She walks with fire in every step,
A smoldering ember you can’t forget.
A cascade of hair, dark as night,
Tangled in shadows, chasing light.
Her latex clings like a lover’s touch,
Gleaming curves that promise much.
The shine, the sleek, the way it grips,
Hints of danger on her lips.
The room becomes her, a stage, a game—
She moves like smoke, untamed, unclaimed.
A whisper of power, a hint of tease,
She commands the space, brings you to your knees.
Her beauty, wild, it isn’t soft,
Her presence commands, held aloft.
Eyes like fire, deep, untamed,
In her gaze, you’ll be unnamed.
Her laughter—low, a wicked thrill,
Echoes in the air, bending will.
With each step, with each glance,
You’ll feel the pull, a wicked dance.
You wonder if she sees through you,
Knows the beast she can undo.
A primal call beneath the skin,
She stirs the fire, invites you in.
In latex tight and shadows deep,
She stirs the beast you cannot keep.
The hunger grows, it claws, it rages,
As she steps through, a queen of cages.
But know this truth, you are not free—
For you’ve unleashed the beast in me.
Sexual Freedoms. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2024.
The Future of Sexual Freedoms Under the Roberts Supreme Court
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Post-Dobbs and Roe v. Wade
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A Shift in Legal Precedent
The decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which had guaranteed a woman’s constitutional right to an abortion for nearly five decades, marks a significant shift in the Court’s approach to sexual freedoms. By returning the power to regulate abortion to the states, the Court has opened the door to a patchwork of laws that vary widely across the country. Some states have swiftly moved to ban or severely restrict abortion, while others have enacted protections, creating a deeply divided nation. This fragmentation not only affects reproductive rights but also signals a broader trend toward states having greater autonomy over sexual freedoms.
Potential Impacts Beyond Abortion Rights
The Dobbs decision has also raised concerns about the potential rollback of other rights related to sexual freedom. Justice Clarence Thomas, in his concurring opinion, suggested that the Court should reconsider precedents related to contraception and same-sex marriage. Although Chief Justice John Roberts has not explicitly supported such a move, the mere suggestion has caused anxiety among those who fear the erosion of established rights. This signals that other aspects of sexual freedom, previously thought to be secure, could be vulnerable to future challenges.
The Role of the Roberts Court
Under Chief Justice John Roberts, the Court has demonstrated a cautious but deliberate approach to shifting the legal landscape on social issues. While Roberts himself is often seen as a moderate, his leadership has facilitated a more conservative tilt, especially with the recent additions to the Court. This shift suggests that the Court may continue to uphold or even expand state powers in regulating sexual freedoms, potentially revisiting and reinterpreting precedents that impact contraception, LGBTQ+ rights, and privacy issues.
A Future of Uncertainty
As the Court continues to shape the legal framework of sexual freedoms in the post-Dobbs era, Americans are left facing an uncertain future. The direction the Roberts Court takes in upcoming cases will likely determine whether sexual freedoms are further restricted or if a balance can be struck between state regulation and individual rights. What remains clear is that the era of certainty provided by Roe v. Wade has ended, and a new chapter of legal battles and state-by-state variability has begun.
Slater. From the Vixens Series. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2024
Vixen: Redefining the Empowered Woman
The term “vixen” has evolved significantly over time, shifting from a derogatory label to one of empowerment and complexity when applied to women. Historically, “vixen” originated from the Middle English word for a female fox, connoting slyness and cunning. Over the years, this term morphed to depict a woman who is perceived as flirtatious or deceitfully alluring. However, in contemporary culture, “vixen” has taken on a multifaceted significance, encapsulating both strength and sensuality.
In today’s lexicon, a vixen is often seen as a woman who exudes confidence, assertiveness, and independence. She is unapologetically herself, embracing her sexuality and using it as a form of personal empowerment rather than allowing it to be used against her. This modern interpretation aligns with feminist ideals, where the vixen embodies a break from traditional gender roles and stereotypes. She is not confined by societal expectations but rather defines her own identity, pursuing her desires and ambitions with tenacity.
The transformation of “vixen” from a negative to a positive descriptor parallels the broader movement of reclaiming language that has historically been used to oppress women. Much like terms such as “bitch” or “nasty woman,” which have been reappropriated to signify strength and resilience, “vixen” now celebrates a woman’s right to be fierce and formidable. It underscores the idea that embracing one’s sexuality and assertiveness is not only acceptable but also powerful.
Cultural representations of vixens further illustrate this evolution. In media and literature, vixens are often portrayed as complex characters who challenge the status quo. They are not simply seductresses or villains; they are multidimensional figures who navigate the world with a keen sense of agency and autonomy. These portrayals encourage women to see themselves in roles that are bold, dynamic, and self-assured.
Moreover, the vixen archetype challenges the conventional dichotomy of women being either pure and innocent or wicked and corrupt. Instead, it acknowledges that women can embody a spectrum of traits—being both nurturing and assertive, compassionate and ambitious. This nuanced understanding fosters a more inclusive and realistic portrayal of women, one that celebrates their diversity and complexity.
In summary, the term “vixen” as it applies to women today signifies much more than its historical connotations. It represents a woman who is empowered, confident, and unapologetically herself. By embracing the qualities traditionally associated with a vixen—such as boldness, independence, and sensuality—women are redefining what it means to be strong and self-assured in modern society. This redefinition not only challenges outdated stereotypes but also paves the way for a richer and more varied understanding of women’s identities and roles.
Simone With TV on at Hotel Village, Hamburg Germany. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2024
Text by Bob Shell, Copyright 2024
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A Vast Wasteland
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I grew up in television. My father, Jim Shell, was the news anchor for WSLS TV Channel 10, the NBC affiliate in Roanoke, Virginia, and I used to hang around the TV station as an obnoxious kid.. So it was natural for me to go to work in television after college. In 1971 I worked for WRFT TV Channel 27, in Roanoke, the ABC affiliate. My boss there was Adrian Cronauer, the man Robin Williams portrayed in the film ‘Good Morning Vietnam.’ It was a very small TV station, so everyone did everything. I did newscasts, weather reports, hosted late night horror movies, produced, directed, ran the soundboard, was staff artist and photographer, etc. It was a great learning experience.
Back in those days the man who headed the Federal Communications Commission, the FCC, was a fellow with the amazing name of Newton Minnow. I always thought he must have been teased in school for being called Newt Minnow, named for two little aquatic critters.
Anyway, after assuming chairmanship of the FCC, Mr. Minnow watched a lot of TV and famously called TV ‘a vast wasteland.’ In those pre-cable days, the FCC had near absolute control over TV. For example, there was an FCC rule against portraying superstition as factual. This resulted in the cancellation of ‘The Sixth Sense,’ a program I liked, because it portrayed psychic phenomena as true. It always bugged me that this rule wasn’t enforced against TV preachers. The worst I ever saw was Billy James Hargass who performed miracle healings on his program. Don Imus did a wonderful parody with his Billy Sol Hargass character.
When I watch TV today on cable, I ask myself ‘Where is Newt Minnow now that we need him?” TV today has sunk to depths he could never have imagined. But the FCC, by law, has jurisdiction only over broadcast TV and radio, it lacks any authority to regulate cable TV or cable radio. The results are obvious.
One thing the FCC did was regulate the amount of time commercials could take up in programs. When I worked in TV, we never ran more than two commercials in a single commercial break, only two breaks per half hour, and both commercials were thirty seconds in length. Today there are so many commercials in a break that I lose count! This, in my opinion, dilutes the value of them all. And it disrupts the continuity of the program. This is why old TV programs must be reedited to make room for all of the additional commercials, often disrupting the story.
When TV was broadcast-only we watched TV for free. The programming was paid for by the advertisers. Why today do we pay for cable TV and still suffer through commercials? It’s like double-taxation!
I’m an admitted news junkie. I watch NewsNation a lot to stay informed. But I’ve become burned out on repetition of the same commercials ad nauseam.
For example, if I see Jonathan Lawson hyping Colonial Penn life insurance again I may start pulling out my hair. I’ve noted that he says your rates will never increase, but he does not say that your coverage will never decrease!
Or the jewelry company called Pandora. Anyone who knows a bit of Greek mythology knows that Pandora was the first human woman. In Greek, Pandora means ‘All Gifts.’ After Zeus created her, he gave her a beautiful box, but strictly ordered her not to open it. Pandora could not restrain her curiosity and opened the box, releasing all evils upon mankind. Name your company after the person who unleashed all evil? What were they thinking?
I could go on about the stupidity of commercials, but I’ll spare my readers that vitriol. My point is that there are too many commercials, and too many of them are just plain stupid. Advertisers must believe the famous quote variously attributed to P. T. Barnum and F. W. Woolworth; ‘No one ever went bankrupt by underestimating the good taste of the American public.’
Model: Kasheem Peterson. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2024
The Benefits and Dangers of Using Viagra
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Viagra, a little blue pill introduced by Pfizer in 1998, revolutionized the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). For many men, Viagra has provided a renewed sense of confidence and intimacy in their relationships. However, while its benefits are widely celebrated, the potential dangers and side effects warrant careful consideration. Understanding both the positive and negative aspects of Viagra use is essential for anyone considering it as a solution for sexual enjoyment or health issues.
The primary benefit of Viagra is its effectiveness in treating erectile disfunction, a condition affecting millions of men worldwide. ED can result from various factors, including age, stress, health conditions, or psychological issues. Viagra works by increasing blood flow to the penis, facilitating an erection in response to sexual stimulation. This physiological assistance can significantly improve sexual performance and satisfaction.
For many men, Viagra has transformed their sexual health and relationships. It not only restores the ability to engage in sexual activity but also enhances overall confidence and emotional well-being. Couples often report improved intimacy and communication, contributing to healthier relationships.
Moreover, Viagra has been studied for potential benefits beyond ED. Research suggests it may help with other conditions like pulmonary arterial hypertension and Raynaud’s phenomenon, showcasing its versatility in medical applications.
Despite its benefits, Viagra is not without risks. The most common side effects include headaches, flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion, and dizziness. While these symptoms are generally mild, they can be bothersome and impact the user’s experience.
More serious, though rare, side effects include sudden hearing loss, vision problems, and priapism, a prolonged and painful erection that requires immediate medical attention. These potential risks necessitate caution and proper medical guidance when using Viagra.
Viagra can also interact with other medications, particularly nitrates used for heart conditions, leading to dangerous drops in blood pressure. Individuals with certain medical histories, such as cardiovascular diseases or severe liver impairment, should avoid Viagra due to heightened risk factors.
Additionally, the psychological dependence on Viagra can pose a concern. Some men may become reliant on the medication, feeling unable to perform sexually without it, which can lead to anxiety and diminished self-esteem.
Viagra’s introduction marked a significant advancement in the treatment of ED, offering substantial benefits for those struggling with this condition. However, its use must be approached with caution, considering the potential side effects and interactions with other medications. Consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial to ensure safe and effective use. Understanding both the benefits and dangers of Viagra allows individuals to make informed decisions, prioritizing their health and well-being while enhancing their sexual enjoyment and health.
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Model: Kasheem Peterson. Photo: tony Ward, Copyright 2024