theroot--2020-11-17--Felony Charges Against Virginia State Senator Dropped as the Police Chief Who Filed Them Is Fired

A long , strange saga in Virginia has come to an end as felony charges have been dropped against the state ’ s most senior Black legislator and the police chief responsible for filing them has been fired .
According to NBC News , state Sen. Louise Lucas ( D ) and 18 other plaintiffs were charged in August by Portsmouth police with conspiracy to commit a felony and injury to a monument in excess of $ 1,000 .
The charges stemmed from a June 10 protest against police brutality and systemic racism following the death of George Floyd .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city ’ s Confederate monuments were defaced and toppled , with police alleging that someone was seriously injured as a result .
Portsmouth Police Chief Angela Greene , a Black woman , was responsible for filing the charges , saying that Lucas and the others “ conspired and organized to destroy the monument as well as summon hundreds of people to join in felonious acts , ” during the initial announcement .
According to the police version of events in a probable cause summary , Lucas was with a group of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and she told police that they were going to vandalize the statues “ and you can ’ t stop them ... they got a right , go ahead !
” But a dismissal motion filed by the Portsmouth Commonwealth Attorney ’ s Office said there was “ no proper evidence ” to support the charges that the plaintiffs ’ actions “ rise to the level of felony destruction of property or conspiracy.
” Video from the scene and other digital evidence were also unreliable , according to the motion .
In dismissing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questioned why police went around local prosecutors to bring charges .
City leaders had initially questioned Greene ’ s involvement in investigating the Confederate protest because of an unspecified conflict of interest .
Local activists and clergy leaders called for her resignation or firing .
So yeah , shit was messy off the jump .
It got even messier when a random- ass white dude filed charges against Lisa Lucas-Burke , Lucas ’ daughter and vice mayor of Portsmouth , for calling for Greene ’ s termination .
He filed the charges under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of an anti-Lucas Facebook group that wants to remove Lucas from her Senate seat .
I guess getting her daughter out of office is the first step toward achieving that goal ?
I mean , it ’ s not like they filed the charges because they ’ re unrepentant racists who hate to see Black women in power .
That would be unthinkable .
White people have a prolonged history of weaponizing the legal system against Black politicians in general Portsmouth for no other reason than their race ?
If you thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the charges were dropped , well , nah .
Shortly before the announcement of the charges being dropped , Greene , who had only become police chief in 2019 , revealed she had been fired .
She gave a news conference on Monday where she held up a copy of her termination letter .
“ I believe I was wrongfully terminated for upholding the law and being retaliated against for sticking to my sworn oath that I swore to serve and protect my citizens , community and keeping my officers safe , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t given a reason for her termination ; she was only read the letter of termination and didn ’ t receive severance .
She said she intends to file a lawsuit against the city to receive her job back .
“ I believe what would be fair is full reinstatement because I did nothing wrong .
That would be fair that would be my first option , ” she said at the news conference .
This whole situation has just been messy as fuck , and all over some old ass monuments that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racism give a shit about .
Imagine losing your job over that ?
Couldn ’ t be me .

A long, strange saga in Virginia has come to an end as felony charges have been dropped against the state’s most senior Black legislator and the police chief responsible for filing them has been fired.
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According to NBC News, state Sen. Louise Lucas (D) and 18 other plaintiffs were charged in August by Portsmouth police with conspiracy to commit a felony and injury to a monument in excess of $1,000. The charges stemmed from a June 10 protest against police brutality and systemic racism following the death of George Floyd. During the protest, a few of the city’s Confederate monuments were defaced and toppled, with police alleging that someone was seriously injured as a result.
Portsmouth Police Chief Angela Greene, a Black woman, was responsible for filing the charges, saying that Lucas and the others “conspired and organized to destroy the monument as well as summon hundreds of people to join in felonious acts,” during the initial announcement.
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From NBC News:
According to the police version of events in a probable cause summary, Lucas was with a group of people who were shaking cans of spray paint, and she told police that they were going to vandalize the statues “and you can’t stop them ... they got a right, go ahead!” But a dismissal motion filed by the Portsmouth Commonwealth Attorney’s Office said there was “no proper evidence” to support the charges that the plaintiffs’ actions “rise to the level of felony destruction of property or conspiracy.” Video from the scene and other digital evidence were also unreliable, according to the motion. In dismissing the charges Monday, a judge also questioned why police went around local prosecutors to bring charges. City leaders had initially questioned Greene’s involvement in investigating the Confederate protest because of an unspecified conflict of interest. Local activists and clergy leaders called for her resignation or firing.
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So yeah, shit was messy off the jump. It got even messier when a random- ass white dude filed charges against Lisa Lucas-Burke, Lucas’ daughter and vice mayor of Portsmouth, for calling for Greene’s termination. He filed the charges under an obscure city law because he was part of an anti-Lucas Facebook group that wants to remove Lucas from her Senate seat. I guess getting her daughter out of office is the first step toward achieving that goal?
I mean, it’s not like they filed the charges because they’re unrepentant racists who hate to see Black women in power. That would be unthinkable.
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What’s that?
White people have a prolonged history of weaponizing the legal system against Black politicians in general Portsmouth for no other reason than their race?
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Ah.
If you thought the messiness was going to end after the charges were dropped, well, nah.
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Shortly before the announcement of the charges being dropped, Greene, who had only become police chief in 2019, revealed she had been fired. She gave a news conference on Monday where she held up a copy of her termination letter. “I believe I was wrongfully terminated for upholding the law and being retaliated against for sticking to my sworn oath that I swore to serve and protect my citizens, community and keeping my officers safe,” she said
Greene said she wasn’t given a reason for her termination; she was only read the letter of termination and didn’t receive severance. She said she intends to file a lawsuit against the city to receive her job back. “I believe what would be fair is full reinstatement because I did nothing wrong. That would be fair that would be my first option,” she said at the news conference.
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This whole situation has just been messy as fuck, and all over some old ass monuments that only white people whose kink is celebrating racism give a shit about. Imagine losing your job over that? Couldn’t be me.


theroot--2020-11-17--You Might Want to Stand Up for This One: Spike Lee Is Making a Musical About...Viagra?

In news that can only be described as ‘ What the hell is this ?
’ Spike Lee and Studio Entertainment One have joined forces for a musical film on the origins of the breakthrough Pfizer drug , Viagra .
Yup , you read that right and no , it ’ s not a headline from SNL ’ s “ Weekend Update ” ( though those are based on real events , too ) .
According to Deadline , Lee will direct the screenplay , which was also co-written by Kwame Kwei-Armah and will include original songs and music .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ musical is based on the David Kushner Esquire article All Rise : The Untold Story of The Guys Who Launched Viagra .
It is inspired by the true events surrounding Pfizer ’ s discovery and launch of the erectile dysfunction drug Viagra ( Sildenafil ) , which was hatched as a treatment for heart-related chest pain only for researchers to find its game-changing qualities occurred below the belt .
The little blue pill had immediate staying power in the global marketplace , perking up sex lives around the world .
In true Spike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and familial tie to musicals in a statement I will drop here , word for word , without commentary .
First And Foremost , I Thank Ms. Jacquelyn Shelton Lee .
I Thank My Late Mother For As She Would Say Taking “ My Narrow , Rusty Behind ” Dragging , Kickin ’ And Screamin ’ To The Movies When I Wuz A Nappy Headed Kid Growing Up In Da Streets Of Da People ’ s Republic Of Brooklyn .
I Did Not Want To See Corny People Singin ’ And Dancin ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My Friends On Da Block , Stoop Ball , Stick Ball , Punch Ball , Soft Ball , Basketball , 2 Hand Touch , Tackle Football , Coco Leevio , Johnny On Da Pony , Hot Peas And Butter , Crack Top , Down Da Sewer And Of Course-Booty ’ s Up .
All The Great New York City Street Games That Might Be Sadly Lost Forever .
My Father , Bill Lee , Jazz/Folk Bassist , Composer HATED HollyWeird Movies , Henceforth And What Not , Me Being The Eldest Of 5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Date .
She Was A Cinefile .
Thank You Lawdy She Didn ’ t Listen To My Ongoing Complaints About Musicals .
So Finally Going Into My 4th Decade As A Filmmaker I Will Be Directing A DANCIN ’ , ALL SINGIN ’ MUSICAL Spike Lee Joint And I Can ’ t Wait .
My Moms Has Been Waiting TOO !
!
!
And Dats Da Rodgers And Hammerstein Truth , Ruth .
To say that I ’ m equal parts utterly confused yet oddly intrigued would be putting it lightly .
But—if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Right Thing , Malcolm X , BlackKklansmen , and Da 5 Bloods to ... Viagra , I guess it ’ s Spike Lee , chile .
He ’ s historically had a good run with movies that make you think and feel things .
It can only go up from here .
All puns intended .

Shanelle Genai on The Grapevine, shared by Shanelle Genai to The Root

In news that can only be described as ‘What the hell is this?’ Spike Lee and Studio Entertainment One have joined forces for a musical film on the origins of the breakthrough Pfizer drug, Viagra. Yup, you read that right and no, it’s not a headline from SNL’s “Weekend Update” (though those are based on real events, too).
According to Deadline, Lee will direct the screenplay, which was also co-written by Kwame Kwei-Armah and will include original songs and music. More details are as follows:
The musical is based on the David Kushner Esquire article All Rise: The Untold Story of The Guys Who Launched Viagra. It is inspired by the true events surrounding Pfizer’s discovery and launch of the erectile dysfunction drug Viagra (Sildenafil), which was hatched as a treatment for heart-related chest pain only for researchers to find its game-changing qualities occurred below the belt. The little blue pill had immediate staying power in the global marketplace, perking up sex lives around the world.
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In true Spike Lee fashion, he shared his excitement and familial tie to musicals in a statement I will drop here, word for word, without commentary.
First And Foremost, I Thank Ms. Jacquelyn Shelton Lee. I Thank My Late Mother For As She Would Say Taking “My Narrow,Rusty Behind” Dragging, Kickin’ And Screamin’ To The Movies When I Wuz A Nappy Headed Kid Growing Up In Da Streets Of Da People’s Republic Of Brooklyn. I Did Not Want To See Corny People Singin’ And Dancin’. I Instead Wanted To Play With My Friends On Da Block, Stoop Ball, Stick Ball, Punch Ball, Soft Ball, Basketball, 2 Hand Touch, Tackle Football, Coco Leevio, Johnny On Da Pony, Hot Peas And Butter, Crack Top, Down Da Sewer And Of Course-Booty’s Up. All The Great New York City Street Games That Might Be Sadly Lost Forever. My Father, Bill Lee, Jazz/Folk Bassist,Composer HATED HollyWeird Movies, Henceforth And What Not, Me Being The Eldest Of 5 Children I Became Mommy’s Movie Date. She Was A Cinefile. Thank You Lawdy She Didn’t Listen To My Ongoing Complaints About Musicals. So Finally Going Into My 4th Decade As A Filmmaker I Will Be Directing A DANCIN’,ALL SINGIN’ MUSICAL Spike Lee Joint And I Can’t Wait. My Moms Has Been Waiting TOO!!! And Dats Da Rodgers And Hammerstein Truth, Ruth.
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To say that I’m equal parts utterly confused yet oddly intrigued would be putting it lightly. But—if any director can go from Do The Right Thing, Malcolm X, BlackKklansmen, and Da 5 Bloods to...Viagra, I guess it’s Spike Lee, chile.
He’s historically had a good run with movies that make you think and feel things. It can only go up from here. All puns intended.


theroot--2020-11-17--The 10 Best Deals of November 17, 2020

The 10 Best Deals of November 17, 2020

It ’ s November 17 , and we at Kinja Deals are here to bring you the top 10 deals of the day .
Save on a yearly holiday expense with a discounted mixed pine tree with clear lights from Macy ’ s .
Cash in on JACHS NY ’ s 50 % off sale on fall arrivals .
And live out your race car fantasy with the LEGO Technic Porsche 911 .
If you ’ re still craving more deals , take a peek at Tuesday ’ s best deals overall .
If you ’ ve just picked up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 , you might be considering a 4K upgrade to your TV right about now .
As fate would have it , Best Buy is currently running a sale on Hisense ’ s H65 models .
The smart Android TVs support 4K Ultra HD , making it a perfect match for new consoles .
Google Assistant is built into each model , just in case you want to have a nice chat with your TV ( or ask it to turn off the lights for you ) .
Deals start at 50 '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 85 '' , if you ’ ve got an entertainment center that can fit it .
This deal was originally published by Giovanni Colantonio .
As an early Black Friday deal , Macy ’ s has an awesome sale on an AeroGarden Harvest Slim .
For a low $ 80 , you ’ ll get a counter-sized greenhouse ready to grow your favorite herbs for cooking .
It has a LED light to keep the sunshine and a system to remind you to water your plants .
Apparently , the plants can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to 12 '' in height .
You ’ ll also get a gourmet herbs starter packet which includes Genovese basil , curly parsley , dill , mint , thyme , Thai basil , and some liquid plant food because they WILL get hungry and deserve the world if they are to live their best life and thrive .
This is a great option for people who love cooking and use herbs all year , especially when it ’ s cold out .
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the holy grail of sports cars .
Between its rear flat-six engine , rear-wheel-drive layout , nigh-endless list of configurations , and interior trimmings designed for luxury , this unique vehicle packs all the bells and whistles you ’ ll ever need , whether in the streets or on the track .
But while a new Porsche 911 would set you back about $ 100K , you can buy the LEGO version for 99.88 % less with this $ 30 discount .
Everything you love about the 911 has been carefully recreated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including the aerodynamic body , black spoked rims , fully functioning differential , realistic steering , independent suspension , and of course a six-cylinder boxer engine with working pistons .
All in a 5 '' x 19 '' x 7 '' HLW form factor .
Put the pedal to the metal on a budget in time for the holidays .
Do note , however , that if you ’ re under 10 years old , I don ’ t know why you ’ re reading this , but LEGO says this set ISN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was originally published by Gabe Carey .
In his roundup of the best VPNs at Gizmodo , Andrew Couts called NordVPN “ fast and easy to use , ” citing accessibility and affordability as reasons to subscribe .
Though it ’ s almost always marked down from its $ 287 list price , the 2-year plan is nonetheless the cheapest option to get started with the service and continue using it long-term .
For a limited time only , though , it ’ s not only 68 % off , bringing your total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but it also comes with an extra 3 months , a blessing from the Nordic gods , through November 29 .
Couts says in his abbreviated review : But NordVPN isn ’ t without its downsides .
“ ... some researchers have found that it sends your email address and Google Ad ID to a marketing company when you register through the Android app and contains some trackers , ” Couts explains .
“ Another downside is that some of NordVPN ’ s servers are rented , which means another company you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And yes , one of those servers got hacked in 2018.
” Still , if you want one of the most reliable VPN clients , with the budget to support its robust infrastructure , you can ’ t go wrong with NordVPN .
Plus , with availability on virtually every platform you can think of—from macOS to Android TV—it ’ s equal parts ubiquitous and acclaimed .
Endorsed by PCMag , Wired , CNET , Business Insider , and more , it may be time to board the Nord hype train if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ VPN already .
This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey .
Thanks to quarantine , lots of us have picked up new hobbies .
For me , it ’ s been leaning into my doodling , catching up on my game queue , and honing my green thumb .
For others , it ’ s been photography .
A decent smartphone will do the trick , but when you ’ re ready to step things up , you ’ ll want a good mirrorless camera .
The Sony a7 III , ranked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best digital cameras , is $ 300 off today at Amazon .
At $ 1,700 even with that discount , you ’ re paying a hefty price , but for your money you ’ re getting a 24.2MP sensor , impressive autofocus , reliable battery life , and a wide array of attachable lenses to suit whatever your needs may be .
This deal was originally posted by Jordan McMahon .
Hey makeup lovers , rejoice !
Select Urban Decay makeup products are 50 % off just in time for the holidays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nighter setting spray , but you can also get eyeshadows and bronzers .
What are you waiting for ?
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher .
Jackets , pants , flannels , henleys , whatever you could need or think of it ’ s in JACHS ’ fall sale .
Right now take 50 % off any of these new arrivals with the code NOV50 .
I love the look of these sherpa lined trucker jackets ( $ 75 ) .
There ’ s something a little classic , a little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The stretch corduroy fabric comes is a traditional khaki and will keep you very warm as temperatures drop .
Everyone needs a quality flannel .
I actually love an oversized men ’ s flannel shirt like this with a t-shirt , leggings , and boots .
This one is ultra heavyweight for optimum coziness ( $ 56 ) .
This shirt has 9 ounces of that heavyweight material which is why they call it “ Brawny.
” I thought it was because the colors that match of the well-known mascot .
But this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s easy to layer as I mentioned .
It ’ s 100 % cotton and will take you through the chilly season .
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari .
If you just moved into your own apartment , a tiny air fryer from Bella should be one of the first things you purchase after furniture and the like .
Only $ 20 because of an early Black Friday sale , you can make salmon , mozzarella sticks , fries , and whatever else your heart desires with a flick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this look so damn cute on your countertop ?
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher .
I have a friend that as soon as November 1 hits her tree is up .
And this year she told me it ’ s the one thing she ’ s been looking forward to and has kind of helped her cope with not being able to see her family .
That ’ s deep .
There ’ s no shame in finding comfort in things like this and if a big ole pine tree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might as well buy one that ’ s deeply discounted .
This 6.5 ft. mixed pine tree with clear lights is 71 % off and needs a good home .
With the lights already on it , half the work is done .
I used to have to put a version of this tree up for my mom when would visit .
Once you figure out where all the connections are for lighting it ’ s quite a sight to behold .
There are 400 pre-strung lights on this one .
These trees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look authentic .
It ’ s a little slimmer and the branch tips are mixed for optimum ornament hanging .
I can tell you it is rather easy to assemble and comes with a folding metal stand .
If this is what will make it feel more like the holidays for you then hop on this sale .
Free shipping on all orders over $ 25 .
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari .
Trust in K-Beauty .
This set is an actual dream for anyone who suffers from dry lips @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wonder Gift Set from Laneige bundles one of their best sellers for ultimate relief .
These 3 pieces are just $ 29 , which is a steal for what they do .
Each of these Lip Sleeping Masks is packed with antioxidants to make your lips the softest they can be with ultimate moisture .
This set is special because two of the masks are in limited edition scents .
No matter which scent you favor all of these comes as a balm to be applied at night for maximum effect .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acid and minerals to build a barrier for protection against all elements and to secure the moisture that ’ s just been replenished .
These lips masks soothe and return your lips to the luscious version they should be .
They ’ re paraben and phthalate free .
This set contains a larger version of their signature Lip Sleeping Mask in Berry paired with smaller pots of the limited Lemon Sorbet and Mint Choco .
Free shipping on all orders with the code FREESHIP .
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari @

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

Tuesday’s Best Deals | Kinja Deals
It’s November 17, and we at Kinja Deals are here to bring you the top 10 deals of the day. Save on a yearly holiday expense with a discounted mixed pine tree with clear lights from Macy’s. Cash in on JACHS NY’s 50% off sale on fall arrivals. And live out your race car fantasy with the LEGO Technic Porsche 911.
If you’re still craving more deals, take a peek at Tuesday’s best deals overall.
#1: hisense 4k smart tvs
If you’ve just picked up a new Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5, you might be considering a 4K upgrade to your TV right about now. As fate would have it, Best Buy is currently running a sale on Hisense’s H65 models. The smart Android TVs support 4K Ultra HD, making it a perfect match for new consoles. Google Assistant is built into each model, just in case you want to have a nice chat with your TV (or ask it to turn off the lights for you). Deals start at 50" models and go all the way up to 85", if you’ve got an entertainment center that can fit it.
This deal was originally published by Giovanni Colantonio.
#2: Aerogarden harvest slim
As an early Black Friday deal, Macy’s has an awesome sale on an AeroGarden Harvest Slim. For a low $80, you’ll get a counter-sized greenhouse ready to grow your favorite herbs for cooking. It has a LED light to keep the sunshine and a system to remind you to water your plants. Apparently, the plants can grow five times faster and can reach up to 12" in height.
You’ll also get a gourmet herbs starter packet which includes Genovese basil, curly parsley, dill, mint, thyme, Thai basil, and some liquid plant food because they WILL get hungry and deserve the world if they are to live their best life and thrive. This is a great option for people who love cooking and use herbs all year, especially when it’s cold out.
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher.
#3: Porsche 911 lego set
For many a gearhead, the Porsche 911 is the holy grail of sports cars. Between its rear flat-six engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, nigh-endless list of configurations, and interior trimmings designed for luxury, this unique vehicle packs all the bells and whistles you’ll ever need, whether in the streets or on the track. But while a new Porsche 911 would set you back about $100K, you can buy the LEGO version for 99.88% less with this $30 discount.
Everything you love about the 911 has been carefully recreated in this top-of-the-line LEGO brick-based replica, including the aerodynamic body, black spoked rims, fully functioning differential, realistic steering, independent suspension, and of course a six-cylinder boxer engine with working pistons. All in a 5" x 19" x 7" HLW form factor. Put the pedal to the metal on a budget in time for the holidays. Do note, however, that if you’re under 10 years old, I don’t know why you’re reading this, but LEGO says this set ISN’T for you.
This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey.
#4: nordvpn black friday sale
In his roundup of the best VPNs at Gizmodo, Andrew Couts called NordVPN “fast and easy to use,” citing accessibility and affordability as reasons to subscribe. Though it’s almost always marked down from its $287 list price, the 2-year plan is nonetheless the cheapest option to get started with the service and continue using it long-term. For a limited time only, though, it’s not only 68% off, bringing your total to just $89 for 730 days, but it also comes with an extra 3 months, a blessing from the Nordic gods, through November 29.
Couts says in his abbreviated review:
No matter what you pay, you’ll get access to more than 5,400 servers in more than 60 countries, a bunch of features you may or may not want, and, because the company is based in Panama, assurances that your data—or lack of data, as the case may be—is outside of U.S. and European jurisdictions. Like every other VPN on this list, NordVPN claims to have a “strict no-logs policy,” so most of your data isn’t collected, the company says. It does still collect your email address, payment information, and the timestamp of the last time you launched the VPN.
But NordVPN isn’t without its downsides. “...some researchers have found that it sends your email address and Google Ad ID to a marketing company when you register through the Android app and contains some trackers,” Couts explains. “Another downside is that some of NordVPN’s servers are rented, which means another company you need to trust is in the mix. And yes, one of those servers got hacked in 2018.”
Still, if you want one of the most reliable VPN clients, with the budget to support its robust infrastructure, you can’t go wrong with NordVPN. Plus, with availability on virtually every platform you can think of—from macOS to Android TV—it’s equal parts ubiquitous and acclaimed. Endorsed by PCMag, Wired, CNET, Business Insider, and more, it may be time to board the Nord hype train if you’re somehow unwedded to a VPN already.
This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey.
#5: sony a7 iii mirrorless camera
Thanks to quarantine, lots of us have picked up new hobbies. For me, it’s been leaning into my doodling, catching up on my game queue, and honing my green thumb. For others, it’s been photography. A decent smartphone will do the trick, but when you’re ready to step things up, you’ll want a good mirrorless camera. The Sony a7 III, ranked among the best in our roundup of the best digital cameras, is $300 off today at Amazon. At $1,700 even with that discount, you’re paying a hefty price, but for your money you’re getting a 24.2MP sensor, impressive autofocus, reliable battery life, and a wide array of attachable lenses to suit whatever your needs may be.
This deal was originally posted by Jordan McMahon.
#6: Urban decay at Nordstrom rack
Hey makeup lovers, rejoice! Select Urban Decay makeup products are 50% off just in time for the holidays. Everyone is familiar with the All Nighter setting spray, but you can also get eyeshadows and bronzers. What are you waiting for?
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher.
#7: Jachs ny fall arrivals
Jackets, pants, flannels, henleys, whatever you could need or think of it’s in JACHS’ fall sale. Right now take 50% off any of these new arrivals with the code NOV50.
I love the look of these sherpa lined trucker jackets ($75). There’s something a little classic, a little vintage but very stylish about them. The stretch corduroy fabric comes is a traditional khaki and will keep you very warm as temperatures drop.
Everyone needs a quality flannel. I actually love an oversized men’s flannel shirt like this with a t-shirt, leggings, and boots. This one is ultra heavyweight for optimum coziness ($56). This shirt has 9 ounces of that heavyweight material which is why they call it “Brawny.” I thought it was because the colors that match of the well-known mascot. But this is versatile for any gender as it’s easy to layer as I mentioned. It’s 100% cotton and will take you through the chilly season.
Free shipping for orders over $100.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.
#8: Bella Air fryer
If you just moved into your own apartment, a tiny air fryer from Bella should be one of the first things you purchase after furniture and the like. Only $20 because of an early Black Friday sale, you can make salmon, mozzarella sticks, fries, and whatever else your heart desires with a flick of the wrist. Wouldn’t this look so damn cute on your countertop?
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher.
#9: holiday lighted pine tree
I have a friend that as soon as November 1 hits her tree is up. And this year she told me it’s the one thing she’s been looking forward to and has kind of helped her cope with not being able to see her family. That’s deep. There’s no shame in finding comfort in things like this and if a big ole pine tree is going to bring you joy you might as well buy one that’s deeply discounted. This 6.5 ft. mixed pine tree with clear lights is 71% off and needs a good home.
With the lights already on it, half the work is done. I used to have to put a version of this tree up for my mom when would visit. Once you figure out where all the connections are for lighting it’s quite a sight to behold. There are 400 pre-strung lights on this one. These trees actually do feel pretty real and definitely look authentic. It’s a little slimmer and the branch tips are mixed for optimum ornament hanging. I can tell you it is rather easy to assemble and comes with a folding metal stand. If this is what will make it feel more like the holidays for you then hop on this sale.
Free shipping on all orders over $25.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.
#10: laneige lip sleeping masks
Trust in K-Beauty. This set is an actual dream for anyone who suffers from dry lips in the winter. The Dream & Wonder Gift Set from Laneige bundles one of their best sellers for ultimate relief. These 3 pieces are just $29, which is a steal for what they do.
Each of these Lip Sleeping Masks is packed with antioxidants to make your lips the softest they can be with ultimate moisture. This set is special because two of the masks are in limited edition scents. No matter which scent you favor all of these comes as a balm to be applied at night for maximum effect. The science that goes into these uses hyaluronic acid and minerals to build a barrier for protection against all elements and to secure the moisture that’s just been replenished. These lips masks soothe and return your lips to the luscious version they should be. They’re paraben and phthalate free. This set contains a larger version of their signature Lip Sleeping Mask in Berry paired with smaller pots of the limited Lemon Sorbet and Mint Choco.
Free shipping on all orders with the code FREESHIP.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.


theroot--2020-11-17--Derek Chauvin Wants to Bar Prosecutors From Using Past Neck and Body Restraints on Suspects as Evide

Derek Chauvin Wants to Bar Prosecutors From Using Past Neck and Body Restraints on Suspects as Evidence Against Him

One minute they ’ re swearing to whichever god uses a baton and taser to smite people ( Zeus maybe ? )
that their practices in policing are all above board and beyond reproach .
Next thing , you know they ’ re in court requesting that those very practices be hidden from the public as they unfairly make the officer look like they might be some kind of criminal or something .
Anyway , Derek Chauvin—the former Minneapolis police officer who is charged with second-degree murder after the world watched him kneel on George Floyd ’ s neck for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that a judge block prosecutors from introducing evidence of alleged past incidents where he used similar methods of restraint on other suspects .
Prosecutors have said they want to cite eight incidents from Chauvin ’ s 19-year career as a Minneapolis police officer to show a pattern of excessive force and behavior similar to the Memorial Day encounter that left Floyd dead .
Prosecutors want to include four cases from 2014 to 2019 in which they claim Chauvin restrained suspects “ beyond the point when such force was needed.
” In a court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s attorney , asked Hennepin County District Judge Peter A. Cahill , who is overseeing the case , to block that proposed evidence , arguing that his client had used approved force and , after routine investigations , had been essentially “ acquitted by MPD supervisors of applying force in a manner that was either unreasonable or unauthorized.
” “ The state attempts to characterize Mr. Chauvin ’ s use of force as ‘ unreasonable ’ or ‘ beyond what was needed , ’ ” Nelson wrote , noting that Chauvin had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the incidents .
“ And in every single one , it was determined by a supervisor that Mr. Chauvin ’ s use of force was reasonable in the circumstances and authorized by law and MPD policy.
” It must be awkward being a defense attorney .
Imagine having to look a judge dead in the eyes and , with a straight face , argue : “ It ’ s unfair to characterize my client based on his record of doing the things he ’ s done because other cops said it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Post , one of the cases prosecutors are looking to cite is one where Chauvin applied a neck restraint that caused a suspect to lose consciousness .
Chauvin later told a supervisor that he realized the man had passed out and placed him in a “ recovery position ” until he “ came to , ” prosecutors said , something they say the officer did not do when Floyd complained of struggling to breathe .
In his motion to block the incident from being cited at trial , Nelson argued the case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s encounter with Floyd and should not be allowed as evidence .
In what appears to be a new defense argument , Nelson repeatedly claimed Chauvin did not use a neck restraint on Floyd but rather what he called “ body weight control techniques.
” Sure , it sounds like a special diet and exercise plan prescribed by Weight Watchers , but it ’ s actually a thing Nelson , for whatever reason , thinks sounds better than “ choked a man to death with his knee.
” Other cases prosecutors want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occurred when Chauvin was off-duty and working as a security guard .
Those incidents also involve neck restraints and Nelson ’ s arguments against their introduction into evidence were the same : The use of force was justified and prosecutors can ’ t prove he violated department policy .
“ [ Chauvin ’ s ] modus operandi was simply that of a Minneapolis Police officer performing his duties and reacting to the circumstances , ” Nelson wrote .
“ The state ’ s attempt to characterize these incidents as evidence of some kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of violence that is somehow unique to Chauvin is specious , at best.
” Nelson argued that prosecutors are seeking to violate Minnesota law by using past incidents to “ illegally prove propensity.
” It ’ s unclear which law he was citing , but he argued the evidence is not allowed under state law and that it would be “ unfairly prejudicial.
” Despite Nelson ’ s argument that these events shouldn ’ t be used against his client because they didn ’ t violate policy , I ’ m still left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s own actions make him look so bad that a lawyer needs to ask that prosecutors be barred from mentioning them , how can those same actions also be considered justified ?
I ’ m just saying , cops are funny .

Cops are funny.
One minute they’re swearing to whichever god uses a baton and taser to smite people (Zeus maybe?) that their practices in policing are all above board and beyond reproach. Next thing, you know they’re in court requesting that those very practices be hidden from the public as they unfairly make the officer look like they might be some kind of criminal or something.
Anyway, Derek Chauvin—the former Minneapolis police officer who is charged with second-degree murder after the world watched him kneel on George Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes before he died—requested Monday that a judge block prosecutors from introducing evidence of alleged past incidents where he used similar methods of restraint on other suspects.
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From the Washington Post:
Prosecutors have said they want to cite eight incidents from Chauvin’s 19-year career as a Minneapolis police officer to show a pattern of excessive force and behavior similar to the Memorial Day encounter that left Floyd dead. Prosecutors want to include four cases from 2014 to 2019 in which they claim Chauvin restrained suspects “beyond the point when such force was needed.” In a court filing Monday, Eric Nelson, Chauvin’s attorney, asked Hennepin County District Judge Peter A. Cahill, who is overseeing the case, to block that proposed evidence, arguing that his client had used approved force and, after routine investigations, had been essentially “acquitted by MPD supervisors of applying force in a manner that was either unreasonable or unauthorized.” “The state attempts to characterize Mr. Chauvin’s use of force as ‘unreasonable’ or ‘beyond what was needed,’ ” Nelson wrote, noting that Chauvin had reported his use of force in each of the incidents. “And in every single one, it was determined by a supervisor that Mr. Chauvin’s use of force was reasonable in the circumstances and authorized by law and MPD policy.”
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It must be awkward being a defense attorney. Imagine having to look a judge dead in the eyes and, with a straight face, argue: “It’s unfair to characterize my client based on his record of doing the things he’s done because other cops said it was cool at the time.”
Somehow...it gets worse.
According to the Post, one of the cases prosecutors are looking to cite is one where Chauvin applied a neck restraint that caused a suspect to lose consciousness.
Chauvin later told a supervisor that he realized the man had passed out and placed him in a “recovery position” until he “came to,” prosecutors said, something they say the officer did not do when Floyd complained of struggling to breathe. In his motion to block the incident from being cited at trial, Nelson argued the case is not relevant or similar to Chauvin’s encounter with Floyd and should not be allowed as evidence. In what appears to be a new defense argument, Nelson repeatedly claimed Chauvin did not use a neck restraint on Floyd but rather what he called “body weight control techniques.”
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Body. Weight. Control. Techniques.
Sure, it sounds like a special diet and exercise plan prescribed by Weight Watchers, but it’s actually a thing Nelson, for whatever reason, thinks sounds better than “choked a man to death with his knee.”
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Other cases prosecutors want to introduce as evidence include incidents that occurred when Chauvin was off-duty and working as a security guard. Those incidents also involve neck restraints and Nelson’s arguments against their introduction into evidence were the same: The use of force was justified and prosecutors can’t prove he violated department policy.
“[Chauvin’s] modus operandi was simply that of a Minneapolis Police officer performing his duties and reacting to the circumstances,” Nelson wrote. “The state’s attempt to characterize these incidents as evidence of some kind of ill will intent or common scheme of violence that is somehow unique to Chauvin is specious, at best.”
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Nelson argued that prosecutors are seeking to violate Minnesota law by using past incidents to “illegally prove propensity.” It’s unclear which law he was citing, but he argued the evidence is not allowed under state law and that it would be “unfairly prejudicial.”
Despite Nelson’s argument that these events shouldn’t be used against his client because they didn’t violate policy, I’m still left with one question: If Chauvin’s own actions make him look so bad that a lawyer needs to ask that prosecutors be barred from mentioning them, how can those same actions also be considered justified?
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I’m just saying, cops are funny.


theroot--2020-11-17--BREAKING: Not All Black People Use Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, a The Root Exclusive

If you follow me on Twitter , you know that I spent some time this weekend doing meal prep to make eating during the week a bit easier for me , a busy news editor who is so exhausted by the end of the day it takes all my energy and effort to place my order on Postmates so I can eat dinner .
I ’ m proud of my meal prep , by the way .
I made delicious breakfast salads , a delicious dinner salad and my own homemade Chipotle burrito bowl ( complete with the stingy $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ add authenticity to it ) .
This morning , however , I wanted none of that .
I was craving crinkle-cut fries with Lawry ’ s sprinkled on top and a load of ketchup .
So that ’ s what I had .
I like to sprinkle the seasoned salt on the fries while they are cooking , so it cooks into their….skin , as it were .
They come out perfectly seasoned and delicious , and bitch , this is why I ’ m fat .
But we ’ ll talk more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Auntie Unfiltered .
Anyway , I noticed that the contents of my seasoned salt bottle were low , so I made a mental note to add it to my shopping list .
Then it occurred to me that I have had the same bottle of Lawry ’ s for over a year now .
Thinking something might be wrong with me , I brought this up to The Root ’ s managing editor , Genetta Adams , in our private Slack .
“ How often do you replace your seasoned salt ?
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t use seasoned salt , ” she replied .
“ I use a variety of spices to achieve the desired effect.
” I was incredulous .
Don ’ t all Black people have Lawry ’ s in their cabinet ?
“ Wow , ” I said .
“ Are you sure you ’ re Black ?
” “ The only seasoned salt I have is the Adobo and I really only use it when I ’ m making Mexican food , ” she continued .
“ Yes , bish , and my season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t need Lawry ’ s to tell me what to taste.
” “ Do you need to see my spice rack ?
” she asked , adding extra spice to the conversation .
I said yes , and she provided a video in which she educated me on her herbs and spice game .
I was still in shock , though , so I took my query to Twitter .
The replies told it all .
There are so many Black people who are against the use of Lawry ’ s that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know how in the movies a person will do something , and then the film will slow down and close in on them and then show the faces of everyone around them laughing ?
That ’ s what that shit felt like , except I wasn ’ t humiliated .
I was still fucking SHOCKED .
So I said , let me ask the rest of the staff in Slack .
I went to our general channel and did that annoying ass @ here that everyone loves so much ( and by love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that shit , people .
Slack users know what I mean ) .
“ How many people here use Lawry ’ s when cooking ?
” I asked .
Senior Editor Stephen A. Crockett Jr. was the first to respond .
“ Everyone , ” he said , and The Glow Up ’ s Managing Editor Maiysha Kai , The Root entertainment writer Tonja Stidhum , staff writer Joe Jurado , and senior writer Michael Harriot all agreed .
Editor-in-chief Danielle Belton admitted that she owns Lawry ’ s but did not grow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not know what to use it for , while Maiysha owned that she sometimes uses Lawry ’ s and Tony Chachere ’ s simultaneously .
Danielle said she uses Old Bay , as did a lot of people on Twitter .
“ It ’ s like having baking soda in my fridge or hot sauce in the crib ; I have to have some Lawry ’ s in my house somewhere , ” Tonja quipped .
“ If I think about it , I actually have like four different brands of seasoning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the dish .
I ’ on like everything to taste the same , ” Maiysha said .
“ Does Trader Joe ’ s blends count , ” Danielle asked .
“ I have a bunch of those for when I ’ m lazy.
” Michael Harriot admitted to having a “ stockpile ” of Lawry ’ s because he is afraid to run out of it .
As for the people on Twitter , they gave lots of different reasons for not using it , but chief among them was the prevalence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community and the fact that Lawry ’ s has high salt and sugar content .
Still , today I learned that not all Black people use Lawry ’ s .
I feel as though I have grown from this .
What about you ?
What do you use in your kitchen ?

If you follow me on Twitter, you know that I spent some time this weekend doing meal prep to make eating during the week a bit easier for me, a busy news editor who is so exhausted by the end of the day it takes all my energy and effort to place my order on Postmates so I can eat dinner.
I’m proud of my meal prep, by the way. I made delicious breakfast salads, a delicious dinner salad and my own homemade Chipotle burrito bowl (complete with the stingy $2 scoop of guacamole on top to add authenticity to it).
Advertisement
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This morning, however, I wanted none of that. I was craving crinkle-cut fries with Lawry’s sprinkled on top and a load of ketchup. So that’s what I had.
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I like to sprinkle the seasoned salt on the fries while they are cooking, so it cooks into their….skin, as it were. They come out perfectly seasoned and delicious, and bitch, this is why I’m fat. But we’ll talk more about that on an upcoming episode of Auntie Unfiltered.
Anyway, I noticed that the contents of my seasoned salt bottle were low, so I made a mental note to add it to my shopping list. Then it occurred to me that I have had the same bottle of Lawry’s for over a year now. Thinking something might be wrong with me, I brought this up to The Root’s managing editor, Genetta Adams, in our private Slack.
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“How often do you replace your seasoned salt?” I asked.
“I don’t use seasoned salt,” she replied. “I use a variety of spices to achieve the desired effect.”
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I was incredulous. Don’t all Black people have Lawry’s in their cabinet?
“Wow,” I said. “Are you sure you’re Black?”
(It was a joke. It’s kind of a running joke between the two of us when one of us expresses something that isn’t like what everyone else thinks.)
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“The only seasoned salt I have is the Adobo and I really only use it when I’m making Mexican food,” she continued. “Yes, bish, and my season game is strong. I don’t need Lawry’s to tell me what to taste.”
“Do you need to see my spice rack?” she asked, adding extra spice to the conversation.
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I said yes, and she provided a video in which she educated me on her herbs and spice game.
I was still in shock, though, so I took my query to Twitter.
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The replies told it all. There are so many Black people who are against the use of Lawry’s that I suddenly felt like a minority.
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You know how in the movies a person will do something, and then the film will slow down and close in on them and then show the faces of everyone around them laughing? That’s what that shit felt like, except I wasn’t humiliated. I was still fucking SHOCKED.
So I said, let me ask the rest of the staff in Slack.
I went to our general channel and did that annoying ass @here that everyone loves so much (and by love, I mean hate. Stop abusing that shit, people. Slack users know what I mean).
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“How many people here use Lawry’s when cooking?” I asked.
Senior Editor Stephen A. Crockett Jr. was the first to respond.
“Everyone,” he said, and The Glow Up’s Managing Editor Maiysha Kai, The Root entertainment writer Tonja Stidhum, staff writer Joe Jurado, and senior writer Michael Harriot all agreed.
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“This is such a trick question, guys,” Stephen added.
Shanelle Genai, our newest entertainment writer, asked “Does creole seasoning count?”
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“Yes,” Stephen answered. “It’s just creole Lawry’s.”
Editor-in-chief Danielle Belton admitted that she owns Lawry’s but did not grow up on it, and therefore, does not know what to use it for, while Maiysha owned that she sometimes uses Lawry’s and Tony Chachere’s simultaneously. Danielle said she uses Old Bay, as did a lot of people on Twitter.
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“It’s like having baking soda in my fridge or hot sauce in the crib; I have to have some Lawry’s in my house somewhere,” Tonja quipped.
“If I think about it, I actually have like four different brands of seasoning salts in varying hues/spice levels, depending on the dish. I’on like everything to taste the same,” Maiysha said.
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“Does Trader Joe’s blends count,” Danielle asked. “I have a bunch of those for when I’m lazy.”
Michael Harriot admitted to having a “stockpile” of Lawry’s because he is afraid to run out of it.
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As for the people on Twitter, they gave lots of different reasons for not using it, but chief among them was the prevalence of high blood pressure in the Black community and the fact that Lawry’s has high salt and sugar content.
Still, today I learned that not all Black people use Lawry’s.
I feel as though I have grown from this.
What about you? What do you use in your kitchen?


theroot--2020-11-17--Black-ish: Pops and Ruby Are Getting Married Again! Who All Gon' Be There? Who Cookin'?

ABC is partnering with Black Restaurant Week , the “ annual , multi-city culinary movement celebrating the flavors of African , African-American , and Caribbean cuisine nationwide ” to promote a couple of their TV shows and ... well , my stomach is growling , already .
On Wednesday , the very special episode of Black-ish where Pops ( Laurence Fishburne ) and Ruby ( Jenifer Lewis ) get married ( for the second time ) will debut .
Praise Black Jesus !
Since one of the most significant aspects of a Black-ass wedding is the food , ABC will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other press members and influencers ) a digital wedding invitation along with key menu items from selected Black-owned restaurants in Los Angeles ( specifically from Plate of Hue , Grilled Fraiche , and Chipper & Cheeky ) for Black Restaurant Week .
Here ’ s the synopsis from the “ Our Wedding Dre ” ( haha , this play on words is great ) episode : By the way , Pops ’ brother is portrayed by none other than Danny Glover .
I actually got the opportunity to screen the wedding episode @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spoilers from me , of course , but I can confirm that much like many other TV shows airing during this time , it definitely incorporated the current pandemic-era .
And obviously , there will be some ( funny ) family drama .
Since we ’ re talking about food and family drama , Anthony Anderson ( Dre ) recently pranked his own family with some unseasoned sweet potato pie , in partnership with McCormick , in case you missed it .
Damn , he ain ’ t right for that !
Additionally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season premiere of For Life ( Nov. 18 at 10 p.m .
ET ) by throwing a virtual dinner party featuring several formerly incarcerated Black-owned restaurant owners and chefs from Atlanta , New York , Los Angeles and Philadelphia on Wednesday , Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m .
ET as they discuss their successful careers post-incarceration ( which is very relevant if you ’ re familiar with the TV show ) .
Derek Robinson ( Marketing Director , Black Restaurant Week LLC ) , Executive Chef Marquis Hayes ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carter ( Down North Pizza ) , Mychel “ Snoop ” Dillard ( Escobar ) , Aaron Jones ( The Original Taco Pete ) will join the party moderated by WABC-TV New York anchorwoman Sade Baderinwa and there will be more talent ( some from For Life , I hear ) to be announced .
The “ Our Wedding Dre ” episode of Black-ish airs Wednesday , Nov. 18 at 9:30 p.m .
ET on ABC .

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

Y’all hungry?
ABC is partnering with Black Restaurant Week, the “annual, multi-city culinary movement celebrating the flavors of African, African-American, and Caribbean cuisine nationwide” to promote a couple of their TV shows and...well, my stomach is growling, already.
On Wednesday, the very special episode of Black-ish where Pops (Laurence Fishburne) and Ruby (Jenifer Lewis) get married (for the second time) will debut. Praise Black Jesus!
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Since one of the most significant aspects of a Black-ass wedding is the food, ABC will be sending a very lucky me (and other press members and influencers) a digital wedding invitation along with key menu items from selected Black-owned restaurants in Los Angeles (specifically from Plate of Hue, Grilled Fraiche, and Chipper & Cheeky) for Black Restaurant Week.
Here’s the synopsis from the “Our Wedding Dre” (haha, this play on words is great) episode:
Pops and Ruby are getting re-married! And Dre’s intimate wedding plans go awry when Pops’ brother, Uncle Norman, shows up unexpectedly for the festivities. Meanwhile, Ruby refuses Bow’s offer to help with preparations until an unanticipated situation gives her an opening to save the big day.
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By the way, Pops’ brother is portrayed by none other than Danny Glover.
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I actually got the opportunity to screen the wedding episode in advance of the airdate. No spoilers from me, of course, but I can confirm that much like many other TV shows airing during this time, it definitely incorporated the current pandemic-era. And obviously, there will be some (funny) family drama. Since we’re talking about food and family drama, Anthony Anderson (Dre) recently pranked his own family with some unseasoned sweet potato pie, in partnership with McCormick, in case you missed it.
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Damn, he ain’t right for that!
Additionally, ABC will be celebrating the new season premiere of For Life (Nov. 18 at 10 p.m. ET) by throwing a virtual dinner party featuring several formerly incarcerated Black-owned restaurant owners and chefs from Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles and Philadelphia on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. ET as they discuss their successful careers post-incarceration (which is very relevant if you’re familiar with the TV show). Derek Robinson (Marketing Director, Black Restaurant Week LLC), Executive Chef Marquis Hayes (Brown Butter New York), Michael Carter (Down North Pizza), Mychel “Snoop” Dillard (Escobar), Aaron Jones (The Original Taco Pete) will join the party moderated by WABC-TV New York anchorwoman Sade Baderinwa and there will be more talent (some from For Life, I hear) to be announced.
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The “Our Wedding Dre” episode of Black-ish airs Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 9:30 p.m. ET on ABC.


theroot--2020-11-17--Be Cute And Cook To Your Heart's Desire With a Bella Air Fryer, Only $20

Whether you 're celebrating with your loved ones in person or from a distance , The Inventory staff is dedicated @ @ @ @ @ the top gifts to ring in the season—and maybe a few good deals to snatch @ @ @ @ @ 's okay , your secret 's safe with us .
If you just moved into @ @ @ @ @ tiny air fryer from Bella should be one of the first things you purchase after @ @ @ @ @ Only $ 20 because of an early Black Friday sale , you can make salmon @ @ @ @ @ , and whatever else your heart desires with a flick of the wrist .
Wouldn @ @ @ @ @ damn cute on your countertop ?

Ignacia on Kinja Deals, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Bella 2-Quart Air Fryer | $40 | Macy’s
If you just moved into your own apartment, a tiny air fryer from Bella should be one of the first things you purchase after the furniture and the like. Only $40 because of an early Black Friday sale, you can make salmon, mozzarella sticks, fries, and whatever else your heart desires with a flick of the wrist. Wouldn’t this look so damn cute on your countertop?


theroot--2020-11-17--Wisconsin to Trump: You Want a Recount, Cool. Pay Us $8 Million and We Will Hop Right on It

Wisconsin doesn ’ t have time for Trump , his goofy prepaid mall-kiosk lawyers or his bullshit claims of voter fraud and has put the president on notice : You can have a recount in Wisconsin ( a state he narrowly lost ) , but you ’ re going to pay for it , and we need $ 8 million upfront because we ’ ve heard about how you handle debt .
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel , Trump will have until Wednesday to decide if he wants to pay the money for the recount , which isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s what I think will happen : • Nothing .
If Trump has to spend his own money to try and fake-fight this then he ’ s not going to do it .
He knows this is all bullshit and asking the president to spend his own money is calling his bluff .
• He ’ s going to take money raised for his fake-ass PAC that is basically a big-ass GoFundMe that will fund Trump ’ s lifestyle outside of the White House until he can come up with his next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ running for president in 2024 .
The Journal Sentinel notes that as soon as his campaign can come up with the funds , the recount could begin as early as Thursday and be complete by Dec. 1 .
Apparently , Trump has been preparing his voters for this big “ fight , ” which isn ’ t a fight because he ’ s got no one to fight against , so he can use all of this fundraising money he ’ s received to try and find votes that don ’ t exist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he already accumulated .
This isn ’ t the first time that Wisconsin has told a presidential candidate , “ Fuck you , pay me.
” In 2016 , the state charged Jill Stein $ 2 million for a recount , which she did .
I know that many of The Root readers are good at math so let me say that , yes they are charging Donald Trump four times what they charged Jill Stein and that ’ s because they are actually going to have to count votes .
I mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to three ?
( three is the actual number of votes that Stein received in the 2016 election . )
So Trump ’ s got some choices to make : either he can cough up the dough and get this fake ass process underway or he can complain about how America is treating him unfairly while he continues to collect money from his followers , knowing that he has no plans to do anything other than bitch and moan , which is what he does best .

Wisconsin doesn’t have time for Trump, his goofy prepaid mall-kiosk lawyers or his bullshit claims of voter fraud and has put the president on notice: You can have a recount in Wisconsin ( a state he narrowly lost), but you’re going to pay for it, and we need $8 million upfront because we’ve heard about how you handle debt.
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Trump will have until Wednesday to decide if he wants to pay the money for the recount, which isn’t going to change anything.
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Here’s what I think will happen:
Nothing. If Trump has to spend his own money to try and fake-fight this then he’s not going to do it. He knows this is all bullshit and asking the president to spend his own money is calling his bluff. He’s going to take money raised for his fake-ass PAC that is basically a big-ass GoFundMe that will fund Trump’s lifestyle outside of the White House
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The Journal Sentinel notes that as soon as his campaign can come up with the funds, the recount could begin as early as Thursday and be complete by Dec. 1. Apparently, Trump has been preparing his voters for this big “fight,” which isn’t a fight because he’s got no one to fight against, so he can use all of this fundraising money he’s received to try and find votes that don’t exist or he can pay off the debt he already accumulated.
This isn’t the first time that Wisconsin has told a presidential candidate, “Fuck you, pay me.” In 2016, the state charged Jill Stein $2 million for a recount, which she did. I know that many of The Root readers are good at math so let me say that, yes they are charging Donald Trump four times what they charged Jill Stein and that’s because they are actually going to have to count votes. I mean, how hard is it to count to three? (three is the actual number of votes that Stein received in the 2016 election.)
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So Trump’s got some choices to make: either he can cough up the dough and get this fake ass process underway or he can complain about how America is treating him unfairly while he continues to collect money from his followers, knowing that he has no plans to do anything other than bitch and moan, which is what he does best.


theroot--2020-11-17--Megan Thee Stallion Released the Tracklist for Her Debut Album Good News and Yes, Shots Are Fired

Megan Thee Stallion is reclaiming her narrative through her debut album , Good News and she is not holding back .
On Tuesday , the rapper dropped a tweet with the tracklist of her upcoming album and it apparently opens with one particular track that has everyone talking .
Y ’ all see it , right out the gate : “ Shots Fired.
” Though we haven ’ t heard the track yet , it ’ s pretty safe to say that this song likely alludes to the time she got shot in her feet after a party ( for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facing charges ) .
Art is typically the best and most effective way for artists to express themselves , but if you ’ ve been paying attention , Megan didn ’ t wait to reclaim her narrative and has used every single avenue to do so in the months since .
Still , if the Lilliputian lyricist can attempt to profit off of the incident , then certainly Megan can do so when it ’ s truly her damn story to tell ( and I predict she ’ s going to do much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to that well-placed “ Shots Fired ” intro , I ’ m looking forward to these features , especially “ Cry Baby ” with Da Baby , “ Do It On The Tip ” with City Girls ( if we can get a music video for this one , it ’ ll probably blow the fuck up just like the time Cardi B paired with them ) and “ Freaky Girls ” with SZA .
Plus , there ’ s always room to put “ Savage Remix ” featuring Beyoncé on repeat .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Megan Thee Queen of Thee Week ” because Meg will also be dropping an inclusive clothing line with Fashion Nova on Wednesday .
“ I just realized how big of a lack of representation there is for curvier girls , or taller girls , or girls with bigger feet , ” Megan told Entertainment Tonight in a recent interview .
“ Everybody is not just a cookie-cutter size , so I just want to make sure that starting with this collab we have better representation with just women in general .
Even with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for skinny short girls .
It ’ s not just about the model body .
It ’ s about the real body , so this collection definitely caters to women with curves .
I say petite , too , but just the girls with the little representation that ’ s what my collection really caters to.
” Good News drops on Nov. 20 and you can preorder a copy now .

Megan Thee Stallion is reclaiming her narrative through her debut album, Good News and she is not holding back.
On Tuesday, the rapper dropped a tweet with the tracklist of her upcoming album and it apparently opens with one particular track that has everyone talking.
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Y’all see it, right out the gate: “Shots Fired.” Though we haven’t heard the track yet, it’s pretty safe to say that this song likely alludes to the time she got shot in her feet after a party (for which the alleged asshat assailant is now facing charges).
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Art is typically the best and most effective way for artists to express themselves, but if you’ve been paying attention, Megan didn’t wait to reclaim her narrative and has used every single avenue to do so in the months since. Still, if the Lilliputian lyricist can attempt to profit off of the incident, then certainly Megan can do so when it’s truly her damn story to tell (and I predict she’s going to do much better in sales).
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In addition to that well-placed “Shots Fired” intro, I’m looking forward to these features, especially “Cry Baby” with Da Baby, “Do It On The Tip” with City Girls (if we can get a music video for this one, it’ll probably blow the fuck up just like the time Cardi B paired with them) and “Freaky Girls” with SZA. Plus, there’s always room to put “Savage Remix” featuring Beyoncé on repeat.
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This week should be branded as “Megan Thee Queen of Thee Week” because Meg will also be dropping an inclusive clothing line with Fashion Nova on Wednesday.
“I just realized how big of a lack of representation there is for curvier girls, or taller girls, or girls with bigger feet,” Megan told Entertainment Tonight in a recent interview. “Everybody is not just a cookie-cutter size, so I just want to make sure that starting with this collab we have better representation with just women in general. Even with short girls, the jeans are made for skinny short girls. It’s not just about the model body. It’s about the real body, so this collection definitely caters to women with curves. I say petite, too, but just the girls with the little representation that’s what my collection really caters to.”
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Good News drops on Nov. 20 and you can preorder a copy now.


theroot--2020-11-17--‘I Felt Like There Should’ve Been More Charges’: 3rd Grand Juror in Breonna Taylor Case Speaks Out

Here ’ s a question : Do any of the grand jurors in Breonna Taylor ’ s case agree with the grand jury ruling not to charge the officers with her death ?
I ask because out of the 12 jurors involved in the proceedings in September , three have now spoken out to say that they were never given the option to consider murder charges for the officers who fatally shot Taylor and that the cops got off way too light .
In a recent interview with the Associated Press , the third grand juror to speak anonymously said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ endangerment charges for former officer Brett Hankison—the only officer involved in the shooting to be fired and charged criminally at all—she said to herself , “ No , that ’ s not the end of it.
” “ I felt like there should ’ ve been more charges , ” the unidentified female juror told AP .
Like the other two jurors who have spoken out , she complained that they were told by prosecutors that the use of force was justified and they weren ’ t allowed to consider additional charges .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ nor Myles Cosgrove was charged with Hankison .
“ All of them went in blindly , you really couldn ’ t see into that lady ’ s apartment as they explained to us , there was just a TV on , ” she said of Taylor ’ s Louisville apartment .
The police “ went in there like the O.K .
Corral , wanted dead or alive.
” Hankison was fired in June for his actions during the raid .
Cosgrove , in his testimony to investigators , said the apartment was completely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flashes ” and a “ distorted shadowy mass , a figure in front of me.
” He fired his handgun 16 times , according to ballistics evidence .
As The Root previously reported , during a news conference announcing the results of the grand jury proceedings , Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron said that all of the jurors agreed that no additional charges were justified in the case .
The third juror addressed that as well .
“ I felt like he was trying to throw the blame on somebody else , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we weren ’ t going to [ speak ] out , ” she said .
“ He made it feel like it was all our fault , and it wasn ’ t. ” Perhaps this is the reason Cameron fought so hard to block the first grand juror in the case from speaking out anonymously .
That juror filed a motion on Sept. 29 saying that Cameron , “ attempted to make it very clear that the grand jury alone made the decision on who and what to charge based solely on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Using the grand jurors as a shield to deflect accountability and responsibility for these decisions only sows more seeds of doubt in the process while leaving a cold chill down the spines of future grand jurors , ” the juror said , according to the filing .
Fortunately , a judge ruled against Cameron which allowed jurors involved in the proceedings to speak out if they so choose .
According to CBS News , a second juror spoke out late last month telling CBS This Morning co-host Gayle King that the whole thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t give us the charges upfront , ” he said .
“ When they gave us all of that testimony , over 20-something hours , and then to say that these are the only charges that they ’ re coming up with , it ’ s like , ‘ Well , what did we just sit through ?
’ ” According to AP , Kevin Glogower , an attorney for all three grand jurors , agreed with juror No .
3 that Cameron simply never expected the grand jurors to speak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was nobody would ever contradict what [ Cameron ] was saying , ” Glogower said .
“ He was hiding behind the secrecy rule and the history of the grand jury .
”

Here’s a question: Do any of the grand jurors in Breonna Taylor’s case agree with the grand jury ruling not to charge the officers with her death?
I ask because out of the 12 jurors involved in the proceedings in September, three have now spoken out to say that they were never given the option to consider murder charges for the officers who fatally shot Taylor and that the cops got off way too light.
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In a recent interview with the Associated Press, the third grand juror to speak anonymously said that when the proceedings concluded with wanton endangerment charges for former officer Brett Hankison—the only officer involved in the shooting to be fired and charged criminally at all—she said to herself, “No, that’s not the end of it.”
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“I felt like there should’ve been more charges,” the unidentified female juror told AP. Like the other two jurors who have spoken out, she complained that they were told by prosecutors that the use of force was justified and they weren’t allowed to consider additional charges. She also wondered why neither Jonathan Mattingly nor Myles Cosgrove was charged with Hankison.
From AP:
“All of them went in blindly, you really couldn’t see into that lady’s apartment as they explained to us, there was just a TV on,” she said of Taylor’s Louisville apartment. The police “went in there like the O.K. Corral, wanted dead or alive.” Hankison was fired in June for his actions during the raid. Cosgrove, in his testimony to investigators, said the apartment was completely dark and he saw “vivid white flashes” and a “distorted shadowy mass, a figure in front of me.” He fired his handgun 16 times, according to ballistics evidence.
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As The Root previously reported, during a news conference announcing the results of the grand jury proceedings, Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron said that all of the jurors agreed that no additional charges were justified in the case. The third juror addressed that as well.
“I felt like he was trying to throw the blame on somebody else, that he felt like, we as jurors, we weren’t going to [speak] out,” she said. “He made it feel like it was all our fault, and it wasn’t.”
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Perhaps this is the reason Cameron fought so hard to block the first grand juror in the case from speaking out anonymously. That juror filed a motion on Sept. 29 saying that Cameron, “attempted to make it very clear that the grand jury alone made the decision on who and what to charge based solely on the evidence presented to them.”
“Using the grand jurors as a shield to deflect accountability and responsibility for these decisions only sows more seeds of doubt in the process while leaving a cold chill down the spines of future grand jurors,” the juror said, according to the filing. Fortunately, a judge ruled against Cameron which allowed jurors involved in the proceedings to speak out if they so choose.
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According to CBS News, a second juror spoke out late last month telling CBS This Morning co-host Gayle King that the whole thing “was a betrayal.”
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“They didn’t give us the charges upfront,” he said. “When they gave us all of that testimony, over 20-something hours, and then to say that these are the only charges that they’re coming up with, it’s like, ‘Well, what did we just sit through?’”
According to AP, Kevin Glogower, an attorney for all three grand jurors, agreed with juror No. 3 that Cameron simply never expected the grand jurors to speak publicly.
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“The expectation that day was nobody would ever contradict what [Cameron] was saying,” Glogower said. “He was hiding behind the secrecy rule and the history of the grand jury.”


theroot--2020-11-17--Stock up on Your Faves: Select Urban Decay Products Are 50% Off

Whether you 're celebrating with your loved ones in person or from a distance , The Inventory staff is dedicated @ @ @ @ @ the top gifts to ring in the season—and maybe a few good deals to snatch @ @ @ @ @ 's okay , your secret 's safe with us .

Urban Decay 50% Off | Nordstrom Rack
Hey makeup lovers, rejoice! Select Urban Decay makeup products are 50% off just in time for the holidays. Everyone is familiar with the All Nighter setting spray, but you can also get eyeshadows and bronzers. What are you waiting for?


theroot--2020-11-17--Senator Lindsey Graham Can’t Stop Being Messy, and This Time, He Might’ve Gotten in Over His Head

If reports are true , Trump ’ s favorite stepping stool may be in big trouble .
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger claimed that South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham hinted that he throw away ballots in Georgia , where officials are currently recounting presidential election ballots by hand in the state that went for President-elect Joe Biden , a first for a Democrat in almost 30 years ( thank you , Stacey Abrams and other B lack women involved in getting folks registered and to the polls . )
“ He asked if the ballots could be matched back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CNN ’ s Wolf Blitzer on The Situation Room Monday .
“ And then he , I got the sense it implied that then you could throw those out for any if you look at the counties with the highest frequent error of signatures .
So that ’ s the impression that I got.
” He later added , “ It was just an implication of , ‘ Look hard and see how many ballots you could throw out.
’ ” Raffensperger ’ s comments to Blitzer echoed what he told the Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out here trying to create doubt around “ Georgia ’ s signature-matching law in a conversation on Friday , and had also floated the possibility that biased poll workers could have counted ballots with inconsistent signatures , ” CNN reports .
Graham also reportedly asked Raffensperger about discarding mail-in ballots that came from counties that had shown higher rates of unmatched signatures , the Republican secretary of state told the Post .
Meanwhile , back at the ranch , there has been no evidence of widespread voter fraud .
None .
Not one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a South Carolina congressman , so why the fuck is he talking with Georgia ’ s secretary of state about its election process ?
You know Graham has an explanation for it all , and he wants to make clear that while he loves his master Donald Trump , the president didn ’ t ask him to call , because he doesn ’ t have to .
Graham would drink bleach for Trump if it meant that they could spend a few more seconds alone .
“ What I ’ m trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ verify signatures on mail-in ballots in these states that are the center of attention ?
” Graham told CNN .
“ So like when you mail in a ballot , you got to have some way to verify that the signature on the envelope actually matches the person who requested the ballot .
It seems to me that Georgia has some protections that maybe other states don ’ t have , where you go into the portal to get your ballot .
But I thought it was a good conversation .
I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that way.
” Graham added : “ So they expanded mail-in voting , and how you verify the signatures to me is the big issue .
If you ’ re going to have mail-in voting , you ’ ve got to verify that the person who signed the envelope is also the person who requested the ballot.
” Raffensperger explained to Blitzer ( whose real name is Wolf , and we are just going to ignore that ?
This guy ’ s real first name is Wolf and nobody , not one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has ever made fun of it .
We just accept a Wolf ?
Wolf ? )
that the election system in Georgia has signature matches “ when voters request mail ballots and when completed ballots are returned to election systems .
He also said the online absentee portal has a photo ID.
” “ We feel confident the election officials did their job , ” he said .
Biden won Georgia ( we see you Black women ! )
by some 14,000 votes over the orange man , but to appease America ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a recount .
CNN notes that six small counties have already finished their recounts and reported no discrepancies .
But here comes some small-ass county called “ Floyd ” with the fuckshit , as they ’ ve reportedly found some 2,600 uncounted ballots that hadn ’ t been scanned .
An investigation is underway to determine WTF happened .
Meanwhile , experts are like , “ Trump can try everything he wants but he ain ’ t making up a 14,000 vote deficit .
”

If reports are true, Trump’s favorite stepping stool may be in big trouble.
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger claimed that South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham hinted that he throw away ballots in Georgia, where officials are currently recounting presidential election ballots by hand in the state that went for President-elect Joe Biden, a first for a Democrat in almost 30 years (thank you, Stacey Abrams and other B lack women involved in getting folks registered and to the polls.)
“He asked if the ballots could be matched back to the voters,” Raffensperger told CNN’s Wolf Blitzer on The Situation Room Monday. “And then he, I got the sense it implied that then you could throw those out for any if you look at the counties with the highest frequent error of signatures. So that’s the impression that I got.”
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He later added, “It was just an implication of, ‘Look hard and see how many ballots you could throw out.’”
Raffensperger’s comments to Blitzer echoed what he told the Washington Post on Monday, that Graham was out here trying to create doubt around “Georgia’s signature-matching law in a conversation on Friday, and had also floated the possibility that biased poll workers could have counted ballots with inconsistent signatures,” CNN reports.
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Graham also reportedly asked Raffensperger about discarding mail-in ballots that came from counties that had shown higher rates of unmatched signatures, the Republican secretary of state told the Post.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, there has been no evidence of widespread voter fraud. None. Not one bit of evidence. Also, Graham is a South Carolina congressman, so why the fuck is he talking with Georgia’s secretary of state about its election process?
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You know Graham has an explanation for it all, and he wants to make clear that while he loves his master Donald Trump, the president didn’t ask him to call, because he doesn’t have to. Graham would drink bleach for Trump if it meant that they could spend a few more seconds alone.
“What I’m trying to find out was how do you verify signatures on mail-in ballots in these states that are the center of attention?” Graham told CNN. “So like when you mail in a ballot, you got to have some way to verify that the signature on the envelope actually matches the person who requested the ballot. It seems to me that Georgia has some protections that maybe other states don’t have, where you go into the portal to get your ballot. But I thought it was a good conversation. I’m surprised to hear him verify it that way.”
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Graham added: “So they expanded mail-in voting, and how you verify the signatures to me is the big issue. If you’re going to have mail-in voting, you’ve got to verify that the person who signed the envelope is also the person who requested the ballot.”
Raffensperger explained to Blitzer (whose real name is Wolf, and we are just going to ignore that? This guy’s real first name is Wolf and nobody, not one of y’all in the comments, has ever made fun of it. We just accept a Wolf? Wolf?) that the election system in Georgia has signature matches “when voters request mail ballots and when completed ballots are returned to election systems. He also said the online absentee portal has a photo ID.”
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“We feel confident the election officials did their job,” he said.
Biden won Georgia (we see you Black women!) by some 14,000 votes over the orange man, but to appease America (the racists), Georgia is doing a recount. CNN notes that six small counties have already finished their recounts and reported no discrepancies. But here comes some small-ass county called “Floyd” with the fuckshit, as they’ve reportedly found some 2,600 uncounted ballots that hadn’t been scanned. An investigation is underway to determine WTF happened.
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Meanwhile, experts are like, “Trump can try everything he wants but he ain’t making up a 14,000 vote deficit.”


theroot--2020-11-17--No Ordinary People: John Legend to Host the 2020 Global Citizen Prize Awards Special

The international advocacy organization Global Citizen has recently announced its host for the 2020 Global Citizen Prize Awards and it ’ s none other than one of our favorite philanthropic , phenomenal singers , John Legend .
In a press release sent to The Root , the Global Citizen Prize , which celebrates and honors leaders who are making extraordinary efforts to lift up the world ’ s most vulnerable and make the world a better place , is set to air on Saturday , December 19 on NBC .
“ I ’ m so excited to be returning as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second year , ” John Legend shared .
“ 2020 has challenged all of us in many ways , and I ’ m proud to be celebrating leaders who are supporting vulnerable communities , working to end extreme poverty , and inspiring others to take action for change.
” This year ’ s awards include : Global Citizen of the Year , Global Citizen Prize for World Leader , Global Citizen Prize for Business Leader , Global Citizen Artist of the Year , Cisco Youth Leadership Award , and the Global Citizen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Global Citizen is also adding three additional awards : Global Citizen Prize for Philanthropy , Global Citizen Prize for Culture & Education , and Global Citizen Prize for Activism .
The first of which will honor a philanthropist , or philanthropic group , who has shown extraordinary leadership , stepping forward to accelerate their giving in support of the world ’ s biggest challenges and in pursuit of achieving the United Nations Global Goals .
The second will recognize an individual or organization who has excelled in creating positive change through an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last will highlight an individual or organization whose activism has driven significant and exemplary impact for society at a local or global level .
The digital pre-show , hosted by Access Hollywood ’ s Scott Evans , will stream on Facebook and Twitter at 7:30 p.m.ET .
The show will also be available to watch via streaming on YouTube , Facebook , and Twitter immediately following its air on NBC .
More info on specific awardees , hosts , and musical performances are forthcoming but as of now , the night is already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
( Y ’ all know I had to put that in here somehow . )

The international advocacy organization Global Citizen has recently announced its host for the 2020 Global Citizen Prize Awards and it’s none other than one of our favorite philanthropic, phenomenal singers, John Legend.
In a press release sent to The Root, the Global Citizen Prize, which celebrates and honors leaders who are making extraordinary efforts to lift up the world’s most vulnerable and make the world a better place, is set to air on Saturday, December 19 on NBC. “I’m so excited to be returning as host of the Global Citizen Prize for the second year,” John Legend shared. “2020 has challenged all of us in many ways, and I’m proud to be celebrating leaders who are supporting vulnerable communities, working to end extreme poverty, and inspiring others to take action for change.”
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This year’s awards include: Global Citizen of the Year, Global Citizen Prize for World Leader, Global Citizen Prize for Business Leader, Global Citizen Artist of the Year, Cisco Youth Leadership Award, and the Global Citizen Country Hero Award. Along with that, Global Citizen is also adding three additional awards: Global Citizen Prize for Philanthropy, Global Citizen Prize for Culture & Education, and Global Citizen Prize for Activism. The first of which will honor a philanthropist, or philanthropic group, who has shown extraordinary leadership, stepping forward to accelerate their giving in support of the world’s biggest challenges and in pursuit of achieving the United Nations Global Goals. The second will recognize an individual or organization who has excelled in creating positive change through an artistic or educational endeavor. And the last will highlight an individual or organization whose activism has driven significant and exemplary impact for society at a local or global level.
The digital pre-show, hosted by Access Hollywood’s Scott Evans, will stream on Facebook and Twitter at 7:30 p.m.ET. The show will also be available to watch via streaming on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter immediately following its air on NBC. More info on specific awardees, hosts, and musical performances are forthcoming but as of now, the night is already shaping up to be quite...legendary. (Y’all know I had to put that in here somehow.)


theroot--2020-11-17--Corporate Leaders Need to Step Up and Protect Black Votes

For the last six months or so , companies such as Nike , Amazon , Uber and Facebook have bombarded us with messages to “ get out the vote.
” But now that these votes are being threatened , these same companies have retreated into the shadows , unwilling to defend the very people they called on to save our democracy .
It ’ s now time corporations actually help protect every vote after a surplus of pleas telling us every vote counts .
Despite voter and ballot suppression , not only did Black voters turn out in record numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the movement for racial justice were instrumental in the final results .
Now , though , the fight to defend our votes still hangs in the balance and the future of our democracy can not rest on Black people alone .
Corporations can ’ t credibly say Black lives matter if they won ’ t protect Black votes .
The countless companies that have publicly encouraged people to vote and made “ Black Lives Matter ” statements need to join us in demanding that we move forward with the definitive election outcome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be complicit in the violence and structural racism that have been enforced by white supremacist forces at the polls for decades .
After a year of noise from corporations pledging their support to Black Lives Matter and boycotting ads on Facebook to demand safeguards from misinformation on the platform , corporate leaders are staying silent when we need them the most—corporations must use their platforms , resources , and their influence to stand with Black people and our allies demanding candidates and media pundits respect the facts .
That means speaking out against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to erase Black votes .
We ’ ve already seen how Facebook and Twitter continue to lag on labeling false claims of victory from candidates and their supporters , allowing dangerously dishonest posts to spread widely without any checks .
YouTube has also failed to stem the proliferation of election misinformation , flat out refusing to take down some troubling videos centered on election misinformation .
Social media giants must take responsibility for their role in enabling politicians and their surrogates to deploy voter suppression tactics and spread election misinformation on their platforms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social posts spread , every second of inaction creates a harmful ripple effect on our democracy .
Recent reports reinforce that Facebook ’ s internal mechanisms for enforcing rules around voter suppression and election misinformation are fundamentally flawed and far too weak .
Conservative groups have shown a blatant disregard for Facebook ’ s election-related policies as they spread lies and misinformation without consequence .
Facebook has also failed to stop dangerous , far-right groups like QAnon from using the platform to plan rallies and convoys across the country intended to disrupt the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sites .
Now , “ stop the steal ” groups are using Facebook to spread disturbing misinformation and false accusations of voter fraud in an effort to erase Black votes and halt vote counts in critical battleground states with high populations of Black voters .
Some of these groups are tied to Republican operatives , and they are growing at alarming rates , organizing and mobilizing members to take bogus voter fraud allegations and election misinformation from online group pages to the streets .
Facebook has taken action in some instances , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too late , only after pressure from advocacy groups like Color Of Change .
One group had grown to 365,000 members and already broadcast calls for violence before the company took it down .
These policy enforcement failures continue to embolden bad actors who want to erase Black votes and cast doubt on the integrity of votes in Black communities .
The stakes are higher than ever , and Facebook has proven it ’ s incapable of enforcing its own policies .
That ’ s why Color Of Change is demanding Facebook immediately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that violate policies designed to protect the integrity of the election , pause group recommendations across the board until the election results are certified , and demote the top 100 misinformation super-spreader groups on the platform — among other calls to action .
Surveys show Americans want CEOs to play a role in protecting our democracy .
They must step up .
If corporate leaders—who make millions of dollars a year off of Black purchasing power—can ’ t defend Black votes , we can not trust them to defend Black lives .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black Lives Matter earlier this summer must now join us in condemning candidates who spread lies and misinformation in an attempt to undermine the election .
Companies like Amazon , Nike , JPMorgan Chase and McDonald ’ s , and major sport leagues like the NBA and NFL that have profited off the backs of Black labor and consumers must also act .
Amazon has already demonstrated glaring hypocrisy in this regard .
The company , which has a large percentage of Black workers , has encouraged employees to reflect on systemic racism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time off to vote and continues to put Black workers at risk of harm .
Financial services companies have a role to play as well .
For too long , they ’ ve continued to provide a platform for hate groups to raise funds and process payments , which has led both directly and indirectly to violence against Black people .
At the end of the day , the will of the people will prevail , but we have to hold corporate enablers accountable—any attempt to cheat this election will not be tolerated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t matter , clearly don ’ t believe that Black lives matter .
We won the fight to be heard , but we still have to keep fighting to protect what we won from being stolen .
Corporate giants must use their platforms to condemn anyone who refuses to honor and respect the numbers or erase Black votes .
If they can ’ t defend our victory at the polls , we can not trust them to fight for real change or dismantle corporate practices that harm Black communities .

For the last six months or so, companies such as Nike, Amazon, Uber and Facebook have bombarded us with messages to “get out the vote.” But now that these votes are being threatened, these same companies have retreated into the shadows, unwilling to defend the very people they called on to save our democracy. It’s now time corporations actually help protect every vote after a surplus of pleas telling us every vote counts.
Despite voter and ballot suppression, not only did Black voters turn out in record numbers, but the motivation and mobilization created by the movement for racial justice were instrumental in the final results. Now, though, the fight to defend our votes still hangs in the balance and the future of our democracy cannot rest on Black people alone.
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Corporations can’t credibly say Black lives matter if they won’t protect Black votes. The countless companies that have publicly encouraged people to vote and made “Black Lives Matter” statements need to join us in demanding that we move forward with the definitive election outcome. To be silent now is to be complicit in the violence and structural racism that have been enforced by white supremacist forces at the polls for decades.
After a year of noise from corporations pledging their support to Black Lives Matter and boycotting ads on Facebook to demand safeguards from misinformation on the platform, corporate leaders are staying silent when we need them the most—corporations must use their platforms, resources, and their influence to stand with Black people and our allies demanding candidates and media pundits respect the facts. That means speaking out against bad actors and their enablers who attempt to erase Black votes.
Advertisement Advertisement
We’ve already seen how Facebook and Twitter continue to lag on labeling false claims of victory from candidates and their supporters, allowing dangerously dishonest posts to spread widely without any checks. YouTube has also failed to stem the proliferation of election misinformation, flat out refusing to take down some troubling videos centered on election misinformation. Social media giants must take responsibility for their role in enabling politicians and their surrogates to deploy voter suppression tactics and spread election misinformation on their platforms. Given the high velocity at which social posts spread, every second of inaction creates a harmful ripple effect on our democracy.
Recent reports reinforce that Facebook’s internal mechanisms for enforcing rules around voter suppression and election misinformation are fundamentally flawed and far too weak. Conservative groups have shown a blatant disregard for Facebook’s election-related policies as they spread lies and misinformation without consequence. Facebook has also failed to stop dangerous, far-right groups like QAnon from using the platform to plan rallies and convoys across the country intended to disrupt the election and prevent voters from accessing polling sites.
Advertisement
Now, “stop the steal” groups are using Facebook to spread disturbing misinformation and false accusations of voter fraud in an effort to erase Black votes and halt vote counts in critical battleground states with high populations of Black voters. Some of these groups are tied to Republican operatives, and they are growing at alarming rates, organizing and mobilizing members to take bogus voter fraud allegations and election misinformation from online group pages to the streets. Facebook has taken action in some instances, but they’ve pulled groups down far too late, only after pressure from advocacy groups like Color Of Change. One group had grown to 365,000 members and already broadcast calls for violence before the company took it down.
These policy enforcement failures continue to embolden bad actors who want to erase Black votes and cast doubt on the integrity of votes in Black communities. The stakes are higher than ever, and Facebook has proven it’s incapable of enforcing its own policies. That’s why Color Of Change is demanding Facebook immediately suspend the accounts of candidates and campaigns that violate policies designed to protect the integrity of the election, pause group recommendations across the board until the election results are certified, and demote the top 100 misinformation super-spreader groups on the platform — among other calls to action.
Advertisement
Surveys show Americans want CEOs to play a role in protecting our democracy. They must step up. If corporate leaders—who make millions of dollars a year off of Black purchasing power—can’t defend Black votes, we cannot trust them to defend Black lives. The thousands of companies that issued statements of Black Lives Matter earlier this summer must now join us in condemning candidates who spread lies and misinformation in an attempt to undermine the election. Companies like Amazon, Nike, JPMorgan Chase and McDonald’s, and major sport leagues like the NBA and NFL that have profited off the backs of Black labor and consumers must also act.
Amazon has already demonstrated glaring hypocrisy in this regard. The company, which has a large percentage of Black workers, has encouraged employees to reflect on systemic racism, but has refused to give employees time off to vote and continues to put Black workers at risk of harm. Financial services companies have a role to play as well. For too long, they’ve continued to provide a platform for hate groups to raise funds and process payments, which has led both directly and indirectly to violence against Black people.
Advertisement
At the end of the day, the will of the people will prevail, but we have to hold corporate enablers accountable—any attempt to cheat this election will not be tolerated. Corporations that think Black votes don’t matter, clearly don’t believe that Black lives matter. We won the fight to be heard, but we still have to keep fighting to protect what we won from being stolen. Corporate giants must use their platforms to condemn anyone who refuses to honor and respect the numbers or erase Black votes. If they can’t defend our victory at the polls, we cannot trust them to fight for real change or dismantle corporate practices that harm Black communities.