• American Idol: all drama but no music?

• Check out 17 WTF Valentine’s Day themed sex toys!

• Glee star Mark Salling once a bird-loving hippie

• Ryan Reynolds vs Ryan Gosling: who’s hotter?

• Giuseppe Maggio photographed by Bruce Weber- HOT!

See the Red Dress Collection 2012 fashion show!

Orgasmless sex isn’t just a female thing!

A new kind of Valentine’s Day

Think you know it all when it comes to sexy time?

Casual sex is…well, rarely casual. More times than not it ends with frustration, regret and overuse of the word ‘asshole.’ And let’s be honest, the pissed-at-the-world scale generally tips towards the ladies. How is it that men appear more successful at ‘handling’ their casual relationships?

While some may argue that men have an easier time separating sex and emotion, I don’t believe that is the defining attribute. I think men are just better at picking their casual partners. When a guy says, “Oh, I would never be serious with this girl,” it’s because he means it. He doesn’t get emotional or attached because he chooses a girl he would never get attached to. Is casual sex possible for women? Absolutely. But if we want to enter the same playing field, we have to play by the same rules. Ladies, I give you the 10 Commandments of Casual Sex.

Let me be clear, this is not the 10 Commandments of Dating, and it is definitely not the 10 Commandments of Making Your Hook Up Buddy Your Boyfriend. If you allow yourself to enter a ‘casual relationship’ with the underlying motive to make it something more, 9 times out of 10 you will be disappointed with the outcome.

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Proposition 8 was overturned, and now we have to see that lesbian comedienne Ellen Degeneres as the new face of JCPenney? Where on EARTH will I shop now? Ladies, we’ve got to do something about this. Let’s protest that crazy talk show host so that her homosexuality doesn’t taint all our kids’ back-to-school clothes and our Christmas shopping.

Okay, so maybe I’m exaggerating the thought process of a member of One Million Moms, a conservative group that’s got their high-leg briefs in a twisted bunch because out and proud Ellen Degeneres is the new JCPenney spokesperson. The group issued a statement following the company’s announcement:

“Funny that JC Penney thinks hiring an open homosexual spokesperson will help their business when most of their customers are traditional families. More sales will be lost than gained unless they replace their spokesperson quickly. Unless JC Penney decides to be neutral in the culture war then their brand transformation will be unsuccessful…By jumping on the pro-gay bandwagon, JCPenney is attempting to gain a new target market and in the process will lose customers with traditional values that have been faithful to them over all these years.”

Fox News contributor Sandy Rios, who supports the One Million Moms perspective, summed up this week’s Hot Button Issue while on The O’Reilly Factor: ”The problem is that Ellen DeGeneres has chosen to act out her lesbian lifestyle and marry her partner, it’s what that represents,” she said. “And the fact that JCPenney is supposed to be middle America, the place where families shop…and people who believe that marriage is between a man and woman and children should not be exposed and propagandized in homosexuality have a moral problem with that.”

Well I’m sorry, Sandy, and the members of One Million Moms, but America—the land of opportunity, the land of the free and the home of the brave—is changing. And for the better. Thank goodness it’s been allowed to change, or else women would never be able to proudly make a buck in any workplace and we’d still stupidly have slaves everywhere who each only count as three-fifths of a person. Though the country has managed to acknowledge the basic human right of being considered an entire person to these minority groups, why can’t such a given be also applied to those who aren’t perfectly heterosexual? Those who choose to be both free AND brave?

If you’re protesting Ellen’s employment with JCPenney, you’re asking that the company discriminates based on her sexual orientation. Hm, discrimination definitely sounds like one of “the negative influences our children are forced to contend with”—you know, the part of society’s “filth” that you should be working to fight, rather than avoiding the hilarious and kindhearted Ellen Degeneres and every product she’s ever endorsed. I’m guessing you’re missing out on the greatness that is CoverGirl LashBlast Mascara and the daily dose of awesome on The Ellen Degeneres Show. Oh man, your kids must have never even seen the movie Finding Nemo! Do you tell them that they can’t go on the Submarine Voyage ride at Disneyland because that funny blue fish is the voice of an evil lesbian?!

Oh, and by pushing Ellen down and calling her names, you’re being a bully. That’s right, One Million Moms, all 40,000 of you are guilty of anti-gay bullying.

Thankfully, the group’s protests and cries were no matter for the department store, as the company stood behind their decision. And yesterday, the free and brave Ellen Degeneres addressed her haters and, therefore, her motivators, on her talk show. ”I’m proud and happy to say that JCPenney stuck by their decision to make me their spokesperson. Which is great news for me because I also need some new crew socks.”

On a more serious notes, she continued, “I really want to thank everyone who is supporting me…Here are the values I stand for. I stand for honesty, equality, kindness, compassion, treating people the way you’d want to be treated and helping those in need. To me, those are traditional values. That’s what I stand for.“

To be honest, I’m surprised that One Million Moms even had the time to jumpstart a JCPenney protest. The group has also requested action against Macy’s, ABC’s Modern Family and Mattel. Don’t shop at Target for promoting the destructive program that is Degrassi, don’t watch Dancing With The Stars because the show “aired a definition of ‘transgender’” and don’t support Ben & Jerry’s because of their “tasteless” ice cream flavor names. Thank goodness—that means there’s more Schweddy Balls for me!

Watch Ellen’s full speech now. It’s hilarious, it’s heartwarming, it’s all things Ellen Degeneres.

Should JCPenney be concerned about losing conservative customers? Or will they gain more respect for taking a stand?

Ashley is a UC San Diego grad who is holding on way too tightly to a potential career in magazines and goes to Vegas all too often. She’s fascinated with celebrities and strawberry beer and doubles as a pathological texter/emailer/blogger. Feed the addiction with tweets @cashleelee. Thanks in advance.

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Guess this is not the year of Octomom

Is Justin Timberlake the perfect Elton John?

A defense for dating around

Love resolutions you can actually keep

How to glam up your walk of shame

Hindus take the Katy Perry/Russell Brand breakup badly

Some people just get nasty plastic surgery

Crazy tattoos of celebs

image via Ekaterina Pokrovsky/Shutterstock

It’s usually about mid-August, after a summer of humid hair messes and chaffing, I am begging Mother Nature to let winter come. I want to be able to not start dripping the second I step outdoors, I’m bored of all my summer clothes and overall just over the season in general.

When winter finally arrives, I’m happy as a clam. I’m looking forward to a solid three months of bundling up, celebrating holidays and the crisp winter air that comes with the drop in temperature.

But when we actually find ourselves knee deep in freezing temperatures (aka now), I find myself less than enthused at certain things that the season brings with it.

Don’t get me wrong – winter is still one of my favorite seasons and I’m enjoying everything it has to offer, but I always seem to forget the little annoyances that come along with the great stuff. While I love it more than anything, there are some things I’d be crazy to not be hatin’ right about now.

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[This post was originally by Brianna - Fordham University]

I had an unhealthy addiction to Oregon Trail in elementary school. The second that screen popped on up my window, my morals went out the window.

Hell yeah, I’ll be a banker. There’s nothing more important in the world than money.

Shoot extra bison even thought I very well know I can’t carry it all back to the wagon. No duh.

Leave my grandmother to die because she’s slowing us down with her damn cholera. I never looked back.

And then I grew up. Or maybe not grew up as much as learned how to play the Sims. If you think controlling someone’s life changing journey across America puts you on a power trip, spend ten minutes playing the Sims. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t still have a soft spot for Oregon Trail. That’s why I clicked on this article as soon as I saw the title and decided to share it with you.

So with no further ado: How the Oregon Trail Relates to Dating

Jenni may or may not have downloaded the Oregon Trail app to her phone and was crushed to see you had to pay to play the full game. You can follow her on Twitter here @MayorJenni.

Question?! Answer: Ask Tuffy Luv.

Dear Tuffy Luv,

-First Year in love with the guy in the white pants and bow tie.

Dear FYILWTGITWPABT,

So what’s the problem?!

Go for it, kiddo! If you like him, and, I mean, you sound like you like him, why not take the chance?

Now I know what you’re thinking, Reados. “That Tuffy Luv. She’s gone soft.” WHADYOU SAY ABOUT ME?! No, for real-real, though, Aunt Tuffy is just being realistic.

Here’s the truth: When you’re in college, anyone in the basic college years is fair game.

In other words, there’s not as big a difference between 18 and 21 as there is between 17 and 20.

It’s all relative, baby. So if this guy won’t get out of your head, ask him out. What’s the harm? I bet he says yes.

And as for it not being the right time–why not?

As long as you keep school work  your first priority (do it, kids; be cool and shoop), what’s the harm in dating? College is a time to find yourself. Figuring out what you want in a partner (and, hey, you never know, even FINDING a partner!) is an important life skill. School first, but socializing second, yes?

Let us know how it goes!! Kid sounds ka-yuuuute!!

Hearts & Skulls,

Tuffy Luv

Question?! Answer: Ask Tuffy Luv.

I am in the most amazing, secure and satisfying relationship I have ever been in but there is just one so-called “problem”; after nearly a year and a half, neither of us have said, “I love you.”

Now I know what this probably sounds like to some, or possibly even most, of you. (Believe me, I see it in the facial expressions of concerned friends and hear it in the tone of their strongly worded reactions.) There is obviously a clear issue here, right? Well, actually, I’m not so sure.

Now, to be honest, I would be lying if I didn’t admit that part of me (the part that sometimes, uncontrollably slips into this cliché, fairytale, chick flick inspired way of thinking that all love stories have basically 1 of 3 plots) at times wishes one of us would just find the courage to come out and say it already. I mean, it’s been long enough! And the pressure from friends and family who act like this is the biggest thing in the world to be concerned about, only adds fuel to this flame.

However, my usual, more sane, more rational and level-headed reaction to all of this is, “Who really cares?” Is actually saying that phrase really as significant or necessary as everyone our age makes it out to be? I mean, isn’t it true that actions should speak louder than words?

We are currently in a world where nearly every word in the “relationship dictionary” is rapidly being redefined. Take the word, meaning and supposed “sacredness” of marriage, for instance. It’s being entirely altered by things like the exceptionally high divorce rate (and the never ending publicity about celebrity divorces and adultery in the press). Or what about the many different names have we come up with in the last decade to define the new, modern, complicated relationships that keep arising: open relationship, no strings attached, friends with benefits, just hooking up… the list continues. Who even knows what the proper meaning and context of monogamy and love is these days.

It seems silly that no one would take a step back from all this to take the time to redefine the word love in its modern sense. I mean, I don’t think it’s necessarily unreasonable to think that with everything that’s going on in today’s world it’s practically inevitable that the word and definition of love is taking on a very different meaning as well. But it doesn’t seem people view it that way. It is still constantly being used, seen and heard by everyone, everywhere: in the songs on the radio, on television, in movies, and in real life, of course. I find it troubling when everyone throws the “L-word” out there so quickly and carelessly in their relationships; it makes it hard to take the word seriously anymore.

I think young people need to wake up and realize we’re not in high school anymore. Love should no longer mean the same trivial thing as it did then, a time when I too used the word so frequently and freely in all my silly little relationships. I’m no longer calling my boyfriend at all hours of the night, trying to convince him to sneak out to be with me or sending him passive aggressive texts about his rude and standoffish behavior. Instead, there is respect, trust, mutual understanding. It is obvious that we care a great deal about each other. I’m not sure I’m ready, or that it is necessary, to use the word love so loosely as I have in the past. I don’t need it in order to feel closer to him or to try and make our relationship stronger or more serious. I am completely satisfied with where we are in all those areas. So, if it is as monumental of a word as everyone makes out to be, then I don’t think it’s wrong to assume that choosing to wait a long time in order to exchange these precious words with your significant other—choosing to not make that substantial of a promise and commitment so quickly and easily—may not be such a bad thing. Perhaps it could even be considered advisable to some.

So help try and clarify something for me here; I must be missing something. Does using and exchanging this phrase help to somehow legitimize the relationship to both the participating members and its observers? And if so, why? Should that really be the case?

In college, it’s pretty easy to find a guy. They’re always just there. Sitting next to you in class. Playing catch (shirtless) on the grass. Staring at you from across the bar. (Hopefully) buying you drinks. So as college girls, we have lots of options, but knowing that we have those options and knowing how to act on them are two very different things.

When it really comes down to it a lot of women, myself included, really don’t know how to go about catching the eye of that guy who has caught their interest. And after doing some research (for this post, not for my own use…I swear) I’m really not all that surprised. Because the advice that’s out there for women, it’s really, really frightening. But lucky for us, it’s also entertaining. And lucky for you, I’ve pulled some of the more ridiculous tidbits to share with you ladies.

Okay, here goes. This is what shows up when one googles “how to seduce a guy”:

From Wikihow

“Wear a light attractive scent. This means layering scents. Bathe in scented bath oils first. Then apply a light powder in the same scent. Finally spray the same scented perfume in front of you and walk into the mist. Do this about 45 minutes before you see him. ”  

45 minutes on bathing oils and perfume? Are these people serious? I’m a college student. I barely have 45 minutes to sleep!

“Make him feel like you really want him, but are “holding back” for one reason or another. WARNING: Some guys don’t like playing games so if you play hard to get a little too well it may work against you.. “

So play hard to get. But if you play hard to get then he might be hard to get. Right. That clears it up.

“Ask him to teach you about one of his interests. Ask him to do something for you that’s easier for him to do that for you to do. Show him that you value his knowledge, talents, and willingness to help.”

Stroke the precious male ego, got it. Thanks

From Glamour

“Ask him to shop for a fantasy item he wants you to wear, then, to really knock his socks off, surprise him by having it on when he least expects it. Pull up your skirt a few inches to reveal a garter and stockings while you’re sitting together at a restaurant.”

Dress up like a French maid and then wear the costume to dinner. Yes. That’s totally appropriate.

“Remember that gorgeous woman he stared at on the street or the actress in that movie he couldn’t stop talking about? …Use her as inspiration for a makeover and show up to your guy’s house like you’re that same intriguing, tempting stranger. Act confident and playful and, most important, dress in a way that you normally don’t. Swap your skinny jeans for something that shows a little leg, wear some new makeup shades, take down your ponytail” 

So don’t be you, be that hot, airbrushed, Angelina Jolie wannabe your guy couldn’t stop staring at the entire time you were watching that movie last night. Make yourself up in uncomfortable clothes and shoes that hurt you feet and pretend to be someone you’re not. That will give you confidence!

From E-How

“Be ALL woman… except for a few masculine traits. To seduce a man, dress like a woman. Act like a woman. Walk like a woman (yeah girl, strut your stuff!). Learn how to dance… seductive dance especially. Have a soothing, soft, throaty tone to your voice. Not really high-pitched (girly) voice, but a suggestive, feminine one. Then, when you’re all woman-like, play up your masculine trait(s).”

I’m sorry but what does that even mean. And how exactly does one define masculine traits. I can’t figure that one out. I’m still trying to find my throaty, suggestive feminine but not really girly voice.

Have fun all the time and enjoy your life! Men want to be taken away from their problems. Do not BE the problem. Be so thrilled with life that you radiate excitement and energy. 

You hear that, girls? Don’t be the problem. Be happy. Be thrilled with life. Be smiley and fun and radiate excitement and energy as if the sun shines out of you…

Okay that’s enough of their terrible advice. I think it’s time for some better advice, don’t you? That’s where you girls come in. Tell us, how do you catch a guy’s attention, get him to notice you? Leave us a comment and let us know. (Just as long as your advice doesn’t involve bathing in perfume or radiating excitement…)

Okay, kiddos. Today we have a very special issue of Ask Tuffy Luv. Today we’re gonna–gasp–learn from our mothers. (Even though, yes, they annoy us sometimes. OK, a lot.)

I know that seems odd. But, readerinos, Aunt Tuffy gets ever so many letters from all of y’all about things I KNOW your momma taught you. So, in one fell swoop, Tuffy gonna answer the basic kinds questions she gets week after week, just by telling you what your mother already knows.

(1) Be Faithful.

Momma sez: You’re probably going to want to have a serious partner someday. Don’t blow it now by blowing through tons of guys (or girls) and burning bridges. You’re gonna form bad habits and you’re gonna get a bad reputation. So don’t cheat. It’s nature’s bad karma, donchaknow?

(2) Use Protection.

Giiiiiirl, don’t be bringing no grandbaby round! Okay, fine, bring the grandbaby. Momma will looooove that grandbaby. But, precious, I just want you to be the best you that you can be. You need time to grow and to be in a good place and in a good relationship. Besides, you don’t want any of those nasty STDs, right?! Momma knows you don’t.

(3) Long Distance is Hard. But So Is Any Relationship.

Sweetheart. You’ve got to follow that sweet heart of yours. Long distance relationships are very difficult, so if you have your doubts, don’t waste your time and energy. But if you think in your heart of hearts that he (or she) really might be The One, you’ve got to give it a shot. Trust yourself. And if it doesn’t work out, don’t punish yourself–learn from your mistakes and live your life the best you can.

(4) Do Unto Others.

Be a good friend. If your girlfriend is interested in someone, don’t hook up with him (/her). Don’t flirt. Don’t do anything that’s going to hurt your friend. And if a friend hurts you? I’ll kill ‘er. No, but really. Don’t hurt your friends, and don’t hurt anyone. If someone hurts you, tell them and then move on.

(5) Get Your Priorities Straight.

Do well in school. Work hard. Choose how you want to live your life, and live it that way to the fullest. You’ve got to pursue your goals, because, honey, your goals ain’t never gonna pursue you. Sit down, figure out what’s important to you, and do it the very best you can. And I just know you’ll do it.

Happy (belated) Mother’s Day, Moms! We love you so much.

Besides, we wouldn’t be here without you.

Hearts & Skulls,
Tuffy Luv

Get more Tough Love right here. You know, if you’re into that sort of thing.