theroot--2020-09-17--The 10 Best Deals of September 17, 2020

The 10 Best Deals of September 17, 2020

It ’ s September 17 , and we only have a few hours to spare before Kanye West ’ s next Twitter rant .
In the meantime , we at Kinja Deals have decided to bring you some of the GREATEST DEALS of ALL TIME , or at least of the day .
Today we ’ re taking care of your tech needs with HP ’ s latest flash sale and savings on everything from an Apple Watch Series 5 to a Linksys mesh router .
However , if these ten deals don ’ t satisfy your desire to become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , check out Thursday ’ s best deals overall .
You only have 72 hours to take advantage of these fresh HP price drops .
One of the best deals is for the HP Pavilion Laptop 15Z , proudly waving the AMD flag with a Ryzen 7 3700U chispset and VEGA 10 graphics , 12GB of RAM , and 512GB of SSD storage for $ 590 .
If you ’ re not in it for gaming , you could easily step down to the Laptop 15T for $ 100 less , which ditches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ newer 10th-gen Intel Core i5 processor , which has a decent GPU integrated on the die .
If you ’ re a desktop person , there ’ s an HP Envy on sale for just $ 700 that boasts a prior gen Core i5 and the GTX 1650 , a solid 1080p gaming card with 4GB of virtual memory to play with .
HP includes a 256GB M.2 SSD for a zippy Windows 10 experience , and 8GB of RAM is plenty for gaming and light multitasking .
All-in-ones might be more your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those on sale , too .
The HP Envy 32-A0035 is the option for gaming and God-tier editing , packing a 9th-gen Core i5 , 16GB of RAM , and NVIDIA ’ s GTX 1650 GPU , a solid 1080p gaming card .
The star of the show is the 32-inch 4K panel all of it sits behind , making this a great machine for video and photo editing .
It ’ s $ 200 off and still a bit pricey at $ 1,700 with the discount , so this 27-inch Pavilion model @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speed .
It sheds dedicated graphics , but the integrated Radeon chip on the Ryzen 7 4700H it packs is decent enough for multimedia editing and light gaming .
Other compelling offers to shop include this HP Omen X 27-inch gaming monitor with Quad HD ( 1440p ) resolution , a 240Hz refresh rate , 1ms response time , AMD FreeSync , a fully adjustable stand , and a rich blend of connectivity options , now discounted to $ 615 .
Shop the full flash sale right here , but these prices will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ time , so don ’ t wait too long to get your order in !
This article was originally published by Quentyn Kennemer .
Named the best smartwatch by our sister site Gizmodo , the Apple Watch Series 5 improved on its predecessor by leaps and bounds .
It may sound like a contradiction to say a smartwatch ’ s battery life was extended at the same time it was treated to an always-on display , and yet the latest Apple Watch pulls off both feats with ease .
Over at Amazon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is $ 100 off today .
Sadly , all other models sit at their MSRP , but if you don ’ t mind the color ( the bands can be swapped out ) and size , this is a deal you should jump on .
In her review , Victoria Song wrote of the Apple Watch Series 5 : This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey .
Charging all your devices has never been simpler with the Anker 100W 4-port charging station .
Only $ 69 with the promo code KINJA100C , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are able to give power to two Macbooks AT THE SAME TIME .
We love to see it .
It ’ s also compatible with Android , so you ’ ll be able to charge your phones , tablets , and other devices in a fraction of the time .
What are you waiting for ?
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher .
What ’ s one thing that always happens once you hit wash and the door locks ?
You find a rogue sock or pair of shorts you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this Samsung High-Efficiency Front-Loading Washer is that it has fixed that problem .
Today take $ 330 of both styles from Best Buy .
So AddWash is a killer feature that every washer should have .
This Samsung washer will also do a full load in about thirty-six minutes which has been determined as ‘ super speed ’ .
There are fourteen cycles , five speeds , and five temperatures depending on your needs .
It ’ s easy to see where you are in the process to with simple to read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is great for deep cleans , say if you have messy kids or dirty dogs .
Samsung also uses VRT tech to keep this washer 40 % quieter than others on the market .
It even has self-clean tech .
It will actually clean its own tub , you just need to give it a hand after it does that on its own forty times .
The diamond drum interior keeps those delicates delicate .
And of course , it has a Smart Care app for troubleshooting and general updates on wear and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do is you choose between the sizes : 7.5 Cu .
Ft. or 4.5 Cu .
Ft .
Both are $ 750 .
Both of these will ship for free .
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari .
Bellesa is really a wonderful company .
Not only have they given away their bestsellers , the routinely give great discounts on their favorites .
After painstakingly designing their vibes and toys they ’ re so generous by making it easier for all to enjoy the fruits of their labors .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best-reviewed vibes on the site .
Use the code AURORA25 at check out and grab the Aurora for just $ 74 .
They joke that this vibe is “ pretty enough to place on your mantle , ” and honestly most of their toys are .
I can personally say the soft silicone is like silk .
All their vibes charge pretty quickly and hold that charge for quite a while .
The Aurora is a great beginner toy because it ’ s simple to use with one-button operation .
This makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the line up even in terms of intensity .
Perfect for both g-spot and clitoral goodness , once you spend some time with it you ’ ll find what you like , need , and what can ’ t live without .
You deserve the best my dear and this is the best .
Free shipping on all orders over $ 29 .
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari .
Fans of our favorite platforming plumber can snag Super Mario Maker 2 for just $ 40 at Amazon today .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has become something of a creator ’ s paradise on Nintendo Switch , allowing you to create your own intricate Mario stages with mechanics , characters , and abilities inspired by generations of previous games .
If you ’ re not so creative , you can download others ’ and compare scores between your friends .
No two stages are the same and there ’ s probably more available than you ’ re interested in playing , so grab this if you haven ’ t grown tired of Nintendo ’ s classic gameplay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Quentyn Kennemer .
With over six months of quarantine under our belt , it ’ s easy to let things slip through the cracks .
Maybe you forget to brush your teeth a little more often , or you just haven ’ t given your room a good dusting in a while .
I ’ m not great at floor upkeep , at least not with a broom .
Vacuums make the job notably easier , and you ’ ll probably pick up a few more specs than a good sweep .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ can get pretty costly .
Today , though , the Multi-Floor Origin Vacuum is down from $ 280 to $ 190 , saving you $ 110 .
Newegg ’ s site says the vacuum is typically $ 400 , but it ’ s been below $ 300 on Amazon for the last couple months , so if you miss this deal , you can still find it for a decent price ( right now it ’ s $ 280 ) .
This deal was originally published by Jordan McMahon .
Although it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wi-Fi 6 technology , the Linksys Velop AC2200 mesh Wi-Fi 5 system is still an incredibly popular router , posited as an alternative to Google Nest Wifi and the Netgear Orbi .
Still , the Velop consistently ranks among the top routers on virtually every “ best of ” list you ’ ll find online .
It ’ s a versatile option for anyone looking to boost their Wi-Fi speeds ( and range ) at home .
Best of all , it ’ s on sale for $ 300 at Best Buy for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , MU-MIMO , and directional beamforming , it ’ s a premium piece of kit , for $ 50 less than Nest Wifi in the same configuration .
Software-wise , the Velop integrates with Alexa for seamless device management and connection/disconnection on the fly .
Parental controls are in place so you never have to worry about your kids perusing age-inappropriate websites or 4chan .
A subscription service called Linksys Aware is also on offer , which allows you to use the Velop as motion sensor surveillance .
Just plop all three mesh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and you ’ ve got yourself a trio of robust routers doubling as range extenders .
Never again will you have to turn it off and back on again to stream 4K Netflix in the guest room .
This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey .
My favorite part of catsitting for my old co-worker is getting to use his Nespresso machine .
It ’ s a fun and fast way to get premium hot coffee and the concentration juice I crave in the mornings .
Today only take $ 40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is an excellent deal because you ’ re also getting three packs of Nespresso ’ s top sellers .
Normally just the maker runs for $ 150 so this is a real steal if you ’ ve been on the fence of adding one to your kitchen .
This easy to operate one touch machine can also be adjusted to fit your favorite mug no matter size .
Well , it ’ s actually just five sizes but your good up to about 14 oz .
What cool is that this maker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knows how much water to use based on what blend of coffee you ’ ve selected .
Robo-maker !
As mentioned you ’ ll also get thirty capsules of Nespresso ’ s best sellers : Stormio , Odacio , and Melozio .
These are both dark and medium roasts so you ’ re sure to fall in love with one or all just like you will your new Espresso maker .
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari .
A simple workout bench can add a lot of possibilities for your workout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s gym bench is down to $ 110 , a steep drop of about $ 40 .
The bench is made of steel and coated with a scratch-resistant material , and it ’ s sturdy enough to support 1,0000 pounds of weight .
Topping all that metal is a three-inch-thick cushion .
The thing I love most , though , is its folding legs , contributing to compactness and ease of storage .
It also comes assembled in the box .
This deal was originally published by Quentyn Kennemer .

Juliana Clark on Kinja Deals, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Thursday’s Best Deals | Kinja Deals
It’s September 17, and we only have a few hours to spare before Kanye West’s next Twitter rant. In the meantime, we at Kinja Deals have decided to bring you some of the GREATEST DEALS of ALL TIME, or at least of the day. Today we’re taking care of your tech needs with HP’s latest flash sale and savings on everything from an Apple Watch Series 5 to a Linksys mesh router.
However, if these ten deals don’t satisfy your desire to become an honorary member of the Geek Squad, check out Thursday’s best deals overall.
#1: HP Flash sale
You only have 72 hours to take advantage of these fresh HP price drops. One of the best deals is for the HP Pavilion Laptop 15Z, proudly waving the AMD flag with a Ryzen 7 3700U chispset and VEGA 10 graphics, 12GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage for $590. If you’re not in it for gaming, you could easily step down to the Laptop 15T for $100 less, which ditches dedicated graphics, but comes with a newer 10th-gen Intel Core i5 processor, which has a decent GPU integrated on the die.
If you’re a desktop person, there’s an HP Envy on sale for just $700 that boasts a prior gen Core i5 and the GTX 1650, a solid 1080p gaming card with 4GB of virtual memory to play with. HP includes a 256GB M.2 SSD for a zippy Windows 10 experience, and 8GB of RAM is plenty for gaming and light multitasking.
All-in-ones might be more your style, and there are plenty of those on sale, too. The HP Envy 32-A0035 is the option for gaming and God-tier editing, packing a 9th-gen Core i5, 16GB of RAM, and NVIDIA’s GTX 1650 GPU, a solid 1080p gaming card. The star of the show is the 32-inch 4K panel all of it sits behind, making this a great machine for video and photo editing. It’s $200 off and still a bit pricey at $1,700 with the discount, so this 27-inch Pavilion model for $1,000 might be more your speed. It sheds dedicated graphics, but the integrated Radeon chip on the Ryzen 7 4700H it packs is decent enough for multimedia editing and light gaming.
Other compelling offers to shop include this HP Omen X 27-inch gaming monitor with Quad HD (1440p) resolution, a 240Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, AMD FreeSync, a fully adjustable stand, and a rich blend of connectivity options, now discounted to $615.
Shop the full flash sale right here, but these prices will vanish in just a couple of days’ time, so don’t wait too long to get your order in!
This article was originally published by Quentyn Kennemer.
#2: APple watch series 5
Named the best smartwatch by our sister site Gizmodo, the Apple Watch Series 5 improved on its predecessor by leaps and bounds. It may sound like a contradiction to say a smartwatch’s battery life was extended at the same time it was treated to an always-on display, and yet the latest Apple Watch pulls off both feats with ease. Over at Amazon, the GPS-only 44mm Rose Gold model is $100 off today. Sadly, all other models sit at their MSRP, but if you don’t mind the color (the bands can be swapped out) and size, this is a deal you should jump on.
In her review, Victoria Song wrote of the Apple Watch Series 5:
The Apple Watch is hands-down the best smartwatch out there. There, I said it. It’s a boring conclusion that is nevertheless the cold, hard truth. You can prefer a round face, or a different operating system. You can scream about better battery life and third-party watch faces until you die, purple-faced from asphyxiation. The Series 5 still reigns king. That’s true even if this time around, most of the updates are small tweaks rather than game-changers.
This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey.
#3: Anker 100w charging station
Charging all your devices has never been simpler with the Anker 100W 4-port charging station. Only $69 with the promo code KINJA100C, which comes with two USB-C charging ports that are able to give power to two Macbooks AT THE SAME TIME. We love to see it. It’s also compatible with Android, so you’ll be able to charge your phones, tablets, and other devices in a fraction of the time. What are you waiting for?
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher.
#4: Samsung high-EFFICIENCY washer
What’s one thing that always happens once you hit wash and the door locks? You find a rogue sock or pair of shorts you meant to toss in. The beauty of this Samsung High-Efficiency Front-Loading Washer is that it has fixed that problem. Today take $330 of both styles from Best Buy.
So AddWash is a killer feature that every washer should have. This Samsung washer will also do a full load in about thirty-six minutes which has been determined as ‘super speed’. There are fourteen cycles, five speeds, and five temperatures depending on your needs. It’s easy to see where you are in the process to with simple to read LED controls. The Steam Wash feature is great for deep cleans, say if you have messy kids or dirty dogs. Samsung also uses VRT tech to keep this washer 40% quieter than others on the market. It even has self-clean tech. It will actually clean its own tub, you just need to give it a hand after it does that on its own forty times. The diamond drum interior keeps those delicates delicate. And of course, it has a Smart Care app for troubleshooting and general updates on wear and tear and maintenance. All you need to do is you choose between the sizes: 7.5 Cu. Ft. or 4.5 Cu. Ft. Both are $750.
Both of these will ship for free.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.
#5: Bellesa Aurora Vibrator
Bellesa is really a wonderful company. Not only have they given away their bestsellers, the routinely give great discounts on their favorites. After painstakingly designing their vibes and toys they’re so generous by making it easier for all to enjoy the fruits of their labors. This week save $25 on one of the best-reviewed vibes on the site. Use the code AURORA25 at check out and grab the Aurora for just $74.
They joke that this vibe is “pretty enough to place on your mantle,” and honestly most of their toys are. I can personally say the soft silicone is like silk. All their vibes charge pretty quickly and hold that charge for quite a while. The Aurora is a great beginner toy because it’s simple to use with one-button operation. This makes it a lot less intimidating than others in the line up even in terms of intensity. Perfect for both g-spot and clitoral goodness, once you spend some time with it you’ll find what you like, need, and what can’t live without. You deserve the best my dear and this is the best.
Free shipping on all orders over $29.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.
#6: super mario maker 2
Fans of our favorite platforming plumber can snag Super Mario Maker 2 for just $40 at Amazon today. It’s the sequel to what has become something of a creator’s paradise on Nintendo Switch, allowing you to create your own intricate Mario stages with mechanics, characters, and abilities inspired by generations of previous games. If you’re not so creative, you can download others’ and compare scores between your friends. No two stages are the same and there’s probably more available than you’re interested in playing, so grab this if you haven’t grown tired of Nintendo’s classic gameplay loop.
This deal was originally published by Quentyn Kennemer.
#7: Dyson Multi-Floor Vacuum
With over six months of quarantine under our belt, it’s easy to let things slip through the cracks. Maybe you forget to brush your teeth a little more often, or you just haven’t given your room a good dusting in a while. I’m not great at floor upkeep, at least not with a broom. Vacuums make the job notably easier, and you’ll probably pick up a few more specs than a good sweep. Dyson makes solid vacuums, but they can get pretty costly. Today, though, the Multi-Floor Origin Vacuum is down from $280 to $190, saving you $110. Newegg’s site says the vacuum is typically $400, but it’s been below $300 on Amazon for the last couple months, so if you miss this deal, you can still find it for a decent price (right now it’s $280).
This deal was originally published by Jordan McMahon.
#8: Linksys Velop Mesh Wi-Fi Router
Although it’s not been updated with the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology, the Linksys Velop AC2200 mesh Wi-Fi 5 system is still an incredibly popular router, posited as an alternative to Google Nest Wifi and the Netgear Orbi. Still, the Velop consistently ranks among the top routers on virtually every “best of” list you’ll find online. It’s a versatile option for anyone looking to boost their Wi-Fi speeds (and range) at home. Best of all, it’s on sale for $300 at Best Buy for a limited time. With tri-band connectivity, MU-MIMO, and directional beamforming, it’s a premium piece of kit, for $50 less than Nest Wifi in the same configuration.
Software-wise, the Velop integrates with Alexa for seamless device management and connection/disconnection on the fly. Parental controls are in place so you never have to worry about your kids perusing age-inappropriate websites or 4chan. A subscription service called Linksys Aware is also on offer, which allows you to use the Velop as motion sensor surveillance. Just plop all three mesh units in different areas of the house, and you’ve got yourself a trio of robust routers doubling as range extenders. Never again will you have to turn it off and back on again to stream 4K Netflix in the guest room.
This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey.
#9: Nespresso Coffee maker
My favorite part of catsitting for my old co-worker is getting to use his Nespresso machine. It’s a fun and fast way to get premium hot coffee and the concentration juice I crave in the mornings. Today only take $40 of this Espresso Maker from Breville. This is an excellent deal because you’re also getting three packs of Nespresso’s top sellers. Normally just the maker runs for $150 so this is a real steal if you’ve been on the fence of adding one to your kitchen.
This easy to operate one touch machine can also be adjusted to fit your favorite mug no matter size. Well, it’s actually just five sizes but your good up to about 14 oz. What cool is that this maker has an intelligent extraction system where is knows how much water to use based on what blend of coffee you’ve selected. Robo-maker! As mentioned you’ll also get thirty capsules of Nespresso’s best sellers: Stormio, Odacio, and Melozio. These are both dark and medium roasts so you’re sure to fall in love with one or all just like you will your new Espresso maker.
Prime members enjoy two-day free shipping.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.
#10: Finer Form Workout Bench
A simple workout bench can add a lot of possibilities for your workout routine. At Amazon, Finer Form’s gym bench is down to $110, a steep drop of about $40. The bench is made of steel and coated with a scratch-resistant material, and it’s sturdy enough to support 1,0000 pounds of weight. Topping all that metal is a three-inch-thick cushion. The thing I love most, though, is its folding legs, contributing to compactness and ease of storage. It also comes assembled in the box.
This deal was originally published by Quentyn Kennemer.


theroot--2020-09-17--UrbanWorld 2020’s Virtual Festival Packs Cinematic Treats—and Some Scares—in Must-Watch Lineup

Urbanworld Film Festival will be virtual this year—much like everything else—but it won ’ t lack for sizzle or star power .
The film festival announced its much-anticipated 2020 lineup on Thursday , starting with African British actor David Oyelowo ’ s feature directorial debut , The Water Man .
The fantasy-adventure film will open the festival , now in its 24th year , on Wednesday , September 23 .
The movie chronicles the journey of a boy on a quest to save his sick mother by seeking out a mythical figure believed to have magical healing powers .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ panel conversation moderated by Ava DuVernay , featuring Oyelowo and the film ’ s stars , Rosario Dawson , Lonnie Chavis and Amiah Miller .
Singer Alice Smith will also deliver a musical performance .
Compelling conversations run throughout the rest of the festival , which will run through Sunday , September 27 .
On Thursday , Sept. 24 , Hulu ’ s Bad Hair , a horror satire about a young Black woman who unknowingly acquires a weave with a mind of its own , will screen .
Afterward , the film @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alongside Lena Waithe , Ella Lorraine and Kelly Rowland to discuss the movie .
Festival attendees can also expect to get a sneak peek at Candyman , the remake of the iconic horror film starring everyone ’ s imaginary fiancé , Yahyah Abdul-Mateen .
Director/co-writer Nia DaCosta and actors Teyonah Parris and Vanessa Williams will chat about the 1992 cult classic , and what audiences can expect from the new version , which is slated to hit theaters next year .
“ In an unimaginable year of change , we remain inspired by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevail in this brave new virtual world , ” said Gabrielle Glore , Festival Director and Head of Programming for Urbanworld Film Festival .
“ Powerful storytelling is now more important than ever and Urbanworld is proud to be a consistent platform that brings Black , Indigenous and people of color storytellers and audiences together from across the globe.
” Provocative dramas dominate as the festival continues on Saturday afternoon .
Peacock ’ s upcoming Noughts and Crosses series , based off a series of popular British young adult novels , will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ universe in which Africa colonized Europe , and journalist Isha Sesay will moderate a discussion about the controversial series with stars Masali Baduza and Paterson Joseph .
AMC will also highlight its marquee fall television series : Gangs of London , Soulmates , and The Walking Dead : World Beyond .
The Root ’ s Editor-in-chief Danielle Belton will moderate a conversation starring the series ’ cast and filmmakers , including Paapa Essiedu ( Gangs of London , I May Destroy You ) , Kingsley Ben-Adir ( Soulmates , High Fidelity ) and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World Beyond , Major Crimes ) .
Saturday night brings a screening of HBO Max ’ s Charm City Kings , a coming-of-age story around Baltimore ’ s renowned dirt bike community .
Multi-hyphenate talent Radha Blank will also discuss her Netflix film , The Forty-Year-Old Version , in which the NYC-based playwright reinvents herself as a rapper , with writer/director Robert Townsend .
The festival will welcome two familiar faces back on Sunday , its final day .
Filmmaker David E. Talbert , who won Best Dramatic Feature for A Woman Like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discuss his upcoming film , Jingle Jangle : A Christmas Journey with entertainment journalist Tre ’ vell Anderson .
Oyelowo also returns on Sunday afternoon with Come Away , a feature that imagines a world before Peter became Peter Pan , and before Alice tumbled into Wonderland .
The film stars Oyelowo and Angelina Jolie .
Alice actress Kiera Chansa will join Oyelowo in a conversation after the screening .
The Root is a media partner for Urbanworld Film Festival 2020 .
Visit urbanworld.org for more details .

Anne Branigin on The Grapevine, shared by Anne Branigin to The Root

Urbanworld Film Festival will be virtual this year—much like everything else—but it won’t lack for sizzle or star power. The film festival announced its much-anticipated 2020 lineup on Thursday, starting with African British actor David Oyelowo’s feature directorial debut, The Water Man.
The fantasy-adventure film will open the festival, now in its 24th year, on Wednesday, September 23. The movie chronicles the journey of a boy on a quest to save his sick mother by seeking out a mythical figure believed to have magical healing powers. The virtual screening will be followed by a panel conversation moderated by Ava DuVernay, featuring Oyelowo and the film’s stars, Rosario Dawson, Lonnie Chavis and Amiah Miller. Singer Alice Smith will also deliver a musical performance.
Advertisement
Compelling conversations run throughout the rest of the festival, which will run through Sunday, September 27. On Thursday, Sept. 24, Hulu’s Bad Hair, a horror satire about a young Black woman who unknowingly acquires a weave with a mind of its own, will screen. Afterward, the film’s writer/director Justin Simien will sit alongside Lena Waithe, Ella Lorraine and Kelly Rowland to discuss the movie.
Festival attendees can also expect to get a sneak peek at Candyman, the remake of the iconic horror film starring everyone’s imaginary fiancé, Yahyah Abdul-Mateen. Director/co-writer Nia DaCosta and actors Teyonah Parris and Vanessa Williams will chat about the 1992 cult classic, and what audiences can expect from the new version, which is slated to hit theaters next year.
Advertisement Advertisement
“In an unimaginable year of change, we remain inspired by the creativity, culture and community that prevail in this brave new virtual world,” said Gabrielle Glore, Festival Director and Head of Programming for Urbanworld Film Festival. “Powerful storytelling is now more important than ever and Urbanworld is proud to be a consistent platform that brings Black, Indigenous and people of color storytellers and audiences together from across the globe.”
Advertisement
Provocative dramas dominate as the festival continues on Saturday afternoon. Peacock’s upcoming Noughts and Crosses series, based off a series of popular British young adult novels, will be spotlighted. The show imagines an alternate universe in which Africa colonized Europe, and journalist Isha Sesay will moderate a discussion about the controversial series with stars Masali Baduza and Paterson Joseph.
AMC will also highlight its marquee fall television series: Gangs of London, Soulmates, and The Walking Dead: World Beyond. The Root’s Editor-in-chief Danielle Belton will moderate a conversation starring the series’ cast and filmmakers, including Paapa Essiedu (Gangs of London, I May Destroy You), Kingsley Ben-Adir (Soulmates, High Fidelity) and Aliyah Royale (The Walking Dead: World Beyond, Major Crimes).
Advertisement
Saturday night brings a screening of HBO Max’s Charm City Kings, a coming-of-age story around Baltimore’s renowned dirt bike community. Multi-hyphenate talent Radha Blank will also discuss her Netflix film, The Forty-Year-Old Version, in which the NYC-based playwright reinvents herself as a rapper, with writer/director Robert Townsend.
The festival will welcome two familiar faces back on Sunday, its final day. Filmmaker David E. Talbert, who won Best Dramatic Feature for A Woman Like That at Urbanworld in 1997, will discuss his upcoming film, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey with entertainment journalist Tre’vell Anderson.
Advertisement
Oyelowo also returns on Sunday afternoon with Come Away, a feature that imagines a world before Peter became Peter Pan, and before Alice tumbled into Wonderland. The film stars Oyelowo and Angelina Jolie. Alice actress Kiera Chansa will join Oyelowo in a conversation after the screening.
The Root is a media partner for Urbanworld Film Festival 2020. Visit urbanworld.org for more details.


theroot--2020-09-17--'Know That You Are Loved and Love': Amid Her Divorce Announcement, Lizzo Sent Cardi B a Congratulato

'Know That You Are Loved and Love': Amid Her Divorce Announcement, Lizzo Sent Cardi B a Congratulatory Bouquet

Fun fact : As I write this , Girlfriends is streaming in the background , making this entertainment tidbit particularly poignant ( and no doubt putting the theme song on a loop in your brain , as it ’ s now in mine ) .
According to People , Cardi B is getting some timely support from at least one of her girlfriends following the Tuesday announcement of her pending divorce from her husband , Offset .
Specifically , Cardi received a big bouquet of flowers from fellow entertainer Lizzo , prompting the “ Bodak Yellow ” rapper to express @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t Lizzo like the nicest person in the world ?
Look what she sent me !
” she said in a video as she showed off a gorgeous bouquet and note from the “ Cuz I Love You ” singer .
“ She is just a beautiful-ass person .
I just love her so much .
These are so pretty !
” No , the note didn ’ t ask “ Why men great ‘ til they got ta be great ?
” nor did Lizzo sign the note , “ Cuz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the note specifically congratulated Cardi “ on all [ her ] success this summer , ” no doubt referencing the runaway success of the single and video for “ WAP ” —in which Cardi recently revealed she ’ d hoped to feature the “ Juice ” rapper/singer .
But no doubt the gesture made Cardi feel “ good as hell ” amid what has seemingly been a protracted and often very public deterioration of her three-year marriage—which is not to say that the split is contentious .
On Wednesday , TMZ reported that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as initial reports indicated she requested legal custody and primary physical custody of the couple ’ s 2-year-old daughter Kulture , which may have conveyed more hostility than the raptress initially intended .
Sources connected to Cardi and with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Cardi did not know the lawyer was positioning her case this way .
We ’ re told she wants Offset to have joint custody of Kulture and is determined to have an amicable , co-parenting situation .
Our sources say Cardi is in touch with her lawyer and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her wishes .
Her divorce petition also says she wants child support .
Our sources say she does not want any support from Offset ... in the financial department , she ’ s the Bank of Cardi .
Neither artist has commented publicly on the pending divorce yet , sticking to promotional posts on their respective social media ( and sparing us much of the drama that accompanied their first split in late 2018 .
In fact , As of yesterday Offset had yet to respond to the divorce filing , simply posting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” on Instagram .
( But , real talk : Isn ’ t that how we got here in the first place ? )

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

Fun fact: As I write this, Girlfriends is streaming in the background, making this entertainment tidbit particularly poignant (and no doubt putting the theme song on a loop in your brain, as it’s now in mine). According to People, Cardi B is getting some timely support from at least one of her girlfriends following the Tuesday announcement of her pending divorce from her husband, Offset. Specifically, Cardi received a big bouquet of flowers from fellow entertainer Lizzo, prompting the “Bodak Yellow” rapper to express her gratitude via Instagram.
“Isn’t Lizzo like the nicest person in the world? Look what she sent me!” she said in a video as she showed off a gorgeous bouquet and note from the “Cuz I Love You” singer. “She is just a beautiful-ass person. I just love her so much. These are so pretty!”
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No, the note didn’t ask “Why men great ‘til they gotta be great?” nor did Lizzo sign the note, “Cuz I love you.” In fact, the note specifically congratulated Cardi “on all [her] success this summer,” no doubt referencing the runaway success of the single and video for “WAP”—in which Cardi recently revealed she’d hoped to feature the “Juice” rapper/singer. But no doubt the gesture made Cardi feel “good as hell” amid what has seemingly been a protracted and often very public deterioration of her three-year marriage—which is not to say that the split is contentious.
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On Wednesday, TMZ reported that Cardi requested her divorce docs be amended, as initial reports indicated she requested legal custody and primary physical custody of the couple’s 2-year-old daughter Kulture, which may have conveyed more hostility than the raptress initially intended.
Sources connected to Cardi and with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Cardi did not know the lawyer was positioning her case this way. We’re told she wants Offset to have joint custody of Kulture and is determined to have an amicable, co-parenting situation. Our sources say Cardi is in touch with her lawyer and the document will be amended to reflect her wishes. Her divorce petition also says she wants child support. Our sources say she does not want any support from Offset ... in the financial department, she’s the Bank of Cardi.
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Neither artist has commented publicly on the pending divorce yet, sticking to promotional posts on their respective social media (and sparing us much of the drama that accompanied their first split in late 2018. In fact, As of yesterday Offset had yet to respond to the divorce filing, simply posting “the grind don’t stop” on Instagram. (But, real talk: Isn’t that how we got here in the first place?)


theroot--2020-09-17--Sport an Apple Watch Series 5 for $100 Less

Named the best smartwatch by our sister site Gizmodo , the Apple Watch Series 5 improved on its predecessor by leaps and bounds .
It may sound like a contradiction to say a smartwatch ’ s battery life was extended at the same time it was treated to an always-on display , and yet the latest Apple Watch pulls off both feats with ease .
Over at Amazon , the GPS-only 44mm Rose Gold model is $ 100 off today .
Sadly , all other models sit at their MSRP , but if you don ’ t mind the color @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and size , this is a deal you should jump on .
In her review , Victoria Song wrote of the Apple Watch Series 5 : The Apple Watch is hands-down the best smartwatch out there .
There , I said it .
It ’ s a boring conclusion that is nevertheless the cold , hard truth .
You can prefer a round face , or a different operating system .
You can scream about better battery life and third-party watch faces until you die , purple-faced from asphyxiation .
The Series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s true even if this time around , most of the updates are small tweaks rather than game-changers .
This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey in June 2020 and updated by Quentyn Kennemer with new information on 9/17/2020 .

Gabe Carey and Quentyn Kennemer on Kinja Deals, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Apple Watch Series 5 (Rose Gold) | $329 | Amazon
Named the best smartwatch by our sister site Gizmodo, the Apple Watch Series 5 improved on its predecessor by leaps and bounds. It may sound like a contradiction to say a smartwatch’s battery life was extended at the same time it was treated to an always-on display, and yet the latest Apple Watch pulls off both feats with ease. Over at Amazon, the GPS-only 44mm Rose Gold model is $100 off today. Sadly, all other models sit at their MSRP, but if you don’t mind the color (the bands can be swapped out) and size, this is a deal you should jump on.
In her review, Victoria Song wrote of the Apple Watch Series 5:
The Apple Watch is hands-down the best smartwatch out there. There, I said it. It’s a boring conclusion that is nevertheless the cold, hard truth. You can prefer a round face, or a different operating system. You can scream about better battery life and third-party watch faces until you die, purple-faced from asphyxiation. The Series 5 still reigns king. That’s true even if this time around, most of the updates are small tweaks rather than game-changers.
This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey in June 2020 and updated by Quentyn Kennemer with new information on 9/17/2020.


theroot--2020-09-17--Black Man Told by Cop He ‘Looks Suspicious’ Because He’s Wearing an Expensive Watch

White people often think Black people are lying or grossly exaggerating when we tell them that even the simplest things make us look suspicious to police officers ( and white people in general , for that matter ) .
Go ahead and try to tell your un-woke white friend about all the times you ’ ve been racially profiled and watch them respond with an anecdote ( that ’ s probably fake AF ) about that one time they got singled out by police because they have long hair or tattoos or something like that .
They ’ ll ignore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be rocking a fresh fade and not have a visible tattoo on their bodies and still be profiled regularly—all it takes is our Blackness .
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump tweeted a video Wednesday that shows a Black man being approached by a white police officer who tells him flat out that he finds him suspicious because he has on an expensive watch .
The video isn ’ t shared with any added context .
We don ’ t know where this happened or the identities of either the officer or the man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a French accent and is carrying a ginormous gun as he approaches—can be heard telling the Black man that because his nice watch doesn ’ t look right with the Crocs he ’ s wearing , he felt the need to question him .
The clip starts shortly after the man was approached by an armed officer while sat inside a transport hub .
“ What is the problem ?
Why am I being approached ?
” the man is heard saying .
An officer says the man looks “ suspicious , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the man has a “ really nice watch ... but you ’ re wearing Crocs.
” The video shows the man was wearing gray sweatpants , black Crocs with pink socks and a gold watch on his wrist .
The man appears stunned at the officer ’ s reasoning , saying to the officer : “ Are you ... You ’ re deada** ... because I ’ m wearing Crocs and I have on a Michael Kors watch , that ’ s suspicious ?
” “ For me it is , ” the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he ’ s just doing his job , the man tells him : “ How though ?
I ’ m literally just sitting here , I ’ m not doing nothing .
I ’ m not doing nothing wrong .
I ’ m literally just sitting here ... and it ’ s suspicious because I have on Crocs , and I have a watch ?
” The officer continues , telling the man that the “ stuff you ’ re wearing doesn ’ t fit with one another.
” “ How does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then asks the officer .
“ That ’ s like me saying because you have on a uniform .
You got a watch .
That watch doesn ’ t fit your uniform .
So you look suspicious .
I mean think about it.
” The officer appears unmoved , saying : “ So is it a problem for you to just show us ... ” “ It is a problem and I definitely feel like I ’ m being profiled right now , ” the man replies .
“ I ’ m definitely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ definitely being ... did you hear a word that just came out your mouth ?
You literally just said that I look suspicious , because I have on my watch and a pair of Crocs .
I ’ m definitely being profiled ... and I ’ m literally not , I ’ m not bothering anybody.
” Since the video ends there , we can only hope that the Black man walked away from this encounter unarrested and unscathed .
The fact that an officer of the law—who is heavily armed and dressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to re-kill Osama bin Laden—is unabashedly telling anyone that his suspicion of him is based on superficial appearances and not actions might surprise some .
But for many Black people in America and across the diaspora , it isn ’ t shocking—it ’ s frustratingly familiar .
Imagine having to make sure that the device you use to tell time isn ’ t too nice and pricy looking before you leave your home lest you attract unwanted attention from law enforcement .
We can now add wearing a nice watch with not-so-nice shoes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever-growing list of things you can ’ t do while Black .

White people often think Black people are lying or grossly exaggerating when we tell them that even the simplest things make us look suspicious to police officers (and white people in general, for that matter). Go ahead and try to tell your un-woke white friend about all the times you’ve been racially profiled and watch them respond with an anecdote (that’s probably fake AF) about that one time they got singled out by police because they have long hair or tattoos or something like that. They’ll ignore the fact that a Black person can be rocking a fresh fade and not have a visible tattoo on their bodies and still be profiled regularly—all it takes is our Blackness.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump tweeted a video Wednesday that shows a Black man being approached by a white police officer who tells him flat out that he finds him suspicious because he has on an expensive watch. The video isn’t shared with any added context. We don’t know where this happened or the identities of either the officer or the man. The officer—who has what sounds like a French accent and is carrying a ginormous gun as he approaches—can be heard telling the Black man that because his nice watch doesn’t look right with the Crocs he’s wearing, he felt the need to question him.
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From Newsweek:
The clip starts shortly after the man was approached by an armed officer while sat inside a transport hub. “What is the problem? Why am I being approached?” the man is heard saying. An officer says the man looks “suspicious,” before explaining that it’s because the man has a “really nice watch... but you’re wearing Crocs.” The video shows the man was wearing gray sweatpants, black Crocs with pink socks and a gold watch on his wrist. The man appears stunned at the officer’s reasoning, saying to the officer: “Are you... You’re deada**... because I’m wearing Crocs and I have on a Michael Kors watch, that’s suspicious?” “For me it is,” the officer replies. When the officer adds that he’s just doing his job, the man tells him: “How though? I’m literally just sitting here, I’m not doing nothing. I’m not doing nothing wrong. I’m literally just sitting here...and it’s suspicious because I have on Crocs, and I have a watch?” The officer continues, telling the man that the “stuff you’re wearing doesn’t fit with one another.” “How does it not fit?” The man then asks the officer. “That’s like me saying because you have on a uniform. You got a watch. That watch doesn’t fit your uniform. So you look suspicious. I mean think about it.” The officer appears unmoved, saying: “So is it a problem for you to just show us...” “It is a problem and I definitely feel like I’m being profiled right now,” the man replies. “I’m definitely being profiled.” “You’re not,” the officer replies. “I’m definitely being... did you hear a word that just came out your mouth? You literally just said that I look suspicious, because I have on my watch and a pair of Crocs. I’m definitely being profiled... and I’m literally not, I’m not bothering anybody.”
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Since the video ends there, we can only hope that the Black man walked away from this encounter unarrested and unscathed.
The fact that an officer of the law—who is heavily armed and dressed like he’s on his way to re-kill Osama bin Laden—is unabashedly telling anyone that his suspicion of him is based on superficial appearances and not actions might surprise some. But for many Black people in America and across the diaspora, it isn’t shocking—it’s frustratingly familiar. Imagine having to make sure that the device you use to tell time isn’t too nice and pricy looking before you leave your home lest you attract unwanted attention from law enforcement.
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We can now add wearing a nice watch with not-so-nice shoes while minding our own business to the ever-growing list of things you can’t do while Black.


theroot--2020-09-17--Chris Rock Shrugs Off Jimmy Fallon Blackface Skit on SNL: 'Jimmy’s a Great Guy and He Didn’t Mean An

Chris Rock Shrugs Off Jimmy Fallon Blackface Skit on SNL: 'Jimmy’s a Great Guy and He Didn’t Mean Anything'

Everybody may not hate Chris , but we certainly wouldn ’ t blame you for side-eyeing him .
The 55-year-old comedian , who has been promoting his starring turn on the fourth season of Fargo , was recently asked by the New York Times to discuss his feelings about Jimmy Fallon impersonating Rock in blackface on an episode of SNL that aired in 2000 .
The clip resurfaced in late May , with Fallon publicly apologizing for the skit and saying there was “ no excuse ” for the “ unquestionably offensive decision.
” “ I ’ m friends with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guy .
And he didn ’ t mean anything , ” Rock told the Times .
“ A lot of people want to say intention doesn ’ t matter , but it does .
And I don ’ t think Jimmy Fallon intended to hurt me .
And he didn ’ t. ” When asked a follow-up question about whether he thinks the push to expunge blackface from movies and tv shows has gone “ too far , ” Rock appeared to get a bit defensive .
“ If I say they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m the worst guy in the world .
There ’ s literally one answer that ends my whole career , ” Rock said .
“ Blackface ain ’ t cool , OK ?
That ’ s my quote .
Blackface is bad .
Who needs it ?
It ’ s so sad , we live in a world now where you have to say , I am so against cancer .
‘ I just assumed you liked cancer.
’ No , no , no , I am so against it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ things you ’ re against.
” It ’ s a tough answer to square with Rock suggesting that intent matters when it comes to blackface mere moments before—specifically , an intention to hurt the person you are portraying .
You don ’ t have to be a race scholar—or a multimillionaire comedian who ’ s buttered his bread-making jokes about how racism works—to know that many of the nonwhite people who perform blackface don ’ t do it because they intend to harm a specific person .
For them , it is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , many of whom are happy to give a pass because they know the offender doesn ’ t mean any harm .
It is strange for that to elide Rock even a little bit , particularly considering he has built a career on his incisive commentary on race .
But here , Rock may have a blind eye for white men who get a bit too familiar .
Many still recall his cringey 2011 conversation with Louis C.K .
and Ricky Gervais in which Rock called C.K .
“ the blackest white guy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the negative things we think about Black people , this fucker— ” Rock continued .
“ You are the n*****est fucking white men I have ever [ met ] ” Rock responds .
The conversation appeared on the 2011 HBO special Talking Funny and later resurfaced in 2018 .
Rock caught hell for the exchange , which had Gervais rolling over in laughter and Jerry Seinfeld , visibly uncomfortable , interrupting the exchange ( at least 1/4th of that room had some damn sense ) .
“ You found the humor of it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about his use of the racial slur .
“ I haven ’ t found it , nor do I seek it.
” Rock was criticized for seemingly giving C.K.
, who directed him in the 2001 movie , Pootie Tang , a pass .
For what it ’ s worth , Rock had more interesting and informed things to say in the rest of the Times interview , including noting that mainstream narratives of racial progress are usually framed to satiate white people .
“ [ Racism is ] not going away .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ becoming the president , it ’ s progress for white people .
It ’ s not progress for Black people , ” he said .
“ It ’ s the Jackie Robinson thing .
It ’ s written like he broke a barrier , as if there weren ’ t Black people that could play before him .
And that ’ s how white people have learned about racism .
They think , when these people work hard enough , they ’ ll be like Jackie .
And the real narrative should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , are being abused by a group of people that are mentally handicapped .
And we ’ re trying to get them past their mental handicaps to see that all people are equal.
” Whether Rock is willing to personally check the white folks in his circle for crossing those moral and ethical boundaries around race , however , is still unclear .

Everybody may not hate Chris, but we certainly wouldn’t blame you for side-eyeing him.
The 55-year-old comedian, who has been promoting his starring turn on the fourth season of Fargo, was recently asked by the New York Times to discuss his feelings about Jimmy Fallon impersonating Rock in blackface on an episode of SNL that aired in 2000.
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The clip resurfaced in late May, with Fallon publicly apologizing for the skit and saying there was “no excuse” for the “unquestionably offensive decision.”
Rock, a fellow SNL alum, shrugged it off.
“I’m friends with Jimmy. Jimmy’s a great guy. And he didn’t mean anything,” Rock told the Times. “A lot of people want to say intention doesn’t matter, but it does. And I don’t think Jimmy Fallon intended to hurt me. And he didn’t.”
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When asked a follow-up question about whether he thinks the push to expunge blackface from movies and tv shows has gone “too far,” Rock appeared to get a bit defensive.
“If I say they are [going too far], then I’m the worst guy in the world. There’s literally one answer that ends my whole career,” Rock said. “Blackface ain’t cool, OK? That’s my quote. Blackface is bad. Who needs it? It’s so sad, we live in a world now where you have to say, I am so against cancer. ‘I just assumed you liked cancer.’ No, no, no, I am so against it. You have to state so many obvious things you’re against.”
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It’s a tough answer to square with Rock suggesting that intent matters when it comes to blackface mere moments before—specifically, an intention to hurt the person you are portraying. You don’t have to be a race scholar—or a multimillionaire comedian who’s buttered his bread-making jokes about how racism works—to know that many of the nonwhite people who perform blackface don’t do it because they intend to harm a specific person. For them, it is a costume, a joke shared among friends, many of whom are happy to give a pass because they know the offender doesn’t mean any harm.
It is strange for that to elide Rock even a little bit, particularly considering he has built a career on his incisive commentary on race. But here, Rock may have a blind eye for white men who get a bit too familiar. Many still recall his cringey 2011 conversation with Louis C.K. and Ricky Gervais in which Rock called C.K. “the blackest white guy I fucking know.”
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“And all the negative things we think about Black people, this fucker—” Rock continued.
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“You’re saying I’m a n*****?” C.K. interrupted.
“You are the n*****est fucking white men I have ever [met]” Rock responds.
The conversation appeared on the 2011 HBO special Talking Funny and later resurfaced in 2018.
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Rock caught hell for the exchange, which had Gervais rolling over in laughter and Jerry Seinfeld, visibly uncomfortable, interrupting the exchange (at least 1/4th of that room had some damn sense).
“You found the humor of it,” Seinfield later tells C.K. about his use of the racial slur. “I haven’t found it, nor do I seek it.”
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Rock was criticized for seemingly giving C.K., who directed him in the 2001 movie, Pootie Tang, a pass.
For what it’s worth, Rock had more interesting and informed things to say in the rest of the Times interview, including noting that mainstream narratives of racial progress are usually framed to satiate white people.
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“[Racism is] not going away. I said this before, but Obama becoming the president, it’s progress for white people. It’s not progress for Black people,” he said. “It’s the Jackie Robinson thing. It’s written like he broke a barrier, as if there weren’t Black people that could play before him. And that’s how white people have learned about racism. They think, when these people work hard enough, they’ll be like Jackie. And the real narrative should be that these people, the Black people, are being abused by a group of people that are mentally handicapped. And we’re trying to get them past their mental handicaps to see that all people are equal.”
Whether Rock is willing to personally check the white folks in his circle for crossing those moral and ethical boundaries around race, however, is still unclear.


Are These Timberlands?

Yes , technically .
But they ’ re not Timbs .

Damon Young on Very Smart Brothas, shared by Damon Young to The Root

The Upshaws Are Back & So Is Tracy Morgan On The Stand Up Mic: TV Picks Of The Week
Friday 1:34PM


theroot--2020-09-17--This Workout Bench Folds for Easy Storage and It's 27% off, Today Only

A simple workout bench can add a lot of possibilities for your workout routine .
At Amazon , Finer Form @ @ @ @ @ down to $ 110 , a steep drop of about $ 40 .
The bench @ @ @ @ @ coated with a scratch-resistant material , and it ’ s sturdy enough to support 1,0000 @ @ @ @ @ all that metal is a three-inch-thick cus hion .
The thing I love most , @ @ @ @ @ legs , contributing to compactness and ease of storage .
It also comes assembled in @ @ @

Quentyn Kennemer on Kinja Deals, shared by Jordan McMahon to The Root

Finer Form Workout Bench | $9 0 | Woot
A simple workout bench can add a lot of possibilities for your workout routine. At Woot , Finer Form’s gym bench is down to $9 0, a steep drop of $5 0 from the list price . The bench is made of steel and coated with a scratch-resistant material, and it’s sturdy enough to support 1,0000 pounds of weight. Topping all that metal is a three-inch-thick cushion. The thing I love most, though, is its folding legs, contributing to compactness and ease of storage. It also comes assembled in the box. This deal lasts for today only and Amazon Prime members get free shipping from Woot.
This story was originally published by Quentyn Kennemer on 09/17/2020 and updated by Andrew Hayward with new information on 03/26/2021.


theroot--2020-09-17--Attorney General Bill Barr Has Lost His Damn Mind

When Trump appointed Bill Barr to be his attorney general , it was clear that Trump wanted a hitman to do his dirty work .
He ’ d already burned through Jeff Sessions for recusing himself from the Russia investigation , as Trump believed it was Sessions ’ job to insulate and protect him from that inquiry .
So it was clear from the time that Barr , aka “ Evil John Goodman ” took the appointment that he was on some fuckshit .
But lately , it seems that Barr , who once ordered authorities to clear a group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold a Bible and prove that he ’ s not the antichrist ( he ’ s totally the antichrist as he held the Bible upside down ) , has been activated .
Bigly .
In a call last week with federal prosecutors , Barr recommended that they consider charging rioters and those who committed violent crimes during protests with sedition .
Which , for those like myself who don ’ t know what the fuck “ sedition ” means , is basically to charge them with trying to overthrow the government because Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ henchman .
Not only is it highly unusual to charge protesters with “ insurrection against lawful authority ” but some U.S. attorneys were alarmed that the option was even on the table and afraid to speak on the record for fear of retribution , according to the New York Times .
From the New York Times : The attorney general has also asked prosecutors in the Justice Department ’ s civil rights division to explore whether they could bring criminal charges against Mayor Jenny Durkan of Seattle for allowing some residents to establish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s downtown for weeks this summer , according to two people briefed on those discussions .
Late Wednesday , a department spokesman said that Mr. Barr did not direct the civil rights division to explore this idea .
The directives are in keeping with Mr. Barr ’ s approach to prosecute crimes as aggressively as possible in cities where protests have given way to violence .
But in suggesting possible prosecution of Ms. Durkan , a Democrat , Mr. Barr also took aim at an elected official whom President Trump has repeatedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and enforce the law is an executive function altogether , ” Barr said during a speech in Washington celebrating the Constitution .
“ That means discretion is invested in the executive to determine when to exercise the prosecutorial power.
” This means he can do whatever the fuck he wants—and he will because he ’ s taken the job under the pretense that he will carry out the most damning punishments against all who go against the queen .
Or as Larissa put it in 90 Day Fiancé : And all of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his piehole and outright endorse the president for a second term , which is fucking ridiculous .
During an interview with the Chicago Tribune , Barr claimed that the nation could find itself “ irrevocably committed to the socialist path ” if Trump loses and that the country faces “ a clear fork in the road.
” If there was a fork in the road , Barr would pick it up and use it to eat something off his high chair at Trump ’ s dining table .
Barr has completely politicized the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Justice Department as a whole , adding another big-ass tire onto the small truck that is the Trump administration .
And , get this shit : On Wednesday , Evil John Goodman-head-ass called the demands for a nationwide lockdown to prevent the spread of the coronavirus the “ greatest intrusion on civil liberties ” in history “ other than slavery , ” CNN reports .
What the fuck did he just say ?
Apparently , during a talk at a Constitution Day celebration hosted by Hillsdale College , Roseanne ’ s brother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hurdles for forbidding a church from meeting during Covid-19.
” This launched evil Fred Flintstone into a four-minute diatribe in which he also claimed that Justice Department prosecutors working beneath him were acting like preschoolers and governors were using executive powers to keep people in the house and businesses from opening .
“ You know , putting a national lockdown , stay-at-home orders is like house arrest .
Other than slavery , which was a different kind of restraint , this is the greatest intrusion on civil liberties in American history , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came from the crowd .
Yes , because I can ’ t tell you how many times my little cousin who was on house arrest felt like he was being enslaved .
He was also 14 and not the attorney general of the United States .
And for good measure , he took a shit all over Black Lives Matter because why not , amirite ?
Barr claimed that the Movement for Black Lives is using the death of black lives by law enforcement as “ props ” to push a political agenda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can quarrel with the proposition ‘ Black lives matter ’ ?
But they ’ re not interested in Black lives , they ’ re interested in props .
A small number of Blacks that are killed by police during conflict with police , usually less than a dozen a year who they can use as props to achieve a much broader political agenda , ” CBS News reports .
But , what scares me most is that Barr is becoming this unhinged with less than fifty days before voting takes place .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or not it was illegal for a Trump supporter to vote twice for Trump and pushed a fanciful tale of how mail-in voting can be corrupted without any proof .
I don ’ t expect anything to go smoothly on voting day , and you know who ’ s responsible for protecting America ’ s right to vote ?
The Department of Justice run by Evil John Goodman .

When Trump appointed Bill Barr to be his attorney general, it was clear that Trump wanted a hitman to do his dirty work. He’d already burned through Jeff Sessions for recusing himself from the Russia investigation, as Trump believed it was Sessions’ job to insulate and protect him from that inquiry.
So it was clear from the time that Barr, aka “Evil John Goodman” took the appointment that he was on some fuckshit. But lately, it seems that Barr, who once ordered authorities to clear a group of peaceful protesters so the president could hold a Bible and prove that he’s not the antichrist (he’s totally the antichrist as he held the Bible upside down), has been activated. Bigly.
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In a call last week with federal prosecutors, Barr recommended that they consider charging rioters and those who committed violent crimes during protests with sedition. Which, for those like myself who don’t know what the fuck “sedition” means, is basically to charge them with trying to overthrow the government because Trump is a dicktator and Barr is his henchman.
Not only is it highly unusual to charge protesters with “insurrection against lawful authority” but some U.S. attorneys were alarmed that the option was even on the table and afraid to speak on the record for fear of retribution, according to the New York Times.
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From the New York Times:
The attorney general has also asked prosecutors in the Justice Department’s civil rights division to explore whether they could bring criminal charges against Mayor Jenny Durkan of Seattle for allowing some residents to establish a police-free protest zone near the city’s downtown for weeks this summer, according to two people briefed on those discussions. Late Wednesday, a department spokesman said that Mr. Barr did not direct the civil rights division to explore this idea. The directives are in keeping with Mr. Barr’s approach to prosecute crimes as aggressively as possible in cities where protests have given way to violence. But in suggesting possible prosecution of Ms. Durkan, a Democrat, Mr. Barr also took aim at an elected official whom President Trump has repeatedly attacked.
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“The power to execute and enforce the law is an executive function altogether,” Barr said during a speech in Washington celebrating the Constitution. “That means discretion is invested in the executive to determine when to exercise the prosecutorial power.”
This means he can do whatever the fuck he wants—and he will because he’s taken the job under the pretense that he will carry out the most damning punishments against all who go against the queen.
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Or as Larissa put it in 90 Day Fiancé:
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And all of this came after Bill Barr decided to open his piehole and outright endorse the president for a second term, which is fucking ridiculous. During an interview with the Chicago Tribune, Barr claimed that the nation could find itself “irrevocably committed to the socialist path” if Trump loses and that the country faces “a clear fork in the road.”
If there was a fork in the road, Barr would pick it up and use it to eat something off his high chair at Trump’s dining table. Barr has completely politicized the office of the US Attorney General and the Justice Department as a whole, adding another big-ass tire onto the small truck that is the Trump administration.
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And, get this shit: On Wednesday, Evil John Goodman-head-ass called the demands for a nationwide lockdown to prevent the spread of the coronavirus the “greatest intrusion on civil liberties” in history “other than slavery,” CNN reports.
Ummm, huh?
What the fuck did he just say?
Apparently, during a talk at a Constitution Day celebration hosted by Hillsdale College, Roseanne’s brother was asked to explain the “constitutional hurdles for forbidding a church from meeting during Covid-19.”
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This launched evil Fred Flintstone into a four-minute diatribe in which he also claimed that Justice Department prosecutors working beneath him were acting like preschoolers and governors were using executive powers to keep people in the house and businesses from opening.
“You know, putting a national lockdown, stay-at-home orders is like house arrest. Other than slavery, which was a different kind of restraint, this is the greatest intrusion on civil liberties in American history,” Barr said as a round of applause came from the crowd.
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Yes, because I can’t tell you how many times my little cousin who was on house arrest felt like he was being enslaved. He was also 14 and not the attorney general of the United States.
And for good measure, he took a shit all over Black Lives Matter because why not, amirite?
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Barr claimed that the Movement for Black Lives is using the death of black lives by law enforcement as “props” to push a political agenda.
“As a proposition, who can quarrel with the proposition ‘Black lives matter’? But they’re not interested in Black lives, they’re interested in props. A small number of Blacks that are killed by police during conflict with police, usually less than a dozen a year who they can use as props to achieve a much broader political agenda,” CBS News reports.
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But, what scares me most is that Barr is becoming this unhinged with less than fifty days before voting takes place. He’s already played dumb on whether or not it was illegal for a Trump supporter to vote twice for Trump and pushed a fanciful tale of how mail-in voting can be corrupted without any proof.
I don’t expect anything to go smoothly on voting day, and you know who’s responsible for protecting America’s right to vote? The Department of Justice run by Evil John Goodman.


theroot--2020-09-17--Sony Did What it Had to Do With the PS5 Price Reveal

It was all good just a week ago .
Xbox revealed the existence of the Xbox Series S as well as how much its two new consoles would cost .
The $ 299/ $ 499 price points for the Series S and X respectively , turned heads , with many predicting Sony was going to make the same mistake it made with the PS3 and release an overpriced system .
Instead , Sony came through and did what it had to do .
Let ’ s get the important part out of the way first : The Playstation 5 releases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the all-digital version and $ 499 for the standard edition .
This is a solid price point , with the $ 499 standard edition costing just as much as the Xbox Series X .
While the digital PS5 is more expensive than the Xbox Series S , it also is more fully-featured , which , in my opinion , makes it a fair price .
So , with that out the way , allow me to break down what was good , what was bad , and what was simply lacking from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone with the low price of the Series S , Sony came through with what ultimately matters most : games .
The showcase started with a bang , unveiling Final Fantasy XVI , which will be a console exclusive for PS5 .
Given that my official title at The Root is “ Executive Final Fantasy Stan , ” you could imagine ya ’ boy was a little bit excited .
The game is being developed by *checks notes* Creative Business Unit III , the folks behind Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy XIV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are MMORPG ’ s ( Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games ) , it wouldn ’ t be shocking if it turns out Final Fantasy XVI doesn ’ t have a single-player focus .
The graphics looked impressive , showcasing large-scale battle scenes with soldiers waging war while mounted upon chocobos .
The game boasts a dark fantasy setting , with two factions clearly engaged in a bitter war with one another .
Mystical beasts emerge , vows of vengeance are made , and somehow I wound up owing Square-Enix 60 bucks .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fingers crossed we don ’ t have to wait too long for this one .
The showcase then went on to show gameplay from Spider-Man : Miles Morales .
The display opened with Miles on his way to a rally for his mom , who is now running for city council .
I was excited to see what looked like Miles ’ best friend , Ganke , show up , given his absence in Spider-Man : Enter the Spider-Verse .
The Underground , an organization led by The Tinkerer and the ( probably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ antagonists in the game .
The game shows Miles interfering with a bridge heist The Underground is conducting on some Roxon trucks .
A fight inevitably breaks out and the gameplay shows Miles going toe-to-toe with some of the Tinkerer ’ s minions .
Miles is insanely agile and his electric venom strike ability looks to play a large role in combat , with a particularly impressive moment showing Miles venom-striking the ground , resulting in the group of minions being launched in the air .
Any concerns that this game would skimp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a spin-off than a full-fledged sequel were laid to rest , as what starts as a simple fight on the bridge results in the whole thing starting to collapse , with Miles scrambling to save the people trapped on it .
In a moment that calls back to Spider-Man : Homecoming , Miles begins to web two pieces of the bridge together and then pulls them together with webs in both hands .
It was a fun showcase for what is sure to be the premier launch title for the console this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , y ’ all .
An innovative game mechanic , interesting art style and intriguing world-building all combine into something that I classify as “ Extremely My Shit.
” With Prey and Dishonored , Arkane has displayed an incredibly inspired approach to game design and Deathloop doesn ’ t look any different .
If for some reason you like getting your ass beat , then have I got a launch game for you .
The upcoming remake of Demon ’ s Souls , the cult classic PS3 game by From Software , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game was the precursor to the Dark Souls series and the gameplay looks to have that same strange pacing and punishing difficulty .
The folks at Bluepoint Games are getting way too good at making classic games look completely new .
Lastly is the reveal of the Playstation Plus Collection .
The big selling point behind the Xbox Series X is Game Pass and Smart Delivery .
While the Xbox doesn ’ t have any heavy hitters at launch , it does offer 100 games optimized for the system at launch .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ version of old things until the real ones show up .
Playstation Plus Collection , on the other hand , is showing up with the real ones .
While it may not boast the quantity of Game Pass , it does offer some quality-ass titles .
I ’ m talking about God of War , Uncharted 4 , and Persona 5 , games I actually want to play the best versions of .
100 games is great but , let ’ s keep it a buck : How many Xbox One exclusives are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like that ?
Got ta give a big OOF to the reveal of Hogwarts Legacy .
Considering how badly Harry Potter creator J.K Rowling has shown her transphobic ass this week , this was not the best time to reveal this game .
It looks well enough , and the folks at Avalanche are behind Mad Max , which was one of my sleeper faves this generation .
I loved the Harry Potter series as a kid but I wouldn ’ t consider myself a die-hard fan .
It ’ s a good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its trash-ass creator , it kind of felt lacking .
The idea of creating your own adventure at Hogwarts is cool , but I wonder how much mileage the Bully but in Hogwarts concept really has .
The Devil May Cry 5 : Special Edition trailer was very underwhelming .
It didn ’ t showcase any new features nor look any better than it did when it was released last year .
I really enjoyed the game but I don ’ t think anyone is buying a PS5 to play a same-ass version @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
I also don ’ t really know why Oddworld was there .
A formal poll I conducted with a study group called “ the homies ” found that all of us just remember Oddworld as “ that game with the weird-ass commercials.
” True to form , Oddworld came through with a weird-ass commercial .
Information !
Sorry to startle you , but the lack of hard information was glaring .
While it ’ s great to see those good games , I would ’ ve liked some more hard-ass facts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Get some Playstation exec on deck to be like “ Ay yo !
PS5 Digital got hella memory , hella power , and it ’ s a hundred dollars cheaper , b.
” *throws up the Playstation equivalent of The Roc* I know my hypothetical executive isn ’ t entirely accurate but you get what I ’ m saying .
The PS5 Digital is enticing .
It ’ s priced right in between the Xbox Series S and the PS5 w/disc drive , which suggests it ’ s just as powerful as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still unclear what the internal memory is for the PS5 Digital .
Games are getting , just , stupid big these days ( seriously , is each bullet a gigabyte in Call of Duty ) , so the PS5 digital might be less a smart buy if it comes with a lacking amount of memory .
Also , too much information was revealed after the conference on Twitter through various sources .
The fact that Geoff Keighley was better than Sony at breaking down what was coming out when is not great .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the way Sony has handled preorders .
Xbox did a far better job of this , announcing a concrete date when people would be able to preorder a console .
Sony was vague in its messaging and going through Twitter last night increasingly revealed a disorganized preorder rollout that varied from retailer to retailer .
While preorders weren ’ t supposed to go live until Sept. 17 , many retailers instead opted to begin taking them early .
Hopefully , as we get closer towards the console ’ s release we ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there ’ s another , better-managed round of preorders .
Overall though , this was a solid showcase .
With a focus on quality games , interesting new services and , most importantly , the reveal of a competitive price , Sony turned this into one of the most interesting console launches in recent memory .

It was all good just a week ago. Xbox revealed the existence of the Xbox Series S as well as how much its two new consoles would cost. The $299/$499 price points for the Series S and X respectively, turned heads, with many predicting Sony was going to make the same mistake it made with the PS3 and release an overpriced system.
Instead, Sony came through and did what it had to do.
Let’s get the important part out of the way first: The Playstation 5 releases on Nov. 12 for $399 for the all-digital version and $499 for the standard edition. This is a solid price point, with the $499 standard edition costing just as much as the Xbox Series X. While the digital PS5 is more expensive than the Xbox Series S, it also is more fully-featured , which, in my opinion, makes it a fair price.
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So, with that out the way, allow me to break down what was good, what was bad, and what was simply lacking from the PS5 price reveal.
The Good:
While Microsoft wowed everyone with the low price of the Series S, Sony came through with what ultimately matters most: games.
Advertisement Advertisement
The showcase started with a bang, unveiling Final Fantasy XVI, which will be a console exclusive for PS5. Given that my official title at The Root is “Executive Final Fantasy Stan,” you could imagine ya’ boy was a little bit excited.
The game is being developed by *checks notes* Creative Business Unit III, the folks behind Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy XIV. Given that both of those games are MMORPG’s(Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games), it wouldn’t be shocking if it turns out Final Fantasy XVI doesn’t have a single-player focus.
Advertisement
The graphics looked impressive, showcasing large-scale battle scenes with soldiers waging war while mounted upon chocobos. The game boasts a dark fantasy setting, with two factions clearly engaged in a bitter war with one another. Mystical beasts emerge, vows of vengeance are made, and somehow I wound up owing Square-Enix 60 bucks. It was a surprisingly long look, so fingers crossed we don’t have to wait too long for this one.
The showcase then went on to show gameplay from Spider-Man: Miles Morales. The display opened with Miles on his way to a rally for his mom, who is now running for city council. I was excited to see what looked like Miles’ best friend, Ganke, show up, given his absence in Spider-Man: Enter the Spider-Verse.
Advertisement
The Underground, an organization led by The Tinkerer and the (probably evil) corporation Roxon are the primary antagonists in the game. The game shows Miles interfering with a bridge heist The Underground is conducting on some Roxon trucks. A fight inevitably breaks out and the gameplay shows Miles going toe-to-toe with some of the Tinkerer’s minions. Miles is insanely agile and his electric venom strike ability looks to play a large role in combat, with a particularly impressive moment showing Miles venom-striking the ground, resulting in the group of minions being launched in the air.
Any concerns that this game would skimp on spectacle due to it being more of a spin-off than a full-fledged sequel were laid to rest, as what starts as a simple fight on the bridge results in the whole thing starting to collapse, with Miles scrambling to save the people trapped on it. In a moment that calls back to Spider-Man: Homecoming, Miles begins to web two pieces of the bridge together and then pulls them together with webs in both hands.
Advertisement
It was a fun showcase for what is sure to be the premier launch title for the console this Fall.
Deathloop looks sick as fuck, y’all. An innovative game mechanic, interesting art style and intriguing world-building all combine into something that I classify as “Extremely My Shit.” With Prey and Dishonored, Arkane has displayed an incredibly inspired approach to game design and Deathloop doesn’t look any different.
Advertisement
If for some reason you like getting your ass beat, then have I got a launch game for you. The upcoming remake of Demon’s Souls, the cult classic PS3 game by From Software, was given a prolonged gameplay showcase. The game was the precursor to the Dark Souls series and the gameplay looks to have that same strange pacing and punishing difficulty. The folks at Bluepoint Games are getting way too good at making classic games look completely new.
Lastly is the reveal of the Playstation Plus Collection. The big selling point behind the Xbox Series X is Game Pass and Smart Delivery. While the Xbox doesn’t have any heavy hitters at launch, it does offer 100 games optimized for the system at launch. The idea being you can play the best version of old things until the real ones show up.
Advertisement
Playstation Plus Collection, on the other hand, is showing up with the real ones. While it may not boast the quantity of Game Pass, it does offer some quality-ass titles. I’m talking about God of War, Uncharted 4, and Persona 5, games I actually want to play the best versions of.
100 games is great but, let’s keep it a buck: How many Xbox One exclusives are you really trying to go back to like that?
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The Bad:
Gotta give a big OOF to the reveal of Hogwarts Legacy. Considering how badly Harry Potter creator J.K Rowling has shown her transphobic ass this week, this was not the best time to reveal this game. It looks well enough, and the folks at Avalanche are behind Mad Max, which was one of my sleeper faves this generation.
Advertisement
I loved the Harry Potter series as a kid but I wouldn’t consider myself a die-hard fan. It’s a good enough-looking game but, outside of just its trash-ass creator, it kind of felt lacking. The idea of creating your own adventure at Hogwarts is cool, but I wonder how much mileage the Bully but in Hogwarts concept really has.
The Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition trailer was very underwhelming. It didn’t showcase any new features nor look any better than it did when it was released last year. I really enjoyed the game but I don’t think anyone is buying a PS5 to play a same-ass version of a game that came out last year.
Advertisement
I also don’t really know why Oddworld was there. A formal poll I conducted with a study group called “the homies” found that all of us just remember Oddworld as “that game with the weird-ass commercials.” True to form, Oddworld came through with a weird-ass commercial.
Never change Oddworld, never change.
The Lacking:
Information! Sorry to startle you, but the lack of hard information was glaring. While it’s great to see those good games, I would’ve liked some more hard-ass facts about what’s inside the system.
Advertisement
Get some Playstation exec on deck to be like “Ay yo! PS5 Digital got hella memory, hella power, and it’s a hundred dollars cheaper, b.”
*throws up the Playstation equivalent of The Roc*
I know my hypothetical executive isn’t entirely accurate but you get what I’m saying.
Advertisement
The PS5 Digital is enticing. It’s priced right in between the Xbox Series S and the PS5 w/disc drive, which suggests it’s just as powerful as its sister console. It’s still unclear what the internal memory is for the PS5 Digital. Games are getting, just, stupid big these days (seriously, is each bullet a gigabyte in Call of Duty), so the PS5 digital might be less a smart buy if it comes with a lacking amount of memory.
Also, too much information was revealed after the conference on Twitter through various sources. The fact that Geoff Keighley was better than Sony at breaking down what was coming out when is not great.
Advertisement
This lack of information also extends to the way Sony has handled preorders. Xbox did a far better job of this, announcing a concrete date when people would be able to preorder a console. Sony was vague in its messaging and going through Twitter last night increasingly revealed a disorganized preorder rollout that varied from retailer to retailer. While preorders weren’t supposed to go live until Sept. 17, many retailers instead opted to begin taking them early.
Hopefully, as we get closer towards the console’s release we’ll learn more about how they operate and there’s another, better-managed round of preorders.
Advertisement
Overall though, this was a solid showcase. With a focus on quality games, interesting new services and, most importantly, the reveal of a competitive price, Sony turned this into one of the most interesting console launches in recent memory.


theroot--2020-09-17--Salt Lake City Cop Charged With Assault After Ordering His Dog to Attack Kneeling Black Man Complyin

Salt Lake City Cop Charged With Assault After Ordering His Dog to Attack Kneeling Black Man Complying With Arrest

A Salt Lake City cop who sicced his K-9 on a Black man complying with his orders has been charged with assault , one month after body camera footage of the arrest was published by a local newspaper .
Nickolas Pearce , 39 , faces one count of aggravated assault , which is a second-degree felony charge , reports BuzzFeed News .
The charge comes nearly five months after Pearce set his K-9 on Jeffrey Ryans , who has needed multiple surgery procedures and sustained “ prolonged loss of use ” of his left leg , according to court documents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his backyard in the early hours of April 24 , when police approached him on the other side of his fence , inquiring how to access his yard .
Ryans complied with the officers ’ orders : instructing Pearce and another officer how to get inside the gate .
The Washington Post , which received additional body camera footage , reports that Ryans stayed next to the fence and continued speaking with another officer , per their orders .
When Officer Pearce turns the corner and approaches Ryans , however , he immediately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him .
“ Get on the ground or you ’ re gon na get bit , ” Pearce yells .
Ryans begins kneeling , one hand on the fence , another raised in the air .
He is crouching on the ground when Pearce orders his K-9 to “ hit ” —meaning bite—Ryans anyway .
The K-9 immediately seizes upon Ryans , who begins writhing in pain and collapses to the ground .
“ I ’ m on the ground , I ’ m on the ground .
Why are you biting me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continues to order the K-9 to “ hit , ” and the dog continues to tear into Ryans ’ flesh .
As a second officer begins handcuffing Ryans , the dog keeps a tight grip on his leg .
The dog keeps its hold on Ryans ’ leg for a minute until Pearce finally orders the K-9 off .
The officers were there to respond to a domestic call—Ryans ’ daughter had called the police to report her father had been in a verbal and physical fight with her mother , who had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Salt Lake City Tribune .
An investigation by Salt Lake City ’ s Civilian Review Board found that Ryans misunderstood the order and thought it had been lifted .
His wife had also allowed him into the home .
The Post , citing a report from the Civilian Review Board , reports that senior police officials didn ’ t learn about the arrest—and how it landed Ryans in the hospital—until he filed a lawsuit against the department last month : [ D ] espite the department ’ s policy for reporting such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his supervisors or contact the internal affairs department .
The lieutenant has since retired , which the report says is unrelated to this case .
“ The failure of the lieutenant to report this incident up the chain is disturbing and unacceptable , ” the Civilian Review Board report said .
The Civilian Review Board also admonished Pearce and his fellow officer for ordering the dog to attack Ryans .
“ It seems that many lesser use of force options were available to the two officers , ” the report said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lake City District Attorney Sim Gill ( D ) .
“ [ Ryans ] certainly wasn ’ t posing an imminent threat of violence or harm to anyone and he certainly wasn ’ t concealed , ” Gill told the Tribune .
“ He was fenced in an area and was being compliant.
” Gill ’ s comments echoed Ryans ’ own remarks to the newspaper .
“ I wasn ’ t running , ” he said .
“ I wasn ’ t fighting .
I was just cooperating .
We ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen this .
Always cooperate with the police , no matter what .
”

A Salt Lake City cop who sicced his K-9 on a Black man complying with his orders has been charged with assault, one month after body camera footage of the arrest was published by a local newspaper.
Nickolas Pearce, 39, faces one count of aggravated assault, which is a second-degree felony charge, reports BuzzFeed News.
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The charge comes nearly five months after Pearce set his K-9 on Jeffrey Ryans, who has needed multiple surgery procedures and sustained “prolonged loss of use” of his left leg, according to court documents.
Ryans was smoking a cigarette in his backyard in the early hours of April 24, when police approached him on the other side of his fence, inquiring how to access his yard. Ryans complied with the officers’ orders: instructing Pearce and another officer how to get inside the gate. The Washington Post, which received additional body camera footage, reports that Ryans stayed next to the fence and continued speaking with another officer, per their orders.
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When Officer Pearce turns the corner and approaches Ryans, however, he immediately shines his flashlight on him and threatens him.
“Get on the ground or you’re gonna get bit,” Pearce yells. Ryans begins kneeling, one hand on the fence, another raised in the air. He is crouching on the ground when Pearce orders his K-9 to “hit”—meaning bite—Ryans anyway.
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The K-9 immediately seizes upon Ryans, who begins writhing in pain and collapses to the ground.
“I’m on the ground, I’m on the ground. Why are you biting me?” Ryans ask, as Pearce continues to order the K-9 to “hit,” and the dog continues to tear into Ryans’ flesh.
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As a second officer begins handcuffing Ryans, the dog keeps a tight grip on his leg.
“Good boy, good boy,” Pearce tells the dog.
The dog keeps its hold on Ryans’ leg for a minute until Pearce finally orders the K-9 off.
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The officers were there to respond to a domestic call—Ryans’ daughter had called the police to report her father had been in a verbal and physical fight with her mother, who had a protective order against him, reports the Salt Lake City Tribune. An investigation by Salt Lake City’s Civilian Review Board found that Ryans misunderstood the order and thought it had been lifted. His wife had also allowed him into the home.
The Post, citing a report from the Civilian Review Board, reports that senior police officials didn’t learn about the arrest—and how it landed Ryans in the hospital—until he filed a lawsuit against the department last month:
[D] espite the department’s policy for reporting such incidents, the lieutenant neglected to notify his supervisors or contact the internal affairs department. The lieutenant has since retired, which the report says is unrelated to this case. “The failure of the lieutenant to report this incident up the chain is disturbing and unacceptable,” the Civilian Review Board report said. The Civilian Review Board also admonished Pearce and his fellow officer for ordering the dog to attack Ryans. “It seems that many lesser use of force options were available to the two officers,” the report said.
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The charges were handed down Wednesday by Salt Lake City District Attorney Sim Gill (D).
“[Ryans] certainly wasn’t posing an imminent threat of violence or harm to anyone and he certainly wasn’t concealed,” Gill told the Tribune. “He was fenced in an area and was being compliant.”
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Gill’s comments echoed Ryans’ own remarks to the newspaper.
“I wasn’t running,” he said. “I wasn’t fighting. I was just cooperating. We’ve been through this. We’ve seen this. Always cooperate with the police, no matter what.”


theroot--2020-09-17--16th Street Baptist Church Bombing Survivor Requests an Apology and Compensation From the State of A

16th Street Baptist Church Bombing Survivor Requests an Apology and Compensation From the State of Alabama

One of the most tragic moments in Black American history happened in 1963 when a group of cowardly Ku Klux Klan members bombed the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham , Ala. , killing four Black girls who were no older than 14 .
It was also one of the most galvanizing moments of the civil rights movement .
The deaths of Addie Mae Collins ( 14 ) , Denise McNair ( 11 ) , Carole Robertson ( 14 ) , and Cynthia Wesley ( 14 ) are forever remembered in the Black community and across the nation .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there was a fifth Black girl who survived the bombing .
On Tuesday , that woman requested a public apology and compensation from the state of Alabama .
69-year-old Sarah Collins Rudolph—the younger sister of Addie Mae—was 12 the morning of Sept. 15 , 1963 , when the explosion that stunned the nation would also change the trajectory of her life .
“ Ms .
Collins Rudolph simply wanted to do what so many other little girls across Alabama were doing—attend a church service , ” a letter sent from Rudolph ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reads , the Washington Post reports .
“ But instead of gaining the solace and celebration of prayer , the church was bombed by those affiliated with the Ku Klux Klan and our client lost her sister , her right eye , her childhood , and in ways she could never know then as a 12-year old girl , a lifetime ’ s worth of opportunities and dreams.
” “ While the State of Alabama did not place the bomb next to the church , its Governor and other leaders at the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citizens to engage in racial violence , ” the letter continues .
Rudolph—who was permanently blinded in one eye by shards of glass from the dynamite blast—has endured a lifetime of trauma while the white supremacists emboldened by a racist nation who were responsible for the bombing remained free for years and even decades before finally being brought to account for their horrendous crimes .
Her grades plummeted , and she eventually gave up her dream of becoming a practical nurse .
She spent her life working in Birmingham ’ s factories grinding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interview with The Washington Post in February , Rudolph said she became too fearful to continue worshiping at the 16th Street Baptist Church and lived in a kind of emotional paralysis until a spiritual experience with a Pentecostal pastor released her .
It took 39 years to bring three of the murderers to justice .
Bobby Frank Cherry was convicted in the girls ’ murders in 2002 .
Robert Chambliss , convicted in 1977 , died in prison in 1985 , as Cherry would in 2004 .
Thomas Blanton Jr. was convicted in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his life sentence .
A fourth suspect , Herman Cash , died in 1994 without being charged .
Rudolph married her husband , George , a former city parks worker and Vietnam veteran , at the age of 50 , and he encouraged her to seek an apology and restitution .
This is her first formal request .
Ishan Bhabha , a partner at Jenner & Block , the law firm working on Rudolph ’ s case pro bono , told the Post what we ’ re likely all thinking : There ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that woman her money and anything else she ’ s requesting .
“ Given what Sarah has suffered—losing an eye and , more broadly , the fundamentally different path that this horrendous act put her life on , how do you compensate for that ?
” Bhabha asked .
“ What is a lifetime of missed opportunities worth ?
” “ It ’ s not the kind of thing that should engender disagreement or debate , ” he continued .
“ Sarah is an extremely worthy person who has suffered something extraordinary and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her life.
” According to the Post , Bhabha said his firm is optimistic that the state will approve Rudolph ’ s requests .
Ivey ‘ s press secretary , Gina Maiola , told the Post via email Wednesday that Ivey received the letter and the governor ’ s office is reviewing it .
Hopefully , the state of Alabama does the right thing .
It ’ s long overdue .

One of the most tragic moments in Black American history happened in 1963 when a group of cowardly Ku Klux Klan members bombed the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Ala., killing four Black girls who were no older than 14. It was also one of the most galvanizing moments of the civil rights movement. The deaths of Addie Mae Collins (14), Denise McNair (11), Carole Robertson (14), and Cynthia Wesley (14) are forever remembered in the Black community and across the nation. What some forget or never knew is that there was a fifth Black girl who survived the bombing. On Tuesday, that woman requested a public apology and compensation from the state of Alabama.
69-year-old Sarah Collins Rudolph—the younger sister of Addie Mae—was 12 the morning of Sept. 15, 1963, when the explosion that stunned the nation would also change the trajectory of her life.
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“Ms. Collins Rudolph simply wanted to do what so many other little girls across Alabama were doing—attend a church service,” a letter sent from Rudolph’s attorneys to Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey reads, the Washington Post reports. “But instead of gaining the solace and celebration of prayer, the church was bombed by those affiliated with the Ku Klux Klan and our client lost her sister, her right eye, her childhood, and in ways she could never know then as a 12-year old girl, a lifetime’s worth of opportunities and dreams.”
“While the State of Alabama did not place the bomb next to the church, its Governor and other leaders at the time played an undisputed role in encouraging its citizens to engage in racial violence,” the letter continues.
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Rudolph—who was permanently blinded in one eye by shards of glass from the dynamite blast—has endured a lifetime of trauma while the white supremacists emboldened by a racist nation who were responsible for the bombing remained free for years and even decades before finally being brought to account for their horrendous crimes.
From the Post:
Her grades plummeted, and she eventually gave up her dream of becoming a practical nurse. She spent her life working in Birmingham’s factories grinding skillets and drilling aluminum. In an interview with The Washington Post in February, Rudolph said she became too fearful to continue worshiping at the 16th Street Baptist Church and lived in a kind of emotional paralysis until a spiritual experience with a Pentecostal pastor released her. It took 39 years to bring three of the murderers to justice. Bobby Frank Cherry was convicted in the girls’ murders in 2002. Robert Chambliss, convicted in 1977, died in prison in 1985, as Cherry would in 2004. Thomas Blanton Jr. was convicted in 2001 and died in June while serving his life sentence. A fourth suspect, Herman Cash, died in 1994 without being charged. Rudolph married her husband, George, a former city parks worker and Vietnam veteran, at the age of 50, and he encouraged her to seek an apology and restitution. This is her first formal request.
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Ishan Bhabha, a partner at Jenner & Block, the law firm working on Rudolph’s case pro bono, told the Post what we’re likely all thinking: There’s nothing to debate here. Give that woman her money and anything else she’s requesting.
“Given what Sarah has suffered—losing an eye and, more broadly, the fundamentally different path that this horrendous act put her life on, how do you compensate for that?” Bhabha asked . “What is a lifetime of missed opportunities worth?”
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“It’s not the kind of thing that should engender disagreement or debate,” he continued. “Sarah is an extremely worthy person who has suffered something extraordinary and horrendous and she has been courageous throughout her life.”
According to the Post, Bhabha said his firm is optimistic that the state will approve Rudolph’s requests.
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Ivey‘s press secretary, Gina Maiola, told the Post via email Wednesday that Ivey received the letter and the governor’s office is reviewing it.
Hopefully, the state of Alabama does the right thing. It’s long overdue.