theroot--2020-09-09--I Almost Walked Into A Fight: An Accidental Product Review of Apple's AirPods Pro's Noise-Cancellati

I Almost Walked Into A Fight: An Accidental Product Review of Apple's AirPods Pro's Noise-Cancellation Technology

Hey , you .
Are you in the market for noise-cancell ing earbuds ?
If you are , have I got a product review for you .
Let ’ s start at the beginning though .
As most of you know , we ’ re in the midst of a pandemic .
That ’ s not really central to this story but I feel like it ’ s irresponsible to not say “ CORONAVIRUS , SHIT IS REAL !
” whenever possible .
Anywho , since I spend a lot of time on Zooms , and one of my favorite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” I spend a good amount of my day with headphones of some sort on .
I purchased the Raycon E55 ’ s at one point and told you about them—they ’ re still a hell of a value—but my instinctual go-to is almost always my Apple AirPods .
I ’ m an Apple dude .
Now , to be an Apple dude is to spend bushels ( see what I did there ? )
of money on Apple shit since Apple shit is not cheap .
It also means that when your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new Apple shit .
One of my Apple AirPods just stopped working .
Like , out of the blue , it went full asshole for no reason .
And then the other one wouldn ’ t hold a charge for more than 10 minutes .
As I went to buy some replacements I remembered that Apple had dropped their new , better , more expensive shit : AirPods Pro .
The headphones had silicone earbud tips for a better fit , smaller design and noise-cancellation technology .
I ’ m not one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ing headphones ; I have many children , noise-canceling sounds better in theory than in practice .
The last thing I need is for one of my kids to set the house on fire and I don ’ t hear it because of some fancy-pants noise-cancel ling technology that is really only beneficial in professional settings or when you don ’ t have dependents .
Even at the price point of $ 250—which is very expensive— , I decided to cop the Pros instead of replacing my broken pair of AirPods .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in AirPods and also I like the idea of a better fit inside my ear .
When I got them in the mail and then tried them for the first time , I noticed just how much sound they really did blend out .
It was amazing , even if it was , again , not necessarily useful for my life .
I was happy , though .
Whenever I go out to the store , I usually listen to music or podcasts while I walk around and peruse and shop .
Such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trip to Target at Forestville Mall in Forestville , Maryland .
I have to point out , here , that much like Old Peter Parker in Spider-Man : Into the Spider-Verse , weird shit happens to me all the time when I go out .
I see crazy things , largely because I ’ m almost overly observant .
My wife NEVER believes me when I say stuff happens .
Fights , celebrity sightings , aliens , etc .
I ’ ve seen it all .
Please , put a pin in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I took a trip to Target .
I did what I usually do on Target runs—with mask on , natch—I pulled up some music .
On this day it was Mobb Deep ’ s The Infamous album because I was feeling very dunny .
I was bobbin ’ and weavin ’ in and out of aisles and despite the album ’ s dark tone and less than dance-y themes , I was dancing .
One of my wife ’ s friends even texted her to tell her she saw me dancing in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was walking around Target , with my earbuds in , my AirPod Pros , I decided I ’ d purchased enough purchasables and began my jaunt towards the front .
I walked through an aisle towards the greeting card/office supply section .
Now , I ’ m a super observant person , but I also don ’ t always put two-and-two together immediately .
For instance , in this case , as I walked , with a hard bop , towards the main aisle , I noticed a whole display of cards had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I saw so much shit all over the floor I was surprised Target would allow its employees to be so messy while stocking shelves .
I assumed they were stocking shelves ; why else would shit be all over the floor ?
At the same time , I saw this , I saw some other shit fly out of one of the aisles and was like , “ really , Target , this employee needs to chill.
” Then , I saw several people in Target apparel moving briskly , damn near jogging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And as opposed to putting it all together , I figured maybe they needed more cashiers ; silly Target !
Mind you , I ’ m still listening to my music and I see folks all looking and pointing and I ’ m like , man , what is happening here !
I pulled out one of my headphones and all I hear is lots of glass breaking , yelling and then somebody yells out loud , “ she spit on me DURING FUCKING COVID !
!
!
ARREST HER !
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that I pretty much walked RIGHT by or missed by seconds and had NO idea because my fucking noise-canceling AirPods Pro actually canceled the shit out of all the noise happening .
When I got to the front somebody was being ushered out quickly , though I can ’ t tell if she was running out with her family or if the security were doing the ushering .
Another lady was on the phone talking about how the other lady spit on her .
Somebody asked me if I could believe what I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ that ’ s crazy , ” because I have no idea what happened—I missed the whole shit , thanks to my noise-cancell ing headphones courtesy of Apple ’ s AirPods Pro .
Back to that pin : I got home and told my wife what happened and she , as usual , struggled to believe me .
Another fight at a store ?
Sure , P. And then I logged onto Facebook and a friend of mine was apparently there at the same time as I was and mentioned this fight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Forestville Target .
I told her I was there and missed it because of the headphones and she broke down what she saw and I was even more amazed at what I missed , at least noise-wise since apparently , everybody involved was with the total shits AND there it was a brawl that spanned a good swath of the store .
Take that , wife .
I showed her the Facebook post and she was like , “ damn , maybe you aren ’ t making all this shit up.
” So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for some noise-cancell ing headphones , I recommend Apple ’ s AirPods Pro because they literally canceled out a whole brawl ’ s worth of shenanigans up in the Forestville Target one fine summer day .
Two thumbs up for noise-cancellation .

Panama Jackson on Very Smart Brothas, shared by Panama Jackson to The Root

Hey, you. Are you in the market for noise-cancell ing earbuds? If you are, have I got a product review for you.
Let’s start at the beginning though. As most of you know, we’re in the midst of a pandemic. That’s not really central to this story but I feel like it’s irresponsible to not say “CORONAVIRUS, SHIT IS REAL!” whenever possible. Anywho, since I spend a lot of time on Zooms, and one of my favorite songs is The Commodores “Zoom,” I spend a good amount of my day with headphones of some sort on. I purchased the Raycon E55’s at one point and told you about them—they’re still a hell of a value—but my instinctual go-to is almost always my Apple AirPods. I’m an Apple dude.
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Now, to be an Apple dude is to spend bushels (see what I did there?) of money on Apple shit since Apple shit is not cheap. It also means that when your Apple shit goes kaput you naturally want new Apple shit. One of my Apple AirPods just stopped working. Like, out of the blue, it went full asshole for no reason. And then the other one wouldn’t hold a charge for more than 10 minutes. As I went to buy some replacements I remembered that Apple had dropped their new, better, more expensive shit: AirPods Pro. The headphones had silicone earbud tips for a better fit, smaller design and noise-cancellation technology. I’m not one of those folks who care immensely about noise-cancell ing headphones; I have many children, noise-canceling sounds better in theory than in practice. The last thing I need is for one of my kids to set the house on fire and I don’t hear it because of some fancy-pants noise-cancel ling technology that is really only beneficial in professional settings or when you don’t have dependents.
Even at the price point of $250—which is very expensive—, I decided to cop the Pros instead of replacing my broken pair of AirPods. I did this because I like the sound in AirPods and also I like the idea of a better fit inside my ear. When I got them in the mail and then tried them for the first time, I noticed just how much sound they really did blend out. It was amazing, even if it was, again, not necessarily useful for my life. I was happy, though.
Advertisement Advertisement
Whenever I go out to the store, I usually listen to music or podcasts while I walk around and peruse and shop. Such was the case on this one particular trip to Target at Forestville Mall in Forestville, Maryland.
I have to point out, here, that much like Old Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, weird shit happens to me all the time when I go out. I see crazy things, largely because I’m almost overly observant. My wife NEVER believes me when I say stuff happens. Fights, celebrity sightings, aliens, etc. I’ve seen it all. Please, put a pin in this.
Advertisement
So, one very fine afternoon, I took a trip to Target. I did what I usually do on Target runs—with mask on, natch—I pulled up some music. On this day it was Mobb Deep’s The Infamous album because I was feeling very dunny. I was bobbin’ and weavin’ in and out of aisles and despite the album’s dark tone and less than dance-y themes, I was dancing. One of my wife’s friends even texted her to tell her she saw me dancing in the aisles. Well, as I was walking around Target, with my earbuds in, my AirPod Pros, I decided I’d purchased enough purchasables and began my jaunt towards the front. I walked through an aisle towards the greeting card/office supply section.
Now, I’m a super observant person, but I also don’t always put two-and-two together immediately. For instance, in this case, as I walked, with a hard bop, towards the main aisle, I noticed a whole display of cards had been knocked over. In fact, I saw so much shit all over the floor I was surprised Target would allow its employees to be so messy while stocking shelves. I assumed they were stocking shelves; why else would shit be all over the floor?
Advertisement
At the same time, I saw this, I saw some other shit fly out of one of the aisles and was like, “really, Target, this employee needs to chill.” Then, I saw several people in Target apparel moving briskly, damn near jogging towards the checkout area of the store. And as opposed to putting it all together, I figured maybe they needed more cashiers; silly Target!
Mind you, I’m still listening to my music and I see folks all looking and pointing and I’m like, man, what is happening here! I pulled out one of my headphones and all I hear is lots of glass breaking, yelling and then somebody yells out loud, “she spit on me DURING FUCKING COVID!!! ARREST HER!” Apparently I missed a whole fucking brawl that I pretty much walked RIGHT by or missed by seconds and had NO idea because my fucking noise-canceling AirPods Pro actually canceled the shit out of all the noise happening. When I got to the front somebody was being ushered out quickly, though I can’t tell if she was running out with her family or if the security were doing the ushering.
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Another lady was on the phone talking about how the other lady spit on her. Somebody asked me if I could believe what I saw and all I could muster was a “that’s crazy,” because I have no idea what happened—I missed the whole shit, thanks to my noise-cancell ing headphones courtesy of Apple’s AirPods Pro.
Back to that pin: I got home and told my wife what happened and she, as usual, struggled to believe me. Another fight at a store? Sure, P. And then I logged onto Facebook and a friend of mine was apparently there at the same time as I was and mentioned this fight she saw break out up in the Forestville Target. I told her I was there and missed it because of the headphones and she broke down what she saw and I was even more amazed at what I missed, at least noise-wise since apparently, everybody involved was with the total shits AND there it was a brawl that spanned a good swath of the store. Take that, wife. I showed her the Facebook post and she was like, “damn, maybe you aren’t making all this shit up.”
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So if you’re in the market for some noise-cancell ing headphones, I recommend Apple’s AirPods Pro because they literally canceled out a whole brawl’s worth of shenanigans up in the Forestville Target one fine summer day.
Two thumbs up for noise-cancellation.


theroot--2020-09-09--Halle Berry Expresses Disappointment in the Best Actress Oscar Category and Its Continued Lack of Di

Halle Berry Expresses Disappointment in the Best Actress Oscar Category and Its Continued Lack of Diversity

In 2002 , Halle Berry became the first Black woman to win an Academy Award for Best Actress , thanks to her work in the film Monster ’ s Ball .
In the speech , she thanked Dorothy Dandridge , Lena Horne and Diahann Carroll for paving the way for her , and said she hoped that “ every nameless , faceless woman of color ” watching at home felt inspired by the win “ because the door has been opened.
” “ This moment is so much bigger than me , ” she said through tears in her speech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Academy for choosing me to be the vessel.
” However , in a new interview with Variety , Berry said that in the nearly 20 years since her win , she ’ s felt more disappointment than pride .
While actresses like Gabourey Sidibe , Viola Davis and Cynthia Erivo have been honored with nominations for their work in the last several years , no woman of color has been awarded Best Actress at the Oscars since Berry .
“ I thought Cynthia [ Erivo ] was going to do it last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , nominated for Loving ] had a really good shot at it too , ” Berry says .
“ I thought there were women that rightfully , arguably , could have , should have .
I hoped they would have , but why it hasn ’ t gone that way , I don ’ t have the answer.
” Berry also notes that with the lack of progress in the category when it comes to Black winners , she ’ s conflicted about what her own win means in the grand scheme of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I thought , ‘ Wow , I was chosen to open a door.
’ And then , to have no one…I question , ‘ Was that an important moment , or was it just an important moment for me ?
’ ” she notes .
“ I wanted to believe it was so much bigger than me .
It felt so much bigger than me , mainly because I knew others should have been there before me and they weren ’ t. ” In 2017 , the Bruised director noted that her big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Hollywood , stating that she was “ profoundly hurt and saddened ” to realize that there still is so m uch work to be done in terms of diversity and representation .
However , her realization inspired her to continue working as a producer and director , in order to make sure there were more opportunities for people of color .
“ I ’ m trying to figure out how to help and add more diversity to the Academy , ” she told Variety .
“ These kinds of groups have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conscious and more inclusive .
”

J'na Jefferson on The Grapevine, shared by J'na Jefferson to The Root

In 2002, Halle Berry became the first Black woman to win an Academy Award for Best Actress, thanks to her work in the film Monster’s Ball. In the speech, she thanked Dorothy Dandridge, Lena Horne and Diahann Carroll for paving the way for her, and said she hoped that “every nameless, faceless woman of color” watching at home felt inspired by the win “because the door has been opened.”
“This moment is so much bigger than me,” she said through tears in her speech. “Thank [you to] the Academy for choosing me to be the vessel.”
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However, in a new interview with Variety, Berry said that in the nearly 20 years since her win, she’s felt more disappointment than pride. While actresses like Gabourey Sidibe, Viola Davis and Cynthia Erivo have been honored with nominations for their work in the last several years, no woman of color has been awarded Best Actress at the Oscars since Berry.
“I thought Cynthia [Erivo] was going to do it last year. I thought Ruth [Negga, nominated for Loving] had a really good shot at it too,” Berry says. “I thought there were women that rightfully, arguably, could have, should have. I hoped they would have, but why it hasn’t gone that way, I don’t have the answer.”
Berry also notes that with the lack of progress in the category when it comes to Black winners, she’s conflicted about what her own win means in the grand scheme of things.
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“The morning after, I thought, ‘Wow, I was chosen to open a door.’ And then, to have no one…I question, ‘Was that an important moment, or was it just an important moment for me?’” she notes. “I wanted to believe it was so much bigger than me. It felt so much bigger than me, mainly because I knew others should have been there before me and they weren’t.”
In 2017, the Bruised director noted that her big win “did nothing for diversity” in Hollywood, stating that she was “profoundly hurt and saddened” to realize that there still is so m uch work to be done in terms of diversity and representation. However, her realization inspired her to continue working as a producer and director, in order to make sure there were more opportunities for people of color.
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“I’m trying to figure out how to help and add more diversity to the Academy,” she told Variety. “These kinds of groups have to start changing and have to become more conscious and more inclusive.”


theroot--2020-09-09--Unable to Return From Spinal Contusion, Ryan Shazier Calls It a Career: 'I’ve Given My Life to the G

Unable to Return From Spinal Contusion, Ryan Shazier Calls It a Career: 'I’ve Given My Life to the Game'

It wasn ’ t supposed to end like this .
As a first-round pick out of Ohio State , Ryan Shazier demonstrated tremendous promise that translated into immediate success as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers .
But during a Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on December 4 , 2017 , the two-time Pro Bowler suffered a gruesome spinal contusion that would require spinal stabilization surgery .
He would never return to the field .
On Wednesday , Shazier officially announced his retirement from the game he loved .
“ When I was five years old , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life , ” he said in a video posted to Twitter .
“ I discovered the game that I love : the game of football .
Ever since then , I ’ ve given my life to the game .
I love everything about it.
” “ Football gave me everything I could ever want and more .
It taught me about hard work , dedication , teamwork .
It took me to college and the NFL .
It made me money .
It gave me a life that most people can only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today to make sure the world knows how much I still love football .
How grateful I am for everything football gave me .
And I ’ m here to let the world know that today I am officially retiring from the game I love so much.
” In the years following his spinal injury , Shazier inspired millions with his resilience .
After regaining movement in his legs months after his accident , he defied the odds by teaching himself how to drive and lift weights again before eventually walking his bride @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In response to his announcement , many have taken to Twitter to celebrate his contributions both on and off the field .
Shazier has yet to reveal what he has in store for the future , but he sounds eager to face whatever lies ahead .
“ When you play the game of football the way I did , you convince yourself you ’ re Superman , that nothing can stop you , ” he said .
“ But then the moment I got hurt , I stopped being Superman , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the way I look at it , God put us all here for a purpose .
For 20 years , he let me play football .
And now it ’ s time for me to do what he wants me to do .
”

It wasn’t supposed to end like this.
As a first-round pick out of Ohio State, Ryan Shazier demonstrated tremendous promise that translated into immediate success as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. But during a Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on December 4, 2017, the two-time Pro Bowler suffered a gruesome spinal contusion that would require spinal stabilization surgery.
He would never return to the field.
On Wednesday, Shazier officially announced his retirement from the game he loved.
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“When I was five years old, I made the greatest discovery of my life,” he said in a video posted to Twitter. “I discovered the game that I love: the game of football. Ever since then, I’ve given my life to the game. I love everything about it.”
“Football gave me everything I could ever want and more. It taught me about hard work, dedication, teamwork. It took me to college and the NFL. It made me money. It gave me a life that most people can only dream about. I’m here today to make sure the world knows how much I still love football. How grateful I am for everything football gave me. And I’m here to let the world know that today I am officially retiring from the game I love so much.”
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In the years following his spinal injury, Shazier inspired millions with his resilience. After regaining movement in his legs months after his accident, he defied the odds by teaching himself how to drive and lift weights again before eventually walking his bride down the aisle at their 2019 wedding.
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In response to his announcement, many have taken to Twitter to celebrate his contributions both on and off the field.
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Shazier has yet to reveal what he has in store for the future, but he sounds eager to face whatever lies ahead.
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“When you play the game of football the way I did, you convince yourself you’re Superman, that nothing can stop you,” he said. “But then the moment I got hurt, I stopped being Superman, and that was difficult to make sense. But the way I look at it, God put us all here for a purpose. For 20 years, he let me play football. And now it’s time for me to do what he wants me to do.”


theroot--2020-09-09--Save $250 on This Dyson Animal Upright Vacuum, Today Only

A spotless space is something we all strive for especially in these new times of being ultra-clean and hyper away of sanitizing .
And if you ’ re going to buy a new vacuum you want the best , that ’ s Dyson and everyone knows it .
Today only take $ 250 off the Ball MultiFloor Upright Vacuum at Best Buy .
This Dyson Ball U pright Vacuum destroys dust and mitigates messes in seconds with precision .
This is the v acuum for your house if you ’ ve got some very sheddy furbabies .
Cyclonic tech and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your home with ease without losing any suction power .
It has no problem tackling carpets , bare floors , stairs , and any other tough-to-clean area because it ’ s got a 35 ' cord .
It ’ s bagless and the hygienic dust cup has to be emptied a lot less than the average vacuum saving you time and energy .
With the washable HEPA filter not only do you help the environment outside your home by being able to reuse it for three months , but you also do the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abode .
P ainless to maneuver , effortless to clean , and all with the power and promise of a Dyson for substantially less money .
Win-win .
This item ships for free from Best Buy .

Sheilah Villari on Kinja Deals, shared by Ignacia to The Root

Dyson Ball Animal Upright Vacuum (Refurbished) | $140 | Newegg
A spotless space is something we all strive for especially in these new times of being ultra-clean and hyper aware of sanitizing. And if you’re going to buy a new vacuum you want the best, right? If that’s the case, you should check out the Dyson Ball Animal Upright Vacuum at Newegg. This refurbished model can be yours for just $140 today!
This Dyson Ball Animal Upright Vacuum destroys dust and mitigates messes in seconds with precision. This is the vacuum for your house if you’ve got some very sheddy furbabies. Cyclonic tech and reusable cloth filter clean every spot of your home with ease without losing any suction power. It has no problem tackling carpets, bare floors, stairs, and any other tough-to-clean area because it’s got a 35' cord.
This popular vacuum is also bagless and the hygienic dust cup has to be emptied a lot less than the average vacuum saving you time and energy. With the washable HEPA filter not only do you help the environment outside your home by being able to reuse it for three months, but you also do the same on the inside of your humble abode. Painless to maneuver, effortless to clean, and all with the power and promise of a Dyson for substantially less money. Win-win.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari on 08/24/2020 and updated with new information by Elizabeth Lanier on 08/14/2021.


theroot--2020-09-09--RZA Discusses New Deal With Downtown Music Publishing and the Power of Artistic Expression

Robert “ RZA ” Diggs is not only one of the foremost members of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan , but he ’ s also proven through the years to be quite the astute businessman and entrepreneur .
Alongside his older brother Mitchell “ Divine ” Diggs , RZA announced on Tuesday that Downtown Music Publishing signed a global publishing agreement with Wu-Tang Productions to represent the Wu-Tang Clan ’ s catalog .
According to a press release obtained by The Root , the iconic hip-hop group ’ s catalog of albums—as well as select works and songs co-written and produced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ghostface Killah , GZA , Inspectah Deck , Method Man , Ol ’ Dirty Bastard , Raekwon , U-God and Capadonna—will be included in the agreement .
The agreement features tracks from not only Wu-Tang ’ s solo stars but artists including Alicia Keys , Lauryn Hill , Mariah Carey , Mary J. Blige , Drake , Cardi B , and many others .
In order to celebrate the new deal , Downtown released a Spotify playlist of Wu-Tang ’ s music , including deep cuts and fan favorites , featuring tracks from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 36 Chambers , as well as their Wu-Tang Forever , The W And Iron Flag LPs .
“ The beautiful thing is Downtown has the power of a major [ publishing company ] , but yet [ gives us ] the intimacy of an independent [ one ] , ” RZA told The Root over the phone .
“ I think it ’ s going to lend itself to a greater relationship—less bureaucracy and red tape [ to pass ] to get things done.
” Via the press release , he praised Downtown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as their “ customized approach to clientele , ” which makes them an ideal match for Wu-Tang Productions .
“ Wu-Tang Clan isn ’ t just one of hip-hop ’ s most influential groups , it ’ s an iconic institution in every sense of the word—with a legacy that extends well beyond the realm of music , ” said Justin Kalifowitz , CEO of Downtown Music Holdings , parent company of Downtown Music Publishing .
Downtown ’ s senior vice president of global business development Bruce Lampcov praised RZA and Divine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have “ showcased their shrewd business acumen time and time again.
” “ With music of course being my first talent—I am an artist first—you got ta continue to make your music , but you better know the business , and you better have a business instinct , ” RZA continues .
“ So when I come across other good businessmen— [ such as ] a company like Downtown with Bruce [ Lampcov ] and the team , it ’ s like , ‘ Okay , these guys get it.
’ They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to shake up the game , to bring a unique angle to it .
It ’ s niche , but it ’ s massive at the same time.
” In their nearly 30 years on the scene , Wu-Tang ’ s influence has reached far and wide , resulting in lucrative deals and endeavors in the art , television , film , fashion and tech worlds , including a Showtime documentary miniseries titled Wu-Tang Clan : Of Mics and Men .
Recently , it was announced that RZA would be working with Good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truck jingle , in order to replace “ Turkey in the Straw , ” which has racist undertones .
Additionally , he is celebrating a Primetime Emmy Award nomination in the Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music category , thanks to his work for Hulu ’ s acclaimed biopic Wu-Tang : An American Saga , where he also serves as an executive producer .
The show was renewed for a second season in January 2020 .
Despite great strides across the media landscape , RZA assures The Root that things have not always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first learning about the business side of the music industry .
“ When I came in , there wasn ’ t a lot of education for hip-hop artists and how to navigate [ the corporate side ] , ” he explains , adding that as a then-18-year-old rapper , there was a lot of “ trial and error ” when it came to business dealings .
“ You had to bring your basic entrepreneurial street skills to the corporate world , and I did that .
I had a great team of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to persist in the game as a performer , a producer and as a respected entrepreneur , who continues to learn more about himself to this day as he allows his creativity to soar to unprecedented heights .
“ I think that artistic expression never ceases in an artistic mind , ” he says .
“ Once you identify what you are , then that ’ s what you ’ re gon na be .
I ’ m an artist , and I just continue to strive to express it over and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an artist , you have to be comfortable to grow and to never fear finding ways to express yourself , and to never let [ anybody ] put you in a box .
Art is universal .
”

Robert “RZA” Diggs is not only one of the foremost members of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan, but he’s also proven through the years to be quite the astute businessman and entrepreneur. Alongside his older brother Mitchell “Divine” Diggs, RZA announced on Tuesday that Downtown Music Publishing signed a global publishing agreement with Wu-Tang Productions to represent the Wu-Tang Clan’s catalog.
According to a press release obtained by The Root, the iconic hip-hop group’s catalog of albums—as well as select works and songs co-written and produced by Wu-Tang’s members RZA, Ghostface Killah, GZA, Inspectah Deck, Method Man, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Raekwon, U-God and Capadonna—will be included in the agreement. The agreement features tracks from not only Wu-Tang’s solo stars but artists including Alicia Keys, Lauryn Hill, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Drake, Cardi B, and many others.
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In order to celebrate the new deal, Downtown released a Spotify playlist of Wu-Tang’s music, including deep cuts and fan favorites, featuring tracks from their 1993 debut Enter The Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers, as well as their Wu-Tang Forever, The W And Iron Flag LPs.
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“The beautiful thing is Downtown has the power of a major [publishing company], but yet [gives us] the intimacy of an independent [one],” RZA told The Root over the phone. “I think it’s going to lend itself to a greater relationship—less bureaucracy and red tape [to pass] to get things done.” Via the press release, he praised Downtown for their “global reach” as well as their “customized approach to clientele,” which makes them an ideal match for Wu-Tang Productions .
“Wu-Tang Clan isn’t just one of hip-hop’s most influential groups, it’s an iconic institution in every sense of the word—with a legacy that extends well beyond the realm of music,” said Justin Kalifowitz, CEO of Downtown Music Holdings, parent company of Downtown Music Publishing. Downtown’s senior vice president of global business development Bruce Lampcov praised RZA and Divine for their entrepreneurial savviness, stating that they have “showcased their shrewd business acumen time and time again.”
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“With music of course being my first talent—I am an artist first—you gotta continue to make your music, but you better know the business, and you better have a business instinct,” RZA continues. “So when I come across other good businessmen—[such as] a company like Downtown with Bruce [Lampcov] and the team, it’s like, ‘Okay, these guys get it.’ They’ve got a formula that looks to shake up the game, to bring a unique angle to it. It’s niche, but it’s massive at the same time.”
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In their nearly 30 years on the scene, Wu-Tang’s influence has reached far and wide, resulting in lucrative deals and endeavors in the art, television, film, fashion and tech worlds, including a Showtime documentary miniseries titled Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men.
Recently, it was announced that RZA would be working with Good Humor to create a new ice cream truck jingle, in order to replace “Turkey in the Straw,” which has racist undertones. Additionally, he is celebrating a Primetime Emmy Award nomination in the Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music category, thanks to his work for Hulu’s acclaimed biopic Wu-Tang: An American Saga, where he also serves as an executive producer. The show was renewed for a second season in January 2020.
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Despite great strides across the media landscape, RZA assures The Root that things have not always been easy, especially when he was first learning about the business side of the music industry.
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“When I came in, there wasn’t a lot of education for hip-hop artists and how to navigate [the corporate side],” he explains, adding that as a then-18-year-old rapper, there was a lot of “trial and error” when it came to business dealings. “You had to bring your basic entrepreneurial street skills to the corporate world, and I did that. I had a great team of people with me.”
Nevertheless, he was able to persist in the game as a performer, a producer and as a respected entrepreneur, who continues to learn more about himself to this day as he allows his creativity to soar to unprecedented heights.
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“I think that artistic expression never ceases in an artistic mind,” he says. “Once you identify what you are, then that’s what you’re gonna be. I’m an artist, and I just continue to strive to express it over and over—I never let that go...As an artist, you have to be comfortable to grow and to never fear finding ways to express yourself, and to never let [anybody] put you in a box. Art is universal.”


theroot--2020-09-09--Bob Woodward’s New Book Claims Trump Knew COVID-19 Was Deadly and Lied About It

World-renowned journalist Bob Woodward has the distinction of being one of the only journalists ( along with Carl Bernstein ) who brought down a presidency , so I don ’ t know why presidents keep talking to him .
That would be like Al Capone sitting down with Eliot Ness or the one white Atlanta Housewife sitting down with NeNe Leakes so that she could hear : “ Your slave is behind you.
” Nevertheless , the commanders-in-chief keep talking and they keep getting their asses exposed .
In Woodward ’ s new book Rage , the Washington Post associate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the dangers we faced with the coronavirus but he admitted to lying about the impending doom to the American people .
“ You just breathe the air and that ’ s how it ’ s passed , ” Trump said in a Feb. 7 call , the Washington Post reports .
“ And so that ’ s a very tricky one .
That ’ s a very delicate one .
It ’ s also more deadly than even your strenuous flu.
” “ This is deadly stuff , ” the president repeated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This was after the president had been briefed that this would be the “ biggest national security threat you face in your presidency , ” national security adviser Robert O ’ Brien told Trump .
“ This is going to be the roughest thing you face.
” But Trump wasn ’ t saying any of this publicly .
In fact , he was on a national stage claiming that it was all no big deal and that it wouldn ’ t be any worse than the seasonal flu and claiming , like magic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disappear .
He assured America that it was all under control and it took him some weeks to finally admit that the virus could be spread through the air .
Oh , and during this whole time , the president wasn ’ t wearing a mask .
Then on March 19 , Trump reportedly admitted to Woodward that he was fully aware that he was lying to America .
“ I wanted to always play it down , ” the president said .
And now you know and that should be enough for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but we all know that none of this will matter because white people .
But this isn ’ t all that Rage—18 on-the-record interviews Woodward conducted with the president between December and July—promises to deliver .
The book will also touch on the president ’ s troubled history on race ( and by troubled , I mean he ’ s a full-on racist ) and his cozy relationship with tiny North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un .
In a second conversation , on June 19 , Woodward asked the president about White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White men of the same generation who had privileged upbringings .
Woodward suggested that they had a responsibility to better “ understand the anger and pain ” felt by Black Americans .
“ No , ” Trump replied , his voice described by Woodward as mocking and incredulous .
“ You really drank the Kool-Aid , didn ’ t you ?
Just listen to you .
Wow .
No , I don ’ t feel that at all.
” As Woodward pressed Trump to understand the plight of Black Americans after generations of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president kept answering by pointing to economic numbers such as the pre-pandemic unemployment rate for Blacks and claiming , as he often has publicly , that he has done more for Blacks than any president except perhaps Abraham Lincoln .
In another conversation about race , on July 8 , Trump complained about his lack of support among Black voters .
“ I ’ ve done a tremendous amount for the Black community , ” he told Woodward .
“ And , honestly , I ’ m not feeling any love.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June 22 , when Woodward asked Trump whether he thinks there is “ systemic or institutional racism in this country.
” “ Well , I think there is everywhere , ” Trump said .
“ I think probably less here than most places .
Or less here than many places.
” Asked by Woodward whether racism “ is here ” in the United States in a way that affects people ’ s lives , Trump replied , “ I think it is .
And it ’ s unfortunate .
But I think it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of vomit had more to say about our president for life , Barack Obama , whom Trump told Woodward that he wanted to call “ Barack Hussein , ” but wouldn ’ t in his company to be “ very nice.
” “ I don ’ t think Obama ’ s smart , ” Trump told Woodward , the Post reports .
“ I think he ’ s highly overrated .
And I don ’ t think he ’ s a great speaker.
” Trump noted that his boo Kim thought Obama was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ includes letters exchanged between Trump and Kim after the two idiots met .
“ I met .
Big fucking deal , ” Trump told Woodward .
“ It takes me two days .
I met .
I gave up nothing.
” Trump did give up a lot .
He gave Kim Dennis Rodman ( fine , Rodman gave Kim some Rodman time ) but the president did agree to scale back the joint military exercises with South Korea , which apparently Kim didn ’ t like , and the meeting itself made the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s bugging if he thinks Kim ’ s giving up his nuclear weapons as that the only thing he has to make him relevant in a conversation about doing big , dangerous things .
And I don ’ t care what anyone says , it ’ s totally normal for a dictator and an American leader to be pen pals even if Kim is calling Trump , “ Your Excellency ” and claiming that their meeting was like a “ fantasy film.
” You already know that Trump got off on being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think may also be a dancer ’ s name on P-Valley ( Down in the valley where the girls get naked… ) Kim also talks to Trump about everything , including how he finds suits his size and how he went about having his uncle killed , ( the former is not true , the latter is . )
The two men have come a long way from their previous relationship in which they were headed for war .
Trump told Woodward that he had all the weapons and wanted all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nuclear — a weapons system that nobody ’ s ever had in this country before .
We have stuff that you haven ’ t even seen or heard about .
We have stuff that Putin and Xi have never heard about before .
There ’ s nobody — what we have is incredible.
” Anyway , # TrumpKnew is trending on Twitter .
The world is going to shit and you know who else knew ?
All of us that didn ’ t vote for that bastard .

World-renowned journalist Bob Woodward has the distinction of being one of the only journalists (along with Carl Bernstein) who brought down a presidency, so I don’t know why presidents keep talking to him. That would be like Al Capone sitting down with Eliot Ness or the one white Atlanta Housewife sitting down with NeNe Leakes so that she could hear: “Your slave is behind you.”
Nevertheless, the commanders-in-chief keep talking and they keep getting their asses exposed.
Advertisement
In Woodward’s new book Rage, the Washington Post associate editor notes that Trump not only knew of the dangers we faced with the coronavirus but he admitted to lying about the impending doom to the American people.
“You just breathe the air and that’s how it’s passed,” Trump said in a Feb. 7 call, the Washington Post reports. “And so that’s a very tricky one. That’s a very delicate one. It’s also more deadly than even your strenuous flu.”
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“This is deadly stuff,” the president repeated for emphasis, the Post notes.
This was after the president had been briefed that this would be the “biggest national security threat you face in your presidency,” national security adviser Robert O’Brien told Trump. “This is going to be the roughest thing you face.”
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But Trump wasn’t saying any of this publicly. In fact, he was on a national stage claiming that it was all no big deal and that it wouldn’t be any worse than the seasonal flu and claiming, like magic, one day it would all just disappear. He assured America that it was all under control and it took him some weeks to finally admit that the virus could be spread through the air. Oh, and during this whole time, the president wasn’t wearing a mask.
Then on March 19, Trump reportedly admitted to Woodward that he was fully aware that he was lying to America.
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“I wanted to always play it down,” the president said.
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And now you know and that should be enough for the president to limp to the polls, but we all know that none of this will matter because white people.
But this isn’t all that Rage—18 on-the-record interviews Woodward conducted with the president between December and July—promises to deliver. The book will also touch on the president’s troubled history on race (and by troubled, I mean he’s a full-on racist) and his cozy relationship with tiny North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un.
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From the Post:
In a second conversation, on June 19, Woodward asked the president about White privilege, noting that they were both White men of the same generation who had privileged upbringings. Woodward suggested that they had a responsibility to better “understand the anger and pain” felt by Black Americans. “No,” Trump replied, his voice described by Woodward as mocking and incredulous. “You really drank the Kool-Aid, didn’t you? Just listen to you. Wow. No, I don’t feel that at all.” As Woodward pressed Trump to understand the plight of Black Americans after generations of discrimination, inequality and other atrocities, the president kept answering by pointing to economic numbers such as the pre-pandemic unemployment rate for Blacks and claiming, as he often has publicly, that he has done more for Blacks than any president except perhaps Abraham Lincoln. In another conversation about race, on July 8, Trump complained about his lack of support among Black voters. “I’ve done a tremendous amount for the Black community,” he told Woodward. “And, honestly, I’m not feeling any love.” They spoke again about race relations on June 22, when Woodward asked Trump whether he thinks there is “systemic or institutional racism in this country.” “Well, I think there is everywhere,” Trump said. “I think probably less here than most places. Or less here than many places.” Asked by Woodward whether racism “is here” in the United States in a way that affects people’s lives, Trump replied, “I think it is. And it’s unfortunate. But I think it is.”
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And this fat orange bag of vomit had more to say about our president for life, Barack Obama, whom Trump told Woodward that he wanted to call “Barack Hussein,” but wouldn’t in his company to be “very nice.”
“I don’t think Obama’s smart,” Trump told Woodward, the Post reports. “I think he’s highly overrated. And I don’t think he’s a great speaker.” Trump noted that his boo Kim thought Obama was “an asshole.”
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The book also includes letters exchanged between Trump and Kim after the two idiots met.
“I met. Big fucking deal,” Trump told Woodward. “It takes me two days. I met. I gave up nothing.”
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Trump did give up a lot. He gave Kim Dennis Rodman (fine, Rodman gave Kim some Rodman time) but the president did agree to scale back the joint military exercises with South Korea, which apparently Kim didn’t like, and the meeting itself made the little fella feel supreme. But Trump’s bugging if he thinks Kim’s giving up his nuclear weapons as that the only thing he has to make him relevant in a conversation about doing big, dangerous things.
And I don’t care what anyone says, it’s totally normal for a dictator and an American leader to be pen pals even if Kim is calling Trump, “Your Excellency” and claiming that their meeting was like a “fantasy film.”
Advertisement
From the Post:
Kim wrote that he wanted “another historic meeting between myself and Your Excellency reminiscent of a scene from a fantasy film.” And he said his meetings with Trump were a “precious memory” that underscored how the “deep and special friendship between us will work as a magical force.” In another letter, Kim wrote to Trump, “I feel pleased to have formed good ties with such a powerful and preeminent statesman as Your Excellency.” And in yet another, Kim reflected on “that moment of history when I firmly held Your Excellency’s hand at the beautiful and sacred location as the whole world watched with great interest and hope to relive the honor of that day.”
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You already know that Trump got off on being called “Excellency,” which, I think may also be a dancer’s name on P-Valley (Down in the valley where the girls get naked…) Kim also talks to Trump about everything, including how he finds suits his size and how he went about having his uncle killed, (the former is not true, the latter is.)
The two men have come a long way from their previous relationship in which they were headed for war. Trump told Woodward that he had all the weapons and wanted all the smoke.
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“I have built a nuclear — a weapons system that nobody’s ever had in this country before. We have stuff that you haven’t even seen or heard about. We have stuff that Putin and Xi have never heard about before. There’s nobody — what we have is incredible.”
This nigga prolly lying.
Anyway, #TrumpKnew is trending on Twitter. The world is going to shit and you know who else knew? All of us that didn’t vote for that bastard.
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Rage is available Sept. 15.


theroot--2020-09-09--Want a Best Picture Oscar Nomination in 2024? The Academy Requires You to Step Up Your Inclusion Gam

Want a Best Picture Oscar Nomination in 2024? The Academy Requires You to Step Up Your Inclusion Game

The Academy is changing—and we don ’ t just mean its members .
As part of its Academy Aperture 2025 initiative , the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Tuesday that it will be enacting new representation and inclusion standards for Oscars eligibility in the Best Picture category .
That ’ s right , if you want the biggest and baddest bitch Oscar , the Academy needs some more diversity and inclusion in your films , y ’ all .
“ The aperture must widen to reflect our diverse global population in both the creation of motion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with them .
The Academy is committed to playing a vital role in helping make this a reality , ” Academy President David Rubin and Academy CEO Dawn Hudson said in a press release sent to The Root .
“ We believe these inclusion standards will be a catalyst for long-lasting , essential change in our industry.
” So , let ’ s get down to the technicalities : Here ’ s the breakdown of the standards , developed by a task force lead by Academy governors DeVon Franklin and Jim Gianopulus : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a film must meet TWO out of FOUR of the following standards to be deemed eligible : To achieve Standard A , the film must meet ONE of the following criteria : At least one of the lead actors or significant supporting actors is from an underrepresented racial or ethnic group .
At least 30 % of all actors in secondary and more minor roles are from at least two of the following underrepresented groups : • People with cognitive or physical disabilities , or who are deaf or hard of hearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ theme or narrative of the film is centered on an underrepresented group ( s ) .
• People with cognitive or physical disabilities , or who are deaf or hard of hearing To achieve Standard B , the film must meet ONE of the criteria below : At least two of the following creative leadership positions and department heads—Casting Director , Cinematographer , Composer , Costume Designer , Director , Editor , Hairstylist , Makeup Artist , Producer , Production Designer , Set Decorator , Sound , VFX Supervisor , Writer—are from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cognitive or physical disabilities , or who are deaf or hard of hearing At least one of those positions must belong to the following underrepresented racial or ethnic group : At least six other crew/team and technical positions ( excluding Production Assistants ) are from an underrepresented racial or ethnic group .
These positions include but are not limited to First AD , Gaffer , Script Supervisor , etc .
At least 30 % of the film ’ s crew is from the following underrepresented groups : • People with cognitive or physical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard of hearing To achieve Standard C , the film must meet BOTH criteria below : The film ’ s distribution or financing company has paid apprenticeships or internships that are from the following underrepresented groups and satisfy the criteria below : • People with cognitive or physical disabilities , or who are deaf or hard of hearing The major studios/distributors are required to have substantive , ongoing paid apprenticeships/internships inclusive of underrepresented groups ( must also include racial or ethnic groups ) in most of the following departments : production/development , physical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , acquisitions , business affairs , distribution , marketing and publicity .
The mini-major or independent studios/distributors must have a minimum of two apprentices/interns from the above underrepresented groups ( at least one from an underrepresented racial or ethnic group ) in at least one of the following departments : production/development , physical production , post-production , music , VFX , acquisitions , business affairs , distribution , marketing and publicity .
The film ’ s production , distribution and/or financing company offers training and/or work opportunities for below-the-line skill development to people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ People with cognitive or physical disabilities , or who are deaf or hard of hearing To achieve Standard D , the film must meet the criterion below : The studio and/or film company has multiple in-house senior executives from among the following underrepresented groups ( must include individuals from underrepresented racial or ethnic groups ) on their marketing , publicity , and/or distribution teams .
• People with cognitive or physical disabilities , or who are deaf or hard of hearing All categories other than Best Picture will be held to their current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ categories ( Animated Feature , Documentary Feature , Documentary Short Subject , International Feature Film , Animated Short Film , Live Action Short Film ) submitted for Best Picture/General Entry consideration will be addressed separately .
Additionally , those who seek to be considered under the Best Picture category for the 94th Oscars ( 2022 ) and 95th Oscars ( 2023 ) will have to submit a confidential Academy Inclusion Standards form .
However , to be clear , the above thresholds aren ’ t required to be considered eligible for a Best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 96th Oscars in 2024 .
Naturally , the news reverberated throughout the Hollywood industry , with most giving a nod to April Reign , the creator of the # OscarsSoWhite movement .
“ As I ’ ve long said , the real change still has to start on the page , and with the studios who greenlight those films , she tweeted in reaction to the news , also noting that this kind of progression does not exist in a vacuum .
“ The goal is to ensure more inclusive films get made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; the awards come much later.
” Of course , some white folks were big mad about an establishment that has been known to be quite exclusive and restrictive opening up the long-kept gate a little bit wider .
Somehow , that is the threat to true art and not the reverse .
OK .
Specifically , two white women who represent those usually first in line to benefit from these types of affirmative action initiatives expressed their disapproval : Kirstie Alley ( who called the move “ a disgrace to artists everywhere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Justine Bateman .
Basically , those complaining about maintaining the “ sanctity ” of the Oscars basing their awards solely on merit are operating from peak privilege , given the many systemic forces placed against marginalized creators to even get to the point where they could even think about being eligible for an Oscar within the most basic of its standards ( such as access to financing , distribution , marketing , etc. )
.
While this is absolutely a step forward in the right direction , there were legitimate concerns in regard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shirk the system , including attempting to hit typical diversity and inclusion points by choosing the easiest option .
Additionally , this isn ’ t something that should encourage white filmmakers to simply throw Black folks in their films just to fulfill a quota without actually respecting their full identity ; instead thinking stereotypical characterizations are going to fly .
Overall , this shouldn ’ t just be about performative representation , but actual equal opportunities for Black actors , filmmakers and other film crew members in an industry that has historically shut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll see what happens .
We ’ ll be paying attention .
The Root has reached out to The Academy for additional quotes on their big announcement and we will update once we receive them .

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

The Academy is changing—and we don’t just mean its members.
As part of its Academy Aperture 2025 initiative, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Tuesday that it will be enacting new representation and inclusion standards for Oscars eligibility in the Best Picture category. That’s right, if you want the biggest and baddest bitch Oscar, the Academy needs some more diversity and inclusion in your films, y’all.
Advertisement
“The aperture must widen to reflect our diverse global population in both the creation of motion pictures and in the audiences who connect with them. The Academy is committed to playing a vital role in helping make this a reality,” Academy President David Rubin and Academy CEO Dawn Hudson said in a press release sent to The Root. “We believe these inclusion standards will be a catalyst for long-lasting, essential change in our industry.”
So, let’s get down to the technicalities: Here’s the breakdown of the standards, developed by a task force lead by Academy governors DeVon Franklin and Jim Gianopulus:
For the 96th Oscars (2024), a film must meet TWO out of FOUR of the following standards to be deemed eligible: STANDARD A: ON-SCREEN REPRESENTATION, THEMES AND NARRATIVES To achieve Standard A, the film must meet ONE of the following criteria: A1. Lead or significant supporting actors At least one of the lead actors or significant supporting actors is from an underrepresented racial or ethnic group. • Asian • Hispanic/Latinx • Black/African American • Indigenous/Native American/Alaskan Native • Middle Eastern/North African • Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander • Other underrepresented race or ethnicity A2. General ensemble cast At least 30% of all actors in secondary and more minor roles are from at least two of the following underrepresented groups: • Women • Racial or ethnic group • LGBTQ+ • People with cognitive or physical disabilities, or who are deaf or hard of hearing A3. Main storyline/subject matter The main storyline(s), theme or narrative of the film is centered on an underrepresented group(s). • Women • Racial or ethnic group • LGBTQ+ • People with cognitive or physical disabilities, or who are deaf or hard of hearing STANDARD B: CREATIVE LEADERSHIP AND PROJECT TEAM To achieve Standard B, the film must meet ONE of the criteria below: B1. Creative leadership and department heads At least two of the following creative leadership positions and department heads—Casting Director, Cinematographer, Composer, Costume Designer, Director, Editor, Hairstylist, Makeup Artist, Producer, Production Designer, Set Decorator, Sound, VFX Supervisor, Writer—are from the following underrepresented groups: • Women • Racial or ethnic group • LGBTQ+ • People with cognitive or physical disabilities, or who are deaf or hard of hearing At least one of those positions must belong to the following underrepresented racial or ethnic group: • Asian • Hispanic/Latinx • Black/African American • Indigenous/Native American/Alaskan Native • Middle Eastern/North African • Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander • Other underrepresented race or ethnicity B2. Other key roles At least six other crew/team and technical positions (excluding Production Assistants) are from an underrepresented racial or ethnic group. These positions include but are not limited to First AD, Gaffer, Script Supervisor, etc. B3. Overall crew composition At least 30% of the film’s crew is from the following underrepresented groups: • Women • Racial or ethnic group • LGBTQ+ • People with cognitive or physical disabilities, or who are deaf or hard of hearing STANDARD C: INDUSTRY ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITIES To achieve Standard C, the film must meet BOTH criteria below: C1. Paid apprenticeship and internship opportunities The film’s distribution or financing company has paid apprenticeships or internships that are from the following underrepresented groups and satisfy the criteria below: • Women • Racial or ethnic group • LGBTQ+ • People with cognitive or physical disabilities, or who are deaf or hard of hearing The major studios/distributors are required to have substantive, ongoing paid apprenticeships/internships inclusive of underrepresented groups (must also include racial or ethnic groups) in most of the following departments: production/development, physical production, post-production, music, VFX, acquisitions, business affairs, distribution, marketing and publicity. The mini-major or independent studios/distributors must have a minimum of two apprentices/interns from the above underrepresented groups (at least one from an underrepresented racial or ethnic group) in at least one of the following departments: production/development, physical production, post-production, music, VFX, acquisitions, business affairs, distribution, marketing and publicity. C2. Training opportunities and skills development (crew) The film’s production, distribution and/or financing company offers training and/or work opportunities for below-the-line skill development to people from the following underrepresented groups: • Women • Racial or ethnic group • LGBTQ+ • People with cognitive or physical disabilities, or who are deaf or hard of hearing STANDARD D: AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT To achieve Standard D, the film must meet the criterion below: D1. Representation in marketing, publicity, and distribution The studio and/or film company has multiple in-house senior executives from among the following underrepresented groups (must include individuals from underrepresented racial or ethnic groups) on their marketing, publicity, and/or distribution teams. • Women • Racial or ethnic group: · Asian · Hispanic/Latinx · Black/African American · Indigenous/Native American/Alaskan Native · Middle Eastern/North African · Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander · Other underrepresented race or ethnicity • LGBTQ+ • People with cognitive or physical disabilities, or who are deaf or hard of hearing All categories other than Best Picture will be held to their current eligibility requirements. Films in the specialty categories (Animated Feature, Documentary Feature, Documentary Short Subject, International Feature Film, Animated Short Film, Live Action Short Film) submitted for Best Picture/General Entry consideration will be addressed separately.
Advertisement Advertisement
Additionally, those who seek to be considered under the Best Picture category for the 94th Oscars (2022) and 95th Oscars (2023) will have to submit a confidential Academy Inclusion Standards form. However, to be clear, the above thresholds aren’t required to be considered eligible for a Best Picture nomination until submissions open for the 96th Oscars in 2024.
Naturally, the news reverberated throughout the Hollywood industry, with most giving a nod to April Reign, the creator of the #OscarsSoWhite movement.
Advertisement
“As I’ve long said, the real change still has to start on the page, and with the studios who greenlight those films, she tweeted in reaction to the news, also noting that this kind of progression does not exist in a vacuum. “The goal is to ensure more inclusive films get made that are told by/with/for traditionally underrepresented communities; the awards come much later.”
Advertisement
Of course, some white folks were big mad about an establishment that has been known to be quite exclusive and restrictive opening up the long-kept gate a little bit wider. Somehow, that is the threat to true art and not the reverse. OK. Specifically, two white women who represent those usually first in line to benefit from these types of affirmative action initiatives expressed their disapproval: Kirstie Alley (who called the move “a disgrace to artists everywhere” in a now-deleted tweet) and Justine Bateman.
Advertisement
Basically, those complaining about maintaining the “sanctity” of the Oscars basing their awards solely on merit are operating from peak privilege, given the many systemic forces placed against marginalized creators to even get to the point where they could even think about being eligible for an Oscar within the most basic of its standards (such as access to financing, distribution, marketing, etc.). While this is absolutely a step forward in the right direction, there were legitimate concerns in regard to how established filmmakers will try to shirk the system, including attempting to hit typical diversity and inclusion points by choosing the easiest option.
Advertisement
Additionally, this isn’t something that should encourage white filmmakers to simply throw Black folks in their films just to fulfill a quota without actually respecting their full identity; instead thinking stereotypical characterizations are going to fly. Overall, this shouldn’t just be about performative representation, but actual equal opportunities for Black actors, filmmakers and other film crew members in an industry that has historically shut them out.
Advertisement
So, we’ll see what happens. We’ll be paying attention.
The Root has reached out to The Academy for additional quotes on their big announcement and we will update once we receive them.


theroot--2020-09-09--Monitor Every Package Delivered With Eufy's Smart Doorbell and Save $50

It seems doorbell cams have sprung up overnight .
I feel like I ’ m seeing more and more in my neighborhood .
My theory is honestly just with people staying home more they are ordering more and things go missing .
Sometimes when you have a high volume of packages a few wander away .
This is also what my neighbor said after she installed her Ring Doorbell .
Well , whether you ’ re worried about missing deliveries or just curious about who ’ s outside you can save $ 50 on this Eufy Smart Doorbell .
All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coupon with the promo code DOORBELL99 see the discount appear at checkout .
Eufy has made some great products over the years ( looking at you RoboVacs ) and this doorbell cam seems to be a favorite among Amazon reviewers .
The cams have surprisingly high resolution and give pretty clear video in HDR with little interruption .
With Eufy you don ’ t need an additional security package for monitoring , you control as much or a little as you want to monitor .
The two-way audio allows you to interact with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they point out very clearly that the AI tech is smart enough to tell the difference between humans and animals .
But if there was a whole host of raccoons knocking over trashcans I ’ d think I ’ d like to know .
You do get to pick your own fun ringtone from eight options but you will already need to have wires for that aspect of the cam to work .
Otherwise , it ’ s wireless and works with your WiFi .
Connect it with you Alexa to ease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quickly .
Now it says that Eufy ensures that it ’ s secure and your data is kept private but there ’ s always a chance with any one of these they could be hacked .
But that ’ s a maybe .
All I know is I ’ d personally feel more secure with one on these outside my home instead of inside .

Eufy Security 1080p Smart Doorbell | $90 | Amazon
It seems doorbell cams have sprung up overnight. I feel like I’m seeing more and more in my neighborhood. My theory is honestly just with people staying home more they are ordering more and things go missing. Sometimes when you have a high volume of packages a few wander away. This is also what my neighbor said after she installed her Ring Doorbell. Well, whether you’re worried about missing deliveries or just curious about who’s outside you can save $30 on this 1080p Eufy Smart Doorbell. The total before tax is $90 .
It’s part of a one-day sale that takes up to 38% off various other security-related products, including an add-on eufyCam 2 for an existing HomeBase 2 system that’s $32 off. If you just want cameras in the home a la carte, you can add a standalone eufyCam 2K for only $28 ($12 off), no HomeBase necessary.
Eufy has made some great products over the years (looking at you RoboVacs) and this doorbell cam seems to be a favorite among Amazon reviewers.
The cams have surprisingly high resolution and give pretty clear video in HDR with little interruption. With Eufy you don’t need an additional security package for monitoring, you control as much or a little as you want to monitor. The two-way audio allows you to interact with whoever approaches your home. I like that they point out very clearly that the AI tech is smart enough to tell the difference between humans and animals. But if there was a whole host of raccoons knocking over trashcans I’d think I’d like to know. You do get to pick your own fun ringtone from eight options but you will already need to have wires for that aspect of the cam to work.
Otherwise, it’s wireless and works with your WiFi. Connect it with you Alexa to ease communication and see who’s there quickly. Now it says that Eufy ensures that it’s secure and your data is kept private but there’s always a chance with any one of these they could be hacked. But that’s a maybe. All I know is I’d personally feel more secure with one on these outside my home instead of inside.
There’s free 1-day shipping for Prime members.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari on 9/9/2020 and updated by Quentyn Kennemer with new information on 10/19/2020.


theroot--2020-09-09--Michelle Obama Might Not Know It, but She's Our Mentor

As if you didn ’ t already know , Michelle Obama is the gift that keeps on giving .
Since leaving the White House , she ’ s written an inspiring bestseller—accompanied by the world ’ s biggest book tour and a stellar Netflix documentary , as well as produced award-winning content alongside her husband .
Via their Higher Ground Productions , the newly candid forever first lady has recently also blessed us with an eponymous podcast on Spotify , where she ’ s treated us to “ Mom-in-Chief ” wisdom on everything from mental health to menopause to marriage—including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s podcast ( h/t Harper ’ s Bazaar ) : There were times that I wanted to push Barack out of the window .
And I say that , because it ’ s like you ’ ve got to know the feelings will be intense .
But that doesn ’ t mean you quit .
And these periods can last a long time .
They can last years .
But we don ’ t talk about that , so young couples , they face these challenges , and they ’ re ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re broken ... if I had given up on it , if I had walked away from it , in those tough times , then I would ’ ve missed all the beauty that was there as well .
But it was another Obama insight that went viral last week : “ You can ’ t Tinder your way into a long term relationship , ” she quipped in the same episode , and while we actually know a few folks who just happened to swipe right into marriage , we agree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which was : This week , it ’ s a relationship of a different sort that Obama is discussing on Spotify ; inviting former Obama Senior Adviser Valerie Jarrett to talk about the dynamic that began their own close friendship : mentorship .
Jarrett ’ s affiliation with the Obamas began when she hired a then engaged young Chicago lawyer named Michelle LaVaughn Robinson to work for the Daley administration .
A good hire turned into both a great mentorship and decades-long friendship—and ultimately , turned both women into two of the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Sometimes , young people think that mentoring is just about ‘ just show me the way ; just tell me what to do , ” Obama notes on Wednesday ’ s episode of the Michelle Obama Podcast .
“ I want young people out there to know when they are looking for a mentor , they also have to think about ‘ Well , what are you going to bring to the relationship ?
’ ” Jarrett echoes the sentiment later in the conversation , saying : “ Relationships are everything .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” but quickly adding , “ You ’ ve got to be able to look at the relationship from the perspective of the other person , too—it ’ s not all about you.
” But it is all about opportunity and guidance—and too many of us are amassing education and work experience without the mentorship that would give us the feedback , advocacy and requisite edge we need to succeed .
“ The job of the mentor , of course , is to help people grow , ” says Jarrett .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they fail , but to be able to gauge what works and what isn ’ t going to work—and when it ’ s not working , to say to them , ‘ This isn ’ t working ; but I think this will.
’ ” The women commise rate on what appeared to be “ failures ” in their own careers , early on—Obama failed her bar exam the first time around , a common hiccup that neither stopped her from becoming a lawyer nor a stratospheric success .
“ I never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isn ’ t a part of everyone ’ s journey , ” she says .
Each woman also learned the power of self-advocacy in real-time ; a skill they now realize is translating to the younger generations of women looking up to them .
“ We are living , breathing role models—not just in what we say , but what we do , ” Obama notes .
“ And if we ’ re not making space and we ’ re not showing balance in our own lives , no matter what we say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do.
” While we ’ re all familiar with President Obama ’ s ongoing My Brother ’ s Keeper Alliance , the former first lady and Jarrett formed their own , unpublicized mentorship program for young women during their years in the White House , Obama explaining : “ That was something we wanted to do because we felt we had an obligation.
” “ If we could do it in the White House under some challenging times ... everybody out there can think of a way to do something formalized like that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” she adds .
As Obama aptly notes , it is often mentorship , not talent or intelligence , that can make all the difference when it comes to garnering those coveted seats at the table or bypassing gatekeepers , whether they be in higher education or executive leadership .
“ The minute you sit in these hallowed halls , and you sit on these boards , and you sit in these c-suites , You see a lot of excellence but you also see a lot of mediocrity , ” says Obama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reverse affirmative action.
” And because post-White House , less-filtered Michelle Obama is our favorite Michelle Obama to date , she may be doling out yet another dose of expert shade at the current occupant of the White House when she adds : “ There are plenty of ways that kids are placed in positions and told ‘ You deserve it , ’ when they haven ’ t earned it at all.
’ ” Jarrett and Obama ’ s conversation is inspiring and insightful—and both of these women are our mentors in our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life for mentorship ?
Former music manager ( D ’ Angelo , Raphael Saadiq , Q Tip , and A Tribe Called Quest ) turned author and screenwriter Sophia Chang doesn ’ t think so , recently launching Unlock Her Potential to provide mentorship for women of color of all ages from some of the top professionals across TV/film .
music , publishing , and academia—including Mona Scott-Young , Kierna Mayo , Simon & Schuster ’ s Dawn Davis , Yvette Noel-Schure , Marvet Britto and The Root ’ s own Editor-in-Chief , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the organization ’ s braintrust .
As Mrs. Obama notes , “ Mentorship starts early—and it starts right in your own backyard.
” We ’ d add that it ’ s never too late to benefit .

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

As if you didn’t already know, Michelle Obama is the gift that keeps on giving. Since leaving the White House, she’s written an inspiring bestseller—accompanied by the world’s biggest book tour and a stellar Netflix documentary, as well as produced award-winning content alongside her husband. Via their Higher Ground Productions, the newly candid forever first lady has recently also blessed us with an eponymous podcast on Spotify, where she’s treated us to “Mom-in-Chief” wisdom on everything from mental health to menopause to marriage—including her own, as in last Wednesday’s podcast (h/t Harper’s Bazaar):
There were times that I wanted to push Barack out of the window. And I say that, because it’s like you’ve got to know the feelings will be intense. But that doesn’t mean you quit. And these periods can last a long time. They can last years. But we don’t talk about that, so young couples, they face these challenges, and they’re ready to give up because they think they’re broken...if I had given up on it, if I had walked away from it, in those tough times, then I would’ve missed all the beauty that was there as well.
But it was another Obama insight that went viral last week: “You can’t Tinder your way into a long term relationship,” she quipped in the same episode, and while we actually know a few folks who just happened to swipe right into marriage, we agree wholeheartedly with the quote in context, which was:
Do you want to build something with someone? There’s no magic way to make that happen, except getting the basics of finding somebody, being honest about wanting to be with them, to date them seriously, to plan on making a commitment, to date them, seeing where it goes, and then making it happen...You can’t Tinder your way into a long term relationship.
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This week, it’s a relationship of a different sort that Obama is discussing on Spotify; inviting former Obama Senior Adviser Valerie Jarrett to talk about the dynamic that began their own close friendship: mentorship.
Jarrett’s affiliation with the Obamas began when she hired a then engaged young Chicago lawyer named Michelle LaVaughn Robinson to work for the Daley administration. A good hire turned into both a great mentorship and decades-long friendship—and ultimately, turned both women into two of the most trusted and powerful entities in politics.
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“Sometimes, young people think that mentoring is just about ‘just show me the way; just tell me what to do,” Obama notes on Wednesday’s episode of the Michelle Obama Podcast. “I want young people out there to know when they are looking for a mentor, they also have to think about ‘Well, what are you going to bring to the relationship?’”
Jarrett echoes the sentiment later in the conversation, saying: “Relationships are everything. That’s what makes us human,” but quickly adding, “You’ve got to be able to look at the relationship from the perspective of the other person, too—it’s not all about you.”
Advertisement
But it is all about opportunity and guidance—and too many of us are amassing education and work experience without the mentorship that would give us the feedback, advocacy and requisite edge we need to succeed.
“The job of the mentor, of course, is to help people grow,” says Jarrett. “And not give them so much responsibility that they fail, but to be able to gauge what works and what isn’t going to work—and when it’s not working, to say to them, ‘This isn’t working; but I think this will.’”
Advertisement
The women commise rate on what appeared to be “failures” in their own careers, early on—Obama failed her bar exam the first time around, a common hiccup that neither stopped her from becoming a lawyer nor a stratospheric success.
“I never want young people to think that failure isn’t a part of everyone’s journey,” she says.
Advertisement
Each woman also learned the power of self-advocacy in real-time; a skill they now realize is translating to the younger generations of women looking up to them.
“We are living, breathing role models—not just in what we say, but what we do,” Obama notes. “And if we’re not making space and we’re not showing balance in our own lives, no matter what we say, young people are watching what we do.”
Advertisement
While we’re all familiar with President Obama’s ongoing My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, the former first lady and Jarrett formed their own, unpublicized mentorship program for young women during their years in the White House, Obama explaining: “That was something we wanted to do because we felt we had an obligation.”
“If we could do it in the White House under some challenging times...everybody out there can think of a way to do something formalized like that for the young people in their communities,” she adds.
Advertisement
As Obama aptly notes, it is often mentorship, not talent or intelligence, that can make all the difference when it comes to garnering those coveted seats at the table or bypassing gatekeepers, whether they be in higher education or executive leadership.
“The minute you sit in these hallowed halls, and you sit on these boards, and you sit in these c-suites, You see a lot of excellence but you also see a lot of mediocrity,” says Obama of what she perceives to be “reverse affirmative action.” And because post-White House, less-filtered Michelle Obama is our favorite Michelle Obama to date, she may be doling out yet another dose of expert shade at the current occupant of the White House when she adds: “There are plenty of ways that kids are placed in positions and told ‘You deserve it,’ when they haven’t earned it at all.’”
Advertisement
Jarrett and Obama’s conversation is inspiring and insightful—and both of these women are our mentors in our mind—but is it ever too late in life for mentorship? Former music manager (D’Angelo, Raphael Saadiq, Q Tip, and A Tribe Called Quest) turned author and screenwriter Sophia Chang doesn’t think so, recently launching Unlock Her Potential to provide mentorship for women of color of all ages from some of the top professionals across TV/film. music, publishing, and academia—including Mona Scott-Young, Kierna Mayo, Simon & Schuster’s Dawn Davis, Yvette Noel-Schure, Marvet Britto and The Root’s own Editor-in-Chief, Danielle Belton, who is also part of the organization’s braintrust.
As Mrs. Obama notes, “Mentorship starts early—and it starts right in your own backyard.” We’d add that it’s never too late to benefit.


theroot--2020-09-09--We May Not Have New Rihanna Music, But We’re Getting a New Rihanna Documentary Next Year

While Rihanna ’ s Navy could very well be awaiting the mythical ‘ R9 ’ album until ...
Heaven only knows ... at least they ’ ll have a new documentary about the superstar to hold them over .
The long-awaited Rihanna documentary , directed by Peter Berg ( Battleship , Friday Night Lights ) , will be hitting our television screens in summer 2021 .
According to a new Collider interview with Berg , the doc—which was initially announced in 2016 as the first project under Berg ’ s production company—will have a home at Amazon .
Amazon was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fenty fashion show , which dropped in 2019 .
“ Sometime hopefully around the Fourth of July [ it will be released ] , ” he revealed .
“ It ’ s been a really epic journey , the past four years with her.
” Unsurprisingly , Rihanna ’ s busy schedule as a businesswoman and entrepreneur is one of the reasons the doc has taken so long to complete .
“ She ’ s a remarkable woman , who every day seems to grow and branch out into new businesses and new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s almost hard to keep up with , ” Berg continued .
“ So every time we think we ’ re going to finish the movie and put it out , she does something like start a fashion line like Fenty , or her lingerie line , or her skincare line.
” He also added that in the midst of all of these exciting new endeavors , Rih is “ making new music , ” so hopefully , we ’ ll get to hear some of it soon .
In Rih news that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final edit : T he Bad Gal was involved in an electric scooter accident last week that left her with bruises on her face .
However , a representative for the singer told People that she is on the mend and that “ luckily , there are no major injuries.
” The only injury is to the reputation of electric scooters for hurting our queen .

While Rihanna’s Navy could very well be awaiting the mythical ‘R9’ album until...Heaven only knows...at least they’ll have a new documentary about the superstar to hold them over.
The long-awaited Rihanna documentary, directed by Peter Berg (Battleship, Friday Night Lights), will be hitting our television screens in summer 2021. According to a new Collider interview with Berg, the doc—which was initially announced in 2016 as the first project under Berg’s production company—will have a home at Amazon. Amazon was also the home of her Savage x Fenty fashion show, which dropped in 2019.
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“Sometime hopefully around the Fourth of July [it will be released],” he revealed. “It’s been a really epic journey, the past four years with her.”
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Unsurprisingly, Rihanna’s busy schedule as a businesswoman and entrepreneur is one of the reasons the doc has taken so long to complete.
“She’s a remarkable woman, who every day seems to grow and branch out into new businesses and new endeavors at a rate that it’s almost hard to keep up with,” Berg continued. “So every time we think we’re going to finish the movie and put it out, she does something like start a fashion line like Fenty, or her lingerie line, or her skincare line.” He also added that in the midst of all of these exciting new endeavors, Rih is “making new music,” so hopefully, we’ll get to hear some of it soon.
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In Rih news that may not make the documentary’s final edit: T he Bad Gal was involved in an electric scooter accident last week that left her with bruises on her face. However, a representative for the singer told People that she is on the mend and that “luckily, there are no major injuries.” The only injury is to the reputation of electric scooters for hurting our queen.


theroot--2020-09-09--It's Not You, It's Me: Big Changes Could Be In Store for the Milwaukee Bucks—Including Antetokounmpo

It's Not You, It's Me: Big Changes Could Be In Store for the Milwaukee Bucks—Including Antetokounmpo's Departure

With an ugly Eastern Conference Finals defeat at the hands of the Toronto Raptors still looming in the background , Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst had plenty of work to do prior to the NBA ’ s 2019-20 season .
Restricted by limited cap space and the myriad of challenges that befall small-market franchises , the 36-year-old pulled off a series of miracles that he believed would keep the Bucks in championship contention .
Yes , Malcolm Brogdon ’ s defection to the Indiana Pacers was brutal , but Horst was able to re-sign All-Star Khris Middleton to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and surround Giannis with complementary pieces like Wes Matthews , Kyle Korver and Robin Lopez , while George Hill and Brook Lopez returned to the fold as free agents .
By all accounts , the Bucks deserved a round of applause for their offseason and were an early favorite to make the NBA Finals .
“ I like the things we ’ ve done , ” Horst told The Athletic prior to the season .
“ We love the group that we have right now .
We feel very confident in the group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a great place to be and to have a team that we think can be a top team in the conference , one of the best teams in the NBA.
” Fast forward to today and presumptive MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is against the ropes .
“ It ’ s not happening .
That ’ s not happening , ” he told Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports when asked if he ’ d be demanding a trade after the Bucks got curb stomped in the playoffs yet again .
“ Some see a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] .
I plow through it .
We just have to get better as a team , individually and get right back at it next season.
” Slight problem : There might not be anything to get right back to .
Considering it took all of five games for the Miami Heat to dismember the Bucks—and “ dismember ” is being gracious—heads are gon na roll .
The roster Horst constructed was littered with holes , questions arose about The Greek Freak ’ s shortcomings and ability to lead a team and coach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s about to be out of a job .
“ It ’ s such a great group , ” he told reporters after his team ’ s Game 5 loss on Tuesday .
“ We had high expectations starting the season , throughout the season , coming here .
You always want to realize those expectations , but the relationships , the character of this group .
I think it ’ d be great if we could have both , but I think if you ’ re going to choose one , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guys that are high character and stand for something.
” And I think his players would like to be with a coach who knows how to make adjustments in the playoffs instead of sticking to schemes and lineups that clearly ain ’ t working .
Bud caught all types of hell for relying on Matthews and Marvin Williams ( who retired within hours of the Bucks being eliminated ) to carry him to the promised land against the Heat while burying Robin Lopez and Ersan Ilyasova on the bench and restricting Antetokounmpo ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think it ’ s safe to say that those choices ended in catastrophe .
The NBA bubble created an atmosphere unlike any we ’ ve ever seen in professional sports and clearly it factored into the Bucks struggles .
But in a league that demands immediate results , Horst better fix this mess before Antetokounmpo leaves for greener pastures .

With an ugly Eastern Conference Finals defeat at the hands of the Toronto Raptors still looming in the background, Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst had plenty of work to do prior to the NBA’s 2019-20 season.
Restricted by limited cap space and the myriad of challenges that befall small-market franchises, the 36-year-old pulled off a series of miracles that he believed would keep the Bucks in championship contention.
Advertisement
Yes, Malcolm Brogdon’s defection to the Indiana Pacers was brutal, but Horst was able to re-sign All-Star Khris Middleton to a massive 5-year, $178 million deal and surround Giannis with complementary pieces like Wes Matthews, Kyle Korver and Robin Lopez, while George Hill and Brook Lopez returned to the fold as free agents. By all accounts, the Bucks deserved a round of applause for their offseason and were an early favorite to make the NBA Finals.
“I like the things we’ve done,” Horst told The Athletic prior to the season. “We love the group that we have right now. We feel very confident in the group we have right now. It’s a great place to be and to have a team that we think can be a top team in the conference, one of the best teams in the NBA.”
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Fast forward to today and presumptive MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is against the ropes.
“It’s not happening. That’s not happening,” he told Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports when asked if he’d be demanding a trade after the Bucks got curb stomped in the playoffs yet again. “Some see a wall and go in [another direction]. I plow through it. We just have to get better as a team, individually and get right back at it next season.”
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Slight problem: There might not be anything to get right back to.
Considering it took all of five games for the Miami Heat to dismember the Bucks—and “dismember” is being gracious—heads are gonna roll. The roster Horst constructed was littered with holes, questions arose about The Greek Freak’s shortcomings and ability to lead a team and coach Mike Budenholzer sounds like a guy who’s about to be out of a job.
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“It’s such a great group,” he told reporters after his team’s Game 5 loss on Tuesday. “We had high expectations starting the season, throughout the season, coming here. You always want to realize those expectations, but the relationships, the character of this group. I think it’d be great if we could have both, but I think if you’re going to choose one, I’d like to be with guys that are high character and stand for something.”
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And I think his players would like to be with a coach who knows how to make adjustments in the playoffs instead of sticking to schemes and lineups that clearly ain’t working. Bud caught all types of hell for relying on Matthews and Marvin Williams (who retired within hours of the Bucks being eliminated) to carry him to the promised land against the Heat while burying Robin Lopez and Ersan Ilyasova on the bench and restricting Antetokounmpo’s and Middleton’s minutes.
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I think it’s safe to say that those choices ended in catastrophe.
The NBA bubble created an atmosphere unlike any we’ve ever seen in professional sports and clearly it factored into the Bucks struggles. But in a league that demands immediate results, Horst better fix this mess before Antetokounmpo leaves for greener pastures.


theroot--2020-09-09--Aukey's 1080p Webcam Comes Through for Work and School Zoom Calls for $40

If you ’ re still looking for a webcam for all that Zooming you ’ ve been forced into , @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s down to $ 50 on sta ndard discount , and with @ @ @ @ @ at Amazon , the total plummets even further to $ 40 .
This webcam delivers @ @ @ @ @ a 1/29 '' CMOS sensor with a 65-degree viewing angle , which isn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ may be a benefit for those with background anxiety .
Plus , there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ if you don ’ t fancy a separate one .

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

Aukey 1080p Webcam | $28 | Amazon | Clip coupon
If you’re looking for a better webcam for all of that Zooming you’ve been forced into, Aukey has one pretty cheap. The list price is $60, but between a standard discount and extra 30% savings when you clip the Amazon coupon, the final price lands at just $28.
This webcam delivers up to 1080p resolution on a 1/29" CMOS sensor with a 65-degree viewing angle, which isn’t terribly wide, but that may be a benefit for those with background anxiety. Plus, there’s a noise-busting microphone built-in if you don’t fancy a separate one.
This deal was originally published by Quentyn Kennemer on 09/09/2020 and updated by Andrew Hayward with new information on 02/02/2021.