Glory holes could be the key to having safe sex during the coronavirus pandemic ... at least according to Canada's top health experts.
The sexual suggestion comes down from the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, and while it's not quite the same as a recommendation from our beloved Dr. Anthony Fauci, it still holds water.
The Canadian CDC breaks it down like this ... if you're gonna have sex during the pandemic, it's a helluva lot safer to "use barriers, like walls (e.g., glory holes), that allow for sexual contact but prevent close face-to-face contact."
New York City actually recommended walls back in June, but did not outright call them glory holes … sorry, NYC, Canada is holier than thou!
Folks on social media are having a field day tweeting creative ways to use walls and barriers, even suggesting things like "Plexiglas shields like in grocery stores except for glory holes," holes in sheets, mail slots, doggy doors and donuts.
If glory holes sound a little too raunchy for you, don't worry ... doggy style seems to be kosher too. The BC CDC also recommends choosing sexual positions that limit face-to-face contact.
We're sure you can think of a few options that fit the bill.
12:11 PM PT -- Alex is clarifying the quote from his book about stopping cancer treatment if it does not continue to work. He says it was written before his current regimen, when he was "going through some bad times," and if his treatment stops being successful now ... he would return to his previous chemo treatment -- not stop all treatment.
He adds ... "I apologize for any confusion, and want everyone to know that I am optimistic about my current plan, and thank them for their concerns."
Alex Trebek -- the beloved host of "Jeopardy!" for 36 years and counting -- has reached a new major milestone ... celebrating his 80th birthday.
Alex has turned 80 on the heels of the release of his new memoir, "The Answer Is...: Reflections On My Life," and during a constant battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer after being diagnosed last year.
Through it all ... Trebek has been legendary, continuing to host the game show while receiving treatment and providing inspiration to millions of others battling cancer.
Alex opened up this week, saying he is undergoing experimental cancer treatment and this will be his last ... he's already undergone other treatments that have been difficult, and he says he's discussed it with his family and it all came down to a quality of life decision.
And, even after 36 years and 8,132 episodes, Alex says he plans to continue his "Jeopardy!" gig as long as he's around. When he eventually must be replaced, he recently joked with 'GMA' that the perfect person for the job is ... his longtime friend, Betty White.
All kidding aside, Trebek revealed back in 2018 who he really has in mind to replace him -- a fellow Alex ... L.A. Kings play-by-play announcer, Alex Faust, and CNN contributor and attorney Laura Coates. BTW ... don't discount Anderson Cooper.
Kim Kardashian's jumping to the defense of her husband, Kanye West, publicly acknowledging he's in the middle of a serious mental health issue ... which has everyone close to him concerned.
Kim says, "As many of you know, Kanye has bipolar disorder. Anyone who has this or has a loved one in their life who does, knows how incredibly complicated and painful it is to understand. I’ve never spoken publicly about how this has affected us at home because I am very protective of our children and Kanye’s right to privacy when it comes to his health. But today, I feel like I should comment on it because of the stigma and misconceptions about mental health."
Kim continued in a social media post, "Those that understand mental illness or even compulsive behavior know that the family is powerless unless the member is a minor. People who are unaware or far removed from this experience can be judgmental and not understand that the individual themselves have to engage in the process of getting help no matter how hard family and friends try."
Seemingly referring directly to her husband's disturbing South Carolina rally over the weekend, Kim said ... "I understand Kanye is subject to criticism because he is a public figure and his actions at times can cause strong opinions and emotions. He is a brilliant but complicated person who on top of the pressures of being an artist and a black man, who experienced the painful loss of his mother, and has to deal with the pressure and isolation that is heightened by his bipolar disorder. Those who are close with Kanye know his heart and understand his words some times do not align with his intentions."
Despite being at the center of a massive COVID-19 exposure, tennis superstar Novak Djokovic is still refusing to wear a mask!
The 33-year-old Serbian was spotted out Wednesday in Marbella, Spain -- a super popular vacation spot -- hanging out with a bunch of people.
No one in Novak's group appeared to be wearing a face-covering or seemed to make an effort to social distance.
Of course, Spain was hit particularly hard by the coronavirus -- with over 28,000 reported deaths -- but the popular beach areas finally began opening up earlier this month.
In fact, there are 3,000 "beach wardens" patrolling the sand to enforce safety protocols -- including mask-wearing.
There are stiff penalties for non-compliance -- including a $110 fine if caught maskless.
Obviously, Novak can afford a measly fine -- you'd think he'd want to avoid the public shaming (AGAIN) after throwing that COVID-infested tennis tournament last month.
As we previously reported, Novak blew off social distancing advice and hosted a tennis tournament in Croatia -- and shocker -- a bunch of people tested positive!
Both Novak and his wife contracted the virus -- and while they eventually recovered, you'd think they'd start taking safety measures more seriously.
Tamar Braxton's family is puzzled by her boyfriend's actions the night of her apparent suicide attempt ... and they're alarmed by his influence over her emotions.
Sources connected to the Braxton family tell TMZ ... Tamar's boyfriend, David Adefeso, had seen the pilot episode and promo late last week for her new reality show, 'Get Ya Life!' ... and he was very unhappy.
We're told David got angry about the show's content, and how he was portrayed in it -- and his reaction, in turn, made Tamar upset.
TMZ broke the story ... when David called 911, he took time to explain Tamar had issues with WeTV that came to a head in the hours leading up to him finding her unresponsive in their Ritz Carlton hotel room.
Our sources say Tamar's relatives find it strange David was discussing details of her alleged network beef while she was desperately in need of medical attention. We're told the family believes it's further proof David was the one who really had issues with the show's editorial choices.
Tamar's family has noticed a change since she started seeing David ... according to our sources, who say Tamar's mood swings tend to align with how David's feeling. They also say he's very involved in her business decisions.
As for David's portrayal in the pilot, someone who's seen the episode tells us David, at times, comes off as demanding and controlling.
In the episode, we're told Tamar decides to go on a spiritual healing journey, which includes no sex for 45 days, something that really upsets David.
It's hard to deny that tension is played up in the promo. During one scene, Tamar and David are arguing behind a locked door and Tamar yells, "David, stop!" before producers barge into the room.
The "Big Brother All-Stars" are one step closer to becoming house guests once again ... they're in quarantine and their reality TV fates hinge on COVID-19 testing.
Production sources for season 22 tell TMZ ... a number of potential contestants arrived Tuesday in Los Angeles, where they're being sequestered and tested for the novel coronavirus as they await clearance to enter the 'Big Brother' house.
We're told the quarantine and testing process will take 2 weeks, and contestants will need a negative test before being allowed inside the house.
Our sources say 'BB' has a core list of returning contestants and an alternate list, just in case All-Stars from the core cast are forced to drop out due to a positive coronavirus test.
Here's who we know is quarantining in Hollywood so far ... season 19 winner Josh Martinez, season 8 runner-up Daniele Donato, season 18 alum Paulie Calafiore, season 18 winner Nicole Franzel, season 20 runner-up Tyler Crispen, three-time contestant Janelle Pierzina, season 14 winner Ian Terry, season 12 winner Hayden Moss and season 20 alum Bayleigh Dayton.
It should be smooth sailing once contestants are in the house's bubble-like atmosphere ... but getting cleared to enter is the biggest hurdle.
5:39 PM PT -- The NFLPA has updated its website with a different -- and significantly lower -- number of positive cases ... 59.
UPDATE
The org. says the original number reflected the total number of cases (including team staffers) ... and the new number is the amount of players who have tested positive for COVID-19.
95 NFL players have tested positive for coronavirus since the league began administering tests over the past 4 months ... but that number is expected to grow by the hundreds with increased testing, NFL sources tell TMZ Sports.
The NFL Players Association revealed the 95 positive tests on its website Tuesday -- and an NFLPA official tells us it's a cumulative number from when the league began testing players and staff 4 months ago.
We're told the number does not reflect the number of players who CURRENTLY have COVID.
But, the league has ramped up testing recently and our sources say the league is bracing for big numbers since the testing pool will likely consist of more than 2,000 people.
As one source puts it... "With players and staff starting to report and get tested, there’s the expectation that the number of positive tests will be in the hundreds."
The NFLPA also noted all 32 teams have submitted their Infectious Disease Emergency Response plans -- and 8 have already been approved by the NFLPA.
24 plans are still under review.
Teams must have their IDER plans approved before they are allowed to let more than 20 players into a team facility.
Russell Wilson says there's a chance he won't be allowed in the hospital room when Ciara gives birth to the couple's child later this summer ... saying COVID-19 might force him to sit out.
"That's what we don't know," the NFL superstar told fill-in host Joel McHale on Jimmy Kimmel Live this week. "That's kind of the crazy part of it."
Ciara is due to give birth to her and Russ' second child together in just a few weeks ... but Wilson says he still hasn't been given the OK to be in the room with her for the birth.
Unclear where Ciara will deliver the baby ... but the two have property in Southern California -- where coronavirus cases have continued to surge over the past few weeks.
If Wilson ain't allowed in, he says that's kind of an issue for the two ... because he says when Ciara gave birth to their first child together in 2017 -- she used him well in the room to get through it.
"I think she needs me in the hospital room," Wilson told McHale. "Last time she grabbed my hand, she almost broke my hand!"
Wilson added he's "hopeful" to get the green light to be in the room with the "Level Up" singer ... but he seems to understand the pandemic might not make that possible.
There's more ... Wilson also says he's SUPER happy for Patrick Mahomes' new $500 million contract -- and he also said he's been practicing with a face-covering just in case the NFL makes that an on-field rule in 2020.
Donald Trump's patriotism is showing all over his face -- which was without a mask once again Monday night, despite his own claim he's all about masking up now.
Just hours after the President tweeted, "many people say that it is Patriotic to wear a face mask when you can’t socially distance. There is nobody more Patriotic than me, your favorite President!" ... Trump was out mingling at his D.C. hotel, and you can see what was missing.
Where's your patriotism, Mr. Prez?
The video's mind-boggling -- while several people are wearing masks as POTUS greets Congressional hopeful Madison Cawthorn and introduces him to Rudy Giuliani, many others are not ... including Cawthorn and the guy he's trying to replace in the House, Mark Meadows.
Among the other maskless are Sen. Lindsey Graham, who passes by and gets right up in Cawthorn's face to tell him something, and a blonde woman near the President who's haphazardly placing a mask on her face to cover up.
Despite his tweet suggesting otherwise, the Prez has been an advocate for anti-maskers because he's VERY rarely worn one.
Of course, he claims he doesn't need it because he's tested for COVID-19 regularly, but sure seems odd the Prez forgot his mask -- while in mixed company -- right after his "Patriotic" mask declaration.
11:13 AM PT -- Clayton posted a couple of videos on Twitter responding to the support -- and some backlash -- he's received from this incident. For starters, Clayton says the woman sent him a lengthy apology, and he's accepted her apology.
He tweeted, "I really appreciate the kind words and support. I'm praying that I don't get sick and can see my daughter next week! Let moments like this bring us together...not rip us apart. Be kind to one another. Stay safe & healthy."
An alleged fan had the audacity to get on stage and apparently cough on country singer Clayton Gardner ... who recoiled, and then shamed her into getting the hell away from him.
The incident went down during Clayton's weekend gig at Texican Court in Irving, TX ... where he was barely 15 minutes into his set when this woman got on stage to request a song. Gardner, who was live streaming his show, was clearly rankled by the woman who refused to social distance.
Check out the video ... you can hear the Texas native tell the woman she could have made the request from 7-feet away. Then, she appears to cough on his face covering ... a red bandana. After the show, Gardner explained on Facebook, "I handled it with class and as much patience as I could."
He added, "I have practiced very safe hygiene and socially distanced myself from the start of Covid to protect my 3 year old daughter. In a matter of seconds this lady took that away from me. I was honestly shocked and pretty defenseless sitting there holding my guitar. The audience was equally as shocked. I’m outraged by her behavior and the behavior of many others in our world today."
He also said he's sharing this video "so you'll know there are actually people like this in our world. I'll let the video speak for itself. And yes.. I hope you share the hell out of it."
Kanye West has turned on his own family in the midst of what we're told is a major bipolar episode ... targeting Kris Jenner, comparing his life to the movie "Get Out" and accusing Kim Kardashian of trying to commit him to a mental hospital.
In a series of tweets Monday night, Kanye revealed his wife's plan to get him help ... just 24 hours after a bizarre and, at times, incoherent campaign rally in South Carolina. Kanye said, "Kim was trying to fly to Wyoming with a doctor to lock me up like on the movie Get Out because I cried about saving my daughters life yesterday."
West also took aim at his mother-in-law, Kris Jenner, and shared a text he sent Kris that urged her to call and to stop ignoring him. He then mentioned some of Kim's career choices, implying Kris was behind them ... and saying Kim would never do that to her own daughter.
He tweeted, "I put my life on my God that Norths mom would never photograph her doing playboy and that’s on God. I’m at the ranch ... come and get me."
Shia LaBeouf was also brought into Monday's rant, Kanye accused him of being a no-show to the first YZY GAP photoshoot. He also dragged Anna Wintourinto the mix ... accusing her of first talking down on his GAP collab only to call him later, "kissing my ass."
It also appears Kanye has some serious beef with his family living in L.A. and not Wyoming full time, saying, "I love my wife. My family must live next to me. It’s not up to E or NBC anymore."
TMZ broke the story, members of Kanye's family and close circle were left extremely concerned and upset after Sunday's rally in South Carolina. West talked about guns, politics and at one point was brought to tears when sharing a story that revealed he talked to Kim about getting an abortion when she was pregnant with North.
As we've reported, our Kanye sources say he's in the middle of a serious mental health episode and those around him have urged him to get help ... but the decision needs to be his.
The NBA courts for the 2020 season restart have been revealed ... and, as promised, feature a massive "Black Lives Matter" paint job front and center.
The league and the NBPA came up with the idea to display the message at all 3 arenas used inside the bubble ... as a way to show solidarity with the social justice movement.
Along with the BLM paint ... the sideline benches have been spread out to provide 6-feet of distancing for team staffers and players as a form of precaution during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here is the NBA restart court in Orlando: the spaced out chairs are the socially distanced bench, Black Lives Matter is written on the court. pic.twitter.com/XGJu1w4QLC
Of course, commish Adam Silver previously suggested banning several coaches -- including Mike D'Antoni (69) and Gregg Popovich (71) -- from the sidelines due to their age ... but eventually scrapped the idea.
The NBA's set-up also features huge video boards and its "Whole New Game" slogan for the restart.
While no fans will be able to attend games, at least players have the chance to fill up some seats.
The league is set to tip-off again on July 30 with 22 teams battling for the playoffs.
There's a new Karen in town ... and she's freaking out while wielding measuring tape.
It's unclear exactly what set this lady off, but it sounds like she's screaming something about protecting her family ... and she clearly has spacial issues.
According to the woman recording the video and her friend ... they went to the beach to have a nice, relaxing day until the angry woman went crazy on them.
They say Measuring Tape Karen ID'd herself as a nurse, and wanted them to move farther away from her, "because she feels like it."
Perhaps she felt they weren't social distancing enough, but that kind of goes out the window when you accost people and scream at them without wearing a mask.
Eventually, the mad lady was dragged away as she let out another primal shriek, shouting ... "It's people like you that are ruining it for all of us!"
Kanye West would be a slave were it not for the likes of Harriet Tubman ... so says her great-great-great niece who is outraged by Ye's comments on Sunday at his fundraiser.
Tina Wyatt is extremely upset Kanye dared to say Harriet Tubman did not free slaves. She says her legendary relative was actually free when she risked her life to save others, so she finds it beyond offensive Kanye made such a comment. Fact is ... Kanye's dead wrong.
Check it out ... Tina thinks Kanye's in desperate need of a basic history lesson. Once African Americans were freed, they actually flourished -- starting businesses and even getting elected to office -- until Jim Crow segregation laws and black codes were enacted to create racist policies that held black people down.
Tina says Kanye needs to start uplifting people if he wants to be in the public eye, and what he did at the rally she believes was nothing but destructive.
Tamar Braxton was seething mad with her TV network bosses leading up to her apparent suicide attempt -- that's what her boyfriend claimed during his 911 call.
According to the recorded call Tamar's boyfriend, David Adefeso, explained to the dispatcher ... the singer had been having trouble with WeTV -- and he explained how the issues came to a head before last Thursday before he found her unresponsive in their hotel room.
According to David's 911 call -- made Thursday night from the Ritz Carlton in downtown L.A. -- Tamar also left a note before her apparent attempt to take her own life, and he claims she was mixing alcohol with medication she uses to treat anxiety and depression.
Tamar's reality show, "Braxton Family Values," airs on WeTV and she's reportedly been upset with producers for using her childhood trauma -- alleged assaults and rape -- to boost ratings.
As we reported ... EMTs found Tamar unconscious inside her room when they arrived, and she was rushed to the hospital. She's since improved to stable condition.
The rest of the 911 call was super emotional and scary ... and at one point, Tamar's boyfriend started crying.
Major news coming from the NBA on Monday -- the league announced there have been ZERO new coronavirus cases in Orlando since July 13.
Which means .... THE BUBBLE IS WORKING!!!
The Association says it tested all 346 players who are currently on the Disney World campus ... and each result came back negative.
Of course, the NBA has proven it ain't messing around when it comes to following the strict guidelines ... and even made Sacramento Kings player Richaun Holmes re-quarantine for 10 days after accidentally crossing the campus border to pick up some delivery food.
Some players like Memphis Grizzlies rookie star Ja Morant have expressed their displeasure with the league implementing a "hotline" to report people violating the bubble protocols ... saying it comes off as snitching.
But, hey ... ya can't argue with the results!!
It's gotta be a sigh of relief for Adam Silver and co. ... who hope to tip off the 8 regular season play-in games starting July 30.
