theroot--2020-11-23--No Brees, No Problem, The Ravens Ain't Bout That Life and Other Takeaways From Week 11 of the NFL

Another weekend of NFL football is officially in the books .
So what ’ d we learn ?
The Baltimore Ravens Have 99 Problems and Their Offense Is One I ’ ll be the first to admit , I drank the Kool-Aid .
Coming off a 14-2 season in which Lamar Jackson spent 16 weeks doing his best Usain Bolt impression , the Ravens were early favorites to bounce back from an embarrassing playoff loss and unleash unbridled hell on the rest of the league this year .
But a funny thing happened along the way : Baltimore ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entire offseason pounding cheeseburgers , chain-smoking cigarettes and developing a nasty coke habit because whatever the hell is happening on the field looks nothing like it did last season .
After delivering one of the most devastating ground games in NFL history last year , that was bolstered by an equally efficient play-action passing package , the Ravens have spent this season getting bullied by zone defenses behind a bumbling offensive line and the results haven ’ t been pretty .
On Sunday , the Titans became the latest team to prey on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dust settled , Baltimore had blown a comfortable 11-point lead , found themselves on the receiving end of a 30-24 black eye and extended their losing streak to two games .
They also dropped to 6-4 on the season and if the playoffs started tomorrow , they ’ d be on the outside looking in .
That bandwagon is looking empty as shit right about now .
“ We have to finish drives , ” Jackson told Sports Illustrated after the game .
“ We ’ re driving the ball down the field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ kicker Justin ] Tucker out there ; we have to punch it in .
When we get inside the red zone , or the high red zone , we just have to finish and stop putting our defense out there.
” If you bought stock in the Ravens , it might be a little too late to sell .
It Was an Ugly Week for Rookie Quarterbacks Being a Broncos fan , I got my entire life watching Tua Tagovailoa get mauled by our voracious defense and absorb six brutal sacks before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ryan Fitzpatrick .
( Worry not , Dolphins fans ; the future of your franchise will return to the driver ’ s seat next week . )
Yet as ugly as Tua ’ s fourth start was , in Washington , things were infinitely worse .
Joe Burrow , the rookie phenom who ’ s spent more time on his back than a sex worker due to a putrid offensive line , took yet another vicious hit in the third quarter and ... well ... For those of you holding out for good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that I have none to report .
Per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network—and Burrow himself—the LSU product is done for the year .
“ # Bengals QB Joe Burrow suffered a torn ACL based on the initial diagnosis , source said , ” Rapoport tweeted .
“ There may be additional damage .
Burrow signaled it with his tweet , but the MRI confirming the injury would end his stellar rookie season.
” This is terrible news for the Bengals , but considering they weren ’ t winning jack shit this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a superstar to build around moving forward .
Expect Burrow to resume terrorizing the league next season .
Sooooo the Saints Are Really Not Gon na Play Jameis ?
With Drew Brees out for an extended period of time due to somehow collecting more rib fractures than he has fingers , it was a foregone conclusion that Jameis Winston would fill in as his replacement .
Hell , his teammates expected the same thing .
But with resident Swiss Army knife Taysom Hill getting paid handsomely to back up 41-year-old Brees too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if Hill is a legit option moving forward or if they should hitch their wagon to Winston , who can put up 30 touchdowns in a season just as easily as he can ... put up 30 interceptions .
Coach Sean Payton would give Hill the nod on Sunday and the Saints responded with a 24-9 blowout against their NFC South rival , the Atlanta Falcons .
In his first NFL start , Hill was efficient as both a passer and runner , collecting 233 yards in the air and running for an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With Sunday ’ s win , the Saints won their seventh consecutive game and improved to 8-2 .
And while it wasn ’ t exactly the most creative offensive , it got the job done and reinforced New Orleans ’ status as one of the most adaptive and resilient teams in the league .
Most importantly , Hill proved that yes , he has promise as a passer .
But if Brees remains on the sidelines for an extended period of time , will Winston be willing to continue sitting around twiddling his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As much as I despise the Cowboys , that boy CeeDee Lamb is no joke .
Check out this nasty grab against the Vikings .
Also shoutout to Justin Herbert for hanging 366 yards and 3 TDs on the Jets .

Another weekend of NFL football is officially in the books. So what’d we learn?
The Baltimore Ravens Have 99 Problems and Their Offense Is One
I’ll be the first to admit, I drank the Kool-Aid.
Coming off a 14-2 season in which Lamar Jackson spent 16 weeks doing his best Usain Bolt impression, the Ravens were early favorites to bounce back from an embarrassing playoff loss and unleash unbridled hell on the rest of the league this year.
But a funny thing happened along the way: Baltimore’s lauded offense looks like it spent the entire offseason pounding cheeseburgers, chain-smoking cigarettes and developing a nasty coke habit because whatever the hell is happening on the field looks nothing like it did last season. After delivering one of the most devastating ground games in NFL history last year, that was bolstered by an equally efficient play-action passing package, the Ravens have spent this season getting bullied by zone defenses behind a bumbling offensive line and the results haven’t been pretty.
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On Sunday, the Titans became the latest team to prey on the Ravens’ blunders. Once the dust settled, Baltimore had blown a comfortable 11-point lead, found themselves on the receiving end of a 30-24 black eye and extended their losing streak to two games. They also dropped to 6-4 on the season and if the playoffs started tomorrow, they’d be on the outside looking in.
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That bandwagon is looking empty as shit right about now.
“We have to finish drives,” Jackson told Sports Illustrated after the game. “We’re driving the ball down the field. We just have to stop putting [kicker Justin] Tucker out there; we have to punch it in. When we get inside the red zone, or the high red zone, we just have to finish and stop putting our defense out there.”
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If you bought stock in the Ravens, it might be a little too late to sell.
It Was an Ugly Week for Rookie Quarterbacks
Being a Broncos fan, I got my entire life watching Tua Tagovailoa get mauled by our voracious defense and absorb six brutal sacks before he was eventually benched in favor of Ryan Fitzpatrick. (Worry not, Dolphins fans; the future of your franchise will return to the driver’s seat next week.) Yet as ugly as Tua’s fourth start was, in Washington, things were infinitely worse.
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Joe Burrow, the rookie phenom who’s spent more time on his back than a sex worker due to a putrid offensive line, took yet another vicious hit in the third quarter and...well...
For those of you holding out for good news, I regret to inform you that I have none to report. Per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network—and Burrow himself—the LSU product is done for the year.
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“#Bengals QB Joe Burrow suffered a torn ACL based on the initial diagnosis, source said,” Rapoport tweeted. “There may be additional damage. Burrow signaled it with his tweet, but the MRI confirming the injury would end his stellar rookie season.”
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This is terrible news for the Bengals, but considering they weren’t winning jack shit this year anyway, at least they know they have a superstar to build around moving forward.
Expect Burrow to resume terrorizing the league next season.
Sooooo the Saints Are Really Not Gonna Play Jameis?
With Drew Brees out for an extended period of time due to somehow collecting more rib fractures than he has fingers, it was a foregone conclusion that Jameis Winston would fill in as his replacement. Hell, his teammates expected the same thing. But with resident Swiss Army knife Taysom Hill getting paid handsomely to back up 41-year-old Brees too, the Saints need to find out if Hill is a legit option moving forward or if they should hitch their wagon to Winston, who can put up 30 touchdowns in a season just as easily as he can...put up 30 interceptions.
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Coach Sean Payton would give Hill the nod on Sunday and the Saints responded with a 24-9 blowout against their NFC South rival, the Atlanta Falcons. In his first NFL start, Hill was efficient as both a passer and runner, collecting 233 yards in the air and running for an additional 51 yards with two touchdowns.
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With Sunday’s win, the Saints won their seventh consecutive game and improved to 8-2. And while it wasn’t exactly the most creative offensive, it got the job done and reinforced New Orleans’ status as one of the most adaptive and resilient teams in the league. Most importantly, Hill proved that yes, he has promise as a passer. But if Brees remains on the sidelines for an extended period of time, will Winston be willing to continue sitting around twiddling his thumbs?
I guess we’ll find out.
Who Balled Out This Week
As much as I despise the Cowboys, that boy CeeDee Lamb is no joke. Check out this nasty grab against the Vikings.
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Also shoutout to Justin Herbert for hanging 366 yards and 3 TDs on the Jets.
See y’all next week.


theroot--2020-11-23--ButcherBox Unleashed My Inner Chef on a Budget

Now that we ’ re all relegated to our homes until at least spring 2021 , I ’ ve been getting into cooking .
I love takeout as much as the next person , but it ’ s , as you can imagine , expensive .
I happen to live in a food desert ( what ’ s up Eastern Queens ! )
, so honestly , even when I do partake in takeout , I ’ m not getting a cute little poké bowl unless I ’ m driving up to Flushing , Astoria , or my old stomping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ miss you ) .
Not to mention , I own a home with my mother who , because of the lingering dangers of the pandemic , is newly retired , which means we all have to conserve our coin .
These specific circumstances led me to test out ButcherBox .
I had heard about it from my sister ’ s boyfriend , which lent to my curiosity—what exactly was is and how can it help me eat more meals at home ?
For those not in the know , ButcherBox is a subscription @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ d ever need for a month at a time .
You can choose between beef , pork , chicken , and seafood .
Depending on the size of the box , ( Classic or Big Box ) , you ’ ll also be able to select more or less of each option .
And , for the sake of this review , I chose a custom box comprising a little bit of everything besides beef .
I ’ m allergic , so naturally , I wouldn ’ t cook it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ couple of days to receive the actual box full of meats just waiting to be cooked .
It was a tad heavy , but filled with dry ice to keep the protein cool so it wouldn ’ t spoil .
I found it such a simple yet innovative idea for a meal kit service , especially compared to delivery services like Fresh Direct or even InstantCart .
Like I said before , I sampled bit of everything , including chicken drumsticks , boneless chicken breasts , bacon , a fresh ham , breakfast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and as a special treat , lobster claws .
The first real meal I made was stewed chicken with the legs .
It ’ s a simple family recipe , one that my mother and I had yet to perfect since my grandmother passed awa in 2018 .
I seasoned the chicken with salt , pepper , onion and garlic powder , and adobo .
You should let the chicken legs marinate in it for at least a couple of hours after washing them with a bit of water and vinegar .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ break and let it sit for about three hours at room temperature .
Next , you ’ ll need to sear or brown the chicken with a bit of vegetable oil .
I used a big , non-stick pan to do this , but obviously , adjust the size depending on how many portions you ’ ll be eating .
Put the burner on medium and make sure the legs are brown all around .
I then started to make a roux , which is what the flour is for .
Rouxs take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you know the deal—equal parts flour and butter in a frying pan on low heat .
You ’ ll need the roux to make the thick , brown gravy to make the stewed chicken top notch .
Stir and keep stirring , then add the roux to the browned chicken pan , along with a bit of stock as well as the onion , green , and red peppers .
I made sure I cooked this meal low and slow on my gas burner for about an hour and a half , constantly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
All in all , the chicken legs themselves were delicious , marking my first official dinner with ButcherBox .
The second meal I made was pan-seared salmon with chopped lobster claws .
I used to put my salmon in the oven for a few and call it a day , but back in early October when we didn ’ t know if Trump had the ‘ rona or not , I ’ d been watching way too much MasterChef to distract myself and thought I should try it .
While I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ silky consistency everyone raves about—spoiler alert : my salmon skin wasn ’ t crispy , but it was still tasty .
What surprised me about the wild Alaskan salmon was how quick it was able to defrost even though it was super fresh .
Like , so fresh I had to de-scale it .
No one wants to choke on fish scales , am I right ?
I seasoned my salmon with a bit of salt , pepper , onion powder , garlic powder , lemon juice , and freshly cut garlic before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I let it sit at room temp for about a half-hour to an hour to let the juices do their thing .
Instead of olive oil coating my cast iron pan , I glazed it with a bit of garlic herb butter , which pairs beautifully with seafood .
You can pick it up at your local supermarket , or even on Amazon Fresh .
Something I learned AFTER cooking the salmon is you ’ ll want to make sure your pan is hot .
I mean SUPER hot before placing your salmon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the ( lukewarm ) pan and let it cook on one side for about 5 minutes , flipping and cooking them for another 5-8 minutes thereafter .
While that was cooking , I chopped up my lobster claws and marinated them with lemon juice , salt , and pepper .
Lobster doesn ’ t need much because it ’ s already so rich ( like , people got gout from eating it back in the day ) .
I then heated a smaller pan at medium heat , sautéing it with garlic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before adding the chopped claws .
You ’ ll want to do this bit last because the lobster claws didn ’ t take that long to cook , and you won ’ t want to eat anything of this cold .
I also had some instant mashed potatoes and broccoli in small pots fired up , because it ’ s not dinner without a side and vegetable .
Once everything was finished , I plated the mashed potatoes , salmon , and lobster claws on top .
I didn ’ t like how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I just placed it to the side .
Yes , I used paper plates because who the hell likes doing dishes ?
Not I .
The salmon and lobster were fresh , buttery , and so damn good .
Plus , it only took about 45 minutes to make in total .
After all was said and done , I still have the fresh pork shoulder and cod in my freezer waiting for the exact moment to be cooked .
I think we ’ ll have the shoulder for Christmas and the cod @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but as the weather starts to get colder , I haven ’ t been craving fish .
ButcherBox is a great investment for us seeing as we ’ ve got tons of freezer space between mine and my mother ’ s living spaces , meaning it can be amazing for a family of four or five looking to avoid filling up their fridge every other week .
I found it especially convenient given the safety benefits over taking a trip to the grocery store .
I do recognize the privilege in even being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but in my family ’ s defense , my mother , before she retired , was an essential worker for the MTA here in NYC .
She , as a Black woman , worked the peak of the pandemic without so much as a thanks , despite her pre-existing condition .
So with that , we aren ’ t sorry for keeping ourselves safe .
For folks who want to cook their own meals but can ’ t stand checking all the meats in the supermarket , you won ’ t be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inner chef will love it as much as mine .

Ignacia on The Inventory, shared by Ignacia to The Root

Classic Box | $149 | ButcherBox
Big Box | $270 | ButcherBox
Now that we’re all relegated to our homes until at least spring 2021, I’ve been getting into cooking. I love takeout as much as the next person, but it’s, as you can imagine, expensive. I happen to live in a food desert (what’s up Eastern Queens!), so honestly, even when I do partake in takeout, I’m not getting a cute little poké bowl unless I’m driving up to Flushing, Astoria, or my old stomping grounds of Brooklyn (oh how I miss you). Not to mention, I own a home with my mother who, because of the lingering dangers of the pandemic, is newly retired, which means we all have to conserve our coin.
These specific circumstances led me to test out ButcherBox. I had heard about it from my sister’s boyfriend, which lent to my curiosity—what exactly was is and how can it help me eat more meals at home?
For those not in the know, ButcherBox is a subscription food service that provides all the protein you’d ever need for a month at a time. You can choose between beef, pork, chicken, and seafood. Depending on the size of the box, (Classic or Big Box), you’ll also be able to select more or less of each option. And, for the sake of this review, I chose a custom box comprising a little bit of everything besides beef. I’m allergic, so naturally, I wouldn’t cook it. After I ordered, it took a couple of days to receive the actual box full of meats just waiting to be cooked. It was a tad heavy, but filled with dry ice to keep the protein cool so it wouldn’t spoil. I found it such a simple yet innovative idea for a meal kit service, especially compared to delivery services like Fresh Direct or even InstantCart.
Like I said before, I sampled bit of everything, including chicken drumsticks, boneless chicken breasts, bacon, a fresh ham, breakfast sausage, sockeye salmon, cod, and as a special treat, lobster claws.
Advertisement
The first real meal I made was stewed chicken with the legs. It’s a simple family recipe, one that my mother and I had yet to perfect since my grandmother passed awa in 2018.
You’ll need:
Chicken legs
Salt
Pepper
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Adobo
Flour
One green pepper
One onion
One red pepper
Butter
Vegetable oil
I seasoned the chicken with salt, pepper, onion and garlic powder, and adobo. You should let the chicken legs marinate in it for at least a couple of hours after washing them with a bit of water and vinegar. I did all of this during my lunch break and let it sit for about three hours at room temperature.
Advertisement Advertisement
Next, you’ll need to sear or brown the chicken with a bit of vegetable oil. I used a big, non-stick pan to do this, but obviously, adjust the size depending on how many portions you’ll be eating. Put the burner on medium and make sure the legs are brown all around.
I then started to make a roux, which is what the flour is for. Rouxs take time a bunch of love, but you know the deal—equal parts flour and butter in a frying pan on low heat. You’ll need the roux to make the thick, brown gravy to make the stewed chicken top notch. Stir and keep stirring, then add the roux to the browned chicken pan, along with a bit of stock as well as the onion, green, and red peppers. I made sure I cooked this meal low and slow on my gas burner for about an hour and a half, constantly checking to see how it was doing.
All in all, the chicken legs themselves were delicious, marking my first official dinner with ButcherBox.
Advertisement
The second meal I made was pan-seared salmon with chopped lobster claws. I used to put my salmon in the oven for a few and call it a day, but back in early October when we didn’t know if Trump had the ‘rona or not, I’d been watching way too much MasterChef to distract myself and thought I should try it. While I was aiming the nice, crispy skin and silky consistency everyone raves about—spoiler alert: my salmon skin wasn’t crispy, but it was still tasty.
What surprised me about the wild Alaskan salmon was how quick it was able to defrost even though it was super fresh. Like, so fresh I had to de-scale it. No one wants to choke on fish scales, am I right?
Advertisement
I seasoned my salmon with a bit of salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, lemon juice, and freshly cut garlic before adding it to my little marinade. I let it sit at room temp for about a half-hour to an hour to let the juices do their thing. Instead of olive oil coating my cast iron pan, I glazed it with a bit of garlic herb butter, which pairs beautifully with seafood. You can pick it up at your local supermarket, or even on Amazon Fresh.
Something I learned AFTER cooking the salmon is you’ll want to make sure your pan is hot. I mean SUPER hot before placing your salmon on it. I placed the salmon on the (lukewarm) pan and let it cook on one side for about 5 minutes, flipping and cooking them for another 5-8 minutes thereafter. While that was cooking, I chopped up my lobster claws and marinated them with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Lobster doesn’t need much because it’s already so rich (like, people got gout from eating it back in the day).
I then heated a smaller pan at medium heat, sautéing it with garlic butter and let it melt a bit before adding the chopped claws. You’ll want to do this bit last because the lobster claws didn’t take that long to cook, and you won’t want to eat anything of this cold. I also had some instant mashed potatoes and broccoli in small pots fired up, because it’s not dinner without a side and vegetable.
Advertisement
Once everything was finished, I plated the mashed potatoes, salmon, and lobster claws on top. I didn’t like how the broccoli looked on top, so I just placed it to the side. Yes, I used paper plates because who the hell likes doing dishes? Not I.
The salmon and lobster were fresh, buttery, and so damn good. Plus, it only took about 45 minutes to make in total.
After all was said and done, I still have the fresh pork shoulder and cod in my freezer waiting for the exact moment to be cooked. I think we’ll have the shoulder for Christmas and the cod can be cooked anytime, really, but as the weather starts to get colder, I haven’t been craving fish.
Advertisement
ButcherBox is a great investment for us seeing as we’ve got tons of freezer space between mine and my mother’s living spaces, meaning it can be amazing for a family of four or five looking to avoid filling up their fridge every other week. I found it especially convenient given the safety benefits over taking a trip to the grocery store.
I do recognize the privilege in even being able to afford a delivery food service, but in my family’s defense, my mother, before she retired, was an essential worker for the MTA here in NYC. She, as a Black woman, worked the peak of the pandemic without so much as a thanks, despite her pre-existing condition. So with that, we aren’t sorry for keeping ourselves safe.
For folks who want to cook their own meals but can’t stand checking all the meats in the supermarket, you won’t be disappointed with ButcherBox. I promise your inner chef will love it as much as mine.


theroot--2020-11-23--Finally Getting Us 'Off the Couch With Some Real Fashion,' the AMAs Didn't Skimp on Style

“ I ’ m just happy to be off the couch with some real fashion , ” Taraji P. Henson crowed in the opening monologue of the 2020 American Music Awards on Sunday night .
OK , so maybe we were still on the couch in our matching tie-dyed sweat sets ( I know it ’ s not just me ) , but not wasting a minute of her on-stage opportunity , the host donned 10 looks ( real talk—we think there were more ) throughout the night , including four hair changes ( including a full Diana Ross-style natural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emulate ASAP ) .
In fact , while Sunday night was all about music ’ s winners , when it came to fashion it was really Taraji ’ s show—with or without her now-red tresses on display , as proven by the ‘ 60-inspired silver spangled Armani mini-dress she sported in the AMAs red-draped photobooth , paired with a matching headwrap .
Our favorite of Taraji ’ s looks for the night once kept her hair under wraps—this time , a sparkling mesh snood hung beneath the black fedora she paired with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ featuring an appropriately music-themed motif .
But Taraji wasn ’ t the only lady stunning and stunting for the AMAs in red—or donning a Black designer to do it .
Replacing the ice blue blowout she debuted last week with quarantine-friendly cornrows , Ciara wore Balmain ( designed by Olivier Rousteing , another of whose designs was also worn by new Bachelorette Tayshia Adams on the AMAs red carpet ) to present the award for favorite Soul/R & B album .
Of note : her robe-like silhouette was both forgiving to postpartum snapback @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to our mid-pandemic bodies , should we ever make it out of these lounge sets .
In fact , red proved to be the color of the night , as The Weeknd ( Abel Tesfaye ) also sported the color on his suit jacket , presumably to coordinate with the bloodstains on his heavily bandaged face .
In case you were wondering , no , he wasn ’ t injured ; it was a PSA of sorts , on-theme with his AMA-winning album After Hours and the short films he made for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hours , ” reports Elle .
The Weeknd was warning people against drunk driving—and visibly showing what kind of injuries can happen when drunk driving leads to car accidents .
As he explained to Esquire earlier this year , his After Hours song “ ’ Blinding Lights ’ [ is about ] how you want to see someone at night , and you ’ re intoxicated , and you ’ re driving to this person and you ’ re just blinded by streetlights .
But nothing could stop you from trying to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re so lonely .
I don ’ t want to ever promote drunk driving , but that ’ s what the dark undertone is.
” On a lighter note , Doja Cat continued to prove that cancel culture is a fleeting concept , not only scoring wins for Favorite Female Artist - Soul/R & B and New Artist of the Year , but giving us some ... interesting fashuns , including a take on cavewoman chic for her performance with a more extra-terrestrially clad Bebe Rexha .
Laverne Cox was also out-of-this-world for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an asymmetrical black and gold gown and bodysuit custom-made by Michael Costello .
The designer even provided a sneak peek at the making of the garment on Instagram , which showed off her Amazonian frame ( and legs ! )
to perfection .
And then , there was Meg ... who not only stopped the show with her “ body-ody-ody-ody ” but gave us a message of body positivity to go with it , proclaiming “ every curve , every inch , every mark , every dimple ... decoration on [ her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ awaiting details on the sheer beaded black catsuit she wore for her debut live performance of her insta-hit single , but until we get them , let ’ s just revisit how Meg got us bodied Sunday night .
For the rest of the deets on AMAs winners , make sure to check out The Root ’ s comprehensive recap .

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

“I’m just happy to be off the couch with some real fashion,” Taraji P. Henson crowed in the opening monologue of the 2020 American Music Awards on Sunday night. OK, so maybe we were still on the couch in our matching tie-dyed sweat sets (I know it’s not just me), but not wasting a minute of her on-stage opportunity, the host donned 10 looks (real talk—we think there were more) throughout the night, including four hair changes (including a full Diana Ross-style natural mane that we will be attempting to emulate ASAP).
Advertisement
In fact, while Sunday night was all about music’s winners, when it came to fashion it was really Taraji’s show—with or without her now-red tresses on display, as proven by the ‘60-inspired silver spangled Armani mini-dress she sported in the AMAs red-draped photobooth, paired with a matching headwrap.
Advertisement Advertisement
Our favorite of Taraji’s looks for the night once kept her hair under wraps—this time, a sparkling mesh snood hung beneath the black fedora she paired with a red beaded mini by Pyer Moss, featuring an appropriately music-themed motif.
Advertisement
But Taraji wasn’t the only lady stunning and stunting for the AMAs in red—or donning a Black designer to do it. Replacing the ice blue blowout she debuted last week with quarantine-friendly cornrows, Ciara wore Balmain (designed by Olivier Rousteing, another of whose designs was also worn by new Bachelorette Tayshia Adams on the AMAs red carpet) to present the award for favorite Soul/R&B album. Of note: her robe-like silhouette was both forgiving to postpartum snapback (not that she needs it) and to our mid-pandemic bodies, should we ever make it out of these lounge sets.
Advertisement
In fact, red proved to be the color of the night, as The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) also sported the color on his suit jacket, presumably to coordinate with the bloodstains on his heavily bandaged face. In case you were wondering, no, he wasn’t injured; it was a PSA of sorts, on-theme with his AMA-winning album After Hours and the short films he made for “Blinding Lights” and “After Hours,” reports Elle.
The Weeknd was warning people against drunk driving—and visibly showing what kind of injuries can happen when drunk driving leads to car accidents. As he explained to Esquire earlier this year, his After Hours song “’Blinding Lights’ [is about] how you want to see someone at night, and you’re intoxicated, and you’re driving to this person and you’re just blinded by streetlights. But nothing could stop you from trying to go see that person, because you’re so lonely. I don’t want to ever promote drunk driving, but that’s what the dark undertone is.”
Advertisement
On a lighter note, Doja Cat continued to prove that cancel culture is a fleeting concept, not only scoring wins for Favorite Female Artist - Soul/R&B and New Artist of the Year, but giving us some...interesting fashuns, including a take on cavewoman chic for her performance with a more extra-terrestrially clad Bebe Rexha.
Advertisement
Laverne Cox was also out-of-this-world for the AMAs, giving us superwoman style in an asymmetrical black and gold gown and bodysuit custom-made by Michael Costello. The designer even provided a sneak peek at the making of the garment on Instagram, which showed off her Amazonian frame (and legs!) to perfection.
Advertisement
And then, there was Meg...who not only stopped the show with her “body-ody-ody-ody” but gave us a message of body positivity to go with it, proclaiming “every curve, every inch, every mark, every dimple...decoration on [her] temple.” We’re still awaiting details on the sheer beaded black catsuit she wore for her debut live performance of her insta-hit single, but until we get them, let’s just revisit how Meg got us bodied Sunday night.
Advertisement
For the rest of the deets on AMAs winners, make sure to check out The Root’s comprehensive recap.


theroot--2020-11-23--The Anniversary of Mary J. Blige’s My Life Is Almost Here and I Can’t Help but 'Be Happy'

Nov. 29 marks the 26th anniversary of Mary J. Blige ’ s sophomore album , My Life .
It ’ s an album filled with stories of trials and triumph , but most importantly it ’ s a breakthrough album that set the tone for both R & B and Blige ’ s career trajectory .
Boasting fire-ass hits such as “ Mary Jane , ” “ My Life , ” “ Be Happy , ” and the always appropriate karaoke night favorite , “ I ’ m Goin ’ Down , ” this album cemented itself as one the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joints of all time .
Because of that , Urban Legends along with Soul in the Horn have teamed up to bring a one-of-a-kind 3D experience for fans like myself , to celebrate this iconic anniversary .
In a press release sent to The Root : “ Welcome to My Life , ” brings a [ groundbreaking ] artist and one of her most significant projects to her most dedicated fans via an innovative platform in an era when at-home entertainment is more important than ever .
Custom-built so fans can interact with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concierges designed to guide them on-demand throughout the journey , UMe ’ s Urban Legends and Soul in the Horn provide VIP access to My Life ’ s music , performances , visuals and more .
I got the chance to play around in this digital world and let me tell y ’ all , it was pretty lit .
As I went further into the experience , I got to listen to track-by-track commentary from Mary J where she discussed the background story behind each song as well as the musical influences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also a dope area that took a look into her fashions and most notable lewks .
Speaking of fashions , they also had a merch area with hoodies and shirts to commemorate the 25th anniversary and a showcasing of her recently released Sun Goddess wine .
But perhaps the most enjoyable moment of the digital experience was the “ lounge ” where I was able to watch a throwback interview of Blige on Video Soul .
( Shoutout to Donnie Simpson ! )
In their discussion , Blige discussed the impact she hoped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the heels of What ’ s The 411 ?
but most importantly , what she hoped fans could take away from it .
“ It ’ s not just my life , it ’ s a mirror .
[ So when you say ] it ’ s my life , no , it ’ s their life too and [ the ] things that happened , ” Blige explained .
“ Good and bad situations .
It ’ s just about love and life and things that go on realistically.
” She continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ album , you can see yourself going through the same things or having the same happy times.
” Come on , happy times !
Lord knows we could use more of those , especially this year .
The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul will be re-releasing the critically acclaimed album via 2CD , black double vinyl and triple vinyl edition .
The 3LP will also be available as a digital release with featured commentary from Mary herself .
I know I ’ ll be copping once it ’ s here so in the meantime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my dancery skills .

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

Nov. 29 marks the 26th anniversary of Mary J. Blige’s sophomore album, My Life. It’s an album filled with stories of trials and triumph, but most importantly it’s a breakthrough album that set the tone for both R&B and Blige’s career trajectory. Boasting fire-ass hits such as “Mary Jane,” “My Life,” “Be Happy,” and the always appropriate karaoke night favorite, “I’m Goin’ Down,” this album cemented itself as one the most influential and quintessential R&B joints of all time. Because of that, Urban Legends along with Soul in the Horn have teamed up to bring a one-of-a-kind 3D experience for fans like myself, to celebrate this iconic anniversary.
In a press release sent to The Root:
“Welcome to My Life,” brings a [ groundbreaking] artist and one of her most significant projects to her most dedicated fans via an innovative platform in an era when at-home entertainment is more important than ever. Custom-built so fans can interact with one another as well as with digital concierges designed to guide them on-demand throughout the journey, UMe’s Urban Legends and Soul in the Horn provide VIP access to My Life’s music, performances, visuals and more.
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I got the chance to play around in this digital world and let me tell y’all, it was pretty lit. As I went further into the experience, I got to listen to track-by-track commentary from Mary J where she discussed the background story behind each song as well as the musical influences that served as inspiration. There was also a dope area that took a look into her fashions and most notable lewks. Speaking of fashions, they also had a merch area with hoodies and shirts to commemorate the 25th anniversary and a showcasing of her recently released Sun Goddess wine. But perhaps the most enjoyable moment of the digital experience was the “lounge” where I was able to watch a throwback interview of Blige on Video Soul. (Shoutout to Donnie Simpson!) In their discussion, Blige discussed the impact she hoped this album would make coming off of the heels of What’s The 411? but most importantly, what she hoped fans could take away from it.
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“It’s not just my life, it’s a mirror. [So when you say] it’s my life, no, it’s their life too and [the] things that happened,” Blige explained. “Good and bad situations. It’s just about love and life and things that go on realistically.” She continued, “When you listen to this album, you can see yourself going through the same things or having the same happy times.” Come on, happy times! Lord knows we could use more of those, especially this year.
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The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul will be re-releasing the critically acclaimed album via 2CD, black double vinyl and triple vinyl edition. The 3LP will also be available as a digital release with featured commentary from Mary herself. I know I’ll be copping once it’s here so in the meantime, I’ll just keep practicing my dancery skills.


theroot--2020-11-24--If You Need More Towels Macy's Has Another Collection for Just $5

Whether you 're celebrating with your loved ones in person or from a distance , The Inventory staff is dedicated to spreading holiday cheer with the top gifts to ring in the season—and maybe a few good deals to snatch up for yourself .
It 's okay , your secret 's safe with us .
Normally this would be the time of year where I ’ d buy new towels for my cousin who stays with me when she visits from England or for my old roommate who crashes on the sofa on her way up to Boston .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them this year .
No holiday guests in 2020 .
However , this Macy ’ s sale is so good I ’ m just going to toss out the old and welcome the new .
The Martha Stewart Collection of Quick Dry Towels are just $ 5 and the hand towels are $ 4 .
So you can have a set for only $ 9 .
They come in 10 colors so you ’ re sure to find the right hues to blend with your bathroom decor and add a touch of class @ @ @ @ @ @ @ machine washable cotton and guaranteed to be cozy after a nice hot shower .
This is because one side reverses to a solid terry cloth material .
The bath towels are a standard 27 '' x 52 '' .
Act fast because these will not last .

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

Martha Stewart Collection Quick Dry Towels | $8 | Macy’s
If you’ve taken part in spring cleaning and got rid of old useless things, congratulations. Throwing out things you don’t need can be very therapeutic. The next place in your deep house clean should be the linen closet. Now is the time to throw out old holey and discolored towels (or donate to a pet shelter). But don’t worry, Macy’s is here to help. This sale is so good you’re going to welcome the new. The Martha Stewart Collection of Quick Dry Towels are just $8, and the hand towels are $6. So you can have a set for only $12.
They come in ten colors, so you’re sure to find the right hues to blend with your bathroom decor and add a touch of class. Each towel is made of cozy machine washable cotton and is guaranteed to be cozy after a nice hot shower. This is because one side reverses to a solid terry cloth material. The bath towels are a standard 27" x 52". Act fast because these will not last.
Free shipping on orders over $25. This sale ends on July 5.
This deal was originally posted by Sheilah Villari in November 2020 and updated new information on 9/17/2021.


theroot--2020-11-24--David Dinkins, New York City’s First Black Mayor, Dies at 93

David Dinkins , who became the first Black mayor of the nation ’ s largest city , died Monday night at his Upper East Side home in Manhattan at age 93 , according to the New York Times .
His death occurred a little more than a month after his wife , Joyce , who died in October .
Many of New York ’ s top luminaries from both sides of the political aisle hailed Dinkins as a devoted public servant and trailblazer who paved the way for other Black politicians .
“ David was a historic mayor .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biracial support in a citywide race , ” said former New York Gov .
David Paterson , who was the first African-American governor , according to the New York Post .
“ I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Mayor David Dinkins , and to the many New Yorkers who loved and supported him , ” Former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani , who lost to Dinkins in 1989 , wrote on Twitter , the Post noted.
“ He gave a great deal of his life in service to our great City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by all.
” “ David Dinkins was a forerunner to Barack Obama .
He was elected saying the same things , ” Rev .
Al Sharpton told the Post .
“ He helped to change the psychology of American politics , making it more inclusive and more progressive.
” Born on July 10 , 1927 , David Norman Dinkins grew up with his mother and grandmother in Trenton , N.J. ; his parents divorced when he was 7 .
After graduating in the top 10 percent of his high school class , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was known as “ Dink.
” His studies were briefly interrupted when he enlisted to serve in World War II .
He tried to join the Marine Corps but was initially told that the “ Negro quota ” had been met .
He went into the Army instead but would eventually serve in the Marines as well .
Dinkins returned to Howard and graduated magna cum laude with a degree in mathematics .
He also met his wife , Joyce Burrows , at the school .
Her father was Daniel Burrows , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pushed his son-in-law to consider a career in politics .
In 1953 Dinkins enrolled at Brooklyn Law School .
After graduating , he began his political trek by becoming involved in Harlem ’ s Carver Club .
Formed by the self-proclaimed “ Harlem Fox ” J. Raymond Jones , the organization groomed young Black business and political leaders and was key to the city ’ s overall structure .
Other notables among Dinkins ’ peers included Basil Paterson , Charlie Rangel and Percy Sutton .
Dinkins won his first elective office in 1965 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State Assembly .
After two years , his district was redrawn and he chose to hold off running again .
Mayor Abraham Beame offered him a post as deputy mayor , which Dinkins accepted but had to turn down after news reports that he hadn ’ t paid taxes surfaced .
He resolved the issue by paying up , and the party appointed him city clerk—a position that consisted primarily of signing marriage certificates .
He won his bid for Manhattan borough president in 1985 after three tries .
Four years later he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mayor , defeating incumbent Mayor Ed Koch in the Democratic primary and the Republican candidate , former prosecutor Rudolph Giuliani , in the general election .
Dinkins ’ campaign had emphasized his ability to bring together the many races in a city marred by racial tensions , and he famously called New York a “ gorgeous mosaic.
” Dinkins ’ talents as a consensus builder and racial healer would be tested by events such as the Black community ’ s 1990 boycott of Korean grocery stores in Brooklyn and the 1991 Crown Heights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a motorcade of prominent Jewish rabbis in Brooklyn killed a young Black child .
Dinkins ’ administration also quickly came under fire for its handling of the economy and crime .
Dinkins had inherited a $ 1.8 billion deficit , and the 1990 recession led to the loss of 300,000 private sector jobs , which sapped the city ’ s tax base .
He tried to balance the budget by cutting city jobs and services as well as raising taxes .
He was also hurt by criticism that crime in the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates for almost all categories declined during the latter part of his four-year term , and he bulked up the New York City Police Department by almost 25 percent .
In seeking re-election , the erudite , elegant Dinkins would once again face the brash , no-nonsense Giuliani .
But this time , Dinkins ’ low-key management style was depicted as weak leadership .
His reputation as a racial healer had also taken a beating , and his support among key groups like whites , Jews and Asian Americans had dropped considerably .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting only 46 percent of the vote .
No Democrat was elected mayor of New York again until Bill de Blasio in 2013 .
After leaving office , Dinkins became a professor of public affairs at Columbia University and remained politically active .
He endorsed numerous city mayoral candidates , including Democrats Mark Green in 2001 and Fernando Ferrer in 2005 .
In 2008 he was a New York delegate for Hillary Clinton in her presidential campaign .
He also offered his insights Saturday mornings on Dialogue With Dinkins , a radio program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a member of both Alpha Phi Alpha—the oldest Greek-letter African-American fraternity—and Sigma Pi Phi , the oldest Black professional fraternity .
Monée Fields-White is a freelance writer and editor based in Los Angeles.Monée Fields-White is a freelance writer and editor based in Los Angeles .

David Dinkins, who became the first Black mayor of the nation’s largest city, died Monday night at his Upper East Side home in Manhattan at age 93, according to the New York Times. His death occurred a little more than a month after his wife, Joyce, who died in October.
Many of New York’s top luminaries from both sides of the political aisle hailed Dinkins as a devoted public servant and trailblazer who paved the way for other Black politicians.
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“David was a historic mayor. He showed that a Black candidate can win biracial support in a citywide race,” said former New York Gov. David Paterson, who was the first African-American governor, according to the New York Post.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Mayor David Dinkins, and to the many New Yorkers who loved and supported him,” Former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who lost to Dinkins in 1989, wrote on Twitter, the Post noted.“He gave a great deal of his life in service to our great City. That service is respected and honored by all.”
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“David Dinkins was a forerunner to Barack Obama. He was elected saying the same things,” Rev. Al Sharpton told the Post. “He helped to change the psychology of American politics, making it more inclusive and more progressive.”
Born on July 10, 1927, David Norman Dinkins grew up with his mother and grandmother in Trenton, N.J.; his parents divorced when he was 7. After graduating in the top 10 percent of his high school class, he went on to Howard University, where he was known as “Dink.” His studies were briefly interrupted when he enlisted to serve in World War II. He tried to join the Marine Corps but was initially told that the “Negro quota” had been met. Instead, he went into the Army but would eventually serve in the Marines as well.
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Dinkins returned to Howard and graduated magna cum laude with a degree in mathematics. He also met his wife, Joyce Burrows, at the school. Her father was Daniel Burrows, a former assemblyman and district leader who pushed his son-in-law to consider a career in politics.
In 1953 Dinkins enrolled at Brooklyn Law School. After graduating, he began his political trek by becoming involved in Harlem’s Carver Club. Formed by the self-proclaimed “Harlem Fox” J. Raymond Jones, the organization groomed young Black business and political leaders and was key to the city’s overall structure. Other notables among Dinkins’ peers included Basil Paterson, Charlie Rangel and Percy Sutton.
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Dinkins won his first elective office in 1965 as a representative in the New York State Assembly. After two years, his district was redrawn and he chose to hold off running again. Mayor Abraham Beame offered him a post as deputy mayor, which Dinkins accepted but had to turn down after news reports that he hadn’t paid taxes surfaced. He resolved the issue by paying up, and the party appointed him city clerk—a position that consisted primarily of signing marriage certificates.
He won his bid for Manhattan borough president in 1985 after three tries. Four years later he was elected the city’s 106th mayor, defeating incumbent Mayor Ed Koch in the Democratic primary and the Republican candidate, former prosecutor Rudolph Giuliani, in the general election.
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Dinkins’ campaign had emphasized his ability to bring together the many races in a city marred by racial tensions, and he famously called New York a “gorgeous mosaic.” Dinkins’ talents as a consensus builder and racial healer would be tested by events such as the Black community’s 1990 boycott of Korean grocery stores in Brooklyn and the 1991 Crown Heights riots, which began after a car in a motorcade of prominent Jewish rabbis in Brooklyn killed a young Black child.
Dinkins’ administration also quickly came under fire for its handling of the economy and crime. Dinkins had inherited a $1.8 billion deficit, and the 1990 recession led to the loss of 300,000 private sector jobs, which sapped the city’s tax base. He tried to balance the budget by cutting city jobs and services as well as raising taxes. He was also hurt by criticism that crime in the city was out of control, although crime rates for almost all categories declined during the latter part of his four-year term, and he bulked up the New York City Police Department by almost 25 percent.
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In seeking re-election, the erudite, elegant Dinkins would once again face the brash, no-nonsense Giuliani. But this time, Dinkins’ low-key management style was depicted as weak leadership. His reputation as a racial healer had also taken a beating, and his support among key groups like whites, Jews and Asian Americans had dropped considerably. In 1993 Dinkins lost to Giuliani, getting only 46 percent of the vote. No Democrat was elected mayor of New York again until Bill de Blasio in 2013.
After leaving office, Dinkins became a professor of public affairs at Columbia University and remained politically active. He endorsed numerous city mayoral candidates, including Democrats Mark Green in 2001 and Fernando Ferrer in 2005. In 2008 he was a New York delegate for Hillary Clinton in her presidential campaign.
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He also offered his insights Saturday mornings on Dialogue With Dinkins, a radio program on Black-themed AM station WLIB. Dinkins was a member of both Alpha Phi Alpha—the oldest Greek-letter African-American fraternity—and Sigma Pi Phi, the oldest Black professional fraternity.
Monée Fields-White is a freelance writer and editor based in Los Angeles.


theroot--2020-11-26--Former Student Sues Illinois High School for Blatant, Widespread Racism

A former student has sued an Illinois high school , citing multiple racist incidents he experienced and observed during his time at the school .
According to CBS Chicago , 19-year-old Stanley Fabian observed and personally experienced multiple instances of racism during his time at Minooka Community High School .
Fabian recounted an incident he experienced last year as a senior at the school , when a white student brought an oversized cookie into the classroom .
“ When I jokingly reached for it – he was at the front of the class – he turned around and said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I ’ m going to lynch you , ’ ” Fabian told the news outlet .
“ I didn ’ t even know how to respond .
It was like a deer-in-the-headlights kind of moment.
” Bruh , I don ’ t care if the kid was a teenager , threatening to lynch someone over a cookie cake is an offense worthy of being stomped .
No one should be threatening to lynch anyone , period .
Doing so over a cookie cake , makes you simultaneously racist and a punk-bitch .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ While the incident was shocking for Fabian , it wasn ’ t exactly unexpected .
“ For four years , I ’ ve heard multiple slurs being thrown around towards African-American students , Mexican students , ” Fabian said .
Fabian ’ s mother , TeSaxton Washington , told CBS Chicago that while the student who made the threat was eventually suspended , the response from the school is what spurred the family to take legal action .
“ It was apparent from day one that this was not something that they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington told CBS Chicago .
Washington said she felt more confident in filing the suit after speaking to the parents of other students who have experienced similar incidents .
“ This was not just his story , ” Washington told the news outlet .
“ In fact , this is something that has been going on for at least five decades.
” For those curious about what she means by five decades , well , it ’ s a doozy .
See , in 1987 the school thought it was a good idea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event .
It was a fun-for-the-whole-family affair that included simulated lynchings and slave auction reenactments .
I guess that was one way to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Roots .
I certainly wouldn ’ t have expected less from the coked out white folks of the Regan-era .
A representative for Minooka “ Slave Days ” Community High School told CBS Chicago they weren ’ t aware of the lawsuit , adding that the school doesn ’ t comment on pending litigation .
Fabian hopes that the lawsuit will effect meaningful change for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school .
“ The students should feel protected , ” Fabian told CBS Chicago .
“ As of right now I don ’ t think the majority of minority students feel protected .
”

A former student has sued an Illinois high school, citing multiple racist incidents he experienced and observed during his time at the school.
According to CBS Chicago, 19-year-old Stanley Fabian observed and personally experienced multiple instances of racism during his time at Minooka Community High School. Fabian recounted an incident he experienced last year as a senior at the school, when a white student brought an oversized cookie into the classroom.
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“When I jokingly reached for it – he was at the front of the class – he turned around and said, ‘If you touch that cookie cake, I’m going to lynch you,’” Fabian told the news outlet. “I didn’t even know how to respond. It was like a deer-in-the-headlights kind of moment.”
Bruh, I don’t care if the kid was a teenager, threatening to lynch someone over a cookie cake is an offense worthy of being stomped. No one should be threatening to lynch anyone, period. Doing so over a cookie cake, makes you simultaneously racist and a punk-bitch.
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A Trump, if you will.
While the incident was shocking for Fabian, it wasn’t exactly unexpected. “For four years, I’ve heard multiple slurs being thrown around towards African-American students, Mexican students,” Fabian said.
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Fabian’s mother, TeSaxton Washington, told CBS Chicago that while the student who made the threat was eventually suspended, the response from the school is what spurred the family to take legal action. “It was apparent from day one that this was not something that they were really going to treat seriously,” Washington told CBS Chicago.
Washington said she felt more confident in filing the suit after speaking to the parents of other students who have experienced similar incidents. “This was not just his story,” Washington told the news outlet. “In fact, this is something that has been going on for at least five decades.”
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For those curious about what she means by five decades, well, it’s a doozy.
See, in 1987 the school thought it was a good idea to hold a “Slave Days” event. It was a fun-for-the-whole-family affair that included simulated lynchings and slave auction reenactments.
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I guess that was one way to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Roots. I certainly wouldn’t have expected less from the coked out white folks of the Regan-era.
A representative for Minooka “Slave Days” Community High School told CBS Chicago they weren’t aware of the lawsuit, adding that the school doesn’t comment on pending litigation.
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Fabian hopes that the lawsuit will effect meaningful change for the Black and brown students at the school. “The students should feel protected,” Fabian told CBS Chicago. “As of right now I don’t think the majority of minority students feel protected.”


theroot--2020-11-25--Too Faced's Mascara Set Really Is the Best and You Too Can Fall in Love for Only $28

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara Set | $ 28 | Macy ’ s There are a few beauty snobs who look down on Too Faced for this lash beautifier but there is a reason it ’ s the best-selling prestige mascara in America .
I was a convert a few years ago when I got a sample in a bag from Sephora .
It ’ s still one of my favorites and I highly recommend Better Than Sex Mascara .
This set is usually $ 40 so this holiday deal is a great one .
You will see the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blown away by how long my lashes look after one application .
Paint them as black as can be all while separating and lifting .
( I swear I wasn ’ t trying to make it sound like a bra . )
They really do give a volume boost and intensifies your eyes .
In this pack , you get both the standard size and the travel size so you can touch up on the go .
Although I will say it wears really well throughout the day .
Peptides condition each lash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the appearance of extension .
And film-forming polymers curl them to the heavens giving the illusion of falsies without having to use nasty glue .
This is a set you will not be let down by .
Is it better than sex , well you can decide for yourself .
But for me , it ’ s better than other mascaras on the market hands down .

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara Set | $28 | Macy’s
There are a few beauty snobs who look down on Too Faced for this lash beautifier but there is a reason it’s the best-selling prestige mascara in America. I was a convert a few years ago when I got a sample in a bag from Sephora. It’s still one of my favorites and I highly recommend Better Than Sex Mascara. This set is usually $40 so this holiday deal is a great one.
You will see the results instantly. I’m always blown away by how long my lashes look after one application. Paint them as black as can be all while separating and lifting. (I swear I wasn’t trying to make it sound like a bra.) They really do give a volume boost and intensifies your eyes. In this pack, you get both the standard size and the travel size so you can touch up on the go. Although I will say it wears really well throughout the day. Peptides condition each lash while acacia Senegal tree extract gives them the appearance of extension. And film-forming polymers curl them to the heavens giving the illusion of falsies without having to use nasty glue. This is a set you will not be let down by. Is it better than sex, well you can decide for yourself. But for me, it’s better than other mascaras on the market hands down.
Free shipping on orders over $25.


theroot--2020-11-26--Michael Jordan Donates $2 Million of The Last Dance Proceeds to 'Help Feed America’s Hungry'

This holiday season is unlike any that we ’ ve ever faced .
With the coronavirus still wreaking havoc in our communities , not only are citizens throughout the country enduring financial strife , but for the first time , in order to preserve our health and safety from COVID-19 , many of us will be unable to spend the holidays with our loved ones .
It ’ s a trying time for all of us , but thankfully people like Michael Jordan—and Marshawn Lynch—are doing their part to spread goodwill despite the circumstances .
In April , ESPN ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acclaim and destroyed viewership records as it provided new insight and context into Air Jordan ’ s final championship season with the Chicago Bulls .
It also generated a nice chunk of change for the six-time NBA champion , who reportedly earned as much as $ 4 million for his participation .
But according to Feeding America , a nationwide network of over 200 food banks , at least some of those proceeds will be used to contribute towards the fight to end hunger during the holidays .
“ An incredible gift to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweeted on Wednesday .
“ NBA legend Michael Jordan is donating $ 2 million to help our neighbors facing hunger !
# TheLastDance ” “ In these challenging times and in a year of unimaginable difficulty due to COVID-19 , it ’ s more important than ever to pause and give thanks , ” Jordan said in a statement .
“ I am proud to be donating additional proceeds from The Last Dance to Feeding America and its member food banks in the Carolinas and Chicago to help feed America ’ s hungry.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for not being socially engaged or doing enough to give back to the same people that helped turn him into a cultural phenomenon .
But in recent years , he ’ s been much more active in using his platform and power to elevate others .
In June , he announced that he and his Jordan Brand will donate $ 100 million over the next ten years to “ ensure racial equality , social justice and greater access to education.
” These are the type of stories that we love to hear , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figures who are using their platforms to help others during this difficult season .

This holiday season is unlike any that we’ve ever faced.
With the coronavirus still wreaking havoc in our communities, not only are citizens throughout the country enduring financial strife, but for the first time, in order to preserve our health and safety from COVID-19, many of us will be unable to spend the holidays with our loved ones.
It’s a trying time for all of us, but thankfully people like Michael Jordan—and Marshawn Lynch—are doing their part to spread goodwill despite the circumstances.
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In April, ESPN’s miniseries The Last Dance drew critical acclaim and destroyed viewership records as it provided new insight and context into Air Jordan’s final championship season with the Chicago Bulls. It also generated a nice chunk of change for the six-time NBA champion, who reportedly earned as much as $4 million for his participation. But according to Feeding America, a nationwide network of over 200 food banks, at least some of those proceeds will be used to contribute towards the fight to end hunger during the holidays.
“An incredible gift to be thankful for,” Feeding America tweeted on Wednesday. “NBA legend Michael Jordan is donating $2 million to help our neighbors facing hunger! #TheLastDance”
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“In these challenging times and in a year of unimaginable difficulty due to COVID-19, it’s more important than ever to pause and give thanks,” Jordan said in a statement. “I am proud to be donating additional proceeds from The Last Dance to Feeding America and its member food banks in the Carolinas and Chicago to help feed America’s hungry.”
For decades, Jordan caught hell for not being socially engaged or doing enough to give back to the same people that helped turn him into a cultural phenomenon. But in recent years, he’s been much more active in using his platform and power to elevate others. In June, he announced that he and his Jordan Brand will donate $100 million over the next ten years to “ensure racial equality, social justice and greater access to education.”
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These are the type of stories that we love to hear, so shoutout to Jordan and other public figures who are using their platforms to help others during this difficult season.


theroot--2020-11-25--What the Root Crew Is Cooking (and Not Cooking) for the Craziest Thanksgiving Ever

Last year I spent Thanksgiving with—wait for it—17 people crammed into a two-bedroom , one-bathroom Jersey City apartment where the festivities spanned over the course of two days with enough food for each person to take home a to-go plate and still leave the host enough to last through the next week .
This year , my Thanksgiving celebrations will take place in my studio apartment with my partner and our cat .
With most of us still in lockdown as the COVID-19 rates spike , we have come to the unfortunate realization that the 2020 holidays will be on-brand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Then again , if you ’ re into the idea of not dealing with your family asking you questions about God knows what , maybe they won ’ t .
If you ’ re like me and cooking and eating have been therapeutic since the beginning of lockdown , you ’ re probably wondering how to pull off making a comforting Thanksgiving meal for one or two without it being downright depressing .
We ’ ll all most likely be eating trays of mac and cheese and a pot of collards until Christmas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all over again .
For those of us out here trying to figure it out , here are a few small group meals , drinks and sides The Root crew will be making this holiday weekend .

Last year I spent Thanksgiving with—wait for it—17 people crammed into a two-bedroom, one-bathroom Jersey City apartment where the festivities spanned over the course of two days with enough food for each person to take home a to-go plate and still leave the host enough to last through the next week.
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This year, my Thanksgiving celebrations will take place in my studio apartment with my partner and our cat.
With most of us still in lockdown as the COVID-19 rates spike, we have come to the unfortunate realization that the 2020 holidays will be on-brand with the rest of the year.
Then again, if you’re into the idea of not dealing with your family asking you questions about God knows what, maybe they won’t.
If you’re like me and cooking and eating have been therapeutic since the beginning of lockdown, you’re probably wondering how to pull off making a comforting Thanksgiving meal for one or two without it being downright depressing.
We’ll all most likely be eating trays of mac and cheese and a pot of collards until Christmas when we have to do this solo-celebrating all over again. For those of us out here trying to figure it out, here are a few small group meals, drinks and sides The Root crew will be making this holiday weekend.


theroot--2020-11-25--Shop Early Black Friday Deals on Apple, LEGO, Always Pan, Assassin's Creed Valhalla, and More

Black Friday is hitting a little different this year , and for your sake and everyone ’ s , we hope you plan on doing any deals shopping online .
Luckily , retailers far and wide are lining up to grab your attention with amazing deals , and they ’ re starting even earlier than usual .
We ’ ve seen loads of great Black Friday deals already , ranging from cheap earbuds and bath towels to PS4 games , cookware , apparel , cosmetics , and more .
Here are some of the best deals around right now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week to bring even more can ’ t-miss bargains .
If you ’ ve been curious about Apple ’ s famed wireless earbuds but didn ’ t want to pay full price , here ’ s your chance : Amazon has the AirPods for just $ 119 right now .
That ’ s a $ 40 savings off the regular list price .
Or you can snag the version with a wirelessly-chargeable case for $ 150 , which is $ 49 off list .
In either case , you get compact ‘ buds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easily with iOS devices and Macs ( but work with others too ) , and last up to 5 hours per charge .
Snag one of the season ’ s hottest new video games for the adventurer in your family .
Assassin ’ s Creed Valhalla shifts the action to the Viking conquest of England , with dazzling terrain , brutal action , and captivating storytelling .
Right now , you can save $ 10 off the list price on Xbox ( works on Xbox Series X/S or Xbox One ) , PlayStation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Save Up to 60 % on Amazon Echo Devices If you ’ re looking to bring the Amazon Alexa voice assistant into your home , whether it ’ s for the first time or you ’ re expanding into new rooms and spaces , now ’ s the time .
Amazon is offering up to 60 % off various models , including $ 30 off the brand new globe-shaped Echo , $ 21 off the smaller new Echo Dot , and half-off the screen packing Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than enough kitchen devices handy , the Instant Pot is one more than you might appreciate .
These multi-function gadgets are pressure cookers , slow cookers , steamers , egg cookers , and more , plus they keep a pretty compact footprint .
Right now , the 6qt Instant Pot Duo Nova is 60 % off at Macy ’ s : just $ 50 !
Right now is a rough time for spotty home Wi-Fi connectivity , especially for those of us working from home and doubly so for those of us with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ old Wi-Fi router isn ’ t cutting it anymore , consider an Eero mesh router .
These handy whole-home systems use multiple access points to blanket your entire space with seamless , smooth internet access .
Right now , Amazon has multiple sets and devices for 20 % off the list price .
Clip coupon and use code P9UHQJIX at checkout Looking for affordable wireless earbuds that won ’ t break the bank ?
You won ’ t find a much better deal than Mpow ’ s M30 wireless earbuds for just $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Just clip the coupon and use promo code P9UHQJIX at checkout to get the full savings .
These earbuds have a strong 4.6-star rating at Amazon and deliver up to 5 hours of battery life per charge , with an additional 20 hours of charge available in the case .
Towels worn thin ?
Got frays hanging from the ends ?
Upgrading doesn ’ t have to be expensive , especially with this incredible Macy ’ s sale .
Right now , you can snag a Home Design cotton bath towel for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hand towel of the same color for just $ 3 !
Both are ~70 % off the list price , and Macy ’ s has seven color options to choose from .
Load up while they ’ re cheap .
Snag the heart of your next gaming rig with this 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9900K Coffee Lake processor , which is marked down $ 230 right now from the original list price at Newegg .
Along with a powerful chip for your new desktop , you ’ ll also get an Intel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and productivity tools alongside some in-game goodies for titles like Fortnite and Auto Chess .
Rev up your next quiet afternoon or evening with a LEGO Speed Champions building kit .
These officially-licensed sets let you create blocky recreations of iconic sports cars and other rides , including the McLaren Senna , Ferrari F40 Competizione , and Porsche 911 Turbo 3.0 , along with many others , and several sets are marked down 20 % right now at Amazon .
If you need a better streaming solution for Netflix , Hulu , Disney+ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services , why not snag a Roku ?
The company ’ s most popular devices are on sale right now , with the Roku Ultra down to $ 69 ( from $ 100 ) , the Roku Streaming Stick+ for just $ 30 ( down from $ 50 ) , and the Roku Premiere for $ 24 ( usually $ 40 ) .
They all have 4K video support , but otherwise have various features .
The Always Pan is a recent cookware sensation : a well-designed , attractive , multi-function ceramic non-stick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the old pots and pans in your kitchen .
Whether braising , steaming , frying , boiling , and more , it ’ s a super-handy addition that includes a modular lid , steaming basket and colander , easy-pour spouts , and beech wood spatula with a built-in rest .
It ’ s not cheap , but right now you can save $ 50 off the list price directly from Our Place with the promo code SUPERSALE .
Some color options won ’ t ship until late December , however , so be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sooner .
We can ’ t help you with a sure-thing PlayStation 5 purchase right now , but we can point you towards some excellent deals on Sony first-party PS4 games and subscription plans .
Right now , Ghost of Tsushima is marked down to $ 40 and The Last of Us Part II to $ 30 , while the likes of God of War and Horizon Zero Dawn are just $ 10 a pop .
Meanwhile , you can snag a PlayStation Plus or PlayStation Now 12-month subscription for just $ 45 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those work on PS5 too .
Stock up on men ’ s apparel and accessories at JACHS NY with the early Black Friday sale , which lets you save 70 % sitewide when using the code VIPBF .
Whether you ’ re looking for a sweatshirt , jacket , blazer , shirt , or something else , now ’ s the time to fill out your wardrobe .
Secure virtual private network ( VPN ) service into early 2023 with this great NordVPN Black Friday bargain .
You ’ ll save 68 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of service , and then they ’ ll toss in another three free months on top of that .
All told , you ’ ll get 27 months of VPN service for just $ 89 right now , and the popular provider has 5,400+ global servers to connect through and lets you use up to six simultaneous devices .
Ulta ’ s popular Lip Glossary Kit is marked down $ 8 right now .
For just $ 10 , you ’ ll snag 16 different small lippies , including four tinted lip oils @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matte liquid lipsticks , and four patent liquid lipsticks .
Save a bundle and try some new shades !
Save $ 300 total off of a powerful MSI GL75 Leopard 17.3-inch gaming laptop at Newegg right now with this promotion .
This beast has a 10th-gen Intel Core i7 chip with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 graphics card , 16GB RAM , a 1TB hard drive , and 512GB SSD .
There ’ s $ 100 instant savings and the promo code 4STUDENT will knock another $ 100 off , and then the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mail-in rebate ( don ’ t forget ! )
.

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

Black Friday weekend hit a little different this year, and for your sake and everyone’s, we hope you did all of your deals shopping online. Luckily, retailers far and wide served up fantastic deals all weekend long, and they’re not stopping.
We’ve seen loads of great Cyber Monday deals, ranging from cheap earbuds and bath towels to PS4 games, cookware, apparel, cosmetics, and more. Here are some of the best deals around right now, updated daily through the rest of this weekend to bring even more can’t-miss bargains.
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This isn’t a deal in terms of price, but if you’re still looking to secure a Nintendo Switch before Christmas, Amazon has the standard console with red and blue Joy-Con controllers up for grabs at $300. It’s currently listed as being in stock on December 15 as of this writing, although that’s sure to change as people snap ‘em up.
Meanwhile, Best Buy has the newly-announced Fortnite Wildcat Bundle in stock, which comes with a specially-branded console along with the free-to-play game pre-downloaded on the system, plus 2,000 V-Bucks and exclusive in-game content. That’s also $300. And lastly, it won’t ship until January, but Amazon also has the adorable Animal Crossing-themed Switch console available for purchase at regular price.
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Amazon has a big Cyber Monday sale on smartphones that includes models from a variety of brands and is mostly focused on budget-friendly hardware. But there are a few big discounts on flagship phones here, too.
Standouts include the new OnePlus 8T for $630, a $120 savings from the list price, as well as the higher-end OnePlus 8 Pro for $750—that’s $250 off. Other bargains include the Moto G Power for $175, Google Pixel 3a XL for $299, and even a Tracfone Apple iPhone 7 for $130. Check out the full deal listing for several sub-$100 phones, as well.
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Got a Nintendo Switch or is someone you love getting it as a holiday gift? If you haven’t already played Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Mario Party, they’re two of the must-play multiplayer gems on the console. And right now, Target is slashing $40 off the combined price for these hits with this discounted bundle. Now that’s a heck of a deal.
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JACHS NY dropped prices up to 70% off for Black Friday, but the deals are even more serious for Cyber Monday, with items now up to 90% off without a coupon or code. JACHS NY primarily specializes in men’s apparel and accessories, but also has a handful of women’s pieces in the mix. Whether you’re looking to stock up for winter or grab some cheap bargains for the rest of the year, now’s the time to save big.
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Clip coupon and use code D3O7SXCN at checkout
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Looking for affordable wireless earbuds that won’t break the bank? You won’t find a much better deal than Mpow’s M5 wireless earbuds for just $30 at Amazon right now. This deal is exclusively for Prime members, mind you, and you’ll have to clip the coupon and use code D3O7SXCN at checkout. These earbuds have a strong 4.4-star rating at Amazon and deliver up to 6 hours of battery life per charge, with an additional 36 hours of charge available in the case.
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If you grew up in a certain era (say, the early-to-mid ‘90s), then you might remember these classic Tiger Electronics handheld video games. They were cheap, featured great licenses, and were a fun way to kill some time. Well, they’re back: these X-Men and Transformers games have been revived exactly as they were back when, and right now they’re $10 each at Amazon. Stuff one of these in a nostalgic fan’s stocking.
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If your dull blades aren’t slicing through proteins like butter these days, then it might be time for a kitchen upgrade. Luckily, Macy’s has these color-coded Cuisinart knives for just $15 right now, a savings of $25. You get five stainless steel blades here, each with a cover for safe storage, ranging from a lil’ 3.5” paring knife up to an 8” chef’s knife.
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Get your game on from essentially anywhere with the Acer Nitro 5, a notebook primed for high-quality PC gaming. This portable beast has an Intel Core i5 chip alongside a powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060, plus the 15.6” screen has a smooth 144Hz refresh rate and there’s a hefty 1TB hard drive here and a speedy 256GB SSD alongside too. It’s $300 off the list price at Walmart right now.
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If it’s high time to upgrade your entertainment center, especially ahead of the long winter ahead, then scope out this massive deal on a massive Samsung 4K TV from Best Buy. Right now, you can save $600 off the list price of this 82” Class 8 set, which will look super crisp in Ultra HD glory. Whether paired with a new game console or even just for streaming Netflix, it’s bound to be a beauty. Just make sure you have something large enough to hold it!
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Apple’s latest Macs are powered by its own brand new M1 chips, which are shockingly more powerful than the old Intel-driven models. Amazingly, you can already save $100 off the list price of either the base 256GB or larger 512GB models of the super-thin MacBook Air, which are now $899 and $1,149 respectively at Adorama. They’re significantly more powerful than the old Air laptops, making them more capable options for content creation.
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Clip coupon and use promo code KINGSO456G at checkout
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If your old artificial tree isn’t looking the part anymore, or if you’re finally ready to be done with buying a real tree each year, KingSo is offering discounts on fake Christmas trees at Amazon. A 7.5-foot tree is $60 when you clip the coupon on the page and use promo code KINGSO456G at checkout. A snow-flecked version of the same tree comes out to $72 when you clip the coupon and put in the same code.
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AirPods-like wireless earbuds don’t have to break the bank or even stress your wallet much at all. Amazon has these Boltune wireless earbuds for $26 right now, a savings of $14 from the already-low list price. They have a 4.5-star rating from Amazon customers and provide about 4 hours of playback per charge, with another 34 hours’ worth of charges available in the case.
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Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is an incredible value, delivering 100+ playable games for Xbox One/Series X/Series S and PC players, including all of the company’s own big first-party games and lots of other gems large and small. It’s usually $15 a month, which includes an Xbox Live Gold subscription, but right now Target is offering a three-month subscription card for a mere $20. Check it out now if you haven’t, or add extra time to keep gaming through the winter.
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If you need a cheap and easy way to transform a “dumb” TV into a smart one, Amazon’s Fire TV Stick Lite can do the trick. This tiny lil’ stick plugs right into an HDMI port and provides easy access to streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon’s own video offerings. It comes with a remote, too, and is marked down 40% to just $18 right now.
Looking for something that can hit 4K resolution? The Fire TV Stick 4K is also 40% off at $30 today.
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Home ownership may seem forever out of reach for some of us, but right now you can bestow such a wondrous gift on your feline friend(s) for a mere $39 from Chewy. FRISCO’s 33” faux fur cat tree and condo has a couple of cubbies, a big laying platform at the top, and a dangly ball to bat around. The full savings will show up in your cart.
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Paper Mario: The Origami King was one of the standout releases in a relatively quiet year for the Nintendo Switch, so if you didn’t check it out earlier in 2020, now’s the time to dive in. This role-playing adventure is currently $10 off at Amazon—a rare discount indeed.
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If you have a die-hard Dragon Ball fan on your list, then you can ensure an enormous grin on their face this holiday with the Dragon Ball Z Complete Box Set. Currently half off the list price from Amazon, this set comes with 26 (!) paperback books that tell the entire saga—and thankfully without the added filler of the anime adaptation.
Clip the coupon on the page
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If sitting all the time at your home desk isn’t doing any favors for your back, then you might want to consider upgrading to a standing desk. Flexispot’s adjustable desk converts from sitting to standing heights with the simple buttons, and right now Amazon is slashing $100 off the list price. Reap the potential health benefits with this affordable standing setup. Just clip the coupon on the page to snag the savings.
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If you need a beautiful new screen for your stay-at-home cinematic exploits, check out this Sony X800H 65-inch 4K HDR set. This LED display is sure to be a stunner, and would undoubtedly pair well with the new PlayStation 5… or Xbox Series X or S, even. Save $202 at Amazon.
Clip the coupon on the page
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Looking for one of those infrared thermometers that scans someone’s temperature without actually touching their forehead? You’re in luck: Amazon has iHealth’s forehead thermometer for just $20 , a 6 0% savings over the list price, when you clip the coupon.
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Some might scoff at the idea of an adult cruising around on an electric scooter, but we bet you’d feel pretty boss roaming around town on this thing. Segway’s Ninebot ES4 electric kick scooter is a premium model and priced accordingly, but right now it’s $270 off the list price — that’s just $500 at Amazon right now.
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If you’ve been curious about Apple’s famed wireless earbuds but didn’t want to pay full price, here’s your chance: Amazon has the AirPods for just $110 right now. That’s a $49 savings off the regular list price. Or you can snag the version with a wirelessly-chargeable case for $140, which is $59 off list. In either case, you get compact ‘buds that charge within the case, pair easily with iOS devices and Macs (but work with others too), and last up to 5 hours per charge.
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Snag one of the season’s hottest new video games for the adventurer in your family. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla shifts the action to the Viking conquest of England, with dazzling terrain, brutal action, and captivating storytelling. Right now, you can save $10 off the list price on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, or Xbox (works on Xbox Series X/S or Xbox One) at Amazon.
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If you’re looking to bring the Amazon Alexa voice assistant into your home, whether it’s for the first time or you’re expanding into new rooms and spaces, now’s the time. Amazon is offering up to 60% off various models, including $30 off the brand new globe-shaped Echo, $21 off the smaller new Echo Dot, and half-off the screen packing Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8.
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Right now is a rough time for spotty home Wi-Fi connectivity, especially for those of us working from home and doubly so for those of us with kids doing remote learning. If your old Wi-Fi router isn’t cutting it anymore, consider an Eero mesh router. These handy whole-home systems use multiple access points to blanket your entire space with seamless, smooth internet access. Right now, Amazon has multiple sets and devices for 20% off the list price.
Advertisement
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Snag the heart of your next gaming rig with this 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9900K Coffee Lake processor, which is marked down $230 right now from the original list price at Newegg. Along with a powerful chip for your new desktop, you’ll also get an Intel software bundle—valued at $150—which has creativity and productivity tools alongside some in-game goodies for titles like Fortnite and Auto Chess.
Advertisement
Rev up your next quiet afternoon or evening with a LEGO Speed Champions building kit. These officially-licensed sets let you create blocky recreations of iconic sports cars and other rides, including the McLaren Senna, Ferrari F40 Competizione, and Porsche 911 Turbo 3.0, along with many others, and several sets are marked down 20% right now at Amazon.
Advertisement
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If you need a better streaming solution for Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or any of your other favorite services, why not snag a Roku? The company’s most popular devices are on sale right now, with the Roku Ultra down to $69 (from $100), the Roku Streaming Stick+ for just $30 (down from $50), and the Roku Premiere for $24 (usually $40). They all have 4K video support, but otherwise have various features.
Advertisement
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Use code SUPERSALE at checkout
Advertisement
The Always Pan is a recent cookware sensation: a well-designed, attractive, multi-function ceramic non-stick pan that can potentially replace all of the old pots and pans in your kitchen. Whether braising, steaming, frying, boiling, and more, it’s a super-handy addition that includes a modular lid, steaming basket and colander, easy-pour spouts, and beech wood spatula with a built-in rest. It’s not cheap, but right now you can save $50 off the list price directly from Our Place with the promo code SUPERSALE. Some color options won’t ship until late December, however, so be sure to check if you need it sooner.
Advertisement
Secure virtual private network (VPN) service into early 2023 with this great NordVPN Black Friday bargain. You’ll save 68% off the regular price for two years of service, and then they’ll toss in another three free months on top of that. All told, you’ll get 27 months of VPN service for just $89 right now, and the popular provider has 5,400+ global servers to connect through and lets you use up to six simultaneous devices.
Use promo code 4STUDENT at checkout + mail-in rebate
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Save $300 total off of a powerful MSI GL75 Leopard 17.3-inch gaming laptop at Newegg right now with this promotion. This beast has a 10th-gen Intel Core i7 chip with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 graphics card, 16GB RAM, a 1TB hard drive, and 512GB SSD. There’s $100 instant savings and the promo code 4STUDENT will knock another $100 off, and then the last $100 savings comes via a mail-in rebate (don’t forget!).


theroot--2020-11-25--Carol Moseley Braun, the Nation's 1st Black Female Senator, Looks to Join Joe Biden's Cabinet

The first Black woman to serve as a U.S. senator , Carol Moseley Braun , has been out of public office for nearly 20 years .
But she ’ s hoping to make a return to government—in President-elect Joe Biden ’ s cabinet , nonetheless—with an unlikely position : Secretary of the Interior .
Moseley Braun , who represented Illinois as a s enator , expressed her interest in serving in the incoming Biden administration a week before the election , but did not push for a specific appointment at the time , the Washington Post reports .
“ All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know I ’ d like to be of service , ” Moseley Braun told the Post .
She told the paper she believed interior secretary would be a “ natural fit ” for her , telling the Post it was her fight to preserve habitat for the native Illinois bird , the bobolink , that first got her interested in politics .
The one-term senator and former U.S. ambassador to New Zealand said she ’ s had a long interest in environmental issues , which would be a substantial focus of the interior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nation ’ s national parks and wildlife .
But as the post points out , she has relatively little experience with regard to environmental policy or public lands .
A longtime ally of Biden ’ s , one of Moseley Braun ’ s most well-known legislative contributions is also a controversial one .
The nation ’ s only Black senator at the time , Moseley Braun was a co-sponsor of the 1994 crime bill , and introduced a specific provision in the legislative package that would make it easier to try juveniles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a jobs bill in order to push through the ’ 94 bill , which was intended to address increasing drug usage and a wave of violent crime happening in the country at the time .
As the Brookings Institution notes , the bill was popular with African Americans at the time , with 58 percent supporting the bill , according to a 1994 Gallup survey ( 49 percent of white Americans supported it ) .
It was also supported by many members of the Congressional Black Caucus , though several key Black members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maxine Waters , John Conyers and Charles Rangel voted against the bill .
Now , the bill is believed to have contributed to the boom of mass incarceration , though the Brookings Institution notes that the “ bulk of growth ” in imprisonment rates happened in the 15 years before the bill ’ s passage .
Moseley Braun also experienced other setbacks that helped prevent her from getting re-elected .
She was accused of ignoring sexual harassment allegations against her then-fiancé and campaign manager , Kgosie Matthews .
She has never been accused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , Moseley Braun lamented , “ No U.S. senator has been investigated more than me.
” The 73-year-old Moseley Braun told the Post recently that an investigation was unable to turn up evidence to back up the claims .
If selected to serve as interior secretary , she said she would focus on reducing the spread of COVID-19 in indigenous communities , and ramp up the agency ’ s workforce and revamp the National Park Service ’ s infrastructure At the heart of her decision-making will be addressing climate change .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s the challenge for our generation , ” she said .
“ If we don ’ t do something about that , we are failing the next generation .
Currently in contention for the role are Rep. Deb Haaland , a New Mexico Democrat who would be the first Native American to hold the position , as well as Sen. Tom Udall .

The first Black woman to serve as a U.S. senator, Carol Moseley Braun, has been out of public office for nearly 20 years. But she’s hoping to make a return to government—in President-elect Joe Biden’s cabinet, nonetheless—with an unlikely position: Secretary of the Interior.
Moseley Braun, who represented Illinois as a s enator, expressed her interest in serving in the incoming Biden administration a week before the election, but did not push for a specific appointment at the time, the Washington Post reports.
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“All I’ve done is let them know I’d like to be of service,” Moseley Braun told the Post.
She told the paper she believed interior secretary would be a “natural fit” for her, telling the Post it was her fight to preserve habitat for the native Illinois bird, the bobolink, that first got her interested in politics.
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The one-term senator and former U.S. ambassador to New Zealand said she’s had a long interest in environmental issues, which would be a substantial focus of the interior secretary position, a role that oversees the nation’s national parks and wildlife.
But as the post points out, she has relatively little experience with regard to environmental policy or public lands.
Advertisement
A longtime ally of Biden’s, one of Moseley Braun’s most well-known legislative contributions is also a controversial one. The nation’s only Black senator at the time, Moseley Braun was a co-sponsor of the 1994 crime bill, and introduced a specific provision in the legislative package that would make it easier to try juveniles as adults.
Democrats decided to forego a jobs bill in order to push through the ’94 bill, which was intended to address increasing drug usage and a wave of violent crime happening in the country at the time. As the Brookings Institution notes, the bill was popular with African Americans at the time, with 58 percent supporting the bill, according to a 1994 Gallup survey (49 percent of white Americans supported it). It was also supported by many members of the Congressional Black Caucus, though several key Black members, including former Representative John Lewis, Maxine Waters, John Conyers and Charles Rangel voted against the bill.
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Now, the bill is believed to have contributed to the boom of mass incarceration, though the Brookings Institution notes that the “bulk of growth” in imprisonment rates happened in the 15 years before the bill’s passage.
Moseley Braun also experienced other setbacks that helped prevent her from getting re-elected. She was accused of ignoring sexual harassment allegations against her then-fiancé and campaign manager, Kgosie Matthews. She has never been accused of criminal wrongdoing, but at the time, Moseley Braun lamented, “No U.S. senator has been investigated more than me.”
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The 73-year-old Moseley Braun told the Post recently that an investigation was unable to turn up evidence to back up the claims.
If selected to serve as interior secretary, she said she would focus on reducing the spread of COVID-19 in indigenous communities, and ramp up the agency’s workforce and revamp the National Park Service’s infrastructure At the heart of her decision-making will be addressing climate change.
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“Climate change is the existential threat; that’s the challenge for our generation,” she said. “If we don’t do something about that, we are failing the next generation.
Currently in contention for the role are Rep. Deb Haaland, a New Mexico Democrat who would be the first Native American to hold the position, as well as Sen. Tom Udall.


theroot--2020-11-25--Seattle Honors Calls to Defund the Police...Kind Of

“ Back the Blue ” advocates would have you believe that the “ defund the police ” rallying cry is a call to end policing in America outright .
While there certainly are those who wish to abolish the police , “ defund the police ” is a call to take some of the funding normally granted to police departments and allocate them to other things such as mental health resources or social work .
In Seattle—a city that saw so many protests against systemic racism in policing over the summer that the Department of Justice declared it an “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honoring “ defund the police ” calls by slashing the city ’ s police department ’ s budget for 2021 , but not by as much as activists wanted .
NBC News reports that the Seattle City Council decided Monday to cut the budget of the Seattle Police Department by nearly 17 percent .
Many activists demanded the department ’ s budget be cut by 50 percent , but Mayor Jenny Durkan basically said , “ Nah , but we ’ ll cut a little bit.
” “ I believe we are laying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changes to policing , ” Durkan said in a statement .
“ We have rightly put forward a plan that seeks to ensure SPD has enough officers to meet 911 response and investigative needs throughout the city , while acknowledging and addressing the disproportionate impacts policing has had on communities of color , particularly Black communities.
” Council member Teresa Mosqueda , who heads the the budget committee , said it was a top priority to “ downsize the SPD ’ s budget ” and move money to other social programs that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ healthy outcomes for ” minority communities .
She cited the police slayings of George Floyd in Minneapolis and Breonna Taylor in Louisville as key moments that moved Seattle residents .
“ We have much more work to do , and we must get to work on those next steps now , ” Mosqueda said .
According to a c ity h all spokeswoman , Durkan is expected to sign the 2021 budget into law next week .

“Back the Blue” advocates would have you believe that the “defund the police” rallying cry is a call to end policing in America outright. While there certainly are those who wish to abolish the police, “defund the police” is a call to take some of the funding normally granted to police departments and allocate them to other things such as mental health resources or social work.
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In Seattle—a city that saw so many protests against systemic racism in policing over the summer that the Department of Justice declared it an “anarchist jurisdiction”—officials appear to be honoring “defund the police” calls by slashing the city’s police department’s budget for 2021, but not by as much as activists wanted.
NBC News reports that the Seattle City Council decided Monday to cut the budget of the Seattle Police Department by nearly 17 percent. Many activists demanded the department’s budget be cut by 50 percent, but Mayor Jenny Durkan basically said, “Nah, but we’ll cut a little bit.”
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“I believe we are laying the groundwork to make systemic and lasting changes to policing,” Durkan said in a statement. “We have rightly put forward a plan that seeks to ensure SPD has enough officers to meet 911 response and investigative needs throughout the city, while acknowledging and addressing the disproportionate impacts policing has had on communities of color, particularly Black communities.”
From NBC:
Council member Teresa Mosqueda, who heads the the budget committee, said it was a top priority to “downsize the SPD’s budget” and move money to other social programs that will “invest in community alternatives that produce healthy outcomes for” minority communities. She cited the police slayings of George Floyd in Minneapolis and Breonna Taylor in Louisville as key moments that moved Seattle residents. “We have much more work to do, and we must get to work on those next steps now,” Mosqueda said.
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According to a c ity h all spokeswoman, Durkan is expected to sign the 2021 budget into law next week.