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I guess all of this extra time we all have on our hands now that we’re all confined to our homes has had people’s minds wandering. And while the use of our imaginations is generally a great thing, it also has the ability to get us in trouble when things go too far.

During a recent interview with Variety, singer The Weeknd spoke about the fact that he felt like Usher stole his style for his 2012 song, “Climax.”

“I heard ‘Climax,’ that [2012] Usher song, and was like, ‘Holy f—, that’s a Weeknd song.’ It was very flattering, and I knew I was doing something right, but I also got angry. But the older I got, I realized it’s a good thing.”

Personally, I don’t see the connection. The Weeknd utilizes falsetto quite a bit. But Usher has been doing that for years. There’s his song from 2001, “U Don’t Have to Call,” or a few songs his classic album Confessions, including “Superstar,” which was released in 2004 when The Weeknd was a teenager and an unknown to most of us.

So I don’t know why he felt the need to single Usher out in this way—as if he invented falsetto.

In response to this bizarre comment, Usher sang this very difficult song laying flat on his back, lounging at the house, launching the #ClimaxChallenge.

View this post on Instagram

Usher #climaxchallenge #user #vocals

A post shared by ALTO NERO (@altoneroshow) on Apr 9, 2020 at 2:38pm PDT

Thankfully, enough people know Usher’s catalog and repertoire to defend his honor. And that’s exactly what people did…before Usher sent an even more direct response. Check them out on the following pages.

Traditional superhero comics have been part of the American pop culture firmament for eight decades. And more often than not, those stories can feel staid and mired in nostalgia for long bygone eras. Which is why creators who come along with bold new interpretations of these characters are usually met with resistance. To wit, when […]

So, the NFL draft which is supposed to take place on April 23-25 in Las Vegas this year. The NFL has told all the teams to prepare to pick virtually because of coronavirus. The NFL will hold ‘fully virtual draft’ with coaches, GMs. In an effort to maintain social distancing,they are now forced to work from home. The young men have been working their whole lives to get to this point and now they won’t be under the bright lights with the crowds cheering. They still get to make millions of dollars so I don’t feel too bad for them and that is good news.

I have a few questions about the process and the whole social distancing thing.  Apparently, none of  the team’s personnel will be in the same room with each other.  How will they coordinate their picks with each other?  What happens if they misunderstand a pick they were supposed to make? How will they correct it?  What if they disagree with a pick? How will they communicate with the Commissioner?  A really big question is, what happens if someone’s internet isn’t working properly, or if they are using Zoom, if they get zoom bombed, meaning someone hacks into their zoom or virtual rooms and takes over their chats?  So many questions.  I guess we will have to wait and see.  It should be fun! 

Stay tuned for NFL Draft updates.

The post NFL Draft Update appeared first on The Nerd Element.

If you’re single, it might feel like this isn’t a great time to date given the current climate. But fret not! Being stuck in the house doesn’t mean you can’t find “the one.”

Dating and relationships expert Stacii Jae Johnson and Georgia Representative Erica Thomas have teamed up for an online speed dating event called “Meet Your Match” that you don’t want to miss.

Singles who sign on for the event will go on a series of 3-5 minute dates which will be streaming on Facebook, Twitter, & Periscope. At the end of the night, virtual daters will get to pick their favorite participant to go on a longer virtual date with. To sweeten the deal, some of the “Meet Your Match” participants will receive a complimentary dinner delivered to their doorsteps to help create an ambiance similar to a real first date.

Johnson says the event’s goal is to abide by the nationwide stay-at-home order while helping singles continue their journey to find love.

“With the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more crucial than ever to be intentional with my mission,” Johnson said in a statement. “Single people are quarantined at home alone without any way to go out on dates and socialize with potential relationship candidates. As a professional in the love business, it was important for me to figure out a way to do my part in connecting great singles to potentially find love while embracing the #AloneTogether concept.”

“Meet Your Match” takes place on April 22nd from 7pm-10pm EST. You don’t want to miss out! Register for the event here.

The post “Meet Your Match” Online Speed Dating Event Helps Singles Find Love During Coronavirus appeared first on Essence.