theroot--2020-04-17--TGIF Playlist: 4/20 Weekend Vibes

TGIF Playlist: 4/20 Weekend Vibes

Monday officially brings 4/20 , the unofficial holiday for unapologetic stoners .
Now I ’ m neither a supporter nor @ @ @ @ @ ’ s lettuce , but I AM into vibes .
Which is why today ’ @ @ @ @ @ a mellow and chill mood you can perfectly pair with ... well ... you know @ @ @ @ @ out Amazon Music Unlimited for full access to the playlist—and get THREE MONTHS FREE—but in @ @ @ @ @ the mellow ( and maybe totally cliche ) picks below .
And here ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Music for your enjoyment : Get lifted and stay safe .
Until next week , @ @ @ @

Ignacia on The Inventory, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Monday officially brings 4/20, the unofficial holiday for unapologetic stoners. Now I’m neither a supporter nor a hater of the devil’s lettuce, but I AM into vibes. Which is why today’s playlist is dedicated to a mellow and chill mood you can perfectly pair with ... well ... you know.
Make sure to check out Amazon Music Unlimited for full access to the playlist—and get THREE MONTHS FREE—but in the meantime, check out the mellow (and maybe totally cliche) picks below.
1. “Because I Got High” — Afroman
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2. “Mary Jane” — Rick James
3. “Jamming” — Bob Marley & The Wailers
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4. “Machinist” — Japanese Breakfast
5. “Sunflower” — Vampire Weekend ft. Steve Lacy
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6. “Borderline” — Tame Impala
7. “Sunflower” — Post Malone ft. Swae Lee
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8. “Skyline To” — Frank Ocean
9. “I Been” — Ari Lennox
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10. “Anybody” — Burna Boy
11. “Mask Off” —Future
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12. “Gin and Juice” — Snoop Dogg
13. “Pilot Jones” — Frank Ocean
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14. “Binz” — Solange
15. “Lift Off” — Jay-Z Ft. Kanye West & Beyoncé
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And here’s the completed playlist on Amazon Music for your enjoyment:
Get lifted and stay safe. Until next week, y’all.


theroot--2020-04-17--REI's Deals Are Deeper Than the River You Dream of Rafting

The best REI deals for April 2020 are here .
In this time of social distancing , where better to keep yourself six or more feet away from other humans than the great outdoors ?
Get out of the house and explore the non-urban world .
REI can help on that front .
The store is jam-packed with adventure gear , and a lot of it is super-cheap right now .
These are the best deals we ’ ve seen on REI goods right now , and if you plan on buying more than one or two things at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the REI Co-Op Membership program .
Not only do you get access to exclusive items and deals , but you also get 10 % back on most items .
Best of all , it ’ s only $ 20 for a lifetime membership .
Now this is a hearty-looking pack for your outdoor adventures .
Kelty ’ s Redcloud 110 Pack has PerfectFIT suspension to steady your load , Dual LightBeam aluminum to protect your gear , and plenty of pockets and compartments to house all of your stuff .
REI has knocked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making this a steal for such a versatile pack .
• None Buy it now for $ 137 How can you not be intrigued by something called Attack ChromaPop ?
Smith ’ s sleek sunglasses look like they fell out of an ‘ 80s film , with an over-the-top name to match , and it ’ s offered in Sun Red Mirror ( shown ) and Platinum varieties .
It ’ s 60 % off right now , dropping it below $ 100 .
• None Buy it now for $ 98 Made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mountaineering Wavelength Blanket packs a lot of wa rmth into its lightweight design , thanks to TechLoft Silver synthetic insulation .
You can get it in Deep Sea ( shown ) , Olive , or Vibrant Blue , all down 40 % from the normal price .
• None Buy it now for $ 42 Got any spelunking in your future ?
If so , then snag the Black Diamond Iota Headlamp while it ’ s on the cheap .
This strap-on light gives you a 150-lumen beam that can highlight objects up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ light settings available , USB recharging , and IPX4 water resistance to splashes and sprayed water .
It ’ s down from the usual $ 40 price right now .
• None Buy it now for $ 25 One of REI ’ s highest-rated items this hydro flask it literally tops and versatile enough to carry both hot and cold items .
Review after review credits it ’ s got a great portable design and ability to keep your morning coffee toasty for up to two hours after filling .
It comes in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7 off .
• None Buy it now for $ 28 The softest workout pants you will ever have .
Customers liken them to butter .
Whether you are working up a sweat while jogging , doing yoga , or lifting weights these will keep you cool with Vuori ’ s quick-drying fabric .
There ’ s a side pocket for your essentials and we are told they pass the squat test with exceptional colors .
Speaking of which , they come in five , with Navy on sale for $ 66 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 89 This is a great deal on a solid product .
If you ’ re in the market for a tent or to upgrade an old one we give you the Taurus .
Quick set up in the great outdoors , your backyard or even your living room the instructions are easy to follow .
It might be a bit snug but two happy campers can definitely fit inside .
This is a three-season tent to your stay cozy in cool summer/autumn/spring nights .
The rain cover is durable so you should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • None Buy it now for $ 120 These slick and low-profile trainers will look great on the treadmill or a running path .
Stable , flexible , and comfy they will pass the test of whatever you throw at them .
40 % off right now in four different colors .
• None Buy it now for $ 96 The real genius in this hammock is that you don ’ t need two trees to hang it .
One will suffice because it stretches horizontally .
A few people have recommended getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hang this thing anywhere you please .
It is absolutely strong enough for two people also .
17 colors are available with Maroon currently on sale for $ 42 .
• None Buy it now for $ 70 These are dope sneakers made from environmentally preferred leather .
The footbeds were constructed with probiotic technology to alleviate sweat and keep these kicks the freshest .
They ’ ve even gone through an earth-friendly durable water repellent treatment so no need to worry wearing these if you get caught in the rain .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perfect buy for any season .
• None Buy it now for $ 75 The deepest discount on the list at 50 % off .
This is a great in-between hoodie for dreary chilly days .
Another piece with recycled fleece .
True to fit so wearing a shirt under this should be fine .
Available in three colors but sizes are moving fast so if want one move on it now .
• None Buy it now for $ 59 With warmer weather can the summer months well on the way a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They have ChromaPop and anti-reflective lenses that will enhance and clarify any terrain you are on .
These splatter ones give a cool black and white aesthetic that will vibe with any outfit .
Review after review mentions all the compliments that were received .
A signature pair of shades is a great way to stand out anywhere .
• None Buy it now for $ 110

Sheilah Villari and Andrew Hayward on Kinja Deals, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Featured Deal: The North Face Ultra 110 GTX Women’s Trail-Running Shoes | $90
The best REI deals for June 2020 are here.
After all this time spent mostly indoors, it’s finally time to get the heck outside... safely, of course. There’s no better place than the great outdoors to socially distance yourself from modern society and its inhabitants, so why not stock up at REI and take a break from the bleak reality of the world?
REI has loads of great deals right now, and we’ve highlighted a dozen of our favorites below. Also, REI’s Co-Op Membership program provides exclusive deals and 10% back on most items for a shockingly low lifetime membership fee of just $20. Get on that!
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Look at these stunners. Subtlety isn’t in the vocabulary of the Smith Tempo Max ChromaPOP sunglasses, nor likely anyone who opts to wear ‘em. These high-wrap shades have ChromaPOP lenses that purport to minimize color confusion and deliver clear sights, and they’re down from a list price of $189.
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Gear up for your next hike with The North Face’s Ultra 110 GTX women’s trail-running shoes, which are made with GORE-TEX and have waterproof membranes. They’re marked down 25%, and as of this writing REI still has a full array of sizes in stock.
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Save 30% on the Big Agnes Rabbit Ears 4 Tent, which is designed to fit four people. This camping tent has two closure options, whether you prefer ventilation or privacy, along with a window and two fly tents to improve air flow and minimize condensation.
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Now this is a hearty-looking pack for your outdoor adventures. Kelty’s Redcloud 110 Pack has PerfectFIT suspension to steady your load, Dual LightBeam aluminum to protect your gear, and plenty of pockets and compartments to house all of your stuff. REI has knocked 40% off the list price, making this a steal for such a versatile pack.
Advertisement
Made especially for mountain treks, the ALPS Mountaineering Wavelength Blanket packs a lot of warmth into its lightweight design, thanks to TechLoft Silver synthetic insulation. You can get it in Deep Sea (shown), Olive, or Vibrant Blue, all down 40% from the normal price.
Advertisement
Got any spelunking in your future? If so, then snag the Black Diamond Iota Headlamp while it’s on the cheap. This strap-on light gives you a 150-lumen beam that can highlight objects up to 130 feet away, with multiple light settings available, USB recharging, and IPX4 water resistance to splashes and sprayed water. It’s down from the usual $40 price right now.
Advertisement
The softest workout pants you will ever have. Customers liken them to butter. Whether you are working up a sweat while jogging, doing yoga, or lifting weights these will keep you cool with Vuori’s quick-drying fabric. There’s a side pocket for your essentials and we are told they pass the squat test with exceptional colors. Speaking of which, they come in five, with Evergreen on sale for $53.
Advertisement
These slick and low-profile trainers will look great on the treadmill or a running path. Stable, flexible, and comfy they will pass the test of whatever you throw at them. 40% off right now in four different colors.
Advertisement
The real genius in this hammock is that you don’t need two trees to hang it. One will suffice because it stretches horizontally. A few people have recommended getting Atlas straps also so you can truly hang this thing anywhere you please. It is absolutely strong enough for two people also.
Advertisement
These are dope sneakers made from environmentally preferred leather. The footbeds were constructed with probiotic technology to alleviate sweat and keep these kicks the freshest. They’ve even gone through an earth-friendly durable water repellent treatment so no need to worry wearing these if you get caught in the rain. They are currently 35% off and a perfect buy for any season.
Advertisement
This is a great in-between hoodie for dreary chilly days. Another piece with recycled fleece. True to fit so wearing a shirt under this should be fine. It’s available in three colors, but sizes are moving fast at this 50% discount - so if you want one, move on it now.
Advertisement
With warmer weather can the summer months well on the way a good pair of sunglasses is essential. They have ChromaPop and anti-reflective lenses that will enhance and clarify any terrain you are on. These splatter ones give a cool black and white aesthetic that will vibe with any outfit. Review after review mentions all the compliments that were received. A signature pair of shades is a great way to stand out anywhere.


theroot--2020-04-17--Top 5 Anime to Watch During a Pandemic

Top 5 Anime to Watch During a Pandemic

With many Americans under some version of a stay-at-home order , you ’ ve probably found yourself spending an inordinate amount of time in front of your TV .
If you ’ re like me , you may have found yourself burning through your watch list .
No worries , I got you .
Whether you want to lean into the post-apocalyptic vibes or are simply looking for an escape , here are five anime you should add into your viewing rotation .
Look , there was no way in hell I was going to write this list and not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve been on the internet at any point in the last five years , you ’ ve probably seen at least one Naruto meme .
The last decade has seen Naruto become one of the most popular anime of the current era .
The series follows the titular character and his friends Sakura and Sasuke as they train to become ninja under their teacher Kakashi .
While it starts a little slow , once you get to the chunin exams shit goes hard .
The fight scenes in the series rank among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the show also has an enormous amount of heart .
The world-building and character development are also top-notch .
The show is daunting due to its length but with us looking at at least another month of quarantine , that ’ s plenty of time to get through the show .
Especially if you use this list to skip all the filler episodes .
If you ’ re looking for an exciting series that will keep you entertained for a long time , look no further than Naruto .
Dragon Ball Z and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could run .
My Hero Academia is easily the most popular anime to have been released in the last five years .
The series takes place in a world where everyone has a quirk , a unique superhuman ability .
This results in heroes , villains and sidekicks being commonplace .
The story follows Deku , a quirkless teenager on a quest to become the greatest hero the world has ever seen .
The show is currently airing and just wrapped up its fourth season earlier this month .
At only 88 episodes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daunting as Naruto and you could easily catch up with the current arc .
The show is fun and is brimming with positive energy .
Similar to Naruto , it ’ s a joy watching Deku go from straight scrub to a dude who can actually throw hands .
This is for the folks who feel like leaning into the existential despair of the current moment .
Attack on Titan takes place in a world where humanity has been forced to live in one city .
Titans , massive humanoid creatures , attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The specter of death constantly haunts the protagonists of the series and early episodes of the show really leans into the hopeless and existential dread the heroes face as they go to battle .
The show follows Eren , Armin and Mikasa as they join the scout regiment to fight the titans that terrorize their city .
The series has a lot of twists , turns and reveals making the earlier seasons an engrossing watch .
While it was a bit overhyped at launch , Attack on Titan is definitely worth a watch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the mood for something post-apocalyptic .
Samurai Champloo is probably tied with the anime I ’ m listing next as one of my favorites of all time .
While it features a host of kinetic action scenes , the jazzy hip-hop soundtrack provided by Nujabes and the mellow , occasionally contemplative nature of its episodic storytelling result in a show that ’ s just chill af .
It ’ s an anime that you can have a drink , pop an edible and just vibe to .
The series follows Mugen and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respectively , who are recruited by a young woman named Fuu to find the samurai who smells of sunflowers .
The series is only 26 episodes so it ’ s a quick watch .
If you ’ re looking for a relaxing show that still contains some bursts of excitement , this is the one .
If I was hard pressed to name my favorite anime of all time , Neon Genesis Evangelion would be the first come to mind .
This is the post-apocalyptic anime to beat all post-apocalyptic anime .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s recruited by his father to pilot a giant robot called an Evangelion to do battle with an alien race called “ angels.
” The show takes place 15 years after an event called the second impact which resulted in the death of millions of people .
The show starts off as a standard mecha anime before evolving into a complex study on theology , philosophy , mental illness and sexuality .
The series and its two movies , Death and Rebirth and End of Evangelion build towards a finale that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you ’ re really craving some existential horror with a side of giant robot action , this is the one .
Not going to lie folks , this list was mad hard .
There were so many more anime I wanted to put on here .
If there is anything you think I missed or anything you ’ d want to recommend yourself , drop them in the comments !
I ’ m always looking for new anime to watch .

With many Americans under some version of a stay-at-home order, you’ve probably found yourself spending an inordinate amount of time in front of your TV. If you’re like me, you may have found yourself burning through your watch list. No worries, I got you. Whether you want to lean into the post-apocalyptic vibes or are simply looking for an escape, here are five anime you should add into your viewing rotation.
5. Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden
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Look, there was no way in hell I was going to write this list and not put Naruto on here. If you’ve been on the internet at any point in the last five years, you’ve probably seen at least one Naruto meme. The last decade has seen Naruto become one of the most popular anime of the current era. The series follows the titular character and his friends Sakura and Sasuke as they train to become ninja under their teacher Kakashi. While it starts a little slow, once you get to the chunin exams shit goes hard. The fight scenes in the series rank among some of the best in anime but the show also has an enormous amount of heart. The world-building and character development are also top-notch. The show is daunting due to its length but with us looking at at least another month of quarantine, that’s plenty of time to get through the show. Especially if you use this list to skip all the filler episodes. If you’re looking for an exciting series that will keep you entertained for a long time, look no further than Naruto.
4. My Hero Academia
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Dragon Ball Z and Naruto walked so that My Hero Academia could run. My Hero Academia is easily the most popular anime to have been released in the last five years. The series takes place in a world where everyone has a quirk, a unique superhuman ability. This results in heroes, villains and sidekicks being commonplace. The story follows Deku, a quirkless teenager on a quest to become the greatest hero the world has ever seen. The show is currently airing and just wrapped up its fourth season earlier this month. At only 88 episodes, it’s not nearly as daunting as Naruto and you could easily catch up with the current arc. The show is fun and is brimming with positive energy. Similar to Naruto, it’s a joy watching Deku go from straight scrub to a dude who can actually throw hands.
3. Attack on Titan
Advertisement
This is for the folks who feel like leaning into the existential despair of the current moment. Attack on Titan takes place in a world where humanity has been forced to live in one city. Titans, massive humanoid creatures, attack the city and devour its residents. The specter of death constantly haunts the protagonists of the series and early episodes of the show really leans into the hopeless and existential dread the heroes face as they go to battle. The show follows Eren, Armin and Mikasa as they join the scout regiment to fight the titans that terrorize their city. The series has a lot of twists, turns and reveals making the earlier seasons an engrossing watch. While it was a bit overhyped at launch, Attack on Titan is definitely worth a watch. Especially if quarantine has had you in the mood for something post-apocalyptic.
2. Samurai Champloo
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Samurai Champloo is probably tied with the anime I’m listing next as one of my favorites of all time. While it features a host of kinetic action scenes, the jazzy hip-hop soundtrack provided by Nujabes and the mellow, occasionally contemplative nature of its episodic storytelling result in a show that’s just chill af. It’s an anime that you can have a drink, pop an edible and just vibe to. The series follows Mugen and Jin, a vagabond and a ronin respectively, who are recruited by a young woman named Fuu to find the samurai who smells of sunflowers. The series is only 26 episodes so it’s a quick watch. If you’re looking for a relaxing show that still contains some bursts of excitement, this is the one.
1. Neon Genesis Evangelion
Advertisement
If I was hard pressed to name my favorite anime of all time, Neon Genesis Evangelion would be the first come to mind. This is the post-apocalyptic anime to beat all post-apocalyptic anime. The series follows 14-year-old Shinji Ikari as he’s recruited by his father to pilot a giant robot called an Evangelion to do battle with an alien race called “angels.” The show takes place 15 years after an event called the second impact which resulted in the death of millions of people. The show starts off as a standard mecha anime before evolving into a complex study on theology, philosophy, mental illness and sexuality. The series and its two movies, Death and Rebirth and End of Evangelion build towards a finale that’s stunning, emotional and horrific. If you’re really craving some existential horror with a side of giant robot action, this is the one.
Not going to lie folks, this list was mad hard. There were so many more anime I wanted to put on here. If there is anything you think I missed or anything you’d want to recommend yourself, drop them in the comments! I’m always looking for new anime to watch.


theroot--2020-04-17--Man Faces Charges After Attempting to Blow Up Jewish Nursing Home

Nursing homes around the country are struggling as they house one of the most vulnerable groups when it comes to COVID-19 .
Leave it to a potential white supremacist to only add to that struggle .
The New York Times reports that 36-year-old John Michael Rathbun was charged with two counts of attempted arson in federal court .
On April 2 , Rathbu n allegedly tried to ignite a five-gallon gas canister outside of Ruth ’ s House , a nursing home in Longmeadow , Mass .
Bloodstains on the gas canister were found to match Rathbun ’ s DNA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s House is located in a predominantly Jewish neighborhood that is home to multiple temples , a Jewish community center and a Jewish private school .
From The New York Times : Ruth ’ s House had been targeted for attack on two social media platforms operated by an unnamed white supremacist group , according to a criminal complaint .
One user on March 4 had discussed a mass killing at “ that jew nursing home in L ongmeadow Massachusetts , ” and another had created a calendar listing for April 3 called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not yet certain if Rathbun had ties to any of these white supremacist websites , the FBI has seized his computer and is currently investigating .
On Wednesday , Rathbun made a video appearance in federal court and has yet to enter a plea .
He was released to his home by federal magistrate judge Katherine A. Robinson .
Prosecutors objected to the decision which they found “ appears to have been greatly influenced by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
” This attempted attack is only the latest in hate crimes meant to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , two white nationalists staged a similarly failed attempt to blow up a Kansas city hospital currently dealing with the epidemic .
Reports also emerged of white supremacists attempting to weaponize the coronavirus .

Nursing homes around the country are struggling as they house one of the most vulnerable groups when it comes to COVID-19. Leave it to a potential white supremacist to only add to that struggle.
The New York Times reports that 36-year-old John Michael Rathbun was charged with two counts of attempted arson in federal court. On April 2, Rathbu n allegedly tried to ignite a five-gallon gas canister outside of Ruth’s House, a nursing home in Longmeadow, Mass. Bloodstains on the gas canister were found to match Rathbun’s DNA according to federal prosecutors. Ruth’s House is located in a predominantly Jewish neighborhood that is home to multiple temples, a Jewish community center and a Jewish private school.
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From The New York Times:
Ruth’s House had been targeted for attack on two social media platforms operated by an unnamed white supremacist group, according to a criminal complaint. One user on March 4 had discussed a mass killing at “that jew nursing home in L ongmeadow Massachusetts,” and another had created a calendar listing for April 3 called “jew killing day.”
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While it is not yet certain if Rathbun had ties to any of these white supremacist websites, the FBI has seized his computer and is currently investigating. On Wednesday, Rathbun made a video appearance in federal court and has yet to enter a plea. He was released to his home by federal magistrate judge Katherine A. Robinson. Prosecutors objected to the decision which they found “appears to have been greatly influenced by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.”
This attempted attack is only the latest in hate crimes meant to capitalize on the pandemic. Last month, two white nationalists staged a similarly failed attempt to blow up a Kansas city hospital currently dealing with the epidemic. Reports also emerged of white supremacists attempting to weaponize the coronavirus.