theroot--2020-04-22--Queen & Princess: Jodie Turner-Smith and Joshua Jackson Welcome a Baby Girl

The Queen ’ s princess has arrived !
No , not that queen , the titular Queen in Queen & Slim .
The actress who portrays her , that is .
“ Both mother and baby are happy and healthy , ” the couple ’ s representatives told People on Tuesday .
No word on their new daughter ’ s name yet , but we ’ re sure they ’ ll share when they ’ re ready .
The couple are known to keep their private lives to the chest , sharing a little bit here and there via social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on their Instagram stories and Twitter , by the way ) .
Understandably so , since they have such a public platform , it ’ s logical to want to cherish something for yourself .
Turner-Smith recently mused on her new maternal role on Instagram , describing motherhood as “ a fantastic voyage that begins in wonder and transformation.
” The new daddy , who stars in the acclaimed miniseries Little Fires Everywhere , previously talked to Good Morning America about receiving parenting advice from co-stars Kerry Washington and Reese Witherspoon .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both in like , finding doctors , OBs , just resources of people to talk to , and then , frankly , just leading by example , because the both of them are not just actresses , but they run their own companies , they ’ re both mothers , they ’ ve integrated their family life and their professional life in a way that seems very healthy , ” Jackson said .
“ So just watching how they navigate all of that , because next time I [ go ] to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a daddy.
” Jackson also shared that having a baby during the coronavirus pandemic was obviously “ a bit stressful , ” but confirmed at the time that both Turner-Smith and the baby were healthy and that they were self-isolating in their California home .
Congrats to the couple and we wish their newly formed family well !

The Queen’s princess has arrived! No, not that queen, the titular Queen in Queen & Slim. The actress who portrays her, that is.
Jodie Turner-Smith and Joshua Jackson have welcomed a daughter.
“Both mother and baby are happy and healthy,” the couple’s representatives told People on Tuesday.
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People adds:
PEOPLE confirmed in December that Jackson and Turner-Smith had tied the knot, after the couple stepped out wearing rings the previous month and appeared to pick up a marriage license in August.
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No word on their new daughter’s name yet, but we’re sure they’ll share when they’re ready. The couple are known to keep their private lives to the chest, sharing a little bit here and there via social media (the two are incredibly cute on their Instagram stories and Twitter, by the way). Understandably so, since they have such a public platform, it’s logical to want to cherish something for yourself.
Turner-Smith recently mused on her new maternal role on Instagram, describing motherhood as “a fantastic voyage that begins in wonder and transformation.”
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The new daddy, who stars in the acclaimed miniseries Little Fires Everywhere, previously talked to Good Morning America about receiving parenting advice from co-stars Kerry Washington and Reese Witherspoon.
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“Both of them were incredibly helpful, both in like, finding doctors, OBs, just resources of people to talk to, and then, frankly, just leading by example, because the both of them are not just actresses, but they run their own companies, they’re both mothers, they’ve integrated their family life and their professional life in a way that seems very healthy,” Jackson said. “So just watching how they navigate all of that, because next time I [go] to work, I’m gonna be a daddy.”
Jackson also shared that having a baby during the coronavirus pandemic was obviously “a bit stressful,” but confirmed at the time that both Turner-Smith and the baby were healthy and that they were self-isolating in their California home.
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Congrats to the couple and we wish their newly formed family well!


theroot--2020-04-22--Bring Your Yoga Studio Home With 25% off Crystal Cove’s Yoga Pillows [Exclusive]

With gyms and yoga studios being closed for the foreseeable future , it ’ s easy to feel antsy and @ @ @ @ @ .
Luckily , it ’ s not too hard to replicate the basics at home @ @ @ @ @ accessories you can turn your bedroom into a mini yoga studio in a pinch .
@ @ @ @ @ like these from Brentwood Home , can help give your body support where it ’ @ @ @ @ @ and make those challenging poses a bit easier to nail .
To celebrate Earth Day @ @ @ @ @ readers 25 % off its yoga pillows using the promo code KINJAYOGA through April 24 @ @ @ @ @ grab Brentwood ’ s Yoga Bundle , which comes with all three pillows , for @ @ @ @ @ of about $ 40 .

Jordan McMahon on Kinja Deals, shared by Ignacia to The Root

25% off Crystal Cove Yoga Pillows | Brentwood Home | Use Promo Code KINJAYOGA
With gyms and yoga studios being closed for the foreseeable future, it’s easy to feel antsy and miss your usual workout routine. Luckily, it’s not too hard to replicate the basics at home, and with a few accessories you can turn your bedroom into a mini yoga studio in a pinch. A good yoga pillow, like these from Brentwood Home, can help give your body support where it’s needed during stretches, and make those challenging poses a bit easier to nail. To celebrate Earth Day, Brentwood is giving Kinja readers 25% off its yoga pillows using the promo code KINJAYOGA through April 24.
You can also grab Brentwood’s Yoga Bundle, which comes with all three pillows, for $150, a savings of about $40.


'Drip Drop' Forever

Empire ended on Tuesday night with a series finale in which , as usual , crazy things happened that I ’ ll never understand .
That ’ s partly because I haven ’ t watched the show regularly since Season 3 when a character fell off a building to her death .
Since then , Jussie Smollett ’ s character , Jamal Lyon , was written off the show after tossing himself into a scandal as stunningly inexplicable as the show itself ; and it appears that Hakeem , the Lyon family ’ s chosen son , has gotten married @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet nothing is the same , and as one of the greatest soap operas of our generation expires after six seasons , I find myself revisiting a classic .
Five years later , what of “ Drip Drop ” ?
When “ Drip Drop ” entered the lexicon in 2015 , it was a new era of television .
It was an era of blowjob bibs and Scandal appointment-viewing , a burgeoning time when Twitter offered a landing place for obsessive viewers like myself who wanted to watch TV with other people , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in front of a TV and sharing thoughts about a show with millions across the country—became a tradition .
Empire , as a concept , was excellent in its first season .
And when I say “ excellent , ” it means something different in Empire-speak .
For such a critically lauded show , it was also seen as a joke , a trashy low-stakes drama that gained the highest ratings in all the land .
The story began as a saga about a family in the music business , led by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , a cunning matriarch ( Cookie , played by Taraji P. Henson ) , and their three troubled sons .
Early King Lear and Dynasty comparisons gave Empire an air of eliteness , though its brilliance never sustained past Seasons 1 and 2 .
Its quality was dependent on a tricky execution of camp , which increasingly failed as the show clung on .
Still , Empire was astonishingly adept at placing its audience in dizzying throes of confusion and enchantment .
There were secret pregnancies , absurd twists of logic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its characters , not to mention a catalog of unlistenable songs , none more thrilling than “ Drip Drop.
” Upon hearing “ Drip Drop ” in Season 1 , the eldest Lyon son , Andre , responds , “ ‘ Drip Drop ’ is good .
I guess.
” It is good .
Or rather , it is a bad song that tried so desperately to be good and , as a result of its effort , became good .
If that doesn ’ t make sense , don ’ t think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s final five episodes were never shot since production was cut short amid a pandemic shutdown .
Season 6 teased a flash-forward throughout that foreshadowed Cookie and Lucious ’ s deaths , but that part of the story was left in limbo and thus will never make sense .
Instead—Spoiler—The Wire ’ s Wood Harris , who plays the father of a singer with whom Lucious is in love , tries to kill Lucious but ends up shooting and killing his daughter .
Lucious later kills Damon .
What a way to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finale is still a possibility , but I say it ’ s okay to end here , prematurely , with Empire being remembered as a tragedy .
It would be great if “ Drip Drop ” got a second life , though .
Say , if the kids brought the song to Tik Tok for a “ Drip Drop ” challenge .
For now , let ’ s remember “ Drip Drop ” for what it was , and let ’ s remember Empire for what it never could be .
It was @ @ @ @ @

Clover Hope on The Muse, shared by Genetta M. Adams to The Root

Empire ended on Tuesday night with a series finale in which, as usual, crazy things happened that I’ll never understand. That’s partly because I haven’t watched the show regularly since Season 3 when a character fell off a building to her death. Since then, Jussie Smollett’s character, Jamal Lyon, was written off the show after tossing himself into a scandal as stunningly inexplicable as the show itself; and it appears that Hakeem, the Lyon family’s chosen son, has gotten married. Everything is the same, and yet nothing is the same, and as one of the greatest soap operas of our generation expires after six seasons, I find myself revisiting a classic. Five years later, what of “Drip Drop”?
When “Drip Drop” entered the lexicon in 2015 , it was a new era of television. It was an era of blowjob bibs and Scandal appointment-viewing, a burgeoning time when Twitter offered a landing place for obsessive viewers like myself who wanted to watch TV with other people, except remotely. What was once unprecedented—sitting in front of a TV and sharing thoughts about a show with millions across the country—became a tradition.
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Empire, as a concept, was excellent in its first season. And when I say “excellent,” it means something different in Empire-speak. For such a critically lauded show, it was also seen as a joke, a trashy low-stakes drama that gained the highest ratings in all the land. The story began as a saga about a family in the music business, led by a lying-ass father Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard), a cunning matriarch (Cookie, played by Taraji P. Henson), and their three troubled sons. Early King Lear and Dynasty comparisons gave Empire an air of eliteness, though its brilliance never sustained past Seasons 1 and 2. Its quality was dependent on a tricky execution of camp, which increasingly failed as the show clung on. Still, Empire was astonishingly adept at placing its audience in dizzying throes of confusion and enchantment. There were secret pregnancies, absurd twists of logic, and an enviable sense of obliviousness in its characters, not to mention a catalog of unlistenable songs, none more thrilling than “Drip Drop.”
Upon hearing “Drip Drop” in Season 1, the eldest Lyon son, Andre, responds, “‘Drip Drop’ is good. I guess.” It is good. Or rather, it is a bad song that tried so desperately to be good and, as a result of its effort, became good. If that doesn’t make sense, don’t think about it further.
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Fittingly, Empire’s final five episodes were never shot since production was cut short amid a pandemic shutdown. Season 6 teased a flash-forward throughout that foreshadowed Cookie and Lucious’s deaths, but that part of the story was left in limbo and thus will never make sense. Instead—Spoiler—The Wire’s Wood Harris, who plays the father of a singer with whom Lucious is in love, tries to kill Lucious but ends up shooting and killing his daughter. Lucious later kills Damon. What a way to go out.
Producers say a proper finale is still a possibility, but I say it’s okay to end here, prematurely, with Empire being remembered as a tragedy. It would be great if “Drip Drop” got a second life, though. Say, if the kids brought the song to Tik Tok for a “Drip Drop” challenge. For now, let’s remember “Drip Drop” for what it was, and let’s remember Empire for what it never could be. It was good. I guess.


theroot--2020-04-22--Popular Pittsburgh Nightclub Owners Protest Stay-at-Home Order, Outed as...Just Really Stupid White

Popular Pittsburgh Nightclub Owners Protest Stay-at-Home Order, Outed as...Just Really Stupid White People

An understandable but deeply misguided take on the armed ( and mostly white ) idiots in the streets protesting stay-at-home orders is that they ’ ll just spread the coronavirus to each other , like a regifted MAGA fruitcake .
Unfortunately , all that does is make everyone else more vulnerable , too .
But , there is actually a form of social Darwinism happening here , just as it happened in Charlottesville and anywhere else white people publicly congregate to celebrate thinly veiled racial grievance .
Paul and Lisa Martinez are the owners of Cavo ( perhaps the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( a venue frequently used for LGBTQ events ) .
On Monday , the Martinezes—or is it Martini ?
—thought it wise to grab their AR-15s , dress as Disney characters in “ Bane ... but also a Founding Father ” cosplay , and post up outside of the city county building .
They looked equal parts dumb and dangerous , and the video footage of them went viral .
But since they had masks obscuring their faces—a point I ’ ll come back to in like , 10 seconds—you couldn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The Mastermind ” Martinez went on Facebook and outed himself .
And now , I have questions !
To protect ourselves from the coronavirus .
I think I ’ m done with questions now .
With everything shut down , I imagine they ’ re struggling , just like most everyone else .
But when this eventually ends , people would have still frequented their venues .
All they had to do was literally just sit home and eat their food .
Now , they will lose customers .
Some DJs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refuse to work there .
And they ’ ll always have the stench of white supremacist stupidity associated with their businesses .
As small as the profit margins are at most clubs and restaurants , this could end them .
And yeah , I ’ m aware that Martinez is Mexican-American—which he believes disqualifies him from being a white supremacist .
But Mexican is a nationality , Mexicans can be white and the political sensibility that would compel him to attempt to intimidate a virus with bullets comes from and exists in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m sorry , Paul , but you ’ re whitewhitewhitewhitewhitewhitewhite , so embrace it .
Who knows ?
Maybe there ’ s a Green Book ... but for nitwits you can list your clubs on now too .

Damon Young on Very Smart Brothas, shared by Damon Young to The Root

An understandable but deeply misguided take on the armed (and mostly white) idiots in the streets protesting stay-at-home orders is that they’ll just spread the coronavirus to each other, like a regifted MAGA fruitcake. Unfortunately, all that does is make everyone else more vulnerable, too.
But, there is actually a form of social Darwinism happening here, just as it happened in Charlottesville and anywhere else white people publicly congregate to celebrate thinly veiled racial grievance.
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Paul and Lisa Martinez are the owners of Cavo (perhaps the most popular nightclub in Pittsburgh) and Cake (a venue frequently used for LGBTQ events). On Monday, the Martinezes—or is it Martini?—thought it wise to grab their AR-15s, dress as Disney characters in “Bane...but also a Founding Father” cosplay, and post up outside of the city county building. They looked equal parts dumb and dangerous, and the video footage of them went viral. But since they had masks obscuring their faces—a point I’ll come back to in like, 10 seconds—you couldn’t tell who they were.
Until Paul “The Mastermind” Martinez went on Facebook and outed himself. And now, I have questions!
“Why wear masks if you planned on revealing yourselves anyway?”
To protect ourselves from the coronavirus.
“But isn’t protecting yourself and others from the coronavirus the point of the...”
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I think I’m done with questions now.
With everything shut down, I imagine they’re struggling, just like most everyone else. But when this eventually ends, people would have still frequented their venues. All they had to do was literally just sit home and eat their food. Now, they will lose customers. Some DJs, servers, bartenders, and bouncers will refuse to work there. And they’ll always have the stench of white supremacist stupidity associated with their businesses. As small as the profit margins are at most clubs and restaurants, this could end them.
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And yeah, I’m aware that Martinez is Mexican-American—which he believes disqualifies him from being a white supremacist. But Mexican is a nationality, Mexicans can be white and the political sensibility that would compel him to attempt to intimidate a virus with bullets comes from and exists in the worst of white people. I’m sorry, Paul, but you’re whitewhitewhitewhitewhitewhitewhite, so embrace it. Who knows? Maybe there’s a Green Book ... but for nitwits you can list your clubs on now too.


theroot--2020-04-22--Trump and Fox News Now Acting Like They Weren’t Out Here Pushing ‘Game-Changer’ Drug to Beat Coronav

Trump and Fox News Now Acting Like They Weren’t Out Here Pushing ‘Game-Changer’ Drug to Beat Coronavirus

It only took a few weeks and some light testing for President Trump and Fox News to back up after openly promoting and pushing an anti-malaria drug to beat COVID-19 like America had suddenly become Hamsterdam .
Once touted by Trump as a “ game-changer , ” the president has gone full Mariah Carey “ I don ’ t know her ” meme now that a VA study found that the drug isn ’ t just ineffective against coronavirus , but it actually could lead to a higher death rate .
And you know who else has followed suit ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fox News .
“ The fact of the matter is we don ’ t know , ” Dr. Mehmet Oz told the hosts of Fox & Friends on Wednesday .
“ Thankfully , these medications are prescriptions only… We are better off waiting for the randomized trials Dr. Fauci has been asking for.
” That ’ s a big switch-up considering just a few weeks ago Dr. Oz—who ’ s about as reliable for medical advice as Dr. Dre and Dr. J—was discounting Dr. Anthony Fauci , a real doctor who has insisted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He ’ s a pro and I respect him a lot , but a small study that shows statistical significance is a really important observation , ” Dr. Oz claimed on April 6 .
“ If it takes me 30,000 patients to show a difference , is that better than showing a difference in 62 patients ?
If a small trial demonstrates statistically significant differences , you should respect it , ” the Daily Beast reports .
And don ’ t forget that Trump ran out here and spent $ 29 million of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the damn hydroxychloroquine and now he ’ s acting like he doesn ’ t know what the hell is going on .
“ I don ’ t know of the report , ” Trump said when asked about the drug being a waste of time during his daily coronavirus briefing .
“ Obviously there have been some very good reports and perhaps this one ’ s not a good report .
But we ’ ll be looking at it.
” He ’ s seen that shit .
He was hoping that this was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his administration in which he would look like the hero for buying the drug early , but as with most things regarding this administration , Trump just ended up looking like an impatient “ dicktator ” who refused to listen to the doctor , the REAL doctor , who told him that touting the drug was a bad idea .

It only took a few weeks and some light testing for President Trump and Fox News to back up after openly promoting and pushing an anti-malaria drug to beat COVID-19 like America had suddenly become Hamsterdam.
Once touted by Trump as a “game-changer,” the president has gone full Mariah Carey “I don’t know her” meme now that a VA study found that the drug isn’t just ineffective against coronavirus, but it actually could lead to a higher death rate.
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And you know who else has followed suit? Trump’s personal YouTube station, Fox News.
“The fact of the matter is we don’t know,” Dr. Mehmet Oz told the hosts of Fox & Friends on Wednesday. “Thankfully, these medications are prescriptions only… We are better off waiting for the randomized trials Dr. Fauci has been asking for.”
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That’s a big switch-up considering just a few weeks ago Dr. Oz—who’s about as reliable for medical advice as Dr. Dre and Dr. J—was discounting Dr. Anthony Fauci, a real doctor who has insisted that America needed more studies.
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“He’s a pro and I respect him a lot, but a small study that shows statistical significance is a really important observation,” Dr. Oz claimed on April 6. “If it takes me 30,000 patients to show a difference, is that better than showing a difference in 62 patients? If a small trial demonstrates statistically significant differences, you should respect it,” the Daily Beast reports.
And don’t forget that Trump ran out here and spent $29 million of taxpayers’ money to buy up all the damn hydroxychloroquine and now he’s acting like he doesn’t know what the hell is going on.
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“I don’t know of the report,” Trump said when asked about the drug being a waste of time during his daily coronavirus briefing. “Obviously there have been some very good reports and perhaps this one’s not a good report. But we’ll be looking at it.”
He’s seen that shit. He was hoping that this was going to be a moment for him and his administration in which he would look like the hero for buying the drug early, but as with most things regarding this administration, Trump just ended up looking like an impatient “dicktator” who refused to listen to the doctor, the REAL doctor, who told him that touting the drug was a bad idea .


theroot--2020-04-22--Stock Up Your Kitchen With Today’s Best Ninja Deals

Ready for a kitchen upgrade ?
The best Ninja deals of April 2020 are here .
If you ’ re spending a lot more time in the kitchen experimenting with dishes , then you might benefit from an appliance upgrade .
Ninja has you covered , whether you covet a blender , air fryer , slow cooker , or coffee machine , and many of the company ’ s top products are significantly discounted .
Read on for our picks for the best Ninja kitchen deals right now .
Ninja has more powerful , more feature-rich blenders that come with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want an entry-level way to experience the power of a Ninja blender without the added stuff , then the 1000W Ninja Professional 72oz Blender should do the trick .
Right now , it ’ s down 20 % off of the list price on Amazon .
• None Buy it now for $ 80 If the aforementioned blender alone won ’ t do the trick , then consider the Ninja Mega Kitchen System instead .
As you can see above , this bundle comes with a lot more kitchen gadgets that could come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get more power from this 1500W system , but it also comes with a 64oz food processing bowl for chopping up food and even mixing together dough .
It also has a pair of 16oz Nutri Ninja cups with lids , perfect for smoothies .
All told , this beastly bundle is $ 40 off right now .
• None Buy it now for $ 15 0 Blenders are typically for cold or room-temperature items , but the Ninja Foodi Blender with Heat-iQ adds a heating component as well .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that also contains an 800W heating element designed to warm up dips , soups , cheese , and chocolate , or even infuse flavors into drinks .
You can grab it on Amazon for $ 50 off right now .
• None Buy it now for $ 12 0 Have you heard about the magic of air frying ?
These devices are getting a lot more buzz lately due to their ability to deliver crispy veggies and meats with a lot less fat than traditional frying .
The immensely well-reviewed Ninja Foodi 8-in-1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has 4.7 stars from Amazon user reviews ) also air roasts , air broils , bakes , dehydrates , and more , plus you can tip it upright so that it takes up less counter space when not in use .
It ’ s $ 40 cheaper than the list price at the moment .
• None Buy it now for $ 210 If you ’ re serious about brewing beverages , then Ninja ’ s Hot and Cold Brewed System is your one-stop station for custom drinks .
Whether it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or a carafe , iced beverages , or frothing milk , Ninja ’ s system can get you sorted .
Right now , it ’ s $ 3 0 off too , and it might be worth the investment if you ’ re missing your daily trip to the coffee shop .
• None Buy it now for $ 17 0 Here ’ s another versatile kitchen appliance that continues Ninja ’ s trend of cramming numerous capabilities into one object .
The Ninja 7-in-1 Pressure , Slow Cooker , and Air Fryer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whether you prefer low and slow or something a bit more rapid .
If this 5-quart version seems a bit too confined , then you might consider the 6.5-quart or 8-quart versions instead .
• None Buy it now for $ 149 You might be looking at one of the great new innovations in blending right here .
The Nutri Ninja Blender with FreshVac Technology comes with the titular FreshVac gadget , which sucks out oxygen from the cup before blending .
Ninja claims that it keeps vitamins , minerals , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ otherwise lost or minimized using another blender .
You can give it a shot for $ 6 0 off right now .
• None Buy it now for $ 7 0 Some of the devices on this page do air frying along with a bunch of other things , but you ’ ll pay extra for those perk-packed offerings .
Just want an air fryer to crisp up your food with less fat ?
Ninja ’ s basic AF101 Air Fryer is $ 30 off right now… and besides , it also air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• None Buy it now for $ 100 If your blending needs are pretty minimal , then you probably don ’ t need to spend upwards of $ 100 or more on a powerful appliance .
Ninja ’ s 400W Blender/Food Processor keeps things simple , with a 48oz pitcher and 16oz chopping bowl .
There ’ s no heavy base here , just a powered topper that controls the spinning/chopping action—but Ninja says that it ’ ll still crush ice and puree frozen fruit .
It ’ s $ 15 off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now for $ 35 Didn ’ t think you ’ d see a book in here , did you ?
If you ’ re adding an air fryer or pressure cooker to your kitchen array and don ’ t exactly know what to do with either or both of those , then this officially-licensed Ninja Foodi Complete Cookbook for Beginners ought to fill you in .
It ’ s 37 % off of the list price , and what ’ s another $ 11 to unlock a wealth of recipes and techniques ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 If you primarily need an affordable , yet effective blender for smoothies , then the Ninja Fit Single Serve Blender may meet all of your needs .
It comes with a pair of 16oz cups with sip-and-seal lids , and you ’ ll blend right within the cups themselves .
Load ‘ em up with fruit , veggies , ice , and whatever else you please , give it a whirl with the 700W power pod , and boom : smoothie time .
• None Buy it now for $ 50

Andrew Hayward on Kinja Deals, shared by Ignacia to The Root

Featured Deal: Shark RV750 Ion Robot (Renewed) | $120
The best Ninja Kitchen and Shark Clean deals of September 2020 are here.
If you’re stuck at home right now (like most of us), then there’s no better time to start making the most of your kitchen. Stop relying on the same boring recipes and techniques and expand your repertoire by picking up a handy Ninja kitchen appliance.
Whether it’s a pressure/slow cooker, a blender, an air fryer, or a fancy coffee machine, Ninja makes something that’s sure to please. Many of the company’s top devices are on sale right now, so check out the best deals below and see what catches your fancy. And we’ve also included some top cleaning product deals from Ninja’s sister company, Shark.
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Looking for a blender without all of the extra attachments and stuff? Here it is: the 1000W Ninja Professional 72oz Blender.
This BL710WM model can crush ice, make smoothies, and blend up all kinds of things as you please. It’s $15 off the list price now, which means you can get a potentially massive blender upgrade for just $69 from Walmart.
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This solo smoothie maker uses 900 watts of powerful spinning blade action to produce nutrient-packed beverages.
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The Nutri Ninja blender can slice and dice through fruit, veggies, and ice alike, and comes with both 18oz and 24oz cups with to-go lids for easy transport. It’s $20 off right now at Walmart.
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This is one of the best deals you’ll find on a Roomba-like robot vacuum. Right now, Amazon has the Shark RV750 Ion Robot in a renewed (refurbished) edition for just $120, a savings of $80 over the usual refurbished price.
The Smart Sensor Navigation allows it to patrol your space in search of dust and dirt and suck it all up with ease, plus you can control it with a smartphone or Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant.
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Save $20 right now on Shark’s Genius hard floor steam mop, which holds 220ml of water and blasts out steam (with three different settings) to help you blast and wipe away gunk and stains. Best of all, you never have to touch the gross reusable Dirt Grip Pads after you’re done: you can release it straight into your basket of dirty clothes, wash it, and use it again next time.
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If a single blender alone won’t do the trick, then consider the Ninja Mega Kitchen System instead. As you can see above, this bundle comes with a lot more kitchen gadgets that could come in handy.
Not only do you get more power from this 1500W system, but it also comes with a 64oz food processing bowl for chopping up food and even mixing together dough. It also has a pair of 16oz Nutri Ninja cups with lids, perfect for smoothies. All told, this beastly bundle is $60 off right now.
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Use promo code CLEAN100 at checkout
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Save $119 right now on Shark’s IQ Robot Vacuum with the Self-Empty Base, which boosts the package price over the robo-vac itself. It’s a big perk, though: after the Shark IQ roams your space and sucks up all of the dirt, it’ll dock at the base and deposit its dirt, hair, and whatever else into the base.
That makes it easier for you to take care of later. Just use the promo code CLEAN100 at checkout to take advantage of the deal.
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Blenders are typically for cold or room-temperature items, but the Ninja Foodi Blender with Heat-iQ adds a heating component as well.
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It’s a powerful 1400W blender, but one that also contains an 800W heating element designed to warm up dips, soups, cheese, and chocolate, or even infuse flavors into drinks. You can grab it at Amazon for $30 off right now.
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Have you heard about the magic of air frying? These devices are getting a lot more buzz lately due to their ability to deliver crispy veggies and meats with a lot less fat than traditional frying.
The immensely well-reviewed Ninja Foodi 8-in-1 Digital Toaster and Air Fryer also air roasts, air broils, bakes, dehydrates, and more, plus you can tip it upright so that it takes up less counter space when not in use. It’s $50 off at Amazon right now.
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If you’re in need of a handheld vac for sucking up the little messes around the home or in your vehicles, the Shark Wandvac might do the trick. This sleek, dockable number has serious suction power and one-touch emptying, plus it comes with attachments for hitting crevices and sucking up intense pet hair. Save $2 0 right now at Amazon.
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Go large with the Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 pressure cooker, which also broils, dehydrates, slow-cooks, air fries, and more. This versatile device has a 6.5-quart capacity and is $56 off the list price right now.
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Some of the devices on this page do air frying along with a bunch of other things, but you’ll pay extra for those perk-packed offerings. Just want an air fryer to crisp up your food with less fat? Ninja’s basic AF101 Air Fryer is $30 off the new list price … and besides, it also air roasts, dehydrates, and reheats food.
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If you’re serious about brewing beverages, then Ninja’s Hot and Cold Brewed System is your one-stop station for custom drinks. Whether it’s hot coffee or tee, a cup or a carafe, iced beverages, or frothing milk, Ninja’s system can get you sorted. Right now, it’s $20 off too, and it might be worth the investment if you’re missing your daily trip to the coffee shop.


theroot--2020-04-22--Jimmy Kimmel Is Dressing Up for #FormalFriday and You Can Too

While Jimmy Fallon has been getting all the talk show hosting from home-love for his very cute kids and insane indoor slide , I ’ ve been keeping a close eye on another Jimmy ’ s online show .
Namely , Jimmy Kimmel on what he ’ s dubbed “ Formal Fridays.
” The LA-based late-night host has been showing up for his online “ minilogues ” all suited up ... just for the hell of it , basically .
As the Jimmy Kimmel Live host put it in his March 20 streaming episode , “ The idea is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going somewhere even though you ’ re going nowhere.
” Sounds like a nice bit of escapism right now , doesn ’ t it ?
If you want to be reminded of what it feels like to look and feel totally put together , consider making this Friday a “ Formal Friday ” with one of the dressy pieces below .
Kimmel would approve .
Jimmy Kimmel is a great example of someone who looks extra sharp in a suit because its structure gives him more structure , making him look more lean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a new suit before *waves arms* all this hit , consider Suitsupply .
The Amsterdam-based retailer is continuing to expand their brick and mortar footprint in the U.S. , but for those without a store nearby , a limited selection of the modern-cut , relatively affordable suiting is now available online at Nordstrom .
I hear from so many guys who buy this in one color and wind up going back for another ( and another ) .
The unconstructed , two-button jacket goes from the airport to a meeting to drinks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to it , ensuring you look suave and cool while feeling soft and cozy .
At this point , just putting on shoes makes your body go , ‘ Where are we headed , the Ritz ?
!
’ These horse-bit drivers from Kenneth Cole feel comfortable on your feet while suggesting to the world ( aka , your pet ) you have somewhere to go , even though you obviously don ’ t .
The powder blue pair is *chef ’ s kiss* and would go nicely with that navy Bonobos blazer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bet you ’ d surprise yourself with how much mileage you ’ d get out of the moss green style , too .
This red and blue plaid tie is part of The Tie Bar ’ s collection of higher-end neckwear hailing from the Vitale Barberis wool mill in Italy .
Dating back to 1663 , the family-run mill produces fabrics for brands and retailers turning out textile at a much , much higher pricetag .
At under $ 40 , this tie will have you tagging in on # FormalFriday for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ luxe knit is a great way to telegraph formality in the spring and warm weather months without going for a full suit .
It ’ s got a Mad Men on the weekend-vibe that nevertheless looks fresh , modern , and relevant today .
Do you need an off-white dinner jacket ?
Absolutely not .
Is this the time to buy one ?
Maybe ?
!
If your post-pandemic social calendar includes black-tie weddings aplenty , you may want to spring for your formalwear as sales start to roll in .
Wear this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that may already be in your closet and meet your partner ( or yourself ) a martini in the kitchen this ( Formal ) Friday .

Megan Collins on The Inventory, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

While Jimmy Fallon has been getting all the talk show hosting from home-love for his very cute kids and insane indoor slide, I’ve been keeping a close eye on another Jimmy’s online show.
Namely, Jimmy Kimmel on what he’s dubbed “Formal Fridays.” The LA-based late-night host has been showing up for his online “minilogues” all suited up...just for the hell of it, basically.
As the Jimmy Kimmel Live host put it in his March 20 streaming episode, “The idea is to get dressed up as if you are going somewhere even though you’re going nowhere.”
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Sounds like a nice bit of escapism right now, doesn’t it?
If you want to be reminded of what it feels like to look and feel totally put together, consider making this Friday a “Formal Friday” with one of the dressy pieces below. Kimmel would approve.
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Jimmy Kimmel is a great example of someone who looks extra sharp in a suit because its structure gives him more structure, making him look more lean and fit.
If you were looking for a new suit before *waves arms* all this hit, consider Suitsupply. The Amsterdam-based retailer is continuing to expand their brick and mortar footprint in the U.S., but for those without a store nearby, a limited selection of the modern-cut, relatively affordable suiting is now available online at Nordstrom.
Advertisement
I hear from so many guys who buy this in one color and wind up going back for another (and another). The unconstructed, two-button jacket goes from the airport to a meeting to drinks with ease.
It has some flex to it, ensuring you look suave and cool while feeling soft and cozy.
Advertisement
At this point, just putting on shoes makes your body go, ‘Where are we headed, the Ritz?!’ These horse-bit drivers from Kenneth Cole feel comfortable on your feet while suggesting to the world (aka, your pet) you have somewhere to go, even though you obviously don’t.
The powder blue pair is *chef’s kiss* and would go nicely with that navy Bonobos blazer with the patch pockets, though I bet you’d surprise yourself with how much mileage you’d get out of the moss green style, too.
Advertisement
Remember ties?
This red and blue plaid tie is part of The Tie Bar’s collection of higher-end neckwear hailing from the Vitale Barberis wool mill in Italy. Dating back to 1663, the family-run mill produces fabrics for brands and retailers turning out textile at a much, much higher pricetag. At under $40, this tie will have you tagging in on #FormalFriday for a song.
Advertisement
A button-up polo in a luxe knit is a great way to telegraph formality in the spring and warm weather months without going for a full suit. It’s got a Mad Men on the weekend-vibe that nevertheless looks fresh, modern, and relevant today.
Advertisement
Ludlow Slim-fit dinner jacket in Italian wool | $525 | J.Crew
Do you need an off-white dinner jacket? Absolutely not. Is this the time to buy one? Maybe?!
If your post-pandemic social calendar includes black-tie weddings aplenty, you may want to spring for your formalwear as sales start to roll in.
Advertisement
Wear this J.Crew dinner jacket with black tuxedo pants that may already be in your closet and meet your partner (or yourself) a martini in the kitchen this (Formal) Friday.


theroot--2020-04-23--D.C's Historical Ben's Chili Bowl Among Small Businesses Still Waiting for Government Loans

It was already horrible news that the $ 349 billion set aside for small businesses struggling during the pandemic ran out of money on April 16 , barely two weeks after it was released .
To find out that much of that money went to large restaurant chains and publicly traded companies while many local favorites are struggling to stay open made the news doubly so .
WJLA reports that beloved Washington , D.C. icon Ben ’ s Chili Bowl is fighting to stay afloat while waiting for Congress to add more funding to the Payment Protection Program .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve had to consolidate , we ’ re just working out of here for carryout and delivery , ” Ben ’ s Chili Bowl co-owner Sage Ali told WJLA .
The restaurant chain , which has been a part of the D.C. community for 61 years , has four locations within the D.C area but only its landmark U-Street location is currently open .
“ We were looking to really have our best year yet .
And all of a sudden this hit and it just took us in a very , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The company applied for a loan through the Paycheck Protection Program but have yet to acquire approval .
The program has come under scrutiny as money meant for small businesses has gone to over 100 publicly traded companies .
Earlier this week , Shake Shack announced that it would return the $ 10 million loan it received from the program .
On Thursday , Kura Sushi and Sweetgreen joined Shake Shack in returning money they received from the program .
Ben ’ s Chili Bowl is hoping to see a portion of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of a relief package the House is set to vote on Thursday .
The total price tag of the bill is $ 484 billion and will be used exclusively for small businesses and hospitals .
Despite the current setbacks , Ali still has hope that Ben ’ s Chili Bowl will weather the storm .
“ We look forward to continuing for the next 60 years ... we will all get through this , not just us , but the community , ” Ali told WJLA .

It was already horrible news that the $349 billion set aside for small businesses struggling during the pandemic ran out of money on April 16, barely two weeks after it was released. To find out that much of that money went to large restaurant chains and publicly traded companies while many local favorites are struggling to stay open made the news doubly so.
WJLA reports that beloved Washington, D.C. icon Ben’s Chili Bowl is fighting to stay afloat while waiting for Congress to add more funding to the Payment Protection Program.
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“The COVID-19 hit us hard, we’ve had to consolidate, we’re just working out of here for carryout and delivery,” Ben’s Chili Bowl co-owner Sage Ali told WJLA. The restaurant chain, which has been a part of the D.C. community for 61 years, has four locations within the D.C area but only its landmark U-Street location is currently open. “We were looking to really have our best year yet. And all of a sudden this hit and it just took us in a very, very different direction,” said Ali.
The company applied for a loan through the Paycheck Protection Program but have yet to acquire approval. The program has come under scrutiny as money meant for small businesses has gone to over 100 publicly traded companies. Earlier this week, Shake Shack announced that it would return the $10 million loan it received from the program. On Thursday, Kura Sushi and Sweetgreen joined Shake Shack in returning money they received from the program.
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Ben’s Chili Bowl is hoping to see a portion of the additional $310 billion that is part of a relief package the House is set to vote on Thursday. The total price tag of the bill is $484 billion and will be used exclusively for small businesses and hospitals.
Despite the current setbacks, Ali still has hope that Ben’s Chili Bowl will weather the storm. “We look forward to continuing for the next 60 years...we will all get through this, not just us, but the community,” Ali told WJLA.