theroot--2020-09-07--Trump, the Snowflakeyest of All Snowflakes, Threatens to Defund California Schools for Implementing

Trump, the Snowflakeyest of All Snowflakes, Threatens to Defund California Schools for Implementing 1619 Project Curriculum

Despite all of their lamenting of how “ overly sensitive ” this new generation is , white conservatives are and have always been the most fragile people to walk this here Earth —and Donald Trump is their president .
Oh , Trump may not be as smart as some of these ivy league Republicans wish he was , but he still represents their most treasured value : Protect whiteness at all cost .
Trump—whose answer to everything that displeases him is to threaten to “ withhold funding ” from said thing —is now going all defunder-in-chief on California schools because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York Times ’ Pulitzer-Prize winning collection 1619 Project into their curriculum .
For those who don ’ t know , the 1619 Project is a project directed by Nikole Hannah-Jones that “ aims to reframe the country ’ s history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of black Americans at the very center of our national narrative.
” On Sunday , the whiny white supremacist dipped in Tang that y ’ all call president responded to a random Twitter post claiming California “ has implemented the 1619 [ P @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that “ soon you won ’ t recognize [ America ] , ” by tweeting , “ Department of Education is looking at this .
if so , they will not be funded.
” I would go into a big thing about how conservative ’ s only real gripe against the project is that it ’ s a historical narrative that isn ’ t written and controlled by white people , but The Root ’ s Michael Harriot has already done a fine job of unpacking that here .
Instead , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1619 Project , along with the general discussion on race in America—a thing Trump has such a big stick up his ass over that he ordered federal agencies to end anti-racism training which he calls “ un-American propaganda ” — reveals that white conservatives are every bit the overly sensitive , easily offended , perpetually triggered snowflakes they claim everyone else is .
The moves follow a pattern by the President of disparaging attempts to process or reckon with the country ’ s fraught racial history .
In his convention acceptance speech , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , trying to keep up with the latest lists of approved words and phrases , and the ever more restrictive political decrees .
Many things have a different name now , and the rules are constantly changing.
” “ We want our sons and daughters to know the truth , ” Trump went on .
“ America is the greatest and most exceptional nation in the history of the world .
Our country wasn ’ t built by cancel culture , speech codes , and crushing conformity .
We are not a nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between conservatives and progressives when it comes to being easily offended is the things we are offended by .
Why us “ anti-American ” progressives are offended by racism , misogyny , homophobia and ableism , right-wingers are offended by anti-jingoism , criticism of Christianity and systemic racism talk .
Why else would the same people who swear up and down that millennials and gen-Zers are too sensitive these days , get their white nationalist drawers all in a bunch over something as simple as some athletes silently kneeling during the national anthem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protesting systemic racism in policing , they ’ re in the same streets protesting because they have to wear face masks .
Another difference is that , while the thing people call “ cancel culture ” is more myth than reality and exists almost entirely on social media , white people ’ s version off cancel culture has always had real consequences .
They cancelled Black people from equality after the enslaved were freed and had the nerve to walk around unowned by white people .
They cancelled a whole Black Wallstreet because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a single white woman .
They got so offended by Black people walking into diners through the front entrance and sitting down at the bar , that we needed a whole ass civil rights movement —a thing snowflake-ass white people overwhelmingly disapproved of—to rectify things .
As far as the teaching of the 1619 Project in schools goes , let ’ s not forget that the same people suddenly concerned about skewed versions of American history being taught in schools , never voiced any concern over generations of Black students being forced to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chant “ liberty and justice for all ” in front of the flag every morning .

Despite all of their lamenting of how “overly sensitive” this new generation is, white conservatives are and have always been the most fragile people to walk this here Earth—and Donald Trump is their president. Oh, Trump may not be as smart as some of these ivy league Republicans wish he was, but he still represents their most treasured value: Protect whiteness at all cost.
Trump—whose answer to everything that displeases him is to threaten to “withhold funding” from said thing—is now going all defunder-in-chief on California schools because he heard they would be implementing the New York Times’ Pulitzer-Prize winning collection 1619 Project into their curriculum.
Advertisement
For those who don’t know, the 1619 Project is a project directed by Nikole Hannah-Jones that “aims to reframe the country’s history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of black Americans at the very center of our national narrative.”
Advertisement Advertisement
On Sunday, the whiny white supremacist dipped in Tang that y’all call president responded to a random Twitter post claiming California “has implemented the 1619 [P]project into the public schools” and that “soon you won’t recognize [America],” by tweeting, “Department of Education is looking at this. if so, they will not be funded.”
I would go into a big thing about how conservative’s only real gripe against the project is that it’s a historical narrative that isn’t written and controlled by white people, but The Root’s Michael Harriot has already done a fine job of unpacking that here. Instead, I just want to point out that the 1619 Project, along with the general discussion on race in America—a thing Trump has such a big stick up his ass over that he ordered federal agencies to end anti-racism training which he calls “un-American propaganda”—reveals that white conservatives are every bit the overly sensitive, easily offended, perpetually triggered snowflakes they claim everyone else is.
Advertisement
From CNN:
The moves follow a pattern by the President of disparaging attempts to process or reckon with the country’s fraught racial history. In his convention acceptance speech, the President said “Americans are exhausted, trying to keep up with the latest lists of approved words and phrases, and the ever more restrictive political decrees. Many things have a different name now, and the rules are constantly changing.” “We want our sons and daughters to know the truth,” Trump went on. “America is the greatest and most exceptional nation in the history of the world. Our country wasn’t built by cancel culture, speech codes, and crushing conformity. We are not a nation of timid spirits.”
Advertisement
The only difference between conservatives and progressives when it comes to being easily offended is the things we are offended by. Why us “anti-American” progressives are offended by racism, misogyny, homophobia and ableism, right-wingers are offended by anti-jingoism, criticism of Christianity and systemic racism talk. Why else would the same people who swear up and down that millennials and gen-Zers are too sensitive these days, get their white nationalist drawers all in a bunch over something as simple as some athletes silently kneeling during the national anthem? We’re in the streets protesting systemic racism in policing, they’re in the same streets protesting because they have to wear face masks.
Advertisement
Another difference is that, while the thing people call “cancel culture” is more myth than reality and exists almost entirely on social media, white people’s version off cancel culture has always had real consequences. They cancelled Black people from equality after the enslaved were freed and had the nerve to walk around unowned by white people. They cancelled a whole Black Wallstreet because they heard a single Black man assaulted a single white woman. They got so offended by Black people walking into diners through the front entrance and sitting down at the bar, that we needed a whole ass civil rights movement—a thing snowflake-ass white people overwhelmingly disapproved of—to rectify things.
As far as the teaching of the 1619 Project in schools goes, let’s not forget that the same people suddenly concerned about skewed versions of American history being taught in schools, never voiced any concern over generations of Black students being forced to hold their hands over their heart and chant “liberty and justice for all” in front of the flag every morning.


theroot--2020-09-07--A Love Letter to Black Women, Who Have Always Labored for Our Democracy

It ’ s a new day .
A Black , South Asian woman is the vice-presidential candidate on the 2020 Democratic ticket .
It ’ s a historic moment .
With the celebration , discussion and dissection of partisan politics , I reminisce on the countless strides made by the thousands of Black women who laid the groundwork for this moment .
But first , I take a moment for myself—and encourage you to do so , too .
In honor of Labor Day and our literal work to improve our democracy , be gentle to yourself , and be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has gotten to where we are today .
Know that you have always been a key leader of the caring culture of our country .
I think of my Delta Sigma Theta sisters and their public debut at the Suffrage March in the last century .
On March 3rd , 1913 , these strong women worked for a greater good but were segregated to the back of the procession by the white organizers .
True to form , they were not discouraged .
My sisters knew the value in the work they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make an impact for all women and for themselves as Black women , albeit in the distant future .
For Black women , it ’ s always about the common good first .
It ’ s about ensuring that young women know they have a place at the table in our democracy .
It ’ s about our children playing in safe environments and having access to high-quality education .
It ’ s about securing funding for a new small business or taking care of our parents in old age .
Ultimately , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within our great country .
If you look at the history of the United States , Black women have been present every progressive step of the way .
A monumental driving force , Shirley Chisholm was the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress .
She succeeded in getting unemployment benefits extended to domestic workers and introduced a program called SEEK ( Search for Education , Elevation and Knowledge ) , which provided disadvantaged students the chance to attend college .
Congresswoman Chisholm didn ’ t stop .
She then went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to run for president .
Then , I think of Coretta Scott King , an activist long before marrying her husband , and an activist long after his assassination .
She worked for policy change in regard to poverty and unemployment .
She co-founded and led the Full Employment Action Council and the National Committee for Full Employment .
Because of her , we have the Humphrey-Hawkins Act , a law that charges the government with the responsibility of striving towards and maintaining full employment .
More recently , I think of Congresswoman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jordan Davis was shot and killed in 2017 , she joined Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America as a national spokeswoman .
She continued to use her voice—advocating against gun violence while running for office , challenging the Georgia incumbent in the 6th congressional district for the United States House of Representatives .
And she won .
McBath ’ s victory was described as the biggest upset of the 2018 midterms .
She was the first Black woman to represent her district , and that very same midterm election , five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Five .
Black women have never needed a formal stage to express their desires for progress .
We have taken to parks , marches , churches , book clubs , PTA meetings , and many other venues to champion for a better tomorrow .
No matter the barriers created , nothing will dishearten Black women ’ s desire for change , and their gaze steadily remains on what a better , future America could look like .
I won ’ t ignore the fact that much of what we do has been out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up in extraordinary ways so we do not go ignored and can demand the change we need most .
The battle is exhausting .
As we head towards the November election , I will remind you that taking care of yourself is an act of resistance , and necessary as we continue our work .
Not only is this about Nov. 3 , the special Senate election in January , and the municipal elections of 2021 , it ’ s about bending the long arc of the moral universe towards justice and freedom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we embrace that one of our own will stand on our nation ’ s biggest stage to express her idea of what a future America could look like , I encourage you to breathe and take a moment for yourself .
The road towards liberation has been long , at times exhausting , and seemingly never-ending .
But it is your genius , your labor , and your commitment that powers our country ’ s march towards progress .
Nse Ufot is a lawyer turned top voter engagement strategist on a mission to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one voter at a time .
She is CEO of the New Georgia Project and the New Georgia Project Action Fund , where she leads an ambitious effort to register new voters of color and young people , cultivating civic engagement through an innovative blend of technology , art , and culture .

Nse Ufot on The Glow Up, shared by Maiysha Kai to The Root

My Fellow Black Women,
It’s a new day. A Black, South Asian woman is the vice-presidential candidate on the 2020 Democratic ticket. It’s a historic moment. With the celebration, discussion and dissection of partisan politics, I reminisce on the countless strides made by the thousands of Black women who laid the groundwork for this moment.
But first, I take a moment for myself—and encourage you to do so, too. In honor of Labor Day and our literal work to improve our democracy, be gentle to yourself, and be kind. It is your genius that has gotten to where we are today. Know that you have always been a key leader of the caring culture of our country.
Advertisement
I think of my Delta Sigma Theta sisters and their public debut at the Suffrage March in the last century. On March 3rd, 1913, these strong women worked for a greater good but were segregated to the back of the procession by the white organizers. True to form, they were not discouraged. My sisters knew the value in the work they were doing, and they knew it would make an impact for all women and for themselves as Black women, albeit in the distant future.
For Black women, it’s always about the common good first. It’s about ensuring that young women know they have a place at the table in our democracy. It’s about our children playing in safe environments and having access to high-quality education. It’s about securing funding for a new small business or taking care of our parents in old age. Ultimately, it’s about equity for all within our great country.
Advertisement Advertisement
If you look at the history of the United States, Black women have been present every progressive step of the way. A monumental driving force, Shirley Chisholm was the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress. She succeeded in getting unemployment benefits extended to domestic workers and introduced a program called SEEK (Search for Education, Elevation and Knowledge), which provided disadvantaged students the chance to attend college. Congresswoman Chisholm didn’t stop. She then went on to become the first Black woman to run for president.
Then, I think of Coretta Scott King, an activist long before marrying her husband, and an activist long after his assassination. She worked for policy change in regard to poverty and unemployment. She co-founded and led the Full Employment Action Council and the National Committee for Full Employment. Because of her, we have the Humphrey-Hawkins Act, a law that charges the government with the responsibility of striving towards and maintaining full employment.
Advertisement
More recently, I think of Congresswoman Lucy McBath. After her son, Jordan Davis was shot and killed in 2017, she joined Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America as a national spokeswoman. She continued to use her voice—advocating against gun violence while running for office, challenging the Georgia incumbent in the 6th congressional district for the United States House of Representatives. And she won.
McBath’s victory was described as the biggest upset of the 2018 midterms. She was the first Black woman to represent her district, and that very same midterm election, five Black women were elected to Congress. Five.
Advertisement
Black women have never needed a formal stage to express their desires for progress. We have taken to parks, marches, churches, book clubs, PTA meetings, and many other venues to champion for a better tomorrow. No matter the barriers created, nothing will dishearten Black women’s desire for change, and their gaze steadily remains on what a better, future America could look like.
I won’t ignore the fact that much of what we do has been out of necessity—that we are required to show up in extraordinary ways so we do not go ignored and can demand the change we need most. The battle is exhausting.
Advertisement
As we head towards the November election, I will remind you that taking care of yourself is an act of resistance, and necessary as we continue our work. Not only is this about Nov. 3, the special Senate election in January, and the municipal elections of 2021, it’s about bending the long arc of the moral universe towards justice and freedom.
My fellow Black women, as we embrace that one of our own will stand on our nation’s biggest stage to express her idea of what a future America could look like, I encourage you to breathe and take a moment for yourself. The road towards liberation has been long, at times exhausting, and seemingly never-ending. But it is your genius, your labor, and your commitment that powers our country’s march towards progress.
Advertisement
Nse Ufot is a lawyer turned top voter engagement strategist on a mission to reshape the political landscape in Georgia, one voter at a time. She is CEO of the New Georgia Project and the New Georgia Project Action Fund, where she leads an ambitious effort to register new voters of color and young people, cultivating civic engagement through an innovative blend of technology, art, and culture.


theroot--2020-09-08--Teyana Taylor and Iman Shumpert Welcome Second Daughter—Again, in the Bathroom of Their Home

Congrats are in order for entertainer Teyana Taylor and her NBA star husband Iman Shumpert , who celebrated the birth of their second daughter , Rue Rose , on September 6 .
The infant made her debut on Instagram in posts sent out by her parents on their respective pages on September 8 .
“ At 3:28 am on Sept 6th 2020 Rue Rose decided that the baby shower thrown for her and mommy was too lit , ” Taylor wrote in an Instagram caption accompanying two videos of her newborn .
She shared photos and videos from her baby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before .
“ [ Rue Rose ] didn ’ t make the party but she managed to make the next day her birthdate !
” Taylor also adds that Rue was born in the bathroom at the Taylor-Shumpert home without hospital or medical assistance—just like her big sister Junie in 2015 .
“ Our newest edition entered the world in the water and came out looking around and ready to explore !
” she continues .
News of Taylor ’ s pregnancy spread in June via her music video for her song “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ husband .
Taylor has had a whirlwind 2020 thus far ; she released her third studio LP—aptly titled The Album—on Juneteenth , featuring collaborations with Lauryn Hill , Erykah Badu , Missy Elliott , and more .
Her recent video for her song “ Still ” was released on September 4 , and garnered mixed responses from fans regarding her homages to police brutality victims throughout the visual .
In typical celebrity child fashion , Rue Rose Shumpert has an Instagram page , which you can keep up with here .
Congrats to @ @ @

J'na Jefferson on The Grapevine, shared by J'na Jefferson to The Root

Congrats are in order for entertainer Teyana Taylor and her NBA star husband Iman Shumpert, who celebrated the birth of their second daughter, Rue Rose, on September 6. The infant made her debut on Instagram in posts sent out by her parents on their respective pages on September 8.
“At 3:28 am on Sept 6th 2020 Rue Rose decided that the baby shower thrown for her and mommy was too lit,” Taylor wrote in an Instagram caption accompanying two videos of her newborn. She shared photos and videos from her baby shower on her Instagram Stories one day before. “[Rue Rose] didn’t make the party but she managed to make the next day her birthdate!”
Advertisement
Taylor also adds that Rue was born in the bathroom at the Taylor-Shumpert home without hospital or medical assistance—just like her big sister Junie in 2015.
“Our newest edition entered the world in the water and came out looking around and ready to explore!” she continues. News of Taylor’s pregnancy spread in June via her music video for her song “Wake Up Love” which features her husband.
Advertisement Advertisement
Taylor has had a whirlwind 2020 thus far: She released her third studio LP—aptly titled The Album—on Juneteenth, featuring collaborations with Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, Missy Elliott, and more. Her recent video for her song “Still” was released on September 4, and garnered mixed responses from fans regarding her homages to police brutality victims throughout the visual.
In typical celebrity child fashion, Rue Rose Shumpert has an Instagram page, which you can keep up with here. Congrats to the family!


theroot--2020-09-09--Colin Kaepernick Returns to Madden for the 1st Time in 4 Years

While a return to the NFL is unlikely , Colin Kaepernick has made his return to the next best thing : Madden .
The Undefeated reports that a free update released for Madden 21 on Tuesday will allow players to draft Kap in the game ’ s franchise mode .
“ Now ’ s your chance to bring back Kap and be the virtual GM that signs one of the most dynamic QBs in the game , ” EA Sports said in a statement .
While Kap was one of the faces of Madden during his time in the NFL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game than any other athlete , the free-agent quarterback has not been seen in a Madden title since 2016 ’ s Madden 17 .
References to him were also scrubbed out from songs on the soundtrack of Madden 18 and Madden 19 , making his arrival to franchise mode even more surprising .
“ We made an unfortunate mistake with our Madden NFL soundtrack , ” EA Sports said in a 2018 statement before Madden 19 was updated .
“ Members of our team misunderstood the fact that while we don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the game , this doesn ’ t affect soundtracks .
We messed up , and the edit should never have happened .
… We meant no disrespect.
” Kaepernick was approached by EA Sports over the summer about a possible appearance in this year ’ s game .
He worked heavily alongside the team to make sure his in-game appearance and behavior was to his liking .
Kaepernick ’ s avatar sports an afro and he throws up the Black Power fist as his signature celebration .
EA Sports released the following statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s arrival .
“ Colin Kaepernick is one of the top free agents in football and a starting-caliber quarterback .
The team at EA SPORTS , along with millions of Madden NFL fans , want to see him back in our game .
“ Knowing that our EA SPORTS experiences are platforms for players to create , we want to make Madden NFL a place that reflects Colin ’ s position and talent , rates him as a starting QB , and empowers our fans to express their hopes for the future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Colin to make this possible , and we ’ re excited to bring it to all of you today.
” Kaepernick ’ s in-game player ranking stands at 81 .
He was previously ranked at 89 in 2013 ’ s Madden 25 and the following year ’ s Madden 15 before dropping to 81 in Madden 16 and 74 in Madden 17 .
If none of that makes sense to you , it basically is just a measure of how good a player is at doing football things .
His current ranking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarterbacks .
Additionally , to mark the start of this year ’ s football season , the game will be free to play this weekend .
While this year ’ s Madden has received some , uh , mixed reviews , this is a cool move that ’ ll allow all players to check out the game and see how Kap pays against the current crop of talent .
While it may only be a digital return , for now , it ’ s still pretty tight to see Kap back in at @ @ @ @

While a return to the NFL is unlikely, Colin Kaepernick has made his return to the next best thing: Madden.
The Undefeated reports that a free update released for Madden 21 on Tuesday will allow players to draft Kap in the game’s franchise mode. “Now’s your chance to bring back Kap and be the virtual GM that signs one of the most dynamic QBs in the game,” EA Sports said in a statement.
Advertisement
While Kap was one of the faces of Madden during his time in the NFL, appearing in more commercials for the game than any other athlete, the free-agent quarterback has not been seen in a Madden title since 2016’s Madden 17. References to him were also scrubbed out from songs on the soundtrack of Madden 18 and Madden 19, making his arrival to franchise mode even more surprising.
“We made an unfortunate mistake with our Madden NFL soundtrack,” EA Sports said in a 2018 statement before Madden 19 was updated. “Members of our team misunderstood the fact that while we don’t have rights to include Colin Kaepernick in the game, this doesn’t affect soundtracks. We messed up, and the edit should never have happened. … We meant no disrespect.”
Advertisement Advertisement
Kaepernick was approached by EA Sports over the summer about a possible appearance in this year’s game. He worked heavily alongside the team to make sure his in-game appearance and behavior was to his liking. Kaepernick’s avatar sports an afro and he throws up the Black Power fist as his signature celebration. EA Sports released the following statement to T he Undefeated to announce Kaepernick’s arrival.
From The Undefeated:
“Colin Kaepernick is one of the top free agents in football and a starting-caliber quarterback. The team at EA SPORTS, along with millions of Madden NFL fans, want to see him back in our game. “Knowing that our EA SPORTS experiences are platforms for players to create, we want to make Madden NFL a place that reflects Colin’s position and talent, rates him as a starting QB, and empowers our fans to express their hopes for the future of football. We’ve worked with Colin to make this possible, and we’re excited to bring it to all of you today.”
Advertisement
Kaepernick’s in-game player ranking stands at 81. He was previously ranked at 89 in 2013’s Madden 25 and the following year’s Madden 15 before dropping to 81 in Madden 16 and 74 in Madden 17. If none of that makes sense to you, it basically is just a measure of how good a player is at doing football things. His current ranking places him behind only 14 currently playing quarterbacks.
Additionally, to mark the start of this year’s football season, the game will be free to play this weekend. While this year’s Madden has received some, uh, mixed reviews, this is a cool move that’ll allow all players to check out the game and see how Kap pays against the current crop of talent. While it may only be a digital return, for now, it’s still pretty tight to see Kap back in at least some fashion.


theroot--2020-09-08--What's the Best Electric Toothbrush?

What's the Best Electric Toothbrush?

I ’ m sure I ’ m not alone in how I choose to allocate all this extra quarantine time we ’ ve gotten .
Between movies , gaming , and all the random stuff on social media that brings my perspective on humanity into constant question , I ’ ve spent a lot more time entertaining myself recently , and that naturally means more snacks are traversing the taste bud highway .
It ’ s rainy and ordinary nights like this past Labor Day weekend where I go to town on ice cream , popcorn , chips , sodas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known to wreak havoc on my pearly whites .
They don ’ t call it bingeing for nothing .
That means I ’ ve also spent a lot more time brushing my teeth lately .
The doctor recommended minimum is twice daily , but with my current habits , that can easily stretch to three ( which is usually the maximum ) .
My arms HURT y ’ all , but maybe they should ?
I need every second of exercise I can get to work off all those empty , excess , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m never too sure whether I ’ m brushing as effectively as my dentist instructed .
With an electric toothbrush , I can save my shoulders and remove all doubts about my teeth .
They even have smart toothbrushes that ’ ll ensure you ’ re getting the best tooth-scrubbing coverage possible or warn if you ’ re brushing too hard , like the Colgate Hum that changed Gabe ’ s life .
Smart or not , Co-opulace , we want your picks for the best electric toothbrushes you can buy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do the do .
( But not Mountain Dew , that ’ s bad for our teeth , remember ? )
1 ) Your nomination should contain the name of a specific electric toothbrush , why you think it ’ s the best , a link where it can be purchased , and an image .
2 ) You can nominate multiple products , but please put each one in a separate comment .
4 ) Please do not duplicate nominations.

Quentyn Kennemer on Co-op, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

I’m sure I’m not alone in how I choose to allocate all this extra quarantine time we’ve gotten . Between movies, gaming, and all the random stuff on social media that brings my perspective on humanity into constant question, I’ve spent a lot more time entertaining myself recently, and that naturally means more snacks are traversing the taste bud highway. It’s rainy and ordinary nights like this past Labor Day weekend where I go to town on ice cream, popcorn, chips, sodas, and candy, and anything else known to wreak havoc on my pearly whites. They don’t call it bingeing for nothing .
That means I’ve also spent a lot more time brushing my teeth lately. The doctor recommended minimum is twice daily, but with my current habits, that can easily stretch to three (which is usually the maximum). My arms HURT y’all, but maybe they should? I need every second of exercise I can get to work off all those empty, excess, evil calories. The only problem is I’m never too sure whether I’m brushing as effectively as my dentist instructed.
With an electric toothbrush, I can save my shoulders and remove all doubts about my teeth. They even have smart toothbrushes that’ll ensure you’re getting the best tooth-scrubbing coverage possible or warn if you’re brushing too hard, like the Colgate Hum that changed Gabe’s life.
Advertisement
Smart or not, Co-opulace, we want your picks for the best electric toothbrushes you can buy today. Here’s how you do the do. (But not Mountain Dew, that’s bad for our teeth, remember?)
1) Your nomination should contain the name of a specific electric toothbrush, why you think it’s the best, a link where it can be purchased, and an image.


theroot--2020-09-08--Further Refuting the Claims of #BlackFemaleAnonymous, Essence Publishes Results of Final Independent

Further Refuting the Claims of #BlackFemaleAnonymous, Essence Publishes Results of Final Independent Review

The saga that began with a bold public plea to # TakeBackEssence seemed one step closer to ending as of Tuesday , as Essence released the results of yet another independent legal review , this time conducted by the law firm Morgan Lewis .
The firm ’ s report appeared to quash claims of discrimination , sexual harassment , and toxic work culture made on June 28 by # BlackFemaleAnonymous ( BFA ) , a group claiming to be comprised of former and current employees , against the legacy imprint ’ s owner since 2018 , Shea Moisture co-founder Richelieu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of c-suite leadership .
In a statement attributed to the staff of Essence , the company reported “ no findings of discrimination or harassment ” by Morgan Lewis .
This , after what was reportedly a six-week investigation led and managed by partners Grace E. Speights and Jocelyn R. Cuttino and overseen by Essence ’ s Interim CEO , Caroline Wanga , in response to allegations made by BFA in an open letter on Medium titled “ The Truth About Essence.
” Explaining the process , Essence stated : “ Morgan Lewis conducted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , freelancers , leaders , and contractors about their experiences at the company and any information relevant to the investigation , while maintaining confidentiality with respect to their identities.
” The review was the second third-party investigation conducted at Essence since BFA ’ s allegations went public .
The first , conducted by Proskauer Rose , found claims of sexual harassment and misconduct leveled against Dennis were unsubstantiated , and , in some cases , contradicted by 17 anonymous current and former employees .
Morgan Lewis ’ investigation focused on workplace culture—specifically , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ misconduct at the 50-year-old imprint .
Via Essence ’ s statement on the findings : “ After a thorough review of the documents and information collected in our interviews , our investigation did not substantiate BFA ’ s claims that Mr. Dennis bought the silence of employees , appointed his wife to head HR in order to curb employee complaints , or tried to force employees to sign NDAs after a string of layoffs and ‘ potentially libelous business activity , ’ ” Morgan Lewis maintained , refuting reports that Dennis ’ wife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a clear conflict of interest in the eyes of concerned employees .
Furthermore , in direct contradiction to several anonymous sources interviewed by The Glow Up amid the initial allegations , upon reviewing Essence ’ s NDA the investigators found it limited , stating that it “ does not restrict employees from making complaints or claims of any kind.
” “ In fact , ‘ no witness revealed any instance of feeling silenced directly or indirectly by Mr. Dennis ; ’ there was ‘ no evidence to suggest that Ms. Dennis was appointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led HR , ” the statement continued , adding that “ evidence revealed that Ms. Dennis assisted with HR matters on an interim basis during the transition of Essence ’ s HR resources and that there were HR resources available who are not related to Mr. Dennis.
” “ I appreciate that these independent reviews clear my name , though the most important focus for me is the future of Essence , ” Mr. Dennis said in a statement obtained by the New York Times .
“ The reason I insisted that two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in response to anonymous allegations is that I wanted to make this a moment to accelerate the transformation of this iconic and important 50-year-old enterprise.
” In regard to specific complaints of toxic work culture allegedly perpetuated by current board member and former Essence Communications CEO Michelle Ebanks , including discrimination based on maternity , Morgan Lewis stated : “ We did not find any evidence to support the assertions that Ms. Ebanks bullied employees , laid off employees based on maternity leave , or overlooked qualified Black candidates for promotion , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of conduct that might be considered bullying.
” The report further sought to clarify that Ebanks had , in fact , promoted “ at least two employees ” during their maternity leave , and while one employee ’ s “ position was eliminated following maternity leave , ” the position “ was going to be eliminated regardless of the employee ’ s leave.
” Similarly , findings in regard to former Chief Operating Officer Joy Collins Profet , who had given her resignation notice months ahead of the allegations made by BFA , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reportedly brief handling of HR functions , after which she “ hired dedicated HR professionals , ” the report states .
Somewhat less favorable were Morgan Lewis ’ findings in regard to Chief Content and Creative Officer MoAna Luu .
“ [ A ] damant that it is not her intent to bully anyone , ” Luu was absolved of allegedly having engaged in preferential or discriminatory treatment “ based on any protected category or [ having ] retaliated against anyone for engaging in legally protected activities.
” However , the investigation found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make insensitive comments , ” and “ some employees working under her feel her management style is intimidating and brash .
” ( T he latter of which we must acknowledge is a complaint frequently leveled against Black women in the workplace , albeit not typically by predominantly female employees of the same race . )
Significantly , in reference to an alleged personal relationship between Luu and Dennis , Morgan Lewis stated : “ there is no evidence that they had a personal relationship or that they even knew each other before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which can be read in full on Essence ’ s site , went on to refute claims of pay inequity , colorism and classism , and reported that Morgan Lewis “ did not find any evidence of conduct that would amount to unlawful discrimination , harassment , or retaliation.
” What the law firm did find was “ a widely shared sentiment that employees feel overworked and unappreciated , ” but stated : “ Many of the issues that employees feel contribute to the work culture existed under Time Inc. ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Here , it should be noted that former Time Inc. exec Ebanks ’ tenure as CEO of Essence Communications also predated the acquisition . )
In terms of how these persistent issues might be resolved , “ Essence had already begun to take these steps by hiring Ms. Wanga before the allegations were raised , and commissioning a workplace culture review by a third-party consulting firm , Center for Workforce Excellence , and updated company policies , ” the magazine reported .
That third independent review by the Center for Workforce Excellence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 60 percent of current Essence employees .
According to the company : “ The assessment and subsequent recommendations from the Center for Workforce Excellence focused on organizational culture , leadership and accountability ; belonging and respect ; and performance management and career advancement and will be incorporated in the path forward for Essence , including the creation of a coaching structure , establishment of reward and recognition systems and implementation of processes that build accountability at every level.
” But what of BFA ’ s demands that Dennis and Ebanks step down from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Glow Up ’ s initial coverage of BFA ’ s allegations , Essence directly contacted us to clarify that Dennis was not and had never been CEO of Essence Communications .
On Tuesday , the magazine stated that : “ Moving forward , Dennis will continue in his capacity as owner and chair of Essence , guiding the vision for the company ’ s growth and supporting the executive team and Wanga—who will continue in the Interim CEO role for the immediate future —in their transformation efforts .
Ebanks shall remain on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on her years of experience and historical knowledge of the legacy Essence brand.
” “ From the outset of these anonymous claims , Essence has maintained our commitment to an independent process and transparency , ” Wanga said .
“ We are grateful that the review process has concluded , and that as a result , there are independent investigation findings to provide facts and clarity regarding false and egregious allegations , as well as specific recommendations to help guide us to improve workplace culture .
“ With the conclusion of the reviews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ renewed efforts to successfully drive the organization forward as we also navigate and address the unforeseeable and mounting losses brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of this time , ” Wanga continued , acknowledging the business losses that have affected the legacy imprint amid unprecedented external and internal pressures , and reaffirming the company ’ s commitment to elevating and advancing Black women .
“ It will not be easy , but we carry forward the resiliency that has always sustained this brand and our community , and together , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to rise , ” she concluded .
To date , # BlackFemaleAnonymous has issued no further public acknowledgment or statement on these matters or the resulting investigations since July 14 , via Twitter .
Both Proskauer Rose and Morgan Lewis reported reaching out to the group , as has The Glow Up ; despite several attempts , we have yet to receive a response .
We will update this story as needed .

Maiysha Kai on The Glow Up, shared by Maiysha Kai to The Root

The saga that began with a bold public plea to #TakeBackEssence seemed one step closer to ending as of Tuesday, as Essence released the results of yet another independent legal review, this time conducted by the law firm Morgan Lewis. The firm’s report appeared to quash claims of discrimination, sexual harassment, and toxic work culture made on June 28 by #BlackFemaleAnonymous (BFA), a group claiming to be comprised of former and current employees, against the legacy imprint’s owner since 2018, Shea Moisture co-founder Richelieu Dennis, as well as several members of c-suite leadership.
Advertisement
In a statement attributed to the staff of Essence, the company reported “no findings of discrimination or harassment” by Morgan Lewis. This, after what was reportedly a six-week investigation led and managed by partners Grace E. Speights and Jocelyn R. Cuttino and overseen by Essence’s Interim CEO, Caroline Wanga, in response to allegations made by BFA in an open letter on Medium titled “The Truth About Essence.” Explaining the process , Essence stated :
“Morgan Lewis conducted interviews with current and former ESSENCE employees, freelancers, leaders, and contractors about their experiences at the company and any information relevant to the investigation, while maintaining confidentiality with respect to their identities.”
Advertisement Advertisement
The review was the second third-party investigation conducted at Essence since BFA’s allegations went public. The first, conducted by Proskauer Rose, found claims of sexual harassment and misconduct leveled against Dennis were unsubstantiated, and, in some cases, contradicted by 17 anonymous current and former employees. Morgan Lewis’ investigation focused on workplace culture—specifically, claims of nepotism, bullying, and misconduct at the 50-year-old imprint.
Via Essence’s statement on the findings :
“After a thorough review of the documents and information collected in our interviews, our investigation did not substantiate BFA’s claims that Mr. Dennis bought the silence of employees, appointed his wife to head HR in order to curb employee complaints, or tried to force employees to sign NDAs after a string of layoffs and ‘potentially libelous business activity,’” Morgan Lewis maintained , refuting reports that Dennis’ wife oversaw Human Resources at Essence Ventures, a clear conflict of interest in the eyes of concerned employees. Furthermore, in direct contradiction to several anonymous sources interviewed by The Glow Up amid the initial allegations, upon reviewing Essence’s NDA the investigators found it limited, stating that it “does not restrict employees from making complaints or claims of any kind.”
Advertisement
“In fact, ‘no witness revealed any instance of feeling silenced directly or indirectly by Mr. Dennis;’ there was ‘no evidence to suggest that Ms. Dennis was appointed to lead HR or that she ever led HR,” the statement continued, adding that “evidence revealed that Ms. Dennis assisted with HR matters on an interim basis during the transition of Essence’s HR resources and that there were HR resources available who are not related to Mr. Dennis.”
“I appreciate that these independent reviews clear my name, though the most important focus for me is the future of Essence,” Mr. Dennis said in a statement obtained by the New York Times. “The reason I insisted that two of the most respected firms conduct reviews in response to anonymous allegations is that I wanted to make this a moment to accelerate the transformation of this iconic and important 50-year-old enterprise.”
Advertisement
In regard to specific complaints of toxic work culture allegedly perpetuated by current board member and former Essence Communications CEO Michelle Ebanks, including discrimination based on maternity, Morgan Lewis stated :
Advertisement
“We did not find any evidence to support the assertions that Ms. Ebanks bullied employees, laid off employees based on maternity leave, or overlooked qualified Black candidates for promotion,” and “did not receive any examples of conduct that might be considered bullying.” The report further sought to clarify that Ebanks had, in fact, promoted “at least two employees” during their maternity leave, and while one employee’s “position was eliminated following maternity leave,” the position “was going to be eliminated regardless of the employee’s leave.” Similarly, findings in regard to former Chief Operating Officer Joy Collins Profet, who had given her resignation notice months ahead of the allegations made by BFA, seemed to indicate no wrongdoing in her reportedly brief handling of HR functions, after which she “hired dedicated HR professionals,” the report states.
Somewhat less favorable were Morgan Lewis’ findings in regard to Chief Content and Creative Officer MoAna Luu. “[A]damant that it is not her intent to bully anyone,” Luu was absolved of allegedly having engaged in preferential or discriminatory treatment “based on any protected category or [having] retaliated against anyone for engaging in legally protected activities.” However, the investigation found that “several witnesses reported hearing her make insensitive comments,” and “some employees working under her feel her management style is intimidating and brash. ” (T he latter of which we must acknowledge is a complaint frequently leveled against Black women in the workplace, albeit not typically by predominantly female employees of the same race.) Significantly, in reference to an alleged personal relationship between Luu and Dennis, Morgan Lewis stated : “there is no evidence that they had a personal relationship or that they even knew each other before Ms. Luu joined Essence.”
Advertisement
The statement, which can be read in full on Essence’s site, went on to refute claims of pay inequity, colorism and classism, and reported that Morgan Lewis “did not find any evidence of conduct that would amount to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.” What the law firm did find was “a widely shared sentiment that employees feel overworked and unappreciated,” but stated : “Many of the issues that employees feel contribute to the work culture existed under Time Inc.’s ownership, before Essence was acquired.” (Here, it should be noted that former Time Inc. exec Ebanks’ tenure as CEO of Essence Communications also predated the acquisition.)
In terms of how these persistent issues might be resolved, “Essence had already begun to take these steps by hiring Ms. Wanga before the allegations were raised, and commissioning a workplace culture review by a third-party consulting firm, Center for Workforce Excellence, and updated company policies,” the magazine reported.
Advertisement
That third independent review by the Center for Workforce Excellence reportedly consisted of listening sessions with over 60 percent of current Essence employees. According to the company : “The assessment and subsequent recommendations from the Center for Workforce Excellence focused on organizational culture, leadership and accountability; belonging and respect; and performance management and career advancement and will be incorporated in the path forward for Essence, including the creation of a coaching structure, establishment of reward and recognition systems and implementation of processes that build accountability at every level.”
Advertisement
But what of BFA’s demands that Dennis and Ebanks step down from operational roles at Essence? Following The Glow Up’s initial coverage of BFA’s allegations, Essence directly contacted us to clarify that Dennis was not and had never been CEO of Essence Communications. On Tuesday, the magazine stated that: “Moving forward, Dennis will continue in his capacity as owner and chair of Essence, guiding the vision for the company’s growth and supporting the executive team and Wanga—who will continue in the Interim CEO role for the immediate future —in their transformation efforts. Ebanks shall remain on the Essence Ventures board and provide guidance based on her years of experience and historical knowledge of the legacy Essence brand.”
“From the outset of these anonymous claims, Essence has maintained our commitment to an independent process and transparency,” Wanga said . “We are grateful that the review process has concluded, and that as a result, there are independent investigation findings to provide facts and clarity regarding false and egregious allegations, as well as specific recommendations to help guide us to improve workplace culture.
Advertisement
“With the conclusion of the reviews, we are now fully focused on renewed efforts to successfully drive the organization forward as we also navigate and address the unforeseeable and mounting losses brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of this time,” Wanga continued, acknowledging the business losses that have affected the legacy imprint amid unprecedented external and internal pressures, and reaffirming the company’s commitment to elevating and advancing Black women.
“It will not be easy, but we carry forward the resiliency that has always sustained this brand and our community, and together, in purpose and service, we will continue to rise,” she concluded.
Advertisement
To date, #BlackFemaleAnonymous has issued no further public acknowledgment or statement on these matters or the resulting investigations since July 14, via Twitter. Both Proskauer Rose and Morgan Lewis reported reaching out to the group, as has The Glow Up; despite several attempts, we have yet to receive a response. We will update this story as needed.


theroot--2020-09-08--Proud Boy Trump Supporters Chase Down and Attack Black Lives Matter Counterprotesters in Oregon

There are those who believe that Black Lives Matter protests are inherently violent and that the violence always happens at the hands of liberal-left-Marxist-communist-socialist-Antifa hooligans .
Those people will ignore report after report after report that shows white supremacists are responsible for much of the violence that happens at BLM demonstrations as well as at their own white nationalist rallies—not to mention reports that show the vast majority of anti-racism protests have been peaceful .
Video footage from a pro-Trump rally in Salem , Ore. , on Monday that shows Trump-supporting Proud Boys chasing down and attacking BLM counterprotesters is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s minds .
Newsweek reports that during the Labor Day rally , in which Proud Boys members drove to Salem from a pro-Trump vehicle rally at Clackamas Community College in Oregon City to join several dozen Trump supporters outside the Oregon State Capitol , at least two members of the right-wing group were arrested after being recorded chasing down , beating and macing BLM demonstrators on multiple occasions .
One man was seen hit in the back of the head with a baseball bat and knocked to the ground after being rushed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video posted on Twitter by Oregon Public Broadcasting reporter Sergio Olmos .
He was then seen being repeatedly punched in the face by another Proud Boy and then maced in the face by a woman .
“ That ’ s for everything that you did to me , b**** .
Told you I ’ d get you !
” She can be heard saying in the clip .
According to Olmos , police arrived and told the Proud Boys to turn around , but no arrests were made at that time .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group of Proud Boys chasing down a sole Black Lives Matter supporter in a park near the state capitol .
“ Get out of here , you f*g !
” one of the Proud Boys is heard saying .
Seconds later , a group of local police officers are seen stepping in and detaining people .
The Associated Press reports that the far-right group also fired paint-gun pellets at their rivals .
According to Newsweek , Twenty-year-old Eddie Coleman , one of the counterprotesters who was reportedly attacked , told the New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rally and recorded much of it including the violent attacks—that he arrived at the capitol building after a friend requested back- up on social media because “ there were a lot of Proud Boys with weapons and a lot of white supremacists and they were outnumbered.
” “ I was carrying a Black Lives Matter sign and T-shirt and I couldn ’ t find any of my friends , ” Coleman said .
“ I was walking across the main area and a bunch of people rushed at me yelling slurs and firing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of something , I don ’ t know.
” “ When I stood my ground finally one of them pushed me to the ground and hit my face repeatedly and kneeled on my chest with his full weight until finally , somebody pulled him off , ” he continued .
It ’ s unclear exactly how many arrests were made , what the attackers were charged with ( if anything ) , or whether they are still in custody .

There are those who believe that Black Lives Matter protests are inherently violent and that the violence always happens at the hands of liberal-left-Marxist-communist-socialist-Antifa hooligans. Those people will ignore report after report after report that shows white supremacists are responsible for much of the violence that happens at BLM demonstrations as well as at their own white nationalist rallies—not to mention reports that show the vast majority of anti-racism protests have been peaceful. Video footage from a pro-Trump rally in Salem, Ore. , on Monday that shows Trump-supporting Proud Boys chasing down and attacking BLM counterprotesters is also unlikely to change those people’s minds.
Newsweek reports that during the Labor Day rally, in which Proud Boys members drove to Salem from a pro-Trump vehicle rally at Clackamas Community College in Oregon City to join several dozen Trump supporters outside the Oregon State Capitol, at least two members of the right-wing group were arrested after being recorded chasing down, beating and macing BLM demonstrators on multiple occasions.
Advertisement
From Newsweek:
One man was seen hit in the back of the head with a baseball bat and knocked to the ground after being rushed by a group of Proud Boys in a video posted on Twitter by Oregon Public Broadcasting reporter Sergio Olmos. He was then seen being repeatedly punched in the face by another Proud Boy and then maced in the face by a woman. “That’s for everything that you did to me, b****. Told you I’d get you!” She can be heard saying in the clip. According to Olmos, police arrived and told the Proud Boys to turn around, but no arrests were made at that time. A short time later, videos showed a group of Proud Boys chasing down a sole Black Lives Matter supporter in a park near the state capitol. “Get out of here, you f*g!” one of the Proud Boys is heard saying. Seconds later, a group of local police officers are seen stepping in and detaining people.
Advertisement Advertisement
The Associated Press reports that the far-right group also fired paint-gun pellets at their rivals.
According to Newsweek, Twenty-year-old Eddie Coleman, one of the counterprotesters who was reportedly attacked, told the New York Times’ Mike Baker—who was at the rally and recorded much of it including the violent attacks—that he arrived at the capitol building after a friend requested back- up on social media because “there were a lot of Proud Boys with weapons and a lot of white supremacists and they were outnumbered.”
Advertisement
“I was carrying a Black Lives Matter sign and T-shirt and I couldn’t find any of my friends,” Coleman said. “I was walking across the main area and a bunch of people rushed at me yelling slurs and firing paintball guns at me and empty rounds of something, I don’t know.”
Advertisement
“When I stood my ground finally one of them pushed me to the ground and hit my face repeatedly and kneeled on my chest with his full weight until finally, somebody pulled him off,” he continued.
It’s unclear exactly how many arrests were made, what the attackers were charged with (if anything), or whether they are still in custody.


theroot--2020-09-08--Clean up Your Kitchen and Upgrade Your Wares in Today's Best Deals From Ninja and Shark

The best Ninja Kitchen and Shark Clean deals of September 2020 are here .
Enhance your kitchen at a discount with the best Ninja deals around .
Ninja makes all sorts of kitchen appliances , from blenders to choppers , coffee makers , pressure cookers , air fryers , and more , and many of its top products are currently on sale .
Save a bundle while upping your cooking game .
Ninja ’ s sister company is Shark Clean , which offers a wide array of powerful vacuums for your home .
We ’ ve started including top Shark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a browse and see if there ’ s a deal on something that ’ ll help improve your everyday life right about now .
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 $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 on the Shark Steam Pocket Mop right now from Amazon .
Built to beat back grime on hardwood floors , Shark ’ s mop transforms water into steam to help break down dirt and then wipe it away .
It cleans on both sides of the mop head , and comes with two washable and reusable pads .
This solo smoothie maker uses 900 watts of powerful spinning blade action to produce nutrient-packed beverages .
The Nutri Ninja blender can slice and dice through fruit , veggies , and ice alike , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cups with to-go lids for easy transport .
It ’ s $ 20 off right now at Walmart .
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 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nutri Ninja cups with lids , perfect for smoothies .
All told , this beastly bundle is $ 6 0 off right now .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for you to take care of later .
Just use the promo code CLEAN100 at checkout to take advantage of the deal .
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 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 $ 37 off at Amazon right now .
If you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 $ 40 right now at Amazon .
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 $ 50 off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 $ 42 off the new list price right now when you buy renewed… and besides , it also air roasts , dehydrates , and reheats food .
If you ’ re serious about brewing beverages , then Ninja ’ s Hot and Cold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 $ 2 0 off too , and it might be worth the investment if you ’ re missing your daily trip to the coffee shop .

Andrew Hayward on Roundups, shared by Gabe Carey 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.
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement Advertisement
This solo smoothie maker uses 900 watts of powerful spinning blade action to produce nutrient-packed beverages.
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
Use promo code CLEAN100 at checkout
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
Blenders are typically for cold or room-temperature items, but the Ninja Foodi Blender with Heat-iQ adds a heating component as well.
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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--2020-09-08--American Airlines to Allow Crew Members to Wear Black Lives Matter Pins

American Airlines announced Monday that employees will be allowed to wear Black Lives Matter pins on their uniforms .
CBS News reports that the move came after employees requested permission to wear the pins after seeing employees at other airlines doing so .
The company allows employees to wear up to three pins on their uniform , with pins representing religious groups , military service and LGBTQ groups already allowed .
The company is currently working with its Black Professional Network to create its own BLM pin for employees to wear .
“ American Airlines believes in equity and inclusion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a statement announcing the move .
They added that allowing the pins be worn “ underscores our belief that all people , regardless of race , gender or ethnicity , deserve to be treated with equality and respect.
” This is a notable change of pace for the company that only three years ago had a travel advisory placed on it by the NAACP , citing its then concerning treatment of Black passengers .
The NAACP removed the advisory after the company made some internal changes , including mandatory implicit bias training @ @ @ @ @ @ @ white folks and bootlickers on Twitter had beef with this , asking the age-old questions , “ What about blue lives matter pins , huh ?
” and “ What about a white lives matter pin ?
Huh , bro ?
Huh ?
” I really hope the trash fire that is Spirit Airlines announces a ban on BLM pins just to see how far those folks are willing to go to protest this move .
American Airlines is the latest company to show support for the Black Lives Matter movement this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players in June that allows them to place social justice messages on the back of their jerseys .
That same month , Starbucks announced plans to make Black Lives Matter shirts that employees could wear at work .
The company isn ’ t the only airline taking a stand against racism .
Delta Airlines upgraded the flight of a Black passenger after she continually harassed by a white lady in a Blue Lives Matter mask .
The company also informed the passenger that the woman who harassed her would no longer be welcome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we believe Black Lives Matter is an expression of equality , not a political statement , ” American Airlines said in its statement .
“ It doesn ’ t mean other lives don ’ t matter , rather that in our society Black lives should matter and be valued the same as others .
”

American Airlines announced Monday that employees will be allowed to wear Black Lives Matter pins on their uniforms.
CBS News reports that the move came after employees requested permission to wear the pins after seeing employees at other airlines doing so. The company allows employees to wear up to three pins on their uniform, with pins representing religious groups, military service and LGBTQ groups already allowed. The company is currently working with its Black Professional Network to create its own BLM pin for employees to wear.
Advertisement
“American Airlines believes in equity and inclusion for all,” the company said in a statement announcing the move. They added that allowing the pins be worn “underscores our belief that all people, regardless of race, gender or ethnicity, deserve to be treated with equality and respect.”
This is a notable change of pace for the company that only three years ago had a travel advisory placed on it by the NAACP, citing its then concerning treatment of Black passengers. The NAACP removed the advisory after the company made some internal changes, including mandatory implicit bias training.
Advertisement Advertisement
Predictably, a certain segment of white folks and bootlickers on Twitter had beef with this, asking the age-old questions, “What about blue lives matter pins, huh?” and “What about a white lives matter pin? Huh, bro? Huh?”
I really hope the trash fire that is Spirit Airlines announces a ban on BLM pins just to see how far those folks are willing to go to protest this move.
Advertisement
American Airlines is the latest company to show support for the Black Lives Matter movement this year. The NBA signed an agreement with players in June that allows them to place social justice messages on the back of their jerseys. That same month, Starbucks announced plans to make Black Lives Matter shirts that employees could wear at work.
The company isn’t the only airline taking a stand against racism. Delta Airlines upgraded the flight of a Black passenger after she continually harassed by a white lady in a Blue Lives Matter mask. The company also informed the passenger that the woman who harassed her would no longer be welcome on Delta flights.
Advertisement
“Fundamentally, we believe Black Lives Matter is an expression of equality, not a political statement,” American Airlines said in its statement. “It doesn’t mean other lives don’t matter, rather that in our society Black lives should matter and be valued the same as others.”


theroot--2020-09-08--Rochester, N.Y. Police Chief La’Ron Singletary, Commanding Officers Resign Following Accusations of

Rochester, N.Y. Police Chief La’Ron Singletary, Commanding Officers Resign Following Accusations of a Cover-Up

Rochester , N.Y. Police Chief La ’ Ron Singletary has resigned after a week of sustained protests over the March extrajudicial killing of Daniel Prude .
Singletary , who is Black , had received calls for his resignation after Prude ’ s family released body camera footage of his death last week .
Prude was detained by police on March 22 after his brother called for a wellness check for his sibling , who had mental health issues .
Responding to the call , Rochester police placed a spit hood over the distressed and unarmed man , pinning him to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that caused Prude to lose consciousness .
He died in a hospital a week after the encounter .
But Singletary doesn ’ t appear to be bowing to the will of protesters , who have accused the police department and city government of covering up Prude ’ s death ( there have also been calls for Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren to step down ) .
According to a resignation letter obtained by WHAM-TV , Singletary ’ s quitting the job appears to be a protest in and of its own : As a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sit idly by while outside entities attempt to destroy my character .
The events over the past week are an attempt to destroy my character and integrity .
The members of the Rochester Police Department and the Greater Rochester Community know my reputation and know what I stand for .
The mischaracterization and the politicization of the actions that I took after being informed of Mr. Prude ’ s death is not based on facts , and is not what I stand for .
According to reporters who were watching the press conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Rochester ’ s entire command staff has also stepped down .
The resignations also come just three days after New York State Attorney General Letitia James announced a grand jury would review Prude ’ s case , reports the New York Times .
There has also been disagreement about how much was communicated between Singletary and Mayor Warren in the immediate aftermath of Prude ’ s killing .
According to WHAM , Warren said she didn ’ t know the full details of Prude ’ s death , and that she had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overdose .
During a news conference last week , Warren said it wasn ’ t until August 4 that she saw footage of police arresting Prude .
Singletary said he called Warren on March 23 to alert her of the incident , and that a criminal and internal investigation was underway .
Since Prude ’ s death has come to light , Warren has ordered that video of any in-custody death be released within 24 hours .
On Tuesday , Mayor Warren said the search has begun to find an interim police chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in charge during tonight ’ s scheduled protests .

Rochester, N.Y. Police Chief La’Ron Singletary has resigned after a week of sustained protests over the March extrajudicial killing of Daniel Prude.
Singletary, who is Black, had received calls for his resignation after Prude’s family released body camera footage of his death last week. Prude was detained by police on March 22 after his brother called for a wellness check for his sibling, who had mental health issues. Responding to the call, Rochester police placed a spit hood over the distressed and unarmed man, pinning him to the ground in a chain of events that caused Prude to lose consciousness. He died in a hospital a week after the encounter.
Advertisement
But Singletary doesn’t appear to be bowing to the will of protesters, who have accused the police department and city government of covering up Prude’s death (there have also been calls for Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren to step down). According to a resignation letter obtained by WHAM-TV, Singletary’s quitting the job appears to be a protest in and of its own:
As a man of integrity, I will not sit idly by while outside entities attempt to destroy my character. The events over the past week are an attempt to destroy my character and integrity. The members of the Rochester Police Department and the Greater Rochester Community know my reputation and know what I stand for. The mischaracterization and the politicization of the actions that I took after being informed of Mr. Prude’s death is not based on facts, and is not what I stand for.
Advertisement Advertisement
According to reporters who were watching the press conference, including BuzzFeed’s Paul McLeod, Rochester’s entire command staff has also stepped down.
Advertisement
The resignations also come just three days after New York State Attorney General Letitia James announced a grand jury would review Prude’s case, reports the New York Times. There has also been disagreement about how much was communicated between Singletary and Mayor Warren in the immediate aftermath of Prude’s killing.
According to WHAM, Warren said she didn’t know the full details of Prude’s death, and that she had been told he died of a drug overdose. During a news conference last week, Warren said it wasn’t until August 4 that she saw footage of police arresting Prude. Singletary said he called Warren on March 23 to alert her of the incident, and that a criminal and internal investigation was underway.
Advertisement
Since Prude’s death has come to light, Warren has ordered that video of any in-custody death be released within 24 hours. On Tuesday, Mayor Warren said the search has begun to find an interim police chief. It is unclear who will be in charge during tonight’s scheduled protests.


theroot--2020-09-08--DeAndre Hopkins Is Rich AF

DeAndre Hopkins Is Rich AF

I didn ’ t wake up today thinking , “ You know what I want for breakfast ?
A 2-year contract extension worth $ 54.5 million ” —because I was hungry as shit and french toast sounded far more enticing at the time .
But Arizona Cardinals wideout DeAndre Hopkins did , and according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network , the three-time All-Pro just became the highest-paid non-QB to ever touch the field .
Not bad for a dude that the Texans foolishly traded away for a Meteor Man action figure and a Best of Milli Vanilli box @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the details on the deal , courtesy of ESPN : The Cardinals and Hopkins agreed to a two-year extension worth $ 54.5 million with $ 42.5 million guaranteed , a source confirmed to ESPN .
The deal keeps Hopkins in Arizona for five years—through the 2024 season—and $ 94 million total , for an annual average of $ 18.8 million , meaning he ’ s likely to be the heir apparent to Larry Fitzgerald ’ s role with the franchise .
That ’ s not quite Patrick Mahomes money or anywhere near enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr. Dre ’ s ex-wife but he can afford NBA League Pass and that ’ s all that matters .
It ’ s also important to note that by negotiating the terms of the deal himself , he saved himself between $ 540K- $ 1.6M in agent fees—more commonly known as rich people tax .
Since his selection as the 27th pick in the 2013 NFL Draft , Hopkins has collected the third-most receiving yards and catches , second-most touchdowns and most targets in the entire league despite catching passes from 10 different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collected 1,165 yards and seven touchdowns , which was his fifth 1,000-yard season in six years .
I think it ’ s safe to say that the extension is well-deserved .
So DeAndre , lunch is on you , right ?

I didn’t wake up today thinking, “You know what I want for breakfast? A 2-year contract extension worth $54.5 million”—because I was hungry as shit and french toast sounded far more enticing at the time. But Arizona Cardinals wideout DeAndre Hopkins did, and according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the three-time All-Pro just became the highest-paid non-QB to ever touch the field.
Not bad for a dude that the Texans foolishly traded away for a Meteor Man action figure and a Best of Milli Vanilli box set in March.
Advertisement
Here’s the details on the deal, courtesy of ESPN:
The Cardinals and Hopkins agreed to a two-year extension worth $54.5 million with $42.5 million guaranteed, a source confirmed to ESPN. The deal keeps Hopkins in Arizona for five years—through the 2024 season—and $94 million total, for an annual average of $18.8 million, meaning he’s likely to be the heir apparent to Larry Fitzgerald’s role with the franchise.
Advertisement Advertisement
That’s not quite Patrick Mahomes money or anywhere near enough to be able to afford to divorce Dr. Dre’s ex-wife but he can afford NBA League Pass and that’s all that matters.
Advertisement
It’s also important to note that by negotiating the terms of the deal himself, he saved himself between $540K-$1.6M in agent fees—more commonly known as rich people tax.
Advertisement
Since his selection as the 27th pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, Hopkins has collected the third-most receiving yards and catches, second-most touchdowns and most targets in the entire league despite catching passes from 10 different quarterbacks. And last season, he collected 1,165 yards and seven touchdowns, which was his fifth 1,000-yard season in six years.
I think it’s safe to say that the extension is well-deserved.
Advertisement
So DeAndre, lunch is on you, right?


theroot--2020-09-08--Cut the Cord on Cleaning: Dyson's V7 Fluffy Is $100 off at Newegg

As I expressed in an earlier Co-op , I ’ m on the prowl for my first cordless vacuum .
@ @ @ @ @ t vouch for the Dyson V7 Origin myself , hearsay suggests it ’ s one @ @ @ @ @ there ( let me know what you think in the comments ) , and Dyson @ @ @ @ @ makes this deal hard to ignore : Newegg is selling the Dyson V7 Fluffy Cordless @ @ @ @ @ This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey on 6/10/2020 and updated by Jordan McMahon @ @ @ @ @ .

Gabe Carey and Jordan McMahon on Kinja Deals, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Dyson V7 Animal | $250 | Best Buy
Let me tell you, the Dyson V7 Animal is a game-changer, and I’m not just saying that because it’s on sale for $250 at Best Buy and we get a commission from each purchase. I bought one myself last June and haven’t regretted it.
Mounted to our wall, it’s much easier to store than a larger upright floor vac you might tuck away in a closet and rarely touch. I use mine almost every day to pick up kitty litter as my cat explodes from his spaceship. For smaller spaces, the canister yields a sufficient enough capacity that you can go about a month without emptying it out. Not to mention the actual process of dumping out the dirt and dust only requires the simple pull of a lever.
A $150 discount off the new price for this V7 Animal model is not nothing, especially considering I paid notably more for mine back in June. While it may not have the longest battery life in the world, clocking in at just 30 minutes, those living in quaint apartments or rancher-style homes shouldn’t take more than that to give their place a nice sweep.
This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey on 6/10/2020 and updated by Elizabeth Lanier with new information on 7/3/2021.


theroot--2020-09-08--Bye, Haters! Meghan and Harry Pay Off the Renovation Debt on Their U.K. Home, Giving Their Detractor

Bye, Haters! Meghan and Harry Pay Off the Renovation Debt on Their U.K. Home, Giving Their Detractors One Less Gripe

They say living well is the best revenge—and with a new , $ 14.7 million California home and lucrative production deal with Netflix , the Duke and Duchess of Sussex ( and toddler son Archie ) are no doubt living far better than most .
In fact , for a particularly salty segment of the British population , the newly transplanted royals deserve to live in squalor after living on the taxpayers ’ dime during their time as senior royals , including a reported £2.4 million from the Sovereign Grant for a highly criticized renovation of Frogmore Cottage , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has since become known as # Megxit .
According to Vanity Fair , the haters needn ’ t hang that debt over Harry and Meghan ’ s heads anymore ; their deal with Netflix—estimated to be worth an approximate and whopping $ 150 million—enabled the couple to fulfill their promise to repay the British public in one fell swoop , rather than in installments , as originally intended .
“ A contribution has been made to the Sovereign Grant by the Duke of Sussex , ” read a statement issued on Monday and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contribution as originally offered by Prince Harry has fully covered the necessary renovation costs of Frogmore Cottage , a property of Her Majesty The Queen , and will remain the UK residence of the duke and his family.
” Given the intense scrutiny they faced ( and the level of vitriol they seem to garner just for existing ) , it ’ s understandable that the couple is “ very relieved and very pleased ” to have reconciled the debt , according to a close source , who added : “ This has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted to do from the outset ...
There was no requirement [ from the Queen ] for them to pay the money back but it was important to them that they did , and after the Netflix deal they were in a position to do so .
I think this is quite a significant moment for them .
They ’ re now in their forever home , it ’ s the start of their new life and they ’ re very much looking forward to everything that ’ s about to come.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be satisfied—and those same folks will never consider Meghan and Harry ’ s Netflix content “ must-see TV ” Marie Claire reports that , according to a survey , nine out of 10 Britons claimed to be “ ‘ not interested at all ’ in watching shows produced by the Sussexes and another 20 percent were ‘ not very interested ’ in the couple ’ s content.
” Well , to each their own ... but at least it won ’ t be because they wouldn ’ t pay what they owed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ other folks interested in keeping up with the Sussexes .

They say living well is the best revenge—and with a new, $14.7 million California home and lucrative production deal with Netflix, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex (and toddler son Archie) are no doubt living far better than most. In fact, for a particularly salty segment of the British population, the newly transplanted royals deserve to live in squalor after living on the taxpayers’ dime during their time as senior royals, including a reported £2.4 million from the Sovereign Grant for a highly criticized renovation of Frogmore Cottage, the home they soon after departed in what has since become known as #Megxit.
Advertisement
According to Vanity Fair, the haters needn’t hang that debt over Harry and Meghan’s heads anymore; their deal with Netflix—estimated to be worth an approximate and whopping $150 million—enabled the couple to fulfill their promise to repay the British public in one fell swoop, rather than in installments, as originally intended.
“A contribution has been made to the Sovereign Grant by the Duke of Sussex,” read a statement issued on Monday and secured by Vanity Fair. “This contribution as originally offered by Prince Harry has fully covered the necessary renovation costs of Frogmore Cottage, a property of Her Majesty The Queen, and will remain the UK residence of the duke and his family.”
Advertisement Advertisement
Bloop.
Via Vanity Fair:
Harry and Meghan faced massive criticism over the costly refurbishment project of their Windsor home which intensified when they announced they were quitting Britain at the start of the year. The property is now standing empty, with dust sheets over the expensive art works and furniture.
Advertisement
Given the intense scrutiny they faced (and the level of vitriol they seem to garner just for existing), it’s understandable that the couple is “very relieved and very pleased” to have reconciled the debt, according to a close source, who added: “This has been a proactive step and something they wanted to do from the outset...There was no requirement [from the Queen] for them to pay the money back but it was important to them that they did, and after the Netflix deal they were in a position to do so. I think this is quite a significant moment for them. They’re now in their forever home, it’s the start of their new life and they’re very much looking forward to everything that’s about to come.”
Of course, some folks will never be satisfied—and those same folks will never consider Meghan and Harry’s Netflix content “must-see TV” Marie Claire reports that, according to a survey, nine out of 10 Britons claimed to be “‘not interested at all’ in watching shows produced by the Sussexes and another 20 percent were ‘not very interested’ in the couple’s content.”
Advertisement
Well, to each their own...but at least it won’t be because they wouldn’t pay what they owed. We’re sure there are plenty of other folks interested in keeping up with the Sussexes.