theroot--2020-07-10--Trump Calls Conservative OnlyFans and Proceeds to Lie About Acing a Cognitive Test

President Trump wants America to know one thing : He is the most cognitive president to ever cognitive , and when it comes to cognitive functions , he will out cognitive Olympic-level cognitive motherfuckers because when it comes to cognitive shit , he ’ s acing it .
On Thursday , Trump told Fox News , aka conservative OnlyFans , that doctors who gave him a cognitive test were taken aback and “ very surprised ” that he “ aced ” it , which is what crazy people say when they are trying to convince others that they aren ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interview with his personal ball boy ( and I ’ m not talking about golfing ) , Fox News host Sean Hannity , Trump bragged about his cognitive exam test score at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center after Hannity asked whether presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden had the “ mental alertness ” to be president .
Trump said he didn ’ t think Biden could punch the cognitive exam in the face the way that he did because he crushed it .
“ I actually took one very recently when , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ‘ Is he all there ?
Is he all there ?
’ I proved I was all there , because I aced it , ” Trump told Hannity .
“ I aced the test .
… He should take the same exact test , a very standard test .
I took it at Walter Reed Medical Center in front of doctors and they were very surprised .
They said , ‘ That ’ s an unbelievable thing .
Rarely does anyone do what you just did , ’ ” the Washington Post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing I used do when I was a cheater , which is basically embellish the fuck out of all my stories .
It ’ s unclear exactly what cognitive test Trump was referring to in the interview .
The most recent publicly disclosed cognitive test Trump took at Walter Reed was in January 2018 , when the White House ’ s top physician said he got a perfect score .
The exam Trump took then was the Montreal Cognitive Assessment , which is designed to detect mild cognitive issues , largely in older @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to identify animals in pictures , draw a clock , and perform basic word-recall exercises .
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment clarifying whether Trump has taken another test more recently .
Along with jabs at Biden , Trump ’ s latest Hannity interview also covered the Sun Belt coronavirus hotspot , Trump ’ s willingness to wear a mask on an upcoming public appearance and the Black Lives Matter street mural in New York that Mayor Bill de Blasio ( D ) helped paint , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mary at holding on to the White House is basically , “ I ’ m sharper than Joe Biden ” especially after it took Trump two hands to drink a cup of water and having to concentrate bigly just to make it down a ramp .
Trump ’ s cognitive test results are another lie that Trump uses to attack Biden and his mental acuity while insisting that he ’ s not an old racist .
Trump wants his followers to believe that he ’ s intelligent which isn ’ t difficult considering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do long division .
“ Look , all you got ta do is watch me , and I can hardly wait to compare my cognitive capability to the cognitive capability of the man I ’ m running against , ” he said .
Does Trump think they ’ re going to be playing Jeopardy or some shit ?
Trump , who has politicized wearing a mask to stop the spread of coronavirus , has always taken the presidential position of making fun of Biden for wearing a mask in public , a tune @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s fine to wear a mask if you feel comfortable , ” he said , and added that he would wear one to visit soldiers and medical staff at Walter Reed in Bethesda .
“ I don ’ t want to spread anything , ” he told Hannity of his decision to wear one at Walter Reed , the Post reports .
“ And a lot of it is you spreading , not them spreading .
I don ’ t want to cause a problem for anybody .
I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s got to be done at the right time.
” Umm , the right time is anytime your orange ass leaves the White House and if the president was cognitively fit he ’ d know that .

President Trump wants America to know one thing: He is the most cognitive president to ever cognitive, and when it comes to cognitive functions, he will out cognitive Olympic-level cognitive motherfuckers because when it comes to cognitive shit, he’s acing it.
On Thursday, Trump told Fox News, aka conservative OnlyFans, that doctors who gave him a cognitive test were taken aback and “very surprised” that he “aced” it, which is what crazy people say when they are trying to convince others that they aren’t crazy.
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In a live phone interview with his personal ball boy (and I’m not talking about golfing), Fox News host Sean Hannity, Trump bragged about his cognitive exam test score at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center after Hannity asked whether presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden had the “mental alertness” to be president.
Trump said he didn’t think Biden could punch the cognitive exam in the face the way that he did because he crushed it.
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“I actually took one very recently when, you know, the radical left was saying, ‘Is he all there? Is he all there?’ I proved I was all there, because I aced it,” Trump told Hannity. “I aced the test. … He should take the same exact test, a very standard test. I took it at Walter Reed Medical Center in front of doctors and they were very surprised. They said, ‘That’s an unbelievable thing. Rarely does anyone do what you just did,’ ” the Washington Post reports
The president is doing the same thing I used do when I was a cheater, which is basically embellish the fuck out of all my stories.
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From the Post:
It’s unclear exactly what cognitive test Trump was referring to in the interview. The most recent publicly disclosed cognitive test Trump took at Walter Reed was in January 2018, when the White House’s top physician said he got a perfect score. The exam Trump took then was the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, which is designed to detect mild cognitive issues, largely in older people. The 10-minute exam asks patients to identify animals in pictures, draw a clock, and perform basic word-recall exercises. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment clarifying whether Trump has taken another test more recently. Along with jabs at Biden, Trump’s latest Hannity interview also covered the Sun Belt coronavirus hotspot, Trump’s willingness to wear a mask on an upcoming public appearance and the Black Lives Matter street mural in New York that Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) helped paint, which Trump derided.
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Trump’s Hail Mary at holding on to the White House is basically, “I’m sharper than Joe Biden” especially after it took Trump two hands to drink a cup of water and having to concentrate bigly just to make it down a ramp.
Trump’s cognitive test results are another lie that Trump uses to attack Biden and his mental acuity while insisting that he’s not an old racist. Trump wants his followers to believe that he’s intelligent which isn’t difficult considering they are amazed at anyone who can do long division.
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“Look, all you gotta do is watch me, and I can hardly wait to compare my cognitive capability to the cognitive capability of the man I’m running against,” he said.
Does Trump think they’re going to be playing Jeopardy or some shit?
Trump, who has politicized wearing a mask to stop the spread of coronavirus, has always taken the presidential position of making fun of Biden for wearing a mask in public, a tune he tried to change on Thursday.
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“It’s fine to wear a mask if you feel comfortable,” he said, and added that he would wear one to visit soldiers and medical staff at Walter Reed in Bethesda.
“I don’t want to spread anything,” he told Hannity of his decision to wear one at Walter Reed, the Post reports. “And a lot of it is you spreading, not them spreading. I don’t want to cause a problem for anybody. I have no problem with masks. But it’s got to be done at the right time.”
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Umm, the right time is anytime your orange ass leaves the White House and if the president was cognitively fit he’d know that.


theroot--2020-07-10--Robert Fuller's Hanging Death Ruled a Suicide by LA County Medical Examiner

Last month , there was much skepticism when Robert Fuller ’ s death was initially labeled a suicide after his body was found hanging from a tree in Palmdale , Calif .
Considering his death occurred as the protests around George Floyd ’ s death were at their height and the fact that only a week prior another man had been found hanging in a tree , that skepticism was more than understandable .
Following a month- long investigation conducted by the Los Angeles Sheriff ’ s Department , a Los Angeles County medical examiner has concluded that Fuller ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Buzzfeed News .
“ The rope and fabric was tied directly to the tree branches , in more than one spot , accessible from only up in the tree .
Indicating that the victim was not hoisted into that position , ” Los Angeles County Sheriff ’ s Commander Chris Marks said during a press conference on Thursday .
Marks said that there were no signs of a struggle or the presence of any defensive marks indicating that he tried to fight off an attacker .
Additionally , detectives found that Fuller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rope similar to the one used during the incident at a Dollar Tree the month before .
Marks added that during the investigation family members revealed that Fuller had been previously hospitalized for depression and suicidal ideation and had received treatment for mental health issues .
Throughout the course of the previous year , Fuller was frequently a resident of a youth homeless center in Las Vegas .
Marks revealed during the press conference that Las Vegas detectives responded to an incident earlier this year where Fuller allegedly attempted to set himself on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of media concern , community concern .
And the timing of it , in the wake of the civil unrest and all that ’ s transpired across the nation , it brought a lot of attention based on the past history of our nation and the rather odd manner in which this death occurred.
” Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said during the press conference .
“ We left no stone uncovered.
” The FBI and California Attorney General ’ s office monitored the investigation to determine if any federal laws @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7 , a rally was held the week following his death that was attended by over 1 , 000 people .
Fuller ’ s family was in attendance and expressed skepticism that Fuller ’ s death was a sui cide .
“ We really want to find out the truth of what really happened .
Everything that they ’ ve been telling us has not been right .
... My brother was not suicidal .
He wasn ’ t , ” Fuller ’ s sister Diamond Alexander said at the rally .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , video games and kept to himself .
The family has yet to comment on the findings from the Sheriff ’ s office .

Last month, there was much skepticism when Robert Fuller’s death was initially labeled a suicide after his body was found hanging from a tree in Palmdale, Calif. Considering his death occurred as the protests around George Floyd’s death were at their height and the fact that only a week prior another man had been found hanging in a tree, that skepticism was more than understandable.
Following a month- long investigation conducted by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, a Los Angeles County medical examiner has concluded that Fuller’s death was a suicide, according to Buzzfeed News. “The rope and fabric was tied directly to the tree branches, in more than one spot, accessible from only up in the tree. Indicating that the victim was not hoisted into that position,” Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Commander Chris Marks said during a press conference on Thursday. Marks said that there were no signs of a struggle or the presence of any defensive marks indicating that he tried to fight off an attacker. Additionally, detectives found that Fuller had used an EBT card to purchase rope similar to the one used during the incident at a Dollar Tree the month before.
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Marks added that during the investigation family members revealed that Fuller had been previously hospitalized for depression and suicidal ideation and had received treatment for mental health issues. Throughout the course of the previous year, Fuller was frequently a resident of a youth homeless center in Las Vegas. Marks revealed during the press conference that Las Vegas detectives responded to an incident earlier this year where Fuller allegedly attempted to set himself on fire.
“This event drew a lot of media concern, community concern. And the timing of it, in the wake of the civil unrest and all that’s transpired across the nation, it brought a lot of attention based on the past history of our nation and the rather odd manner in which this death occurred.” Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said during the press conference. “We left no stone uncovered.” The FBI and California Attorney General’s office monitored the investigation to determine if any federal laws had been broken.
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According to ABC 7, a rally was held the week following his death that was attended by over 1, 000 people. Fuller’s family was in attendance and expressed skepticism that Fuller’s death was a sui cide. “We really want to find out the truth of what really happened. Everything that they’ve been telling us has not been right. ... My brother was not suicidal. He wasn’t,” Fuller’s sister Diamond Alexander said at the rally. They described Fuller as someone who loved music, video games and kept to himself.
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The family has yet to comment on the findings from the Sheriff’s office.


theroot--2020-07-10--By Sheer Miracle (or Twitter), I Came Across Smokey Robinson Singing About 'Gang Banging'

Just last month , the Hip Hop Harry dance-circle theme song was declared the song of the summer by Black Twitter , despite previously worrying whether we ’ d even have one this year .
Well , maybe—just maybe—William “ Smokey ” Robinson Jr. may have offered a viable opponent .
And similar to the dancing bear mascot , this recently viral craze is a resurgence of something originally created in the early 2000s .
Ladies , gentlemen and non-binary readers of The Root , I present to you : “ Gang Banging ” by Smokey Robinson , who was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 Days of Iconic Music Video Blackness series for Black Music Month ( for his duet with Rick James , “ Ebony Eyes ” ) .
On Thursday afternoon , I dropped the following link into our team ’ s Slack channel with the following complaint , “ How come no one told me about this ?
!
” It was a sincere question , as I certainly felt like I was missing a foolish part of my life that has since been completed .
Where had this been all of my life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my co-workers , I reflected a bit and came to the conclusion that perhaps 2020 really was the right time .
It was divine order .
Anyway , after the full-length music video was linked in our work Slack channel , we began to implode into giggle-fits and hilarious commentary .
Let ’ s discuss !
• First off , this version of the video has a PSA intro and a PSA interlude , bringing the total duration of the video to almost 9 and a half minutes .
• “ ‘ Gang @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the gang bangers , ” the highly successful songwriter mused , which caused me to roll around my bed after being consumed with laughter over such enlightenment .
• To Smokey ( colored by his well-known vibrato ) , gang bangin ’ “ smokin ’ that smoke , ” “ drinkin ’ that wine , ” “ staying out late , ” “ preaching that hate , ” among other criminal activities that the D.A.R.E .
Team warned us about while promoting their T-shirts .
• The “ gang bangers ” are definitely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ Very Special Episode ” of a sitcom that aired as part of ABC ’ s TGIF lineup that began in the late ‘ 80s and flourished throughout the ‘ 90s .
• Is this pro or anti-gang bangin ’ ?
That is truly up to interpretation .
Because I mentioned divine order earlier , I did a bit of digging and realized this song was released under Smokey ’ s gospel album , Food for the Spirit , which peaked at # 3 on the gospel music charts .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group was called The Miracles because it is a sheer miracle that I found this video at a time when I really needed the unique joy that came from watching it .
Of course , I had to share it .
You ’ re welcome and Amen .
In the foolish-natured spirit of Black Twitter , memes begin to surface quickly after clips of the video made the rounds .
No one could stop talking about the song , nor get it out of their heads .
I actually hope someone informs Smokey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comment about it on social media .
I ’ ll pray about it .
It was in my head before I went to sleep and the words , “ gang bangiiiinnn ” were the first two words in my head when I woke up this morning .
In fact , it ’ s in your head now , isn ’ t it ?
You ’ re welcome—and Amen .

Tonja Renée Stidhum on The Grapevine, shared by Tonja Renée Stidhum to The Root

Wow, 2020 has been 2020-ing.
Just last month, the Hip Hop Harry dance-circle theme song was declared the song of the summer by Black Twitter, despite previously worrying whether we’d even have one this year.
Well, maybe—just maybe—William “Smokey” Robinson Jr. may have offered a viable opponent. And similar to the dancing bear mascot, this recently viral craze is a resurgence of something originally created in the early 2000s.
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Ladies, gentlemen and non-binary readers of The Root, I present to you: “Gang Banging” by Smokey Robinson, who was recently part of Very Smart Brothas’ 30 Days of Iconic Music Video Blackness series for Black Music Month (for his duet with Rick James, “Ebony Eyes”). On Thursday afternoon, I dropped the following link into our team’s Slack channel with the following complaint, “How come no one told me about this?!”
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It was a sincere question, as I certainly felt like I was missing a foolish part of my life that has since been completed. Where had this been all of my life?! After cry-laughing and yelling with my co-workers, I reflected a bit and came to the conclusion that perhaps 2020 really was the right time. It was divine order.
Anyway, after the full-length music video was linked in our work Slack channel, we began to implode into giggle-fits and hilarious commentary. Let’s discuss!
Smokey Robinson - Gang Banging (Official Music Video) / YouTube
First off, this version of the video has a PSA intro and a PSA interlude, bringing the total duration of the video to almost 9 and a half minutes.
“‘Gang Bangin’ was written…*pregnant pause*...to the gang bangers,” the highly successful songwriter mused, which caused me to roll around my bed after being consumed with laughter over such enlightenment.
Get into Smokey’s Crip Couture. Cuhhhhhh
To Smokey (colored by his well-known vibrato), gang bangin’ consists of
The “gang bangers” are definitely a few extras from the set of a “Very Special Episode” of a sitcom that aired as part of ABC’s TGIF lineup that began in the late ‘80s and flourished throughout the ‘90s.
Is this pro or anti-gang bangin’? That is truly up to interpretation.
Because I mentioned divine order earlier, I did a bit of digging and realized this song was released under Smokey’s gospel album, Food for the Spirit, which peaked at #3 on the gospel music charts. It’s no coincidence that Smokey’s group was called The Miracles because it is a sheer miracle that I found this video at a time when I really needed the unique joy that came from watching it. Of course, I had to share it. You’re welcome and Amen.
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In the foolish-natured spirit of Black Twitter, memes begin to surface quickly after clips of the video made the rounds. No one could stop talking about the song, nor get it out of their heads. I actually hope someone informs Smokey’s team and he makes a comment about it on social media. I’ll pray about it.
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It was in my head before I went to sleep and the words, “gang bangiiiinnn” were the first two words in my head when I woke up this morning. In fact, it’s in your head now, isn’t it? You’re welcome—and Amen.
(Updated 3/3/22 with new details)


theroot--2020-07-10--The Root Jams Weekly (7/10/2020): 'My Headphones'

We usually pick a theme to reflect the current state of affairs or a sentiment .
Today , we decided @ @ @ @ @ re actually listening to at the moment .
What are you listening to ?
Lord @ @ @ @ @ Be Where You Are ( Underboss Remix ) “ Nicholas Britell “ Eden ( Harlem @ @ @ @ @ If Beale Street Could Talk soundtrack The Jesus and Mary Chain “ Just Like Honey @ @ @ @ @ It to the Streets ” Starchild and the New Romantic and Toro Y Moi “ @ @

Panama Jackson on Very Smart Brothas, shared by Panama Jackson to The Root

We usually pick a theme to reflect the current state of affairs or a sentiment. Today, we decided to share what we’re actually listening to at the moment. What are you listening to?
Damon Young
James Blake “I’ll Come Too”
Fiona Apple “Rack of His”
Kota the Friend “Chicago Diner”
Kids See Ghosts “Freeee”
Freddie Gibbs Featuring Tyler the Creator “Something To Rap About.”
Monique Judge
Drake ft Rick Ross “Money In the Grave”
Goldlink ft Pusha T “Cokewhite”
Jay Rock ft Snoop “WIN (Remix)“
Megan Thee Stallion ft Beyonce “Savage (Remix)“
Jay Connor
Phony Ppl “Before You Get a Boyfriend”
N.E.R.D. “Deep Down Body Thirst”
Tom Misch + Yussef Dayes “Festival”
Lord Finesse “I Wanna Be Where You Are (Underboss Remix)“
Nao Yoshioka “Got Me”
Tonja Stidhum
Daddy Yankee “Que Tire Pa Lante”
FKA Twigs “Cellophane”
Chloe x Halle “Tipsy”
Nicholas Britell “Eden (Harlem)“ - From the If Beale Street Could Talk soundtrack
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Anne Branigin
The Jesus and Mary Chain “Just Like Honey”
SZA “Warm Winds”
Pop Smoke feat. Quavo “Shake The Room”
Menahan Street Band “Make The Road By Walking”
Kygo, Whitney Houston “Higher Love”
Danielle Belton
Doobie Brothers “Taking It to the Streets”
Doobie Brothers “What A Fool Believes”
Dua Lipa “Swan Song”
The Weeknd “Tell Your Friends”
Toto “Georgy Porgy”
Panama Jackson
UMI “Pretty Girl hi!”
Raveena “If Only”
Jran “Longtime”
Victoria Monet “Ass Like That”
112 featuring Jagged Edge “Both Of Us”
Stephen Crockett, Jr.
6lack “Outside”
Starchild and the New Romantic and Toro Y Moi “Tape”
Zacari “Edamame”
Kenneth Whalum “Beautiful Ending”
J’Na Jefferson
Knxwledge “mindin_my business”
Kirby “We Don’t Funk”
Jack Harlow “WHATS POPPIN”
Ty Dolla $ign featuring Kanye West, FKA twigs, Skrillex “Ego Death”
Chance the Rapper featuring Knox Fortune “All Night”


theroot--2020-07-10--Company Linked to Jay-Z's TIDAL Reportedly Received PPP Loan Before TIDAL Laid Off 15 Furloughed Emp

Company Linked to Jay-Z's TIDAL Reportedly Received PPP Loan Before TIDAL Laid Off 15 Furloughed Employees

Malibu Entertainment , a company linked to TIDAL reportedly applied for and received a Paycheck Protection Program ( PPP ) loan—money set aside in the CARES Act to help small businesses affected by the pandemic—for about $ 2.1 million , according to a source via Variety .
The company was apparently among the businesses that applied for the loans , which were between $ 2 million and $ 5 million , according to Small Business Administration and Treasury Department documents .
In addition to that , TIDAL and Roc Nation reportedly laid off , furloughed or cut salaries 10-20 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company in March , shortly before the loan was approved on April 7 .
Apparently , TIDAL and Roc Nation ’ s big moneymakers—music touring and sports—had understandably halted due to the pandemic and the subsequent lockdown , so the company downsized quickly .
Further , a source told Variety that 15 furloughed TIDAL employees were laid off just last week .
As far as exactly how Malibu is connected to TIDAL , Variety broke it down : While Malibu is technically a separate company—a Black-owned motion picture and video production business based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to the SBA document—it is part of the Tidal infrastructure .
It shares the two most recent addresses with both companies ; a 2017 lawsuit alleged that Roc Nation , Tidal , Malibu Entertainment and Tidal parent Aspiro are essentially the same company ( although the lawsuit was dismissed without a clear ruling on the matter ) ; in 2017 Malibu submitted for H1B visas for graphic designers providing as a contact for Joseph Borrino , CFO of Roc Nation at the time , who used a Tidal.com email address ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their paychecks come from Malibu Entertainment .
As The Root previously reported , Black and Latino businesses have been disproportionately denied access to PPP loans , while large , publicly traded companies and even members of Congress have benefited from the program .
The recent report about TIDAL is just another tick in the column of other billionaires and wealthy businesses who have received the loans , including Kanye West ’ s Yeezy company .
On Friday , the NAACP announced it will be partnering with Beyoncé ’ s BeyGOOD and its Black-Owned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ program assisting small businesses that have been impacted and challenged by the effects of the pandemic .
The fund will include $ 10,000 grants that will be offered to Black-owned small businesses in select cities .
The Root has reached out to TIDAL for comment in regard to the reports on the PPP loan to Malibu Entertainment and the layoffs .
We are awaiting their response .
Updated : 07/10/2020 , 1:13 p.m .
ET : A source with information regarding the situation has confirmed and clarified to The Root that there were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were not connected to the received PPP loan .

Malibu Entertainment, a company linked to TIDAL reportedly applied for and received a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan—money set aside in the CARES Act to help small businesses affected by the pandemic—for about $2.1 million, according to a source via Variety. The company was apparently among the businesses that applied for the loans, which were between $2 million and $5 million, according to Small Business Administration and Treasury Department documents.
In addition to that, TIDAL and Roc Nation reportedly laid off, furloughed or cut salaries 10-20 percent across as much as half of the company in March, shortly before the loan was approved on April 7. Apparently, TIDAL and Roc Nation’s big moneymakers—music touring and sports—had understandably halted due to the pandemic and the subsequent lockdown, so the company downsized quickly. Further, a source told Variety that 15 furloughed TIDAL employees were laid off just last week.
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As far as exactly how Malibu is connected to TIDAL, Variety broke it down:
While Malibu is technically a separate company—a Black-owned motion picture and video production business based in New York with 95 jobs supported, according to the SBA document—it is part of the Tidal infrastructure. It shares the two most recent addresses with both companies; a 2017 lawsuit alleged that Roc Nation, Tidal, Malibu Entertainment and Tidal parent Aspiro are essentially the same company (although the lawsuit was dismissed without a clear ruling on the matter); in 2017 Malibu submitted for H1B visas for graphic designers providing as a contact for Joseph Borrino, CFO of Roc Nation at the time, who used a Tidal.com email address; and several Tidal employees tell Variety that their paychecks come from Malibu Entertainment.
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As The Root previously reported, Black and Latino businesses have been disproportionately denied access to PPP loans, while large, publicly traded companies and even members of Congress have benefited from the program.
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The recent report about TIDAL is just another tick in the column of other billionaires and wealthy businesses who have received the loans, including Kanye West’s Yeezy company.
On Friday, the NAACP announced it will be partnering with Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD and its Black-Owned Small Business Impact Fund to administer a program assisting small businesses that have been impacted and challenged by the effects of the pandemic. The fund will include $10,000 grants that will be offered to Black-owned small businesses in select cities.
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The Root has reached out to TIDAL for comment in regard to the reports on the PPP loan to Malibu Entertainment and the layoffs. We are awaiting their response.
Updated: 07/10/2020, 1:13 p.m. ET: A source with information regarding the situation has confirmed and clarified to The Root that there were recent layoffs at TIDAL, but they were not connected to the received PPP loan.


theroot--2020-07-11--Get a Cool Breeze Anywhere in the House With the $12 Wireless Clip Fan

You might have an AC or a high-powered box fan , but while strong , these cooling methods can ’ @ @ @ @ @ of the house ... and of course , it ’ s always one of those @ @ @ @ @ lot of work , like the kitchen or garage .
Make your tasks much more @ @ @ @ @ rechargeable clip fan , which can go anywhere you can , well , clip things @ @ @ @ @ of cooling breeze before it needs a recharge , and by using the code AQE5OHZ8 @ @ @ @ @ get one for $ 12 .
That ’ s quite the steal !

Elizabeth Henges on Kinja Deals, shared by Elizabeth Henges to The Root

EasyAcc Battery Clip Fan | $12 | Amazon | Use code AQE5OHZ8
You might have an AC or a high-powered box fan, but while strong, these cooling methods can’t get to every corner of the house... and of course, it’s always one of those corners where you do a lot of work, like the kitchen or garage. Make your tasks much more comfortable with the wireless, rechargeable clip fan, which can go anywhere you can, well, clip things to. It provides hours of cooling breeze before it needs a recharge, and by using the code AQE5OHZ8 at checkout, you can get one for $12. That’s quite the steal!


theroot--2020-07-07--13 Things You Can Buy to Beat the Summer Heat

The weird , rambunctious , and fragile human species was designed to operate safely within a very specific and narrow range of temperatures , and yet we ’ re constantly battling a massive fireball that just casually hangs out in the middle of our sky .
And I ’ m no scientist , but apparently , it ’ s also supposed to help us survive ?
What kind of warped reality do we live in , anyway ?
!
Oh ... right .
Even if you love the sun , at some point , you ’ ll have to put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really don ’ t want to , and we ’ re here to help .
Here ’ s a list of things you should consider grabbing to stay cool in this summer heat .
Most of the recommendations are for bringing down indoor temps , especially if you ’ ve had to give up every ounce of dignity you have and sleep inside a fridge like the guy above .
If you ’ re outside , well , just strip as much as the legal limit allows wherever you are !
If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of luxury with central air , I ’ m here to present the new love of your life : A portable air conditioner .
Actually , this one provides both cooling and heating , but we ’ re shunning the latter for at least the next few months , m ’ kay ?
M ’ KAY ?
!
!
M ’ kay .
We ’ re featuring Black & Decker ’ s unit here , which regularly runs just north of $ 400 , more than reasonable for something like this .
Sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much cheaper , but from someone who has accidentally dropped one from a second-story window , I sure wish I had one of these .
There are caster wheels and handles to easily roll it from room to room , and it ships with a remote to tweak the thermals in rooms up to 350 square feet between 55 degrees and 81 degrees Fahrenheit .
A quality fan is one of the most cost-effective ways to cool off .
Far too many boast of powerful circulation with big blades and numerous speed settings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it feels like Dani just whispered “ dracarys ” in Drogon ’ s ear .
Then there ’ s Vornado , which you might mistake for a desk-bound weakling until you plug it in and witness it manipulating air around you better than Aang from Avatar ever could .
At first glance , this $ 65 “ medium ” model ’ s dwarfed appearance doesn ’ t at all look conducive to your efforts , but don ’ t let that fool you : This thing can blow .
Alternatively , look into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your home to where it truly belongs ( outside , dammit ) , as well as oscillating tower fans for better vertical coverage .
If your fridge doesn ’ t already have one , an ice maker is crucial .
You can buy big bags of the frozen water relatively inexpensively at the local pumps , or you could make your own in the comfort of your own home .
Whether you ’ re throwing them into a nice summer drink , chilling a cooler of beers , or caressing them against your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ice cubes are worth their weight in gold , and you might as well make your own .
This MagicChef ice maker churns out nine ice cubes in seven minutes , and can hold up to 1.5 pounds worth the stuff in its chamber .
We all know windows are meant to let light in , but a nasty byproduct of that is your house becomes a big ass heat box during the summer .
These cheap sun-blocking shades will block said light much more intensively than typical curtains and blinds , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll miss out on the warm healing properties of those sweet vitamin D rays .
Amazon has them in a variety of styles and sizes .
Every summer , I ’ d look forward to my mom ’ s daily kitchen announcement : “ Ooooh child , it ’ s too hot to turn the oven on !
” ( Quick black linguistics lesson : The “ d ” in “ child ” is silent . )
That usually meant leftovers and microwaveables , but some days—if I didn ’ t run her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ house—it meant BBQ and takeout .
But if you really want something oven-fresh , consider a toaster oven .
They ’ re not nearly as big as traditional ones , so the heat stays isolated to a small corner of your kitchen rather than a big oven hotboxing the entire floor it ’ s on .
This $ 160 Cuisinart model is plenty roomy has seven different bake and broil options to go alongside everyone ’ s new favorite : air frying .
I recommend sleeping naked to fight the heat , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t get down with and you absolutely need to stay covered , it ’ s time to buy some new bedding .
You can find breathable sheets , comforters , and pillows ( and their respective cases ) in many different forms and styles .
Elegant Comfort ’ s microfiber bed-in-box sets are highly rated and come in various styles ranging from twin to king , plus they have side pockets !
You don ’ t know it yet , but you ’ ve always wanted pockets on your sheets .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of similar ilk if you ’ re into those .
Making your own ice cream is a fun way to beat the heat , especially if you have kids .
I mean , I don ’ t fully know what that ’ s like , because my grandma would bust out the old churner and make us do it by hand directly under the sun like the monster she is .
But the reward—cooling down with ice cream we made with our very own hands—was well worth it .
I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so I ’ ll just turn your attention to this affordable automatic Nostalgia bucket that makes up to four quarts in about 30 minutes .
In my house , the go-to for quick breakfast on a hot groggy morning is a bag of frozen fruit that has been absolutely obliterated by the strong blades inside the Nutribullet .
Simple to use and easy to clean , you ’ ll have a cold and tasty drink packed with nutrients in minutes , which will help your body maintain high energy levels all day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the importance of a good ice maker .
An ice cube tray is an affordable , but slower , alternative to ice-on-demand .
Where it carves out a niche spot in your arsenal is in its ability to create your own custom popsicles !
Just pour in your favorite juice , cover it with aluminum foil , poke some toothpicks or popsicle sticks into each reservoir , and throw it in the freezer .
Before long , your tongue will be dancing a whole new tune .
I ’ m not sure this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensemble needed to turn heads , but depending on how hot it is , no one would blame you .
This portable fan blows air right up into your face as it hangs from the included lanyard , which makes it perfect for outdoor use .
With 12-hour battery life on two AA cells , it ’ ll last all day .
Walking around with one of these on is like strolling into an Amish party with a smartphone : People will look at you like you ’ ve lost your damn mind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You won ’ t be drenched with sweat and sunburned to hot pink after a long day in the sun , and you won ’ t need your own personal marine following you around to hold an umbrella .
( ThAnKs ObAmA ! )
You could probably get away with something less gaudy , but with silver-coated cloth and a two-piece convertible design , this umbrella hat ( or “ double canopy hat ” if you need it to sound less dorky ) is built to battle both rain and rays , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for more pressing matters .
( Again , ThAnKs ObAmA ! )
I ’ ve used a Simple Modern bottle to keep my ice water icy for the past three years , and I ’ m still amazed every time I can wake up in the middle of the night and instantly cool my body .
The amount of unique forms and styles within Simple Modern ’ s product line is bewildering , but these 34-ounce stainless steel Wave units are bottle-shaped , leak proof , and they come dressed in trip-tastic garb @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a quick , cool spritz to get you back into your comfort zone .
I hope you ’ re carrying your Simple Modern , because alone , one of these 8oz spray bottles doesn ’ t hold much , and you ’ ll want to refill it with cold water just before use .
There are six in a pack for just $ 17 , and they come with three nozzle modes : stream , mist , and off .

Quentyn Kennemer on The Inventory, shared by Elizabeth Henges to The Root

The weird, rambunctious, and fragile human species was designed to operate safely within a very specific and narrow range of temperatures, and yet we’re constantly battling a massive fireball that just casually hangs out in the middle of our sky. And I’m no scientist, but apparently, it’s also supposed to help us survive? What kind of warped reality do we live in, anyway?! Oh... right.
Even if you love the sun, at some point, you’ll have to put up with its shit on days you really don’t want to, and we’re here to help. Here’s a list of things you should consider grabbing to stay cool in this summer heat. Most of the recommendations are for bringing down indoor temps, especially if you’ve had to give up every ounce of dignity you have and sleep inside a fridge like the guy above. If you’re outside, well, just strip as much as the legal limit allows wherever you are!
(Just kidding! We have a few cool things for that predicament, too. )
Let’s go!
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If you’re not living in the lap of luxury with central air, I’m here to present the new love of your life: A portable air conditioner. Actually, this one provides both cooling and heating, but we’re shunning the latter for at least the next few months, m’kay? M’KAY?!! M’kay.
We’re featuring Black & Decker’s unit here, which regularly runs just north of $400, more than reasonable for something like this. Sure, you could buy those window units much cheaper, but from someone who has accidentally dropped one from a second-story window, I sure wish I had one of these.
There are caster wheels and handles to easily roll it from room to room, and it ships with a remote to tweak the thermals in rooms up to 350 square feet between 55 degrees and 81 degrees Fahrenheit.
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A quality fan is one of the most cost-effective ways to cool off. Far too many boast of powerful circulation with big blades and numerous speed settings, but you set them up and it feels like Dani just whispered “dracarys” in Drogon’s ear.
Then there’s Vornado, which you might mistake for a desk-bound weakling until you plug it in and witness it manipulating air around you better than Aang from Avatar ever could. At first glance, this $65 “medium” model’s dwarfed appearance doesn’t at all look conducive to your efforts, but don’t let that fool you: This thing can blow.
Alternatively, look into box fans for pushing heat from within your home to where it truly belongs (outside, dammit), as well as oscillating tower fans for better vertical coverage.
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If your fridge doesn’t already have one, an ice maker is crucial. You can buy big bags of the frozen water relatively inexpensively at the local pumps, or you could make your own in the comfort of your own home.
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Whether you’re throwing them into a nice summer drink, chilling a cooler of beers, or caressing them against your lips and other questionable body parts, ice cubes are worth their weight in gold, and you might as well make your own. This MagicChef ice maker churns out nine ice cubes in seven minutes, and can hold up to 1.5 pounds worth the stuff in its chamber.
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We all know windows are meant to let light in, but a nasty byproduct of that is your house becomes a big ass heat box during the summer. These cheap sun-blocking shades will block said light much more intensively than typical curtains and blinds, but the downside is obviously that you’ll miss out on the warm healing properties of those sweet vitamin D rays. Amazon has them in a variety of styles and sizes.
Advertisement
Every summer, I’d look forward to my mom’s daily kitchen announcement: “Ooooh child, it’s too hot to turn the oven on!” (Quick black linguistics lesson: The “d” in “child” is silent.) That usually meant leftovers and microwaveables, but some days—if I didn’t run her up the wall and out of the house—it meant BBQ and takeout.
But if you really want something oven-fresh, consider a toaster oven. They’re not nearly as big as traditional ones, so the heat stays isolated to a small corner of your kitchen rather than a big oven hotboxing the entire floor it’s on. This $160 Cuisinart model is plenty roomy has seven different bake and broil options to go alongside everyone’s new favorite: air frying.
Advertisement
I recommend sleeping naked to fight the heat, but if that’s something you just can’t get down with and you absolutely need to stay covered, it’s time to buy some new bedding. You can find breathable sheets, comforters, and pillows (and their respective cases) in many different forms and styles.
Advertisement
Elegant Comfort’s microfiber bed-in-box sets are highly rated and come in various styles ranging from twin to king, plus they have side pockets! You don’t know it yet, but you’ve always wanted pockets on your sheets. You’ll need a mattress pad of similar ilk if you’re into those.
Advertisement
Making your own ice cream is a fun way to beat the heat, especially if you have kids. I mean, I don’t fully know what that’s like, because my grandma would bust out the old churner and make us do it by hand directly under the sun like the monster she is. But the reward—cooling down with ice cream we made with our very own hands—was well worth it.
I don’t recommend such a counterintuitive method, however, so I’ll just turn your attention to this affordable automatic Nostalgia bucket that makes up to four quarts in about 30 minutes.
Advertisement
In my house, the go-to for quick breakfast on a hot groggy morning is a bag of frozen fruit that has been absolutely obliterated by the strong blades inside the Nutribullet. Simple to use and easy to clean, you’ll have a cold and tasty drink packed with nutrients in minutes, which will help your body maintain high energy levels all day long.
Advertisement
Advertisement
We’ve already discussed the importance of a good ice maker. An ice cube tray is an affordable, but slower, alternative to ice-on-demand. Where it carves out a niche spot in your arsenal is in its ability to create your own custom popsicles! Just pour in your favorite juice, cover it with aluminum foil, poke some toothpicks or popsicle sticks into each reservoir, and throw it in the freezer. Before long, your tongue will be dancing a whole new tune.
Advertisement
Advertisement
I’m not sure this thing is the final piece your wedding ensemble needed to turn heads, but depending on how hot it is, no one would blame you. This portable fan blows air right up into your face as it hangs from the included lanyard, which makes it perfect for outdoor use. With 12-hour battery life on two AA cells, it’ll last all day.
Advertisement
Walking around with one of these on is like strolling into an Amish party with a smartphone: People will look at you like you’ve lost your damn mind. But the joke is on them. You won’t be drenched with sweat and sunburned to hot pink after a long day in the sun, and you won’t need your own personal marine following you around to hold an umbrella. (ThAnKs ObAmA!)
You could probably get away with something less gaudy, but with silver-coated cloth and a two-piece convertible design, this umbrella hat (or “double canopy hat” if you need it to sound less dorky) is built to battle both rain and rays, all the while your hands stay free for more pressing matters. (Again, ThAnKs ObAmA!)
Advertisement
I’ve used a Simple Modern bottle to keep my ice water icy for the past three years, and I’m still amazed every time I can wake up in the middle of the night and instantly cool my body. The amount of unique forms and styles within Simple Modern’s product line is bewildering, but these 34-ounce stainless steel Wave units are bottle-shaped, leak proof, and they come dressed in trip-tastic garb.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Sometimes, all you need is a quick, cool spritz to get you back into your comfort zone. I hope you’re carrying your Simple Modern, because alone, one of these 8oz spray bottles doesn’t hold much, and you’ll want to refill it with cold water just before use. There are six in a pack for just $17, and they come with three nozzle modes: stream, mist, and off.


theroot--2020-07-11--150 Minneapolis Cops File Disability Claims for PTSD, Which They Attribute to George Floyd Protests

The mendacity of police officers never ceases to amaze me , not to mention the extensive luxuries they get to enjoy as a result of tax-payer money .
As The Washington Post reports , 150 police officers from the Minneapolis Police Department have started the process of filing disability claims that will allow them to leave the force and still receive pay , on the basis that they are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD ) .
The cause of their newfound disability ?
The protests against George Floyd ’ s gruesome killing by Minneapolis police .
Half of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job because they have exhibited symptoms of PTSD , according to Ron Meuser Jr. , a Twin Cities personal injury attorney who is representing the officers .
The other half likely will quit working in coming days as they formalize disability claims with the city , Meuser said Friday .
“ While law enforcement is a high-stress career , the last two months in Minneapolis have pushed many officers to their breaking point , ” Meuser said .
The officers say the protests — which came in response to Floyd ’ s death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer pressed down on top of him while he pleaded for help and said he couldn ’ t breathe — have deeply affected them .
Mueser , the lawyer representing the officers , says there will likely be an increase in the number of Minneapolis cops filing disability claims for PTSD from the protests .
So far , about 20 percent of the force has indicated that they are traumatized and unable to work .
The Minneapolis Police Department has said that none of their officers have suffered serious injuries during the protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the rest of the country , but that hasn ’ t stopped the personal injury lawyer from ratcheting up the narrative that cops are victims .
According to Mueser , some of his clients fearfully counted their ammunition during the Minneapolis protests to make sure they would have a bullet for themselves to avoid being beaten to death .
I would laugh at the hyperbole if I wasn ’ t so disgusted .
Instead , I ’ ll just say that we have seen no evidence of people beating cops to death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cops doing everything from beating people to kneeling on their neck until they ’ re dead .
Anyway , Mueser says his cop clients are seriously traumatized by having to watch citizens exercise their constitutional right to protest .
“ I ’ m seeing PTSD symptoms of officers with highly diminished capacity to live and socialize , extraordinary rates of divorce , and alcohol dependency – just to cope , ” he said in a statement .
“ It is an emotional crisis that can not and should not continue.
” Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payments of between 45 to 60 percent of their base salary , according to a helpful disability benefits FAQ on Mueser ’ s website that is appropriately headed with a black and blue version of the American flag .
This is cop country , I guess , and the rest of us are just paying for it .

The mendacity of police officers never ceases to amaze me, not to mention the extensive luxuries they get to enjoy as a result of tax-payer money.
As The Washington Post reports, 150 police officers from the Minneapolis Police Department have started the process of filing disability claims that will allow them to leave the force and still receive pay, on the basis that they are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Advertisement
The cause of their newfound disability? The protests against George Floyd’s gruesome killing by Minneapolis police.
From The Washington Post:
Half of those officers are no longer on the job because they have exhibited symptoms of PTSD, according to Ron Meuser Jr., a Twin Cities personal injury attorney who is representing the officers. The other half likely will quit working in coming days as they formalize disability claims with the city, Meuser said Friday. “While law enforcement is a high-stress career, the last two months in Minneapolis have pushed many officers to their breaking point,” Meuser said. The officers say the protests — which came in response to Floyd’s death during a police encounter, when an officer pressed down on top of him while he pleaded for help and said he couldn’t breathe — have deeply affected them.
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Mueser, the lawyer representing the officers, says there will likely be an increase in the number of Minneapolis cops filing disability claims for PTSD from the protests. So far, about 20 percent of the force has indicated that they are traumatized and unable to work.
The Minneapolis Police Department has said that none of their officers have suffered serious injuries during the protests that sparked in the city before spreading to the rest of the country, but that hasn’t stopped the personal injury lawyer from ratcheting up the narrative that cops are victims.
Advertisement
According to Mueser, some of his clients fearfully counted their ammunition during the Minneapolis protests to make sure they would have a bullet for themselves to avoid being beaten to death.
I would laugh at the hyperbole if I wasn’t so disgusted. Instead, I’ll just say that we have seen no evidence of people beating cops to death, but we have seen copious videos of cops doing everything from beating people to kneeling on their neck until they’re dead.
Advertisement
Anyway, Mueser says his cop clients are seriously traumatized by having to watch citizens exercise their constitutional right to protest.
“I’m seeing PTSD symptoms of officers with highly diminished capacity to live and socialize, extraordinary rates of divorce, and alcohol dependency – just to cope,” he said in a statement. “It is an emotional crisis that cannot and should not continue.”
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Police officers in Minneapolis stand to collect permanent payments of between 45 to 60 percent of their base salary, according to a helpful disability benefits FAQ on Mueser’s website that is appropriately headed with a black and blue version of the American flag.
This is cop country, I guess, and the rest of us are just paying for it.


theroot--2020-07-11--Lawyer for Michigan Couple Who Pulled Gun on Black Family Says They Were Victims of 'Ethnic Intimida

Lawyer for Michigan Couple Who Pulled Gun on Black Family Says They Were Victims of 'Ethnic Intimidation'

If it ’ s one thing white women know how to do , it ’ s to turn on the tears when they need to turn off the heat from their own behavior .
Jillian Wuestenberg is now tapping into that super power to fight back against the charges of felonious assault slapped against her and her husband , Eric Wuestenberg , after she was recently captured on camera screaming like she was a bad ass and pointing a loaded gun at a Black family after an argument in a Chipotle parking lot .
In a tearful interview with ABC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Wuestenberg said her now-viral actions came from “ a desire to live , ” and that she felt she was in danger of losing her life after a Takelia Hill confronted her in the parking lot and demanded she apologize for bumping her 15-year-old daughter .
“ I was terrified at that moment and my terror is just exponentially greater since then.
” Despite leaving her car , pointing a gun , and loading a bullet in the chamber in response to Hill hitting her trunk ( and accusing her of racism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really pissed her off ) , Wuestenberg explained with glossy eyes that she did not want to escalate anything .
“ We wanted to go home , we wanted to leave in our car , we wanted the other family to be able to leave in their car .
There was no desire for escalation on our part , ” said Wuestenberg .
“ Within moments , a second or two , I had multiple people within two feet of me and I just remember thinking , ‘ I am not going home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawyer for the Wuestenbergs , is now calling for the Hill family to be charged for what he described as “ ethnic intimidation.
” Meanwhile , an attorney for the family disagrees with the claim that the Wuestenberg ’ s actions were a reasonable act of defense .
“ She was able to get into the vehicle , ” said Christopher Quinn .
“ They were able to drive off .
They didn ’ t choose to drive off .
They actually almost hit my client with their van .
And then jumped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pointed at them .
They were going to make sure it was understood they were the ones in charge.
” This is likely not the last we will hear of this case .
According to WXYZ Detroit , the Wuestenberg ’ s lawyers want it to be investigated by the U.S. Attorney General , Michigan ’ s States Attorney , and for it to go in front of a jury .

If it’s one thing white women know how to do, it’s to turn on the tears when they need to turn off the heat from their own behavior.
Jillian Wuestenberg is now tapping into that super power to fight back against the charges of felonious assault slapped against her and her husband, Eric Wuestenberg, after she was recently captured on camera screaming like she was a bad ass and pointing a loaded gun at a Black family after an argument in a Chipotle parking lot.
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In a tearful interview with ABC 7 affiliate WXYZ Detroit earlier this week, Wuestenberg said her now-viral actions came from “a desire to live,” and that she felt she was in danger of losing her life after a Takelia Hill confronted her in the parking lot and demanded she apologize for bumping her 15-year-old daughter.
“I was terrified at that moment and my terror is just exponentially greater since then.”
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Here’s a full video of the incident:
Despite leaving her car, pointing a gun, and loading a bullet in the chamber in response to Hill hitting her trunk (and accusing her of racism, which I personally think is what really pissed her off), Wuestenberg explained with glossy eyes that she did not want to escalate anything.
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“We wanted to go home, we wanted to leave in our car, we wanted the other family to be able to leave in their car. There was no desire for escalation on our part,” said Wuestenberg. “Within moments, a second or two, I had multiple people within two feet of me and I just remember thinking, ‘I am not going home tonight.’”
Dean Greenblatt, a lawyer for the Wuestenbergs, is now calling for the Hill family to be charged for what he described as “ethnic intimidation.”
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Meanwhile, an attorney for the family disagrees with the claim that the Wuestenberg’s actions were a reasonable act of defense.
“She was able to get into the vehicle,” said Christopher Quinn. “They were able to drive off. They didn’t choose to drive off. They actually almost hit my client with their van. And then jumped out like Bonnie and Clyde with guns pointed at them. They were going to make sure it was understood they were the ones in charge.”
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This is likely not the last we will hear of this case. According to WXYZ Detroit, the Wuestenberg’s lawyers want it to be investigated by the U.S. Attorney General, Michigan’s States Attorney, and for it to go in front of a jury.


theroot--2020-07-11--Trump Continues Crooked Behavior by Saving Roger Stone From Federal Prison

As anyone could have predicted—and as The Root did just a day ago—President Trump has used the power of his office to commute the sentence of his criminal crony Roger Stone .
As the New York Times reports , on Friday evening Trump issued a statement announcing his decision to stop Stone from facing the legal consequences of a jury finding him guilty of felony crimes—crimes that were not- so- coincidentally related to Trump ’ s campaign for presidency .
The statement did not assert that Mr. Stone was innocent of the false statements and obstruction counts , only that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosecutors ultimately filed no charges of an underlying conspiracy between Mr. Trump ’ s campaign and Russia .
“ Roger Stone has already suffered greatly , ” it said .
“ He was treated very unfairly , as were many others in this case .
Roger Stone is now a free man !
” The commutation , announced late on a Friday , when potentially damaging news is often released , was the latest action by the Trump administration upending the justice system to help the president ’ s convicted friends .
Ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his confidence that the pretend-gangster in the White House would reward him for not ratting , reportedly saying : “ He knows I was under enormous pressure to turn on him .
It would have eased my situation considerably .
But I didn ’ t. ” According to reporter Howard Fineman , Stone had also specified that he wanted a commutation rather than a pardon , as the latter implies guilt .
Stone was sentenced to a 40-month term in federal prison after being convicted of obstructing a congressional investigation into Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was an advisor .
According to the Times , Stone is the first figure directly connected to the president ’ s campaign to benefit from his clemency power , though Trump ’ s Justice Department has used its might to protect those in his orbit like former national security advisor Michael Flynn .
Democrats have responded to this latest F-U to the rule of law from the Trump Administration by wagging their fingers , vowing to open a House committee investigation into the commutation , and pointing to the election in November as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us to help ourselves out of this nightmare—because clearly nobody else will .

As anyone could have predicted—and as The Root did just a day ago—President Trump has used the power of his office to commute the sentence of his criminal crony Roger Stone.
As the New York Times reports, on Friday evening Trump issued a statement announcing his decision to stop Stone from facing the legal consequences of a jury finding him guilty of felony crimes—crimes that were not- so- coincidentally related to Trump’s campaign for presidency.
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From the Times:
The statement did not assert that Mr. Stone was innocent of the false statements and obstruction counts, only that he should not have been pursued because prosecutors ultimately filed no charges of an underlying conspiracy between Mr. Trump’s campaign and Russia. “Roger Stone has already suffered greatly,” it said. “He was treated very unfairly, as were many others in this case. Roger Stone is now a free man!” The commutation, announced late on a Friday, when potentially damaging news is often released, was the latest action by the Trump administration upending the justice system to help the president’s convicted friends.
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Ahead of the announcement, Stone had signaled his confidence that the pretend-gangster in the White House would reward him for not ratting, reportedly saying: “He knows I was under enormous pressure to turn on him. It would have eased my situation considerably. But I didn’t.”
According to reporter Howard Fineman, Stone had also specified that he wanted a commutation rather than a pardon, as the latter implies guilt.
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Stone was sentenced to a 40-month term in federal prison after being convicted of obstructing a congressional investigation into Trump’s 2016 campaign, of which he was an advisor. According to the Times, Stone is the first figure directly connected to the president’s campaign to benefit from his clemency power, though Trump’s Justice Department has used its might to protect those in his orbit like former national security advisor Michael Flynn.
Democrats have responded to this latest F-U to the rule of law from the Trump Administration by wagging their fingers, vowing to open a House committee investigation into the commutation, and pointing to the election in November as the “ultimate remedy.”
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God help us to help ourselves out of this nightmare—because clearly nobody else will.


theroot--2020-07-11--Stock Up and Look Great For Summer Outings With JACHS NY's Short Sleeve Button Up Bundles

It ’ s the perfect time for some fun in the sun , and it ’ s important you look @ @ @ @ @ while enjoying the great outdoors this summer .
At JACHS NY , you can grab @ @ @ @ @ $ 48 to flesh out your wardrobe if you use code 2SS at checkout .
@ @ @ @ @ solid colors and simple patterns to straight-up Hawaiian shirts .
No matter what your style @ @ @ @ @ $ 48 for two , so stock up before your favorites sell out !

Short Sleeve Button Up Bundle | $4 8 | JACHS NY | Use code 2SS
It’s the perfect time for some fun in the sun, and it’s important you look great and are still cool while enjoying the great outdoors this summer. At JACHS NY, you can grab two short-sleeve button ups for $48 to flesh out your wardrobe if you use code 2SS at checkout.
These button ups range from solid colors and simple patterns to straight-up Hawaiian shirts. No matter what your style is, it’s $48 for two, so stock up before your favorites sell out!


theroot--2020-07-12--Tucker Carlson's Top Writer Resigns After Being Revealed as a Racist (On the Internet)

I know you will not clutch your pearls in surprise when I tell you that one of the writers behind the notoriously racist Tucker Carlson Tonight on Fox News has been revealed to be a virulent racist .
After CNN broke the news that Blake Neff has been spending his time basically testing out material for Carlson ’ s show on the Internet forum AutoAdmit , the writer tendered his resignation .
Just weeks ago , Neff responded to a post on the forum asking “ Would u let a JET BLACK congo n****er do lasik eye surgery on u @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ I wouldn ’ t get LASIK from an Asian for free , so no.
” On June 5 , he wrote on AutoAdmit “ Black doods staying inside playing Call of Duty is probably one of the biggest factors keeping crime down.
” Other posts by Neff included jokes about Sandra Bland , screeds on George Floyd and Micheal Brown , and racist tropes like “ there ’ s a suicidal impulse to Western peoples that honestly feels almost biological in origin , ” and that Black Lives Matter protestors are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much echo sentiments spewed by Carlson on his TV show .
Performing surprise and outrage , the Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott and President Jay Wallace sent a memo to employees on Friday saying that they had swiftly accepted Neff ’ s resignation .
“ Make no mistake , actions such as his can not and will not be tolerated at any time in any part of our work force , ” wrote Scott and Wallace .
I did clutch my pearls a bit at Neff ’ s obsessive posting about the private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with on Facebook , betraying his inner incel as well as his racism .
In 2015 , Neff started a thread on AutoAdmit mocking a woman , with whom he was friends on Facebook and whom he described as an “ Azn megashrew , ” sharing posts she had written about her dating life .
“ I won ’ t put up a pic but it ’ s probably relevant to say that she ’ s a slightly overweight Azn woman who is in her mid-30s and definitely looks it , ” Neff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thread has generated nearly 1,000 comments — many of which used vulgar racist , sexist , and dehumanizing language to mock the woman .
Neff also said he did not want other posters to harass her , but did not stop them from identifying her and posting links to her account .
He also posted some photos from her account that did not show her face and continued posting about her dating life for years after the other posters had identified her .
In March 2020 , Neff started another lengthy thread mocking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connected on social media .
The woman had posted about freezing her eggs , and Neff apparently found that worth deriding in the AutoAdmit forum .
He began posting about her in March of this year , in a thread he titled “ Disaster : WuFlu outbreak endangers aging shrew ’ s quest to freeze eggs.
” Neff has written for Carlson ’ s show for years , and bragged recently in an interview that “ Anything [ Carlson is ] reading off the teleprompter , the first draft was written by me.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ acknowledgements of his book for his work to “ greatly improve ” his show on Fox .
Carlson is expected to address the matter on his show on Monday .

I know you will not clutch your pearls in surprise when I tell you that one of the writers behind the notoriously racist Tucker Carlson Tonight on Fox News has been revealed to be a virulent racist.
After CNN broke the news that Blake Neff has been spending his time basically testing out material for Carlson’s show on the Internet forum AutoAdmit, the writer tendered his resignation.
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Just weeks ago, Neff responded to a post on the forum asking “Would u let a JET BLACK congo n****er do lasik eye surgery on u for 50% off?” with, “I wouldn’t get LASIK from an Asian for free, so no.”
On June 5, he wrote on AutoAdmit “Black doods staying inside playing Call of Duty is probably one of the biggest factors keeping crime down.”
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Other posts by Neff included jokes about Sandra Bland, screeds on George Floyd and Micheal Brown, and racist tropes like “there’s a suicidal impulse to Western peoples that honestly feels almost biological in origin,” and that Black Lives Matter protestors are “coming after” whites, which pretty much echo sentiments spewed by Carlson on his TV show.
Performing surprise and outrage, Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott and President Jay Wallace sent a memo to employees on Friday saying that they had swiftly accepted Neff’s resignation.
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“Make no mistake, actions such as his cannot and will not be tolerated at any time in any part of our work force,” wrote Scott and Wallace.
I did clutch my pearls a bit at Neff’s obsessive posting about the private life of women who he was friends with on Facebook, betraying his inner incel as well as his racism.
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From CNN:
In 2015, Neff started a thread on AutoAdmit mocking a woman, with whom he was friends on Facebook and whom he described as an “Azn megashrew,” sharing posts she had written about her dating life. “I won’t put up a pic but it’s probably relevant to say that she’s a slightly overweight Azn woman who is in her mid-30s and definitely looks it,” Neff wrote. Through the years, the thread has generated nearly 1,000 comments — many of which used vulgar racist, sexist, and dehumanizing language to mock the woman. Neff also said he did not want other posters to harass her, but did not stop them from identifying her and posting links to her account. He also posted some photos from her account that did not show her face and continued posting about her dating life for years after the other posters had identified her. In March 2020, Neff started another lengthy thread mocking a separate woman with whom he was connected on social media. The woman had posted about freezing her eggs, and Neff apparently found that worth deriding in the AutoAdmit forum. He began posting about her in March of this year, in a thread he titled “Disaster: WuFlu outbreak endangers aging shrew’s quest to freeze eggs.”
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Neff has written for Carlson’s show for years, and bragged recently in an interview that “Anything [Carlson is] reading off the teleprompter, the first draft was written by me.”
Carlson also thanked Neff in the acknowledgements of his book for his work to “greatly improve” his show on Fox.
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Carlson is expected to address the matter on his show on Monday.


theroot--2020-07-12--Costco Bans Employees From Wearing Masks That Say Black Lives Matter, Because It Is 'Political'

As Black people have long known , the idea that Black lives matter is still not a given to everyone—and is actually up for debate in some circles—which is what inspired the simple yet powerful affirmation in the first place .
Costco is the latest business to betray its discomfort with the idea , with store managers in Louisville , Chicago , Delaware , and New Jersey sending several employees home for wearing masks that read “ Black Lives Matter , ” according to a Buzzfeed News report .
Employees at Costco say the big-box business is making a clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe Black lives matter , since the store has allowed workers to wear masks showing everything from the Pride flag to the “ Blue Lives Matter ” version of the American flag for months .
Now they say the company has introduced a new corporate directive , telling them , “ To maintain the standards going forward , we expect that attire will be free from pictures or writing or items deemed political or controversial in nature.
” Kirsten Doan is one of about 20 Black employees who work at Costco ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Inspired by a colleague who had started wearing a BLM mask in mid-June , she decided to come to work with one of her own .
But soon after the 22-year-old cashier arrived , managers pulled her off the floor and ordered her to remove it .
In audio recordings of that conversation reviewed by BuzzFeed News , the managers told Doan and other employees that Black Lives Matter attire qualifies as “ political ideology ” that prevents employees from remaining “ neutral while on the clock.
” When employees insisted that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , managers read aloud the company ’ s entire anti-harassment policy .
A BLM mask could “ cause hostility between other people , ” one manager told Doan .
“ I want you to know we don ’ t enjoy any of this , ” the manager said .
“ I have Black friends , you know .
I ’ ve hung around a lot of Black people .
I ’ ve had a Black friend on my boat.
” According to Buzzfeed , Costco CEO Craig Jelinek met with disgruntled employees to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Black Lives Matter apparel , after a Black worker posted a scathing resignation letter on Facebook that called the company out for believing he is “ essential enough to risk my life , but not essential enough to stand against my death.
” After listening to his workers talk about their experiences with systemic racism in the workplace , Jelenik said that though he believes Black lives matter , he would have to allow “ All Lives Matter ” gear if he gives employees the okay to wear masks that display the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s an interesting stance to take at this point in time , since in June Jelenik had written a letter to Costco employees in the wake of George Floyd ’ s killing that “ all individuals and organizations can use this moment as a catalyst for change.
” It now appears that Costco has joined the growing number of individuals and organizations—like police officers , Starbucks , and unhinged white couples—who are making it clear that they really don ’ t want anything to change .

As Black people have long known, the idea that Black lives matter is still not a given to everyone—and is actually up for debate in some circles—which is what inspired the simple yet powerful affirmation in the first place.
Costco is the latest business to betray its discomfort with the idea, with store managers in Louisville, Chicago, Delaware, and New Jersey sending several employees home for wearing masks that read “Black Lives Matter,” according to a Buzzfeed News report.
Advertisement
Employees at Costco say the big-box business is making a clear choice by penalizing workers who show they believe Black lives matter, since the store has allowed workers to wear masks showing everything from the Pride flag to the “Blue Lives Matter” version of the American flag for months.
Now they say the company has introduced a new corporate directive, telling them, “To maintain the standards going forward, we expect that attire will be free from pictures or writing or items deemed political or controversial in nature.”
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From Buzzfeed:
Kirsten Doan is one of about 20 Black employees who work at Costco’s warehouse on Bardstown Road in Louisville. Inspired by a colleague who had started wearing a BLM mask in mid-June, she decided to come to work with one of her own. But soon after the 22-year-old cashier arrived, managers pulled her off the floor and ordered her to remove it. In audio recordings of that conversation reviewed by BuzzFeed News, the managers told Doan and other employees that Black Lives Matter attire qualifies as “political ideology” that prevents employees from remaining “neutral while on the clock.” When employees insisted that the masks weren’t political or derogatory, managers read aloud the company’s entire anti-harassment policy. A BLM mask could “cause hostility between other people,” one manager told Doan. “I want you to know we don’t enjoy any of this,” the manager said. “I have Black friends, you know. I’ve hung around a lot of Black people. I’ve had a Black friend on my boat.”
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According to Buzzfeed, Costco CEO Craig Jelinek met with disgruntled employees to talk about the stores’ apparent policy against Black Lives Matter apparel, after a Black worker posted a scathing resignation letter on Facebook that called the company out for believing he is “essential enough to risk my life, but not essential enough to stand against my death.”
After listening to his workers talk about their experiences with systemic racism in the workplace, Jelenik said that though he believes Black lives matter, he would have to allow “All Lives Matter” gear if he gives employees the okay to wear masks that display the slogan against anti-Black racism.
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It’s an interesting stance to take at this point in time, since in June Jelenik had written a letter to Costco employees in the wake of George Floyd’s killing that said, “all individuals and organizations can use this moment as a catalyst for change.”
It now appears that Costco has joined the growing number of individuals and organizations—like police officers, Starbucks, and unhinged white couples—who are making it clear that they really don’t want anything to change.


theroot--2020-07-12--Former NFL Player Kyle Queiro Apologizes for Publicly Questioning Whether Jill Scott Is Attractive

For some unknown reason ( maybe because he feels a way about himself being largely unknown ) , former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Kyle Quiero hopped on Beyonce ’ s internet this weekend to question out loud if people really find Jill Scott , the sultry neo-soul singer , attractive .
Queiro first came for Scott when she didn ’ t send for him on by tweeting on Friday , “ People are attracted to JILL SCOTT !
?
” ( Emphasis his—and why the emphasis ?
Jill Scott is gorgeous AF . )
After being ratio ’ d by hundreds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) asking him , “ Why are you the way that you are ?
” Queiro doubled down and got really out of pocket .
“ By no means is she ugly , ” the footballer tweeted .
“ But y ’ all really sexually aroused by her huh ?
” I can ’ t begin to say how disgusting it is for this Black man ( who is supposedly a public figure though I ’ ve never heard of him ) to encourage a discussion on Twitter about whether Jill Scott—a real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for people ’ s feelings—is worthy of having sex with .
Torey Lanez said it best : What ’ s clear is Queiro ’ s asshole behavior is all about him and his own insecurities , and nothing at all about the gorgeous goddess that is Jill Scott .
Thankfully , the singer ’ s feathers did not appear to be ruffled by the footballer ’ s nattering .
On Sunday she tweeted like the queen she is , “ Wait , I was trending again ?
Ok then—justice for Breonna Taylor !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sandra Bland !
Loving ourselves and each other is respectful and uplifting ; supportive.
” The mention of trending ‘ again ’ was a little flex from the singer , whose Verzuz match-up with Erykah Badu a few weeks back garnered the highest increase in streams out of all the battles .
While Scott is counting her coins and advocating for Black lives , Queiro is now seeking her forgiveness .
“ The topic of your beauty should not have been shared over public discourse .
There ’ s truly no excuses or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote—or more likely a publicist wrote , since Queiro also spent the weekend defending his unprompted questions and denying that they came from a place of misogynoir .
All ’ s well that ends well I guess .
But why does coming for Black women have to be on people ’ s journey of growth ?
Can everyone just let us be ?

For some unknown reason (maybe because he feels a way about himself being largely unknown), former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Kyle Quiero hopped on Beyonce’s internet this weekend to question out loud if people really find Jill Scott, the sultry neo-soul singer, attractive.
Advertisement
Queiro first came for Scott when she didn’t send for him on by tweeting on Friday, “People are attracted to JILL SCOTT!?”
(Emphasis his—and why the emphasis? Jill Scott is gorgeous AF.)
After being ratio’d by hundreds of comments from people (including me) asking him, “Why are you the way that you are?” Queiro doubled down and got really out of pocket.
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“By no means is she ugly,” the footballer tweeted. “But y’all really sexually aroused by her huh?”
I can’t begin to say how disgusting it is for this Black man (who is supposedly a public figure though I’ve never heard of him) to encourage a discussion on Twitter about whether Jill Scott—a real life human being and not a vector for people’s feelings—is worthy of having sex with.
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Torey Lanez said it best:
Advertisement
What’s clear is Queiro’s asshole behavior is all about him and his own insecurities, and nothing at all about the gorgeous goddess that is Jill Scott.
Thankfully, the singer’s feathers did not appear to be ruffled by the footballer’s nattering.
Advertisement
On Sunday she tweeted like the queen she is, “Wait, I was trending again? Ok then—justice for Breonna Taylor! Justice for Oluwatoyin Salau! Justice for Sandra Bland! Loving ourselves and each other is respectful and uplifting; supportive.”
The mention of trending ‘again’ was a little flex from the singer, whose Verzuz match-up with Erykah Badu a few weeks back garnered the highest increase in streams out of all the battles.
Advertisement
While Scott is counting her coins and advocating for Black lives, Queiro is now seeking her forgiveness.
Advertisement
“The topic of your beauty should not have been shared over public discourse. There’s truly no excuses or explanations to be made,” he wrote—or more likely a publicist wrote, since Queiro also spent the weekend defending his unprompted questions and denying that they came from a place of misogynoir.
But I digress.
All’s well that ends well I guess. But why does coming for Black women have to be on people’s journey of growth? Can everyone just let us be?


theroot--2020-07-13--The Five Men’s Sex Toys You’ll Meet in Life

The world of men ’ s sex toys has grown exponentially from the days when a flimsy plastic blowup doll was about as good as you were gon na get .
And it ’ s a category that just keeps growing !
But with that comes a whole new problem : What , like , even are these things ?
What do they do and how do they work ?
?
And which one is the right one for you ?
?
?
We ’ ll attempt to answer that by introducing you to the five men ’ s sex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
* Inventory readers get 20 % off all products , using the code INVENTORY at checkout ; offers our readers a 50 % discount off their products that is automatically applied to your cart .
Cock rings , or C-rings , are o-shaped rings designed to go around the base of the penis , and sometimes around the testicles , in order to restrict blood flow , resulting in harder and longer-lasting erections , and more intense orgasms .
Cock rings can be used in both solo and partnered play ; for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that also stimulate the non-wearing partner ’ s clitoris or perineum .
Cock rings are a great starting point for men interested in trying out a sex toy for the first time , in part because it is so partner-friendly and many men may feel more comfortable experimenting with toys in partnered play before moving onto toys for solo play .
The versatility of the C-ring makes it perfect for trying out in different scenarios based on your comfort level .
They also allow for beginner up to advanced use : For novices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tightness as they get used to the feeling of the constriction , while more advanced users can intensify the experience by using the ring around both the shaft of the penis and the testicles .
For very advanced users , non-adjustable C-rings provide even more restrictiveness .
A masturbation sleeve is a sex toy into which the penis is inserted—it ’ s actually a catch-all term for a whole subset of toys like pocket pussies , eggs , Fleshlights ( we ’ ll get to those ! )
, but for our purposes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them as “ strokers ” i.e .
handjob aids .
While they ’ re primarily a solo-play toy , they can absolutely be used with a partner to enhance oral sex or , yup , the good old handie !
Among the stroker set , you ’ ll find different styles : Ones that are C-shaped that wrap around the penis like a tortilla around taco filling , ones that are cylindrical that go all the way around the penis , and then there are those eggs !
The eggs are designed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and down the shaft , making the penis look like the ghost emoji👻👻👻 .
Technically speaking , a Fleshlight is a masturbation sleeve—sort of the Kleenex to the masturbation sleeve ’ s tissue , if you will .
( Boy that was a grim simile . )
But it deserves to be treated as its own thing , both because in many ways it is its own thing and also just because , like Kleenex , the Fleshlight has risen to being such an accepted brand name that it serves as shorthand for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Okay , so what is a Fleshlight ?
!
?
Fleshlights are made of thermoplastic elastomer ( TPR or TPE ) , also known as Cyberskin , which does indeed feel very skin-like , as I detailed in this prehistoric blog on cleaning Fleshlights that I wrote for Gizmodo .
The Cyberskin is molded to look like realistic female genitalia , though less realistic versions are available , and is housed in an exterior metal case that looks like a flashlight , hence the name !
The penis is inserted into the Cyberskin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can either be used manually or hands-free , though the latter method may require a mounting accessory .
Fleshlights , and other similar toys , are primarily used for solo play but can be a fun part of couples or group play too .
Butt plugs , typically a teardrop-shaped bulb attached to a slimmer neck that connects to a flared base , are toys that provide hands-free anal stimulation .
They ’ re commonly thought of as “ trainers ” for anal sex—which they certainly are !
—but they can and very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stimulation during masturbation and/or as part of couples or group play .
Butt plugs offer users a great and sort of different sexual experience than most people are used to because they work by providing pressure and a sense of fullness , rather than the in-and-out , thrusting , friction-creating motion most often associated with achieving orgasm .
There ’ s a whole wide world of butt play toys out there , and we will surely spend more time considering them in this space , but let ’ s wrap this up with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are absolutely prostate massagers , but they function differently enough that considering them their own thing is appropriate .
Anal beads : Also prostate massagers ( and also worthy of their own entry , which is why I saved them for part 2 of this explainer ) !
Prostate massagers are typically dildo-esque toys that differ in one important way—they have either a flared base , an o-ring , or some other design feature to ensure the toy doesn ’ t fully enter the anus and get stuck ; ALL CAPS warning incoming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FOR BUTT PLAY THAT IS NOT SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR BUTT PLAY !
!
!
Prostate massagers go , yup , in the butt , Bob .
With lube , please !
Actually , “ with lube please ” applies across the board here .
Water-based lubes will be the best choice for most people and will be absolutely necessary with silicone toys , as silicone-based lubes will degrade the material , and not in the fun , kinky , sexy way .
Some prostate massagers vibrate , some don ’ t , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ materials , from the aforementioned and very popular silicone , which is flexible and moves with the body , to metal and glass , which are more rigid and offer a very different experience .
*Congratulations on making it all the way to the end !
You ’ ve probably already guessed this , but there are way more than five types of male sex toys , and in future columns , we ’ ll be exploring them .
Are there toys , accessories , lubes , etc .
that you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the comments and we ’ ll be sure to cover them !

Jolie Kerr on The Inventory, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

The world of men’s sex toys has grown exponentially from the days when a flimsy plastic blowup doll was about as good as you were gonna get. And it’s a category that just keeps growing! But with that comes a whole new problem: What, like, even are these things? What do they do and how do they work?? And which one is the right one for you???
We’ll attempt to answer that by introducing you to the five men’s sex toys you’ll meet in life.*
Inventory readers get 20% off all Bellesa products, using the code INVENTORY at checkout; Ella Paradis offers our readers a 50% discount off their products that is automatically applied to your cart.
Cock Rings
Advertisement
Cock rings, or C-rings, are o-shaped rings designed to go around the base of the penis, and sometimes around the testicles, in order to restrict blood flow, resulting in harder and longer-lasting erections, and more intense orgasms. Cock rings can be used in both solo and partnered play; for couples use, look for cock rings that also stimulate the non-wearing partner’s clitoris or perineum.
Cock rings are a great starting point for men interested in trying out a sex toy for the first time, in part because it is so partner-friendly and many men may feel more comfortable experimenting with toys in partnered play before moving onto toys for solo play. The versatility of the C-ring makes it perfect for trying out in different scenarios based on your comfort level. They also allow for beginner up to advanced use: For novices, adjustable C-rings allow users to increase tightness as they get used to the feeling of the constriction, while more advanced users can intensify the experience by using the ring around both the shaft of the penis and the testicles. For very advanced users, non-adjustable C-rings provide even more restrictiveness.
Advertisement Advertisement
Advertisement
Masturbation Sleeves
A masturbation sleeve is a sex toy into which the penis is inserted—it’s actually a catch-all term for a whole subset of toys like pocket pussies, eggs, Fleshlights (we’ll get to those!), but for our purposes here we’ll more narrowly define them as “strokers” i.e. handjob aids. While they’re primarily a solo-play toy, they can absolutely be used with a partner to enhance oral sex or, yup, the good old handie!
Advertisement
Among the stroker set, you’ll find different styles: Ones that are C-shaped that wrap around the penis like a tortilla around taco filling, ones that are cylindrical that go all the way around the penis, and then there are those eggs! The eggs are designed to slide over the head of the penis and down the shaft, making the penis look like the ghost emoji👻👻👻.
Advertisement
Fleshlights
Advertisement
Technically speaking, a Fleshlight is a masturbation sleeve—sort of the Kleenex to the masturbation sleeve’s tissue, if you will. (Boy that was a grim simile.) But it deserves to be treated as its own thing, both because in many ways it is its own thing and also just because, like Kleenex, the Fleshlight has risen to being such an accepted brand name that it serves as shorthand for an entire category of sex toy.
Okay, so what is a Fleshlight?!? Fleshlights are made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPR or TPE), also known as Cyberskin, which does indeed feel very skin-like, as I detailed in this prehistoric blog on cleaning Fleshlights that I wrote for Gizmodo. The Cyberskin is molded to look like realistic female genitalia, though less realistic versions are available, and is housed in an exterior metal case that looks like a flashlight, hence the name! The penis is inserted into the Cyberskin’s opening, and the toy can either be used manually or hands-free, though the latter method may require a mounting accessory. Fleshlights, and other similar toys, are primarily used for solo play but can be a fun part of couples or group play too.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Butt Plugs
Advertisement
Butt plugs, typically a teardrop-shaped bulb attached to a slimmer neck that connects to a flared base, are toys that provide hands-free anal stimulation. They’re commonly thought of as “trainers” for anal sex—which they certainly are!—but they can and very much should also be used for increased stimulation during masturbation and/or as part of couples or group play.
Butt plugs offer users a great and sort of different sexual experience than most people are used to because they work by providing pressure and a sense of fullness, rather than the in-and-out, thrusting, friction-creating motion most often associated with achieving orgasm.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Prostate Massagers
Advertisement
There’s a whole wide world of butt play toys out there, and we will surely spend more time considering them in this space, but let’s wrap this up with prostate massagers. Firstly! Butt plugs are absolutely prostate massagers, but they function differently enough that considering them their own thing is appropriate. Anal beads: Also prostate massagers (and also worthy of their own entry, which is why I saved them for part 2 of this explainer)!
Prostate massagers are typically dildo-esque toys that differ in one important way—they have either a flared base, an o-ring, or some other design feature to ensure the toy doesn’t fully enter the anus and get stuck; ALL CAPS warning incoming:
NEVER, EVER USE A TOY FOR BUTT PLAY THAT IS NOT SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR BUTT PLAY!!!
Advertisement
Prostate massagers go, yup, in the butt, Bob. With lube, please! Actually, “with lube please” applies across the board here. Water-based lubes will be the best choice for most people and will be absolutely necessary with silicone toys, as silicone-based lubes will degrade the material, and not in the fun, kinky, sexy way. Some prostate massagers vibrate, some don’t, and they come in a wide variety of materials, from the aforementioned and very popular silicone, which is flexible and moves with the body, to metal and glass, which are more rigid and offer a very different experience.
Advertisement
Advertisement
*Congratulations on making it all the way to the end! You’ve probably already guessed this, but there are way more than five types of male sex toys, and in future columns, we’ll be exploring them. Are there toys, accessories, lubes, etc. that you’re curious about? Please let us know in the comments and we’ll be sure to cover them!


theroot--2020-07-13--Berkeley Might Become One of the First Cities to Remove Police From Traffic Stops

Fundamentally , I ’ m a begrudging optimist .
Pessimism just seems counterproductive so , no matter how awful things look , I always hold out hope that perhaps they can be better .
As protests for police accountability have consistently occurred for well over a month across the county , I ’ ve hoped that the result would be some kind of tangible change .
In Berkeley , Calif. , legislators will vote on a proposal that will remove police from traffic stops in an effort to reduce racial profiling .
According to CNN , the Berkeley City council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Reimagining Transportation for a Racially Just Future , ” a proposal that would shift the enforcement of traffic stops away from the police and to the Department of Transportation .
The policy was crafted in the wake of the aforementioned protests .
Council members specifically cited the names of Sandra Bland , Philando Castile , and Maurice Gordon in a letter to Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín stressing the importance of the proposal .
Castile and Gordon were both Black men who were killed by police during a traffic stop and Bland was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being arrested during a traffic stop .
They suggested the city follow the example set by nearby Oakland , which created a separate Department of Transportation to reduce the likelihood of racially motivated traffic stops .
“ Berkeley can lead the nation in refocusing its traffic enforcement efforts on equitable enforcement , focusing on a cooperative compliance model rather than a punitive model , ” councilmembers wrote .
“ A Department of Transportation in the City of Berkeley could shift traffic enforcement , parking enforcement , crossing guards , and collision response & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the need for police interaction with civilians — and ensure a racial justice lens in the way we approach transportation policies , programs and Infrastructure.
” While some council members expressed concerns about where the money would come from to fund such an endeavor , community organizer Darrell Owens believes that cuts to the police budget could do the trick .
“ A minor traffic violation should not have resulted in the murder of a black or brown body , but at the same time we can also re-examine the nature of punitive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traffic enforcement so deadly to begin with , ” Owens told CNN .
Traffic stops make up the majority of the public ’ s interaction with the police .
A report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics shows that Black people are 5.2 percent more likely to experience threats of use of force than white people .
Data from Stanford ’ s Open Policing Project shows that Black people are more likely to be pulled over by the police in general .
In San Francisco , data shows that 32 out of 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Comparatively , the same data shows that only 9 out of 100 white people were pulled over by police .

Fundamentally, I’m a begrudging optimist. Pessimism just seems counterproductive so, no matter how awful things look, I always hold out hope that perhaps they can be better. As protests for police accountability have consistently occurred for well over a month across the county, I’ve hoped that the result would be some kind of tangible change. In Berkeley, Calif., legislators will vote on a proposal that will remove police from traffic stops in an effort to reduce racial profiling.
It’s a baby step but hey, it’s a start.
According to CNN, the Berkeley City council will vote this week on “BerkDOT: Reimagining Transportation for a Racially Just Future,” a proposal that would shift the enforcement of traffic stops away from the police and to the Department of Transportation. The policy was crafted in the wake of the aforementioned protests. Council members specifically cited the names of Sandra Bland, Philando Castile, and Maurice Gordon in a letter to Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín stressing the importance of the proposal. Castile and Gordon were both Black men who were killed by police during a traffic stop and Bland was found dead in a jail cell after being arrested during a traffic stop.
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From CNN:
They suggested the city follow the example set by nearby Oakland, which created a separate Department of Transportation to reduce the likelihood of racially motivated traffic stops. “Berkeley can lead the nation in refocusing its traffic enforcement efforts on equitable enforcement, focusing on a cooperative compliance model rather than a punitive model,” councilmembers wrote. “A Department of Transportation in the City of Berkeley could shift traffic enforcement, parking enforcement, crossing guards, and collision response & reporting away from police officers — reducing the need for police interaction with civilians — and ensure a racial justice lens in the way we approach transportation policies, programs and Infrastructure.”
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While some council members expressed concerns about where the money would come from to fund such an endeavor, community organizer Darrell Owens believes that cuts to the police budget could do the trick. “A minor traffic violation should not have resulted in the murder of a black or brown body, but at the same time we can also re-examine the nature of punitive law enforcement and broken-windows policing that makes traffic enforcement so deadly to begin with,” Owens told CNN.
Traffic stops make up the majority of the public’s interaction with the police. A report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics shows that Black people are 5.2 percent more likely to experience threats of use of force than white people. Data from Stanford’s Open Policing Project shows that Black people are more likely to be pulled over by the police in general. In San Francisco, data shows that 32 out of 100 Black people were pulled over by police. Comparatively, the same data shows that only 9 out of 100 white people were pulled over by police.