theroot--2020-12-22--White House Sources Say Trump Is Turning on All of His People—Including His Own Vice President

Apparently , the worst place to work right in America now is the White House .
In his final days in office , y ’ all ’ s soon-to-be-ousted president is reportedly losing all of his friends faster than Game of Thrones characters who made it to the final season .
Basically , President-reject Donald Trump is solidifying his reputation as a senior citizen who also happens to be a toddler by crying his orange-scented Lysol disinfectant tears ( which he will likely try injecting if he catches COVID again ) all over the Oval Office and lashing out at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on board with his fight against his own imagination .
Several top officials spoke anonymously when telling Axios about Trump ’ s constant meltdowns and how anyone around him can get it—or at least anyone who isn ’ t willing to die on the rapidly sinking widespread voter fraud hill .
( “ Rapidly sinking ” is actually being extremely generous .
That hill sank so long ago it ’ s currently sitting on top of Titanic remains . )
According to Axios , targets of Trump ’ s outrage include chief of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pat Cipollone , Secretary of State Pompeo , and even his own vice president and human flytrap , Mike Pence .
One source said that a Lincoln Project ad that claimed Pence is “ backing away ” from Trump was enough to have the commander-in-paranoid-delusions feeling betrayed by his VP .
He ’ s now reportedly deathly afraid that on Jan. 6 , Pence is going to ... well ... do his job and validate the election results .
Sources said that Trump wants to “ use the Department of Homeland Security or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” and he ’ s confounded by the fact that some of the people around him think that dumb-ass shit is some dumb-ass shit .
And that ’ s just the tip of the iceberg , which , despite climate change , is not sinking nearly as fast as the voter fraud hill .
A new fixation : Trump has even been asking advisers whether they can get state legislatures to rescind their electoral votes .
When he ’ s told no , he lashes out even more , said a source who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And in an Oval meeting Monday night , Trump spoke with House Republicans about voting to overturn the result on Jan. 6 — a desperate vote that even Trump has privately acknowledged he ’ s bound to lose .
Then , of course , there ’ s Senate Majority Leader—and skinny Jabba the Hutt—Mitch McConnell , who has been on Trump ’ s shit list ever since he acknowledged Joe Biden as the winner of the presidential race .
Axios reports that Trump sent a whole slide presentation to Republican legislators disparaging McConnell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one off the ship ” and taking credit for his re-election .
( Oh , what to do about all of this old-white-fart-on-old-white-fart-crime ? )
According to the Washington Post , Trump has been dealing with being surrounded by hoes who ain ’ t loyal by putting together a crew of ragtag conspiracy theorists and other enablers who will back him in his futile efforts to evade reality .
I ’ m sorry , but what kind of bootleg Italian Job shit is this ?
What kind of discount Ocean ’ s Eleven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here ?
Seriously though , as amusing as it has been to watch Trump continue to be the loser who keeps on losing , it ’ s long past time to end this circus and welcome the incoming administration .
It ’ s time all of the people around Trump stop feeding his delusions because a t this point , this shit is beyond dumb , sad and downright embarrassing .

Apparently, the worst place to work right in America now is the White House.
In his final days in office, y’all’s soon-to-be-ousted president is reportedly losing all of his friends faster than Game of Thrones characters who made it to the final season. Basically, President-reject Donald Trump is solidifying his reputation as a senior citizen who also happens to be a toddler by crying his orange-scented Lysol disinfectant tears (which he will likely try injecting if he catches COVID again) all over the Oval Office and lashing out at anyone who isn’t 100 percent on board with his fight against his own imagination.
Several top officials spoke anonymously when telling Axios about Trump’s constant meltdowns and how anyone around him can get it—or at least anyone who isn’t willing to die on the rapidly sinking widespread voter fraud hill. (“Rapidly sinking” is actually being extremely generous. That hill sank so long ago it’s currently sitting on top of Titanic remains.)
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According to Axios, targets of Trump’s outrage include chief of staff Mark Meadows, White House counsel Pat Cipollone, Secretary of State Pompeo, and even his own vice president and human flytrap, Mike Pence. One source said that a Lincoln Project ad that claimed Pence is “backing away” from Trump was enough to have the commander-in-paranoid-delusions feeling betrayed by his VP. He’s now reportedly deathly afraid that on Jan. 6, Pence is going to...well...do his job and validate the election results.
Sources said that Trump wants to “use the Department of Homeland Security or the military to impound voting machines,” and he’s confounded by the fact that some of the people around him think that dumb-ass shit is some dumb-ass shit. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg, which, despite climate change, is not sinking nearly as fast as the voter fraud hill.
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From Axios:
A new fixation: Trump has even been asking advisers whether they can get state legislatures to rescind their electoral votes. When he’s told no, he lashes out even more, said a source who discussed the matter with the president. And in an Oval meeting Monday night, Trump spoke with House Republicans about voting to overturn the result on Jan. 6 — a desperate vote that even Trump has privately acknowledged he’s bound to lose.
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Then, of course, there’s Senate Majority Leader—and skinny Jabba the Hutt—Mitch McConnell, who has been on Trump’s shit list ever since he acknowledged Joe Biden as the winner of the presidential race. Axios reports that Trump sent a whole slide presentation to Republican legislators disparaging McConnell, calling him the “the first one off the ship” and taking credit for his re-election. (Oh, what to do about all of this old-white-fart-on-old-white-fart-crime?)
According to the Washington Post, Trump has been dealing with being surrounded by hoes who ain’t loyal by putting together a crew of ragtag conspiracy theorists and other enablers who will back him in his futile efforts to evade reality.
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From the Post:
The president’s orbit has grown more extreme as his more mainstream allies, including Attorney General William P. Barr, have declined to endorse his increasingly radical plans to overturn the will of the voters. Trump’s unofficial election advisory council now includes a pardoned felon, adherents of the QAnon conspiracy theory, a White House trade adviser and a Russian agent’s former lover.
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I’m sorry, but what kind of bootleg Italian Job shit is this?
What kind of discount Ocean’s Eleven shit is George Looney trying to pull here?
Seriously though, as amusing as it has been to watch Trump continue to be the loser who keeps on losing, it’s long past time to end this circus and welcome the incoming administration. It’s time all of the people around Trump stop feeding his delusions because a t this point, this shit is beyond dumb, sad and downright embarrassing.


theroot--2020-12-22--Watch: The Coming 2 America Teaser Trailer Is Very Happy to Be Here!

Y ’ all want an escape from 2020 right quick ?
Well , how about a virtual trip to Zamunda ?
Just like 2021 may be our escape from 2020 , one of our movie escapes will come in the form of Coming 2 America , the sequel releasing 33 years after the original film .
Here ’ s what to expect from the long-awaited sequel : In Coming 2 America , Prince Akeem ( Eddie Murphy ) returns to America as the King of Zamunda with his trusted confidante Semmi ( Arsenio Hall ) to embark on an all-new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lush and royal country of Zamunda back to the borough of Queens — where it all began !
Coming to America original cast favorites including King Jaffe ( James Earl Jones ) , Queen Lisa ( Shari Headley ) the motley barbershop crew , and some surprise guests will join the new star-studded cast of Coming 2 America including Wesley Snipes , Leslie Jones , Tracy Morgan , Jermaine Fowler , Bella Murphy , Rotimi , KiKi Layne , Nomzamo Mbatha and Teyana Taylor in the most anticipated comedy film of the year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that everybody and their mama will be appearing in the sequel and now you get to see the visual proof !
The teaser trailer from Coming 2 America is finally here and it ’ s hella Eddie Murphy !
Along with the familiar faces ( King Jaffe Joffer is lying in this bed giving final decrees and I don ’ t like it ! )
, we get an update on that infamous barbershop scene and well ... it ’ s exactly what you expect from a barbershop scene led by Murphy ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you know how he does with the multiple roles ) .
Sure , I ’ m intrigued to see this , but I have to be honest—it ’ s also making me quite salty because I know we won ’ t be able to experience the unmatched Black-ass function this theatrical release would ’ ve been .
We would ’ ve been decked out in our finest linens just like we did at the Black Panther debut—only even more foolish .
*wistful sigh*

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

Y’all want an escape from 2020 right quick? Well, how about a virtual trip to Zamunda?
Just like 2021 may be our escape from 2020, one of our movie escapes will come in the form of Coming 2 America, the sequel releasing 33 years after the original film.
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Here’s what to expect from the long-awaited sequel:
In Coming 2 America, Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy) returns to America as the King of Zamunda with his trusted confidante Semmi (Arsenio Hall) to embark on an all-new hilarious adventure that takes us from the lush and royal country of Zamunda back to the borough of Queens — where it all began! Coming to America original cast favorites including King Jaffe (James Earl Jones), Queen Lisa (Shari Headley) the motley barbershop crew, and some surprise guests will join the new star-studded cast of Coming 2 America including Wesley Snipes, Leslie Jones, Tracy Morgan, Jermaine Fowler, Bella Murphy, Rotimi, KiKi Layne, Nomzamo Mbatha and Teyana Taylor in the most anticipated comedy film of the year.
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We already told y’all that everybody and their mama will be appearing in the sequel and now you get to see the visual proof! The teaser trailer from Coming 2 America is finally here and it’s hella Eddie Murphy!
Coming 2 America official trailer / Amazon Prime Video (YouTube)
Along with the familiar faces (King Jaffe Joffer is lying in this bed giving final decrees and I don’t like it!), we get an update on that infamous barbershop scene and well...it’s exactly what you expect from a barbershop scene led by Murphy (well actually...a few Murphys...you know how he does with the multiple roles).
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Sure, I’m intrigued to see this, but I have to be honest—it’s also making me quite salty because I know we won’t be able to experience the unmatched Black-ass function this theatrical release would’ve been. We would’ve been decked out in our finest linens just like we did at the Black Panther debut—only even more foolish. *wistful sigh*
Alas—Coming 2 America lands on Amazon Prime Video on March 5, 2021!


theroot--2020-12-22--#EatingWhileBlack: An Innocent Black Man Gets Handcuffed While Eating With Family at Virginia Beach

#EatingWhileBlack: An Innocent Black Man Gets Handcuffed While Eating With Family at Virginia Beach Mall

Another day , another task to add to the ever-growing list of things Black folks can ’ t do for fear of having a completely unwarranted and volatile run-in with the police .
On Saturday , Jamar Mackey was enjoying lunch with his family at a food court inside of a local Virginia Beach Mall .
Well , that was the case until two Virginia Beach police officers handcuffed Mackey without explanation .
Visibly and understandably upset , Mackey and his wife began questioning the officers who continued to escort Mackey from the food court and outside of the building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you can hear Mackey and the woman with him trying to get some answers from the officers but to no avail .
“ But what did he do ?
” the woman questioned .
“ Can you just tell us , we just came with our babies .
We don ’ t even have a Black truck.
” Insider reports that when officers finally got outside , they attempted to explain the situation to Mackey and his family , who had followed them outside to continue recording .
According to police , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the description ” of a person they were looking for who was suspected of using stolen credit cards inside the mall .
“ We got a description of someone who was using stolen credit cards , OK ?
” police explained after finally removing the handcuffs from off of a now irate Mackey .
“ That person is a Black male with dreads and was wearing all black and was with a boy who was wearing red , OK ?
” The camera then pans over to another pair that a different set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other side of the mall entrance .
“ It was a big misunderstanding , ” the officer explained .
The woman with Mackey responded , “ this is so embarrassing ” and proceeded to ask for the name of the officer and number that she could call to handle the matter further .
The Virginia Beach Police Department has since launched an investigation into the incident and Chief of Police Paul Neudigate said in a statement : “ Certainly , anyone would be upset about being detained for something they didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ While the video shows the officer stayed calm and respectful throughout the brief encounter , we must ensure the situation merits the response .
We are gathering all the facts to evaluate the incident so we can address the concerns people have raised.
” According to WAVY-TV , the Virginia Beach Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People ( NAACP ) is also launching an investigation and released a statement in regards to the incident saying : The Virginia Beach NAACP strongly condemns the apparent racial bias on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ widely circulated on social media today .
In the midst of a global pandemic , Virginia Beach police officers – without masks or personal protective equipment – mistakenly detained a Black man who was spending quality time with his family .
As a Virginia Beach officer stated ‘ you have the right to be upset , ’ and indeed we are just that : quite upset .
Even more alarming , calls from the Virginia Beach NAACP to the Virginia Beach Police Chief remain unanswered as of Sunday evening .
We are demanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chief within 48 hours .
As the police department has not responded to our inquiries , the Virginia Beach NAACP has launched its own investigation into the incident .
The NAACP will not rest until every Black citizen in Virginia Beach can shop , dine , and travel without being racially profiled by our city ’ s police officers .
The Virginia Beach police chief has since apologized to Mackey and his family .

Another day, another task to add to the ever-growing list of things Black folks can’t do for fear of having a completely unwarranted and volatile run-in with the police.
On Saturday, Jamar Mackey was enjoying lunch with his family at a food court inside of a local Virginia Beach Mall. Well, that was the case until two Virginia Beach police officers handcuffed Mackey without explanation.
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Visibly and understandably upset, Mackey and his wife began questioning the officers who continued to escort Mackey from the food court and outside of the building. In a video posted to Facebook, you can hear Mackey and the woman with him trying to get some answers from the officers but to no avail.
“But what did he do?” the woman questioned. “Can you just tell us, we just came with our babies. We don’t even have a Black truck.”
Insider reports that when officers finally got outside, they attempted to explain the situation to Mackey and his family, who had followed them outside to continue recording. According to police, Mackey and apparently his son “matched the description” of a person they were looking for who was suspected of using stolen credit cards inside the mall. “We got a description of someone who was using stolen credit cards, OK?” police explained after finally removing the handcuffs from off of a now irate Mackey. “That person is a Black male with dreads and was wearing all black and was with a boy who was wearing red, OK?” The camera then pans over to another pair that a different set of police were also questioning on the other side of the mall entrance.
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“It was a big misunderstanding,” the officer explained. The woman with Mackey responded, “this is so embarrassing” and proceeded to ask for the name of the officer and number that she could call to handle the matter further.
The Virginia Beach Police Department has since launched an investigation into the incident and Chief of Police Paul Neudigate said in a statement:
“Certainly, anyone would be upset about being detained for something they didn’t do, ” said Chief Neudigate. “While the video shows the officer stayed calm and respectful throughout the brief encounter, we must ensure the situation merits the response. We are gathering all the facts to evaluate the incident so we can address the concerns people have raised.”
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According to WAVY-TV, the Virginia Beach Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is also launching an investigation and released a statement in regards to the incident saying:
The Virginia Beach NAACP strongly condemns the apparent racial bias on display in the video clip that has widely circulated on social media today. In the midst of a global pandemic, Virginia Beach police officers – without masks or personal protective equipment – mistakenly detained a Black man who was spending quality time with his family. As a Virginia Beach officer stated ‘you have the right to be upset,’ and indeed we are just that: quite upset. Even more alarming, calls from the Virginia Beach NAACP to the Virginia Beach Police Chief remain unanswered as of Sunday evening. We are demanding a meeting with the Virginia Beach Police Chief within 48 hours. As the police department has not responded to our inquiries, the Virginia Beach NAACP has launched its own investigation into the incident. The NAACP will not rest until every Black citizen in Virginia Beach can shop, dine, and travel without being racially profiled by our city’s police officers.
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The Virginia Beach police chief has since apologized to Mackey and his family.


theroot--2020-12-24--This Holiday Season, Try These 13 Festive Feasts and Drinks from Black Chefs

My late grandmother Tina had a reputation for being an incredible baker and cook , and anyone who knew her would tell you that her cakes were pure magic .
She had an arsenal of legendary cakes ( I absolutely LOVED her coconut cake ! )
, but this pound cake is my favorite ; it ’ s classic , simple and seems to appeal to most tastes .
If you want to impress yourself ( or others ) , hook this one up .
You can serve it glazed ( pictured ) or unglazed ... it ’ s also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warm fruit compote .
I prefer a plain vanilla cake , but you can add your own flavoring in place of the vanilla extract .
Almond and lemon are good choices .
Also , using cake flour is HIGHLY recommended for a light , fluffy cake .
All-purpose flour tends to produce more dense cakes .
NOTE : This cake is glazed with lemon and powdered sugar .
It is totally skippable but it is quite nice for a tart bite .
To make the glaze , start with about a cup of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FRESH lemon juice , whisk and incorporate .
Add more lemon juice , tablespoon by tablespoon , until the consistency is smooth and pourable .
Spoon over the cooled poundcake .
Cream the butter with the sugar and then add the cream cheese and continue to cream the three ingredients together .
Splash in the vanilla extract , or your extract of choice .
Once the mix is properly blended , add flour , ONE CUP AT A TIME , to ensure that all the flour gets thoroughly incorporated .
Use a rubber @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sides of the bowl and ensure that everything is mixed evenly .
Once the flour is thoroughly mixed , add in the eggs , ONE BY ONE , only adding another egg if the previous egg is thoroughly incorporated .
Do not worry if the cake batter seems really thick , it should be .
Fill your greased bundt pan with the cake mix and bake it in the center of your over .
Remember to periodically rotate your cake , as most ovens bake unevenly .
Baking time will vary depending on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operates , but this cake typically takes 45+ minutes .
You will know your cake is done when a golden top forms and a butter knife comes out clean when you stick it in the cake .
Once the cake has cooled , you can choose to glaze , if that ’ s your thing .
Try slices of this in the morning with some coffee .
Happy Holidays !
I went to culinary school at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York and I worked in a few restaurants around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a food media company , which opened up a lot of food media freelancing gigs and opportunities in NY .
I was fortunate enough to win an episode of Food Network ’ s “ Chopped ” and expand into working for myself as a full time , freelance chef .
Somehow shortly after my “ Chopped ” win , I wound up getting cast in a primary role in both seasons of the Spike Lee led Netflix series , “ She ’ s Got ta Have It ” .
You couldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I landed that role .
I continued to cook , and act on the side for years and since 2018 , I have been splitting my life between my homebase of San Juan , Puerto Rico and Brooklyn .
I am influenced by food from all over the world , particularly Asia and the Caribbean and also appreciate cooking for different dietary needs .
I currently offer cooking lessons , exclusive recipes on my Patreon page ( patreon.com/illcooklikeyourmother ) , catering , private dinners , infused dinners , etc .

My late grandmother Tina had a reputation for being an incredible baker and cook, and anyone who knew her would tell you that her cakes were pure magic. She had an arsenal of legendary cakes (I absolutely LOVED her coconut cake!), but this pound cake is my favorite; it’s classic, simple and seems to appeal to most tastes. If you want to impress yourself (or others), hook this one up. You can serve it glazed (pictured) or unglazed...it’s also very nice with fresh berries or a warm fruit compote.
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I prefer a plain vanilla cake, but you can add your own flavoring in place of the vanilla extract. Almond and lemon are good choices. Also, using cake flour is HIGHLY recommended for a light,
fluffy cake. All-purpose flour tends to produce more dense cakes.
NOTE: This cake is glazed with lemon and powdered sugar. It is totally skippable but it is quite nice for a tart bite. To make the glaze, start with about a cup of powdered sugar then add 2 tablespoons of FRESH lemon juice, whisk and incorporate. Add more lemon juice, tablespoon by tablespoon, until the consistency is smooth and pourable. Spoon over the cooled poundcake.
Ingredients:
3 cups cake flour
3 cups sugar
8oz package of Philadelphia Cream Cheese
1lb. (4 sticks) butter
1tsp vanilla extract
6 eggs
Instructions:
Pre-heat oven to 350F.
Butter a bundt pan and set aside.
Cream the butter with the sugar and then add the cream cheese and continue to cream the three ingredients together. Splash in the vanilla extract, or your extract of choice.
Once the mix is properly blended, add flour, ONE CUP AT A TIME, to ensure that all the flour gets thoroughly incorporated. Use a rubber spatula to scrape the flour down the sides of the bowl and ensure that everything is mixed evenly.
Once the flour is thoroughly mixed, add in the eggs, ONE BY ONE, only adding another egg if the previous egg is thoroughly incorporated. Do not worry if the cake batter seems really thick, it should be.
Fill your greased bundt pan with the cake mix and bake it in the center of your over. Remember to periodically rotate your cake, as most ovens bake unevenly. Baking time will vary depending on where you live and how your oven operates, but this cake typically takes 45+ minutes.
You will know your cake is done when a golden top forms and a butter knife comes out clean when you stick it in the cake.
Once the cake has cooled, you can choose to glaze, if that’s your thing. Try slices of this in the morning with some coffee. Happy Holidays!
- Chef Santana
I went to culinary school at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York and I worked in a few restaurants around the city. I also interned at TastingTable, a food media company, which opened up a lot of food media freelancing gigs and opportunities in NY. I was fortunate enough to win an episode of Food Network’s “Chopped” and expand into working for myself as a full time, freelance chef. Somehow shortly after my “Chopped” win, I wound up getting cast in a primary role in both seasons of the Spike Lee led Netflix series, “She’s Gotta Have It”. You couldn’t make the story up, how I landed that role.
I continued to cook, and act on the side for years and since 2018, I have been splitting my life between my homebase of San Juan, Puerto Rico and Brooklyn. I am influenced by food from all over the world, particularly Asia and the Caribbean and also appreciate cooking for different dietary needs. I currently offer cooking lessons, exclusive recipes on my Patreon page (patreon.com/illcooklikeyourmother), catering, private dinners, infused dinners, etc.
Instagram:@santanacaress


theroot--2020-12-24--Some Comfy Games to Curl Up With Over the Holiday

For a large chunk of us , this is going to be one of the weirdest holidays in a long time .
Whether you celebrate Christmas , Kwanzaa , or Cha-noo-ka as Smokey Robinson calls it , you ’ re probably spending it alone this year .
You know what will still be there for you though ?
Video games .
While I can ’ t indulge in my typical holiday traditions of getting drunk , eating food , and seeing a movie with the family , there are still good times to be had .
So pour up that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boot up that console .
It ’ s real comfy hours .
Like clockwork , I get the urge to play Nintendo games every December .
A large part of it is just due to the fact that they ’ re such pleasant experiences .
The art styles , soundtracks , and gameplay all coalesce into an experience that , while occasionally challenging , is usually just plain delightful .
The recently released Super Mario 3D All-Stars perfectly embodies this .
It contains Super Mario 64 , Super Mario Sunshine , and my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Galaxy , in particular , is a very nostalgic experience for me .
It was the first Mario game I ever personally owned .
The unique space setting and the gorgeous soundtrack made me understand why the character has endured for so long .
The other games are great in their own right and surprisingly hold up to this day .
In my opinion , Mario games are perfect for curling up in a comfy ass blanket and bouncing around colorful , excellently designed stages .
High key , just about every first-party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of year .
If you ’ re looking for some cute ass fun , the Switch is where it ’ s at .
I know , I know , you can flame me in the comments , but dammit this is the comfiest Final Fantasy game .
It really boils down to the comradery between Noctis , Prompto , Gladiolus , and Ignis , the game ’ s four main characters .
You really feel like you ’ re just on a road trip with your buddies in the early hours of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s story in under 30 hours so you can put a decent dent in it over the course of a long week .
You might be like me , though , and just enjoy the vibe and how gorgeous the world is .
Also , the fucking cooking mechanic in this game is ridiculous .
The graphics on the food are just too good , so be sure to have snacks on deck just in case .
You ’ ll be mad the Flaming Hot Cheetos aren ’ t the food on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll have something .
Star Wars : Knights of the Old Republic ( Xbox , PC , Mobile ) This is my nostalgia pick .
The game I go back to because it just feels like revisiting an old friend .
Also , the Disney marketing machine is too good and has now conditioned me to associate “ Christmas ” with “ Star Wars.
” That being said , Knights of the Old Republic is just one of my favorite games of all time for very obvious reasons .
It combines my favorite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favorite genre ( the Role Playing Game ) .
Not only that , it delivers one of the best damn Star Wars stories that can honestly stand toe-to-toe with the movies .
Now for this slot , I ’ m less recommending Knights of the Old Republic , and more recommending you revisit one of your old favorites .
Bust out that PS2 and get down on Def Jam Fight for New York .
See how NBA Street Vol .
2 holds up .
Hell , I know some of y ’ all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around from previous Christmas ’ s .
Boot those up and remind yourself why you got into this shit to begin with .
The days are getting shorter , the weather is getting colder , and the pandemic has made one of the loneliest times of the year even lonelier .
Despite all that , there is still some joy to be had .
All you have to do is pick a controller to find it .
So Merry Christmas , Happy Hanukkah , and shoutout to my nigga Oscar who I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person celebrating Kwanzaa in Japan .

For a large chunk of us, this is going to be one of the weirdest holidays in a long time. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa, or Cha-noo-ka as Smokey Robinson calls it, you’re probably spending it alone this year. You know what will still be there for you though? Video games.
While I can’t indulge in my typical holiday traditions of getting drunk, eating food, and seeing a movie with the family, there are still good times to be had. So pour up that cocoa, throw on a sweater and boot up that console. It’s real comfy hours.
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Super Mario 3D All-Stars (Nintendo Switch)
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Like clockwork, I get the urge to play Nintendo games every December. A large part of it is just due to the fact that they’re such pleasant experiences. The art styles, soundtracks, and gameplay all coalesce into an experience that, while occasionally challenging, is usually just plain delightful. The recently released Super Mario 3D All-Stars perfectly embodies this. It contains Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and my personal favorite, Super Mario Galaxy.
Galaxy, in particular, is a very nostalgic experience for me. It was the first Mario game I ever personally owned. The unique space setting and the gorgeous soundtrack made me understand why the character has endured for so long. The other games are great in their own right and surprisingly hold up to this day.
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In my opinion, Mario games are perfect for curling up in a comfy ass blanket and bouncing around colorful, excellently designed stages. High key, just about every first-party Switch exclusive is perfect for this time of year. If you’re looking for some cute ass fun, the Switch is where it’s at.
Final Fantasy XV (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC)
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I know, I know, you can flame me in the comments, but dammit this is the comfiest Final Fantasy game. It really boils down to the comradery between Noctis, Prompto, Gladiolus, and Ignis, the game’s four main characters. You really feel like you’re just on a road trip with your buddies in the early hours of the game. You can mainline the game’s story in under 30 hours so you can put a decent dent in it over the course of a long week. You might be like me, though, and just enjoy the vibe and how gorgeous the world is.
Also, the fucking cooking mechanic in this game is ridiculous. The graphics on the food are just too good, so be sure to have snacks on deck just in case. You’ll be mad the Flaming Hot Cheetos aren’t the food on the screen but at least you’ll have something.
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Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (Xbox, PC, Mobile)
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This is my nostalgia pick. The game I go back to because it just feels like revisiting an old friend. Also, the Disney marketing machine is too good and has now conditioned me to associate “Christmas” with “Star Wars.” That being said, Knights of the Old Republic is just one of my favorite games of all time for very obvious reasons. It combines my favorite franchise (Star Wars) with my favorite genre (the Role Playing Game). Not only that, it delivers one of the best damn Star Wars stories that can honestly stand toe-to-toe with the movies.
Now for this slot, I’m less recommending Knights of the Old Republic, and more recommending you revisit one of your old favorites. Bust out that PS2 and get down on Def Jam Fight for New York. See how NBA Street Vol. 2 holds up. Hell, I know some of y’all got the NES and SNES Classic hanging around from previous Christmas’s. Boot those up and remind yourself why you got into this shit to begin with.
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The days are getting shorter, the weather is getting colder, and the pandemic has made one of the loneliest times of the year even lonelier. Despite all that, there is still some joy to be had. All you have to do is pick a controller to find it.
So Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and shoutout to my nigga Oscar who I’m 98 percent sure is the only person celebrating Kwanzaa in Japan.


theroot--2020-12-24--Virginia Judge Rules Portraits of White Judges Prevents Black Defendant From Receiving a Fair Trial

A judge in Virginia ’ s Fairfax County has ruled that the portraits of white judges in the courtroom prevent Black defendants from receiving a fair trial .
According to the Washington Post , Fairfax County Circuit Court Judge David Bernhard issued an opinion on Monday saying that the portraits of the mostly white judges that have presided over the court give the perception that the system is biased .
He cited a book written by Anthony Ray Hinton as partially informing his thinking .
Hinton , a Black man who spent 30 years on death row before his conviction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , wrote that entering an Alabama courthouse and seeing nothing but white faces felt like being “ an uninvited guest in a rich man ’ s library.
” “ The Court is concerned the portraits may serve as unintended but implicit symbols that suggest the courtroom may be a place historically administered by whites for whites , and that thus others are of a lesser standing in the dispensing of justice , ” Bernhard wrote in his opinion .
The ruling was in response to a motion filed by Terrance Shipp Jr. that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Shipp has a trial scheduled for Jan. 4 where he faces charges of eluding police , assault on a law enforcement officer , as well as other counts .
This is a nice gesture , sure , but I can ’ t help but feel like it ’ s putting a band-aid on a gaping wound .
I could honestly give a fuck about some portraits ; I ’ m more concerned about the unfair sentences that Black people often receive in the courts .
The fact that so many Black men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crimes or crimes they didn ’ t commit is an outrage .
It ’ s not the portraits that convey a sense of impropriety , it ’ s what actually happens in the courts .
Bryan Kennedy , a senior assistant public defender and attorney for Shipp , issued a statement going into the history of racial bias in Virginia ’ s legal system .
“ Too often , the actors in the system do not look like the people who are swept up into it , ” Kennedy wrote .
“ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ optics in our courtrooms are more consistent with justice , but more work is needed to improve the substance as well as the appearance of justice.
” Bernhard pointed out that 45 of the 47 previous judges were white , and stated in his opinion that the portraits of the judges will not be up during any case he presides over .
Obviously , the local GOP had some shit to say about the move .
Chairman of the Fairfax County GOP , Steve Knotts , issued a statement that lowkey called the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have embraced this reductive , racialist view of his fellow man , ” Knotts said .
“ We ’ d all do well to remember that , whether we are Black or White , Christian or Jewish , immigrant or native-born , we are all equally human .
As a culture , we must reject all divisive ideologies and , instead , unambiguously affirm our shared humanity.
” Ain ’ t y ’ all the party that can ’ t even bring itself to say that police shooting unarmed Black people is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several seats , please .
“ Affirm our shared humanity.
” Nigga , please .
Bernhard is not the only Virginia judge to reevaluate the iconography that hangs in courthouses .
A judge in Virginia ’ s Louisa County ordered a painting of Robert E. Lee be taken down ahead of a murder trial involving a Black defendant .
Speaking of Robert E. Lee , a monument to the dude that stood in the nation ’ s Capitol for over 100 years was finally removed .
It ’ s nice these symbols are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can have an honest conversation about why these monuments exist in the first place , we might actually get somewhere as a country .

A judge in Virginia’s Fairfax County has ruled that the portraits of white judges in the courtroom prevent Black defendants from receiving a fair trial.
According to the Washington Post, Fairfax County Circuit Court Judge David Bernhard issued an opinion on Monday saying that the portraits of the mostly white judges that have presided over the court give the perception that the system is biased. He cited a book written by Anthony Ray Hinton as partially informing his thinking. Hinton, a Black man who spent 30 years on death row before his conviction was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, wrote that entering an Alabama courthouse and seeing nothing but white faces felt like being “an uninvited guest in a rich man’s library.”
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“The Court is concerned the portraits may serve as unintended but implicit symbols that suggest the courtroom may be a place historically administered by whites for whites, and that thus others are of a lesser standing in the dispensing of justice,” Bernhard wrote in his opinion. The ruling was in response to a motion filed by Terrance Shipp Jr. that included a request to remove the portraits.
Shipp has a trial scheduled for Jan. 4 where he faces charges of eluding police, assault on a law enforcement officer, as well as other counts.
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This is a nice gesture, sure, but I can’t help but feel like it’s putting a band-aid on a gaping wound. I could honestly give a fuck about some portraits; I’m more concerned about the unfair sentences that Black people often receive in the courts. The fact that so many Black men have spent decades in jail for non-violent crimes or crimes they didn’t commit is an outrage.
It’s not the portraits that convey a sense of impropriety, it’s what actually happens in the courts.
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Bryan Kennedy, a senior assistant public defender and attorney for Shipp, issued a statement going into the history of racial bias in Virginia’s legal system. “Too often, the actors in the system do not look like the people who are swept up into it,” Kennedy wrote. “This ruling is a start to ensure the optics in our courtrooms are more consistent with justice, but more work is needed to improve the substance as well as the appearance of justice.”
Bernhard pointed out that 45 of the 47 previous judges were white, and stated in his opinion that the portraits of the judges will not be up during any case he presides over.
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Obviously, the local GOP had some shit to say about the move. Chairman of the Fairfax County GOP, Steve Knotts, issued a statement that lowkey called the move racist?
“Judge Bernhard seems to have embraced this reductive, racialist view of his fellow man,” Knotts said. “We’d all do well to remember that, whether we are Black or White, Christian or Jewish, immigrant or native-born, we are all equally human. As a culture, we must reject all divisive ideologies and, instead, unambiguously affirm our shared humanity.”
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Ain’t y’all the party that can’t even bring itself to say that police shooting unarmed Black people is a problem? Okay, so take several seats, please. “Affirm our shared humanity.” Nigga, please.
Bernhard is not the only Virginia judge to reevaluate the iconography that hangs in courthouses. A judge in Virginia’s Louisa County ordered a painting of Robert E. Lee be taken down ahead of a murder trial involving a Black defendant. Speaking of Robert E. Lee, a monument to the dude that stood in the nation’s Capitol for over 100 years was finally removed.
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It’s nice these symbols are being taken down. Now, if we can have an honest conversation about why these monuments exist in the first place, we might actually get somewhere as a country.


theroot--2020-12-23--Paul Pierce, Michael Cooper Headline 2021 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Nominees

Paul Pierce is a lot of things ; a lover of revisionist history , a board-certified hater of all things LeBron James , a thespian who requires a wheelchair to use the bathroom , but for the bulk of his 19 seasons in the NBA , he was also one of the greatest players in the history of the league .
And now , three years removed from retiring back in 2017 , he ’ ll be headlining the list of nominees for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame ’ s 2021 class .
Paul Pierce , Doug Collins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the group of first-time nominees for the 2021 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame class , announced Tuesday on ESPN ’ s The Jump .
Also joining the first-time group is Howard Garfinkel , Lou Henson , Val Ackerman and Yolanda Griffith , to go with popular returning candidates Chauncey Billups , Chris Bosh , Richard Hamilton , Becky Hammon , Swin Cash and Ben Wallace .
Since Pierce is a studio analyst on ESPN ’ s The Jump , he was overjoyed when host Rachel Nichols broke the news on the show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , just to be recognized in basketball lore forever , ” he said .
“ When I ’ m long gone and away , the hall of fame is forever .
Having my number hung up in the Boston Garden is forever .
So it ’ s a true honor and if it were to happen I ’ m blessed that I was able to put the time in on my craft , all the hard work , mornings , nights , that I can get to this point.
” Throughout the course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second-highest scoring player in Celtics history .
He was also named to 10 All-Star teams , four All-NBA teams , and was the 2008 NBA Finals MVP after leading the Celtics to a championship the same year .
Call it a hunch , but I think it ’ s safe to assume he ’ ll be inducted into the hall .
Per the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame , the enshrinement ceremony for the Class of 2021 will take place in Springfield , Mass.
, in September 2021 .

Paul Pierce is a lot of things; a lover of revisionist history, a board-certified hater of all things LeBron James, a thespian who requires a wheelchair to use the bathroom, but for the bulk of his 19 seasons in the NBA, he was also one of the greatest players in the history of the league. And now, three years removed from retiring back in 2017, he’ll be headlining the list of nominees for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s 2021 class.
From ESPN:
Paul Pierce, Doug Collins, Michael Cooper and Lauren Jackson headline the group of first-time nominees for the 2021 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame class, announced Tuesday on ESPN’s The Jump. Also joining the first-time group is Howard Garfinkel, Lou Henson, Val Ackerman and Yolanda Griffith, to go with popular returning candidates Chauncey Billups, Chris Bosh, Richard Hamilton, Becky Hammon, Swin Cash and Ben Wallace.
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Chris Webber is also eligible.
Since Pierce is a studio analyst on ESPN’s The Jump, he was overjoyed when host Rachel Nichols broke the news on the show.
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“If I do make it, just to be recognized in basketball lore forever,” he said. “When I’m long gone and away, the hall of fame is forever. Having my number hung up in the Boston Garden is forever. So it’s a true honor and if it were to happen I’m blessed that I was able to put the time in on my craft, all the hard work, mornings, nights, that I can get to this point.”
Throughout the course of his career, the 43-year-old became the second-highest scoring player in Celtics history. He was also named to 10 All-Star teams, four All-NBA teams, and was the 2008 NBA Finals MVP after leading the Celtics to a championship the same year.
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Call it a hunch, but I think it’s safe to assume he’ll be inducted into the hall.
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Per the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the enshrinement ceremony for the Class of 2021 will take place in Springfield, Mass., in September 2021.


theroot--2020-12-23--AirPods, MacBooks, and iPads (Oh My!): Today’s Best Apple Deals

The best Apple deals and discounts of December 2020 are here .
If you ’ re an Apple fan , then you know that the company ’ s popular iPhones , iPads , MacBooks , Apple Watch , and AirPods don ’ t come cheap—and sales can be sporadic .
Luckily , we watch Apple bargains like a hawk here at Kinja Deals , and we ’ re always keeping an eye out for the best deals across all Apple devices .
Scope out some great prices on AirPods Pro , the Apple Watch SE and Series 6 , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ ll be updating this roundup regularly .
Apple ’ s higher-end wireless earbuds are currently $ 50 off the list price at Amazon .
The AirPods Pro come with noise canceling , silicone tips for a comfortable fit , and a wirelessly-chargeable case , making them a solid upgrade over the standard versions .
Apple ’ s standard current-model AirPods are marked down to $ 110 right now for the standard version with wired charging , with the full savings appearing at checkout .
That ’ s $ 49 off .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ noise cancellation or silicone tips of the AirPods Pro , but they deliver great sound and excellent convenience .
You can also grab a pair with a wirelessly-chargeable case for $ 160 , or $ 39 off the list price .
You ’ ll get an even larger discount on the brand new core iPad , which is already marked down $ 30 soon after its release .
Unlike the redesigned iPad Air , this entry-level iPad still looks the same as the old one , but it has a faster A12 Bionic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
The 32GB model is available at Amazon for $ 299 in Gold or Space Gray .
You can also save $ 34 on the 128GB edition in Silver or Space Gray .
The new Apple Watch SE is the best option for most prospective buyers , carrying the most important core features of the pricier Apple Watch Series 6 with just a smidge less power and a $ 120 savings .
Right now , you can get the Apple Watch SE for even less at Amazon , where both the 40mm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The entry-level 40mm model is marked down $ 20 to just $ 259 , while the 44mm model sees an even larger discount at $ 270 .
Only certain colors are in stock at those prices as of this writing and you may need to clip a coupon to activate the savings , so be sure to double-check Amazon to see what ’ s available .
Amazon is already slicing up to $ 60 off the list price of the new Apple Watch Series 6 in certain colors for the 40mm size or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are a bit faster thanks to a new processor and add extra health functionality , such as a blood oxygen sensor .
And unlike the cheaper Apple Watch SE , they have the always-on display .
With some of these , y ou ’ ll see the full savings at checkout , by the way .
MacBook Pros were already pretty powerful , but with Apple ’ s new M1 chip in place of the old Intel chips , they ’ re even more powerful .
Like , by a lot .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to snag one of those brand new MacBook Pro models , Amazon is already taking $ 100 off the list price for the 256GB base model in Space Gray ( full savings at checkout ) .
The larger 512GB version sees similar savings , as well !
Apple ’ s brand new iPad Air might not be billed as the highest-end model of the bunch , but it has the newest and fastest processor and cribs the sleek design from the pricier , perk-packed iPad Pro .
In short : it hits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and price , and right now you can save an additional $ 40 off the Rose Gold model at Amazon .
Check the other colors for current pricing and availability .
Apple ’ s powerful new M1 chip isn ’ t relegated to laptops right now : you can also grab a compact Mac Mini desktop and get way more power than past generations .
Amazon has the base 256GB model for $ 670 or 512GB version for $ 870 , both $ 29 off the list price for this new release .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best true wireless earbuds you ’ ll find for working out , and right now Amazon is slashing $ 100 off the list price for the red edition .
Other colors cost more , but if you ’ re not picky , then go for the savings .
These bad boys have built-in earclips and pair easiest with recent Apple devices thanks to the H1 chip , plus they provide up to 9 hours of listening per charge .
If you have a relatively recent iPad and you want to use it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notes , then you ’ ll probably want Apple ’ s official Pencil stylus .
There are two models , and both are on sale right now .
The 2nd-gen Pencil works with the new iPad Air , the 3rd/4th-gen 12.9-inch iPad Pro , and 1st/2nd-gen 11-inch iPad Pro .
It ’ s $ 99 right now at Amazon , a savings of $ 30 .
The 2nd-gen model attaches and charges magnetically , has a matte finish , and lets you double-tap to change tools in supported apps .
Meanwhile , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pro models , the 3rd-gen iPad Air , the 6th-8th-gen core iPads , and 5th-gen iPad Mini .
It ’ s $ 80 right now , or $ 19 off the list price .
This one is glossy with a silver band and charges via your iPad ’ s Lightning port .
Save $ 120 off the active noise-canceling wireless Beats Solo Pro headphones right now at Amazon in a a couple of colors .
They pair easily with iOS devices thanks to Apple ’ s H1 chip and promise a stellar 22 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charge .
Only the Light Blue version is at that price as of this writing , but double-check the listing as the prices fluctuate .
If you ’ re keen on cans instead of earbuds , Apple ’ s Beats brand has a solid deal on Solo3 wireless headphones right now .
They ’ re $ 80 off the list price right now at Amazon , but only in black .
Whatever you choose , you ’ ll get wireless headphones that pair easily with an iPhone and offer up to 40 hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re on the hunt for a large , semi-recent iPhone that you can take to any network , this iPhone XR deal might be up your alley .
It has a sizable 6.1 ” screen , is available in a handful of eye-catching colors , and the A12 Bionic processor is still plenty speedy compared to the top-end competition of today .
It ’ s more than $ 300 off the original new list price when you buy this certified renewed version from Amazon , which is unlocked .
The price varies slightly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple ’ s biggest current MacBook Pro model is a wallet-buster , as you might expect , but at least Amazon is slashing a few hundred bucks off right now .
The 16 '' Silver base model is $ 300 off right now , snagging you a powerful notebook ideal for creative work via an Intel Core i7 processor , 16GB RAM , and a meaty 512GB of internal storage .
Part of that savings comes off at checkout , by the way .
Jump up to the Core i9 version with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 4 00 off of its higher price point .
Apple ’ s MacBook laptops are popular , but if you want a big , beefy Mac with a hell of a screen , you can ’ t go wrong with an iMac .
The all-in-one desktop has a huge 27-inch screen at a blistering 5K resolution , and pairs that with an Intel Core i5 chip and 256GB of storage .
Save $ 150 off the base model at Amazon right now .

Andrew Hayward on Roundups, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Featured Deal: Apple Watch Series 7 (Green) | $339 | Amazon
The best Apple deals and discounts of the month are here.
If you’re an Apple fan, then you know that the company’s popular iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, Apple Watch, and AirPods don’t come cheap—and sales can be sporadic.
Luckily, we watch Apple bargains like a hawk here at Kinja Deals, and we’re always keeping an eye out for the best deals across all Apple devices. Scope out some great prices on AirPods Pro, iPad Pro, and M1 Macs below, and stay tuned: we’ll be updating this roundup regularly.
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Have you been just itching to get an Apple Watch Series 7, but the full price of $399 is a bridge too far? Well, lucky you, it’s on sale at Amazon right now for $339—that’s $60 off, or enough to pick up an Apple Watch accessory like a new sport loop band. This deal is only on the base GPS watch, and only the green one, but listen, if you’re on a budget and you haven’t invited an Apple Watch into your life yet, I can attest to it being one of the most useful pieces of tech on the market right now.
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If you’re one to work in one fixed location, the 2020 iMac is on sale for $150 off. The 21.5" all-in-one 1080p desktop computer and monitor has 8GB of memory and a 256GB SSD. As is standard, it comes with the Apple Magic Mouse which can scroll in all directions like a touchpad on top and is just a delight to use—especially for artists. That discount brings it down to $950.
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Sick of your phone dying on you when you’re out and about? Well if you’ve got an iPhone 12 or later, you can just slap a MagSafe battery pack onto the back of it. No cables dangling around to connect to a powerbank. This uses the wireless charger in the back of the phone and stays magnetically connected to it. The whole thing fits right in your pocket, just bit more snug. Normally goes for $99, but you can get it for 9% off right now.
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Discounts on Apple’s new MacBook Air model with the powerful M1 chip have been steadier lately, and right now you can save a strong $100 off the 512GB model in silver or space gray. The M1 chip makes the MacBook Air “extraordinary,” thanks to fantastic battery life and better performance than some much pricier Windows-based rivals. If you’re on the hunt for a speedy, reliable new laptop, jump on this bargain! For folks who don’t need that much storage, the 256GB version is also $100 off bringing it to just $899.
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The deluxe AirPods Max are the over-the-ear option from Apple which normally run for $549. Right now, Amazon is offering roughly $70 off for a selection of different colors. If you’re looking for a comfy, fashionable, great-sounding set of headphones to seamlessly work with your other Apple tech, now may be the time to jump on board.
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The latest Apple TV in 4K is discounted over at Amazon. Only by $10, but hey. If you were in the market for an Apple TV and haven’t pulled the trigger yet, you might as well save $10. Get the 32GB version for $169 or the 64GB version for $190. I will say, the Siri remote is excellent to use so you can avoid typing in the shows or movies you want to pull up with just the arrow buttons and on screen keyboard.
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If you’re an iPhone user with some cash to blow, skip the pretenders and even the lesser AirPods to go for something better. The AirPods Pro step the game up with rubber tips, active noise cancellation, better overall audio quality, and a wirelessly-chargeable case as standard. They’re a bit expensive normally, but right now you can get ‘em for $59 off the list price.
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Just looking for something simple? Apple’s standard 2nd gen model AirPods are also on sale at Amazon. You can snag yourself a pair for $50 off. These earbuds are rechargeable via the case and cable and produce quality sound. If you don’t need the latest and greatest, you can save quite a bit of dough going with this previous generation version.
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Apple released the latest set of Bluetooth wireless earbuds in its AirPods 3. With an original price point of $179, you would expect it to fall somewhere between their old AirPods 2 and the $249 AirPods Pro. Well, you’d be exactly right. The AirPods 3 are a step up from the 2, adding some of the features we saw come with the Pro like spatial audio support and water resistance. They also have a redesign aesthetically. The most notable absent feature from the Pro is the lack of active noise canceling. Right now Amazon has them for $10 off.


theroot--2020-12-23--Say So Long to This Savage Year: Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion to Perform at Dick Clark’s New Year R

Say So Long to This Savage Year: Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion to Perform at Dick Clark’s New Year Rockin’ Eve

Billboard announced today that “ Juicy ” singer Doja Cat is one of the latest additions to the performances for this year ’ s Dick Clark ’ s New Year ’ s Rockin Eve , hosted by Ryan Seacrest .
The “ Like That ” artist will join the West Coast lineup , hosted by “ Level Up ” singer Ciara , from Los Angeles ’ Hollywood Party .
Meanwhile on the East Coast , “ Savage ” rapper Megan Thee Stallion will join hosts Ryan Seacrest , Billy Porter and Lucy Hale for a special performance in Times Square @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get HOT , ” Seacrest wrote in a tweet .
“ Megan is bringing the heat to # RockingEve.
” And speaking of special performances , the one-and-only Jenny from he block , aka Jennifer Lopez , will be closing out the event just minutes before the ball drops in New York City .
Additional performances include Nelly , Jimmie Allen and Cyndi Lauper who will accompany Billy Porter for a special duet during the night .
The pair is expected to perform a selection from the award-winning Broadway musical , Kinky Boots.The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on ABC , beginning at 8 p.m .
ET on Dec. 31 and will run until 2 a.m .
ET .
It will also unfortunately be closed to the public for the first time in nearly 50 years in an effort to follow federal and state guidelines due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .
Speaking with USA Today , Ryan Seacrest had this to say about the event : “ 2020 has been a trying year for the world and I ’ m thrilled to have Billy and Lucy join me in ushering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We look forward to making sure it ’ s a night for everyone to remember.
” Additional acts are expected to be announced in the days leading up to the New Year ’ s Eve celebration .

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

Billboard announced today that “Juicy” singer Doja Cat is one of the latest additions to the performances for this year’s Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin Eve, hosted by Ryan Seacrest.
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The “Like That” artist will join the West Coast lineup, hosted by “Level Up” singer Ciara, from Los Angeles’ Hollywood Party. Meanwhile on the East Coast, “Savage” rapper Megan Thee Stallion will join hosts Ryan Seacrest, Billy Porter and Lucy Hale for a special performance in Times Square. “It’s about to get HOT,” Seacrest wrote in a tweet. “Megan is bringing the heat to #RockingEve.”
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And speaking of special performances, the one-and-only Jenny from he block, aka Jennifer Lopez, will be closing out the event just minutes before the ball drops in New York City. Additional performances include Nelly, Jimmie Allen and Cyndi Lauper who will accompany Billy Porter for a special duet during the night. The pair is expected to perform a selection from the award-winning Broadway musical, Kinky Boots.The 49th annual show is set to air on ABC, beginning at 8 p.m. ET on Dec. 31 and will run until 2 a.m. ET. It will also unfortunately be closed to the public for the first time in nearly 50 years in an effort to follow federal and state guidelines due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Speaking with USA Today, Ryan Seacrest had this to say about the event:
“2020 has been a trying year for the world and I’m thrilled to have Billy and Lucy join me in ushering in a new year with fresh beginnings. We look forward to making sure it’s a night for everyone to remember.”
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Additional acts are expected to be announced in the days leading up to the New Year’s Eve celebration.


theroot--2020-12-23--R. Kelly's Federal Trial on Child Pornography and Obstruction Charges Will Begin in September 2021

Robert “ R. ” Kelly ’ s federal trial in Chicago now has an official start date .
According to the New York Times , Judge Harry Leinenweber of U.S. District Court officially set the trial date for Sept. 13 , 2021 .
Kelly , who has been in custody at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago , is facing charges on child pornography and obstruction .
Even though there ’ s now an official trial start date , Leinenweber noted that it ’ s still “ not set in stone ” due to the unpredictable nature of the global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Prosecutors in the Northern District of Illinois told Leinenweber they would need three weeks to present evidence against Kelly , who is facing charges that he and two former employees conspired to fix his 2008 state trial in Cook County on child pornography charges by paying off witnesses and victims to get them to change their stories .
Kelly ’ s Chicago federal trial will begin five months after his New York trial on racketeering charges ( alleging Kelly “ and his associates ran a criminal enterprise that recruited women and underage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isolated and threatened them to keep them under control and prevent them from going to the authorities.
” ) , scheduled to begin on April 7 , 2021 .
The 53-year-old artist faces up to 20 years in prison for the New York charges and if convicted in Chicago , that ’ ll potentially add more decades to the sentencing .
Due to the global pandemic , a bulk of the trials in Chicago were halted in spring of this year , but resumed in August with new safety measures and protocols .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s legal team has attempted to get their client ’ s release granted several times to no avail .
His attorney , Steven Greenberg , most recently requested his client ’ s release due to the coronavirus as well as an attack against Kelly that occurred in the correctional facility this summer .
However , Eastern District of New York Judge Ann Donnelly ruled this summer that Kelly “ has not established compelling reasons warranting his release .
At present , there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the MCC in Chicago @ @

Robert “R.” Kelly’s federal trial in Chicago now has an official start date.
According to the New York Times, Judge Harry Leinenweber of U.S. District Court officially set the trial date for Sept. 13, 2021. Kelly, who has been in custody at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago, is facing charges on child pornography and obstruction. Even though there’s now an official trial start date, Leinenweber noted that it’s still “not set in stone” due to the unpredictable nature of the global coronavirus pandemic and the lockdowns that follow.
NYT adds:
Prosecutors in the Northern District of Illinois told Leinenweber they would need three weeks to present evidence against Kelly, who is facing charges that he and two former employees conspired to fix his 2008 state trial in Cook County on child pornography charges by paying off witnesses and victims to get them to change their stories.
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Kelly’s Chicago federal trial will begin five months after his New York trial on racketeering charges (alleging Kelly “and his associates ran a criminal enterprise that recruited women and underage girls for illegal sexual contact and then isolated and threatened them to keep them under control and prevent them from going to the authorities.”), scheduled to begin on April 7, 2021. The 53-year-old artist faces up to 20 years in prison for the New York charges and if convicted in Chicago, that’ll potentially add more decades to the sentencing.
Due to the global pandemic, a bulk of the trials in Chicago were halted in spring of this year, but resumed in August with new safety measures and protocols.
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Speaking of the pandemic, Kelly’s legal team has attempted to get their client’s release granted several times to no avail. His attorney, Steven Greenberg, most recently requested his client’s release due to the coronavirus as well as an attack against Kelly that occurred in the correctional facility this summer. However, Eastern District of New York Judge Ann Donnelly ruled this summer that Kelly “has not established compelling reasons warranting his release. At present, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the MCC in Chicago.”


theroot--2020-12-23--The 10 Best Deals of December 23, 2020

The 10 Best Deals of December 23, 2020

It ’ s December 23 , and we at Kinja Deals are here to bring you the top 10 deals of the day .
See the final days of 2020 in a new way by refilling your prescription at Glasses USA .
Get your bread bowl on with a gift card for Panera Bread .
And embrace your inner child with an extra 40 % off select items at the Disney Store .
If you ’ re still craving more deals , take a peek at Wednesday ’ s best deals overall .
JACHS is really trying to spoil us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been we don ’ t hate it .
As we close the book on a genuinely crummy year let ’ s enter the next one in style .
JACHS is offering 70 % off their entire site with the code 2020 .
This code will take 25 % off items that are already discounted .
We ’ ve covered sweaters , flannels , and pants over this holiday season so you ’ ll definitely find cozy and sophisticated items for the rest of winter .
This is your chance to become the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As always there ’ s free shipping on orders over $ 100 .
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari .
In Sam Raimi ’ s 2002 Spider-Man movie , Peter Parker ( played by Tobey Maguire ) ditches his glasses when a spider bite gives him perfect vision .
But we all can ’ t be Peter Parker , and as much as we ’ d like to , we can ’ t even be Tobey Maguire .
But we can upgrade our frames to a pair that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out-of-date specs in the image above , and it doesn ’ t have to cost a fortune either , thanks to the advent of online retailers undercutting the outrageous costs imposed on glasses-wearers by traditional suppliers for decades .
Companies like EyeBuyDirect , Warby Parker , and GlassesUSA have seen to it that prescription eyewear can actually be quite affordable .
In fact , GlassesUSA is offering Kinja Deals readers 30 % off your entire order when you buy either prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses from its wide selection of styles and brands , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using the coupon code FSA30 at checkout .
Meanwhile , those who prefer the discreet nature of contacts can take 25 % off just about anything listed here ( though , as the company tells me , “ exclusions may apply ” to certain , unspecified items ) using the promo code Contacts25 .
Don ’ t worry about shipping either as the discount slashes courier expenses off your total as well .
If you need a new pair of glasses or contacts anyway , you might as well snatch ‘ em up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I wouldn ’ t bank on becoming Spider-Man anytime soon outside of the new PS5 game .
This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey .
You ’ ll find deals on digital games all over the place right now , but Newegg is taking things a step further with first-party Xbox games .
Right now , the retailer has slashed the prices of many top Xbox titles by half or more , and then tossed in a coupon code to take another 15 % off of that lowered sale price .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ link above or inset below , you can get Gears 5 , State of Decay 2 , Halo 5 : Guardians , or Battletoads for just over $ 8 apiece , or Ori and the Will of the Wisps or Bleeding Edge for less than $ 13 each .
Sea of Thieves is $ 17 with the code , meanwhile , and the brilliant open-road racer Forza Horizon 4 is just $ 21 .
You ’ ll receive a code for each purchased game that you can redeem on Xbox Series X , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and all but Halo 5 also redeem on PC as well .
Microsoft ’ s Smart Delivery feature ensures that you get the version best optimized to your hardware .
Snag some great Xbox games and ensure you have something fresh to play over the holidays !
This deal was originally published by Andrew Hayward .
If you or your friend are really craving some hospital cafeteria food , you should hop on a digital Panera Bread gift card for $ 50 .
There ’ s really not much to say , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re going through , there ’ s nothing wrong with a bread bowl of chicken noodle soup and whatever else you get from Panera Bread .
What are you waiting for , it ’ s an immediate download .
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher .
Do you know someone who just can ’ t stop buying the $ 10 samples from the check-out line ?
Well , get them a $ 100 Sephora gift card from Best Buy .
They ’ ll be able to buy Fenty Skin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foundation with a tap of their fingers .
And since this is a digital download , you can send it to their email as a last-minute Christmas present .
Or , you know , you can just buy it as a personal gift to yourself—whatever moves you .
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher .
If you could use an extra hand around the home right about now , a robot vacuum cleaner can help ease the torturous routine of keeping things tidy .
The Kyvol Cybovac E20 doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but it has a sterling 4.7-star rating from 2,300+ Amazon customers and offers 2000Pa suction power , 150 minutes of runtime , and smartphone app integration .
Better yet , it ’ s marked down to just $ 129 when you clip the coupon .
This deal was originally published by Andrew Hayward .
I ’ m a huge fan of Daelmans .
I got my first pack of these in a Try Treats box a few years ago and they were amazing .
I ’ ve seen pack at Amazon for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for $ 31 ! )
so this is a nice deal for upgrading the snack section of your pantry .
Get these cheap while supplies last .
The individual packs are easy to toss in your bag and they are only 120 calories on par with a granola bar .
In this deal , you ’ ll get 96 individually wrapped tasty and satisfying Dutch caramel treats .
This is a classic soft , bendy , and traditional treat straight from Holland you won ’ t regret grabbing .
These sold out quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this go-round .
If you ’ ve read a few of our pieces on Meh before and you like what you ’ ve seen they offer a $ 5 monthly fee to get free shipping on all of your orders no matter how many .
Otherwise , it ’ s a flat rate of $ 8 .
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari .
Let me tell you , the Dyson V7 is a game-changer , and I ’ m not just saying that because it ’ s on sale for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from each purchase .
I bought one myself back in June and haven ’ t regretted it .
Mounted to our wall , it ’ s much easier to store than a larger upright floor vac you might tuck away in a closet and rarely touch .
I use mine almost every day to pick up kitty litter as my cat explodes from his spaceship .
For smaller spaces , the canister yields a sufficient enough capacity that you can go about a month without emptying it out .
Not to mention the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and dust only requires the simple pull of a lever .
A $ 150 discount is not nothing , especially considering I paid notably more for mine back in June .
While it may not have the longest battery life in the world , clocking in at just 30 minutes , those living in quaint apartments or rancher-style homes shouldn ’ t take more than that to give their place a nice sweep .
This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey .
Earbuds come in many styles and forms and it absolutely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back and for on whether I like the around-the-ear style .
These ones from Mpow are made for those who are a little more active .
They have the comfort of being a little more secure , which is nice .
Until December 27 these Flame Wireless Earbuds are 50 % off the original price .
Just clip the coupon and use the code RJZ6TSUE .
Mpow makes really quality products including earbuds .
Really wireless earbuds are where they shine .
These ones are only $ 25 and will make a great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , hiking , or just in case .
These sport headphones are quite literally all about the bass .
They ’ ve got powerful environmental noise-canceling tech that still produces full sound .
And you can actually feel this bass in your soul .
The mics are clear for calls , zooms , skypes , etc .
They ’ re easy to control with a two-touch system and you ’ ll get up to twenty-eight hours of playtime , up to seven off of one charge .
They are designed to be comfortable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They ’ re waterproof and pair quickly and easily .
These will ship for free for Prime members .
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari .
Disney wants you to cram in a few more gifts for yourself or a loved one .
Until tomorrow night take an extra 40 % off select items ( both regular and sale ) .
This covers clothes , toys , home goods , decorations , and more .
It ’ s your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man here to keep your little Avenger warm and snug @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get wrapped up in during an MCU marathon or while playing the new Miles Morales game .
This fuzzy blanket features our favorite web-slinger and is made of super-soft microfleece .
You know I couldn ’ t make a list without mentioning Forky .
The mascot for 2020 is literal trash but charming at that .
Here ’ s good ole Forky dressed up for the holiday complete with a Santa hat and candy cane .
He stands eleven inches tall and is made of soft material .
This retro hoodie is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Somewhere between the ‘ 80s and ‘ 90s lies this ladies pullover hoodie .
It was designed just for Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort , so it ’ s exclusive to the site .
I don ’ t know why but I think of Saved By The Bell when I look at this .
Major Kelly and AC vibes if you crop it .
But one thing is for sure it ’ s sharp and the allover print with Mickey icons is all kinds of adorable .
It ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari .

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

Wednesday’s Best Deals | Kinja Deals
It’s December 23, and we at Kinja Deals are here to bring you the top 10 deals of the day. See the final days of 2020 in a new way by refilling your prescription at Glasses USA. Get your bread bowl on with a gift card for Panera Bread. And embrace your inner child with an extra 40% off select items at the Disney Store.
If you’re still craving more deals, take a peek at Wednesday’s best deals overall.
#1: JACHS NY End of Year Sale
JACHS is really trying to spoil us this year and given how bonkers 2020 has been we don’t hate it. As we close the book on a genuinely crummy year let’s enter the next one in style. JACHS is offering 70% off their entire site with the code 2020. This code will take 25% off items that are already discounted.
We’ve covered sweaters, flannels, and pants over this holiday season so you’ll definitely find cozy and sophisticated items for the rest of winter. This is your chance to become the fashion icon you always wanted to be.
As always there’s free shipping on orders over $100.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.
#2: Glasses usa
In Sam Raimi’s 2002 Spider-Man movie, Peter Parker (played by Tobey Maguire) ditches his glasses when a spider bite gives him perfect vision. But we all can’t be Peter Parker, and as much as we’d like to, we can’t even be Tobey Maguire. But we can upgrade our frames to a pair that’s a little more stylish than the bland out-of-date specs in the image above, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune either, thanks to the advent of online retailers undercutting the outrageous costs imposed on glasses-wearers by traditional suppliers for decades. Companies like EyeBuyDirect, Warby Parker, and GlassesUSA have seen to it that prescription eyewear can actually be quite affordable.
In fact, GlassesUSA is offering Kinja Deals readers 30% off your entire order when you buy either prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses from its wide selection of styles and brands, plus free shipping and basic lenses, using the coupon code FSA30 at checkout. Meanwhile, those who prefer the discreet nature of contacts can take 25% off just about anything listed here (though, as the company tells me, “exclusions may apply” to certain, unspecified items) using the promo code Contacts25. Don’t worry about shipping either as the discount slashes courier expenses off your total as well. If you need a new pair of glasses or contacts anyway, you might as well snatch ‘em up now before the deal expires January 15. I wouldn’t bank on becoming Spider-Man anytime soon outside of the new PS5 game.
This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey.
#3: Xbox digital games
You’ll find deals on digital games all over the place right now, but Newegg is taking things a step further with first-party Xbox games. Right now, the retailer has slashed the prices of many top Xbox titles by half or more, and then tossed in a coupon code to take another 15% off of that lowered sale price.
Using the coupon code listed alongside each link above or inset below, you can get Gears 5, State of Decay 2, Halo 5: Guardians, or Battletoads for just over $8 apiece, or Ori and the Will of the Wisps or Bleeding Edge for less than $13 each. Sea of Thieves is $17 with the code, meanwhile, and the brilliant open-road racer Forza Horizon 4 is just $21.
You’ll receive a code for each purchased game that you can redeem on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, or Xbox One, and all but Halo 5 also redeem on PC as well. Microsoft’s Smart Delivery feature ensures that you get the version best optimized to your hardware. Snag some great Xbox games and ensure you have something fresh to play over the holidays!
This deal was originally published by Andrew Hayward.
#4: Panera bread gift card
If you or your friend are really craving some hospital cafeteria food, you should hop on a digital Panera Bread gift card for $50. There’s really not much to say, but with a winter like the one we’re going through, there’s nothing wrong with a bread bowl of chicken noodle soup and whatever else you get from Panera Bread. What are you waiting for, it’s an immediate download.
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher.
#5: Sephora gift card
Do you know someone who just can’t stop buying the $10 samples from the check-out line? Well, get them a $100 Sephora gift card from Best Buy. They’ll be able to buy Fenty Skin, Marc Jacobs lipstick, and Nars foundation with a tap of their fingers. And since this is a digital download, you can send it to their email as a last-minute Christmas present. Or, you know, you can just buy it as a personal gift to yourself—whatever moves you.
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher.
#6: Kyvol robot vacuum
If you could use an extra hand around the home right about now, a robot vacuum cleaner can help ease the torturous routine of keeping things tidy.
The Kyvol Cybovac E20 doesn’t have the brand recognition of a Roomba, but it has a sterling 4.7-star rating from 2,300+ Amazon customers and offers 2000Pa suction power, 150 minutes of runtime, and smartphone app integration. Better yet, it’s marked down to just $129 when you clip the coupon.
This deal was originally published by Andrew Hayward.
#7: Daelmans stroopwafels
I’m a huge fan of Daelmans. I got my first pack of these in a Try Treats box a few years ago and they were amazing. I’ve seen pack at Amazon for an absurd amount of money (36 for $31!) so this is a nice deal for upgrading the snack section of your pantry. Get these cheap while supplies last.
The individual packs are easy to toss in your bag and they are only 120 calories on par with a granola bar. In this deal, you’ll get 96 individually wrapped tasty and satisfying Dutch caramel treats. This is a classic soft, bendy, and traditional treat straight from Holland you won’t regret grabbing.
These sold out quickly last time so we expect the same this go-round.
If you’ve read a few of our pieces on Meh before and you like what you’ve seen they offer a $5 monthly fee to get free shipping on all of your orders no matter how many. Otherwise, it’s a flat rate of $8.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.
#8: Dyson v7
Let me tell you, the Dyson V7 is a game-changer, and I’m not just saying that because it’s on sale for $200 and we get a commission from each purchase. I bought one myself back in June and haven’t regretted it. Mounted to our wall, it’s much easier to store than a larger upright floor vac you might tuck away in a closet and rarely touch. I use mine almost every day to pick up kitty litter as my cat explodes from his spaceship. For smaller spaces, the canister yields a sufficient enough capacity that you can go about a month without emptying it out. Not to mention the actual process of dumping out the dirt and dust only requires the simple pull of a lever.
A $150 discount is not nothing, especially considering I paid notably more for mine back in June. While it may not have the longest battery life in the world, clocking in at just 30 minutes, those living in quaint apartments or rancher-style homes shouldn’t take more than that to give their place a nice sweep.
This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey.
#9: Mpow flame wireless earbuds
Earbuds come in many styles and forms and it absolutely comes down to preference. I go back and for on whether I like the around-the-ear style. These ones from Mpow are made for those who are a little more active. They have the comfort of being a little more secure, which is nice. Until December 27 these Flame Wireless Earbuds are 50% off the original price. Just clip the coupon and use the code RJZ6TSUE.
Mpow makes really quality products including earbuds. Really wireless earbuds are where they shine. These ones are only $25 and will make a great backup pair for the gym, running, hiking, or just in case. These sport headphones are quite literally all about the bass. They’ve got powerful environmental noise-canceling tech that still produces full sound. And you can actually feel this bass in your soul. The mics are clear for calls, zooms, skypes, etc. They’re easy to control with a two-touch system and you’ll get up to twenty-eight hours of playtime, up to seven off of one charge. They are designed to be comfortable for long wear and intense activities. They’re waterproof and pair quickly and easily.
These will ship for free for Prime members.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.
#10: Disney store sale
Disney wants you to cram in a few more gifts for yourself or a loved one. Until tomorrow night take an extra 40% off select items (both regular and sale). This covers clothes, toys, home goods, decorations, and more.
It’s your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man here to keep your little Avenger warm and snug. This fleece throw is perfect to get wrapped up in during an MCU marathon or while playing the new Miles Morales game. This fuzzy blanket features our favorite web-slinger and is made of super-soft microfleece.
You know I couldn’t make a list without mentioning Forky. The mascot for 2020 is literal trash but charming at that. Here’s good ole Forky dressed up for the holiday complete with a Santa hat and candy cane. He stands eleven inches tall and is made of soft material.
This retro hoodie is a major trip down fashion memory lane. Somewhere between the ‘80s and ‘90s lies this ladies pullover hoodie. It was designed just for Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, so it’s exclusive to the site. I don’t know why but I think of Saved By The Bell when I look at this. Major Kelly and AC vibes if you crop it. But one thing is for sure it’s sharp and the allover print with Mickey icons is all kinds of adorable. It’s a cotton blend and great for lounging.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.


theroot--2020-12-23--'Racism Is Not Welcome Here': Minnesota Residents Speak Out Against Whites-Only Church Permitted by

'Racism Is Not Welcome Here': Minnesota Residents Speak Out Against Whites-Only Church Permitted by City Council

Earlier this month , The Root reported that in Murdock , Minn.—a small city of around 280 residents—white nationalist group Asatru Folk Assembly was granted permission via city council vote to turn an abandoned Lutheran church into a whites-only church for worshipers to ... oh , I don ’ t know ... be white and racist together in the name of whatever Klan-ish deity they pray to .
Well now , members of the community and others are speaking out against the church for people who dry clean reusable nooses , and they ’ re making it clear that racism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to NBC News , people who don ’ t wish to live near a church for people who would call the police on Black Jesus for turning water into wine without a permit , collected 50,000 signatures on an online petition to stop the group and their church from calling Murdock home .
“ I think they thought they could fly under the radar in a small town like this , but we ’ d like to keep the pressure on them , ” said Peter Kennedy , a longtime Murdock resident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Many locals said they support the growing population of Latinos , who have moved to the area in the past decade because of job opportunities , over the church .
“ Just because the council gave them a conditional permit does not mean that the town and people in the area surrounding will not be vigilant in watching and protecting our area , ” Jean Lesteberg , who lives in the neighboring town of De Graff , wrote on the city ’ s Facebook page .
Of course , not all residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resident Jesse James—whose real name is Jesse James even though he probably hasn ’ t even run his own gang of outlaws or robbed a single stagecoach—cited religious freedom in his opinion that the church should be allowed to stand .
“ I find it hypocritical , for lack of a better term , of my community to show much hate towards something they don ’ t understand .
I for one don ’ t see a problem with it , ” James wrote on Facebook , NBC reports .
“ I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ religion , however , I feel it ’ s important to recognize and support each other ’ s beliefs.
” ( Either he thinks “ pagan ” is pagan for “ no niggras allowed ” or he ’ s missing the point of why people oppose this church . )
As we previously reported , Asatru Folk Assembly has been designated by the Southern Poverty Law Center as a hate group .
According to NBC , the SPLC said the group masks its “ bigotry in baseless claims of bloodlines grounding the superiority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The group denied that characterization while describing itself in a way that fits the characterization damn near perfectly .
More from NBC : “ We ’ re not .
It ’ s just simply not true , ” said Allen Turnage , a folk assembly board member .
“ Just because we respect our own culture , that doesn ’ t mean we are denigrating someone else ’ s. ” The group , based in Brownsville , California , says teachings and membership are for those of strictly European bloodlines .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need is freedom to face our destiny with courage and honor , ” the group wrote on its website about their beliefs .
“ We honor the Gods under the names given to them by our Germanic/Norse ancestors.
” Their forefathers , according to the website , were “ Angels and Saxons , Lombards and Heruli , Goths and Vikings , and , as sons and daughters of these people , they are united by ties of blood and culture undimmed by centuries.
” “ We respect the ways our ancestors viewed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years ago , ” Turnage said .
In other words : They only allow the purist of lily-white caucasian bloodlines in their church for people who think some guy named Jim Crow is just another innocent victim of cancel culture .
Murdock Mayor Craig Kavanagh also cited religious freedom as the reason the city council had no choice but to approve the church .
“ We were highly advised by our attorney to pass this permit for legal reasons to protect the First Amendment rights , ” he said .
“ We knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denied , we were going to have a legal battle on our hands that could be pretty expensive.
” “ The biggest thing people don ’ t understand is because we ’ ve approved this permit , all of a sudden everyone feels this town is racist , and that isn ’ t the case , ” Kavanagh continued .
“ Just because we voted yes doesn ’ t mean we ’ re racist .
”

Earlier this month, The Root reported that in Murdock, Minn.—a small city of around 280 residents—white nationalist group Asatru Folk Assembly was granted permission via city council vote to turn an abandoned Lutheran church into a whites-only church for worshipers to...oh, I don’t know...be white and racist together in the name of whatever Klan-ish deity they pray to.
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Well now, members of the community and others are speaking out against the church for people who dry clean reusable nooses, and they’re making it clear that racism is not welcome in their town.
According to NBC News, people who don’t wish to live near a church for people who would call the police on Black Jesus for turning water into wine without a permit, collected 50,000 signatures on an online petition to stop the group and their church from calling Murdock home.
Advertisement Advertisement
From NBC:
“I think they thought they could fly under the radar in a small town like this, but we’d like to keep the pressure on them,” said Peter Kennedy, a longtime Murdock resident. “Racism is not welcome here.” Many locals said they support the growing population of Latinos, who have moved to the area in the past decade because of job opportunities, over the church. “Just because the council gave them a conditional permit does not mean that the town and people in the area surrounding will not be vigilant in watching and protecting our area,” Jean Lesteberg, who lives in the neighboring town of De Graff, wrote on the city’s Facebook page.
Advertisement
Of course, not all residents oppose the discriminatory church. Twenty-six-year Murdock resident Jesse James—whose real name is Jesse James even though he probably hasn’t even run his own gang of outlaws or robbed a single stagecoach—cited religious freedom in his opinion that the church should be allowed to stand.
“I find it hypocritical, for lack of a better term, of my community to show much hate towards something they don’t understand. I for one don’t see a problem with it,” James wrote on Facebook, NBC reports. “I do not wish to follow in this pagan religion, however, I feel it’s important to recognize and support each other’s beliefs.” (Either he thinks “pagan” is pagan for “no niggras allowed” or he’s missing the point of why people oppose this church.)
Advertisement
As we previously reported, Asatru Folk Assembly has been designated by the Southern Poverty Law Center as a hate group. According to NBC, the SPLC said the group masks its “bigotry in baseless claims of bloodlines grounding the superiority of one’s white identity.”
The group denied that characterization while describing itself in a way that fits the characterization damn near perfectly. More from NBC:
“We’re not. It’s just simply not true,” said Allen Turnage, a folk assembly board member. “Just because we respect our own culture, that doesn’t mean we are denigrating someone else’s.” The group, based in Brownsville, California, says teachings and membership are for those of strictly European bloodlines. “We do not need salvation. All we need is freedom to face our destiny with courage and honor,” the group wrote on its website about their beliefs. “We honor the Gods under the names given to them by our Germanic/Norse ancestors.” Their forefathers, according to the website, were “Angels and Saxons, Lombards and Heruli, Goths and Vikings, and, as sons and daughters of these people, they are united by ties of blood and culture undimmed by centuries.” “We respect the ways our ancestors viewed the world and approached the universe a thousand years ago,” Turnage said.
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In other words: They only allow the purist of lily-white caucasian bloodlines in their church for people who think some guy named Jim Crow is just another innocent victim of cancel culture.
Murdock Mayor Craig Kavanagh also cited religious freedom as the reason the city council had no choice but to approve the church.
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“We were highly advised by our attorney to pass this permit for legal reasons to protect the First Amendment rights,” he said. “We knew that if this was going to be denied, we were going to have a legal battle on our hands that could be pretty expensive.”
“The biggest thing people don’t understand is because we’ve approved this permit, all of a sudden everyone feels this town is racist, and that isn’t the case,” Kavanagh continued. “Just because we voted yes doesn’t mean we’re racist.”
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I mean, I guess.


theroot--2020-12-23--Save Big on Xbox Digital Games Like Gears 5, Ori 2, and Forza Horizon 4 at Newegg

Gears 5 ( Digital ) | $ 8 | Newegg | Use code 84LCFHD56 State of Decay 2 ( Digital ) | $ 8 | Newegg | Use code 84LCFHD56 Halo 5 : Guardians ( Digital ) | $ 8 | Newegg | Use code 84LCFHD56 Battletoads ( Digital ) | $ 8 | Newegg | Use code 84LCFHD56 Ori and the Will of the Wisps ( Digital ) | $ 13 | Newegg | Use code 84LCFHD76 Bleeding Edge ( Digital ) | $ 13 | Newegg | Use code 84LCFHD76 Sea of Thieves ( Digital ) | $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Forza Horizon 4 ( Digital ) | $ 21 | Newegg | Use code 84LCFHD59 You ’ ll find deals on digital games all over the place right now , but Newegg is taking things a step further with first-party Xbox games .
Right now , the retailer has slashed the prices of many top Xbox titles by half or more , and then tossed in a coupon code to take another 15 % off of that lowered sale price .
Using the coupon code listed alongside each link above or inset below @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State of Decay 2 , Halo 5 : Guardians , or Battletoads for just over $ 8 apiece , or Ori and the Will of the Wisps or Bleeding Edge for less than $ 13 each .
Sea of Thieves is $ 17 with the code , meanwhile , and the brilliant open-road racer Forza Horizon 4 is just $ 21 .
You ’ ll receive a code for each purchased game that you can redeem on Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , or Xbox One , and all but Halo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Microsoft ’ s Smart Delivery feature ensures that you get the version best optimized to your hardware .
Snag some great Xbox games and ensure you have something fresh to play over the holidays !

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

Gears 5 (Digital) | $8 | Newegg | Use code 84LCFHD56
State of Decay 2 (Digital) | $8 | Newegg | Use code 84LCFHD56
Halo 5: Guardians (Digital) | $8 | Newegg | Use code 84LCFHD56
Battletoads (Digital) | $8 | Newegg | Use code 84LCFHD56
Ori and the Will of the Wisps (Digital) | $13 | Newegg | Use code 84LCFHD76
Bleeding Edge (Digital) | $13 | Newegg | Use code 84LCFHD76
Sea of Thieves (Digital) | $17 | Newegg | Use code 84LCFHD62
Forza Horizon 4 (Digital) | $21 | Newegg | Use code 84LCFHD59
You’ll find deals on digital games all over the place right now, but Newegg is taking things a step further with first-party Xbox games. Right now, the retailer has slashed the prices of many top Xbox titles by half or more, and then tossed in a coupon code to take another 15% off of that lowered sale price.
Using the coupon code listed alongside each link above or inset below, you can get Gears 5, State of Decay 2, Halo 5: Guardians, or Battletoads for just over $8 apiece, or Ori and the Will of the Wisps or Bleeding Edge for less than $13 each. Sea of Thieves is $17 with the code, meanwhile, and the brilliant open-road racer Forza Horizon 4 is just $21.
You’ll receive a code for each purchased game that you can redeem on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, or Xbox One, and all but Halo 5 also redeem on PC as well. Microsoft’s Smart Delivery feature ensures that you get the version best optimized to your hardware. Snag some great Xbox games and ensure you have something fresh to play over the holidays!