buzzfeed--2020-04-15--Meet The British Duo Behind Everyone's Favourite Coronavirus Challenge Lockdown Track

The challenge was created by Toluwalase Asolo and her friends at the University of Hull .
The squad of eight were the first to compile their epic transformation videos where everyone essentially gets dressed to go nowhere , but look amazing doing it .
The 20-year-old business management student told BuzzFeed News on Twitter DMs : “ We came up with the challenge in our living room , incorporating our love for fashion and beauty , with the view to integrate women worldwide through incorporating what a lot of women can easily relate to ; make-up and fashion.
” Speaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that she and her friends were fans of the duo and the single in particular had a perfect line that captured the energy of what they were creating .
She said : “ We chose it because of a specific line , ' I got the juice , the sauce , and all them things ' .
This line explains it all really , it allows for people to feel themselves and boost confidence levels.
” On a conference call from his home in Nottingham , 22-year-old Young T was full of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the viral impact of the challenge as a “ miracle.
” He said : “ I 'm just grateful that it 's turned out the way it 's turned out , I 'm grateful for the fans and I want them to get the credit for that .
It 's nice to know that miracles can still happen because at the start we were scratching our heads a little bit .
We did billboards and a week after that we 're on lockdown.
” Bugsey added : “ At the start , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot more difficult to promote the mixtape but with the challenge and everything that 's happening right now , it 's all gone hand in hand .
People are seeing the challenge , discovering the song and discovering us.
” With new versions cropping up every day , participants have ranged from American reality television stars to key workers on the front line , and the trend shows no immediate signs of slowing down in popularity , with each offering as impressive as the last .
“ My favourite one so far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when he transforms he 's got a suit on and a BMW in the background , that one is sick , ” said Bugsey .

The challenge was created by Toluwalase Asolo and her friends at the University of Hull. The squad of eight were the first to compile their epic transformation videos where everyone essentially gets dressed to go nowhere, but look amazing doing it.
The 20-year-old business management student told BuzzFeed News on Twitter DMs: “We came up with the challenge in our living room, incorporating our love for fashion and beauty, with the view to integrate women worldwide through incorporating what a lot of women can easily relate to; make-up and fashion.”
Speaking about their choice of song, Asolo said that she and her friends were fans of the duo and the single in particular had a perfect line that captured the energy of what they were creating. She said: “We chose it because of a specific line, 'I got the juice, the sauce, and all them things'. This line explains it all really, it allows for people to feel themselves and boost confidence levels.”
On a conference call from his home in Nottingham, 22-year-old Young T was full of gratitude to the original creators and described the viral impact of the challenge as a “miracle.”
He said: “I'm just grateful that it's turned out the way it's turned out, I'm grateful for the fans and I want them to get the credit for that. It's nice to know that miracles can still happen because at the start we were scratching our heads a little bit. We did billboards and a week after that we're on lockdown.”
Bugsey added: “At the start, we felt like it was going to be a lot more difficult to promote the mixtape but with the challenge and everything that's happening right now, it's all gone hand in hand. People are seeing the challenge, discovering the song and discovering us.”
With new versions cropping up every day, participants have ranged from American reality television stars to key workers on the front line, and the trend shows no immediate signs of slowing down in popularity, with each offering as impressive as the last.
“My favourite one so far is the one of a little kid, when he transforms he's got a suit on and a BMW in the background, that one is sick,” said Bugsey.


buzzfeed--2020-03-24--Racist Hoaxes About Chinese People Stockpiling In The Coronavirus Pandemic Keep Going Viral

Last week in an interview on 2GB radio , one of Australia 's most senior politicians , Peter Dutton , agreed with host Ray Hadley that `` busload [ s ] of Asian Australians '' were touring regional supermarkets and buying up supplies to sell overseas in the coronavirus outbreak .
There were investigations into what he believed to be criminal behaviour , the home affairs minister added .
The evidence for this rumour is flimsy — amounting to a handful of talkback radio callers and two photographs of an empty bus in a parking lot — and other credible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
But the chat between a powerful politician and radio host illustrates how rumours and hoaxes designed to stoke racism against Asian Australians are making their way into the mainstream as the coronavirus pandemic spreads .
And many of them are built off the trope that Asian Australians are selfishly stockpiling , hoarding and selling goods overseas for profit during the panic .
A specific type of anti-Chinese stockpiling narrative emerged following a 2008 food safety incident in China where 300,000 children became sick or died after being fed formula .
Fears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a huge demand for Australian products , with up to 90 % of Australia 's formula produce going to China as recently as 2018 .
Since then , the Australian media has reported on `` daigou '' — personal shoppers who purchase goods from Australian stores to send send back to China — who have been blamed for perceived shortages of goods in Australia .
This narrative has been repurposed for the current pandemic .
Last week , BuzzFeed News reported that posts from a fake Facebook account pretending to be a Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toilet paper to be sold overseas had been widely shared on social media .

Last week in an interview on 2GB radio, one of Australia's most senior politicians, Peter Dutton, agreed with host Ray Hadley that "busload[s] of Asian Australians" were touring regional supermarkets and buying up supplies to sell overseas in the coronavirus outbreak. There were investigations into what he believed to be criminal behaviour, the home affairs minister added.
The evidence for this rumour is flimsy — amounting to a handful of talkback radio callers and two photographs of an empty bus in a parking lot — and other credible news organisations have been unable to substantiate it.
But the chat between a powerful politician and radio host illustrates how rumours and hoaxes designed to stoke racism against Asian Australians are making their way into the mainstream as the coronavirus pandemic spreads. And many of them are built off the trope that Asian Australians are selfishly stockpiling, hoarding and selling goods overseas for profit during the panic.
A specific type of anti-Chinese stockpiling narrative emerged following a 2008 food safety incident in China where 300,000 children became sick or died after being fed formula. Fears about the safety of Chinese products created a huge demand for Australian products, with up to 90% of Australia's formula produce going to China as recently as 2018.
Since then, the Australian media has reported on "daigou" — personal shoppers who purchase goods from Australian stores to send send back to China — who have been blamed for perceived shortages of goods in Australia.
This narrative has been repurposed for the current pandemic. Last week, BuzzFeed News reported that posts from a fake Facebook account pretending to be a Chinese woman trying to recruit people to buy toilet paper to be sold overseas had been widely shared on social media.


buzzfeed--2020-03-24--Women Who Need Abortions May Not Get Them As Coronavirus Travel Rules Could Trap Doctors

Up to 80 women on surgical abortion lists around Australia could be left in limbo as doctors fight to be exempt from the new coronavirus travel restrictions to provide vital sexual and reproductive healthcare .
Australia 's largest abortion provider Marie Stopes Australia ( MSA ) is desperately seeking clarity from various state health departments as to whether eight of its surgeons who need to travel interstate in the next fortnight to provide abortions will be exempt from travel restrictions .
`` This has massive implications , '' MSA deputy medical director Dr Catriona Melville told BuzzFeed News .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day if those doctors ca n't travel . ''
Four doctors ( two in Queensland , one in South Australia and one in New South Wales ) were due to travel this week but the South Australian health department has advised MSA doctors leaving that state will need to self-isolate .
`` In South Australia we have doctors who would travel to provide a service but they have been told if they fly up to provide abortion care to patients in Victoria they will have to self-isolate when they go back and ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
South Australia closed its borders at 4pm on Tuesday with exemptions for `` essential travel to maintain health '' , the food supply chain , and the state ’ s economic needs .
Western Australia has done the same .
MSA has resorted to repeatedly emailing all other health departments and calling COVID-19 hotlines trying to get information so they can update patients .
`` We ca n't get through to get a straight answer , '' Melville said .
`` We know there are travel restrictions and we know the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but this does n't seem to be the case regarding quarantine on return . ''
The doctors are concerned that if they have to self-isolate upon returning home then women on surgical lists in their home states will be left in the lurch .
Annastacia Palaszczuk , the premier of Melville 's state Queensland , on Tuesday announced anyone entering the state from Wednesday night would be forced to self-isolate for 14 days .
`` I 've been asked to help with some interstate clinics and I 've volunteered to travel but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me in Queensland when I get back , I ca n't help them , '' Melville said .
The organisation has issued a desperate plea to the sexual and reproductive health sector to collaborate and maintain safe access to contraceptive and abortion care during the pandemic .
`` Doctors should be exempt from mandatory isolation providing they do not have a diagnosis or symptoms of the COVID-19 virus or a history of high exposure , '' an MSA call to action and list of recommendations for governments reads .
The statement also calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gestational limit for medical termination of pregnancy drugs from the current nine weeks to 10 weeks so more patients can terminate a pregnancy at home without having to travel to access a surgical abortion .
MSA will begin liaising with other private and public providers to make sure patients can access abortion care services locally if these doctors are n't allowed to travel .
Any delays in abortion care can change the type , price , availability and safety of the procedure , Melville said .
`` We know that the earlier in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is and that the overall complication rate increases as the pregnancy advances , '' she said .
It makes no sense to have women travel interstate to try and access abortions during a pandemic instead of allowing a handful of doctors to travel interstate , she said .
`` We are telling people to stay at home and not to travel and a woman [ having an abortion locally ] might have to travel to a GP or medical centre , but that is different from driving six hours to Melbourne , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get someone to look after your children and having the money to do all that , when every single sector has been hit by job cuts , '' she said .
It was `` short-sighted '' of governments not to prioritise abortion care , Melville said , as it will lead to a `` cohort of pregnant woman who are going to need care in hospitals later in their pregnancies '' .
`` Some of these women will have unhealthy pregnancies so they will already be ill , which is why they 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anomalies , '' she said .
`` We are absolutely determined to keep services going . ''
Fly-in-fly-out workers are common in abortion provision as some clinics in regional or remote areas only open one day a week and local staff can be hard to find in regions with a lot of conscientious objection .
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists ( RANZCOG ) recommended that timely access to medical and surgical abortions merit a Category 1 classification : surgeries or treatments are those that should be undertaken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to become emergencies .
RANZCOG argued abortion services should be classified Category 1 alongside gynaecological cancer treatment , miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy risk assessment and acute pelvic pain .
`` This has always been the issue for abortion care , '' Melville said .
`` It falls into this little bracket where people say it is not an emergency surgery for cancer or a clogged artery but it is n't an elective procedure as it is absolutely time-sensitive . ''
BuzzFeed News has contacted the Queensland , South Australian and federal health departments @ @ @

Up to 80 women on surgical abortion lists around Australia could be left in limbo as doctors fight to be exempt from the new coronavirus travel restrictions to provide vital sexual and reproductive healthcare.
Australia's largest abortion provider Marie Stopes Australia (MSA) is desperately seeking clarity from various state health departments as to whether eight of its surgeons who need to travel interstate in the next fortnight to provide abortions will be exempt from travel restrictions.
"This has massive implications," MSA deputy medical director Dr Catriona Melville told BuzzFeed News. "This will affect dozens of patients a day if those doctors can't travel."
Four doctors (two in Queensland, one in South Australia and one in New South Wales) were due to travel this week but the South Australian health department has advised MSA doctors leaving that state will need to self-isolate.
"In South Australia we have doctors who would travel to provide a service but they have been told if they fly up to provide abortion care to patients in Victoria they will have to self-isolate when they go back and can't carry on working," she said.
South Australia closed its borders at 4pm on Tuesday with exemptions for "essential travel to maintain health", the food supply chain, and the state’s economic needs. Western Australia has done the same.
MSA has resorted to repeatedly emailing all other health departments and calling COVID-19 hotlines trying to get information so they can update patients.
"We can't get through to get a straight answer," Melville said. "We know there are travel restrictions and we know the message is that healthcare workers are exempt but this doesn't seem to be the case regarding quarantine on return."
The doctors are concerned that if they have to self-isolate upon returning home then women on surgical lists in their home states will be left in the lurch.
Annastacia Palaszczuk, the premier of Melville's state Queensland, on Tuesday announced anyone entering the state from Wednesday night would be forced to self-isolate for 14 days.
"I've been asked to help with some interstate clinics and I've volunteered to travel but the concern is that the women who need me in Queensland when I get back, I can't help them," Melville said.
The organisation has issued a desperate plea to the sexual and reproductive health sector to collaborate and maintain safe access to contraceptive and abortion care during the pandemic.
"Doctors should be exempt from mandatory isolation providing they do not have a diagnosis or symptoms of the COVID-19 virus or a history of high exposure," an MSA call to action and list of recommendations for governments reads.
The statement also calls on the federal government to increase the gestational limit for medical termination of pregnancy drugs from the current nine weeks to 10 weeks so more patients can terminate a pregnancy at home without having to travel to access a surgical abortion.
MSA will begin liaising with other private and public providers to make sure patients can access abortion care services locally if these doctors aren't allowed to travel. Any delays in abortion care can change the type, price, availability and safety of the procedure, Melville said.
"We know that the earlier in pregnancy an abortion occurs, the safer it is and that the overall complication rate increases as the pregnancy advances," she said.
It makes no sense to have women travel interstate to try and access abortions during a pandemic instead of allowing a handful of doctors to travel interstate, she said.
"We are telling people to stay at home and not to travel and a woman [having an abortion locally] might have to travel to a GP or medical centre, but that is different from driving six hours to Melbourne, stopping at service stations, trying to get someone to look after your children and having the money to do all that, when every single sector has been hit by job cuts," she said.
It was "short-sighted" of governments not to prioritise abortion care, Melville said, as it will lead to a "cohort of pregnant woman who are going to need care in hospitals later in their pregnancies".
"Some of these women will have unhealthy pregnancies so they will already be ill, which is why they're not proceeding or they will have foetal anomalies," she said.
"We are absolutely determined to keep services going."
Fly-in-fly-out workers are common in abortion provision as some clinics in regional or remote areas only open one day a week and local staff can be hard to find in regions with a lot of conscientious objection.
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) recommended that timely access to medical and surgical abortions merit a Category 1 classification: surgeries or treatments are those that should be undertaken with the month and have the potential to become emergencies.
RANZCOG argued abortion services should be classified Category 1 alongside gynaecological cancer treatment, miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy risk assessment and acute pelvic pain.
"This has always been the issue for abortion care," Melville said. "It falls into this little bracket where people say it is not an emergency surgery for cancer or a clogged artery but it isn't an elective procedure as it is absolutely time-sensitive."
BuzzFeed News has contacted the Queensland, South Australian and federal health departments for comment.


buzzfeed--2020-03-24--This Major Wine Retailer Is Calling Itself “Essential” During The Coronavirus Lockdown, And Not Ever

This Major Wine Retailer Is Calling Itself “Essential” During The Coronavirus Lockdown, And Not Everyone Is Happy

“ I 'm afraid we have no further information at this time , ” a spokesperson said .
“ The guidance is being constantly updated , so I suggest you keep checking the website.
” The spokesperson also did not respond to questions about other types of businesses , including online retailers .
Government officials told journalists on Tuesday that workers at “ essential ” businesses can not refuse to come into work if they are not sick and if they can not do their job from home .
In a public blog post , Majestic Wine said “ no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming into work will be asked to.
” But the internal email put it differently : “ To be clear , you will therefore be expected to come to work tomorrow , if you were due to be in , ” the email said .
Majestic Wine made its decision “ in line with other European countries in lock down ” , the email said , noting that the company would also “ be turning the website back on '' .
“ The fact that supermarkets are de-prioritising alcohol in their supply chains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can , or even need , to stay open , ” Colley wrote .
The email said Majestic Wine served a vital role and was a “ special case ” as the country ’ s only nationwide wine retailer .
While the decision drew praise online from customers excited to stock up on wine for the uncertain weeks ahead , it followed a week of tension between higher-ups and some staffers at the wine retailer , who have been discussing on an internal messaging board how the company can stay afloat during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Screenshots of those conversations were provided by a sales assistant .
“ I do not think Majestic is an essential business , ” said the sales assistant , who asked to remain anonymous .
In a statement , a Majestic Wine spokesperson said the company was `` unsure '' if it was considered essential but had continued delivery services in line with government policy .
The company will update its policies if that changes , the spokesperson said , and has implemented a number of safety measures aiming “ to go above and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vulnerable colleagues have been asked to stay at home , the spokesperson said , and others can as well .
`` We do not want customers thinking they can come to our stores , and put themselves at risk by leaving the house , '' he said .
“ Like other retailers , we are continuing to take internet orders - as well as phone orders from the elderly , vulnerable and of course key workers , whom we hugely thank for their incredible work through this challenging time , ” he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Majestic Wine has scrambled during the unfolding crisis to reassure nervous staffers .
They also show a business eager to seize a moment where many anxious customers want to buy and drink their wine .
A March 19 email reported , “ Tuesday was our BIGGEST ever trading day online !
” In-store transactions were up , and “ customers stocking up ” resulted in a 103 % increase in large orders .
“ As a result , many of you have smashed your P12 target , with 12 stores already over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubt more to follow !
” the email said , adding that showing customers “ what Majestic is all about will # savethemfromthesupermarket now , and might mean they convert their shopping habits in the future '' .
Screenshots of conversations on the Google message board the stores use to communicate internally show that staffers had to push back before Majestic Wine suspended in-store tasting and promotional offers , among other safety initiatives .
On March 17 , staffers discussed their stress over a Vodafone offer encouraging people to “ come out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” screenshots show .
Staffers reported worrisome anecdotes , such as one customer who said his wife was ill at home and asked if he could claim her bottle to take home for her .
“ It seems like we are being put at risk due to people wanting their free bottle , ” one said .
“ We are already overwhelmed with the sheer numbers of people panic buying , ” said another .
Screenshots show that Colley , the CEO , expressed concern for staffers but also encouraged them to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety .
`` Do not hold back from buying as much soap as possible , for instance , or petty cashing gloves for removing tasting glasses , '' he wrote , asking them to “ shout about your successes ” .
Majestic Wine isn ’ t the only liquor and wine company struggling to interpret the guidance .
The Wine and Spirits Trade Association ( WSTA ) is currently asking for more information .
The Wine Society ’ s CEO , Steve Finlan , took the government ’ s announcement as an order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we are doing the right thing in this instance , ” he said in a statement .
But Majestic Wine has provided staffers with a letter they can give to law enforcement if asked why they are out during lockdown , saying they are “ required to move to and from work , and make deliveries to our customers across the United Kingdom ” .

“I'm afraid we have no further information at this time,” a spokesperson said. “The guidance is being constantly updated, so I suggest you keep checking the website.” The spokesperson also did not respond to questions about other types of businesses, including online retailers. Government officials told journalists on Tuesday that workers at “essential” businesses cannot refuse to come into work if they are not sick and if they cannot do their job from home.
In a public blog post, Majestic Wine said “no member of staff who feels uncomfortable with coming into work will be asked to.”
But the internal email put it differently: “To be clear, you will therefore be expected to come to work tomorrow, if you were due to be in,” the email said.
Majestic Wine made its decision “in line with other European countries in lock down”, the email said, noting that the company would also “be turning the website back on". “The fact that supermarkets are de-prioritising alcohol in their supply chains to focus on fresh food may mean we can, or even need, to stay open,” Colley wrote. The email said Majestic Wine served a vital role and was a “special case” as the country’s only nationwide wine retailer.
While the decision drew praise online from customers excited to stock up on wine for the uncertain weeks ahead, it followed a week of tension between higher-ups and some staffers at the wine retailer, who have been discussing on an internal messaging board how the company can stay afloat during the pandemic while keeping staffers safe.
Screenshots of those conversations were provided by a sales assistant. “I do not think Majestic is an essential business,” said the sales assistant, who asked to remain anonymous.
In a statement, a Majestic Wine spokesperson said the company was "unsure" if it was considered essential but had continued delivery services in line with government policy. The company will update its policies if that changes, the spokesperson said, and has implemented a number of safety measures aiming “to go above and beyond the UK guidance”. All vulnerable colleagues have been asked to stay at home, the spokesperson said, and others can as well.
"We do not want customers thinking they can come to our stores, and put themselves at risk by leaving the house," he said. “Like other retailers, we are continuing to take internet orders - as well as phone orders from the elderly, vulnerable and of course key workers, whom we hugely thank for their incredible work through this challenging time,” he said.
But the internal emails show how Majestic Wine has scrambled during the unfolding crisis to reassure nervous staffers. They also show a business eager to seize a moment where many anxious customers want to buy and drink their wine.
A March 19 email reported, “Tuesday was our BIGGEST ever trading day online!” In-store transactions were up, and “customers stocking up” resulted in a 103% increase in large orders. “As a result, many of you have smashed your P12 target, with 12 stores already over the line for the quarter, and no doubt more to follow!” the email said, adding that showing customers “what Majestic is all about will #savethemfromthesupermarket now, and might mean they convert their shopping habits in the future".
Screenshots of conversations on the Google message board the stores use to communicate internally show that staffers had to push back before Majestic Wine suspended in-store tasting and promotional offers, among other safety initiatives.
On March 17, staffers discussed their stress over a Vodafone offer encouraging people to “come out of self isolation to claim their free bottles,” screenshots show. Staffers reported worrisome anecdotes, such as one customer who said his wife was ill at home and asked if he could claim her bottle to take home for her.
“It seems like we are being put at risk due to people wanting their free bottle,” one said. “We are already overwhelmed with the sheer numbers of people panic buying,” said another.
Screenshots show that Colley, the CEO, expressed concern for staffers but also encouraged them to take “personal ownership” of store safety. "Do not hold back from buying as much soap as possible, for instance, or petty cashing gloves for removing tasting glasses," he wrote, asking them to “shout about your successes”.
Majestic Wine isn’t the only liquor and wine company struggling to interpret the guidance. The Wine and Spirits Trade Association (WSTA) is currently asking for more information.
The Wine Society’s CEO, Steve Finlan, took the government’s announcement as an order to close. "I believe strongly that we are doing the right thing in this instance,” he said in a statement.
But Majestic Wine has provided staffers with a letter they can give to law enforcement if asked why they are out during lockdown, saying they are “required to move to and from work, and make deliveries to our customers across the United Kingdom”.


buzzfeed--2020-04-08--This Woman Spilled Wine On Her Face While Using An Instagram Filter And It’s Honestly The Biggest Mo

This Woman Spilled Wine On Her Face While Using An Instagram Filter And It’s Honestly The Biggest Mood Of 2020

Also like most of us , Nicole enjoys a glass of wine or two at the end of a long @ @ @ @ @ *waves arms* this .
Anyway , Nicole was filming herself playing around with an Instagram @ @ @ @ @ she would be .
So far , so innocent .
And then this happened .
@ @ @ @ @ s better if I let the video speak for itself .

Also like most of us, Nicole enjoys a glass of wine or two at the end of a long day of, well, *waves arms* this.
Anyway, Nicole was filming herself playing around with an Instagram filter telling her what cheese she would be. So far, so innocent.
And then this happened. Trust me, it’s better if I let the video speak for itself.


buzzfeed--2020-04-08--"OK OK I See You Mami": People Are Posting Lots Of Nudes In The Coronavirus Pandemic

It took a global pandemic to motivate Alicia to send a naked photograph of herself to a friend .
The @ @ @ @ @ nudes in the past , but only to her partner when she was in a @ @ @ @ @ Alicia was stuck in quarantine and wanted some validation .
`` So I sent them @ @ @ @ @ say nice things and hype me up , '' Alicia told BuzzFeed News .
`` @ @ @ @ @ ok ok i see you mami 🔥 , absolutely killing the game ' .
I @ @ @ @ @ is not alone .
People everywhere say they 've been taking and exchanging more intimate @ @ @ @ @ and social media followers while self-isolating because of the coronavirus .
It 's hard to @ @ @ @ @ are being sent as they 're usually shared privately with a small audience ( although @ @ @ @ @ selling nudes are seeing bigger audiences ) .
But there is some data to suggest @ @ @ @ @ them .

It took a global pandemic to motivate Alicia to send a naked photograph of herself to a friend. The US-based college student had sent nudes in the past, but only to her partner when she was in a relationship. Now single, Alicia was stuck in quarantine and wanted some validation.
"So I sent them to her for her to say nice things and hype me up," Alicia told BuzzFeed News. "She responded 'she thicc, ok ok i see you mami 🔥, absolutely killing the game'. I was happy."
Alicia is not alone. People everywhere say they've been taking and exchanging more intimate images with partners, friends and social media followers while self-isolating because of the coronavirus.
It's hard to measure just how many nudes are being sent as they're usually shared privately with a small audience (although we do know that people selling nudes are seeing bigger audiences). But there is some data to suggest people are sharing more of them.


buzzfeed--2020-03-28--How The Trial Of Alex Salmond Has Plunged Scotland's Independence Movement Into Bitter Partisan Warf

How The Trial Of Alex Salmond Has Plunged Scotland's Independence Movement Into Bitter Partisan Warfare

Since Salmond stood down as SNP leader shortly after the vote , anointing Sturgeon his successor , things have not gone well for a man grown used to being in the spotlight .
In 2017 , he lost his Westminster seat to the Scottish Conservatives , leaving him without a constituency to represent for the first time since 1987 .
Following a failed attempt to take over the Scotsman newspaper , he was reduced to fronting a small theatre show at the Edinburgh Fringe .
He later accepted a TV presenting job with Russia Today , a propaganda mouthpiece for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was George Galloway .
Following a slew of criticism , including from within the SNP , Salmond pointedly said that if the BBC had offered him his own TV show he might have accepted .
The episode was significant for another reason ; it was the first time Sturgeon publicly criticised her former boss , saying she would have “ advised against it ” .
Before any charges were brought against Salmond , the pair were already at loggerheads after she approved a Scottish government internal inquiry into allegations of sexual misconduct by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ botched from the start — a human resources officer spoke to two complainants before it had begun , tainting the process — and , after seeking and winning a judicial review , Salmond was awarded £512,250 to cover his legal costs Sturgeon admitted meeting and talking to Salmond about the case five times , including at private meetings at her home , set up by her chief of staff , Liz Lloyd .
What appears to have wrecked their relationship beyond repair was a decision by Leslie Evans , permanent secretary of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of its internal inquiry to Police Scotland , triggering the criminal investigation .
Before the start of the trial , Salmond ’ s QC , Gordon Jackson , formerly a Labour MSP , suggested the government had ended up with “ a great deal of egg on their faces ” , while Salmond had been “ publicly vindicated ” by the judicial review .
Suggesting a political conspiracy , he told the court : “ The Scottish government and people working in the Scottish government turned their attention very directly at the criminal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ influence that process in order to discredit the former first minister.
” At a pre-trial hearing , Jackson referred to a text sent by Evans which said : “ We may have lost the battle , but we will win the war.
” Wondering aloud what war she might be referring to , he also pointed out that the Scottish government process had been so flawed , Police Scotland ’ s chief constable , Iain Livingstone , refused to use it as a starting point for the criminal investigation .
Jackson said a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by people in government to influence the process and he referred to the “ close involvement ” of Sturgeon ’ s office although he did not “ mean to suggest the FM has done anything wrong ” .
However , the presiding judge , Lady Dorrian , dismissed this argument , ruling that using the judicial review as a form of defence would be “ wholly irrelevant ” during the trial and that the shortcomings of the government inquiry didn ’ t necessarily make the allegations against Salmond untrue .
Then there was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former first minister which some observers felt was weak and insubstantial .
Despite the high number of complaints from 10 different women , Salmond ’ s defence pointed out that police had interviewed more than 300 people in connection with the case .
One charge , alleging Salmond removed a woman ’ s shoe , stroked her foot and attempted to kiss it , was dropped .
Others referred to him touching a woman ’ s knee over her clothing and asking a woman to re-enact a Christmas card scene of two people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Salmond insisted there was “ nothing sexual ” in his behaviour ; that he and the complainants “ were happy and egging each other on with banter and sexual innuendo ” and that it was in the “ nature of the office culture ” .
In response to some of the more serious allegations , the politician insisted the women concerned had consented .
Summing up at the close of the trial , Jackson said his client had not always behaved well and could have been “ a better man on occasions ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sexually assaulted anyone .
Standing outside the court following his acquittal , Salmond referred to “ certain evidence I would like to have seen led in this trial but for a variety of reasons we weren ’ t able to do so ” .

Since Salmond stood down as SNP leader shortly after the vote, anointing Sturgeon his successor, things have not gone well for a man grown used to being in the spotlight.
In 2017, he lost his Westminster seat to the Scottish Conservatives, leaving him without a constituency to represent for the first time since 1987.
Following a failed attempt to take over the Scotsman newspaper, he was reduced to fronting a small theatre show at the Edinburgh Fringe.
He later accepted a TV presenting job with Russia Today, a propaganda mouthpiece for Vladimir Putin whose other UK celebrity politician was George Galloway. Following a slew of criticism, including from within the SNP, Salmond pointedly said that if the BBC had offered him his own TV show he might have accepted.
The episode was significant for another reason; it was the first time Sturgeon publicly criticised her former boss, saying she would have “advised against it”.
Before any charges were brought against Salmond, the pair were already at loggerheads after she approved a Scottish government internal inquiry into allegations of sexual misconduct by him against staff.
The inquiry was botched from the start — a human resources officer spoke to two complainants before it had begun, tainting the process — and, after seeking and winning a judicial review, Salmond was awarded £512,250 to cover his legal costs
Sturgeon admitted meeting and talking to Salmond about the case five times, including at private meetings at her home, set up by her chief of staff, Liz Lloyd.
What appears to have wrecked their relationship beyond repair was a decision by Leslie Evans, permanent secretary of the Scottish government, to send the results of its internal inquiry to Police Scotland, triggering the criminal investigation.
Before the start of the trial, Salmond’s QC, Gordon Jackson, formerly a Labour MSP, suggested the government had ended up with “a great deal of egg on their faces”, while Salmond had been “publicly vindicated” by the judicial review.
Suggesting a political conspiracy, he told the court: “The Scottish government and people working in the Scottish government turned their attention very directly at the criminal process and with a clear motivation to influence that process in order to discredit the former first minister.”
At a pre-trial hearing, Jackson referred to a text sent by Evans which said: “We may have lost the battle, but we will win the war.”
Wondering aloud what war she might be referring to, he also pointed out that the Scottish government process had been so flawed, Police Scotland’s chief constable, Iain Livingstone, refused to use it as a starting point for the criminal investigation.
Jackson said a “concerted effort” had been made by people in government to influence the process and he referred to the “close involvement” of Sturgeon’s office although he did not “mean to suggest the FM has done anything wrong”.
However, the presiding judge, Lady Dorrian, dismissed this argument, ruling that using the judicial review as a form of defence would be “wholly irrelevant” during the trial and that the shortcomings of the government inquiry didn’t necessarily make the allegations against Salmond untrue.
Then there was the substance of the evidence against the former first minister which some observers felt was weak and insubstantial. Despite the high number of complaints from 10 different women, Salmond’s defence pointed out that police had interviewed more than 300 people in connection with the case.
One charge, alleging Salmond removed a woman’s shoe, stroked her foot and attempted to kiss it, was dropped. Others referred to him touching a woman’s knee over her clothing and asking a woman to re-enact a Christmas card scene of two people kissing under mistletoe.
In his defence Salmond insisted there was “nothing sexual” in his behaviour; that he and the complainants “were happy and egging each other on with banter and sexual innuendo” and that it was in the “nature of the office culture”. In response to some of the more serious allegations, the politician insisted the women concerned had consented.
Summing up at the close of the trial, Jackson said his client had not always behaved well and could have been “a better man on occasions” — but insisted he’d never sexually assaulted anyone.
Standing outside the court following his acquittal, Salmond referred to “certain evidence I would like to have seen led in this trial but for a variety of reasons we weren’t able to do so”.


buzzfeed--2020-03-28--12 Small Ways To Take Care Of Your Physical And Mental Health Right Now

Maybe it 's the act of kneading dough , watching bread or cookies rise , or rolling a perfect pie @ @ @ @ @ people , baking can have a sort of therapeutic effect .
Plus , the end @ @ @ @ @ delicious .
Choose a new recipe give it a go .
You can start with @ @ @ @ @ chip cookies and work your way up to more complicated recipes like gooey cinnamon rolls @ @ @ @ @ .
Making bread from scratch like this crusty artisan loaf is an exercise in patience @ @ @ @ @ actually very beginner friendly and a great way to pass time at home .
If @ @ @ @ @ , order a copy of Tartine .
Order Tartine from Barnes and Noble for $ @ @ @ @ @ to support local bookstores ) for $ 36 .

We've all experienced some big changes over the past few weeks. We've been isolated from friends, family, and coworkers, and are practicing social distancing and working from home. Most of our everyday outlets — from restaurants and fitness studios to nail salons and bars — have closed their doors. It's easy to feel anxious, cooped up, and hopeless right now, but there are some small and practical ways to maintain your physical and mental health. Here are a few.


buzzfeed--2020-05-12--News O'Clock: Robert Pattinson - Genius Troll Or Nightmare Cook?

There have been over 80,000 confirmed COVID-19 deaths in the US and health officials warn reopening the country soon could add many , many more .
BUT we also learned that “ Hamilton ” is coming to Disney+ just in time to celebrate America this summer .
PLUS Robert Pattinson ’ s GQ profile is so bizarre we had to turn it into Theatre ( it 's weird , we know ) .
And finally writer Roxana Hadadi joins us to talk about her essay for Pajiba exploring the ways Alison Roman ’ s recipes seem to borrow from other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ above !
Another option : check it out on the iHeartRadio app , Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your favorite shows .
Lastly , if you have any thoughts on our re-enactment , or anything at all that you want to share , feel free to send us an email at newsoclock @ buzzfeed.com !
You can either write down your brilliant opinion , OR even better , record it as a voice memo and email it to us , or DM us on Twitter , @ @ @ @ @ @

There have been over 80,000 confirmed COVID-19 deaths in the US and health officials warn reopening the country soon could add many, many more.
BUT we also learned that “Hamilton” is coming to Disney+ just in time to celebrate America this summer.
PLUS Robert Pattinson’s GQ profile is so bizarre we had to turn it into Theatre (it's weird, we know).
And finally writer Roxana Hadadi joins us to talk about her essay for Pajiba exploring the ways Alison Roman’s recipes seem to borrow from other cultures.
Listen to today's episode above! Another option: check it out on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Lastly, if you have any thoughts on our re-enactment, or anything at all that you want to share, feel free to send us an email at newsoclock@buzzfeed.com! You can either write down your brilliant opinion, OR even better, record it as a voice memo and email it to us, or DM us on Twitter, we’re @NewsOClock.


buzzfeed--2020-04-29--Boris Johnson's Fiancé, Carrie Symonds, Has Given Birth To A Baby Boy

British prime minister Boris Johnson and his fiancé Carrie Symonds have had a baby boy , it was announced on Wednesday .
“ The Prime Minister and Ms Symonds are thrilled to announce the birth of a healthy baby boy at a London hospital earlier this morning '' a spokesperson said .
`` Both mother and baby are doing very well . ''
It has been a tumultuous month for Johnson , who was admitted to intensive care with coronavirus on April 6 .
On Monday he returned to work urging the British public to `` contain their impatience '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Downing Street .
`` I know it is tough , and I want to get this economy moving as fast as I can , '' he said on Monday .
`` But I refuse to throw away all the effort and the sacrifice of the British people , and to risk a second major outbreak and huge loss of life and the overwhelming of the NHS . ''
Johnson has four adult children with his ex-wife Marina Wheeler .
The couple announced the beginning of divorce proceedings in 2018 .
Symonds moved in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ became prime minister in July last year .
In February Symonds announced the couple 's engagement in an Instagram post saying `` many of you already know but for my friends that still do n't , we got engaged at the end of last year ... and we 've got a baby hatching early summer .
Feel incredibly blessed . ''
While Johnson has been recovering from his serious bout of coronavirus , Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has been deputising for him .
Though Johnson is back at work in Downing Street , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer for Prime Minister 's Questions on Wednesday .
Johnson 's colleagues have been quick to congratulate the couple on the news .

British prime minister Boris Johnson and his fiancé Carrie Symonds have had a baby boy, it was announced on Wednesday.
“The Prime Minister and Ms Symonds are thrilled to announce the birth of a healthy baby boy at a London hospital earlier this morning" a spokesperson said. "Both mother and baby are doing very well."
It has been a tumultuous month for Johnson, who was admitted to intensive care with coronavirus on April 6.
On Monday he returned to work urging the British public to "contain their impatience" in an address to the nation in Downing Street.
"I know it is tough, and I want to get this economy moving as fast as I can," he said on Monday.
"But I refuse to throw away all the effort and the sacrifice of the British people, and to risk a second major outbreak and huge loss of life and the overwhelming of the NHS."
Johnson has four adult children with his ex-wife Marina Wheeler. The couple announced the beginning of divorce proceedings in 2018.
Symonds moved in to Downing Street with Johnson when he became prime minister in July last year.
In February Symonds announced the couple's engagement in an Instagram post saying "many of you already know but for my friends that still don't, we got engaged at the end of last year... and we've got a baby hatching early summer. Feel incredibly blessed."
While Johnson has been recovering from his serious bout of coronavirus, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has been deputising for him.
Though Johnson is back at work in Downing Street, it is Raab who will go head-to-head with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer for Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday.
Johnson's colleagues have been quick to congratulate the couple on the news.


buzzfeed--2020-04-29--Home Births Are On The Rise In Some Parts Of The UK As Women Decide To Stay Away From Hospital

Noble first made sure that the local ambulance service in Warwickshire was on board with her plan to promote home births .
“ It was about looking at the numbers : what is the transfer rate , what number of those transfers are actually life-threatening ?
” she said .
“ Often you get two ambulances arriving at a home birth — one for mum and one for baby — but actually if you ’ ve got a baby that ’ s been born well and you just need one because mum is bleeding you should be able to stand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ majority of transfers are for nonurgent reasons — labour has slowed down , maybe the baby is in a funny position early in labour and mum would rather have a breech birth in hospital — actually you could get partners to drive the women in .
That ’ s an appropriate use of resources and massively reduces the ask for the ambulance service.
” Noble said her team of midwives had been in a good position ahead of the pandemic because they had a much higher proportion of staff in the community ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made a conscious decision not to staff buildings but to wrap care around women , ” she said .
“ The staff are there to follow the women.
” Everyone who books to give birth at Warwick Hospital is given a named midwife who should provide 90 % of all antenatal appointments and 75 % of postnatal appointments and should be there for the birth if possible .
Asked what she made of NHS trusts which had suspended home births , Noble said : “ Pre-COVID , there ’ s never needed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services .
The differences have always been there but we ’ ve probably never had a crisis like this that has united the country around one common interest , so it ’ s really obvious and has shown a spotlight on those seeming inconsistencies .
“ But 30 miles up the road from where I am , the head of midwifery there is facing very different challenges to me because there is a much , much higher prevalence of cases and also her staff group are very different so there is a much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think from an NHS point of view , there ’ s quite a lot of learning around operating in a crisis which we need to seize really — because there ’ s been so many innovations in the last three or four weeks that we need to keep carrying forward because they ’ re great innovations.
” NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is among many health boards and trusts which have paused home births during the crisis .
A spokesperson told BuzzFeed News this decision had been taken “ in line with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care across the whole of Scotland ” .
“ Our midwives have personally contacted all women who were booked in to have their baby at home to explain how this will affect them , ” they said .
“ We are continually monitoring all of our services to ensure patients continue to receive the highest standards of care during this challenging time .
We have every intention of re-introducing home births as soon as it is safe to do so.
” The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust also suspended home births in late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week .
`` Home births are now once again available for expectant mothers who use Hillingdon Hospital ’ s services , '' a spokesperson said .
`` As ever , midwives will work closely with women and families to help them give birth in the best and safest place for them .
Admission to hospital may be necessary if COVID-19 is suspected .
Our priority at all times is the safety of mother , baby , and our staff . ''
The Royal College of Midwives said it welcomed the continuation of home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do so .
In its guidance to pregnant people , it said : “ Because decisions are being made on a trust / board-by-trust / board basis , there is likely to be some inconsistency across the country in terms of the services provided .
“ Some services are still able to maintain some level of home birth provision at this time , while others have made the difficult decision to suspend home birth services temporarily .
Decisions to suspend home births are not taken lightly , but in the best interests of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to ensure that there are enough midwives and other staff to support you , wherever you are giving birth , and , in the case of home births , they also need to ensure that ambulance services are able to provide transfers should an emergency arise during the labour or birth .
”

Noble first made sure that the local ambulance service in Warwickshire was on board with her plan to promote home births. “It was about looking at the numbers: what is the transfer rate, what number of those transfers are actually life-threatening?” she said.
“Often you get two ambulances arriving at a home birth — one for mum and one for baby — but actually if you’ve got a baby that’s been born well and you just need one because mum is bleeding you should be able to stand down that ambulance. Also the vast majority of transfers are for nonurgent reasons — labour has slowed down, maybe the baby is in a funny position early in labour and mum would rather have a breech birth in hospital — actually you could get partners to drive the women in. That’s an appropriate use of resources and massively reduces the ask for the ambulance service.”
Noble said her team of midwives had been in a good position ahead of the pandemic because they had a much higher proportion of staff in the community (some 40%). “We made a conscious decision not to staff buildings but to wrap care around women,” she said. “The staff are there to follow the women.”
Everyone who books to give birth at Warwick Hospital is given a named midwife who should provide 90% of all antenatal appointments and 75% of postnatal appointments and should be there for the birth if possible.
Asked what she made of NHS trusts which had suspended home births, Noble said: “Pre-COVID, there’s never needed to be that national transparency around differences in services. The differences have always been there but we’ve probably never had a crisis like this that has united the country around one common interest, so it’s really obvious and has shown a spotlight on those seeming inconsistencies.
“But 30 miles up the road from where I am, the head of midwifery there is facing very different challenges to me because there is a much, much higher prevalence of cases and also her staff group are very different so there is a much higher percentage of staff sickness.
“I think from an NHS point of view, there’s quite a lot of learning around operating in a crisis which we need to seize really — because there’s been so many innovations in the last three or four weeks that we need to keep carrying forward because they’re great innovations.”
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is among many health boards and trusts which have paused home births during the crisis. A spokesperson told BuzzFeed News this decision had been taken “in line with revised arrangements for safe, effective maternity care across the whole of Scotland”.
“Our midwives have personally contacted all women who were booked in to have their baby at home to explain how this will affect them,” they said. “We are continually monitoring all of our services to ensure patients continue to receive the highest standards of care during this challenging time. We have every intention of re-introducing home births as soon as it is safe to do so.”
The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust also suspended home births in late March — but restarted the service last week. "Home births are now once again available for expectant mothers who use Hillingdon Hospital’s services," a spokesperson said.
"As ever, midwives will work closely with women and families to help them give birth in the best and safest place for them. Admission to hospital may be necessary if COVID-19 is suspected. Our priority at all times is the safety of mother, baby, and our staff."
The Royal College of Midwives said it welcomed the continuation of home birth services where it was safe to do so. In its guidance to pregnant people, it said: “Because decisions are being made on a trust / board-by-trust / board basis, there is likely to be some inconsistency across the country in terms of the services provided.
“Some services are still able to maintain some level of home birth provision at this time, while others have made the difficult decision to suspend home birth services temporarily. Decisions to suspend home births are not taken lightly, but in the best interests of you and your baby.
“Services need to ensure that there are enough midwives and other staff to support you, wherever you are giving birth, and, in the case of home births, they also need to ensure that ambulance services are able to provide transfers should an emergency arise during the labour or birth.”


buzzfeed--2020-04-29--If You’re About To Start Full-Time Work, The Coronavirus Will Leave You $35,000 Worse Off Over The N

If You’re About To Start Full-Time Work, The Coronavirus Will Leave You $35,000 Worse Off Over The Next Decade

Young Australians starting their first job in 2020 will earn on average $ 35,000 less than their peers over the next decade due to the coronavirus pandemic , new modelling shows .
Figures provided to BuzzFeed News by the Australian Greens predict a young worker entering the workforce in the COVID-19 downturn will have a mean 6 % reduction in annual earnings each year the next 10 years .
The figure was calculated using the average wage of a 24-year-old ( $ 57,403 per annum ) and based on modelling by Jeff Borland , a professor of economics at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 3 % rise in unemployment over the next decade , and , using American studies , modelled the long-term negative impact on the worker due to an adverse labour market experience , also known as `` scarring '' .
`` You can cut your finger and it is bad at the time and sometimes it heals in a way you do n't see , but sometimes if you cut your finger badly enough you end up with a scar , '' Borland told BuzzFeed News .
`` This is not just that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because that is when you 're entering the labour market , it is that these effects stay with you for a long time . ''
This `` scarring '' can affect young workers in two main ways , he said .
`` One is that if you have a period of unemployment your skills atrophy , maybe you lose some motivation , maybe there is some stigma attached to you with employers and just the fact of being unemployed in 2020 makes it harder to get into work later on , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] people who do get jobs in downturns have to accept jobs that are lower quality in terms of pay and then as the labour market starts to pick up they try and move up the job ladder and you ca n't do that in an instant . ''
Younger Australians have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19-related job losses .
Since March 14 , just under 10 % of workers aged under 20 lost their jobs compared to 6 % across the workforce , figures released last week showed .
Young people are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit by the pandemic — the arts , accomodation and food services .
Borland said the early signs showed this downturn would overall be `` much more severe '' than the Global Financial Crisis .
`` We can probably expect more pronounced effects on young people than we saw [ after 2008 ] , '' he said .

Young Australians starting their first job in 2020 will earn on average $35,000 less than their peers over the next decade due to the coronavirus pandemic, new modelling shows.
Figures provided to BuzzFeed News by the Australian Greens predict a young worker entering the workforce in the COVID-19 downturn will have a mean 6% reduction in annual earnings each year the next 10 years.
The figure was calculated using the average wage of a 24-year-old ($57,403 per annum) and based on modelling by Jeff Borland, a professor of economics at the University of Melbourne. Borland conservatively suggests a 3% rise in unemployment over the next decade, and, using American studies, modelled the long-term negative impact on the worker due to an adverse labour market experience, also known as "scarring".
"You can cut your finger and it is bad at the time and sometimes it heals in a way you don't see, but sometimes if you cut your finger badly enough you end up with a scar," Borland told BuzzFeed News. "This is not just that you have a bad year in 2020 because that is when you're entering the labour market, it is that these effects stay with you for a long time."
This "scarring" can affect young workers in two main ways, he said.
"One is that if you have a period of unemployment your skills atrophy, maybe you lose some motivation, maybe there is some stigma attached to you with employers and just the fact of being unemployed in 2020 makes it harder to get into work later on," he said.
"[The other is] people who do get jobs in downturns have to accept jobs that are lower quality in terms of pay and then as the labour market starts to pick up they try and move up the job ladder and you can't do that in an instant."
Younger Australians have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19-related job losses. Since March 14, just under 10% of workers aged under 20 lost their jobs compared to 6% across the workforce, figures released last week showed. Young people are overrepresented in many of the industries hardest hit by the pandemic — the arts, accomodation and food services.
Borland said the early signs showed this downturn would overall be "much more severe" than the Global Financial Crisis.
"We can probably expect more pronounced effects on young people than we saw [after 2008]," he said.


buzzfeed--2020-04-16--Essential Workers, Show Us What It’s Like To Work At Your Job Right Now

If you 're an essential worker , we want to hear from you .
Use the dropbox below to upload @ @ @ @ @ about what it 's like to work on the frontlines during the pandemic .
Your @ @ @ @ @ an upcoming BuzzFeed Community post or video .

If you're an essential worker, we want to hear from you. Use the dropbox below to upload your pictures and tell us about what it's like to work on the frontlines during the pandemic. Your response may be featured in an upcoming BuzzFeed Community post or video.


buzzfeed--2020-04-21--This '80s Pop Star Is Riding Out The Coronavirus On A Remote Farm With An Outdoor Toilet And Snakes

I wake up about 10am .
I make it out to the toilet .
I 'm sitting reading last week 's newspaper when I look up & a big brown SNAKE is slithering in through a crack between the wooden slats on one side of the outhouse .
I 'm looking at the snake .
It 's now trying to slide back out of one of the other gaps between the slats but realises it ca n't fit so backs out & tries the next one & still ca n't fit out .
I 've still only seen the front @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half had n't even come through the entry opening .
I decided it 's time to try and make it out of the toilet .
The snake has now stopped & is just looking at me .
By the time I 'm ready to get out of the toilet , the snake decides to back out of its entry gap .
I slowly open the door , looking around carefully but it is nowhere to be seen .
I make my way back to the house making loud steps to make sure any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their direction .
I tell my friend what happened .
We go out looking around for a while then go back to the house .
I 'm inside when I hear `` ROBERT '' — my friend is calling me outside .
There 's a smaller snake sunbathing on a ledge on the side of the house .
She tells me to keep an eye on it while she looks for a shovel or something to eliminate the snake .
She comes back out but when she gets close up to the snake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her ) it slips away quickly ... under the house ... sob .
Of course now everything looks like a snake to me , shoelaces , socks , a belt , whatever .
At least I do n't mind the angry moths so much anymore .
Unfortunately I have to go out to the toilet now , once more before sleep time ... to be continued tomorrow ... hopefully .

Day 3
I wake up about 10am. I make it out to the toilet. I'm sitting reading last week's newspaper when I look up & a big brown SNAKE is slithering in through a crack between the wooden slats on one side of the outhouse.
I stop reading the newspaper.
I'm looking at the snake. It's now trying to slide back out of one of the other gaps between the slats but realises it can't fit so backs out & tries the next one & still can't fit out. I've still only seen the front half of the snake as the back half hadn't even come through the entry opening. I decided it's time to try and make it out of the toilet.
The snake has now stopped & is just looking at me. By the time I'm ready to get out of the toilet, the snake decides to back out of its entry gap. I slowly open the door, looking around carefully but it is nowhere to be seen. I make my way back to the house making loud steps to make sure any snakes would know I'm heading in their direction.
I tell my friend what happened. We go out looking around for a while then go back to the house. I'm inside when I hear "ROBERT" — my friend is calling me outside. There's a smaller snake sunbathing on a ledge on the side of the house. She tells me to keep an eye on it while she looks for a shovel or something to eliminate the snake. She comes back out but when she gets close up to the snake (I bravely wait 10 metres behind her) it slips away quickly... under the house... sob.
Of course now everything looks like a snake to me, shoelaces, socks, a belt, whatever. At least I don't mind the angry moths so much anymore. Unfortunately I have to go out to the toilet now, once more before sleep time ... to be continued tomorrow ... hopefully.


buzzfeed--2020-03-26--Here Are All The Celebrities Who Have Publicly Donated To Help With The Coronavirus Crisis And The C

Here Are All The Celebrities Who Have Publicly Donated To Help With The Coronavirus Crisis And The Charities They've Supported

According to an Instagram post by Kylie 's doctor , Thaïs Aliabadi , the makeup mogul and billionaire donated the @ @ @ @ @ clothing , such as masks and face shields .
In the post , which Kylie @ @ @ @ @ : `` THANK YOU @ kyliejenner ❤ .
You are my hero .
This generous @ @ @ @ @ precious lives . ''

Ever since the coronavirus outbreak began spreading around the globe, celebrities have been donating to good causes to try to help those in most need during this difficult time. Here are some of the ones who have publicly announced their donations and chosen charities...


buzzfeed--2020-03-26--Taylor Swift Surprises Fans Financially Struggling Amid The Coronavirus Pandemic

Fan Samantha Jacobson wrote a Tumblr post saying , `` I wish so badly that I could donate to the @ @ @ @ @ the charity Feeding America ] but because of COVID-19 my job , my only source @ @ @ @ @ for a minimum of 30 days .
I have no job , no income , @ @ @ @ @ bills rn .
If anyone happens to be able to donate and has it in @ @ @ @ @ , anything really really helps with bills right now . ''

Fan Samantha Jacobson wrote a Tumblr post saying, "I wish so badly that I could donate to the link Taylor provided [to the charity Feeding America] but because of COVID-19 my job, my only source of income, is closed for a minimum of 30 days. I have no job, no income, no way to pay my bills rn. If anyone happens to be able to donate and has it in their hearts to do so, anything really really helps with bills right now."


buzzfeed--2020-03-26--The Government Is Offering Self-Employed People Grants Worth 80% Of Their Profits

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has said the government will pay self-employed workers 80 % of their average monthly profits if they lose their income during the coronavirus crisis .
However , the chancellor faced questions from reporters on Thursday evening , who questioned the length of time it would take for people to receive payment , with the scheme unlikely to be ready until June .
Sunak announced the unprecedented state intervention to help freelancers after facing widespread criticism from trade unions , MPs , and individuals , who said that self-employed people had been left without a safety net .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves told BuzzFeed News that they felt they had been left behind by the government , as they had been offered just £94.25 per week in financial support during the coronavirus crisis if they lost their income — compared to salaried workers who would receive 80 % of their salary .
Announcing the new help for the self-employed , Sunak said : `` You have not been forgotten , we will not let you behind , we all stand together . ''
The grants , which will be paid in a single installment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £3 billion per month .
Trade unions welcomed the package , but said that June would be too long to wait for many who work for themselves .
Roy Rickhuss , general secretary of Community , said : `` Waiting until June will be too long for many of the self-employed who already are struggling to make ends meet .
`` As a matter of priority , we urge the government to ensure the systems to deliver the self-employed income support scheme are ready and in place as soon as possible to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the self-employed urgently . ''
“ We ’ ve looked very hard at the quickest possible way to deliver this , ” Sunak said , when asked why it would take so long to get the scheme up and running , explaining that the government had had to set up two new schemes — one for self-employed people and one for PAYE employees — and that it needed to allow time for people to complete their tax returns .
In the meantime , he said they would be able to access other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tax breaks .
The self-employed income support scheme is a taxable grant worth 80 % of a self-employed person 's average monthly earnings over the last three years , up to £2,500 , and will be open to people across the UK for at least three months — or longer if required .
Self-employed people will be able to continue working and still receive the grant .
Sunak said the scheme will be `` deliverable and fair '' , and open to anyone with trading profits of up to £50,000 .
It will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the majority of their income from self-employment and have a valid tax return for 2019 .
Those who missed the January deadline will be able to file a return for four weeks from today , so that they are eligible for the scheme .
It is estimated that up to 3.8 million people will be eligible to benefit from the scheme .
In order to qualify , applicants must currently be self-employed , must have lost any level of income due to the coronavirus , and must earn more than half their income @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a limited company and pay themselves through dividends will not be eligible for the scheme .
For those who have been self-employed for less than three years , Sunak said that payments would be based on their accounts over one or two years — whatever is available .
However , he said for the more recently self-employed , `` there is really nothing we can do '' .
`` For people who are very recently self-employed we can not operate a scheme like this , '' he said , adding that to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The scheme I have announced today is fair , it is targeted at those who need it the most , and crucially , it is deliverable , '' Sunak said .
Sunak also suggested that taxes for self-employed people , which are typically lower , may be equalised in the future .
`` There is currently an inconsistency in contributions between self-employed and employed , '' he said , `` and obviously the actions taken today , which is very significant tens of billions of pounds of support for those who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as those who are employed , it just does throw into light that question of inconsistency , and whether that is fair to everybody going forward . ''

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has said the government will pay self-employed workers 80% of their average monthly profits if they lose their income during the coronavirus crisis.
However, the chancellor faced questions from reporters on Thursday evening, who questioned the length of time it would take for people to receive payment, with the scheme unlikely to be ready until June.
Sunak announced the unprecedented state intervention to help freelancers after facing widespread criticism from trade unions, MPs, and individuals, who said that self-employed people had been left without a safety net.
Last week, people who worked for themselves told BuzzFeed News that they felt they had been left behind by the government, as they had been offered just £94.25 per week in financial support during the coronavirus crisis if they lost their income — compared to salaried workers who would receive 80% of their salary.
Announcing the new help for the self-employed, Sunak said: "You have not been forgotten, we will not let you behind, we all stand together."
The grants, which will be paid in a single installment, will cost the Treasury up to £3 billion per month.
Trade unions welcomed the package, but said that June would be too long to wait for many who work for themselves. Roy Rickhuss, general secretary of Community, said: "Waiting until June will be too long for many of the self-employed who already are struggling to make ends meet.
"As a matter of priority, we urge the government to ensure the systems to deliver the self-employed income support scheme are ready and in place as soon as possible to ensure cash gets into the pockets of freelancers and the self-employed urgently."
“We’ve looked very hard at the quickest possible way to deliver this,” Sunak said, when asked why it would take so long to get the scheme up and running, explaining that the government had had to set up two new schemes — one for self-employed people and one for PAYE employees — and that it needed to allow time for people to complete their tax returns.
In the meantime, he said they would be able to access other state help, including Universal Credit and tax breaks.
The self-employed income support scheme is a taxable grant worth 80% of a self-employed person's average monthly earnings over the last three years, up to £2,500, and will be open to people across the UK for at least three months — or longer if required. Self-employed people will be able to continue working and still receive the grant.
Sunak said the scheme will be "deliverable and fair", and open to anyone with trading profits of up to £50,000. It will only be open to people who make the majority of their income from self-employment and have a valid tax return for 2019.
Those who missed the January deadline will be able to file a return for four weeks from today, so that they are eligible for the scheme. It is estimated that up to 3.8 million people will be eligible to benefit from the scheme.
In order to qualify, applicants must currently be self-employed, must have lost any level of income due to the coronavirus, and must earn more than half their income from self-employment.
Those who operate as a limited company and pay themselves through dividends will not be eligible for the scheme.
For those who have been self-employed for less than three years, Sunak said that payments would be based on their accounts over one or two years — whatever is available. However, he said for the more recently self-employed, "there is really nothing we can do".
"For people who are very recently self-employed we cannot operate a scheme like this," he said, adding that to do so would present a fraud risk.
"The scheme I have announced today is fair, it is targeted at those who need it the most, and crucially, it is deliverable," Sunak said.
Sunak also suggested that taxes for self-employed people, which are typically lower, may be equalised in the future.
"There is currently an inconsistency in contributions between self-employed and employed," he said, "and obviously the actions taken today, which is very significant tens of billions of pounds of support for those who are self-employed, treating them the same way as those who are employed, it just does throw into light that question of inconsistency, and whether that is fair to everybody going forward."


buzzfeed--2020-03-19--BBC Insiders Say Coronavirus Feels Like A Massive Moment

The coronavirus crisis is a massive moment for BBC News , radically reshaping the way the organisation works at a time it was already undergoing change and facing simultaneous major challenges , insiders have told BuzzFeed News .
This week bosses announced sweeping changes to output , suspending some programming to focus resources on a few core priorities , with many staff working from home .
“ They ’ re about to conduct a real time experiment , out of necessity , in running a newsroom on a skeleton staff ” one senior correspondent told BuzzFeed News .
`` A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” stuff has been suspended – the hope is they won ’ t make this permanent . ''
Another presenter said the scale of the coronavirus crisis had “ focused the mission on the public ” after the BBC has recently been bogged down by pay disputes , allegations of bias , and long-term financial and demographic pressures .
For the forseeable future resources will be focused on the rolling news channel , local and national radio news , three daily TV bulletins , a podcast called the Coronavirus Newscast , and online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ herculean effort to keep TV on the air – less so radio and online ” a senior editor told BuzzFeed News .
“ That ’ s where a lot of the focus is right now.
” While newspapers and online outlets can do much of their work remotely , this is far harder for TV news , which requires huge technical teams , specialist software only available on desktop computers , and producers and reporters in the field .
News programmes including Politics Live and the Victoria Derbyshire Programme have been taken off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 , 3 , 4 and 5 Live will share one common bulletin .
Director-General Tony Hall announced on Wednesday some of the BBC 's plans for new content to help people cope with self-isolation , including exercise classes , religious services , recipes , and education programming .
“ The economy will go into recession , and the take from the licence fee will probably fall , and public personalities will fall ill and some will die , ” a presenter told BuzzFeed News .
“ So it ’ s really a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , rather than a cause for celebration.
” The changes come just a few weeks after a major organisational restructuring was announced as part of a £80m cuts package involving 450 job cuts with the newsroom moving to a new “ story-led '' model of commissioning .
But the sudden changes to British life brought on by coronavirus has led to far more radical changes than this , introduced incredibly quickly .
On Wednesday Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced schools would close until further notice , meaning even more staff will have no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Before the coronavirus crisis hit , the organisation had been heavily preoccupied by deteriorating audience figures among younger audiences , who increasingly prefer outlets like YouTube and Netflix to the national broadcaster .
Coronavirus will not stop any of these trends but in the short term at least , the BBC has seen a massive increase in demand , especially for TV news which has seen viewing figures dwindle in recent years .
On Wednesday 8.7m people watched the Six O'Clock News , the highest figure for over a decade , while a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On Monday the BBC announced that because of the virus it will delay plans to begin charging over-75s for the licence fee , which 3.7 million older people currently get for free .
The BBC says it will foot the cost of the delay , from 1 June to 1 August .
All these long term pressures - younger audiences , the `` story-led '' restructure , the future of the licence fee - have been suddenly engulfed by a crisis which nobody saw coming .

The coronavirus crisis is a massive moment for BBC News, radically reshaping the way the organisation works at a time it was already undergoing change and facing simultaneous major challenges, insiders have told BuzzFeed News.
This week bosses announced sweeping changes to output, suspending some programming to focus resources on a few core priorities, with many staff working from home.
“They’re about to conduct a real time experiment, out of necessity, in running a newsroom on a skeleton staff” one senior correspondent told BuzzFeed News. "A lot of good new “future facing” stuff has been suspended – the hope is they won’t make this permanent."
Another presenter said the scale of the coronavirus crisis had “focused the mission on the public” after the BBC has recently been bogged down by pay disputes, allegations of bias, and long-term financial and demographic pressures.
For the forseeable future resources will be focused on the rolling news channel, local and national radio news, three daily TV bulletins, a podcast called the Coronavirus Newscast, and online coverage.
“It’s a herculean effort to keep TV on the air – less so radio and online” a senior editor told BuzzFeed News. “That’s where a lot of the focus is right now.”
While newspapers and online outlets can do much of their work remotely, this is far harder for TV news, which requires huge technical teams, specialist software only available on desktop computers, and producers and reporters in the field.
News programmes including Politics Live and the Victoria Derbyshire Programme have been taken off air until further notice, while Radio 2, 3, 4 and 5 Live will share one common bulletin.
Director-General Tony Hall announced on Wednesday some of the BBC's plans for new content to help people cope with self-isolation, including exercise classes, religious services, recipes, and education programming.
“The economy will go into recession, and the take from the licence fee will probably fall, and public personalities will fall ill and some will die,” a presenter told BuzzFeed News. “So it’s really a case of the BBC rediscovering its purpose, rather than a cause for celebration.”
The changes come just a few weeks after a major organisational restructuring was announced as part of a £80m cuts package involving 450 job cuts with the newsroom moving to a new “story-led" model of commissioning.
But the sudden changes to British life brought on by coronavirus has led to far more radical changes than this, introduced incredibly quickly.
On Wednesday Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced schools would close until further notice, meaning even more staff will have no choice but to stay at home.
Before the coronavirus crisis hit, the organisation had been heavily preoccupied by deteriorating audience figures among younger audiences, who increasingly prefer outlets like YouTube and Netflix to the national broadcaster.
Coronavirus will not stop any of these trends but in the short term at least, the BBC has seen a massive increase in demand, especially for TV news which has seen viewing figures dwindle in recent years.
On Wednesday 8.7m people watched the Six O'Clock News, the highest figure for over a decade, while a record-breaking 29.2m people visited BBC News online.
On Monday the BBC announced that because of the virus it will delay plans to begin charging over-75s for the licence fee, which 3.7 million older people currently get for free. The BBC says it will foot the cost of the delay, from 1 June to 1 August.
All these long term pressures - younger audiences, the "story-led" restructure, the future of the licence fee - have been suddenly engulfed by a crisis which nobody saw coming.


buzzfeed--2020-03-19--Here's What The Queen Had To Say About The Coronavirus Outbreak

The Queen has released her first official message on the coronavirus since cancelling public appearances and moving to Windsor Castle @ @ @ @ @ outbreak , which continues to spread throughout the UK .
In the special message , @ @ @ @ @ to “ play their part ” in fighting the health crisis .
“ We are @ @ @ @ @ our normal routines and regular patterns of life for the greater good of the communities @ @ @ @ @ in particular , protect the most vulnerable , ” the Queen ’ s statement read @ @ @ @ @ as these , I am reminded that our nation ’ s history has been forged @ @ @ @ @ together to work as one , concentrating on our combined efforts with a focus on @ @ @ @ @

The Queen has released her first official message on the coronavirus since cancelling public appearances and moving to Windsor Castle as a result of the outbreak, which continues to spread throughout the UK.
In the special message, the 93-year-old urged British people to “play their part” in fighting the health crisis.
“We are all being advised to change our normal routines and regular patterns of life for the greater good of the communities we live in and, in particular, protect the most vulnerable,” the Queen’s statement read.
“At times such as these, I am reminded that our nation’s history has been forged by people and communities coming together to work as one, concentrating on our combined efforts with a focus on the common goal.”


buzzfeed--2020-03-19--Just 65 Things To Clean While You're Spending So Much Time At Home

Let me preface by saying that this is NOT a post about sterilizing or disinfecting everything in your home .
@ @ @ @ @ .
According to CDC guidelines , you should be using regular household cleaners to clean @ @ @ @ @ your home like doorknobs , light switches , faucet handles , toilets , and sinks @ @ @ @ @ scrubbing , as well as letting any water dry on surfaces , is one of @ @ @ @ @ decontaminate a surface ( besides just straight up using bleach ) .
Many of the @ @ @ @ @ like baking soda and vinegar , and it 's important to note that these things @ @ @ @ @ effective against coronavirus .
But — these are ingredients that we 're likely to have @ @ @ @ @ under their kitchen sinks ( important while we 're not leaving our homes ! )
@ @ @ @ @ way to clean many things around the home that have n't been cleaned — until @ @

Let me preface by saying that this is NOT a post about sterilizing or disinfecting everything in your home.
That would be nearly impossible. According to CDC guidelines, you should be using regular household cleaners to clean frequently-touched and used parts of your home like doorknobs, light switches, faucet handles, toilets, and sinks. The act of physical scrubbing, as well as letting any water dry on surfaces, is one of the most effective ways to decontaminate a surface (besides just straight up using bleach).
Many of the methods below utilize household items like baking soda and vinegar, and it's important to note that these things are not proven to be effective against coronavirus. But — these are ingredients that we're likely to have sitting in their pantries or under their kitchen sinks (important while we're not leaving our homes!), and are a cheap way to clean many things around the home that haven't been cleaned — until now!


buzzfeed--2020-03-18--"How Bad Does It Have To Get?": Teachers Are Anxious About Working Through The Coronavirus Pandemic

Lots of people in Australia and around the world have started working from home and practising `` self distancing '' as the coronavirus spreads .
But many more have jobs where that is n't possible .
BuzzFeed News spoke to a teacher at a large high school in New South Wales — who asked not to be named as they are not authorised to speak to media — about what it 's like continuing to teach during a global pandemic .
In Australia , a debate is raging over whether schools should close .
In a statement issued Tuesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the key body for decision making in health emergencies ) said closing schools would not be `` proportionate or effective '' at this time .
It said closing schools would impact an estimated 30 % of the healthcare workforce and potentially put students in contact with vulnerable older people , and noted the majority of the 70 countries that have implemented school closures to some degree have not controlled the outbreak .
This stance is being reviewed daily .
`` I ’ m a teacher in a public high school and every day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intense .
There is deep anxiety among all of my colleagues , right up to the principal , that we are not able to ensure social distancing of students , least of all in classrooms .

Lots of people in Australia and around the world have started working from home and practising "self distancing" as the coronavirus spreads. But many more have jobs where that isn't possible.
BuzzFeed News spoke to a teacher at a large high school in New South Wales — who asked not to be named as they are not authorised to speak to media — about what it's like continuing to teach during a global pandemic.
In Australia, a debate is raging over whether schools should close. In a statement issued Tuesday, the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (the key body for decision making in health emergencies) said closing schools would not be "proportionate or effective" at this time.
It said closing schools would impact an estimated 30% of the healthcare workforce and potentially put students in contact with vulnerable older people, and noted the majority of the 70 countries that have implemented school closures to some degree have not controlled the outbreak. This stance is being reviewed daily.
As told to Lane Sainty:
"I’m a teacher in a public high school and every day for the last two weeks has been intense. There is deep anxiety among all of my colleagues, right up to the principal, that we are not able to ensure social distancing of students, least of all in classrooms.


buzzfeed--2020-03-19--Australia And New Zealand Are Closing Their Borders To Stop The Spread Of The Coronavirus

Australia and New Zealand will shut their borders in the next 48 hours , only allowing in citizens and residents , in an attempt to help curb the spread of the new coronavirus .
Any person who is not a citizen , resident or direct family member of a citizen or resident of Australia will be denied entry from the country from 9pm AEST on Friday night .
`` We believe it is essential to take a further step to ensure we are now no longer allowing anyone , unless they are a citizen or resident or direct family member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scott Morrison told reporters on Thursday afternoon .
“ For Australians , of course , they will be able to return and they will be subject , as they already are , to 14 days of isolation upon arrival back in Australia . ''
He said the reason for the decision was that about 80 % of Australia ’ s COVID-19 cases are from someone who either contracted the virus overseas , or who has had direct contact with someone who had returned from overseas .
`` The overwhelming proportion of [ coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .

Australia and New Zealand will shut their borders in the next 48 hours, only allowing in citizens and residents, in an attempt to help curb the spread of the new coronavirus.
Any person who is not a citizen, resident or direct family member of a citizen or resident of Australia will be denied entry from the country from 9pm AEST on Friday night.
"We believe it is essential to take a further step to ensure we are now no longer allowing anyone, unless they are a citizen or resident or direct family member," Australia’s prime minister Scott Morrison told reporters on Thursday afternoon.
“For Australians, of course, they will be able to return and they will be subject, as they already are, to 14 days of isolation upon arrival back in Australia."
He said the reason for the decision was that about 80% of Australia’s COVID-19 cases are from someone who either contracted the virus overseas, or who has had direct contact with someone who had returned from overseas.
"The overwhelming proportion of [coronavirus] cases in Australia have been imported," he said.