theroot--2020-04-28--Florida Governor's Failure to Address Pre-COVID-19 Unemployment Claimant Issues Seems Shady AF

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is holding on to federal dollars tighter than a pimp from Chicago .
He needs to run pre-COVID-19 unemployment claimants their money , too .
The State of Florida is one of the shittiest places to be unemployed during the COVID-19 pandemic , according to WESH 2 News in Orlando , Fla. And the podunk state has the worst processing time of new unemployment claims in the nation , as its Republican governor appears to worsen matters by ignoring a specific demographic in the ongoing unemployment claim debacle .
Florida residents with already open unemployment claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have already expired have not had benefits extended or received their share of the federal government ’ s supplemental $ 600 a week .
The funding , granted on March 27 , 2020 , was part of the CARES act financial relief package signed by President Goofball Trump .
Those residents are eligible for the allotment , also .
Under normal circumstances , unemployed Floridians receive up to a $ 275 weekly maximum benefit for 12 weeks , according to the State of Florida website .
The state does not extend emergency benefits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
First of all , $ 275 per week ain ’ t shit , but this is Florida .
Second , the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics published the unemployment rates for all states on April 17 .
In Florida , the unemployment rate was 2.8 percent in February , but with the onset of thousands of layoffs , that rate jumped to 4.3 percent in March .
And with claims steadily increasing , the percentage rate is now over 5 percent .
I know you are asking , “ Why does this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to Florida state law , once the unemployment surges over 5 percent “ an additional week is added for every 0.5 percent increase to the unemployment rate ...
The maximum possible extension is 23 weeks.
” Claimants who filed for benefits due to the COVID-19 economic downturn receive 25 weeks worth of unemployment money , reported Saving To Invest .
Additionally , the COVID-19 crew has already begun to see the $ 600 supplemental check .
Yaaas .
But is Gov .
DeSantis coming up off the dough the state owes the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
According to the latest Florida Reemployment Resource Guide ( page 39 ) updated on April 23 , the answer is no .
And they won ’ t get their six bills weekly , either .
The governor basically said , “ Fuck your bills.
” But that ’ s not how this works .
That ’ s not how any of this works .
When asked about the oversight on April 21 , Democratic Florida House Rep. Anna Eskamani for the 47th District replied via email : “ We are asking the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefits to Floridians who have already expired their claims , and mention that in one of our latest updates too : ( Eskamani posted an extensive list of updated details that affected Floridians on Medium . )
Unfortunately , the Department of Economic Opportunity ( DEO ) has given us no timeline of when those benefits will be expanded via the CARES Act , but we will keep pushing for an answer .
We are also in support of a Special Legislative Session to extend available weeks to 26 weeks , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to this more if it ’ s helpful , but know that it ’ s a major concern of ours and we continue to push for the extension via the CARES Act.
” Eskamani also confirmed that new claimants would receive retroactive benefit pay once their claims were processed and approved .
She detailed that she had no idea why previous claimants hadn ’ t been paid .
Although the Iranian-American legislator didn ’ t know lawmakers who were against the extension , Eskamani stated that there were some of her peers who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ either .
Was that partisan shade ?
I ’ m here for it .
Email inquiries were also sent to the newly-appointed Department of Economic Opportunity Sec .
Jonathon Satter and Gov .
DeSantis on April 22 .
Satter responded by asking for time to find out more information .
He also copied Director of Communications for the DEO Tiffany Vause .
A follow-up email was sent to Satter and Vause on April 24 , but there still has been no response .
Emails sent to the address listed on Gov .
DeSantis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isn ’ t clear why the governor has failed to act on providing much-needed monetary assistance to his forgotten constituents , he doesn ’ t need permission to do so .
It ’ s even more confusing that the Florida governor wants to reopen amusement parks , restaurants with outdoor seating and other outside venues , according to the Orlando Sentinel .
“ You ’ re much better off being outdoors than in an enclosed environment , ” DeSantis said .
“ That ’ s just the reality.
” As recently as one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lenny Curry the green light to reopen beaches and parks in the city .
Dwights ran amuck flooding Jacksonville Beach , according to CBS News .
That ’ s the opposite of what the nation ’ s top health official suggested , according to AARP .
Center for Disease Control Director Robert Redfield advised leaders that a second wave of the coronavirus could be “ more difficult ” than the current outbreak .
He also reiterated that continued social distancing was crucial , as well as an increase in testing and contact tracing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though Floridians are still contracting and dying from COVID-19 at an increasing rate , DeSantis ’ incessant browbeating to reopen the state of Florida , like his cohort Georgia Governor Brian Kemp , and deny pre-COVID-19 unemployment claimants their unpaid benefits may have a sinister motive .
There is a clause in the CARES act that stipulates federal dollars can be transferred to state funds if it “ qualifies as a necessary expenditure incurred due to the public health emergency and meets the other criteria of section 601 ( d ) of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be subject to recoupment by the Treasury Inspector General if they have not been used in a manner consistent with section 601 ( d ) of the Social Security Act.
” The hood translation : States can keep the dough and do whatever the hell they want if it ’ s a public health crisis .
*Cue quotation fingers around public health crisis* Without a statement from DeSantis or his camp , it wouldn ’ t be fair or ethical to accuse the governor of blatantly trying to endanger the working class and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funds from them .
But in the words of the great hood prophet DJ Quik , “ If it don ’ t make dollars , it don ’ t make sense .
”

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is holding on to federal dollars tighter than a pimp from Chicago. He needs to run pre-COVID-19 unemployment claimants their money, too.
The State of Florida is one of the shittiest places to be unemployed during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to WESH 2 News in Orlando, Fla. And the podunk state has the worst processing time of new unemployment claims in the nation, as its Republican governor appears to worsen matters by ignoring a specific demographic in the ongoing unemployment claim debacle.
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Florida residents with already open unemployment claims that may be about to expire or have already expired have not had benefits extended or received their share of the federal government’s supplemental $600 a week. The funding, granted on March 27, 2020, was part of the CARES act financial relief package signed by President Goofball Trump. Those residents are eligible for the allotment, also.
So what gives?
Under normal circumstances, unemployed Floridians receive up to a $275 weekly maximum benefit for 12 weeks, according to the State of Florida website. The state does not extend emergency benefits once a claimant has exhausted the funds. First of all, $275 per week ain’t shit, but this is Florida. Second, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics published the unemployment rates for all states on April 17. In Florida, the unemployment rate was 2.8 percent in February, but with the onset of thousands of layoffs, that rate jumped to 4.3 percent in March. And with claims steadily increasing, the percentage rate is now over 5 percent.
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I know you are asking, “Why does this matter?”
Glad you asked. According to Florida state law, once the unemployment surges over 5 percent “an additional week is added for every 0.5 percent increase to the unemployment rate...The maximum possible extension is 23 weeks.”
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Claimants who filed for benefits due to the COVID-19 economic downturn receive 25 weeks worth of unemployment money, reported Saving To Invest. Additionally, the COVID-19 crew has already begun to see the $600 supplemental check.
Say word?
Yaaas. But is Gov. DeSantis coming up off the dough the state owes the rest of the crew, or nah?
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According to the latest Florida Reemployment Resource Guide (page 39) updated on April 23, the answer is no. And they won’t get their six bills weekly, either.
The governor basically said, “Fuck your bills.”
But that’s not how this works. That’s not how any of this works.
When asked about the oversight on April 21, Democratic Florida House Rep. Anna Eskamani for the 47th District replied via email:
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“We are asking the state every day for the extension of benefits to Floridians who have already expired their claims, and mention that in one of our latest updates too: (Eskamani posted an extensive list of updated details that affected Floridians on Medium.)
Unfortunately, the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has given us no timeline of when those benefits will be expanded via the CARES Act, but we will keep pushing for an answer. We are also in support of a Special Legislative Session to extend available weeks to 26 weeks, which is the national average.
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Happy to speak to this more if it’s helpful, but know that it’s a major concern of ours and we continue to push for the extension via the CARES Act.”
Eskamani also confirmed that new claimants would receive retroactive benefit pay once their claims were processed and approved. She detailed that she had no idea why previous claimants hadn’t been paid. Although the Iranian-American legislator didn’t know lawmakers who were against the extension, Eskamani stated that there were some of her peers who weren’t vocal about it, either. Was that partisan shade? I’m here for it.
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Email inquiries were also sent to the newly-appointed Department of Economic Opportunity Sec. Jonathon Satter and Gov. DeSantis on April 22. Satter responded by asking for time to find out more information. He also copied Director of Communications for the DEO Tiffany Vause. A follow-up email was sent to Satter and Vause on April 24, but there still has been no response.
Emails sent to the address listed on Gov. DeSantis’ website bounced back.
Although it isn’t clear why the governor has failed to act on providing much-needed monetary assistance to his forgotten constituents, he doesn’t need permission to do so.
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It’s even more confusing that the Florida governor wants to reopen amusement parks, restaurants with outdoor seating and other outside venues, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
“You’re much better off being outdoors than in an enclosed environment,” DeSantis said. “That’s just the reality.”
Advertisement
As recently as one week ago, DeSantis gave Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry the green light to reopen beaches and parks in the city. Dwights ran amuck flooding Jacksonville Beach, according to CBS News.
That’s the opposite of what the nation’s top health official suggested, according to AARP. Center for Disease Control Director Robert Redfield advised leaders that a second wave of the coronavirus could be “more difficult” than the current outbreak. He also reiterated that continued social distancing was crucial, as well as an increase in testing and contact tracing to prevent more massive outbreaks.
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Even though Floridians are still contracting and dying from COVID-19 at an increasing rate, DeSantis’ incessant browbeating to reopen the state of Florida, like his cohort Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, and deny pre-COVID-19 unemployment claimants their unpaid benefits may have a sinister motive.
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There is a clause in the CARES act that stipulates federal dollars can be transferred to state funds if it “qualifies as a necessary expenditure incurred due to the public health emergency and meets the other criteria of section 601(d) of the Social Security Act. Such funds would be subject to recoupment by the Treasury Inspector General if they have not been used in a manner consistent with section 601(d) of the Social Security Act.”
The hood translation: States can keep the dough and do whatever the hell they want if it’s a public health crisis. *Cue quotation fingers around public health crisis*
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Without a statement from DeSantis or his camp, it wouldn’t be fair or ethical to accuse the governor of blatantly trying to endanger the working class and low-income folks of Florida to siphon federal funds from them.
But in the words of the great hood prophet DJ Quik, “If it don’t make dollars, it don’t make sense.”
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theroot--2020-04-28--Stop Blaming Black People for Dying From COVID-19

Despite its best efforts , the Trump administration can not blame black people for dying from COVID-19 .
As Georgia ’ s Gov .
Kemp moves forward with plans to reopen parts of Georgia , he ’ s completely disregarding reports that a significant number of black Americans will contract the virus or die as a result .
Despite the clearly harmful decision-making by Republicans in power , U.S .
Surgeon General Jerome Adams tried to shame black people for making up 30 percent of the people who have died from COVID 19 , despite being just 13 percent of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stepped in to defend this harmful rhetoric .
Instead of focusing blame on communities who have been targeted and attacked , we need a moral revival to provide the support and resources that black communities deserve .
But this is America .
One of the deepest rooted truths of American culture is blaming black people , targeting us by saying we need to change our behavior in order not to die instead of addressing how decades of structural racism , political exploitation and economic exclusions have compounded health and wellness disparities in black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but not surprised that Republicans , who are presently burning down our society by failing to adequately respond to COVID-19 , are looking for a scapegoat and directing the blame towards black people .
It ’ s time to address the finger-pointing that will only increase the harm caused by COVID-19 .
Progress for our entire country requires the next stimulus package to include guaranteed free access to testing and treatment , monthly emergency cash assistance , clemency for incarcerated low-level offenders , and increased support for black-owned businesses .
We live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and gentrification have forced black people to live in polluted neighborhoods that have made thousands more susceptible to COVID-19 .
A country where black people are exposed to 21 percent more air pollution than white people and thousands of black people in Flint , Mich. still don ’ t have clean water to wash their hands with during the pandemic and where Southern states have refused to expand Medicaid , despite the disparate impact on black Southerners ’ health .
We live in a country where 52 percent of all workers make less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , black low-wage workers are blamed for working while sick when corporations are forcing them to use their only paid time off to quarantine .
This country passed laws that banned us from learning how to read and then blamed us for not being able to .
This country swindled our signatures on loans specifically designed for default and then blamed us for not being able to pay .
This country created laws and systems to prevent us from gaining wealth , and then criminalized being poor with money bail .
We were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when Biden won .
We are blamed for the violence in America , though we undoubtedly receive it more often than not .
Even crime TV shows manufacture blame , telling America that black people deserve the abuse we get .
During this pandemic , however , black people are not the problem .
We are the solution , tirelessly working on the front lines of this pandemic , building joy in digital spaces and fighting for the deep systemic change needed to keep the entire country comfortable and safe .
The inconvenient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vulnerable to this health crisis not because our community is weaker , but because we have been denied the resources that make any community strong .
Black people have higher rates of asthma and are more likely to die from this virus because environmental racism has kept communities of color segregated near commercial pollutants that other communities can afford to avoid .
Black people are overrepresented in institutions unable to allow for social distancing , like jails and prisons because we ’ ve been targeted and over-criminalized for generations .
Black people are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that don ’ t have the infrastructure for paid time off or work-from-home options because our health and safety have never been a priority .
Now our country has to reconcile the inequality it has created .
In this life or death moment , black voters are watching to see what Congress will actually deliver .
It ’ s time for each member of Congress to prove that they are an essential worker by proving they can fix a crisis born from the harmful decisions , choices and practices of our government .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ II is the president and senior lecturer of Repairers of the Breach , Co-Chair of the Poor People ’ s Campaign : A National Call For Moral Revival .
Rashad Robinson is President of Color of Change , the largest online civil rights organization in the country .

Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II and Rashad Robinson

Despite its best efforts, the Trump administration cannot blame black people for dying from COVID-19. As Georgia’s Gov. Kemp moves forward with plans to reopen parts of Georgia, he’s completely disregarding reports that a significant number of black Americans will contract the virus or die as a result.
Despite the clearly harmful decision-making by Republicans in power, U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams tried to shame black people for making up 30 percent of the people who have died from COVID 19, despite being just 13 percent of the overall population. Anthony Fauci even stepped in to defend this harmful rhetoric. Instead of focusing blame on communities who have been targeted and attacked, we need a moral revival to provide the support and resources that black communities deserve.
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But this is America. One of the deepest rooted truths of American culture is blaming black people, targeting us by saying we need to change our behavior in order not to die instead of addressing how decades of structural racism, political exploitation and economic exclusions have compounded health and wellness disparities in black communities.
Therefore, we are disappointed, but not surprised that Republicans, who are presently burning down our society by failing to adequately respond to COVID-19, are looking for a scapegoat and directing the blame towards black people. It’s time to address the finger-pointing that will only increase the harm caused by COVID-19. Progress for our entire country requires the next stimulus package to include guaranteed free access to testing and treatment, monthly emergency cash assistance, clemency for incarcerated low-level offenders, and increased support for black-owned businesses.
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We live in a country where generations of redlining and gentrification have forced black people to live in polluted neighborhoods that have made thousands more susceptible to COVID-19. A country where black people are exposed to 21 percent more air pollution than white people and thousands of black people in Flint, Mich. still don’t have clean water to wash their hands with during the pandemic and where Southern states have refused to expand Medicaid, despite the disparate impact on black Southerners’ health. We live in a country where 52 percent of all workers make less than a living wage, and disproportionately, black low-wage workers are blamed for working while sick when corporations are forcing them to use their only paid time off to quarantine.
This country passed laws that banned us from learning how to read and then blamed us for not being able to. This country swindled our signatures on loans specifically designed for default and then blamed us for not being able to pay. This country created laws and systems to prevent us from gaining wealth, and then criminalized being poor with money bail. We were blamed when Hillary lost and now blamed when Biden won. We are blamed for the violence in America, though we undoubtedly receive it more often than not. Even crime TV shows manufacture blame, telling America that black people deserve the abuse we get.
Advertisement
During this pandemic, however, black people are not the problem. We are the solution, tirelessly working on the front lines of this pandemic, building joy in digital spaces and fighting for the deep systemic change needed to keep the entire country comfortable and safe.
The inconvenient truth is that black people are more vulnerable to this health crisis not because our community is weaker, but because we have been denied the resources that make any community strong. Black people have higher rates of asthma and are more likely to die from this virus because environmental racism has kept communities of color segregated near commercial pollutants that other communities can afford to avoid. Black people are overrepresented in institutions unable to allow for social distancing, like jails and prisons because we’ve been targeted and over-criminalized for generations. Black people are concentrated in parts of the labor market that don’t have the infrastructure for paid time off or work-from-home options because our health and safety have never been a priority.
Advertisement
Now our country has to reconcile the inequality it has created. In this life or death moment, black voters are watching to see what Congress will actually deliver. It’s time for each member of Congress to prove that they are an essential worker by proving they can fix a crisis born from the harmful decisions, choices and practices of our government.
The Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II is the president and senior lecturer of Repairers of the Breach, Co-Chair of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call For Moral Revival.
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Rashad Robinson is President of Color of Change, the largest online civil rights organization in the country.


theroot--2020-04-28--NBA Will Allow Players to Return to Practice Facilities on May 8. But Will They?

Imbeciles like Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp and Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman seem hell-bent on endangering millions of lives , but as the NBA seeks to resume its derailed season , it ’ ll be taking a more measured approach as cities throughout the country ignore a surging pandemic in favor of lifting stay-at-home orders .
ESPN reports that after initially announcing that it would allow teams to reopen their practice facilities on May 1 , the NBA has tentatively pushed back that date to May 8 after the Atlanta Hawks looked around at all the people acting a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ Nah , bruh.
” “ We are going to wait and see what happens in the state over the couple weeks , ” Hawks president of basketball operations and general manager Travis Schlenk told ESPN .
“ If there ’ s a positive response , we ’ ll slowly open up .
If it ’ s a negative response , we ’ ll make sure our staff and players remain healthy.
” On Friday , Kemp made a decision so asinine that even Donald Trump tried to provide a voice of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the re-opening of movie theaters , bowling alleys and other heavily populated , yet non-essential businesses throughout Georgia despite the state reporting disturbing inc reases in coronavirus-related deaths—as much as a five percent jump per day .
You ’ ve got ta be a special kind of stupid—or evil—to deliberately imperil an entire state , yet here we are .
To sidestep all of that bullshit , the league has outlined some parameters of what teams can expect when they return to practice facilities in May , including players being banned from using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strict ban on group activities like practices .
ESPN obtained a 16-page league memo on Monday that detailed to teams the requirements of reopening facilities , including allowing only four players in a facility at one time and having only one staff member supervising .
No coaches are to be allowed in the workouts with players , the memo said .
A distance of 12 feet must be kept among individuals on the court .
The NBA also told teams that there would be a process put in place to help teams in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ onto the floor on this limited basis , the memo said .
There ’ s also this juicy nugget from ESPN : Among a dozen GMs reached by ESPN , most said they had apprehensions about bringing back players into facilities in regions where politics , not science and medical expertise , seemed to be driving the reopening of businesses .
“ There has been a concern that players could start flocking to states that are reopening , ” one team president told ESPN on Sunday .
It sounds like we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any NBA action , but hopefully , this is settled soon so that we ’ ll be one step closer to the finish line .

Imbeciles like Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman seem hell-bent on endangering millions of lives, but as the NBA seeks to resume its derailed season, it’ll be taking a more measured approach as cities throughout the country ignore a surging pandemic in favor of lifting stay-at-home orders.
ESPN reports that after initially announcing that it would allow teams to reopen their practice facilities on May 1, the NBA has tentatively pushed back that date to May 8 after the Atlanta Hawks looked around at all the people acting a fucking fool in their city and said, “Nah, bruh.”
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“We are going to wait and see what happens in the state over the couple weeks,” Hawks president of basketball operations and general manager Travis Schlenk told ESPN. “If there’s a positive response, we’ll slowly open up. If it’s a negative response, we’ll make sure our staff and players remain healthy.”
On Friday, Kemp made a decision so asinine that even Donald Trump tried to provide a voice of reason: He gave the OK for the re-opening of movie theaters, bowling alleys and other heavily populated, yet non-essential businesses throughout Georgia despite the state reporting disturbing inc reases in coronavirus-related deaths—as much as a five percent jump per day.
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You’ve gotta be a special kind of stupid—or evil—to deliberately imperil an entire state, yet here we are.
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To sidestep all of that bullshit, the league has outlined some parameters of what teams can expect when they return to practice facilities in May, including players being banned from using public training facilities or gymnasiums and a strict ban on group activities like practices.
From ESPN:
ESPN obtained a 16-page league memo on Monday that detailed to teams the requirements of reopening facilities, including allowing only four players in a facility at one time and having only one staff member supervising. No coaches are to be allowed in the workouts with players, the memo said. A distance of 12 feet must be kept among individuals on the court. The NBA also told teams that there would be a process put in place to help teams in closed states find options to get back onto the floor on this limited basis, the memo said.
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There’s also this juicy nugget from ESPN:
Among a dozen GMs reached by ESPN, most said they had apprehensions about bringing back players into facilities in regions where politics, not science and medical expertise, seemed to be driving the reopening of businesses. “There has been a concern that players could start flocking to states that are reopening,” one team president told ESPN on Sunday.
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It sounds like we’re still a very long way from enjoying any NBA action, but hopefully, this is settled soon so that we’ll be one step closer to the finish line.


theroot--2020-04-28--When the Music Stops: Famed Tap Dancers Diamond and Silk Cut From Fox News

Diamond and Silk learned the harsh lesson of steppinfetchery : No matter how hard you dance , at some point , they will tire of your act and you will find that there is no one left to dance for .
On Monday , Fox News , the Alex Jones of network news , severed ties with the blackface duo , whose schtick has even grown too outlandish for a fake news network .
Think about that for a moment ; an outlandish news network just got rid of the MAGA vloggers for being even too outlandish for them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rid of a wrestling superstar for his moves being fake .
Or Trump getting rid of S.C. Sen. Lindsey Graham for holding too tightly to his taint .
Me : The hell he ain ’ t !
Apparently , Diamond and Silk “ contributed original content to the network ’ s streaming service Fox Nation since shortly after its late 2018 launch , ” the Daily Beast reports .
Who knew ?
No , seriously , who watches this shit ?
Looks like the duo was pushing some really wild conspiracy theories and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what they ’ ve said and tweeted you won ’ t be seeing them on Fox Nation or Fox News anytime soon , ” a source told The Daily Beast .
Diamond and Silk—who were not born Diamond and Silk but were apparently given better birth names , Lynette Hardaway ( “ Diamond ” ) , and Rochelle Richardson ( “ Silk ” ) before taking on the stripper monikers—became a thing in 2016 when they were willing to be black champions for Trump .
They would become regulars on Fox News because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of course , would become a part of Trump ’ s favorite blacks , which includes Kanye , the pastor with the conk , the whiny “ comedian ” guy on Twitter and Jim Brown .
Trump began inviting the two women to his rallies and even started treating them like “ senior advisers , ” which would be a big deal but Hope Hicks and Rudy Giuliani are also advisers .
The social-media personalities were eventually tapped to provide weekly videos for Fox Nation after it launched as a subscription-based online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5-7 minute distillations of their freeform live-streams , appeared like clockwork on the streaming service until earlier this month .
No new episodes of their online program have been uploaded since April 7 , as CNN senior media reporter Oliver Darcy first noted over the weekend .
Prior to this month , the duo never missed a week posting episodes since December 2018 .
The sisters ’ Fox guest spots have also dried up recently .
According to a search of TVEyes , a cable-news monitoring system , Diamond & Silk haven ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March 6 interview on Fox & Friends and a March 7 hit on the now-defunct Fox Business Network show hosted by Trish Regan , who was also ditched by Fox after her own comments calling the pandemic an “ impeachment scam.
” Since The Root doesn ’ t know anyone who actually watches this bullshit , according to reports , Diamond and Silk were heavy on these COVID-19 misinformation streets .
During their March 30 livestream , the pair claimed that the coronavirus death toll was inflated to make Trump look bad .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ how many people have passed away in New York , and what I need to know is : Who has the bodies ?
” Diamond asked—I ’ m saying Diamond asked , but I don ’ t know who she is .
I know that one looks like she ’ s wearing a Lion-O from Thundercats wig and the other one looks like a downtrodden gospel singer who still has another song left in her somewhere .
“ I need for somebody that does investigative work to call the morgues .
To call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know , because I don ’ t trust anything else that comes out of his mouth now ... Something ’ s not right here .
Something is off here.
” She added : “ Is this being deliberately spread ?
Look , I ’ m not being a conspiracy theorist , this is real , but I ’ m asking my own questions .
What the hell is going on ?
” Silk , which is actually a common pimp name , actually veered into the hotep lane after she claimed that this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engineered.
” S he also asked if there was a “ little deep-state action going on behind the scenes.
” “ She also questioned whether the World Health Organization had a ‘ switch ’ to ‘ turn this virus on and off ?
’ ” the Daily Beast reports .
A day after these wild-ass claims , Twitter removed a post in which the women told people to expose themselves to the virus .
“ The only way we can become immune to the environment ; we must be out in the environment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Daily Beast reports .
“ Quarantining people inside of their houses for extended periods will make people sick !
” Fox News hasn ’ t said much about the curtain being closed on the tap dancing black women , but it ’ s clear that they went full Alex Jones .
And there ’ s one thing you can ’ t do if you haven ’ t built up enough of a fan base and aren ’ t a white man and that ’ s go full Alex Jones .
But they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lifetime :

Diamond and Silk learned the harsh lesson of steppinfetchery: No matter how hard you dance, at some point, they will tire of your act and you will find that there is no one left to dance for.
On Monday, Fox News, the Alex Jones of network news, severed ties with the blackface duo, whose schtick has even grown too outlandish for a fake news network. Think about that for a moment; an outlandish news network just got rid of the MAGA vloggers for being even too outlandish for them. That’s like the WWE getting rid of a wrestling superstar for his moves being fake. Or Trump getting rid of S.C. Sen. Lindsey Graham for holding too tightly to his taint.
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Managing Editor Genetta Adams: Graham isn’t in Trump’s administration.
Me: The hell he ain’t!
Adams: Fair enough.
Apparently, Diamond and Silk “contributed original content to the network’s streaming service Fox Nation since shortly after its late 2018 launch,” the Daily Beast reports. Who knew? No, seriously, who watches this shit?
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Looks like the duo was pushing some really wild conspiracy theories and disinformation about the coronavirus. “After what they’ve said and tweeted you won’t be seeing them on Fox Nation or Fox News anytime soon,” a source told The Daily Beast.
Diamond and Silk—who were not born Diamond and Silk but were apparently given better birth names, Lynette Hardaway (“Diamond”), and Rochelle Richardson (“Silk”) before taking on the stripper monikers—became a thing in 2016 when they were willing to be black champions for Trump. They would become regulars on Fox News because...black women for Trump, who, of course, would become a part of Trump’s favorite blacks, which includes Kanye, the pastor with the conk, the whiny “comedian” guy on Twitter and Jim Brown. Trump began inviting the two women to his rallies and even started treating them like “senior advisers,” which would be a big deal but Hope Hicks and Rudy Giuliani are also advisers.
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From the Daily Beast:
The social-media personalities were eventually tapped to provide weekly videos for Fox Nation after it launched as a subscription-based online video network. Their episodes, essentially 5-7 minute distillations of their freeform live-streams, appeared like clockwork on the streaming service until earlier this month. No new episodes of their online program have been uploaded since April 7, as CNN senior media reporter Oliver Darcy first noted over the weekend. Prior to this month, the duo never missed a week posting episodes since December 2018. The sisters’ Fox guest spots have also dried up recently. According to a search of TVEyes, a cable-news monitoring system, Diamond & Silk haven’t appeared on the network since a March 6 interview on Fox & Friends and a March 7 hit on the now-defunct Fox Business Network show hosted by Trish Regan, who was also ditched by Fox after her own comments calling the pandemic an “impeachment scam.”
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Since The Root doesn’t know anyone who actually watches this bullshit, according to reports, Diamond and Silk were heavy on these COVID-19 misinformation streets.
During their March 30 livestream, the pair claimed that the coronavirus death toll was inflated to make Trump look bad.
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“What I need to know is how many people have passed away in New York, and what I need to know is: Who has the bodies?” Diamond asked—I’m saying Diamond asked, but I don’t know who she is. I know that one looks like she’s wearing a Lion-O from Thundercats wig and the other one looks like a downtrodden gospel singer who still has another song left in her somewhere.
“I need for somebody that does investigative work to call the morgues. To call the funeral homes. We need to know, because I don’t trust anything else that comes out of his mouth now... Something’s not right here. Something is off here.”
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She added: “Is this being deliberately spread? Look, I’m not being a conspiracy theorist, this is real, but I’m asking my own questions. What the hell is going on?”
Silk, which is actually a common pimp name, actually veered into the hotep lane after she claimed that this disease was “man-made” and “engineered.” S he also asked if there was a “little deep-state action going on behind the scenes.”
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“She also questioned whether the World Health Organization had a ‘switch’ to ‘turn this virus on and off?’” the Daily Beast reports.
A day after these wild-ass claims, Twitter removed a post in which the women told people to expose themselves to the virus.
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“The only way we can become immune to the environment; we must be out in the environment,” the since-deleted tweet read, the Daily Beast reports. “Quarantining people inside of their houses for extended periods will make people sick!”
Fox News hasn’t said much about the curtain being closed on the tap dancing black women, but it’s clear that they went full Alex Jones. And there’s one thing you can’t do if you haven’t built up enough of a fan base and aren’t a white man and that’s go full Alex Jones.
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But they will always have one fan for a lifetime:


theroot--2020-04-28--This Jeopardy Contest Reached to the Limit to the Wall to Answer ‘Chaka Khan’ for a Shaka Zulu Quest

This Jeopardy Contest Reached to the Limit to the Wall to Answer ‘Chaka Khan’ for a Shaka Zulu Question

“ Ch-Ch-Ch-Chaka Khan… Chaka Khan… Chaka Khan… Chaka Khan ” —this famous intro to the artist ’ s hit song “ I Feel For You ” is what I think was looping inside the head of a recent Jeopardy contestant .
On Monday night ’ s episode of Jeopardy , defending champion Sarah Jett Rayburn ( damn , I wish her name was Karen ; it would ’ ve been a great opportunity to continue the running joke ) failed in the most hilarious way .
The $ 2,000 question from “ The Zulus ” category ( equipped with visual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On each September 24 , Zulus celebrate a holiday that was named in honor of this warrior leader of the early 1800s.
” Sarah channeled the strength of Susan B. Anthony by buzzing in quickly with the confidence of a mediocre white man and answered , “ Who is Chaka Khan ?
” Seconds after , Sarah realized she fucked up and you could see her flailing her arms in the air with despair as Matt correctly answered , “ Who is Shaka Zulu ?
” Ohhhh , sweet thing ?
Don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
Womp .
According to CNN , Sarah also made history when she later explained why she picked another incorrect answer during the “ Final Jeopardy ” round , which Alex said has never happened in the history of the popular game show .
He also noted it was a valid explanation since viewers watching at home typically wonder why contestants don ’ t choose what seems to be the obvious answer .
Despite Sarah ’ s jittery nerves she still ended up winning the night ’ s game .
Plus , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” quickly began trending on Twitter , providing us all with the laugh we needed .
Now that ’ s what I call white woman privilege !
*wink* Alex , who the world is watching and praying for as he battles pancreatic cancer , also recently went viral for his snarky response to a contestant who excitedly shared the concept of “ Nerd Core Hip-Hop ” to the audience .
However , Alex dropped the hammer and responded with , “ Losers , in other words.
” Damnnnnn , Alex .
Something tells @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appreciated that snark , though , as someone who can throw shade with the best of them .

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

“Ch-Ch-Ch-Chaka Khan… Chaka Khan… Chaka Khan… Chaka Khan”—this famous intro to the artist’s hit song “I Feel For You” is what I think was looping inside the head of a recent Jeopardy contestant.
On Monday night’s episode of Jeopardy, defending champion Sarah Jett Rayburn (damn, I wish her name was Karen; it would’ve been a great opportunity to continue the running joke) failed in the most hilarious way.
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The $2,000 question from “The Zulus” category (equipped with visual hints) was as follows, “On each September 24, Zulus celebrate a holiday that was named in honor of this warrior leader of the early 1800s.”
Sarah channeled the strength of Susan B. Anthony by buzzing in quickly with the confidence of a mediocre white man and answered, “Who is Chaka Khan?”
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“No,” host Alex Trebek responded.
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Seconds after, Sarah realized she fucked up and you could see her flailing her arms in the air with despair as Matt correctly answered, “Who is Shaka Zulu?”
Ohhhh, sweet thing? Don’t you know you failed everything?! Womp.
According to CNN, Sarah also made history when she later explained why she picked another incorrect answer during the “Final Jeopardy” round, which Alex said has never happened in the history of the popular game show. He also noted it was a valid explanation since viewers watching at home typically wonder why contestants don’t choose what seems to be the obvious answer.
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Despite Sarah’s jittery nerves she still ended up winning the night’s game. Plus, she won our attention because “Chaka Khan” quickly began trending on Twitter, providing us all with the laugh we needed. Now that’s what I call white woman privilege! *wink*
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Alex, who the world is watching and praying for as he battles pancreatic cancer, also recently went viral for his snarky response to a contestant who excitedly shared the concept of “Nerd Core Hip-Hop” to the audience.
However, Alex dropped the hammer and responded with, “Losers, in other words.” Damnnnnn, Alex.
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Something tells me that Chaka Khan would’ve appreciated that snark, though, as someone who can throw shade with the best of them.


theroot--2020-04-28--Missing the Met Gala This Year? Make It Your Own—From the Comfort of Home!

Of the many repercussions resulting from the outbreak of COVID-19 , the cancellation of the 2020 Met Gala on May 4 is seemingly among the most superfluous , though New York City ’ s Metropolitan Museum of Art would surely disagree , as the event is its most high-profile annual fundraiser .
Of course , it goes without saying that the crisis caused by the coronavirus warrants any and all cancellations—and a gala isn ’ t even a drop in the bucket of the devastation this pandemic continues to wreak—but in the spirit of holding space for multiple truths , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would ’ ve provided the escapism we ’ re so desperately craving .
Of course , nothing will quite compare to the magic that usually takes place on the legendary steps of the Met each first Monday in May ( except , you know , the magic of maintaining health and safety ) .
But as Billy Porter recently announced on behalf of event host Vogue , there is a costume-based consolation prize .
Eschewing the scheduled 2020 theme About Time : Fashion and Duration , avid Met Gala fans—most of whom would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyway—have been asked to recreate one of the event ’ s past celebrity looks and post it to Instagram by May 3 to compete for a chance to be recognized by Vogue .
For those of you who love any opportunity to dress up , here ’ s your chance .
What celebrity will you channel ?
One of Rihanna ’ s many memorable and on-theme looks ?
Zendaya ’ s 2018 homage to Joan of Arc ?
Cardi B playing the Queen of Hearts in 2019 ?
Janelle Monáe ’ s riff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
The possibilities are endless—but time is limited .
Get your lewks together by May 3 , and post with the hashtag # MetGalaChallenge to get Vogue ’ s attention—after all , this may be the closest any of us ever get to getting a Met Gala invite .
Of course , we have a few well-known faces we ’ d love to see take this challenge , like beauty expert Jackie Aina , who recently learned ( during a chat with supermodel Naomi Campbell , no less ) that she ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ festivities ; a disappointment we felt as keenly as if it ’ d happened to us .
Can we count on Aina to bless us with a throwback look for the # MetGalaChallenge instead ?
Doubtful , though she ’ s been known to impeccably imitate an iconic celebrity look in the past , so we can dream .
( Do it , Jackie !
Do it for us ! )
But if you ’ ve always dreamt of ascending the stairs of The Met dripping in finery , here ’ s your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your invite next year .

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

Of the many repercussions resulting from the outbreak of COVID-19, the cancellation of the 2020 Met Gala on May 4 is seemingly among the most superfluous, though New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art would surely disagree, as the event is its most high-profile annual fundraiser. Of course, it goes without saying that the crisis caused by the coronavirus warrants any and all cancellations—and a gala isn’t even a drop in the bucket of the devastation this pandemic continues to wreak—but in the spirit of holding space for multiple truths, the fashion lover’s extravaganza likely would’ve provided the escapism we’re so desperately craving.
Of course, nothing will quite compare to the magic that usually takes place on the legendary steps of the Met each first Monday in May (except, you know, the magic of maintaining health and safety). But as Billy Porter recently announced on behalf of event host Vogue, there is a costume-based consolation prize. Eschewing the scheduled 2020 theme About Time: Fashion and Duration, avid Met Gala fans—most of whom would be watching the action from home, anyway—have been asked to recreate one of the event’s past celebrity looks and post it to Instagram by May 3 to compete for a chance to be recognized by Vogue.
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For those of you who love any opportunity to dress up, here’s your chance. What celebrity will you channel? One of Rihanna’s many memorable and on-theme looks? Zendaya’s 2018 homage to Joan of Arc? Cardi B playing the Queen of Hearts in 2019? Janelle Monáe’s riff on the Mad Hatter the same year?
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The possibilities are endless—but time is limited. Get your lewks together by May 3, and post with the hashtag #MetGalaChallenge to get Vogue’s attention—after all, this may be the closest any of us ever get to getting a Met Gala invite. Of course, we have a few well-known faces we’d love to see take this challenge, like beauty expert Jackie Aina, who recently learned (during a chat with supermodel Naomi Campbell, no less) that she’d garnered a coveted invite to the now-canceled festivities; a disappointment we felt as keenly as if it’d happened to us.
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Can we count on Aina to bless us with a throwback look for the #MetGalaChallenge instead? Doubtful, though she’s been known to impeccably imitate an iconic celebrity look in the past, so we can dream. (Do it, Jackie! Do it for us!) But if you’ve always dreamt of ascending the stairs of The Met dripping in finery, here’s your chance to remind Vogue not to forget your invite next year.


theroot--2020-04-28--Troy Sneed, Grammy-Nominated Gospel Star, Dies From COVID-19

Gospel singer Troy Sneed is the latest musician to succumb to the coronavirus .
Per NBC News , Sneed passed away due to complications from the illness at a hospital in Jacksonville , Fla. on Monday .
The artist was just 52- years- old .
Sneed began his gospel career traveling across the country with the Georgia Mass Choir where he helped arrange the music on the choir ’ s albums .
Through this opportunity , he formed Youth For Christ , a gospel choir composed of singers from the Georgia Mass Choir ranging from ages 12 to 18 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ him on Hollywood ’ s radar , appearing with the Georgia Mass Choir in the 1996 film The Preacher ’ s Wife , which starred Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington .
During his time as a solo star , Sneed released seven albums and a plethora of songs , including “ Work It Out ” and “ My Heart Says Yes , ” which both peaked at No .
2 on Billboard ’ s Gospel chart in 2008 and 2011 , respectively .
In 2006 , Youth For Christ ’ s album The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Gospel album chart where he served as its producer .
In addition , Sneed earned a 1999 Grammy nomination for his work on the Youth For Christ album , Higher .
Sneed and his wife of nearly 27 years , Emily , began their own record label Emtro in the early 2000s , whose roster includes gospel stars such as Alvin Darling & Celebration and Rev .
Rudolph McKissick .
“ The Gospel community has lost a superb talent in Troy Sneed , ” gospel artist Kurt Carr wrote on Facebook in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gospel radio host Reggie Baker wrote : “ [ Sneed ] was a great guy and gave us some great music.
” Our thoughts go out to Sneed ’ s family and friends during this difficult time .

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

Gospel singer Troy Sneed is the latest musician to succumb to the coronavirus. Per NBC News, Sneed passed away due to complications from the illness at a hospital in Jacksonville, Fla. on Monday. The artist was just 52- years- old.
Sneed began his gospel career traveling across the country with the Georgia Mass Choir where he helped arrange the music on the choir’s albums. Through this opportunity, he formed Youth For Christ, a gospel choir composed of singers from the Georgia Mass Choir ranging from ages 12 to 18. Sneed’s gospel talents also landed him on Hollywood’s radar, appearing with the Georgia Mass Choir in the 1996 film The Preacher’s Wife, which starred Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington.
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During his time as a solo star, Sneed released seven albums and a plethora of songs, including “Work It Out” and “My Heart Says Yes,” which both peaked at No. 2 on Billboard’s Gospel chart in 2008 and 2011, respectively. In 2006, Youth For Christ’s album The Struggle Is Over landed atop Billboard’s Gospel album chart where he served as its producer. In addition, Sneed earned a 1999 Grammy nomination for his work on the Youth For Christ album, Higher.
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Sneed and his wife of nearly 27 years, Emily, began their own record label Emtro in the early 2000s, whose roster includes gospel stars such as Alvin Darling & Celebration and Rev. Rudolph McKissick.
“The Gospel community has lost a superb talent in Troy Sneed,” gospel artist Kurt Carr wrote on Facebook in response to the news, while Virginia gospel radio host Reggie Baker wrote: “[Sneed] was a great guy and gave us some great music.”
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Our thoughts go out to Sneed’s family and friends during this difficult time.


theroot--2020-04-28--Sephora Has Some Deals to Keep You Looking Glamorous, Even While You're Stuck at Home

The best Sephora deals and promo codes for April 2020 are here .
Sephora ’ s online shop is still here to serve your beauty and skincare needs , whether you ’ re dressing up for Zoom meetings or just want to keep looking fresh even when nobody ’ s looking .
You ’ re sure to find something you ’ ll like at Sephora , and better yet , you ’ ll probably find something great on sale .
Here ’ s a look at Sephora ’ s best deals right now , and be sure to use the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no minimum .
Go for the bold look with the Fenty Beauty Killawatt Foil Freestyle Highlight Palette , which has seven metallic shades including Subzero , Heart Burn , and Scandal ’ ice .
This fire-and-ice themed set is marked down significantly from its usual $ 54 price point , so go wild .
• None Buy it now for $ 23 Keep your skin feeling fresh and looking clear with Clinique ’ s Acne Solutions Clinical Clearing Kit .
This daily regimen set gives you a cleansing foam , clinical clearing gel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to clear away blemishes , and the set is half off the normal price right now .
• None Buy it now for $ 14 CBD has a number of beneficial health uses , and when it comes to skincare , it can help soothe pain and irritation .
Lord Jones ’ High CBD Formula Body Lotion provides a cooling sensation too , making it seem like a particularly pleasant thing to rub on your body .
It ’ s down from $ 60 right now .
• None Buy it now for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is one of the hottest in cosmetics today , and now you can try one of its striking lip colors for 30 % off right now at Sephora .
The Fenty Beauty Poutsicle Juicy Satin Lipstick comes in shades like Motorboat , Alpha Doll , and Go Deep , so… have fun with it , yeah ?
• None Buy it now for $ 14 Style on the go with the T3 Featherweight Compact Folding Hair Dryer .
Whether on vacation or perhaps dealing with a small bathroom , this fold-up hair dryer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s $ 30 off the list price right now if you ’ re looking for a versatile dryer that can go anywhere .
• None Buy it now for $ 120 Given that we ’ re all stuck at home , what better time than now to fire up Netflix and watch a charming teen rom-com ?
Sephora teamed with Netflix to produce some items inspired by the latest To All the Boys… movie , and this scrunchie set lets you add a flashy bit of style .
• None Buy it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absolute steal .
Her products are famously great and famously expensive .
This is a really beautiful blush and highlighter pallet that work for a lot of skin tones .
I recommend the Darya set only because I am a bit fairer .
I ’ ve always liked this line but have to wait for a sale to truly enjoy .
Now is that time .
• None Buy it now for $ 45 As someone who has tried a bunch of charcoal products , I can say they really do make a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use at morning or at night and truly livens dull skin on the face and neck .
Glamglow is another amazing skin care company that is pricey but produces major results .
This sale is a must .
• None Buy it now for $ 38 It ’ s easy to let things slide when you ’ re not leaving the house much ( if at all ) , but you can do a few small things to continue to take care of yourself .
Sephora ’ s Mask Stick is an easy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feeling fresh , and they ’ re half-off at just $ 4 apiece .
Watermelon , Bamboo , and Spirulina varieties are still available as of this writing .
• None Buy it now for $ 4 You ’ ll go bananas for Olehenriksen ’ s Hats Off to Bananas pre-makeup skincare set .
It packs in a Banana Bright Eye Crème and Banana Bright Face Primer , and to top things off ( or top you off , rather ) , you also get a charming banana-yellow hat with ... yes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 22 off the bundle ’ s list price , too .
• None Buy it now for $ 50 Kat Von D ’ s KVD Vegan Beauty released this enticing Alchemist Holographic Palette , which features four shades for your eyes , lips , and face that glisten with “ double dimension technology.
” The larger set gives you Emerald ( green ) , Saphyre ( blue ) , Amethyst ( ultra-violet ) , and Opal ( pink ) , while a separate single $ 7 item has Aquamarine ( teal ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 10 If reducing pores and fine lines is your jam then this the deal for you .
Tatcha is an absolutely brilliant beauty company from Japan .
I ’ m very big fan of their Serum Stick , which helps after a few late nights for the under eyes if you know what I mean .
The elite option in this best seller ’ s bundle is the Deep Cleanse gel that is great for keeping pores clean and hydrating the skin .
Tatcha has a killer line top-to-bottom so this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of them out if you ’ re on a budget .
• None Buy it now for $ 60 Now that you have some beautiful palettes to play with , you ’ ll need a good set of brushes .
Sephora ’ s brand is as good as any luxury company ’ s , complete with black soft touch handles .
These 10 brushes can help you curate any image you are wishing to achieve .
They are tucked away in black faux leather roll to keep them safe for travel and transport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 70 Nothing warms the heart or raises the spirits like a delightful scent , and this exclusive set from Clean Reserve should do the trick .
Plus , you ’ re helping saving bees since they partnered with BEEautiful Earth .
This also mean the packaging is sustainable and all the ingredients are farm sourced in eco-concious packaging .
They live up to the Clean name in every way .
Smell wonderful with these 5 fragrances and save the planet .
Win-Win .
Pro Tip : Warm Cotton is where it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for $ 48

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

Featured Deal: Give Me Some Shine Lip Gloss + Plumper Set | $24
The best Sephora deals and promo codes for December 2021 are here.
Looking for the best deals on Fenty Beauty, Marc Jacobs Beauty, M, and other cosmetics brands? Sephora has you covered with its online deals, which include massive discounts on those brands and others.
Snag free shipping on all orders by using the promo code: FREESHIP.
Give your skin a little rest and relaxation with the Fenty Skin Start’r Set. This set comes with a travel-size mini makeup remover-cleanser, a toner-serum, and a sunscreen-moisturizer. These products target dark spots, finelines, wrinkles, and dryness. These products are vegan and come in recyclable packaging, so you can do right by your skin and help the environment.
Versatile and multi-faceted, the Season to Sparkle 8 Piece Makeup Brush Set will be the inspiration behind all your holiday looks. Designed just for the Sephora collection each brush is vegan, cruelty-free, so use without guilt. You even get a handy pouch to keep them clean between uses. This is a great set to gift a beauty beginner. Plus, it’s 40% off.
Get the most kissable lips with the Give Me Some Shine Lip Gloss + Plumper Set. This set comes with an array of colors from top Sephora brands.
This included Fenty, Huda Beauty, Milk, NARS, and Pat McGrath.These sets are an awesome way to get to know brands you’ve been curious about. They’re super wearable and accessible to the plumping novice. Note that they’re also cruelty-free, and the hues will complement any skin tone.
Looking for a great waterproof, liquid-gel eyeliner at a discounted price? Available in four colors, this product is available in a high shine and metallic finish, based on your preference. As a bonus, this eyeliner is free of sulfates and parabens, along with other harmful ingredients like formaldehyde.
Massage a handful of the Coco Rose Coconut Oil Body Polish into your skin to soften and hydrate dry, rough patches and save your body this winter. The Soft Glow Body Oil will leave your body feeling silky-smooth and luminous. The perfect sparkle to carry you into the new year. Herbivore knows what they’re doing.
Jouer Cosmetics’ bestseller includes a brilliant highlighter, matte bronzer, and attractive matte and shimmer blush colors in this palette. This cruelty-free, vegan, and gluten-free item is the touch color you were looking for. These soft beautiful hues are inspired by Marie-Antoinette and Versailles. All work together in glorious French fashion.
Get your glow on for a discounted price with this Holographic Stick from Milk Makeup. This stick is made with a buildable cream texture to give your skin a dewy finish with a weightless feel. I mean, who doesn’t need a little glitter in their life?
For me, concealer is an essential step in my makeup routine. Marc Jacobs Beauty Accomplice Concealer & Touch-Up Stick is super creamy and perfect for those of us who often do our makeup on-the-go. This stick is perfect for delivering natural, even skin tone, hiding dark circles, blemishes, and all your other little imperfections.
Note that you have 8 different options of shades, all at the same 50% off discount.
This glow kit has four metallic powder highlighters to make any look pop. Instantly add radiance to your skin. They are blendable and the tones work harmoniously together. Wear them separately on the eyes and body, this palette was made for experimenting. Shine bright at any party.
If you’re looking for the best in skincare Shiseido is for you. This three-piece bundle includes the company’s best sellers. The Urban Environment SPF 42 is oil-free and ideal for fun in the sun. It’s lightweight and works perfectly even under makeup. The Ultimune Serum protects against daily damage and premature aging, leaving your skin hydrated and smooth. The Benefiance Wrinkle Eye Cream completes the routine by significantly reducing wrinkles after a few uses. This kit is great for all skin types.
Save $5 Shiseido Bestsellers Urban SPF Set Defends against visible daily damage and premature aging.
The Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream visibly minimizes wrinkles in as little as one week. Buy for $43 at Sephora
This story was originally published by Sheilah Villari on 03/19/2020 and updated with new information on 12/20/2021.


theroot--2020-04-28--Three 6 Mafia, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Will Tear the Virtual Club Up With Instagram Battle

Thanks to super producers Timbaland and Swizz Beatz , Instagram battles—in which your favorite artists , songwriters and producers put their catalog to the test against an equally accomplished rival—have provided the perfect escape from all the chaos of COVID-19 .
In recent weeks , we ’ ve seen gospel giants Hezekiah Walker and John P. Kee leap into the fray to lock horns for the culture , while millions tuned in to watch Teddy Riley and Babyface celebrate their invaluable contributions to the R & B landscape .
And as we impatiently wait to see if this Diddy vs. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another battle has been announced that promises to entertain the masses with banger after banger after banger : Bone Thugs-N-Harmony vs. Memphis ’ own Three 6 Mafia .
“ This Thursday 5pm Pacific , 8pm Eastern time , ” Krayzie Bone posted on Instagram .
“ Instagram Live Celebrating over 50 combined years of hits .
Limited edition collab merch available .
Share share share , don ’ t miss this celebration !
” Both groups have been quiet in recent years , but their status as rap pioneers goes unquestioned .
Three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some guy named Eminem would later take to the bank—while Bone Thugs-N-Harmony bridged gritty street tales with something completely unheard of at the time of their debut : harmony .
And yes , there used to be tension between the two groups , but they ’ ve long since set aside their differences and have had nothing but admiration and respect for each other for years .
The battle won ’ t be a part of Timbaland and Swizz ’ s wildly-popular Verzuz series , but don ’ t think fans of each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s in store on Thursday night .
Now , what ’ s good with that Kanye vs. Pharrell though ?

Jay Connor on The Grapevine, shared by Jay Connor to The Root

Thanks to super producers Timbaland and Swizz Beatz, Instagram battles—in which your favorite artists, songwriters and producers put their catalog to the test against an equally accomplished rival—have provided the perfect escape from all the chaos of COVID-19.
In recent weeks, we’ve seen gospel giants Hezekiah Walker and John P. Kee leap into the fray to lock horns for the culture, while millions tuned in to watch Teddy Riley and Babyface celebrate their invaluable contributions to the R&B landscape.
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And as we impatiently wait to see if this Diddy vs. Dr. Dre thing will actually happen, another battle has been announced that promises to entertain the masses with banger after banger after banger: Bone Thugs-N-Harmony vs. Memphis’ own Three 6 Mafia.
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“This Thursday 5pm Pacific, 8pm Eastern time,” Krayzie Bone posted on Instagram. “Instagram Live Celebrating over 50 combined years of hits. Limited edition collab merch available. Share share share, don’t miss this celebration!”
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Both groups have been quiet in recent years, but their status as rap pioneers goes unquestioned. Three 6 Mafia was integral in popularizing horrorcore—something some guy named Eminem would later take to the bank—while Bone Thugs-N-Harmony bridged gritty street tales with something completely unheard of at the time of their debut: harmony. And yes, there used to be tension between the two groups, but they’ve long since set aside their differences and have had nothing but admiration and respect for each other for years.
The battle won’t be a part of Timbaland and Swizz’s wildly-popular Verzuz series, but don’t think fans of each group aren’t excited for what’s in store on Thursday night.
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Now, what’s good with that Kanye vs. Pharrell though?


theroot--2020-04-28--Trump Suggested Mainlining Disinfectants, So Some People Did. Now He’s Not Taking Any Responsibility

Trump Suggested Mainlining Disinfectants, So Some People Did. Now He’s Not Taking Any Responsibility for It

On Monday , after being a total diva with a coronavirus press conference—first , it was on , then it was off , then it was on again—the president was asked whether he took any responsibility for people using disinfectants improperly after he suggested that it could aid in treating the coronavirus , and you can already guess his answer .
Not only did he not take any responsibility for the uptick in folks doing weird shit with their Lysol , the president acted like he didn ’ t just come out here last week and say that if coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then maybe there was a way to bring that inside the body .
Here are his exact words : “ I see the disinfectant that knocks it out in a minute , one minute .
And is there a way we can do something like that by injection inside or almost a cleaning ?
As you see , it gets in the lungs , it does a tremendous number on the lungs , so it would be interesting to check that , ” NBC News reports .
Not only did he suggest injecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also talked about doing a cleaning !
How do you clean the inside of a body with disinfectant ?
How , Sway ?
When asked about the increase in folks fucking around with disinfectants Trump said , with a straight orange face : “ I can ’ t imagine why.
” When asked if any of it was his fault and if he takes any responsibility for it all , Trump answered : “ No , I don ’ t. ” On Monday , the Wichita Eagle reported that over the weekend , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and I wonder where he got this brilliant idea from ?
Lee Norman , the state health officer , told the Eagle that “ the Kansas Poison Control Center reported a more than 40 percent increase in cleaning chemical cases .
“ Including a fellow over the weekend who drank a product because of the advice he ’ d received.
” Trump would claim during the weekend that his suggestion that disinfectant could be effective inside the body was just him being sarcastic with reporters because nothing says leadership like joking about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which thousands of people have died and the majority of the country is still on lockdown .
But that has been one of the hallmarks of Trump ’ s presidency ; take no responsibility for mistakes and claim victories that aren ’ t earned .
This president is trash and no disinfectant can help that .

On Monday, after being a total diva with a coronavirus press conference—first, it was on, then it was off, then it was on again—the president was asked whether he took any responsibility for people using disinfectants improperly after he suggested that it could aid in treating the coronavirus, and you can already guess his answer.
Not only did he not take any responsibility for the uptick in folks doing weird shit with their Lysol, the president acted like he didn’t just come out here last week and say that if coronavirus could be killed on surfaces using disinfectants then maybe there was a way to bring that inside the body.
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Here are his exact words:
“I see the disinfectant that knocks it out in a minute, one minute. And is there a way we can do something like that by injection inside or almost a cleaning? As you see, it gets in the lungs, it does a tremendous number on the lungs, so it would be interesting to check that,” NBC News reports.
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Not only did he suggest injecting disinfectants into the body, but he also talked about doing a cleaning! How do you clean the inside of a body with disinfectant? How, Sway?
When asked about the increase in folks fucking around with disinfectants Trump said, with a straight orange face: “I can’t imagine why.”
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When asked if any of it was his fault and if he takes any responsibility for it all, Trump answered: “No, I don’t.”
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On Monday, the Wichita Eagle reported that over the weekend, a Kansas man drank a cleaning product, and I wonder where he got this brilliant idea from?
Lee Norman, the state health officer, told the Eagle that “the Kansas Poison Control Center reported a more than 40 percent increase in cleaning chemical cases.
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“Including a fellow over the weekend who drank a product because of the advice he’d received.”
Trump would claim during the weekend that his suggestion that disinfectant could be effective inside the body was just him being sarcastic with reporters because nothing says leadership like joking about ingesting household chemicals during a pandemic in which thousands of people have died and the majority of the country is still on lockdown.
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But that has been one of the hallmarks of Trump’s presidency; take no responsibility for mistakes and claim victories that aren’t earned.
This president is trash and no disinfectant can help that.


theroot--2020-04-28--They Need Us: MSNBC’s Trymaine Lee on Black Journalists and Holding America to Its Ideals

“ They need us .
They need us as black journalists .
They need us as journalists .
They need us to push and push to tell the truth , because as we know , there are powers and influences in this country that would rather the truth not be told.
” —Trymaine Lee , MSNBC correspondent Pulitzer Prize and Emmy Award-winning journalist Trymaine Lee has one agenda— to find the truth .
But only if it were that simple .
Lee , a correspondent for MSNBC , started his career in the black press ( at The Philadelphia Tribune @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as the stories of marginalized communities .
Lee has been on the ground reporting , during some of our country ’ s most devastating moments in recent history , such as Hurricane Katrina and the Ferguson , Mo .
protests .
The journalist believes that shining a light on those who often go forgotten is a responsibility , “ If I ’ m not telling the people ’ s story , what am I doing ?
” Lee tells The Root .
As the host of MSNBC ’ s new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vels to the corners of America and tells the story of everyday Americans .
“ For me it ’ s like , I , too , sing America .
Whether you ’ re poor and white in the Midwest , whether you ’ re black in Detroit or in the rural South .
We are all Americans and we experience life and death in different ways , ” says Lee , referencing Langston Hughes ’ poem , “ I , Too.
” His most recent episode , “ Into Dirty Air , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ audience to Louisiana ’ s Cancer Alley .
The 85-mile stretch of land between New Orleans and Baton Rouge is lined with chemical plants .
Lee explains that those who live closest to the plants are often black and poor .
Recent research has shown that in Louisiana , 32.7 percent of the population is black , while comprising over 58 percent of the states COVID-19 deaths ( at the time of this recording , black Louisianans were 70 percent of the case ) .
“ So when we think about environmental justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a clear overlap.
” Lee continues , “ We ’ ll make that notion that somehow those who have hypertension and other health ailments did it to themselves .
Oftentimes we will forget about the environment and race.
” I got to sit down for a conversation about being a black journalist in a time of crisis , with Trymaine Lee—see excerpts from our conversation above .

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Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude


theroot--2020-04-28--Megan Thee Stallion and Fashion Nova Joining Forces to Create Jeans for Tall Girls

Rapper Megan Thee Stallion revealed on Instagram that she is collaborating with fast-fashion online marketplace Fashion Nova to create a line of jeans catered to fellow “ stallions ” —or tall women with curves and long legs .
After posting a scintillating photo of her in her Fashion Nova ‘ fit , fans inquired about her jean size .
If you ’ re wondering , Hot Girl Meg is 5 ’ 10 ” and says she ’ s a size 11 in jeans .
However , “ it ’ s a real gamble with the length.
” “ When the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m working with them to make longer jeans for us tall girls , ” she revealed to excitement from her fans who have experienced the same pants problems .
One commenter wrote “ Us tall gals appreciate you , ” while another said : “ finally someone gets the struggle.
” Fashion Nova is no stranger to partnering with celebrities for campaigns and exclusive lines .
Both of Cardi B ’ s lines with the boutique sold out almost immediately when they dropped in 2018 and 2019 , setting sales records for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rose , Draya Michele and more have been seen wearing clothes from Fashion Nova through the years .
While Thee Jeans won ’ t be created with me in mind ( barely 5 ’ 2 ” over here ) , we ’ re excited that the Suga emcee is making sure tall girls are feeling the love and feeling represented , especially when it comes to something as important as comfortable clothing .

J'na Jefferson on The Glow Up, shared by J'na Jefferson to The Root

Rapper Megan Thee Stallion revealed on Instagram that she is collaborating with fast-fashion online marketplace Fashion Nova to create a line of jeans catered to fellow “stallions”—or tall women with curves and long legs.
After posting a scintillating photo of her in her Fashion Nova ‘fit, fans inquired about her jean size. If you’re wondering, Hot Girl Meg is 5’10” and says she’s a size 11 in jeans. However, “it’s a real gamble with the length.”
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“When the world goes back to normal, I’m working with them to make longer jeans for us tall girls,” she revealed to excitement from her fans who have experienced the same pants problems. One commenter wrote “Us tall gals appreciate you,” while another said: “finally someone gets the struggle.”
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Fashion Nova is no stranger to partnering with celebrities for campaigns and exclusive lines. Both of Cardi B’s lines with the boutique sold out almost immediately when they dropped in 2018 and 2019, setting sales records for the site. Stars such as Amber Rose, Draya Michele and more have been seen wearing clothes from Fashion Nova through the years.
While Thee Jeans won’t be created with me in mind (barely 5’2” over here), we’re excited that the Suga emcee is making sure tall girls are feeling the love and feeling represented, especially when it comes to something as important as comfortable clothing.


theroot--2020-04-29--The Minna Limon Vibrator Is Small and Quiet (And Fun for Couples)

As our period of social distancing and quarantine isolation drags on , we ’ ll be bringing you a series of sex toy reviews to help you make the best buying decisions to keep your solo sex life buzzing along , or to spice things up for couples ( or thruples or etc , etc , etc . )
who may be experiencing some boredom in the bedroom .
On deck today is the Limon vibrator by Minna .
The Minna Limon is a discreet external vibrator made of medical-grade silicone .
It ’ s lemon-shaped ( hence its name @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( celadon and turquoise ) , and charges via USB .
Its main differentiator is that the Limon doesn ’ t have traditional “ settings ” —rather , it intensifies its vibration as you squeeze it , which gives you a lot of control and different user experiences from most toys .
Basically , the Limon feels a bit more hands-on than most vibrators , which was a nice and more intimate change of pace .
And , Inventory readers can get a 20 % discount off the Limon using the code ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some details you ’ ll want to know about !
The Limon is made of silicone and therefore should not be used with silicone lubricant ; water- and oil-based lubes are fine , however .
Water-based lubes will make cleanup easier ; the Limon can be washed with regular soap and water .
The Limon is also waterproof and can be fully submerged in water , so if you like to play in the bath , this is a good toy to know about .
Plus , its size makes it just right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must note , is a separate thing entirely from water sports ) —it ’ s about the same size as a rubber ducky .
However , the Limon should not be cleaned in the dishwasher or washing machine because the heat can cause damage .
You should also make sure the Limon is entirely dry before placing it in its docking base to charge .
Speaking of its size !
The Limon is a great option for travel ; the toy itself is lightweight and small , as is the charging base .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Just as importantly , the Limon is very quiet .
The Minna Limon costs $ 99—but you , our beloved Inventory readers , can get a 20 % discount by using the code ‘ INVENTORY ’ at checkout .
Who the Minna Limon Is For The Limon is for everyone !
( In fact , Minna ’ s website has a helpful guide to ways to use the toy on a man ’ s body that is worth checking out and that definitely gave me some ideas for the future ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it better suits their needs than others ; after using it , and talking to my friends who also used it ( more on that is coming ) , I would recommend the Limon for the following : • Those who are new to toys : It ’ s small and easy to use , so it ’ s a great toy for beginners because it ’ s less intimidating than bigger and more complex toys .
And , the squeeze mechanism gives you a lot of control over how powerful it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with vibrators if you ’ re new to them .
• People who travel frequently : A small , quiet vibrator ( with its own little bag ! )
is the perfect thing to toss in a suitcase or overnight bag for use on the road .
• People who have roommates : Because … quiet : ) • Couples : I didn ’ t have a chance to play with the Limon with a partner before The Troubles began , but one of The Test Vaginas did ( more on that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not my favorite toy for solo use , I do think it would be a lot of fun to play with a partner .
One of the features I like most for coupled use is that it ’ s not phallic—this is only my experience , of course , but I ’ ve found that both my male and female partners have not loved having an overly dick-like thing in bed with us .
When I was asked to start reviewing sex toys earlier this year , I came up with the idea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and , lo !
The Test Vaginas were born .
Two friends and I tested the Limon together—erm , well not together in the literal sense but together in the sense that we all used them and then compared notes .
The testing began before this , our period of isolation , and so I ’ m able to bring you a report on its performance in a duo or group because one of The Test Vaginas used it with her … well , boyfriend isn ’ t really the word for what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with her Kevin ” is probably the best I ’ ll do here .
The Test Vaginas ’ names have been changed for privacy reasons .
How It Was For a Couple Dina : Kevin and I used it together and it was good using it on each other when I was on top , but it was kind of bulky .
I think it ’ s more for alone time use ?
Teresa : Really ?
?
?
I ’ ve used it twice and I think it would be better with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m gon na use it by myself now too .
Also maybe with Kevin again .
I did love him using it while he went down on me though !
And while I was on top .
( Can ’ t wait for Sunday brunch . )
Jolie : Brunch is going to be incredible .
[ Note : Remember brunch ?
?
? ]
How We Felt About the Squeeze Mechanism Teresa : I do like her … but I ’ m still getting used to the squeezing factor .
Jolie : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ squeezing during solo use—I feel like it cuts my orgasm short because of a sudden I have no motor control and can ’ t keep squeezing !
!
Teresa : Yes , same !
It makes the buildup more intense , but the actual orgasm is less intense .
Jolie : Exactly !
!
!
That ’ s why I think it would be a better toy for partner use than for solo use—they can really jack it up at the point of orgasm !
Teresa : Like I said , it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the testing but that ’ s what happened this morning .
On Using the Limon ’ s Knobs and Bits and Bobs Dina : I need to test more for sure—the buttons are confusing and don ’ t work well all the time .
It ’ s hard to turn off .
But I like that you can record any pattern !
Jolie : The pattern recording is a nice feature , yes !
I don ’ t super love patterns BUT using the recording feature solved some of the solo use issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To use the recording feature to create a steady vibration , squeeze to the intensity you want , press the home button twice , and a lock symbol will appear . ]
Teresa : Yes the off switch !
It ’ s definitely hard to get off sometimes .
Also !
I wish the little knob was a little longer so it ’ s more concentrated in one spot—I can ’ t really feel where the point is sometimes like I ’ m not sure if I need to recenter her or … @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her nipple ?
I don ’ t think I was even using the nipple !
!
[ Note : I eventually used the nipple and the nipple didn ’ t do much for me . ]
Disclaimer : Minna provided a sample unit for this review .
Under normal circumstances , this would be returned .
For obvious reasons , Minna probably won ’ t want this one back , but this did not factor into the content of this review .

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

Minna Limon | $79 | Minna | Promo code “INVENTORY”
As our period of social distancing and quarantine isolation drags on, we’ll be bringing you a series of sex toy reviews to help you make the best buying decisions to keep your solo sex life buzzing along, or to spice things up for couples (or thruples or etc, etc, etc.) who may be experiencing some boredom in the bedroom. On deck today is the Limon vibrator by Minna.
The Minna Limon is a discreet external vibrator made of medical-grade silicone. It’s lemon-shaped (hence its name!), available in two colors (celadon and turquoise), and charges via USB. Its main differentiator is that the Limon doesn’t have traditional “settings”—rather, it intensifies its vibration as you squeeze it, which gives you a lot of control and different user experiences from most toys.
Limon Limon intensifies its vibration as you squeeze it. Discreet and intuitive, this external vibrator… Read more
Basically, the Limon feels a bit more hands-on than most vibrators, which was a nice and more intimate change of pace. And, Inventory readers can get a 20% discount off the Limon using the code ‘INVENTORY’ at checkout.
Advertisement
The Details
There are some details you’ll want to know about!
The Limon is made of silicone and therefore should not be used with silicone lubricant; water- and oil-based lubes are fine, however. Water-based lubes will make cleanup easier; the Limon can be washed with regular soap and water.
Advertisement Advertisement
The Limon is also waterproof and can be fully submerged in water, so if you like to play in the bath, this is a good toy to know about. Plus, its size makes it just right for water play (which, we must note, is a separate thing entirely from water sports)—it’s about the same size as a rubber ducky. However, the Limon should not be cleaned in the dishwasher or washing machine because the heat can cause damage. You should also make sure the Limon is entirely dry before placing it in its docking base to charge.
Speaking of its size! The Limon is a great option for travel; the toy itself is lightweight and small, as is the charging base. A drawstring bag for storage is included. Just as importantly, the Limon is very quiet.
Advertisement
The Minna Limon costs $99—but you, our beloved Inventory readers, can get a 20% discount by using the code ‘INVENTORY’ at checkout.
Limon Limon intensifies its vibration as you squeeze it. Discreet and intuitive, this external vibrator… Read more
Who the Minna Limon Is For
The Limon is for everyone! (In fact, Minna’s website has a helpful guide to ways to use the toy on a man’s body that is worth checking out and that definitely gave me some ideas for the future). But there are people who will find it better suits their needs than others; after using it, and talking to my friends who also used it (more on that is coming), I would recommend the Limon for the following:
Those who are new to toys: It’s small and easy to use, so it’s a great toy for beginners because it’s less intimidating than bigger and more complex toys. And, the squeeze mechanism gives you a lot of control over how powerful it is, which will help you get comfortable with vibrators if you’re new to them.
It’s small and easy to use, so it’s a great toy for beginners because it’s less intimidating than bigger and more complex toys. And, the squeeze mechanism gives you a lot of control over how powerful it is, which will help you get comfortable with vibrators if you’re new to them. People who travel frequently: A small, quiet vibrator (with its own little bag!) is the perfect thing to toss in a suitcase or overnight bag for use on the road.
A small, quiet vibrator (with its own little bag!) is the perfect thing to toss in a suitcase or overnight bag for use on the road. People who have roommates: Because … quiet :)
Because … quiet :) Couples: I didn’t have a chance to play with the Limon with a partner before The Troubles began, but one of The Test Vaginas did (more on that is coming!) While it’s not my favorite toy for solo use, I do think it would be a lot of fun to play with a partner. One of the features I like most for coupled use is that it’s not phallic—this is only my experience, of course, but I’ve found that both my male and female partners have not loved having an overly dick-like thing in bed with us.
Advertisement
What the Test Vaginas Thought
When I was asked to start reviewing sex toys earlier this year, I came up with the idea to do some reviews by a committee and, lo! The Test Vaginas were born. Two friends and I tested the Limon together—erm, well not together in the literal sense but together in the sense that we all used them and then compared notes. The testing began before this, our period of isolation, and so I’m able to bring you a report on its performance in a duo or group because one of The Test Vaginas used it with her … well, boyfriend isn’t really the word for what Kevin was … “she used it with her Kevin” is probably the best I’ll do here.
Advertisement
The Test Vaginas’ names have been changed for privacy reasons.
How It Was For a Couple
Dina: Kevin and I used it together and it was good using it on each other when I was on top, but it was kind of bulky. I think it’s more for alone time use?
Advertisement
Teresa: Really??? I’ve used it twice and I think it would be better with a partner!
Dina: I’m gonna use it by myself now too. Also maybe with Kevin again. I did love him using it while he went down on me though! And while I was on top. (Can’t wait for Sunday brunch.)
Jolie: Brunch is going to be incredible. [Note: Remember brunch???]
How We Felt About the Squeeze Mechanism
Teresa: I do like her … but I’m still getting used to the squeezing factor.
Jolie: Here’s my issue with the squeezing during solo use—I feel like it cuts my orgasm short because of a sudden I have no motor control and can’t keep squeezing!!
Advertisement
Teresa: Yes, same! It makes the buildup more intense, but the actual orgasm is less intense.
Jolie: Exactly!!! That’s why I think it would be a better toy for partner use than for solo use—they can really jack it up at the point of orgasm!
Teresa: Like I said, it’s still in the early days with the testing but that’s what happened this morning.
Advertisement
On Using the Limon’s Knobs and Bits and Bobs
Dina: I need to test more for sure—the buttons are confusing and don’t work well all the time. It’s hard to turn off. But I like that you can record any pattern!
Jolie: The pattern recording is a nice feature, yes! I don’t super love patterns BUT using the recording feature solved some of the solo use issues I was having. [Note: To use the recording feature to create a steady vibration, squeeze to the intensity you want, press the home button twice, and a lock symbol will appear.]
Advertisement
Teresa: Yes the off switch! It’s definitely hard to get off sometimes. Also! I wish the little knob was a little longer so it’s more concentrated in one spot—I can’t really feel where the point is sometimes like I’m not sure if I need to recenter her or …?
JK: Oh! You mean her nipple? I don’t think I was even using the nipple!! [Note: I eventually used the nipple and the nipple didn’t do much for me.]
Disclaimer: Minna provided a sample unit for this review. Under normal circumstances, this would be returned. For obvious reasons, Minna probably won’t want this one back, but this did not factor into the content of this review.


theroot--2020-04-29--I Think I've Been Using Retail Therapy to Break the "Stay-at-Home" Monotony and Didn't Realize It

I don ’ t remember exactly what date it was that a general , nationwide “ stay your ass at home ” proclamation happened , but if memory serves correctly , it was sometime in mid-to-late March .
According to school emails for two of my kids , their last day of in-building instruction was Friday , March 13th , which is amazing because it feels like they haven ’ t been inside a school building since February .
Anywho , since being more or less homebound has become the status quo , you ’ d think that spending money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve mentioned that I hadn ’ t been inside a Target in almost a month ( and then almost like clockwork , I ended up in Target the NEXT day , as evidenced by the two individuals who texted my wife that they saw me there dancing down the aisles—with a mask on , natch ; I was listening to Mobb Deep ’ s The Infamous album which is much more danceable than it gets credit for ) and was saving some money , but I ’ ve also managed to spend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For instance , since March 31st , I ’ ve purchased seven pairs of shoes .
Seven .
I ain ’ t even going anywhere for real .
Four of them , I realize , were boredom or ‘ why not ?
’ purchases or the result of the oddest luck of all time .
For instance , I managed to purchase two pairs of Yeezy Slides ( I only hoped to buy one , but I copped the wrong ones on the Adidas app and somehow managed to get the right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I thought I ’ d be assed out on getting any of them ... because usually , I am .
I entered myself into a raffle on the Adidas app for the Yeezy 350 “ Linens ” and for the first time in history , won a shoe raffle .
Thankfully , I was able to get all of those shoes at retail price ( four of the seven are going for at least 50 percent over retail prices on sneaker resale sites ; still not enough to make a decent profit since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually sell them and that could kill me ) .
And three of them are shoes that were purchased for less than $ 60 a piece .
But seven pairs of shoes in less than a month seems excessive , even by my own standards .
I ’ m lowkey ashamed of this .
There are people out of work right now and I ’ m here impulsively buying shoes , which in most cases is probably a frivolous purchase .
But I also know that this isn ’ t normal behavior for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the house and surfing through my phone has placed me in this spot where I keep looking at sites that are selling things and I ’ ve just hit “ purchase ” out of boredom several times .
I ’ ve talked to folks who I know are just buying shit on Amazon because there is literally nothing else to do at times .
My sleep schedule is all fucked so I ’ m up reading random articles about different types of seaweed and talking myself into shoes I have professed an actual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sidebar to this pandemic .
There are lots of people who are income insecure right now , and for whom a $ 1200 check from the government is used to help right a ship that they never crashed in the first place .
For some of us who have been able to maintain our jobs , who have ( for now ) the privilege of a semblance of financial security , that also means we ’ re almost unintentionally sitting on Amazon or Wayfair or sneaker apps , going through retail therapy ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be ) because it ’ s so easy to do and is the closest some of us can get to retail shopping .
It ’ s a privileged position , I recognize , and it ’ s also one that , now that I think about it , could do more damage to my own family than I realize .
Boredom causes any manner of negativity ; blowing money during financially unstable times is definitely negative .
I need to do better and will actively think about that now .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a moratorium on shoe purchases from here on out .
Like I said , I ’ m lowkey ashamed ; I don ’ t even have anywhere to sport these shoes and I ’ m not a person who has been doing photoshoots of myself in my closet for the ‘ Gram—n o judgment or shade ; I enjoy seeing people find new and creative ways to pass time , especially when time is so wonky right now .
Maybe I need to start coronavirus IG modeling .
I know I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Has this time spent indoors affected the way you ’ ve been spending money ?

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

I don’t remember exactly what date it was that a general, nationwide “stay your ass at home” proclamation happened, but if memory serves correctly, it was sometime in mid-to-late March. According to school emails for two of my kids, their last day of in-building instruction was Friday, March 13th, which is amazing because it feels like they haven’t been inside a school building since February.
Anywho, since being more or less homebound has become the status quo, you’d think that spending money errantly would be a non-starter. I’ve mentioned that I hadn’t been inside a Target in almost a month (and then almost like clockwork, I ended up in Target the NEXT day, as evidenced by the two individuals who texted my wife that they saw me there dancing down the aisles—with a mask on, natch; I was listening to Mobb Deep’s The Infamous album which is much more danceable than it gets credit for) and was saving some money, but I’ve also managed to spend money on all the things on line.
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For instance, since March 31st, I’ve purchased seven pairs of shoes. Seven. I ain’t even going anywhere for real. Four of them, I realize, were boredom or ‘why not?’ purchases or the result of the oddest luck of all time. For instance, I managed to purchase two pairs of Yeezy Slides (I only hoped to buy one, but I copped the wrong ones on the Adidas app and somehow managed to get the right ones off of Yeezy Supply) when I thought I’d be assed out on getting any of them...because usually, I am. I entered myself into a raffle on the Adidas app for the Yeezy 350 “Linens” and for the first time in history, won a shoe raffle.
Thankfully, I was able to get all of those shoes at retail price (four of the seven are going for at least 50 percent over retail prices on sneaker resale sites; still not enough to make a decent profit since I have to leave the house to actually sell them and that could kill me). And three of them are shoes that were purchased for less than $60 a piece . But seven pairs of shoes in less than a month seems excessive, even by my own standards. I’m lowkey ashamed of this. There are people out of work right now and I’m here impulsively buying shoes, which in most cases is probably a frivolous purchase. But I also know that this isn’t normal behavior for me.
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Being bored and sitting around the house and surfing through my phone has placed me in this spot where I keep looking at sites that are selling things and I’ve just hit “purchase” out of boredom several times. I’ve talked to folks who I know are just buying shit on Amazon because there is literally nothing else to do at times. My sleep schedule is all fucked so I’m up reading random articles about different types of seaweed and talking myself into shoes I have professed an actual hatred for. This is an interesting sidebar to this pandemic.
There are lots of people who are income insecure right now, and for whom a $1200 check from the government is used to help right a ship that they never crashed in the first place. For some of us who have been able to maintain our jobs, who have (for now) the privilege of a semblance of financial security, that also means we’re almost unintentionally sitting on Amazon or Wayfair or sneaker apps, going through retail therapy (and spending money that maybe we shouldn’t be) because it’s so easy to do and is the closest some of us can get to retail shopping. It’s a privileged position, I recognize, and it’s also one that, now that I think about it, could do more damage to my own family than I realize. Boredom causes any manner of negativity; blowing money during financially unstable times is definitely negative. I need to do better and will actively think about that now.
Advertisement
I’m definitely (probably) putting a moratorium on shoe purchases from here on out. Like I said, I’m lowkey ashamed; I don’t even have anywhere to sport these shoes and I’m not a person who has been doing photoshoots of myself in my closet for the ‘Gram—n o judgment or shade; I enjoy seeing people find new and creative ways to pass time, especially when time is so wonky right now. Maybe I need to start coronavirus IG modeling. I know I’m not the only one doing this.
Has this time spent indoors affected the way you’ve been spending money?