theroot--2020-09-11--Trailer Roundup: All Hail the Charm City Kings of Planet Dune

Today is your lucky day because the fact that you ’ re reading this means you got a two-for-one special of trailers this week !
Yes , we are back to regularly scheduled Friday programming .
Let ’ s get to it ... First Impressions : We ’ re already waiting to see how Lee Daniels ’ upcoming biopic turns out , but until then , I was pleased to see there ’ s a new documentary on Billie Holiday coming soon !
This one will feature unheard interviews and showcase big performances restored and enhanced in color for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ white gardenia in my hair and consider me perched in the ( virtual ) front row for this !
First Impressions : I ’ ve admittedly been way behind on catching up to this , but I do know one thing—Sonequa Martin-Green ( Commander Michael Burnham ) is an attention-stealer !
The crew is picking up from when they dove into the wormhole in the Season 2 finale and finding themselves in an unknown land .
At the top of this trailer , Burnham says , “ Let ’ s show them who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , insert “ emoji eyes ” right here for David Ajala ( Cleveland “ Book ” Booker ) .
First Impressions : This is one of those times where I ’ m glad an indie film I saw at a festival got an acquisition so I can talk about it !
I didn ’ t get a chance to write a review out of Sundance , but now that HBO Max has acquired this endearing gem , I ’ m looking forward to writing about it soon .
Jahi Di ’ Allo Winston @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is filled with a raw grittiness that I really appreciate .
Charm City Kings also stars Meek Mill , Will Catlett , Donielle Hansley , Kezii Curtis , Chino , Lakeyria “ Wheelie Queen ” Doughty and Teyonah Parris .
First Impressions : I ’ m always here for a good anthology and I see the co-writer of one of my all-time favorite anthologies , Black Mirror is involved in this !
Woo !
Speaking of familiar involvement , I see Kingsley Ben-Adir ( who we just had a big interview with ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stories that are interconnected by one thing—a scientific test “ that can unequivocally tell you who your soulmate is.
” Wow .
I ’ m in .
Soulmates also stars Shamier Anderson and Georgina Campbell .
First Impressions : Y ’ all know what the fuck Dune is about ?
Me either , but it looks epic as fuck .
Maybe I should preface that assumption of confusion with “ those of us who aren ’ t familiar with the novel or the 1984 film.
” But what I am familiar with is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know I ’ ll be there .
Oh , and there ’ s Zendaya !
She looks badass .
Whew , I miss big theatrical experiences so much , but we ’ ll see how the state of the nation goes toward the end of the year , which is when this film is on the calendar .
Uncensored : Tyrese ( TV One ; Release Date : Sept. 13 , 2020 at 10 p.m .
ET ) First Impressions : Throw in the tile because Tyrese is going up on an episode @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If you factor in his social media participation , this man is never censored anyway , so imagine him with even fewer inhibitions !
In this trailer , he talks about how he didn ’ t exactly have that handsome status he grew into , speaking on his childhood experiences with colorism ( they called him ‘ Blurple , ’ yall ... kids can be so cruel ) .
And yes , he ’ ll be talking about his long career ( from those teen Coca-Cola days ) , but most folks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wild shit that makes it into the Black Twitter conversation rotation .
First Impressions : So , Adam Sandler had his fun with his critically acclaimed and chaotic movie and is back to his routinely ridiculously horrible comedies again and all is right with the world , I suppose .
There are Black-ass appearances by Kenan Thompson , Maya Rudolph , Shaquille O ’ Neal , George Wallace , Tim Meadows , China Anne McClain and more .
First Impressions : Did the Very Smart Dads at The Root pitch this one in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Like , I ’ m surprised I didn ’ t see a Panama Jackson and Damon Young cameo ( assuming Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele were booked ) in this trailer .
Allen Maldonado plays Devin , a reformed sneakerhead-turned-stay-at-home-dad who relapses in a very costly way .
Welp .
Sneakerheads also stars Andrew Bachelor , Jearnest Corchado , Matthew Josten , Yaani King Mondschein , Justin Lee , Lil Rel and Aja Evans .
First Impressions : It ’ s always good to see documentaries based in scenes where you otherwise don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as the electronic dance music scene .
Brooklyn-based producer and DJ Tygapaw and DJ Duffey ( French Montana ’ s official DJ ) are two of the listed leading talents to appear in this project .
Underplayed will dive into “ the current status of the gender , ethnic , and sexual equality issues through the lens of the female pioneers , next-generation artists , and industry leaders who are championing the change , and inspiring a more diverse pool of role models for future generations.
” That ’ s all for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next Friday !

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

Today is your lucky day because the fact that you’re reading this means you got a two-for-one special of trailers this week! Yes, we are back to regularly scheduled Friday programming. Let’s get to it...
Billie (Virtual Cinemas; Release Date: Nov. 13, 2020)
Billie official trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: We’re already waiting to see how Lee Daniels’ upcoming biopic turns out, but until then, I was pleased to see there’s a new documentary on Billie Holiday coming soon! This one will feature unheard interviews and showcase big performances restored and enhanced in color for the first time. Well, stick a white gardenia in my hair and consider me perched in the (virtual) front row for this!
Advertisement
Star Trek: Discovery (CBS All Access; Season 3 Release Date: Oct. 15, 2020)
Star Trek: Discovery Season 3 Official Trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: I’ve admittedly been way behind on catching up to this, but I do know one thing—Sonequa Martin-Green (Commander Michael Burnham) is an attention-stealer! The crew is picking up from when they dove into the wormhole in the Season 2 finale and finding themselves in an unknown land. At the top of this trailer, Burnham says, “Let’s show them who we are.” Hell yeah! Also, insert “emoji eyes” right here for David Ajala (Cleveland “Book” Booker).
Advertisement Advertisement
Charm City Kings (HBO Max; Release Date: Oct. 8, 2020)
Charm City Kings trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: This is one of those times where I’m glad an indie film I saw at a festival got an acquisition so I can talk about it! I didn’t get a chance to write a review out of Sundance, but now that HBO Max has acquired this endearing gem, I’m looking forward to writing about it soon. Jahi Di’Allo Winston will break your heart and this film is filled with a raw grittiness that I really appreciate. Charm City Kings also stars Meek Mill, Will Catlett, Donielle Hansley, Kezii Curtis, Chino, Lakeyria “Wheelie Queen” Doughty and Teyonah Parris.
Advertisement
Soulmates (AMC; Release Date: Oct. 5, 2020, at 10 p.m. ET)
Soulmates trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: I’m always here for a good anthology and I see the co-writer of one of my all-time favorite anthologies, Black Mirror is involved in this! Woo! Speaking of familiar involvement, I see Kingsley Ben-Adir (who we just had a big interview with). This series will follow 6 different stories that are interconnected by one thing—a scientific test “that can unequivocally tell you who your soulmate is.” Wow. I’m in. Soulmates also stars Shamier Anderson and Georgina Campbell.
Advertisement
Dune (Theaters; Release Date: Dec. 18, 2020)
Dune trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Y’all know what the fuck Dune is about? Me either, but it looks epic as fuck. Maybe I should preface that assumption of confusion with “those of us who aren’t familiar with the novel or the 1984 film.” But what I am familiar with is Denis Villeneuve’s work so I know I’ll be there. Oh, and there’s Zendaya! She looks badass. Whew, I miss big theatrical experiences so much, but we’ll see how the state of the nation goes toward the end of the year, which is when this film is on the calendar.
Advertisement
Uncensored: Tyrese (TV One; Release Date: Sept. 13, 2020 at 10 p.m. ET)
Uncensored: Tyrese trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Throw in the tile because Tyrese is going up on an episode of TV One’s Uncensored series. If you factor in his social media participation, this man is never censored anyway, so imagine him with even fewer inhibitions! In this trailer, he talks about how he didn’t exactly have that handsome status he grew into, speaking on his childhood experiences with colorism (they called him ‘Blurple,’ yall...kids can be so cruel). And yes, he’ll be talking about his long career (from those teen Coca-Cola days), but most folks will be waiting until he says some wild shit that makes it into the Black Twitter conversation rotation.
Advertisement
Hubie Halloween (Netflix; Release Date: Oct. 7, 2020)
Hubie Halloween trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: So, Adam Sandler had his fun with his critically acclaimed and chaotic movie and is back to his routinely ridiculously horrible comedies again and all is right with the world, I suppose. There are Black-ass appearances by Kenan Thompson, Maya Rudolph, Shaquille O’Neal, George Wallace, Tim Meadows, China Anne McClain and more.
Advertisement
Sneakerheads (Netflix; Release Date: Sept. 25, 2020)
Sneakerheads trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Did the Very Smart Dads at The Root pitch this one in their Slack channel, or nah? Like, I’m surprised I didn’t see a Panama Jackson and Damon Young cameo (assuming Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele were booked) in this trailer. Allen Maldonado plays Devin, a reformed sneakerhead-turned-stay-at-home-dad who relapses in a very costly way. Welp. Sneakerheads also stars Andrew Bachelor, Jearnest Corchado, Matthew Josten, Yaani King Mondschein, Justin Lee, Lil Rel and Aja Evans.
Advertisement
Underplayed trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: It’s always good to see documentaries based in scenes where you otherwise don’t see Black talent highlighted, such as the electronic dance music scene. Brooklyn-based producer and DJ Tygapaw and DJ Duffey (French Montana’s official DJ) are two of the listed leading talents to appear in this project. Underplayed will dive into “the current status of the gender, ethnic, and sexual equality issues through the lens of the female pioneers, next-generation artists, and industry leaders who are championing the change, and inspiring a more diverse pool of role models for future generations.”
Advertisement
That’s all for this week, folks! Catch you next Friday!


theroot--2020-09-11--The 10 Best Deals of September 11, 2020

The 10 Best Deals of September 11, 2020

At Kinja Deals , it ’ s almost FRIDAYYYY NIGHT , and we ’ re here to bring you the top ten deals of the day because “ Thisssss is how weeee dooooo it.
” ( Cue the ‘ 90s theme music . )
Today , we ’ re featuring deals that are both functional and worth the weekend splurge .
We got you covered , so you can kick it back with a little CBD , buy those leggings you ’ ve been eyeing at Anthropologie , and maybe even upgrade your webcam for optimal views on that big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you find yourself still itching for more savings , feel free to take a look at Friday ’ s best deals overall .
The mascot of 2020 Lil Dumpster Fire can now be adorned on shirts , bags , and whatever else you want to display it to reflect the feelings for a collectively crummy year .
These pre-orders just went up so hop on it now if you want to reserve one .
We covered the vinyl figure before which you can still pre-order but won ’ t ship until January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lil Dumpster Fires while you wait .
Everything in this list pre-order for October because there is a very real chance some will sell out .
The enamel pin ( $ 8 ) is what fans have been waiting for .
This one-inch pin will light the way to a brighter 2021 or just keep it stasis in the hellfire of this year .
Either way super adorable .
But that ’ s not all 100 Percent Soft has for us from this cute disaster , maybe you ’ re looking to spruce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your garbage life with the Dumpster Patch ( $ 15 ) .
The sticky adhesive backing makes it easy to iron one but I always advise on sewing .
This embroidered bin measures two-inches wide .
If pins and patches aren ’ t your style make your keys easier to spot .
When you choose to leave your house add the Lil Dumpster Fire Key Chain ( $ 6 ) and never lose them again .
The shiny happy waste receptacle is made of PVC rubber , so it can take a beating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of us this year .
It ’ s about two-inches in size and comes with a silver-tone keyring .
Pre-ordering is smart if you want any of these and by all accounts , they will ship in October .
Free shipping on orders over $ 79 .
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari .
Need a super cheap webcam ?
Sitting at $ 21 with coupon code VTU2YXZY , this Depstech webcam boasts 2K ( 2560 x 1440 ) resolution through its CMOS sensor .
It ’ s a simple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ microphones for clear voice communication .
There aren ’ t many other bells and whistles when it comes to camera tech , but one thing you may love is its 360-degree swivel base , allowing you to find the perfect angle without adjusting anything else on your desk .
The brand isn ’ t massively popular , but it has far more positive reviews than negative .
You can check out some image quality samples by reading those , and if you don ’ t like it , you can always take advantage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This deal was originally published by Quentyn Kennemer .
If there is anything Anthropologie does well its cozy apparel for autumn .
I personally have several soft big sweaters to sink into during the cooler months from them .
I absolutely purchased each during their sale .
This weekend they want you to be prepared for pumpkin spice season by giving you 40 % off select Fall fashions .
Sweaters are where they shine .
Tie-die was all the rage this year and I ’ m still seeing it seep into a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lira Sweater ( $ 59 ) comes in three colors ( lime , iris blue , and pink ) and is the perfect baggy item for some comfy fireside lounging .
What ’ s great about those big sweaters is you can match them with anything and still look chic , but hey it ’ s fall now and comfort is king .
The Sanctuary Runway Leggings ( $ 49 ) fit the bill and can be easily paired with this , a cute oversized button-down , or even your favorite jersey for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s not a maybe , the perfect black leggings are a must .
Anthropologie has always had awesome accessories for autumn .
Hats , jewelry , bags , anything you could need .
They are all in this sale too .
I ’ ve got my eye on this beautiful Ellery Slouchy Tote Bag ( $ 53 ) in the honey color .
This versatile and well-made tote is causal and classy .
It also comes in beige and green and would make a great day bag .
This deal was originally published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off right by taking steps to chill the fuck out .
Cornbread Hemp , organic CBD oil straight from Kentucky is offering an exclusive of 25 % off all products with the code KINJA25 .
Why not try out CBD capsules for $ 52 , or even CBD lotion with added menthol for $ 37 ?
It ’ ll change your damn life and maybe help you to stop sweating the small stuff .
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher .
If you like our kitchen to be more colorful than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cuisinart knives are a perfect addition .
At MorningSave , you can get six stainless steel knives and their accompanying blade guards for just $ 29 .
Each knife is imprinted with a list of ingredients that it ’ s best fit for , which means no more shredding a tough loaf of bread because you decided to try and cut it with a steak knife , you silly goose .
Here are all the different pieces you can look forward to : This deal was originally published by Quentyn Kennemer .
Aliens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have no choice but to join their side ?
If you ’ re a Destroy All Fans faithful , this Crypto-137 Edition needs to be on your starship ’ s radar .
And I totally understand if it wasn ’ t with its ridiculous $ 400 price tag .
PlayStation 4 owners can get it a tad cheaper today , though , with a $ 20 discount sitting over at Amazon .
That ’ s still a lot of money to spend on one game , so here ’ s everything THQ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it : • Change crypto ’ s in-game appearance with all in-game Skins available at launch Then there ’ s the game itself , the premise of which you can liken to human genocide by an extraterrestrial race .
The way 2020 's gone , let ’ s hope this isn ’ t a grim foreshadowing .
This deal was originally published by Quentyn Kennemer .
Mechanical keyboards are durable , comfortable , accurate , and they tend to have nice , clicky feedback no matter which you get .
If you haven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Razer Huntsman is an excellent entry point at just $ 90 today .
This is the base 10-key model , which has customizable RGB lighting zones ( including Razer Chroma integration in supported games ) and programmable macro buttons .
This one uses Razer ’ s proprietary optical switches , a light-based system said to have 30 % shorter accuation distance compared to typical switches .
This theoretically translates to even more precise movement and response time , but good luck perceiving the difference as most mechanical keyboards are already plenty quick .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This deal was originally published by Quentyn Kennemer .
Keeping things clean should be high up on your list , but what if you need to clean high up ?
The Shark Navigator Swivel Pro Vacuum NV150 ( Refurbished ) is here to help .
Take 36 % off it today and get your home back in tip-top shape .
This bagless vacuum is nimble , strong , and can tackle even the toughest dust lurking in hard to get places like on a ceiling fan .
With anti-allergen tech and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dwellers some relief from sneeze inducing matter .
If you ’ ve got a few pets you know fur can collect in hard to reach places and it ’ s difficult to keep up when they are in their shedding period .
The agility of this vacuum also means tackling stairs , large furniture , and high cabinets will now be simple .
It ’ s time for a heavy-duty fall clean and the Shark was quite literally made for this .
It ’ s lightweight ( 13 lbs .
total ) and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s smartly designed swivel steering .
While this bad boy is refurbished you ’ ll get a guarantee it ’ ll be fully operational .
But once it ’ s yours let this Shark bite through dust , dirt , and debris and return your house to cozy and clean for autumn .
If you ’ ve read a few of our pieces on SideDeal before and you like what you ’ ve seen they offer a $ 5 monthly fee to get free shipping on all of your orders no matter how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a flat rate of $ 8 .
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari .
Amazon ’ s Gold Box today features Anker chargers up to 35 % off , including a stylish 15W fast charging pad with a metal base for $ 26 .
Need some charging cables ?
We have lightning and USB-C cables down to $ 12 and $ 14 , respectively .
Here ’ s a nice 60W PD to USB-C charger for $ 23 to power some laptops and tablets , too .
This deal was originally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zero idea Funko was in the board game business .
But here we are .
Looking at the packaging it ’ s beautifully designed .
The retro vibe comes from the fact that you ’ re playing through 1960s Tokyo in this Godzilla Tokyo Clash Board Game .
Today save 20 % on it and live out all your “ strange creature ” fantasies .
As a kid , I loved Rodan because I ’ d watch the then Sci-Fi Channel Saturday mornings when the ran old Godzilla flicks .
So obviously my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lack of a pterodactyl-like monster .
But you can play as the other famous kaiju : Godzilla , Mothra , King Ghidorah , or Megalon .
They each come as an awesome miniature to stomp around the board .
You ’ ll be battling your friend to become the ultimate monster ruler by strategizing to gain more energy by destroying select targets on the board .
Your kaiju will need to take the others out before the people of Earth deploys game ending weapon to destroy you all .
Recommended for ages ten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The game takes about forty-five minutes , so it ’ s not a long campaign but definitely fun enough to get a few sessions in on a killer game night with friends or family .
I ’ m interested to see what Funko does in this gaming space in the future .
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari .

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

Friday’s Best Deals | Kinja Deals
At Kinja Deals, it’s almost FRIDAYYYY NIGHT, and we’re here to bring you the top ten deals of the day because “Thisssss is how weeee dooooo it.” (Cue the ‘90s theme music.)
Today, we’re featuring deals that are both functional and worth the weekend splurge. We got you covered, so you can kick it back with a little CBD, buy those leggings you’ve been eyeing at Anthropologie, and maybe even upgrade your webcam for optimal views on that big Zoom call next week. However, if you find yourself still itching for more savings, feel free to take a look at Friday’s best deals overall.
#1: Lil Dumpster Fire pin
The mascot of 2020 Lil Dumpster Fire can now be adorned on shirts, bags, and whatever else you want to display it to reflect the feelings for a collectively crummy year. These pre-orders just went up so hop on it now if you want to reserve one.
We covered the vinyl figure before which you can still pre-order but won’t ship until January. You can nab a few other Lil Dumpster Fires while you wait. Everything in this list pre-order for October because there is a very real chance some will sell out. The enamel pin ($8) is what fans have been waiting for. This one-inch pin will light the way to a brighter 2021 or just keep it stasis in the hellfire of this year. Either way super adorable.
But that’s not all 100 Percent Soft has for us from this cute disaster, maybe you’re looking to spruce up a jacket. Trashy fashion for your garbage life with the Dumpster Patch ($15). The sticky adhesive backing makes it easy to iron one but I always advise on sewing. This embroidered bin measures two-inches wide.
If pins and patches aren’t your style make your keys easier to spot. When you choose to leave your house add the Lil Dumpster Fire Key Chain ($6) and never lose them again. The shiny happy waste receptacle is made of PVC rubber, so it can take a beating but keep on going. Just like all of us this year. It’s about two-inches in size and comes with a silver-tone keyring.
Pre-ordering is smart if you want any of these and by all accounts, they will ship in October. Free shipping on orders over $79.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.
#2: Depstech 2K Webcam
Need a super cheap webcam? Sitting at $21 with coupon code VTU2YXZY, this Depstech webcam boasts 2K (2560 x 1440) resolution through its CMOS sensor. It’s a simple little plug and play unit with dual microphones for clear voice communication.
There aren’t many other bells and whistles when it comes to camera tech, but one thing you may love is its 360-degree swivel base, allowing you to find the perfect angle without adjusting anything else on your desk. The brand isn’t massively popular, but it has far more positive reviews than negative. You can check out some image quality samples by reading those, and if you don’t like it, you can always take advantage of Amazon’s hassle-free return policy.
This deal was originally published by Quentyn Kennemer.
#3: Anthropologie Fall sale
If there is anything Anthropologie does well its cozy apparel for autumn. I personally have several soft big sweaters to sink into during the cooler months from them. I absolutely purchased each during their sale. This weekend they want you to be prepared for pumpkin spice season by giving you 40% off select Fall fashions.
Sweaters are where they shine. Tie-die was all the rage this year and I’m still seeing it seep into a ton of different styles. This cotton Lira Sweater ($59) comes in three colors (lime, iris blue, and pink) and is the perfect baggy item for some comfy fireside lounging.
What’s great about those big sweaters is you can match them with anything and still look chic, but hey it’s fall now and comfort is king. The Sanctuary Runway Leggings ($49) fit the bill and can be easily paired with this, a cute oversized button-down, or even your favorite jersey for the ultimate lazy Sunday. It’s not a maybe, the perfect black leggings are a must.
Anthropologie has always had awesome accessories for autumn. Hats, jewelry, bags, anything you could need. They are all in this sale too. I’ve got my eye on this beautiful Ellery Slouchy Tote Bag ($53) in the honey color. This versatile and well-made tote is causal and classy. It also comes in beige and green and would make a great day bag.
Free shipping on orders over $50.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.
#4: Cornbread hemp cbd
Start the weekend off right by taking steps to chill the fuck out. Cornbread Hemp, organic CBD oil straight from Kentucky is offering an exclusive of 25% off all products with the code KINJA25. Why not try out CBD capsules for $52, or even CBD lotion with added menthol for $37? It’ll change your damn life and maybe help you to stop sweating the small stuff.
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher.
#5: Cuisinart knife set
If you like our kitchen to be more colorful than a bed of spring flowers, these Cuisinart knives are a perfect addition. At MorningSave, you can get six stainless steel knives and their accompanying blade guards for just $29.
Each knife is imprinted with a list of ingredients that it’s best fit for, which means no more shredding a tough loaf of bread because you decided to try and cut it with a steak knife, you silly goose. Here are all the different pieces you can look forward to:
1x 8-in. chef knife with blade guard
1x 8-in. slicing knife with blade guard
1x 8-in. bread knife with blade guard
1x 7-in. santoku knife with blade guard
1x 6.5-in. serrated utility knife with blade guard
1x 3.5-in. paring knife with blade guard
Grab some here.
This deal was originally published by Quentyn Kennemer.
#6: Destroy all Humans Bundle
Aliens beaten you so far into submission that you have no choice but to join their side? If you’re a Destroy All Fans faithful, this Crypto-137 Edition needs to be on your starship’s radar. And I totally understand if it wasn’t with its ridiculous $400 price tag. PlayStation 4 owners can get it a tad cheaper today, though, with a $20 discount sitting over at Amazon. That’s still a lot of money to spend on one game, so here’s everything THQ Nordic included to convince you to spend it:
23"/60cm crypto-137 Figurine with secret planetary compartment
Official Crypto backpack
Patented eye-popping anti-stress Toy
Change crypto’s in-game appearance with all in-game Skins available at launch
Crypto Key Chain
Steel Case
Six Lithographs
Then there’s the game itself, the premise of which you can liken to human genocide by an extraterrestrial race.
The way 2020's gone, let’s hope this isn’t a grim foreshadowing.
This deal was originally published by Quentyn Kennemer.
#7: razer huntsman keyboard
Mechanical keyboards are durable, comfortable, accurate, and they tend to have nice, clicky feedback no matter which you get. If you haven’t already tried one, the Razer Huntsman is an excellent entry point at just $90 today. This is the base 10-key model, which has customizable RGB lighting zones (including Razer Chroma integration in supported games) and programmable macro buttons.
Your Cheap Mechanical Keyboard Deserves a Makeover Once you get used to the feel of a mechanical keyboard, it’s hard to go back to cheap membrane… Read more
This one uses Razer’s proprietary optical switches, a light-based system said to have 30% shorter accuation distance compared to typical switches. This theoretically translates to even more precise movement and response time, but good luck perceiving the difference as most mechanical keyboards are already plenty quick. Check it out at Amazon right here.
This deal was originally published by Quentyn Kennemer.
#8: Shark navigator swivel pro
Keeping things clean should be high up on your list, but what if you need to clean high up? The Shark Navigator Swivel Pro Vacuum NV150 (Refurbished) is here to help. Take 36% off it today and get your home back in tip-top shape.
This bagless vacuum is nimble, strong, and can tackle even the toughest dust lurking in hard to get places like on a ceiling fan. With anti-allergen tech and a HEPA filter give you or your fellow dwellers some relief from sneeze inducing matter. If you’ve got a few pets you know fur can collect in hard to reach places and it’s difficult to keep up when they are in their shedding period. The agility of this vacuum also means tackling stairs, large furniture, and high cabinets will now be simple. It’s time for a heavy-duty fall clean and the Shark was quite literally made for this. It’s lightweight (13 lbs. total) and easy to move around with it’s smartly designed swivel steering. While this bad boy is refurbished you’ll get a guarantee it’ll be fully operational. But once it’s yours let this Shark bite through dust, dirt, and debris and return your house to cozy and clean for autumn.
If you’ve read a few of our pieces on SideDeal before and you like what you’ve seen they offer a $5 monthly fee to get free shipping on all of your orders no matter how many. Otherwise, it’s a flat rate of $8.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.
#9: Anker chargers
Amazon’s Gold Box today features Anker chargers up to 35% off, including a stylish 15W fast charging pad with a metal base for $26. Need some charging cables? We have lightning and USB-C cables down to $12 and $14, respectively. Here’s a nice 60W PD to USB-C charger for $23 to power some laptops and tablets, too.
This deal was originally published by Quentyn Kennemer.
#10: Godzilla Tokyo Clash Board Game
I had zero idea Funko was in the board game business. But here we are. Looking at the packaging it’s beautifully designed. The retro vibe comes from the fact that you’re playing through 1960s Tokyo in this Godzilla Tokyo Clash Board Game. Today save 20% on it and live out all your “strange creature” fantasies.
As a kid, I loved Rodan because I’d watch the then Sci-Fi Channel Saturday mornings when the ran old Godzilla flicks. So obviously my major gripe with this game is the lack of a pterodactyl-like monster. But you can play as the other famous kaiju: Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah, or Megalon. They each come as an awesome miniature to stomp around the board. You’ll be battling your friend to become the ultimate monster ruler by strategizing to gain more energy by destroying select targets on the board. Your kaiju will need to take the others out before the people of Earth deploys game ending weapon to destroy you all. Recommended for ages ten and up for two to four players. The game takes about forty-five minutes, so it’s not a long campaign but definitely fun enough to get a few sessions in on a killer game night with friends or family. I’m interested to see what Funko does in this gaming space in the future.
Prime members get free one-day shipping.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.


theroot--2020-09-11--Auntie Unfiltered: Let's Talk About Conscious Communication

Every single day , I encounter people who project their unresolved trauma out on everyone else each time they open their mouths .
It ’ s something I am hyper aware of with myself .
I work hard to be aware of the words I use and how I speak to others .
It costs absolutely nothing to be kind and graceful in our speech .
When we encounter people who are unnecessarily flippant , rude or snarky , it is because they have unresolved trauma and it manifests itself that way .
Truly happy people don ’ t do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happiness , and happiness radiates and is present in everything the happy person does .
This week , we discuss conscious communication .
How intentional are you with your words and actions when dealing with other people ?
Are you taking your personal trauma out on other people ?
Do you feel good after you do it ?
Conscious communication means speaking with intention and choosing your words carefully .
It is the difference between “ responding ” and “ reacting ” in a situation .
Which do you think is more effective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hear from you , nieces and nephews .
If you have questions , comments , or concerns , if you need advice , or if you have a topic you think I should discuss , please hit me up at AuntieSubmissions @ theroot.com .

We may earn a commission from links on this page.
Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude


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

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theroot--2020-09-11--Study Shows Black People Are Underrepresented in COVID-19 Vaccine Trials

A new study has revealed that despite being disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic , Black people are underrepresented in clinical trials for a vaccine .
CBS News reports that while Black people make up 18 percent of the nation ’ s population , they only represent 11 percent and 16 percent of Pfizer and Moderna ’ s vaccine trials , respectively .
Both companies are currently in their phase three trials where volunteers test the effectiveness of the vaccine .
For its part , Moderna is currently trying to recruit more non-white volunteers for their trials .
“ Under-recruitment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hala Borno , the author of the study , told CBS News .
“ I think if we invest in engaging with the communities we want to see enrolled in our clinical trials , then trust won ’ t be the barrier.
” Skepticism of the process has been cited as one of the reasons why Black people are underrepresented in the trials .
Dr. Chris Pernell , a Black woman who lost her father to the virus , decided to volunteer for the vaccine due to the personal impact on her family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around her expressed concern with her decision , asking “ Are you sure you should do this ?
Is it safe ?
” “ I don ’ t think that skepticism can be lessened necessarily .
I say embrace it and then inform people with the facts , ” Pernell said .
Borno believes that placing the blame on mistrust as opposed to under-recruitment is irresponsible and an “ unacceptable cop-out.
” She points out in her study that when Black Americans are engaged with the process they usually have high participation rates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely than white Americans to be hospitalized with COVID-19 and 2.1 times more likely to die , making proper representation in these trials essential .
Infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci has said that proper representation is necessary to properly measure the vaccine ’ s effectiveness .
“ We ’ ve got to get a higher percentage of minorities into the clinical trial so that when we get the data we can say that it applies equally , ” Fauci told CBS News .
The National Institutes of Health have launched a targeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
To combat any skepticism in these communities , Rev .
Edwin Sanders is working alongside the NIH on a program that works with faith-based leaders to provide accurate information about COVID-19 treatments .
“ What we ’ re trying to do is to make sure that people have a level of knowledge that allows them to make informed decisions , ” Sanders said .
There are concerns among potential participants about the negative side effects that could arise from testing an unproven treatment .
Understanding of those concerns , Pernell is hoping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her community .
“ We need to be able to get an answer , ” Pernell told CBS News .
“ And I want to help us get there .
”

A new study has revealed that despite being disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Black people are underrepresented in clinical trials for a vaccine.
CBS News reports that while Black people make up 18 percent of the nation’s population, they only represent 11 percent and 16 percent of Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccine trials, respectively. Both companies are currently in their phase three trials where volunteers test the effectiveness of the vaccine. For its part, Moderna is currently trying to recruit more non-white volunteers for their trials.
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“Under-recruitment is the primary problem,” Dr. Hala Borno, the author of the study, told CBS News. “I think if we invest in engaging with the communities we want to see enrolled in our clinical trials, then trust won’t be the barrier.”
Skepticism of the process has been cited as one of the reasons why Black people are underrepresented in the trials. Dr. Chris Pernell, a Black woman who lost her father to the virus, decided to volunteer for the vaccine due to the personal impact on her family. She told CBS News that people around her expressed concern with her decision, asking “Are you sure you should do this? Is it safe?”
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“I don’t think that skepticism can be lessened necessarily. I say embrace it and then inform people with the facts,” Pernell said. Borno believes that placing the blame on mistrust as opposed to under-recruitment is irresponsible and an “unacceptable cop-out.” She points out in her study that when Black Americans are engaged with the process they usually have high participation rates.
Black Americans are 4.7 times more likely than white Americans to be hospitalized with COVID-19 and 2.1 times more likely to die, making proper representation in these trials essential. Infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci has said that proper representation is necessary to properly measure the vaccine’s effectiveness. “We’ve got to get a higher percentage of minorities into the clinical trial so that when we get the data we can say that it applies equally,” Fauci told CBS News.
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The National Institutes of Health have launched a targeted media campaign to recruit more non-white participants. To combat any skepticism in these communities, Rev. Edwin Sanders is working alongside the NIH on a program that works with faith-based leaders to provide accurate information about COVID-19 treatments. “What we’re trying to do is to make sure that people have a level of knowledge that allows them to make informed decisions,” Sanders said.
There are concerns among potential participants about the negative side effects that could arise from testing an unproven treatment. Understanding of those concerns, Pernell is hoping to be an example for others in her community.
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“We need to be able to get an answer,” Pernell told CBS News. “And I want to help us get there.”


theroot--2020-09-11--The 4 Minneapolis Cops Who Arrested George Floyd Are Scrambling to Throw Each Other Under the Bus fo

The 4 Minneapolis Cops Who Arrested George Floyd Are Scrambling to Throw Each Other Under the Bus for His Death

All four former Minneapolis police officers involved in the death of George Floyd are scheduled to appear in court Friday , where they will request four separate trials because each officer ’ s version of events—and their interpretation of who was in charge at the scene—differ so greatly , reports t he Washington Post .
“ There are very likely going to be antagonistic defenses presented at the trial , ” wrote lawyer Earl Gray , representing former officer Thomas K. Lane , in a legal motion filed in Minneapolis earlier this week .
“ It is plausible that all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happened and officers place blame on one another.
” According to court documents , Lane and J. Alexander Kueng , two rookie cops who had been on the force less than a week , initially answered the call on May 29 about an alleged counterfeit $ 20 bill .
They say they were just following orders from Derek Chauvin and Tou Thoa , veteran officers who arrived later to aid with Floyd ’ s arrest .
Lane , who was holding Floyd ’ s legs , twice asked Chauvin whether they should reposition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he tried to intervene with a senior officer but was rebuffed .
After Floyd appeared to have stopped moving , Lane told Chauvin he was worried about “ excited delirium , ” citing a term used by medical examiners to describe the sudden in-custody death of people who might be under the influence of drugs or who are in an agitated state .
“ That ’ s why we got the ambulance coming , ” Chauvin told him .
But Thao and Chauvin—who was captured on video kneeling on Floyd ’ s neck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrest , despite pleas from Floyd and bystanders that he couldn ’ t breathe—are just as eager to throw their fellow officers under the bus , according to documents filed by their respective lawyers .
A lawyer for Chauvin is arguing that Lane and Keung mishandled the scene by not calling an ambulance sooner , causing the 46-year-old to die , the Post reports : He said the former officers delayed in requesting an ambulance when they suspected Floyd might be on drugs or was having a medical issue and that they did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Floyd down by “ sitting him on the sidewalk ” or “ render aid instead of struggle.
” “ If EMS had arrived just three minutes sooner , Mr. Floyd may have survived .
If Kueng and Lane had chosen to de-escalate instead of struggle , Mr. Floyd may have survived , ” Nelson wrote .
“ If Kueng and Lane had recognized the apparent signs of an opioid overdose and rendered aid , such as administering naloxone , Mr. Floyd may have survived.
” Thao , Chauvin ’ s partner , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claiming that he was nothing more than “ a human traffic cone ” at the scene , attempting to control bystanders who were yelling at officers to leave Floyd alone .
Interestingly , it was Thao ’ s decision to even arrive at the scene—the former officer told investigators the call for backup had been cancelled by dispatchers , but Thao decided he and Chauvin should “ continue to Cup Foods anyway because Kueng and Lane were ‘ so new ’ and the area was known to be hostile to police , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the one who advised the rookie officers to lay Floyd on the street after they couldn ’ t get him inside the squad car .
Still , like Chauvin , Thao maintains that the junior officers were in charge of the scene , and thus culpable for Floyd ’ s death .
Prosecutors are pushing back against the officers ’ claims , and want to try them all together .
They also pointed out that police body camera footage contradicts the Thao ’ s claim that he wasn ’ t aware of what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , citing prosecutor filings , writes , “ body-camera footage ... shows him shoving and screaming at bystanders—including an off-duty Minneapolis firefighter—who urged officers to check Floyd for a pulse and that he ignored Floyd ’ s ‘ desperate cries.
’ ” The four officers , however , appear united in their attempts to emphasize Floyd ’ s alleged drug use as a leading factor in his death .
Because state law requires officers to stop their fellow police from committing a crime , Thao , Lane and Keung have been charged with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is still in jail under a $ 1 million bail , has been charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter .
Friday ’ s hearing will mark his first in-person court appearance related to the charges .
Minneapolis city officials have boarded up government buildings near the courthouse in preparation for protests .
The Justice Department is also said to be close to announcing a decision regarding federal charges in Floyd ’ s killing , according to anonymous sources who spoke to the Post .

All four former Minneapolis police officers involved in the death of George Floyd are scheduled to appear in court Friday, where they will request four separate trials because each officer’s version of events—and their interpretation of who was in charge at the scene—differ so greatly, reports t he Washington Post.
“There are very likely going to be antagonistic defenses presented at the trial,” wrote lawyer Earl Gray, representing former officer Thomas K. Lane, in a legal motion filed in Minneapolis earlier this week. “It is plausible that all officers have a different version of what happened and officers place blame on one another.”
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According to court documents, Lane and J. Alexander Kueng, two rookie cops who had been on the force less than a week, initially answered the call on May 29 about an alleged counterfeit $20 bill. They say they were just following orders from Derek Chauvin and Tou Thoa, veteran officers who arrived later to aid with Floyd’s arrest.
From the Post:
Lane, who was holding Floyd’s legs, twice asked Chauvin whether they should reposition Floyd—requests that his lawyer says prove that he tried to intervene with a senior officer but was rebuffed. After Floyd appeared to have stopped moving, Lane told Chauvin he was worried about “excited delirium,” citing a term used by medical examiners to describe the sudden in-custody death of people who might be under the influence of drugs or who are in an agitated state. “That’s why we got the ambulance coming,” Chauvin told him. “Okay, I suppose,” Lane replied.
But Thao and Chauvin—who was captured on video kneeling on Floyd’s neck for more than 8 minutes during the arrest, despite pleas from Floyd and bystanders that he couldn’t breathe—are just as eager to throw their fellow officers under the bus, according to documents filed by their respective lawyers.
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A lawyer for Chauvin is arguing that Lane and Keung mishandled the scene by not calling an ambulance sooner, causing the 46-year-old to die, the Post reports:
He said the former officers delayed in requesting an ambulance when they suspected Floyd might be on drugs or was having a medical issue and that they did not do enough to try to calm Floyd down by “sitting him on the sidewalk” or “render aid instead of struggle.” “If EMS had arrived just three minutes sooner, Mr. Floyd may have survived. If Kueng and Lane had chosen to de-escalate instead of struggle, Mr. Floyd may have survived,” Nelson wrote. “If Kueng and Lane had recognized the apparent signs of an opioid overdose and rendered aid, such as administering naloxone, Mr. Floyd may have survived.”
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Thao, Chauvin’s partner, has tried to get his charges dismissed, claiming that he was nothing more than “a human traffic cone” at the scene, attempting to control bystanders who were yelling at officers to leave Floyd alone. Interestingly, it was Thao’s decision to even arrive at the scene—the former officer told investigators the call for backup had been cancelled by dispatchers, but Thao decided he and Chauvin should “continue to Cup Foods anyway because Kueng and Lane were ‘so new’ and the area was known to be hostile to police,” writes the Post.
Thao was also the one who advised the rookie officers to lay Floyd on the street after they couldn’t get him inside the squad car. Still, like Chauvin, Thao maintains that the junior officers were in charge of the scene, and thus culpable for Floyd’s death.
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Prosecutors are pushing back against the officers’ claims, and want to try them all together. They also pointed out that police body camera footage contradicts the Thao’s claim that he wasn’t aware of what was going on. As the Post, citing prosecutor filings, writes, “body-camera footage ... shows him shoving and screaming at bystanders—including an off-duty Minneapolis firefighter—who urged officers to check Floyd for a pulse and that he ignored Floyd’s ‘desperate cries.’”
The four officers, however, appear united in their attempts to emphasize Floyd’s alleged drug use as a leading factor in his death.
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Because state law requires officers to stop their fellow police from committing a crime, Thao, Lane and Keung have been charged with aiding and abetting murder. Chauvin, who is still in jail under a $1 million bail, has been charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter. Friday’s hearing will mark his first in-person court appearance related to the charges. Minneapolis city officials have boarded up government buildings near the courthouse in preparation for protests.
The Justice Department is also said to be close to announcing a decision regarding federal charges in Floyd’s killing, according to anonymous sources who spoke to the Post.


theroot--2020-09-11--Trump’s Medicare Chief Spent $6 Million of Taxpayers’ Money on Glow Up, Including a $2,933 Girl’s Ni

Trump’s Medicare Chief Spent $6 Million of Taxpayers’ Money on Glow Up, Including a $2,933 Girl’s Night Out

Medicare administrator Seema Verma can ’ t be blamed for falling victim to the fantasy that is Instagram .
Let he who has not overpaid for a Vetements sweater because the power of an IG influencer seeped into your pockets be the first to throw stones .
And while most of us were spending our own money , Verma just so happened to be in a position to bill taxpayers for her goofy-ass glow up to the tune of some $ 6 million .
That ’ s right in less than two years , Verma billed Americans $ 380 an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bolster her personal image in the hopes of winning awards that would place her on a list of powerful women and influential people , Associated Press reports .
One contractor , Pam Stevens , who ’ s done extensive work for the GOP , charged up to $ 330 hourly to pursue ideas like asking publications including “ Oprah Magazine ” and “ Garden and Gun ” to write articles about Verma .
Stevens also seemed to bill at least $ 1,117 to arrange an interview that resulted in a Verma profile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The contractors were “ handpicked ” by Verma ’ s aides , the report said , creating “ a shadow operation ” that sidelined the communications staff of the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services .
The consultants ’ work often had nothing to do with running Medicare , Medicaid and other massive health programs that the agency operates , said the 56-page report , which was backed by over 1,700 pages of documents .
Verma has run the agency since 2017 .
Needless to say , some members of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be using taxpayer money to get her IG popping .
“ Congress did not intend for Administrator Verma or other senior CMS officials to use taxpayer dollars to stockpile CMS with handpicked consultants or promote Administrator Verma ’ s public profile and personal brand , ” a report by congressional Democrats said Thursday .
“ Given the reckless disregard she has shown for the public ’ s trust , Administrator Verma should reimburse the taxpayers for these inappropriate expenditures , ” it said .
Because we now live in an alternate reality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disregard for taxpayers ’ funds so that an appointed official can step her flossing game up , one jackass , I mean , Health and Human Services Department official defended Verma , calling the report , “ political smear ” by “ far left politicians.
” “ This is just another reckless , politically timed , drive-by hit job on a reform-driven Trump Administration official and , by extension , on President Trump himself , ” Michael Caputo , the department ’ s assistant secretary for public affairs , told AP .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s unprecedented success transforming the American healthcare system.
” He also didn ’ t deny the reports findings .
Consultants arranged for private meetings between Verma and hosts of conservative Fox News and editors of Woman ’ s Day and Women ’ s Health Magazine , the investigators wrote .
One memo suggested seeking to land Verma on Washingtonian magazine ’ s list of Washington ’ s most powerful women .
Another document indicated contractors billed at least $ 13,000 to offer Verma ’ s name for awards and to participate in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entry for nearly $ 3,000 for a “ Girl ’ s Night to honor the Administrator , ” held at the home of Susan Page , USA Today ’ s Washington bureau chief .
USA Today spokesperson Chrissy Terrell told the Washington Post that Page had no idea that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services was billed $ 2,933 for the event , which honored , you guessed it , Verma , along with another political appointee .
“ Two women who had recently gotten significant appointments , Heather Wilson to head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services — both milestone moments to be recognized , ” Terrell said .
The report also found that Verma ’ s “ consultants , ” most of whom are Republicans , were with her damn near everywhere she went .
One time , Verma took a trip to California , and for some reason , she needed three agency aides and four consultants , who , you guessed it , charged some $ 300 an hour during part of that time .
Verma does have some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a homeless man .
No really , she did .
And while we don ’ t know if that money came from her own pocket , she did do it , according to her father .
“ Her father , Jugal Verma , 77 , described her as someone with ‘ passion ’ for her work , and sympathy for the poor .
Each morning on her way to work , he said , she pulled her car to the side of the road to hand the same homeless man cash .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ the Guardian reports .
Wonder if papa Verma is still amazed that his daughter spent $ 6 million of taxpayers ’ money on straight bullshit in a global fucking pandemic .

Medicare administrator Seema Verma can’t be blamed for falling victim to the fantasy that is Instagram. Let he who has not overpaid for a Vetements sweater because the power of an IG influencer seeped into your pockets be the first to throw stones. And while most of us were spending our own money, Verma just so happened to be in a position to bill taxpayers for her goofy-ass glow up to the tune of some $6 million.
That’s right in less than two years, Verma billed Americans $380 an hour to pay for consultants she hired to bolster her personal image in the hopes of winning awards that would place her on a list of powerful women and influential people, Associated Press reports.
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From AP:
One contractor, Pam Stevens, who’s done extensive work for the GOP, charged up to $330 hourly to pursue ideas like asking publications including “Oprah Magazine” and “Garden and Gun” to write articles about Verma. Stevens also seemed to bill at least $1,117 to arrange an interview that resulted in a Verma profile in AARP The Magazine, the report said. The contractors were “handpicked” by Verma’s aides, the report said, creating “a shadow operation” that sidelined the communications staff of the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The consultants’ work often had nothing to do with running Medicare, Medicaid and other massive health programs that the agency operates, said the 56-page report, which was backed by over 1,700 pages of documents. Verma has run the agency since 2017.
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Needless to say, some members of Congress didn’t believe that Verma should be using taxpayer money to get her IG popping.
“Congress did not intend for Administrator Verma or other senior CMS officials to use taxpayer dollars to stockpile CMS with handpicked consultants or promote Administrator Verma’s public profile and personal brand,” a report by congressional Democrats said Thursday.
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“Given the reckless disregard she has shown for the public’s trust, Administrator Verma should reimburse the taxpayers for these inappropriate expenditures,” it said.
Because we now live in an alternate reality where everything is defensible, even blatant disregard for taxpayers’ funds so that an appointed official can step her flossing game up, one jackass, I mean, Health and Human Services Department official defended Verma, calling the report, “political smear” by “far left politicians.”
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“This is just another reckless, politically timed, drive-by hit job on a reform-driven Trump Administration official and, by extension, on President Trump himself,” Michael Caputo, the department’s assistant secretary for public affairs, told AP. He said Verma “will continue the Administration’s unprecedented success transforming the American healthcare system.”
He also didn’t deny the reports findings.
Also from AP:
Consultants arranged for private meetings between Verma and hosts of conservative Fox News and editors of Woman’s Day and Women’s Health Magazine, the investigators wrote. One memo suggested seeking to land Verma on Washingtonian magazine’s list of Washington’s most powerful women. Another document indicated contractors billed at least $13,000 to offer Verma’s name for awards and to participate in other events. There was also an entry for nearly $3,000 for a “Girl’s Night to honor the Administrator,” held at the home of Susan Page, USA Today’s Washington bureau chief.
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USA Today spokesperson Chrissy Terrell told the Washington Post that Page had no idea that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services was billed $2,933 for the event, which honored, you guessed it, Verma, along with another political appointee.
“Two women who had recently gotten significant appointments, Heather Wilson to head the Air Force and Seema Verma to head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services — both milestone moments to be recognized,” Terrell said.
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The report also found that Verma’s “consultants,” most of whom are Republicans, were with her damn near everywhere she went. One time, Verma took a trip to California, and for some reason, she needed three agency aides and four consultants, who, you guessed it, charged some $300 an hour during part of that time.
Verma does have some redeemable qualities; she once gave money to a homeless man. No really, she did. And while we don’t know if that money came from her own pocket, she did do it, according to her father.
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“Her father, Jugal Verma, 77, described her as someone with ‘passion’ for her work, and sympathy for the poor. Each morning on her way to work, he said, she pulled her car to the side of the road to hand the same homeless man cash. ‘It used to amaze me,’ the Guardian reports.
Wonder if papa Verma is still amazed that his daughter spent $6 million of taxpayers’ money on straight bullshit in a global fucking pandemic.


theroot--2020-09-11--Mellow Out With 50% off Your First Month of Sunday Scaries's CBD Oil Subscription

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

50% Off CBD Oil Subscription | Sunday Scaries
Between the generally overwhelming feelings we’ve all got brewing right now, it might be tough to quell that anxiety enough to get through the day or get a good night’s sleep. There’s no perfect remedy, but CBD can be a useful tool in mellowing out when things begin to be too much. If you’re in the market, Sunday Scaries is offering Kinja readers 50 percent off the first month of a CBD oil subscription, bringing the price down to about $28 altogether. All you’ve gotta do is use the code INVSECRET50 at checkout, but be sure to do so before September 15. For your money, you’ll get 500mg of CBD oil, so be sure that’ll be enough to get you through the month before committing.


theroot--2020-09-11--Exclusive: Regina King Explains Why She Chose Kingsley Ben-Adir to Portray Malcolm X for One Night i

Exclusive: Regina King Explains Why She Chose Kingsley Ben-Adir to Portray Malcolm X for One Night in Miami

Regina King ’ s feature directorial debut may chronicle one epic night , but she has many prominent days and nights to follow as the buzz mushrooms into a cloud of pressure , anticipation and attention .
Recently premiering at the 2020 Venice Film Festival , One Night in Miami made history as being the first-ever film helmed by a Black woman to be selected at the prestige fest .
Taking us from stage to screen ( it ’ s based on Kemp Powers ’ play of the same name ) , One Night in Miami follows the fictional storytelling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night that they celebrated Clay ’ s surprise win over Sonny Liston in February 1964 .
The film stars Leslie Odom Jr. ( Sam Cooke ) , Kingsley Ben-Adir ( Malcolm X ) , Aldis Hodge ( Jim Brown ) and Elie Goree ( Muhammad Ali , then Cassius Clay ) .
Along with debuting an exclusive first image of Ben-Adir as Malcolm X ( above ) , The Root got the opportunity to speak to King , Ben-Adir and Powers about the depth of what this film means and the dedication of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ men .
King ’ s debut has gotten a lot of recent buzz simply for the fact that her new feature directorial credit exists , but the film also unexpectedly found itself in the center of another trending conversation .
Quotes from an interview Ben-Adir gave the LA Times began to surface in early September ( right around the time of the film ’ s Venice premiere ) , sparking an ongoing debate surrounding Black British actors portraying significant Black American roles .
“ I know about the conversation , ” Ben-Adir said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no disrespect to Americans , but America is the center of its own universe—culturally .
It ’ s understandable that Samuel L. Jackson doesn ’ t have a clue what it ’ s like growing up as a Black man in inner-city London ; he probably thinks we ’ re all sitting around drinking tea with the Queen , and it ’ s not the truth .
The accent can be quite deceiving .
It comes with a feeling of privilege and an air of everything ’ s rosy .
I can tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a court of law here , in front of a white judge , as a Black man , you are nine times more likely than your white counterparts to get a stiffer sentence.
” The issue around this quote centered around the fact that while Ben-Adir expressed the hardships Black actors face in the U.K. , the same is true for Black actors in the U.S.
It ’ s not as much about self-indulgence as it is frustration toward a systemic practice based upon white supremacy that further erases and marginalizes Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue lies in the historically racist structure that forces us to choose ( and fight over ) cinematic crumbs in the first place .
Amid the impassioned debate , actor Wendell Pierce tweeted , “ Hollywood producers are huge Anglophiles who assume anything British is better .
You are fortunate to reap the benefit of that .
Don ’ t assume African American actors don ’ t know that .
Don ’ t rationalize and normalize this prejudice as anything other than it is—biased.
” In her first ( and only ) time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addressed the controversy surrounding Ben-Adir ’ s comments .
Since Ben-Adir had mentioned that he and King discussed the weight of his historic role extensively , I asked the two of them to provide us a bit more insight into their conversation .
“ I had to ask him that question , ” King told The Root .
“ Why did he want to play Malcolm ?
What was his knowledge on Malcolm ?
And was he ready for what some Americans may think about him playing Malcolm ?
” “ I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of view , like ... this is a huge bit of casting , period , ” Ben-Adir told The Root .
“ To hand over to an actor who has some bits and pieces on television .
This is my first time as ‘ number one ’ [ on the call sheet ] on set , playing someone of such importance not just to the Black community in America or the Black community around the world , but everyone in the world.
” Ben-Adir further explained that the two spoke for several hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean for him to take the role .
Both also expressed how necessary it was to get each other on a personal level , including each other ’ s background and family ... all while not having the opportunity to bond this way in the same room .
“ I was expressing to Regina how much Malcolm meant to me as an individual , how much Malcolm means to the Black community over here and how much Malcolm meant to my granddad and grandmother , ” Ben-Adir added .
“ I just explained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personally in my life and how important it was for me to play him .
And that wasn ’ t lost on me.
” “ I just want to make sure that people know that I wrote this first as a play , ” Powers , who also wrote the adapted screenplay , chimed in .
“ I believe in a shared diasporic African experience .
I believe that because I ’ m lucky .
When this started as a play , I got to watch it travel from one American city to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Black men channel their personal , painful experiences into these characters to bring them to life and connect to audiences in Los Angeles , Baltimore , Denver , [ and ] Miami .
We call it the Brotherhood ... for everyone who ’ s performed in the play.
” “ But , then something amazing happened , ” he continued .
“ I watched the play jump the pond , and it ’ s produced in London by an entire cast of Black Brits .
I saw these Black Britains channel their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their passion into these characters and bring them to life with just as much vibrancy as their American counterparts .
Then I got to watch it go to Johannesburg , where a cast of all Black South Africans channeled their unique South African personal experiences to bring this very American story to life .
It really makes me believe that all Black people in the Western world have a shared , connected struggle .
I know that because I ’ ve seen them all channel it through this piece.
” Additionally , King @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lead actors gave for this project , particularly the physical changes Ben-Adir and Goree underwent .
King noted that Ben-Adir eventually lost 20 pounds in about 4-and-a-half weeks to play the Black activist icon , but there was one particular moment during the interview where her universally recognized voice rose in excited cadence about a scene , sharing that she was thrilled “ to make a meal out of ” the words on the page .
I admittedly didn ’ t realize the gravity of this until I saw the film in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interview .
The scene—where Malcolm prays with Cassius in Arabic—is shot in an intimate symphony ; a standout moment that mirrored the one in our interview .
King ’ s confidence in Ben-Adir is inarguably clear , recounting how Anita Muhammad , a consultant representing the Nation of Islam , told her she was blown away by how quickly and accurately Ben-Adir had learned the prayer .
“ There would come a point [ during the casting process ] where I was getting a little frustrated because there were a lot of actors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” King said .
“ [ They ] just thought that it should be given to them because of just ‘ name ’ or whatever.
” “ This isn ’ t about four impersonations , ” Powers added , his passion for this work reverberating through the phone .
“ Not at all .
It ’ s not about putting on a cute little Malcolm X costume , wearing some glasses and striking a pose to recreate a photo , you know what I mean ?
It ’ s not about any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this story we ’ re trying to tell .
And these guys are vessels.
” “ It ’ s unfortunate that the conversation is going to be what it is because of where Kingsley was born and raised , ” King sighed .
“ The roles were for those that were going to [ put in ] blood , sweat , tears [ and those who ] were not going to sweep it without [ doing each role justice ] .
The idea of anyone thinking that they could be doing a caricature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they approached it like everything they drank and did was who they were playing .
It was just an honor for me to be able to sit and watch it up close and personal.
” “ What is your social responsibility as a successful Black man in a white society ?
That ’ s ultimately what this film with these guys are talking about , ” Powers concluded .
Whether it ’ s the complexities of our diasporic relationship across the globe , respectability politics , colorism , classism and beyond , these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times , but they absolutely need to be had .
We shouldn ’ t shy away from them .
Hell , once you see the film , you ’ ll realize it doesn ’ t shy away from it , either .
Following Venice , One Night in Miami is currently continuing its fall film festival circuit—next up , the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival .
Amazon Studios acquired One Night In Miami and plans to release it later this year .
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity .

Regina King’s feature directorial debut may chronicle one epic night, but she has many prominent days and nights to follow as the buzz mushrooms into a cloud of pressure, anticipation and attention.
Recently premiering at the 2020 Venice Film Festival, One Night in Miami made history as being the first-ever film helmed by a Black woman to be selected at the prestige fest. Taking us from stage to screen (it’s based on Kemp Powers’ play of the same name), One Night in Miami follows the fictional storytelling of these four men and the real-life night that they celebrated Clay’s surprise win over Sonny Liston in February 1964. The film stars Leslie Odom Jr. (Sam Cooke) , Kingsley Ben-Adir (Malcolm X), Aldis Hodge (Jim Brown) and Elie Goree (Muhammad Ali, then Cassius Clay).
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Along with debuting an exclusive first image of Ben-Adir as Malcolm X (above), The Root got the opportunity to speak to King, Ben-Adir and Powers about the depth of what this film means and the dedication of each of the actors portraying such iconic men. King’s debut has gotten a lot of recent buzz simply for the fact that her new feature directorial credit exists, but the film also unexpectedly found itself in the center of another trending conversation.
“It’s unfortunate that the conversation is going to be what it is because of where Kingsley was born and raised...The roles were for those that were going to [put in] blood, sweat, tears...” — Regina King
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Quotes from an interview Ben-Adir gave the LA Times began to surface in early September (right around the time of the film’s Venice premiere), sparking an ongoing debate surrounding Black British actors portraying significant Black American roles.
“I know about the conversation,” Ben-Adir said at the time. “Look, no disrespect to Americans, but America is the center of its own universe—culturally. It’s understandable that Samuel L. Jackson doesn’t have a clue what it’s like growing up as a Black man in inner-city London; he probably thinks we’re all sitting around drinking tea with the Queen, and it’s not the truth. The accent can be quite deceiving. It comes with a feeling of privilege and an air of everything’s rosy. I can tell you for a fact that standing up in a court of law here, in front of a white judge, as a Black man, you are nine times more likely than your white counterparts to get a stiffer sentence.”
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The issue around this quote centered around the fact that while Ben-Adir expressed the hardships Black actors face in the U.K., the same is true for Black actors in the U.S. It’s not as much about self-indulgence as it is frustration toward a systemic practice based upon white supremacy that further erases and marginalizes Black American talent. The core of the issue lies in the historically racist structure that forces us to choose (and fight over) cinematic crumbs in the first place.
Amid the impassioned debate, actor Wendell Pierce tweeted, “Hollywood producers are huge Anglophiles who assume anything British is better. You are fortunate to reap the benefit of that. Don’t assume African American actors don’t know that. Don’t rationalize and normalize this prejudice as anything other than it is—biased.”
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In her first (and only) time speaking about the matter, King directly addressed the controversy surrounding Ben-Adir’s comments. Since Ben-Adir had mentioned that he and King discussed the weight of his historic role extensively, I asked the two of them to provide us a bit more insight into their conversation.
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“I had to ask him that question,” King told The Root. “Why did he want to play Malcolm? What was his knowledge on Malcolm? And was he ready for what some Americans may think about him playing Malcolm?”
“I was always understanding of Regina’s point of view, like...this is a huge bit of casting, period,” Ben-Adir told The Root. “To hand over to an actor who has some bits and pieces on television. This is my first time as ‘number one’ [on the call sheet] on set, playing someone of such importance not just to the Black community in America or the Black community around the world, but everyone in the world.”
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Ben-Adir further explained that the two spoke for several hours on the subject of what it would mean for him to take the role. Both also expressed how necessary it was to get each other on a personal level, including each other’s background and family...all while not having the opportunity to bond this way in the same room.
“I was expressing to Regina how much Malcolm meant to me as an individual, how much Malcolm means to the Black community over here and how much Malcolm meant to my granddad and grandmother,” Ben-Adir added. “I just explained the significance of Malcolm to me, personally in my life and how important it was for me to play him. And that wasn’t lost on me.”
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“I just want to make sure that people know that I wrote this first as a play,” Powers, who also wrote the adapted screenplay, chimed in. “I believe in a shared diasporic African experience. I believe that because I’m lucky. When this started as a play, I got to watch it travel from one American city to the next and watch very different groups of Black men channel their personal, painful experiences into these characters to bring them to life and connect to audiences in Los Angeles, Baltimore, Denver, [and] Miami. We call it the Brotherhood...for everyone who’s performed in the play.”
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“But, then something amazing happened,” he continued. “I watched the play jump the pond, and it’s produced in London by an entire cast of Black Brits. I saw these Black Britains channel their own very unique Black British experiences and their passion into these characters and bring them to life with just as much vibrancy as their American counterparts. Then I got to watch it go to Johannesburg, where a cast of all Black South Africans channeled their unique South African personal experiences to bring this very American story to life. It really makes me believe that all Black people in the Western world have a shared, connected struggle. I know that because I’ve seen them all channel it through this piece.”
Additionally, King praised the immense dedication that each of the lead actors gave for this project, particularly the physical changes Ben-Adir and Goree underwent. King noted that Ben-Adir eventually lost 20 pounds in about 4-and-a-half weeks to play the Black activist icon, but there was one particular moment during the interview where her universally recognized voice rose in excited cadence about a scene, sharing that she was thrilled “to make a meal out of” the words on the page.
Advertisement
I admittedly didn’t realize the gravity of this until I saw the film in an advanced digital screener shortly after the interview. The scene—where Malcolm prays with Cassius in Arabic—is shot in an intimate symphony; a standout moment that mirrored the one in our interview. King’s confidence in Ben-Adir is inarguably clear, recounting how Anita Muhammad, a consultant representing the Nation of Islam, told her she was blown away by how quickly and accurately Ben-Adir had learned the prayer.
“There would come a point [during the casting process] where I was getting a little frustrated because there were a lot of actors that didn’t want to audition,” King said. “[They] just thought that it should be given to them because of just ‘name’ or whatever.”
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“What is your social responsibility as a successful Black man in a white society? That’s ultimately what this film with these guys are talking about.” — Kemp Powers
“This isn’t about four impersonations,” Powers added, his passion for this work reverberating through the phone. “Not at all. It’s not about putting on a cute little Malcolm X costume, wearing some glasses and striking a pose to recreate a photo, you know what I mean? It’s not about any of that. It’s about this story we’re trying to tell. And these guys are vessels.”
Advertisement
“It’s unfortunate that the conversation is going to be what it is because of where Kingsley was born and raised,” King sighed. “The roles were for those that were going to [put in] blood, sweat, tears [and those who] were not going to sweep it without [doing each role justice]. The idea of anyone thinking that they could be doing a caricature was heartbreaking for them. But, they approached it like everything they drank and did was who they were playing. It was just an honor for me to be able to sit and watch it up close and personal.”
“What is your social responsibility as a successful Black man in a white society? That’s ultimately what this film with these guys are talking about,” Powers concluded. Whether it’s the complexities of our diasporic relationship across the globe, respectability politics, colorism, classism and beyond, these types of intraracial debates are uncomfortable at times, but they absolutely need to be had. We shouldn’t shy away from them.
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Hell, once you see the film, you’ll realize it doesn’t shy away from it, either.
Following Venice, One Night in Miami is currently continuing its fall film festival circuit—next up, the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival. Amazon Studios acquired One Night In Miami and plans to release it later this year.
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This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.


theroot--2020-09-11--The Root Jams Weekly (9/11/2020): 'Auntie Jams'

This Sunday , the good folks at Verzuz are bringing a “ battle ” most of us didn ’ t even know we needed : Gladys Knight and Patti LaBelle .
The stories alone should be amazing , but the jams , oh the jams !
These two women have been present at cookouts , graduations , breakups ( to makeups ) to church and back .
In honor ( and preparation ) of the celebration , our staff curated a list of some of our favorite “ auntie ” jams .
Tamela Mann “ Take Me to The King @ @ @ @ @ @ @ End of the Road Medley ” Gladys Knight “ You ’ re Number One ( In My Book ) ” Phyllis Hyman “ You Know How to Love Me ” Patti LaBelle “ Love , Need and Want You ” Anita Baker “ No One In This World ” Luther Vandross & Gregory Hines “ There ’ s Nothing Better Than Love ” Phyllis Hyman “ Be Careful How You Treat My Love ” The Jones Girls “ You Gon na Make Me Love Somebody Else ” The Stylistics “ Hurry Up This @ @ @

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

This Sunday, the good folks at Verzuz are bringing a “battle” most of us didn’t even know we needed: Gladys Knight and Patti LaBelle. The stories alone should be amazing, but the jams, oh the jams! These two women have been present at cookouts, graduations, breakups (to makeups) to church and back. In honor (and preparation) of the celebration, our staff curated a list of some of our favorite “auntie” jams.
Jessica Moulite
Cameo “Candy”
Tamela Mann “Take Me to The King”
Mary Mary “In The Morning”
Jennifer Hudson “Spotlight”
Jazmine Sullivan “10 Seconds”
Floetry “Floetic”
Erykah Badu “Love Of My Life”
Erykah Badu, Roy Ayres “Bag Lady”
Tina Turner “I Can’t Stand the Rain”
Janis Joplin “Summertime”
Stevie Wonder “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing”
J’Na Jefferson
Cheryl Lynn “Got To Be Real”
Sister Sledge “He’s The Greatest Dancer”
Candi Staton “Young Hearts Run Free”
Dan Hartman “Instant Replay” (an uncle jam)
Jean Knight “Mr. Big Stuff”
Shalamar “A Night To Remember”
Michael Harriot
Gladys Knight and the Pips “End of the Road Medley”
Chaka Khan “Angel”
Rachelle Ferrell “I Can Explain”
Jay Connor
Stevie Wonder + Dione Warwick “Weakness”
Minnie Riperton “Come to My Garden”
Patrice Rushen “Hang It Up”
Teena Marie “Deja Vu (I’ve Been Here Before)”
Klymaxx “Wild Girls”
Maiysha Kai
Marlena Shaw “Yu-Ma/Go Away Little Boy”
Womack & Womack “Baby, I’m Scared of You”
Shalamar “Second Time Around”
Gladys Knight “You’re Number One (In My Book)”
Phyllis Hyman “You Know How to Love Me”
Evelyn “Champagne” King “Love Come Down”
Anita Baker “Same Ole Love (365 Days a Year)”
Patti LaBelle “Love, Need and Want You”
Anita Baker “No One In This World”
Luther Vandross & Gregory Hines “There’s Nothing Better Than Love”
Rick James “Cold Blooded”
Panama Jackson
Dionne Warwick “So Amazing”
Patrice Rushen “When I Found You”
Phyllis Hyman “Be Careful How You Treat My Love”
Jody Watley “Looking For a New Love”
Sade “Smooth Operator”
Luther Vandross “A House Is Not a Home”
Freddie Jackson “You Are My Lady”
Jeffrey Osborne “Holding On”
Minnie Riperton “Inside My Love”
Phyllis Hyman “When I Give My Love (This Time)“
Rick James & Smokey Robinson “Ebony Eyes”
Earth, Wind & Fire “Reasons”
Roy Ayers Ubiquity “Everybody Loves the Sunshine”
Atlantic Starr “When Love Calls”
Monique Judge
Enchantment “Sunshine”
Maze ft. Frankie Beverly “Golden Time of Day”
Minnie Ripperton “Inside My Love”
The Jones Girls “You Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else”
Emotions “Don’t Ask My Neighbora”
Change “Glow of Love”
Change “Searching”
Chaka Khan “Everlasting Love”
Aretha Franklin “Ain’t No Way”
The Stylistics “Hurry Up This Way Again”
Rick James ft. Teena Marie “Happy”
Corey Townsend
Patti LaBelle “New Attitude”
Babyface “Whip Appeal”
Karyn White “Superwoman”
Luther Vandross “Never Too Much”
Anita Baker “Body & Soul”
Anita Baker “Sweet Love”
Anne Branigin
Roberta Flack “Killing Me Softly”


theroot--2020-09-11--Jussie Smollett Interviewed for 1st Time in Nearly 2 Years, Says He Isn't Sure 'What Staying Quiet H

Jussie Smollett Interviewed for 1st Time in Nearly 2 Years, Says He Isn't Sure 'What Staying Quiet Has Really Done'

The year 2020 is one for the books in terms of extra newsworthy events , so why not bring in the last few months by throwing it back to one of the major events of 2019 that just won ’ t go away ?
In his first interview in nearly two years , Jussie Smollett sat down with Marc Lamont Hill on Instagram Live Wednesday night for a candid conversation on the rollercoaster that has been his life since January 2019 .
The Smollett interview actually followed a discussion with activists Angela Davis and Aislinn Pulley to discuss “ the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the broader implications of the Smollett case , ” per Hill ’ s IG caption .
Davis , Danny Glover and other notable names recently penned an open letter in solidarity with Smollett as well as other people who have been targeted and harassed by police .
“ At a time when the people of Chicago are demanding community control of the police and when our movement for Black Lives demands that police be defunded and demilitarized , Chicago police and prosecutors continue to expend precious public resources to cover up a hate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jussie Smollett , ” the letter read .
As Smollett is currently facing six new counts of federal disorderly conduct in which he has been charged with lying to the police , he naturally couldn ’ t comment on the specifics of the case during his interview with Hill , noting , “ I ’ m still taking the advice of my attorneys.
” Smollett pleaded not guilty to the new charges .
“ It ’ s been beyond frustrating because to be somebody that ’ s so outspoken ... it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To not be able to say all of the things that you want to say , to not be able to yell from the rooftop , ” the 37-year-old actor told Hill .
“ Because , I don ’ t think people realize that I ’ ve just been wrapped up in some form of a case for the last , approaching , in just a couple of months approaching two years .
It ’ s been beyond frustrating .
I ’ m certainly not going rogue .
I ’ m still taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like that .
But I just don ’ t see honestly what staying quiet has really done .
Where it has gotten me.
” The interview occurred ahead of his court appearance on Thursday .
“ They won ’ t let this go .
It doesn ’ t matter .
There is an example being made .
And the sad thing is that there ’ s an example being made of someone that did not do what they ’ re being accused of , ” Smollett said .
When Hill pressed about specifics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the alleged hate crime , including the fact that police didn ’ t find anyone matching the description Smollett initially gave in his report , Smollett replied , “ I would say , and again I have to be careful what I say because I ’ m still in a court case , but at the same time , it ’ s out there .
There ’ s also two other witnesses that saw white men .
That saw exactly what I say that I saw.
” Smollett also claimed there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which presumably accompanies the video released by the Chicago Police Department ) , but noted that it cuts off right before the incident happens .
Chicago residents have protested in the past in regard to police releasing edited body camera footage .
“ I certainly didn ’ t have the power to cut the tape , so who cut the tape ?
” Smollett retorted .
“ I ’ m a human being like everybody else , ” Smollett continued .
“ I ingest the media and I read the headlines and all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve been guilty of taking things at face value , as well .
But when you see that happening , and [ they ’ re ] talking about you .
You know it ’ s not true .
Somehow it becomes different.
” The full interview is below :

The year 2020 is one for the books in terms of extra newsworthy events, so why not bring in the last few months by throwing it back to one of the major events of 2019 that just won’t go away?
In his first interview in nearly two years, Jussie Smollett sat down with Marc Lamont Hill on Instagram Live Wednesday night for a candid conversation on the rollercoaster that has been his life since January 2019.
Advertisement
The Smollett interview actually followed a discussion with activists Angela Davis and Aislinn Pulley to discuss “the history of policing, abolition, and the broader implications of the Smollett case,” per Hill’s IG caption. Davis, Danny Glover and other notable names recently penned an open letter in solidarity with Smollett as well as other people who have been targeted and harassed by police.
“At a time when the people of Chicago are demanding community control of the police and when our movement for Black Lives demands that police be defunded and demilitarized, Chicago police and prosecutors continue to expend precious public resources to cover up a hate crime and renew their fabricated case against Jussie Smollett,” the letter read.
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As Smollett is currently facing six new counts of federal disorderly conduct in which he has been charged with lying to the police, he naturally couldn’t comment on the specifics of the case during his interview with Hill, noting, “I’m still taking the advice of my attorneys.” Smollett pleaded not guilty to the new charges.
“It’s been beyond frustrating because to be somebody that’s so outspoken ...it’s been difficult to be so quiet. To not be able to say all of the things that you want to say, to not be able to yell from the rooftop,” the 37-year-old actor told Hill. “Because, I don’t think people realize that I’ve just been wrapped up in some form of a case for the last, approaching, in just a couple of months approaching two years. It’s been beyond frustrating. I’m certainly not going rogue. I’m still taking the advice of my attorneys and everything like that. But I just don’t see honestly what staying quiet has really done. Where it has gotten me.”
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The interview occurred ahead of his court appearance on Thursday.
“They won’t let this go. It doesn’t matter. There is an example being made. And the sad thing is that there’s an example being made of someone that did not do what they’re being accused of,” Smollett said.
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When Hill pressed about specifics about the case that raised public doubt of the alleged hate crime, including the fact that police didn’t find anyone matching the description Smollett initially gave in his report, Smollett replied, “I would say, and again I have to be careful what I say because I’m still in a court case, but at the same time, it’s out there. There’s also two other witnesses that saw white men. That saw exactly what I say that I saw.”
Smollett also claimed there is video footage of the alleged incident (which presumably accompanies the video released by the Chicago Police Department), but noted that it cuts off right before the incident happens. Chicago residents have protested in the past in regard to police releasing edited body camera footage.
Advertisement
“I certainly didn’t have the power to cut the tape, so who cut the tape?” Smollett retorted.
“I’m a human being like everybody else,” Smollett continued. “I ingest the media and I read the headlines and all that type of stuff. And I’ve been guilty of taking things at face value, as well. But when you see that happening, and [they’re] talking about you. You know it’s not true. Somehow it becomes different.”
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The full interview is below:


theroot--2020-09-11--Welcome to Trump's America, Where NFL Players Taking a Moment of Silence for Racial Equality Get Boo

Welcome to Trump's America, Where NFL Players Taking a Moment of Silence for Racial Equality Get Booed

About a year and a half ago , I was at a crossroads .
As one of the countless Black folks who wanted nothing to do with the NFL after its blatant mistreatment of Colin Kaepernick , I began to realize that it was entirely unrealistic for my boycott , then two seasons in , to continue indefinitely .
Being a rabid sports fan , I knew sooner or later that I would relent ; so the question then became under what circumstances would I be willing to resume watching the NFL ?
In February of 2019 , Kap and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collusion case against the NFL .
That was the exact moment I reconciled my feelings about the league—begrudgingly—and after discussing the matter with a few of my homeboys , I officially lifted my NFL boycott .
But by the time football returned that fall , my excitement for a sport that I had obsessed over my entire life was still very much gone .
I still harbored tremendous resentment towards the league as a whole , and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and his cadre of bigoted team owners specifically .
Then last night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans , those old wounds reopened all over again when this happened : Which had me feeling like this : Prior to the game , there were rumors that the Chiefs and Texans would participate in some sort of joint demonstration .
Those rumors would be proven true when , before the national anthem , both teams converged on the field and locked arms for “ a moment of silence dedicated to the ongoing fight for equality in our country.
” This wasn ’ t even a protest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And this is how the fans reacted to it ?
The same people who ’ ve probably spent the past few months wearing “ Black Lives Matter ” pins around the office ?
The same folks who told everyone they knew how horrified they were by George Floyd ’ s death at the hands of Minneapolis police officers ?
The same folks responsible for teaching our children , underwriting our loans , serving on our juries and electing public officials ?
I was so pissed I turned the TV off .
Eventually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and resume watching the game , but there wasn ’ t much excitement to be had in watching Patrick Mahomes carve up the Texans defense and record his 16th career game with at least 3 passing touchdowns , or witness Clyde Edwards-Helaire go berzerk with 138 rushing yards and a touchdown in his NFL debut .
All I could think about was that football was no longer a sanctuary and that no matter how much I fight , run or hide , white folks will always dismiss my humanity or attempt to steal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us .
After the game , Texans defensive end J.J. Watt was bewildered by the boos that had tainted an otherwise beautiful night .
“ The moment of unity I personally thought was good , ” he said .
“ I mean the booing during that moment was unfortunate .
I don ’ t fully understand that .
There was no flag involved .
There was nothing involved other than two teams coming together to show unity.
” His insistence that “ he didn ’ t understand ” demonstrates the difference between empathy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact that Watt ’ s association with Black plight is merely a costume .
In being a 31-year-old white man , Watt is entirely capable of understanding why he was booed for participating in the pre-game demonstration .
He ’ s just not required to because his complexion provides protection—and camouflage .
That onus falls on players like Mahomes , who don ’ t get to pick and chose whether they “ fully understand ” or not .
That burden is our birthright .
“ We ’ re not going to let playing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re doing and making change in this world , ” Mahomes told reporter Michele Tafoya after the game .
If you can ’ t tell the difference between these two responses , I don ’ t know what to tell you .
And while I commend Mahomes and others for taking their stance , I just can ’ t promise that I ’ ll continue watching .
White folks have stolen enough of my joy .

About a year and a half ago, I was at a crossroads.
As one of the countless Black folks who wanted nothing to do with the NFL after its blatant mistreatment of Colin Kaepernick, I began to realize that it was entirely unrealistic for my boycott, then two seasons in, to continue indefinitely. Being a rabid sports fan, I knew sooner or later that I would relent; so the question then became under what circumstances would I be willing to resume watching the NFL?
In February of 2019, Kap and his former teammate Eric Reid settled their collusion case against the NFL. That was the exact moment I reconciled my feelings about the league—begrudgingly—and after discussing the matter with a few of my homeboys, I officially lifted my NFL boycott. But by the time football returned that fall, my excitement for a sport that I had obsessed over my entire life was still very much gone. I still harbored tremendous resentment towards the league as a whole, and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and his cadre of bigoted team owners specifically.
Advertisement
Then last night, during the season opener between the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans, those old wounds reopened all over again when this happened:
Advertisement Advertisement
Which had me feeling like this:
Advertisement
Prior to the game, there were rumors that the Chiefs and Texans would participate in some sort of joint demonstration. Those rumors would be proven true when, before the national anthem, both teams converged on the field and locked arms for “a moment of silence dedicated to the ongoing fight for equality in our country.”
Advertisement
This wasn’t even a protest. It was an act of solidarity.
And this is how the fans reacted to it?
The same people who’ve probably spent the past few months wearing “Black Lives Matter” pins around the office? The same folks who told everyone they knew how horrified they were by George Floyd’s death at the hands of Minneapolis police officers? The same folks responsible for teaching our children, underwriting our loans, serving on our juries and electing public officials?
Advertisement
I was so pissed I turned the TV off.
Eventually, I was able to cool down and resume watching the game, but there wasn’t much excitement to be had in watching Patrick Mahomes carve up the Texans defense and record his 16th career game with at least 3 passing touchdowns, or witness Clyde Edwards-Helaire go berzerk with 138 rushing yards and a touchdown in his NFL debut.
Advertisement
All I could think about was that football was no longer a sanctuary and that no matter how much I fight, run or hide, white folks will always dismiss my humanity or attempt to steal my joy.
Kap tried to warn us.
After the game, Texans defensive end J.J. Watt was bewildered by the boos that had tainted an otherwise beautiful night.
Advertisement
“The moment of unity I personally thought was good,” he said. “I mean the booing during that moment was unfortunate. I don’t fully understand that. There was no flag involved. There was nothing involved other than two teams coming together to show unity.”
His insistence that “he didn’t understand” demonstrates the difference between empathy and sympathy, as well as the fact that Watt’s association with Black plight is merely a costume. In being a 31-year-old white man, Watt is entirely capable of understanding why he was booed for participating in the pre-game demonstration. He’s just not required to because his complexion provides protection—and camouflage. That onus falls on players like Mahomes, who don’t get to pick and chose whether they “fully understand” or not.
Advertisement
That burden is our birthright.
“We’re not going to let playing football distract us from what we’re doing and making change in this world,” Mahomes told reporter Michele Tafoya after the game.
Advertisement
If you can’t tell the difference between these two responses, I don’t know what to tell you. And while I commend Mahomes and others for taking their stance, I just can’t promise that I’ll continue watching.
White folks have stolen enough of my joy.