everyone is on the same page watching it.  I truly believe it will be a really rich experience for everyone watching.

Last week, the internet went nuts when news broke regarding Dwyane Wade having an illegitimate child outside of his relationship with future-wife Gabrielle Union. You couldn’t go anywhere without hearing or reading about the story. Hell, I even wrote an article here on UPTOWN about it. Then, just as I thought things were cooling down and the battle of the sexes was going to come to a temporary halt, it’s revealed that Ludacris had a baby with a side-piece while in a relationship with his longtime girlfriend Eudoxie.

But after hearing Eudoxie publicly state that she has no intentions of leaving Luda, this time the conversation wasn’t just about staying engaged or married to a cheating man, it was about continuing to pursue marriage with a man that has betrayed her. This has touched off an interesting conversation between men and women: Would Ludacris (or any man for that matter) stay with a cheating spouse or girlfriend? Would they even consider putting a ring on a woman who had conceived a child with another man? As much as men and women may find it hard as hell to see eye to eye on many relationship issues, we both agree that most men find it much harder to take back a cheating woman, than women find it to take back a cheating man.

The inevitable question that most women ask after both sexes mutually agree on that point is, why? Is it just our egos? Have women been intrinsically conditioned to accept being held to a higher standard than their mates? Or do men just possess far less emotional stamina than women when it comes to accepting their significant other, flaws and all? While those are very good arguments, the reality of this question can be explained in three reasons.

Reason 1: Men Believe Women Cheat Comparatively

While speaking at one of my “Relationships & Bullsh*t” events, I angered and surprised most of the women in the room when I stated: “MEN IN HAPPY RELATIONSHIPS CHEAT TOO.” The women were confused because they thought that statement made no sense, but many women don’t understand that most men and women (generally speaking) have different motivations behind their infidelity. While many women cheat because they are unhappy with their relationship, a lot of dudes cheat because the opportunity presented itself. Yes, it’s just as simple as that.

When most dudes cheat, the decision they make is between having sex or not having it. Mature, selfless, and non-jerky men can look beyond that potential moment of gratification and realize how much they’re really risking, but cheating-ass men look at it as getting it in now or letting the opportunity pass. I don’t want to make excuses for these idiots, but when some dudes are coming clean and they say, “I wasn’t even thinking about you!”, they’re not lying. But men don’t believe women cheat like that.

Most fellas believe that women try and find a dude who is specifically bigger and better than him out of spite. Most dudes also believe that women have a higher chance of developing a real and substantial emotional connection to their side-dude. How can he take back a woman who tried to one-up everything he is as a man?

Reason 2: The Nani Never Stops Degrading in Value

When a man enters into a relationship and falls for the woman he’s with, he puts her lovemaking on a pedestal. She is his everything. We all are aware that many boys aren’t taught how to embrace their emotions and express them verbally, so some men find it easiest to connect with their woman emotionally through sex. Well, once another man has been all up inside his woman, that pedestal comes crumbling down, and it keeps decaying as time goes on. While some men may possess the inner-fortitude (if you want to call it that) to look past her transgression, a lot of guys feel that a very treasured aspect of their connection has been forever tainted.

Reason 3: YES, IT’S OUR DAMN EGOS

Look at how got damn awesome I am? You telling me you gave my nani away to some punk-ass dude? I’m out here loving you, caring for you and giving you wonderful orgasms, and you want another man?!? Let me ask yo’ ass one question …

… was his thang bigger than mine?!

And there it is ladies, ego is mostly what keeps men from keeping women who cheat on us. We tie so much of our self-worth into our masculinity, and we tie so much of our masculinity into how we “make” our women behave, that being with a woman who deceived us in the worst possible way is a blow our pride can’t easily take. We believe we’re suppose to be real men, who have their women head over heels in love with them, and lay-it-down in the bedroom so strong that she can’t possibly fathom being pleased anywhere else.

But there’s also a fourth reason that is rarely mentioned, so much so that I don’t think it qualifies as one of the three major reasons men find it so hard to take back a cheating woman: We have enough self-respect to realize that we deserve more than a cheating, conniving chick. Instead of women asking, “Why do men find it harder to stay with a woman who cheated?”, maybe more women should ask themselves, “Why do more women find it easier to stay with a guy who cheats?”

LAB

Lincoln Anthony Blades blogs daily on his site ThisIsYourConscience.com, he’s an author of the book “You’re Not A Victim, You’re A Volunteer” and a weekly contributor for UPTOWN Magazine. He can be reached via Twitter @lincolnablades and on Facebook at This Is Your Conscience.

Susann Stacy uploaded a horrific, bloody selfie on Facebook last week after a brutal domestic dispute with husband, Donnie Stacy. The gruesome photo garnered her online friends’ attention, as one called 911 for the beaten woman, leading to the swift arrest of the suspect.

The assault began as Donnie became enraged at his wife for talking on the phone with another man. Stacy began to pistol whip his wife, leaving several lacerations to the head. Her hair was matted with blood. He ripped the phone cord from its socket, leaving his wife without any outside means of communication for help — or so he thought. Although Susann did not have cell phone service, she used WIFI to aid her to safety and justice. Susann posted the brutal attack online with the caption, “Help, please anyone.”

The suspect fled the scene before the Leslie County, Kentucky police arrived. He was apprehended by authorities in the area and now faces assault charges. The handgun used in the attack was found under their son’s tire swing in the backyard.

The wildly popular faith-based reality series, Preachers Of L.A., is returning to Oxygen for a second season, according to Praise 92.7. Though slammed by Christians and non-Christians alike, the series will add another 4 episodes following the lives of prominent pastors across the city of Los Angeles.

Season 1 created a social media firestorm, with viewers and skeptics questioning the genuineness of the men of the cloth. The lavish houses, expensive cars and flashy lifestyle stood center stage in the premiere episode. Renowned pastor and author T.D. Jakes called the series, “junk t.v.” As the season progressed, family and church matters, babies and weddings and personal struggles dominated, as the preachers exposed their personal lives, marriages and church in’s and out’s, making them relatable to viewers.

Answering unresolved questions and lingering cliff hangers, the second season is likely to include gospel superstar Deitrick Haddon and Dominique, newlyweds who revealed Dominique’s second pregnancy on the season finale. Pastor Noel Jones interpersonal issues made him vulnerable to viewers, and the future of his long term friendship with Loretta would be exposed.

Celebrity Capricorns know all about tons of work, bright ideas, and creativity to reach their goals. After all, Capricorns don’t believe in the word can’t. Just look at these celebrities after the jump as proof.

John Legend – December 28

All of Me singer John Legend took it serious in 2013 with his marriage to supermodel Christine Teigen before hitting the road to support his album Love in the Future.

LeBron James – December 30

Miami Heat star LeBron James or “King James” celebrated his 29th birthday in style. King James never lets you forget who wears the crown. Remember that 2011 birthday cake?

Taye Diggs – January 2

Taye Diggs celebrated another birthday just as party goers finished yelling Happy New Year! The Broadway actor and father is riding the success of sequel Best Man Holiday and is possibly preparing for the next Best Man film.

Eli Manning – January 3

Happy Birthday, Eli Manning (in Nicki Minaj‘s voice of course). The New York Giants quarterback “Iron Man” turned 33 this year.

Blue Ivy Carter – January 7

Blue Ivy Carter will celebrate her second birthday on January 7. If we review of her life up to this point, there is nothing terrible about these twos. A “Mrs. Carter World Tour,” her own director’s chair, vacations on yachts, and featured credits on both superstar mom Beyoncé‘s and poppa JAY Z‘s albums. Blue is not your average two-year-old.

Mary J Blige – January 11

Mary J Blige won’t be singing “No Happy Holidays” on her birthday this year. Mary’s Shape cover looked stunning and she looked not a day older than the girl rocking combat boots.

Armando Perez aka Pitbull – January 15

Ke$ha joined Pitbull on his latest single “Timber,” a celebratory party song perfect for the Latin star’s birthday. We’re sure Pitbull will be “having a night he won’t remember.”

Dwyane Wade – January 17

The celebrations continue even after the holidays for Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade, as he celebrates his birthday January 17. Wade recently got engaged to longtime girlfriend and “Being Mary Jane” star Gabrielle Union. His fellow teammate friend LeBron James is also a Capricorn.

Michelle Obama – January 17

The FLOTUS will celebrate her 50th birthday with a low-key affair at the White House courtesy of President Barack Obama. However, we’re sure she had a blast on her two-week Hawaiian vacation, where she stayed in Oprah Winfrey’s Maui home.

Muhammad Ali – January 17

Boxing legend Muhammad Ali said it best: “Age is whatever you think it is. You are as old as you think you are.”  We’re sure daughter Laila Ali and grandson Curtis Muhammad Conway Jr. will help celebrate.

“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. The hands can’t hit what the eyes can’t see.” Float on, Ali.

Betty White- January 17

Golden Girl Betty White brought in the new year with plenty of jokes.

2014-it’s going to be a great year! Granted, I’ve said that about 91 times before, but this time I’m really feeling it! Happy New Year!

— Betty White (@BettyMWhite) January 2, 2014

Rev Run, one-third of legendary rap trio Run DMC, returns to cable television in a home renovation reality series, ”Rev Run Renovations.”

The Simmons family’s last reality series, “Run’s House,” was a viewer favorite, as Run’s concluding bath tub wisdom became his signature scene. The series aired on MTV for four years, ending in 2009. But this time around patriarch Joseph Simmons, better known an Rev Run, takes his family back to their 9,000 square foot New Jersey home with a team of builders as cameras film the home renovations.

Premiering Jan. 6 on the DIY Network, wife Justine Simmons and Rev argue about budget details, and kids Diggy, Russy, and Miley provide varying input on the design of their rooms. From fairy tale castle, to zen-like, to contemporary room themes, the show catches every moment of the family’s new home makeover.

“Rev Run Renovations” airs Mondays at 10 p.m. EST on the DIY Network. Will you watch?

Oh … no! Depending on the person, a three-hour orgasm is an epic, ideal night or an epic fail.

After having sex with partner Eric, Liz was forced to seek emergency medical care after enduring a two-hour orgasm that was no longer pleasurable — obviously. After shaking, drinking wine, and jumping in place, the epic climax continued. “I tried just about every possible thing I could do to stop having an orgasm,” explained Liz in an episode of TLC’s “Sex Sent Me To The ER.” At first, medics were confused, thinking Liz was in labor, but eventually were able to end her “orgasmathon.” After another hour of agonizing climaxing under medical attention, Liz was relieved of her painful pleasure, which totaled three hours.

Her partner Eric, who obviously has some skills, revealed, “There were eyes on me and I was still feeling very tense and uptight and uncertain about what was going on and what was going to happen,” after amused and bewildered doctors figured out a solution.

The Seattle couple is featured on TLC’s “Sex Sent Me To The ER,” a bizarre sexcapade series, including a couple who engaged in sex in a janitor’s closet and a man who fell three stories naked.

Singer/Songwriter Leela James talks passions, President Obama and Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles!

By Jaia A. Thomas

This NFL season you could count on one hand the number of black coaches – Marvin Lewis (Cincinnati Bengals), Mike Tomlin (Pittsburgh Steelers) and Leslie Frazier (Minnesota Vikings). Since the conclusion of the NFL regular season Leslie Frazier has been fired and the fate of Marvin Lewis and Mike Tomlin remain in limbo (although both are expected to return). While the percentage of black NFL players currently hovers around 70%, the corresponding percentage of black NFL coaches currently hovers around 6%. These disproportionate percentages begs the question – Does the NFL do enough to ensure diversity among its coaching staff? In other words, does the Rooney Rule actually work?

The Rooney Rule was enacted in 2003 after an organization of sports activists and their attorneys, including the late Johnnie Cochran Jr., threatened employment discrimination lawsuits over head football coach selection decisions. Facing the threat of a lawsuit, the NFL entered into negotiations with Cochran and other groups, eventually creating a Workplace Diversity Committee, chaired by Dan Rooney. The League ultimately agreed that owners would be required to interview at least one minority candidate for vacant head coaching positions. At the time the Rule was enacted only 6% of the head coaches in the NFL were black. By 2006, just three years after the Rule’s enactment, 22% of coaches in the league were black and by 2011 the percentage of black coaches peaked at 25%. Since 2011, these percentages have dropped precipitously.

The Rooney Rule recently celebrated its 10^th anniversary. But, before we all run to Party City and purchase an array of banners, balloons and confetti in anticipation of its 11^th anniversary, it is important to note the uncertainty of the rule’s future. Does the rule have a place in America’s so-called “post-racial” America? And if so, should it be modified or altered in any way, shape, or form to increase its effectiveness? The League is currently belaboring these points.

Dr. Jason Johnson, Professor of Political Science at Hiram College, describes the Rooney Rule as the “quintessential example of the best of intentions with no actual enforcement.” He labels the rule as more of a suggestion, due to lack of actual penalties and enforcement. He suggests that instead of requiring perfunctory interviews, the NFL should implement a quota system for the entire staff of a team. Dr. Johnson argues that while the head coach of a team is an important symbolically, the entire staff should reflect the true meaning of diversity. Moreover, he argues that black players, especially black quarterbacks, should do a better job of yielding their influence to address the issue of diversity.

Opponents of the Rooney Rule argue that every team should have the free will to interview and select a head coach regardless of color. Do you agree?  As of today there are five head coach openings (Washington Redskins, Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions and Tennessee Titans). While Lovie Smith recently nabbed the head coach position for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, will any of the remaining head coach openings go to a black candidate? It’s likely a coin toss.

Jaia Thomas is a bi-coastal sports and entertainment attorney. Her practice primarily focuses on transactional and intellectual property matters. For more information, visit: www.jathomaslaw.com or @jaiathomaslaw

Harris-Perry’s apology came amidst backlash she received on behalf of guests joking about Mitt Romney‘s adopted Black grandson Kieran. She later apologized for the comments on-air and online.

Coulter, while on “The Sean Hannity Show,” said, “It’s particularly good having Harris-Perry of all people making fun of a Black child in the Romney family as a token.” She went on, “What does she think she is at MSNBC?”

The shocking statement came as a surprise to Hannity, who disagreed and added that there are “plenty” of Black anchors on MSNBC including Al Sharpton.

Those continuing in the backlash and smear campaign against Harris-Perry have seemingly ignored the fact that her apology was accepted by Romney over the weekend. This appears to be another attempt by right-wing supporters attacking left-wingers and using an isolated incident to vilify Harris-Perry and to muddy the waters about real issues concerning the nation today.

Joe Rickey Hundley, who slapped a crying 19-month-old baby after telling the baby’s mother to “Shut that n—-r baby up,” pleaded guilty in October and was sentenced on Monday, Jan. 6, 2014.

As the Delta flight left the runway in February of 2013, Hundley, seated beside Jessica Bennett, the mother of the baby, caused a scratch beneath the boy’s eye upon assaulting him.

Amazingly, Hundley’s lawyer objected when he heard the eight-month sentence, as he felt his client, despite a prior minor assault on his record, had received an unnecessarily long punishment. The judge said he sentenced Hundley to a higher sentence in part because of his criminal history, according to AP. Prosecutors had recommended only six months in prison, but Hundley will serve eight months in a federal prison.

[Image: Q13FOX.com]

Florida State Attorney Angela Corey wants Marissa Alexander back in jail.

After spending 21 months in jail for firing a warning shot in the direction of her estranged abusive husband, Alexander, 33, is back in hot water for a violation of her bond, according to prosecutors. Alexander‘s attorneys insist that she did nothing to go against regulations. Corey, who some say botched the prosecution of George Zimmerman, filed a motion to revoke Alexander’s bond for such infractions as shopping for clothes, driving family members to the hair salon and airport, visiting the bank, and obtaining a new driver’s license. According to court documents filed by Assistant State Attorney Richard Mantei, Alexander “continues to demonstrate her utter disregard for conforming her behavior to the rules of others (including other defendants granted bond by the courts) must abide by.”

Circuit Judge James Daniel has set a hearing for Friday to consider whether Alexander’s bond will be revoked. A new trial for Alexander’s case, in which it must be proven beyond reasonable doubt that Alexander was battered by her husband, Rico Gray, after he accused her of infidelity, has been scheduled for March 31.

Although the Florida legal system has not favored Alexander since her bond was revoked in February 2011 for visiting Gray against judge’s orders, Florida New Majority has her back. The statewide voter participation organization works to empower women, African-Americans among other minority groups. Angie Nixon, north team lead organizer for the organization, issued a statement saying that Corey’s vendetta against Alexander is “sending the wrong message to victims of domestic violence.” Aside from the pending revocation of Alexander’s bond, she is charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Dennis Rodman sang “Happy Birthday” to North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, in his latest move for “diplomacy.”

The former Chicago Bulls star serenaded the dictator before participating in a game of “basketball diplomacy.” Rodman then lead a team of former NBA players against the North Korean team before 14,000 attendees in the capital Pyongyang stadium. After the second half, he joined Kim in a special seating area with Kim’s wife and senior officials to finish watching the game.

Rodman has been vocal about his intentions to bring together the West and his “good friend.” Kim Jong Un’s regime has starved millions of North Korea’s people, jailed thousands, and openly threatened countries with use of nuclear weapons. Just recently, it was revealed that Kim Jong Un had his uncle murdered and virtually stricken from the history books.

The family of imprisoned American Kenneth Bae are outraged at Rodman’s comments. Bae has been held in a North Korean jail for over a year. He worked as a tour operator before his arrest.

“There is no diplomacy, only games, and at my brother’s expense,” said Bae’s sister, Terri Chung, in response to Rodman’s assertions that Bae may have deserved to be jailed.

Laura Ling, an American journalist who was held prisoner by North Korea in 2009, suggests that Rodman’s use of basketball could show North Korean’s “a positive side” of American culture. Yet, she’s not optimistic that Rodman will be the sole link to bring together the West and North Korea.

“…I don’t think that anyone expects him to be this ambassador or to produce this diplomatic breakthrough. At least we shouldn’t — that would be pretty scary if Dennis Rodman was our envoy,” Ling said on “Anderson Cooper 360.”

The NBA has distanced itself from Rodman’s plans of “basketball diplomacy,” instead counting it as Rodman’s usual displays of off-color behavior.