theroot--2020-12-31--The Best Things We Paid Real Money for in 2020

For better or for worse , in many ways , 2020 was defined by capitalism , a system unprepared to provide as many hospital beds as there are sick people during a pandemic .
Or PPE gear to health care workers exposed to those sick people .
Or even face masks to those ordinary people just trying to shop for groceries who are most susceptible to contracting a highly contagious , sometimes deadly virus .
Despite its shortcomings , in these tough times , capitalism was somehow still capable of bringing us the products we spent our hard-earned , paltry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to fulfillment issues affecting most , if not all retailers in the e-commerce space , even those arrived much later than usual .
By now , it ’ s trite to say 2020 wasn ’ t a usual year .
It ’ s a year that ’ s impossible to parody , no matter how hard the Black Mirror creators tried , because it was mostly a melancholy year for self-reflection , for those of us fortunate enough to have our health .
And there ’ s nothing funny about that .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at home , whether we were typing deals articles from our couches or coming home from work every night to engage in the same activities on loop until we lost track of the days , one thing we all had in common was our urge to buy stuff .
Not the same stuff as we would ’ ve bought in 2019 , 2018 , or 2017 either .
We bought so many laptops they sold out across the board .
Printers , too .
Guilty as charged .
2020 was also the year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leading not only to a shortage of new-gen PS5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles but the nearly 4-year-old Nintendo Switch as well .
You could always buy it on StockX , but don ’ t you dare write an article about it unless you like getting death threats in the comments from readers .
If you were transitioning from office to home , depending on the degree to which you had your life together , you might have also bought a more comfortable gaming chair or ergonomic desk .
I know I did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of obliterating my spine in a cheap Ikea dining chair .
Back in the spring , VPNs were in such high demand on Kinja Deals we ran a Co-op about it , then eventually Gizmodo ran its first-ever VPN buyer ’ s guide .
And who can forget the great vibrator surge ?
Thanks to social distancing rules , there was a notable lack of sexy times happening in the lives of bachelors and bachelorettes around the world .
However 2020 impacted you , personally , I think we can all agree the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buy new things , either to entertain us or improve our quality of life .
Or , much like myself , perhaps you took for granted the amenities supplied by your employer back at the office , that you had to buy for yourself out of pocket while working from home .
In any case , you can rest assured you ’ re not alone .
Out of the multitude of things we bought this year ( and , in many instances , G/O Media likely earned a commission from ) , these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to much surprise .
Buy a thing you ’ re loving in 2020 ?
Shout it out for the world to hear in the comments section below .
Originally , the Switch Lite was supposed to be for my wife , that is until we learned her Animal Crossing save data wouldn ’ t transfer over .
In the interim , we agreed I could hold onto it as my secondary system as we waited for a patch to arrive .
Months and months passed , and by the time save transfers were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waned , and I ’ d fallen in love with the Spongebob-yellow handheld—to the point where I ended up selling my day one Switch proper .
Seeing as my Xbox , PlayStation , PC , and Apple TV share the same TV , I can ’ t say I miss having one too many HDMI cables to plug in .
What I did miss , after the demise of the Vita , was a lightweight , dedicated handheld that doesn ’ t make my hands cramp .
My wife reviewed this one for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out for gaming .
You can ’ t say no to that .
After months of “ testing , ” I have to say , if you ’ re still using your TV ’ s built-in speakers , you ’ re doing it wrong .
We live in a 550-square foot studio apartment , so when I say the Vizio Elevate barely takes up more space than your regular , everyday soundbar , you know I ’ m spitting truth .
I ’ ve had to “ test ” a lot of games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on next-gen consoles , even if I ’ m playing them on PC—and from what I can tell , the Elevate is the only one that convinced me going from integrated TV speakers to a 5.1 ( .4 ) home theater system with Dolby Atmos is more of an upgrade than either the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S over their predecessors .
If you can ’ t snag the latest systems , this might just whet your appetite .
I could wax poetic all day about the AirPods Pro , and I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next to my name , you ’ re bound to find results .
So I ’ ll keep this one short .
Don ’ t buy AirPods if they ’ re not AirPods Pro .
You ’ ll find plenty of better true wireless earbuds in that price range , including the Anker Soundcore Liberty Pro 2 and the TaoTronics SoundLiberty 79 .
AirPods Pro are in another league altogether .
The seamless switching between device ( even the non-Apple kind , believe it or not ) paired with cushy rubberized tips and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s an older model , I think , but making the move from an upright vacuum cleaner that has to be tethered to my wall to a cordless stick vac was one of the better decisions I made this year .
I bought one of the Dyson V7 variants back in the spring when it was on sale at Newegg ( guess what , it still is ! )
and haven ’ t regretted it .
Not only did it replace the ol ’ Black & Decker , but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In addition to its compact form factor , the reason I bought it considering the size of our apartment , the Dyson V7 is versatile , reaching even the tightest spaces thanks to its articulated design , and powerful enough to keep our floors spotless with a little help from the Swiffer .
I noticed this year my senior dog was having a little trouble getting up in the morning and seemed to be stirring more in the middle of the night .
The bed he had was probably a little too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sleeping in the Orthocomfort he ’ s gotten a bit of his pep back .
He ’ s cozier and honestly looks happy snuggled up in this pet bed ’ s higher walls .
This is definitely the best bed for a pet who needs more support or just loves feeling more sequestered than they would with a mat or blanket .
Too Faced ’ s palettes are coveted for a reason .
They ’ re highly pigmented , have long wear , and are easy to blend for intense beautiful looks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lines down to the perfect size for travel , making touch-ups on the go the easiest it ’ s ever been .
And , as with all their palettes , each is delightfully scented .
I ’ m in love with each design , but Kitty Likes to Scratch is my new main .
2020 became the year of the board game , or at least it did in my home .
For me and my small circle , game night was a great way to pass the time in lockdown .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a great twist on the Villainous Game System .
Of course , I play as Taskmaster to battle against Black Widow .
It ’ s nice to be the bad guy sometimes .
This game takes up a good hour and has the opportunity for replays if desired .
A huge plus .
It ’ s beautifully designed and easy to learn .
There ’ s a YouTube video if you get stumped with the manual .
Battle against your assigned Avenger for World domination while trying to edge out your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a strategy game that up to four people can play .
This is the sneaky version of the company ’ s fan-favorite Air .
It uses the same kinetic suction tech as the original and is the smallest , quietest , and most inconspicuous form this toy has ever taken .
Don ’ t be fooled by its compact size , however : the Diskreet Air packs a lot of power for such a small vibe .
Plus its design is pretty , just so pretty , like a Polly Pocket for adults @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one spot for vibrators this year and I know you ’ ll love it too .
I ’ ve tested loads of 2020 smartphones in recent months due to review work elsewhere , and while there are Android phones that I would happily wield , I keep buying myself iPhones year after year .
In 2020 , the core iPhone 12 is best for most buyers , delivering power and polish in a well-priced package—but I went with the massive iPhone 12 Pro Max ( Verizon , AT & T ) , myself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a big , beautiful smartphone , and the new Pro Max checks all of the boxes with a gorgeous screen , speedy 5G , an alluring new design , and brilliant cameras .
It ’ s a beast .
I have a bad habit of buying large-scale games and then barely ( or never ) touching them , so much so that I ’ ve mostly stopped buying open-world games these days—sorry , Cyberpunk 2077 , maybe when you ’ re all fixed up .
But Insomniac ’ s Spider-Man : Miles Morales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more compact open-world adventure , packing in fantastic action , relatable characters and interactions , and dreamy PlayStation 5 visuals into a game that doesn ’ t feel quite as sprawling and endless .
It ’ s the first campaign I ’ ve finished in ages and I loved it .
Last year ’ s House of X/Powers of X miniseries rebooted the X-Men in powerful fashion , with the mutants establishing the island nation of Krakoa and using leverage to force most of the world to recognize their sovereignty .
From those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dawn of X , with the new core X-Men book joined by New Mutants , Marauders , and others .
Not every series feels essential ( I dipped out of Excalibur and Fallen Angels myself ) , but this Dawn of X Vol .
1 graphic novel gives you the first issue of each as a starting point to the wider modern world of X-Men comics .
Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Air and iPad Pro 11 '' | $ 290 | Amazon Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 12.9 '' | $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been debated whether the iPad can be considered a true computer , or if it ’ s simply a tablet with some nifty features .
Earlier this year , Apple released the Magic Keyboard ( 11 '' , 12.9 '' ) , an accessory for the iPad Pro and new iPad Air .
Unlike the Smart Keyboard before it , the Magic Keyboard has an adjustable hinge that better replicates that of a laptop .
There ’ s still all the limitations of iPadOS , but if those aren ’ t a burden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take your tablet from a couch surfer and doodle pad to a full-fledged workstation for crunching the numbers or knocking out a few drafts .
Earlier this year , Apple announced a 2-year transition from Intel processors to its own ARM-based silicon .
We ’ ve started to see the fruits of that transition in the new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro , both of which are powered by the company ’ s new M1 chip , which gives ‘ em the strength to do things even the base model Air can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs stretch into serious pro territory , the new entry-level MacBook Air offers better performance and battery life than anything else on the market without costing a fortune .
Final Fantasy VII Remake is everything good about video games rolled into one buck wild package .
Rather than trying to be grim and serious like The Last of Us Part II , Square Enix ’ s ambitious remake understands that games are inherently a playful medium .
It ’ s a game that ’ s completely comfortable with being dumb , while still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ burden of expectation that comes with revisiting the things we love .
On top of all that , it features an excellent action RPG combat system that ’ s fast-paced , but still kindly gives players space to take a breather when they need it .
If you had asked me what the best console of the year was 2 weeks ago , I would have said the PS5 , full stop .
However , the Xbox Series X has become more ingrained in my daily gaming life as time goes on , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space that requires big first-party games to take full advantage of .
The Series X is a powerhouse and Game Pass Ultimate connects it to the devices I already own , making it feel like the natural centerpiece of my apartment .
While it lacks exciting exclusives , it ’ s becoming the place where I play my third-party games , indies , and streaming services alike .
I ’ ve always loved mobile gaming experiences and was genuinely bummed to lose those light commute games when lockdown started .
I didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phone until I grabbed a Kishi , Razer ’ s controller add-on for mobile devices .
My phone quickly became like a second Switch thanks to the easy-to-set-up accessory .
In recent months , I ’ ve resubscribed to Apple Arcade and discovered fantastic games like Alba : A Wildlife Adventure just because I wanted a good reason to play around with the Kishi more .

Gabe Carey, Sheilah Villari, Andrew Hayward, Jordan McMahon,  and Giovanni Colantonio on The Inventory, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

For better or for worse, in many ways, 2020 was defined by capitalism, a system unprepared to provide as many hospital beds as there are sick people during a pandemic. Or PPE gear to health care workers exposed to those sick people. Or even face masks to those ordinary people just trying to shop for groceries who are most susceptible to contracting a highly contagious, sometimes deadly virus. Despite its shortcomings, in these tough times, capitalism was somehow still capable of bringing us the products we spent our hard-earned, paltry stimulus checks on. Of course, due to fulfillment issues affecting most, if not all retailers in the e-commerce space, even those arrived much later than usual.
By now, it’s trite to say 2020 wasn’t a usual year. It’s a year that’s impossible to parody, no matter how hard the Black Mirror creators tried, because it was mostly a melancholy year for self-reflection, for those of us fortunate enough to have our health. And there’s nothing funny about that. Apart from spending most of our time at home, whether we were typing deals articles from our couches or coming home from work every night to engage in the same activities on loop until we lost track of the days, one thing we all had in common was our urge to buy stuff. Not the same stuff as we would’ve bought in 2019, 2018, or 2017 either.
We bought so many laptops they sold out across the board. Printers, too. Guilty as charged. 2020 was also the year everyone decided to become a gamer, leading not only to a shortage of new-gen PS5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles but the nearly 4-year-old Nintendo Switch as well. You could always buy it on StockX, but don’t you dare write an article about it unless you like getting death threats in the comments from readers. If you were transitioning from office to home, depending on the degree to which you had your life together, you might have also bought a more comfortable gaming chair or ergonomic desk. I know I did, and it only took 10 months of obliterating my spine in a cheap Ikea dining chair. Back in the spring, VPNs were in such high demand on Kinja Deals we ran a Co-op about it, then eventually Gizmodo ran its first-ever VPN buyer’s guide. And who can forget the great vibrator surge? Thanks to social distancing rules, there was a notable lack of sexy times happening in the lives of bachelors and bachelorettes around the world.
However 2020 impacted you, personally, I think we can all agree the anxiety spurred a uniquely shared desire to buy new things, either to entertain us or improve our quality of life. Or, much like myself, perhaps you took for granted the amenities supplied by your employer back at the office, that you had to buy for yourself out of pocket while working from home. In any case, you can rest assured you’re not alone. Out of the multitude of things we bought this year (and, in many instances, G/O Media likely earned a commission from), these were our favorites, some of which to much surprise.
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Buy a thing you’re loving in 2020? Shout it out for the world to hear in the comments section below.
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Nintendo Switch Lite | $199 | Amazon
Originally, the Switch Lite was supposed to be for my wife, that is until we learned her Animal Crossing save data wouldn’t transfer over. In the interim, we agreed I could hold onto it as my secondary system as we waited for a patch to arrive. Months and months passed, and by the time save transfers were added, her obsession with New Horizons waned, and I’d fallen in love with the Spongebob-yellow handheld—to the point where I ended up selling my day one Switch proper. Seeing as my Xbox, PlayStation, PC, and Apple TV share the same TV, I can’t say I miss having one too many HDMI cables to plug in. What I did miss, after the demise of the Vita, was a lightweight, dedicated handheld that doesn’t make my hands cramp.
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My wife reviewed this one for Gizmodo and asked me to test it out for gaming. You can’t say no to that. After months of “testing,” I have to say, if you’re still using your TV’s built-in speakers, you’re doing it wrong. We live in a 550-square foot studio apartment, so when I say the Vizio Elevate barely takes up more space than your regular, everyday soundbar, you know I’m spitting truth. I’ve had to “test” a lot of games with different soundbars recently—many of which appear on next-gen consoles, even if I’m playing them on PC—and from what I can tell, the Elevate is the only one that convinced me going from integrated TV speakers to a 5.1(.4) home theater system with Dolby Atmos is more of an upgrade than either the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S over their predecessors. If you can’t snag the latest systems, this might just whet your appetite.
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AirPods Pro | $199 | Amazon
I could wax poetic all day about the AirPods Pro, and I’m sure if you site search theinventory.com next to my name, you’re bound to find results. So I’ll keep this one short. Don’t buy AirPods if they’re not AirPods Pro. You’ll find plenty of better true wireless earbuds in that price range, including the Anker Soundcore Liberty Pro 2 and the TaoTronics SoundLiberty 79. AirPods Pro are in another league altogether. The seamless switching between device (even the non-Apple kind, believe it or not) paired with cushy rubberized tips and top-notch active noise canceling? Yes please.
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Dyson V7 | $200 | Newegg
It’s an older model, I think, but making the move from an upright vacuum cleaner that has to be tethered to my wall to a cordless stick vac was one of the better decisions I made this year. I bought one of the Dyson V7 variants back in the spring when it was on sale at Newegg (guess what, it still is!) and haven’t regretted it. Not only did it replace the ol’ Black & Decker, but it makes a decent car vac as well. In addition to its compact form factor, the reason I bought it considering the size of our apartment, the Dyson V7 is versatile, reaching even the tightest spaces thanks to its articulated design, and powerful enough to keep our floors spotless with a little help from the Swiffer.
Advertisement
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I noticed this year my senior dog was having a little trouble getting up in the morning and seemed to be stirring more in the middle of the night. The bed he had was probably a little too firm for his old bones. Since sleeping in the Orthocomfort he’s gotten a bit of his pep back. He’s cozier and honestly looks happy snuggled up in this pet bed’s higher walls. This is definitely the best bed for a pet who needs more support or just loves feeling more sequestered than they would with a mat or blanket.
Advertisement
Too Faced Mini Palettes | $27 | Too Faced
Too Faced’s palettes are coveted for a reason. They’re highly pigmented, have long wear, and are easy to blend for intense beautiful looks. These new mini versions take their best-selling lines down to the perfect size for travel, making touch-ups on the go the easiest it’s ever been. And, as with all their palettes, each is delightfully scented. I’m in love with each design, but Kitty Likes to Scratch is my new main.
Advertisement
Ravensburger Marvel Villainous: Infinite Power | $28 | Amazon
2020 became the year of the board game, or at least it did in my home. For me and my small circle, game night was a great way to pass the time in lockdown. I love this Marvel Villains one. It’s a great twist on the Villainous Game System. Of course, I play as Taskmaster to battle against Black Widow. It’s nice to be the bad guy sometimes. This game takes up a good hour and has the opportunity for replays if desired. A huge plus. It’s beautifully designed and easy to learn. There’s a YouTube video if you get stumped with the manual. Battle against your assigned Avenger for World domination while trying to edge out your opponent’s villains. This is a strategy game that up to four people can play.
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Diskreet Air by Bellesa | $49 | Bellesa Boutique
This is the sneaky version of the company’s fan-favorite Air. It uses the same kinetic suction tech as the original and is the smallest, quietest, and most inconspicuous form this toy has ever taken. Don’t be fooled by its compact size, however: the Diskreet Air packs a lot of power for such a small vibe. Plus its design is pretty, just so pretty, like a Polly Pocket for adults. This one quickly took my number one spot for vibrators this year and I know you’ll love it too.
Advertisement
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iPhone 12 Pro Max | $1,100 | Verizon
iPhone 12 Pro Max | $1,100 | AT&T
I’ve tested loads of 2020 smartphones in recent months due to review work elsewhere, and while there are Android phones that I would happily wield, I keep buying myself iPhones year after year. In 2020, the core iPhone 12 is best for most buyers, delivering power and polish in a well-priced package—but I went with the massive iPhone 12 Pro Max (Verizon, AT&T), myself. Truth be told, I love a big, beautiful smartphone, and the new Pro Max checks all of the boxes with a gorgeous screen, speedy 5G, an alluring new design, and brilliant cameras. It’s a beast.
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Spider-Man: Miles Morales | $50 | Amazon
Spider-Man: Miles Morales | $50 | Amazon
I have a bad habit of buying large-scale games and then barely (or never) touching them, so much so that I’ve mostly stopped buying open-world games these days—sorry, Cyberpunk 2077, maybe when you’re all fixed up. But Insomniac’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales (PS5, PS4) is a more compact open-world adventure, packing in fantastic action, relatable characters and interactions, and dreamy PlayStation 5 visuals into a game that doesn’t feel quite as sprawling and endless. It’s the first campaign I’ve finished in ages and I loved it.
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Last year’s House of X/Powers of X miniseries rebooted the X-Men in powerful fashion, with the mutants establishing the island nation of Krakoa and using leverage to force most of the world to recognize their sovereignty. From those books came six series representing the ongoing Dawn of X, with the new core X-Men book joined by New Mutants, Marauders, and others. Not every series feels essential (I dipped out of Excalibur and Fallen Angels myself), but this Dawn of X Vol. 1 graphic novel gives you the first issue of each as a starting point to the wider modern world of X-Men comics.
Advertisement
Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Air and iPad Pro 11" | $290 | Amazon
Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 12.9" | $330 | Amazon
It’s long been debated whether the iPad can be considered a true computer, or if it’s simply a tablet with some nifty features. Earlier this year, Apple released the Magic Keyboard (11", 12.9"), an accessory for the iPad Pro and new iPad Air. Unlike the Smart Keyboard before it, the Magic Keyboard has an adjustable hinge that better replicates that of a laptop. There’s still all the limitations of iPadOS, but if those aren’t a burden for you, the Magic Keyboard can take your tablet from a couch surfer and doodle pad to a full-fledged workstation for crunching the numbers or knocking out a few drafts.
Advertisement
MacBook Air With Apple M1 Chip | $1,250 | Amazon
Earlier this year, Apple announced a 2-year transition from Intel processors to its own ARM-based silicon. We’ve started to see the fruits of that transition in the new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, both of which are powered by the company’s new M1 chip, which gives ‘em the strength to do things even the base model Air can’t handle with ease. Unless your needs stretch into serious pro territory, the new entry-level MacBook Air offers better performance and battery life than anything else on the market without costing a fortune.
Advertisement
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Final Fantasy VII Remake | $30 | Amazon
Final Fantasy VII Remake is everything good about video games rolled into one buck wild package. Rather than trying to be grim and serious like The Last of Us Part II, Square Enix’s ambitious remake understands that games are inherently a playful medium. It’s a game that’s completely comfortable with being dumb, while still boasting an effective central theme about the burden of expectation that comes with revisiting the things we love. On top of all that, it features an excellent action RPG combat system that’s fast-paced, but still kindly gives players space to take a breather when they need it.
Advertisement
Xbox Series X | Amazon | Currently Unavailable
Xbox Series X | StockX | $640
If you had asked me what the best console of the year was 2 weeks ago, I would have said the PS5, full stop. However, the Xbox Series X has become more ingrained in my daily gaming life as time goes on, while the PS5 occupies a more niche space that requires big first-party games to take full advantage of. The Series X is a powerhouse and Game Pass Ultimate connects it to the devices I already own, making it feel like the natural centerpiece of my apartment. While it lacks exciting exclusives, it’s becoming the place where I play my third-party games, indies, and streaming services alike.
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Razer Kishi | $100 | Amazon
I’ve always loved mobile gaming experiences and was genuinely bummed to lose those light commute games when lockdown started. I didn’t get back into playing on my phone until I grabbed a Kishi, Razer’s controller add-on for mobile devices. My phone quickly became like a second Switch thanks to the easy-to-set-up accessory. In recent months, I’ve resubscribed to Apple Arcade and discovered fantastic games like Alba: A Wildlife Adventure just because I wanted a good reason to play around with the Kishi more.


theroot--2020-12-31--The Best Superhero Movies To Revisit, Since We Didn’t Get Many in 2020

Whether you love superhero movies or hate them , it ’ s become the norm over the last decade to get a new one every couple of months .
That trend was upended in 2020 .
If you ’ re feeling a bit of withdrawal , here are some older classics you can revisit .
After Birds of Prey—the only pre-pandemic comic book movie of 2020—we got very few new options .
There was the surprisingly poignant yet overall middling The New Mutants , and the recent Wonder Woman 1984 , which launched simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you could reasonably call Sonic the Hedgehog the highest-grossing superhero movie of 2020 .
That ’ s slim pickings for a year that followed 2019 , which brought us not only the biggest superhero movie , but the biggest movie of all time .
So to make up for what we missed out on this year , we ’ re looking backward instead .
The last 40+ years of superhero movies have delivered a lot of duds , but plenty of classics stand the test of time .
Below are 10 of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their field , milestones for the genre , or even just weird enough to merit a rewatch .
Few superhero movies have aged as well as Sam Raimi ’ s Spider-Man 2 .
On top of adapting the classic Spider-Man No More storyline , this film delivers Alfred Molina ’ s flawless Doc Ock .
Superhero movies have come a long way from the unapologetically cheesy days of Raimi ’ s Spider-Man , but if you could go for a cornball story about keeping on when you feel like giving up , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best superhero movies ever made .
The first Iron Man set the Marvel Cinematic Universe into motion , but it ’ s strange to rewatch now .
The series opener was a more grounded story , centering around political conflict on Earth , rather than the grand space battle the MCU ended up at in recent years .
Seeing the early days of Tony Stark—as well as reminiscing about the simpler time when superhero movies were about basic good-guy-bad-guy conflicts—could be a nice reprieve right now .
Before Spider-Man and X-Men movies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movies in the 21st century , the original Superman in 1978 paved the way .
The first superhero movie with a major studio budget , it remains a simple but powerful aspirational story .
It also features the dorkiest scene in any superhero movie : Superman flying really , really fast around the Earth to reverse time .
And you thought a talking raccoon was ridiculous .
Kick-Ass is the polar opposite of classic Superman films .
It ’ s cynical , violent , and no one has any superpowers .
Instead , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exaggerating the violence that would really occur if superheroes were real .
Long before The Boys came along , Kick-Ass was doing the gritty comedic comic book movie schtick .
Blade is too-often overlooked as a milestone in superhero movie history .
It was a bloody , R-rated Marvel movie about vampires at a time when none of those things were cool .
But you know what is cool ?
Blade .
As played by Wesley Snipes .
The movie was a hit , giving Marvel ( then just a comics company ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hits like Spider-Man and X-Men .
If you ’ ve enjoyed any Marvel ( or really any comic book ) movie over the last two decades , you have Blade to thank for it .
The title of “ first superhero movie to earn a billion dollars at the box office ” could hardly go to a more worthy contender .
Christopher Nolan ’ s The Dark Knight , featuring Heath Ledger ’ s Joker , was a masterclass in taking comic book movies seriously .
While dark and gritty was a bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came out , it ’ s balanced enough to still hold up today .
The X-Men movies run the gamut from pretty great to kind of awful , but if you want to hit one of the series ’ peaks , X-Men : First Class is where it ’ s at .
Set in the 1960s—and , incidentally , kicking off a trend of superhero movie period pieces—it follows the origin of the main cast from earlier X-Men movies , and inserting Professor X and Magneto into the Cuban Missile Crisis .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further ) , but it ’ s one of the better X-Movies .
Before Zack Snyder started working on the same movie for 7 years , he directed the lengthy Watchmen movie .
The comic of the same name was considered unadaptable , and while the film still has its flaws , it brought the story to life in a visually stunning way few comic book movies have ever even attempted .
Did the headline on this article promise good movies ?
No .
But it ’ s hard to argue that Howard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to warrant a revisit .
The first full-length feature movie based on a Marvel Comics property—yes , really—Howard the Duck is a bizarre , ridiculous movie that has to be experienced at least once in life .
It might not be cinema , but at this point it ’ s better than rewatching The Office for the hundredth time .
Hold on , The Matrix is a superhero movie ?
Well , kind of .
It might not come from the usual background of comics ( usually from Marvel or DC ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physics-defying acrobatics that have come to characterize modern superhero films .
There was a time when comic book movies were seen as too silly or too impossible to film effectively .
The Matrix changed that .
Also , you can ’ t fly or stop bullets and not call yourself a superhero .
Sorry , I don ’ t make the rules .

Eric Ravenscraft on The Inventory, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

30-Day Free Trial | Amazon Prime Video
Whether you love superhero movies or hate them, it’s become the norm over the last decade to get a new one every couple of months. That trend was upended in 2020. If you’re feeling a bit of withdrawal, here are some older classics you can revisit.
After Birds of Prey—the only pre-pandemic comic book movie of 2020—we got very few new options. There was the surprisingly poignant yet overall middling The New Mutants, and the recent Wonder Woman 1984, which launched simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max. If you really squint your eyes, you could reasonably call Sonic the Hedgehog the highest-grossing superhero movie of 2020.
That’s slim pickings for a year that followed 2019, which brought us not only the biggest superhero movie, but the biggest movie of all time. So to make up for what we missed out on this year, we’re looking backward instead. The last 40+ years of superhero movies have delivered a lot of duds, but plenty of classics stand the test of time. Below are 10 of those films that are the best in their field, milestones for the genre, or even just weird enough to merit a rewatch.
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Few superhero movies have aged as well as Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 2. On top of adapting the classic Spider-Man No More storyline, this film delivers Alfred Molina’s flawless Doc Ock. Superhero movies have come a long way from the unapologetically cheesy days of Raimi’s Spider-Man, but if you could go for a cornball story about keeping on when you feel like giving up, it’s hard to top one of the best superhero movies ever made.
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The first Iron Man set the Marvel Cinematic Universe into motion, but it’s strange to rewatch now. The series opener was a more grounded story, centering around political conflict on Earth, rather than the grand space battle the MCU ended up at in recent years. Seeing the early days of Tony Stark—as well as reminiscing about the simpler time when superhero movies were about basic good-guy-bad-guy conflicts—could be a nice reprieve right now.
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Before Spider-Man and X-Men movies kicked off a new wave of superhero movies in the 21st century, the original Superman in 1978 paved the way. The first superhero movie with a major studio budget, it remains a simple but powerful aspirational story. It also features the dorkiest scene in any superhero movie: Superman flying really, really fast around the Earth to reverse time. And you thought a talking raccoon was ridiculous.
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Kick-Ass is the polar opposite of classic Superman films. It’s cynical, violent, and no one has any superpowers. Instead, the film lampoons the superhero genre, exaggerating the violence that would really occur if superheroes were real. Long before The Boys came along, Kick-Ass was doing the gritty comedic comic book movie schtick.
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Blade is too-often overlooked as a milestone in superhero movie history. It was a bloody, R-rated Marvel movie about vampires at a time when none of those things were cool. But you know what is cool? Blade. As played by Wesley Snipes. The movie was a hit, giving Marvel (then just a comics company) the fuel it needed to start funding hits like Spider-Man and X-Men. If you’ve enjoyed any Marvel (or really any comic book) movie over the last two decades, you have Blade to thank for it.
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The title of “first superhero movie to earn a billion dollars at the box office” could hardly go to a more worthy contender. Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight, featuring Heath Ledger’s Joker, was a masterclass in taking comic book movies seriously. While dark and gritty was a bit overplayed even in 2008 when this movie came out, it’s balanced enough to still hold up today.
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The X-Men movies run the gamut from pretty great to kind of awful, but if you want to hit one of the series’ peaks, X-Men: First Class is where it’s at. Set in the 1960s—and, incidentally, kicking off a trend of superhero movie period pieces—it follows the origin of the main cast from earlier X-Men movies, and inserting Professor X and Magneto into the Cuban Missile Crisis. It may have broken the X-Men timeline (further), but it’s one of the better X-Movies.
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Before Zack Snyder started working on the same movie for 7 years, he directed the lengthy Watchmen movie. The comic of the same name was considered unadaptable, and while the film still has its flaws, it brought the story to life in a visually stunning way few comic book movies have ever even attempted.
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Did the headline on this article promise good movies? No. But it’s hard to argue that Howard the Duck isn’t important enough to warrant a revisit. The first full-length feature movie based on a Marvel Comics property—yes, really—Howard the Duck is a bizarre, ridiculous movie that has to be experienced at least once in life. It might not be cinema, but at this point it’s better than rewatching The Office for the hundredth time.
Maybe.
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Hold on, The Matrix is a superhero movie? Well, kind of. It might not come from the usual background of comics (usually from Marvel or DC), but it broke new ground on the physics-defying acrobatics that have come to characterize modern superhero films. There was a time when comic book movies were seen as too silly or too impossible to film effectively. The Matrix changed that.
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Also, you can’t fly or stop bullets and not call yourself a superhero. Sorry, I don’t make the rules.


theroot--2020-12-31--The 10 Best Deals of December 31, 2020

The 10 Best Deals of December 31, 2020

It ’ s the last day of the year before Final Fantasy MMXX-2 sets in , so it goes without saying we ’ re all in dire need of retail therapy right now .
Assuming you haven ’ t already bought up all the best things we paid real money for in 2020 , you ’ re probably in the mood for savings .
And we can ’ t blame you .
Having just come off Prime Day , Black Friday , Cyber Monday , and Christmas , there ’ s surprisingly plenty to go around today .
Most astonishing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ultra short-throw laser TV projector for $ 1,600 off the already discounted sale price using the promo code QQA210 .
Scroll down , however , and you ’ ll find deals on CBD , apparel , headphones , VPNs , and more .
If you ’ re still craving more deals , take a peek at Thursday ’ s best deals overall .
When I attended CES 2020 what feels like a thousand years ago , my biggest takeaway was that laser TVs are the future of home theater tech .
And despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes some of the most affordable ultra short-throw projectors you can buy from a reputable brand .
In fact , I met with the fast-growing Chinese manufacturer at the trade show in Las Vegas back in January and sat in awe at what I ’ d seen .
Before laser TVs , projectors were not only bulky , but they needed to be set up from afar to effectively beam light onto your small movie theater-sized screen .
Considering the impeccable image quality , compact design , and built-in Android smart TV functionality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2,399 is a fantastic price for the L5 Series 4K HDR laser TV , and that ’ s exactly how much you ’ ll find it for over at BuyDig using the promo code QQA210 at checkout .
Granted , you ’ ll have to make it to the “ confirm order ” screen before the discount even shows up , but I went through the hassle of testing the coupon before writing this so that you don ’ t have to .
If you ’ re in the market for a projector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this one is pretty much indistinguishable from a real IPS display .
That includes the blacks , which used to be a weak point for projectors .
Not anymore , though you ’ ll have to pay a premium for quality .
This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey .
Folks , let me tell you , Sunday Scaries CBD makes a difference , and I ’ m not just saying that because we get a cut of the sales .
I ’ ve been taking everything from oil droppers , gummies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months now as a substitute for the , uhh , other substances I started to depend on during lockdown , and it ’ s made a huge difference .
Gummies , of course , are the most fun way to enjoy a healthy dose of CBD—especially when they ’ re strawberry flavored and infused with vitamin C for an extra boost of immunity .
For a limited time you can see what I mean for 25 % less than you ’ d normally pay off the shelf using our exclusive promo code KINJA25 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 23 when you subscribe to recurring shipments , or $ 35 for a single bottle .
They don ’ t call ‘ em Bra Berries for no reason either .
For every purchase made , Sunday Scaries donates a portion of the proceeds to The Pink Agenda , a nonprofit organization devoted to breast cancer research fundraising and raising awareness for the disease .
Chill out while supporting a good cause and take advantage of this deal sooner rather than later , as this deal only lasts a limited time .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A knee-high boot is one of the most classic looks in all of fashion .
In the ‘ 60 's it was paired with your mini skirt , in the ‘ 00s with skinny jeans , and now they even look sharp with leather leggings .
If you ’ re in need of an upgrade for 2021 the Aeronn Dress Boot from Style & Co is what you ’ ve been searching for .
Until Sunday they are 50 % off .
Choose from black or brown or both .
These are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boot is an easy way to elevate the chicness of any ensemble .
And actually , there is a two-inch heel so it ’ s a literal lift .
The buckled strap at the ankle adds a nice detail to catch the eye .
The sole is slip-resistant so no need to walk gingerly .
These boots were indeed made for walking .
Most sizes are still available but as most of these deals go they tend to sell out quickly .
These will ship for free and they will be on sale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ originally published by Sheilah Villari .
The end of the year is a great opportunity to revamp your makeup collection .
Time to throwout cakey mascara , old brushes , cracked eyeshadow , and dried-up concealer .
Sephora is here to help you get the beauty back in your bundle .
Take an extra 20 % off everything in their sale selection with the code MAJORSALE .
Start 2021 with a fresh face of old favorites or try a brand you ’ ve had your eye on for a lot less .
Speaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lucky enough to test beautyblender ’ s Bounce Liquid Foundation at the beginning of the year .
They really listened to their customers not only in quality but in range .
With forty shades this is the most expansive collection the company has ever put out ( after rightfully getting read for a limited line of hues ) .
There is a shade finder to help you because I still have no idea what I am even after testing .
But I can say it really is long-wearing and breathable .
Definitely worth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up your few imperfections let ’ s try to lessen them .
You know I couldn ’ t make this list without including a Korean beauty fave .
In honor of the Winter Solstice , Dr. Jart ’ s Moisture from Head to Toe Set is all about saving dry skin .
This three-piece set aims to protect and nourish your face .
Each product contains ceramides which act as a barrier to make it stronger , firmer , and glowing .
You ’ ll get a facial barrier mask , ceramidin cream @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the time to Too Faced .
One of the industry ’ s best selling brands and it ’ s easy to see why .
Each line they put out is stylishly designed and quality for ultimate beautification .
And if you can snag one of their top palettes for over 50 % off even better .
The Chocolate Gold palette has sixteen shades in a mix of mattes and metallics each infused with real gold and cocoa powder .
The classic scented palette Too Faced has come to be known for .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wear .
Stun on your next zoom call or skype date .
These colors are gorgeous and translate no matter the medium .
Free shipping on all orders with the code FREESHIP and this deal ends January 1 .
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari .
I ’ ve tested Mpow products in the past and was always pleasantly surprised at the value to price ratio .
They ’ re quality without breaking the bank .
A real holiday treat from the company is their M30 Earbuds .
They ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coupon and use the code HNMHPVEQ .
This discount will appear once you start the checkout process .
This code expires tomorrow and it only works on the black color .
$ 20 is a great price for an extra set of earbuds .
If you ’ re running errands or just running and you don ’ t want to take your most expensive buds on the go these are for you .
Quick to pair and easy to bounce between tunes and calls .
The M30 's are noise-canceling so ideal for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fit snuggly doesn ’ t mean there ’ s no power in them .
Little buds , big bass .
They ’ re sweat-proof so sport it up and fear not about ruining them .
You ’ ll get about 5 hours off of one charge but 25 hours with the charging case .
The only blip is if you ’ re an Android user you have to adjust the volume on your phone to “ maximum ” first to get the highest volume out of these .
Other than that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a solid price .
Free shipping on this item for Prime members .
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 January 5 .
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 explained .
“ Another downside is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 imaginable—from macOS to Android TV—it ’ s equal parts ubiquitous and acclaimed .
Endorsed by PCMag , Wired , CNET , Business Insider , and more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Nord hype train if you ’ re somehow unwedded to a VPN already .
This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey .
I ’ ve been reviewing Aukey products the last few weeks and I ’ m consistently blown away with their quality .
They not only do what they say , they look good while doing it .
All sleek and compact .
The 20,000mAh Power Bank is one of them .
Like many of us , I do so much on my phone and I ’ m not always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This power bank has saved my butt a time or two and it ’ s currently 40 % off for Prime members at $ 36 .
This is a universal charger with three USB-A slots and is powered up via USB-C or micro-USB port .
This is the larger size of the two they offer and chargers faster than others I ’ ve had .
Expect to get about seven full charges for your phones and just about ten for an iPad/tablet .
It ’ s slim so it ’ ll easily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s also easy to see how much juice you have left with the LED indicator .
As with all Aukey items it ’ s built with safeguards so no overheating or overcharging .
And you ’ ll get a user manual and a twenty-four-month warranty .
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari .
Season of the Witch Prequel Novel | $ 8 | Amazon The final chapter of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is now on Netflix .
If like me you just aren ’ t ready to fully let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are some fun supplementary pieces of media out there .
Outside of the comics ( which are brilliant ) there is a trilogy of prequel novels to get your Greendale fix .
Season of the Witch is the first in the series and it ’ s 15 % off right now .
This series takes place just before the show starts so it ’ s a fun lead-in if you were planning a rewatch before binging season four .
Here we have our young witch studying magic and all the wonder that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s all here too : Susie , Roz , Harvey , Hilda , and Zelda .
And of course my favorite cousin Ambrose .
Sabrina wrestles with the idea that she only has a limited time of normal teen bliss before the big day of becoming a full-fledged witch .
Being a Sabrina series you know spells backfire , mysterious spirits interfere , temptations swarm , and intentions go awry .
Are you ready to walk down the path of night ?
It will ship for free for Prime members if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ download is instant if you want the digital version .
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari .
Cadence of Hyrule : Crypt of the Necrodancer | $ 30 | Amazon Are you ready to dance ?
You can get a physical copy of Cadence of Hyrule : Crypt of the Necrodancer for $ 30 and I can groove to that news .
The spin-off turns Zelda into an action rhythm game where you move and attack on beat .
Most importantly , it boasts an absolutely phenomenal soundtrack filled with killer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moving .
The physical edition comes with all of the game ’ s DLC to date , which includes extra modes and characters like Skull Kid .
It ’ s a perfect little package for both Zelda fans and those who love the original Crypt of the Necrodancer .
This deal was originally published by Giovanni Colantonio .
Making your environment as inviting as possible for a restful night has probably been a goal and/or challenge for a ton of people this year .
With so many stressful things going on it can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bodies and minds need .
If there is one thing we can ensure is that a good pillow will help .
Tommy Hilfiger ’ s Hypoallergenic Pillow is 50 % off and can give you that snoozy peace .
Use the code JOY at checkout .
This sale will run until Sunday .
This soft/medium density pillow has the clean lines we ’ ve come to expect from the preppy American brand .
Made with SupraLoft polyester fiberfill this pillow is both plush and firm .
It works excellent for both side and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 200-thread count cotton cover on each one and can be washed in the machine if needed .
Sweet dreams moonbeams .
Free shipping on orders over $ 25 .
The deal expires on January 3 .
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari .

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

Thursday’s Best Deals | Kinja Deals
It’s the last day of the year before Final Fantasy MMXX-2 sets in, so it goes without saying we’re all in dire need of retail therapy right now. Assuming you haven’t already bought up all the best things we paid real money for in 2020, you’re probably in the mood for savings. And we can’t blame you. Having just come off Prime Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas, there’s surprisingly plenty to go around today. Most astonishing to me was a Hisense 4K HDR ultra short-throw laser TV projector for $1,600 off the already discounted sale price using the promo code QQA210. Scroll down, however, and you’ll find deals on CBD, apparel, headphones, VPNs, and more.
If you’re still craving more deals, take a peek at Thursday’s best deals overall.
#1: Hisense l5 4K hdr laser tv
When I attended CES 2020 what feels like a thousand years ago, my biggest takeaway was that laser TVs are the future of home theater tech. And despite still costing thousands of dollars, Hisense makes some of the most affordable ultra short-throw projectors you can buy from a reputable brand. In fact, I met with the fast-growing Chinese manufacturer at the trade show in Las Vegas back in January and sat in awe at what I’d seen. Before laser TVs, projectors were not only bulky, but they needed to be set up from afar to effectively beam light onto your small movie theater-sized screen.
Considering the impeccable image quality, compact design, and built-in Android smart TV functionality, complete with Google Assistant, $2,399 is a fantastic price for the L5 Series 4K HDR laser TV, and that’s exactly how much you’ll find it for over at BuyDig using the promo code QQA210 at checkout. Granted, you’ll have to make it to the “confirm order” screen before the discount even shows up, but I went through the hassle of testing the coupon before writing this so that you don’t have to. If you’re in the market for a projector, or even an extra-large TV, this one is pretty much indistinguishable from a real IPS display. That includes the blacks, which used to be a weak point for projectors. Not anymore, though you’ll have to pay a premium for quality.
This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey.
#2: sunday scaries cbd gummies
Folks, let me tell you, Sunday Scaries CBD makes a difference, and I’m not just saying that because we get a cut of the sales. I’ve been taking everything from oil droppers, gummies, and “Unicorn Jerky” for months now as a substitute for the, uhh, other substances I started to depend on during lockdown, and it’s made a huge difference. Gummies, of course, are the most fun way to enjoy a healthy dose of CBD—especially when they’re strawberry flavored and infused with vitamin C for an extra boost of immunity. For a limited time you can see what I mean for 25% less than you’d normally pay off the shelf using our exclusive promo code KINJA25, bringing your grand total to just $23 when you subscribe to recurring shipments, or $35 for a single bottle.
They don’t call ‘em Bra Berries for no reason either. For every purchase made, Sunday Scaries donates a portion of the proceeds to The Pink Agenda, a nonprofit organization devoted to breast cancer research fundraising and raising awareness for the disease. Chill out while supporting a good cause and take advantage of this deal sooner rather than later, as this deal only lasts a limited time.
This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey.
#3: style & co dress boots
A knee-high boot is one of the most classic looks in all of fashion. In the ‘60's it was paired with your mini skirt, in the ‘00s with skinny jeans, and now they even look sharp with leather leggings. If you’re in need of an upgrade for 2021 the Aeronn Dress Boot from Style & Co is what you’ve been searching for. Until Sunday they are 50% off.
Choose from black or brown or both. These are sleek as sleek comes. A great boot is an easy way to elevate the chicness of any ensemble. And actually, there is a two-inch heel so it’s a literal lift. The buckled strap at the ankle adds a nice detail to catch the eye. The sole is slip-resistant so no need to walk gingerly. These boots were indeed made for walking. Most sizes are still available but as most of these deals go they tend to sell out quickly.
These will ship for free and they will be on sale until January 3.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.
#4: sephora extra 20% off sale
The end of the year is a great opportunity to revamp your makeup collection. Time to throwout cakey mascara, old brushes, cracked eyeshadow, and dried-up concealer. Sephora is here to help you get the beauty back in your bundle. Take an extra 20% off everything in their sale selection with the code MAJORSALE. Start 2021 with a fresh face of old favorites or try a brand you’ve had your eye on for a lot less.
Speaking of a fresh face, I was lucky enough to test beautyblender’s Bounce Liquid Foundation at the beginning of the year. They really listened to their customers not only in quality but in range. With forty shades this is the most expansive collection the company has ever put out (after rightfully getting read for a limited line of hues). There is a shade finder to help you because I still have no idea what I am even after testing. But I can say it really is long-wearing and breathable. Definitely worth $16.
But before you cover up your few imperfections let’s try to lessen them. You know I couldn’t make this list without including a Korean beauty fave. In honor of the Winter Solstice, Dr. Jart’s Moisture from Head to Toe Set is all about saving dry skin. This three-piece set aims to protect and nourish your face. Each product contains ceramides which act as a barrier to make it stronger, firmer, and glowing. You’ll get a facial barrier mask, ceramidin cream, and ceramidin body lotion.
Now is the time to Too Faced. One of the industry’s best selling brands and it’s easy to see why. Each line they put out is stylishly designed and quality for ultimate beautification. And if you can snag one of their top palettes for over 50% off even better. The Chocolate Gold palette has sixteen shades in a mix of mattes and metallics each infused with real gold and cocoa powder. The classic scented palette Too Faced has come to be known for. All hues are highly pigmented for all-day wear. Stun on your next zoom call or skype date. These colors are gorgeous and translate no matter the medium.
Free shipping on all orders with the code FREESHIP and this deal ends January 1.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.
#5: mpow m30 earbuds
I’ve tested Mpow products in the past and was always pleasantly surprised at the value to price ratio. They’re quality without breaking the bank. A real holiday treat from the company is their M30 Earbuds. They’re just $20 when you clip the coupon and use the code HNMHPVEQ . This discount will appear once you start the checkout process. This code expires tomorrow and it only works on the black color.
$20 is a great price for an extra set of earbuds. If you’re running errands or just running and you don’t want to take your most expensive buds on the go these are for you. Quick to pair and easy to bounce between tunes and calls. The M30's are noise-canceling so ideal for travel and just because they are small and fit snuggly doesn’t mean there’s no power in them. Little buds, big bass. They’re sweat-proof so sport it up and fear not about ruining them. You’ll get about 5 hours off of one charge but 25 hours with the charging case. The only blip is if you’re an Android user you have to adjust the volume on your phone to “maximum” first to get the highest volume out of these. Other than that it’s a solid audio device at a solid price.
Free shipping on this item for Prime members.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.
#6: Nordvpn Holiday 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 January 5.
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 explained. “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 imaginable—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.
#7: aukey power bank
Aukey 20,000mAh Power Bank | $36 | Amazon Prime
I’ve been reviewing Aukey products the last few weeks and I’m consistently blown away with their quality. They not only do what they say, they look good while doing it. All sleek and compact. The 20,000mAh Power Bank is one of them. Like many of us, I do so much on my phone and I’m not always near an outlet when I do so. This power bank has saved my butt a time or two and it’s currently 40% off for Prime members at $36.
This is a universal charger with three USB-A slots and is powered up via USB-C or micro-USB port. This is the larger size of the two they offer and chargers faster than others I’ve had. Expect to get about seven full charges for your phones and just about ten for an iPad/tablet. It’s slim so it’ll easily fit in a pocket or purse. It’s also easy to see how much juice you have left with the LED indicator. As with all Aukey items it’s built with safeguards so no overheating or overcharging. And you’ll get a user manual and a twenty-four-month warranty.
Free two-day shipping for Prime members.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.
#8: Sabrina season of the witch
Season of the Witch Prequel Novel | $8 | Amazon
The final chapter of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is now on Netflix. If like me you just aren’t ready to fully let the princess of the Underworld go there are some fun supplementary pieces of media out there. Outside of the comics (which are brilliant) there is a trilogy of prequel novels to get your Greendale fix. Season of the Witch is the first in the series and it’s 15% off right now.
This series takes place just before the show starts so it’s a fun lead-in if you were planning a rewatch before binging season four. Here we have our young witch studying magic and all the wonder that will come with her powers. The gang’s all here too: Susie, Roz, Harvey, Hilda, and Zelda. And of course my favorite cousin Ambrose. Sabrina wrestles with the idea that she only has a limited time of normal teen bliss before the big day of becoming a full-fledged witch. Being a Sabrina series you know spells backfire, mysterious spirits interfere, temptations swarm, and intentions go awry. Are you ready to walk down the path of night?
It will ship for free for Prime members if you prefer a physical copy. And the download is instant if you want the digital version.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.
#9: cadence of hyrule
Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the Necrodancer | $30 | Amazon
Are you ready to dance? You can get a physical copy of Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the Necrodancer for $30 and I can groove to that news. The spin-off turns Zelda into an action rhythm game where you move and attack on beat. Most importantly, it boasts an absolutely phenomenal soundtrack filled with killer Zelda remixes that will get your head moving. The physical edition comes with all of the game’s DLC to date, which includes extra modes and characters like Skull Kid. It’s a perfect little package for both Zelda fans and those who love the original Crypt of the Necrodancer.
This deal was originally published by Giovanni Colantonio.
#10: tommy hilfiger pillows
Making your environment as inviting as possible for a restful night has probably been a goal and/or challenge for a ton of people this year. With so many stressful things going on it can be hard to get the sleep our bodies and minds need. If there is one thing we can ensure is that a good pillow will help. Tommy Hilfiger’s Hypoallergenic Pillow is 50% off and can give you that snoozy peace. Use the code JOY at checkout. This sale will run until Sunday.
This soft/medium density pillow has the clean lines we’ve come to expect from the preppy American brand. Made with SupraLoft polyester fiberfill this pillow is both plush and firm. It works excellent for both side and back sleepers. There’s a 200-thread count cotton cover on each one and can be washed in the machine if needed. Sweet dreams moonbeams.
Free shipping on orders over $25. The deal expires on January 3.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.


theroot--2020-12-31--Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot's Claim That She Didn't Know of Anjanette Young Until Recently Contradi

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot's Claim That She Didn't Know of Anjanette Young Until Recently Contradicted by Released Email

The story of Anjanette Young—the 50-year-old social worker who was undressing when Chicago police officers barged into her home in February 2019 and made her wait handcuffed and naked as cops ignored her pleas to get dressed while they searched for a felon who did not live there—has become another upsetting example of how cops routinely show wanton disregard for the wellbeing , dignity and respect of Black bodies .
It also serves as a reminder that Black women are as vulnerable to that disregard as Black men are and that , for years , please for justice can go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for over half an hour before they would tell her why they were there and allow her to put clothes on .
Her story has also become a thorn in Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot ’ s side since earlier this month when bodycam footage—which city lawyers at one point tried to block the release of—was published .
Since the footage went public , Lightfoot has claimed that she was unaware of Young ’ s story until just a couple of weeks ago when she wrote in a statement : “ Today , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anjanette Young from February 2019 , before I became Mayor , and I saw a video today for the first time .
I had no knowledge of either until today .
I had a very emotional reaction to what was depicted on the video as I imagine that many people did.
” Well , that doesn ’ t appear to be exactly true .
The Chicago Tribune reports that Lightfoot was informed via email in November 2019 about “ a pretty bad wrongful raid.
” Young ’ s case was described in detail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the botched raid and detailed description of how she was treated by Chicago police officers were among 153 pages of emails disclosed Wednesday as City Hall continues to deal with what has become a major crisis for the first-term mayor .
Lightfoot initially said she had only learned of the February 2019 raid , which occurred before she was mayor , earlier this month after WBBM-Ch .
2 aired police body camera footage that showed Young repeatedly telling officers who barged into her home that they had the wrong place .
Soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of her staff told her about the raid via emails in November 2019 , as Ch .
2 was reporting on search warrants being served at the wrong addresses .
She also said she had no recollection of the emails .
“ It was literally somebody saying , mayor , here ’ s another one , ( some ) words to that effect , I ’ m paraphrasing , and I said let ’ s talk about it , let ’ s get ( former chief risk officer Tamika Puckett ) involved , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her because I was pushing her on what are we doing , where are we on revising the search warrant protocols , and she gave a detailed update , ” Lightfoot previously said , summarizing the exchange .
The problem here is that Lightfoot responded to the email in a way that really makes it seem like she had to have known about Young ’ s story over a year ago .
According to the Tribune , which published a screenshot of Lightfoot ’ s emailed response , the summary said plainly that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers “ allegedly left her standing for 40 minutes handcuffed and naked while all-male police officers search her apartment.
” Lightfoot ’ s response ?
“ I have a lot of questions about this one .
Can we do a quick call about it ?
Is 10:00 , ie 10 minutes from now possible ?
” She also added Puckett to the email thread and a day later Puckett emailed Lightfoot with an update on Chicago ’ s search warrant reforms .
Lightfoot reportedly responded to that email saying , “ We need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ search warrant affiants .
We can not afford any additional hits.
” So yeah , it really seems like she had to be pretty familiar with the name Anjanette Young well before December of this year .
Either that or she didn ’ t really read the information she was sent .
Without admitting that her claims of late knowledge are looking shaky at best , Lightfoot appeared to express remorse for her response to the email in a statement Wednesday .
“ While it ’ s clear that I focused my response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we unquestionably needed , I should have paused to ask more questions about Ms. Young ’ s well-being and the video itself , ” she said .
“ I am sorry that I didn ’ t do that then , and I ’ m committed to doing all that I can now to righting the wrongs Ms. Young experienced .
Now is the time for meaningful change , and I won ’ t rest until we can be sure that what happened to Ms. Young never happens again .
”

The story of Anjanette Young—the 50-year-old social worker who was undressing when Chicago police officers barged into her home in February 2019 and made her wait handcuffed and naked as cops ignored her pleas to get dressed while they searched for a felon who did not live there—has become another upsetting example of how cops routinely show wanton disregard for the wellbeing, dignity and respect of Black bodies. It also serves as a reminder that Black women are as vulnerable to that disregard as Black men are and that, for years, please for justice can go ignored just as the cops ignored Young for over half an hour before they would tell her why they were there and allow her to put clothes on.
Her story has also become a thorn in Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s side since earlier this month when bodycam footage—which city lawyers at one point tried to block the release of—was published.
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Since the footage went public, Lightfoot has claimed that she was unaware of Young’s story until just a couple of weeks ago when she wrote in a statement: “Today, I became aware of an incident involving Ms. Anjanette Young from February 2019, before I became Mayor, and I saw a video today for the first time. I had no knowledge of either until today. I had a very emotional reaction to what was depicted on the video as I imagine that many people did.”
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Well, that doesn’t appear to be exactly true.
The Chicago Tribune reports that Lightfoot was informed via email in November 2019 about “a pretty bad wrongful raid.” Young’s case was described in detail.
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From the Tribune:
A top aide’s characterization of the botched raid and detailed description of how she was treated by Chicago police officers were among 153 pages of emails disclosed Wednesday as City Hall continues to deal with what has become a major crisis for the first-term mayor. Lightfoot initially said she had only learned of the February 2019 raid, which occurred before she was mayor, earlier this month after WBBM-Ch. 2 aired police body camera footage that showed Young repeatedly telling officers who barged into her home that they had the wrong place. Soon after, the mayor acknowledged that members of her staff told her about the raid via emails in November 2019, as Ch. 2 was reporting on search warrants being served at the wrong addresses. She also said she had no recollection of the emails. “It was literally somebody saying, mayor, here’s another one, (some) words to that effect, I’m paraphrasing, and I said let’s talk about it, let’s get (former chief risk officer Tamika Puckett) involved, and there was a subsequent email from her because I was pushing her on what are we doing, where are we on revising the search warrant protocols, and she gave a detailed update,” Lightfoot previously said, summarizing the exchange.
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The problem here is that Lightfoot responded to the email in a way that really makes it seem like she had to have known about Young’s story over a year ago.
According to the Tribune, which published a screenshot of Lightfoot’s emailed response, the summary said plainly that Young was handcuffed by police, and officers “allegedly left her standing for 40 minutes handcuffed and naked while all-male police officers search her apartment.”
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Lightfoot’s response? “I have a lot of questions about this one. Can we do a quick call about it? Is 10:00, ie 10 minutes from now possible?”
She also added Puckett to the email thread and a day later Puckett emailed Lightfoot with an update on Chicago’s search warrant reforms. Lightfoot reportedly responded to that email saying, “We need to escalate the training for the 2+ search warrant affiants. We cannot afford any additional hits.”
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So yeah, it really seems like she had to be pretty familiar with the name Anjanette Young well before December of this year. Either that or she didn’t really read the information she was sent.
Without admitting that her claims of late knowledge are looking shaky at best, Lightfoot appeared to express remorse for her response to the email in a statement Wednesday.
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“While it’s clear that I focused my response to this information on the policy change we unquestionably needed, I should have paused to ask more questions about Ms. Young’s well-being and the video itself,” she said. “I am sorry that I didn’t do that then, and I’m committed to doing all that I can now to righting the wrongs Ms. Young experienced. Now is the time for meaningful change, and I won’t rest until we can be sure that what happened to Ms. Young never happens again.”


theroot--2020-12-31--Philadelphia to Pay $9.8 Million to Black Man Exonerated After 28 Years in Prison for Murder. Appare

Philadelphia to Pay $9.8 Million to Black Man Exonerated After 28 Years in Prison for Murder. Apparently, This is Happening a Lot in Philly

It appears that for years and even decades the Philadelphia criminal justice system has shown a pattern of locking up Black men for crimes they didn ’ t commit based on the work of corrupt police officers and conviction -happy courts that never really consider that a Black defendant might be getting railroaded despite a glaring lack of evidence to support their guilt .
Obviously , the worst part of these false convictions is that Black people are having enormous chunks of their lives stolen from them all because America is racist and its justice system reflects that , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taxpayers who end up footing the bill for settlements because they live in cities where law enforcement cares more about forcing guilty verdicts than they do about actually solving crimes .
Philadelphia officials said Wednesday that the city will be paying out $ 9.8 million in one of the largest wrongful-conviction settlements in the city ’ s history to a Black man who spent 28 years in prison for a murder the district attorney ’ s Conviction Integrity Unit now says it was “ near impossible ” that he committed .
Chester Hollman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record and a job as an armored-car driver , when he was pulled over in Center City one night in 1991 and charged with the fatal shooting of a University of Pennsylvania student in a botched street robbery .
A judge ordered him released last year at age 49 , citing evidence that police and prosecutors built their case on fabricated statements from people they coerced as witnesses and later withheld evidence pointing to the likely true perpetrators of the crime .
The agreement announced Wednesday is the latest in a string of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by city police in the late 1980s and ’ 90s .
Those cases have led to more than a dozen exonerations in recent years and have cost the city more than $ 35 million since 2018 .
His payout is just $ 50,000 short of the record for settlements of its kind in the city — a distinction held by the $ 9.85 million agreement the city struck in 2018 with Anthony Wright , a man who served nearly 25 years of a sentence for a 1991 rape and murder that DNA evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Several of the same investigators who worked to convict Wright were also involved in Hollman ’ s case .
But unlike in Wright ’ s case , which was settled on the eve of a civil trial , the agreement in Hollman ’ s case came before he had even filed suit .
His attorney Amelia Green said the evidence supporting Hollman ’ s innocence — which garnered media attention first in the form of a 2017 report in The Inquirer and , in April , an episode of the Netflix series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city officials to resolve the case swiftly , though neither they nor police admit any wrongdoing as part of the settlement deal .
“ There was irrefutable evidence that Chester was innocent , is innocent and has always been innocent and would never have been wrongfully convicted aside from extraordinary police misconduct , ” Green said .
According to the Inquirer , Hollman ’ s attorneys said he was targeted by police only because he was a Black man driving a white SUV that matched the description of the one seen fleeing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ student Tae-Jung Ho in August 1991 .
There was no evidence linking Hollman to the shooting and the two witnesses who identified him later recanted and said they were coerced by police to give their false testimonies .
One witness was threatened with arrest and the other was promised help on his own pending criminal case in exchange for falsely implicating Hollman .
“ There are no words to express what was taken from me , ” Hollman said in a statement after the settlement was announced .
“ But this settlement closes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as my family and I now embark on a new one.
” Earlier this month , The Root reported that another Black man , 45-year-old Termaine Hicks was exonerated of rape after spending 19 years in a Philadelphia prison .
An officer —who along with his complicit partner is still currently on the force —first shot Hicks three times while he was pulling out a cell phone to call for help for the rape victim .
Hicks was then charged with the rape and later exonerated after the Conviction Integrity Unit found that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” possibly to cover up the unjustified shooting and that forensic evidence easily cleared Hicks who should never have been arrested let alone convicted of the rape .
According to the Inquirer , since 2018 , 17 defendants have been exonerated in cases involving many of the same officers who led the investigations into Hollman ’ s and Wright ’ s cases .
Most of those officers have since retired—as opposed to firing , charges or any semblance of actual accountability — but some , like those involved in Hick s ’ case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even been promoted .

It appears that for years and even decades the Philadelphia criminal justice system has shown a pattern of locking up Black men for crimes they didn’t commit based on the work of corrupt police officers and conviction -happy courts that never really consider that a Black defendant might be getting railroaded despite a glaring lack of evidence to support their guilt. Obviously, the worst part of these false convictions is that Black people are having enormous chunks of their lives stolen from them all because America is racist and its justice system reflects that, but the convictions are also a burden on taxpayers who end up footing the bill for settlements because they live in cities where law enforcement cares more about forcing guilty verdicts than they do about actually solving crimes.
Philadelphia officials said Wednesday that the city will be paying out $9.8 million in one of the largest wrongful-conviction settlements in the city’s history to a Black man who spent 28 years in prison for a murder the district attorney’s Conviction Integrity Unit now says it was “near impossible” that he committed.
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From the Philadelphia Inquirer:
Chester Hollman III was 21, with no criminal record and a job as an armored-car driver, when he was pulled over in Center City one night in 1991 and charged with the fatal shooting of a University of Pennsylvania student in a botched street robbery. A judge ordered him released last year at age 49, citing evidence that police and prosecutors built their case on fabricated statements from people they coerced as witnesses and later withheld evidence pointing to the likely true perpetrators of the crime. The agreement announced Wednesday is the latest in a string of seven-figure settlements stemming from claims of misconduct by city police in the late 1980s and ’90s. Those cases have led to more than a dozen exonerations in recent years and have cost the city more than $35 million since 2018. His payout is just $50,000 short of the record for settlements of its kind in the city — a distinction held by the $9.85 million agreement the city struck in 2018 with Anthony Wright, a man who served nearly 25 years of a sentence for a 1991 rape and murder that DNA evidence proved decades later he did not commit. Several of the same investigators who worked to convict Wright were also involved in Hollman’s case. But unlike in Wright’s case, which was settled on the eve of a civil trial, the agreement in Hollman’s case came before he had even filed suit. His attorney Amelia Green said the evidence supporting Hollman’s innocence — which garnered media attention first in the form of a 2017 report in The Inquirer and, in April, an episode of the Netflix series The Innocence Files — put pressure on city officials to resolve the case swiftly, though neither they nor police admit any wrongdoing as part of the settlement deal. “There was irrefutable evidence that Chester was innocent, is innocent and has always been innocent and would never have been wrongfully convicted aside from extraordinary police misconduct,” Green said.
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According to the Inquirer, Hollman’s attorneys said he was targeted by police only because he was a Black man driving a white SUV that matched the description of the one seen fleeing the scene of a shooting that killed Penn student Tae-Jung Ho in August 1991. There was no evidence linking Hollman to the shooting and the two witnesses who identified him later recanted and said they were coerced by police to give their false testimonies. One witness was threatened with arrest and the other was promised help on his own pending criminal case in exchange for falsely implicating Hollman.
“There are no words to express what was taken from me,” Hollman said in a statement after the settlement was announced . “But this settlement closes out a difficult chapter in my life as my family and I now embark on a new one.”
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Earlier this month, The Root reported that another Black man, 45-year-old Termaine Hicks was exonerated of rape after spending 19 years in a Philadelphia prison . An officer —who along with his complicit partner is still currently on the force —first shot Hicks three times while he was pulling out a cell phone to call for help for the rape victim. Hicks was then charged with the rape and later exonerated after the Conviction Integrity Unit found that the case was “built on lies” possibly to cover up the unjustified shooting and that forensic evidence easily cleared Hicks who should never have been arrested let alone convicted of the rape.
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According to the Inquirer, since 2018, 17 defendants have been exonerated in cases involving many of the same officers who led the investigations into Hollman’s and Wright’s cases . Most of those officers have since retired—as opposed to firing, charges or any semblance of actual accountability — but some, like those involved in Hick s’ case, remain on the force and have even been promoted .